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Institut Marquès presents their studies on music and the beginning of life at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

– Dr. Marisa López-Teijón, director of this internationally renowned center in Assisted Reproduction, has received the Ig Nobel Prize for Medicine

– The awards, held at Harvard University, recognize the most surprising and innovative scientific researches of the year

– Institut Marquès follows a line of state-of-the-art research on the effects of music on embryonic and fetal development

BOSTON, Sept. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Institut Marquès presented at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) its scientific studies on the influence of music on embryonic and fetal development.


Dr. Marisa López-Teijón, director of Institut Marquès, Dr. Àlex García-Faura, scientific director of the center, and Lluís Pallarés, creator of the Babypod, accept their IG Nobel award.

Their work, published in the prestigious scientific magazine Ultrasound, has discovered how fetal hearing works, showing that fetuses hear from week 16 (when they measure 11 cm / 4 inches), as long as the sound comes to them from the mother’s vagina.

Dr. Marisa López-Teijón, director of Institut Marquès, Dr. Àlex García-Faura, scientific director of the center, and Lluís Pallarés, creator of the Babypod vaginal device, explained the conclusions of the study at MIT. Dr. Alberto Prats, Professor of Anatomy and Human Embryology of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona, is also part of the research team.

This session at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is part of the Ig Nobel Awards Ceremony, which recognize the most surprising and innovative scientific researches of the year.

Ig Nobel Prize for Medicine

Dr. Marisa López-Teijón has been awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for Medicine, the first one in Obstetrics in the 27-year history of the award.

The Ig Nobel ceremony is held at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, hosting prestigious scientists from around the world to present their studies to the public in a fun and enjoyable way.

At the ceremony, Dr. Marisa López-Teijón explained: “Institut Marquès is carrying out state-of-the-art research on how music impacts embryonic and fetal development.  

We have improved in vitro fertilization by applying musical vibrations inside the incubators in all our fertility clinics.

By inserting a speaker in the vagina of thousands of patients for the first time we have been able to communicate with the fetus. To achieve this we have created the Babypod. This is an FDA approved vaginal speaker that connects to the mobile phone.

Thanks to the Babypod, we have discovered how fetal hearing works: fetuses can barely hear noise outside the womb. The fetal ability to hear starts when the fetus only measures 4 inches or 11cm.  Until now medical literature could only confirm that fetuses heard from week 26 onwards. Fetuses responds just like babies, with speech and movements because they are learning to communicate. The myth of talking to your belly is over.”

According to Institut Marquès’ studies, we can now communicate with the fetus and neurologically stimulate it. Any kind of sensory stimulation is good,-and the earlier the better.

Music stimulates language learning. And as we see, learning can begin in the womb.

The Ig Nobel Prize represents a recognition by these prestigious universities for the research of Institut Marquès to improve assisted reproduction treatments.

Interesting links:

Music and fetal stimulation:

http://www.fertility-experiences.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-music/

http://www.fertility-experiences.com/the-story-of-a-discovery/

http://www.fertility-experiences.com/the-story-of-a-discovery-2-the-first-tests-continue/

http://www.fertility-experiences.com/the-story-of-a-discovery-3-the-scientific-research-starts/

http://institutomarques.com/en/scientific-area/response-fetus-vaginal-music-2/

http://www.institutomarques.com/pdf/ultrasound.pdf

Music and fertility:

http://www.fertility-experiences.com/music-enhances-in-vitro-fertilisation/

http://www.fertility-experiences.com/ivf-to-the-beat-of-the-music-we-have-made-our-embryos-dance/

Scientific studies:

http://institutomarques.com/en/scientific-area/

http://institutomarques.com/en/scientific-area/response-fetus-vaginal-music-2/

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1742271X15609367?journalCode=ultb

Babypod:

https://babypod.net/en/

Concerts for fetus and embryos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQNTqFRp09Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQF5no3iLSg

Embriomobile:

http://institutomarques.com/en/observe-your-embryos-from-home/

More information: www.institutomarques.com and www.institutmarques.ie

Press contact United States:

kcontreras@webershandwick.com

Office: 617-520-7088
Mobile: 862-432-8436

Press contact Spain :

Institut Marquès Barcelona +34 93 285 82 16 

Mireia Folguera: mireia.folguera@institutomarques.com   +34 649 90 14 94

Estefanía Redondo: estefania.redondo@institutomarques.com   +34 661 20 83 85

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/557034/Institut_Marques_Dr_Maris_Lopez_Teijon_director.jpg 
Video –  http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/557500/Institut_Marques.mp4 

PRNews

Efficacy of Philips’ Stellarex .035″ low-dose drug-coated balloon demonstrated in clinical trial at two years

– Two-year data from the ILLUMENATE European randomized clinical trial (EU RCT) validates durable clinical performance of Stellarex low-dose drug-coated balloon

– Trial includes 328 peripheral arterial disease patients from 18 centers across Germany and Austria

AMSTERDAM and LAS VEGAS, Sept. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, announced the two-year results from the ILLUMENATE European randomized clinical trial (EU RCT) demonstrating the efficacy of Philips Spectranetics’ Stellarex .035″ drug-coated balloon (DCB) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in comparison to uncoated balloon angioplasty. Marianne Brodmann, M.D., of the Medical University of Graz in Austria, presented the data today as a late-breaking trial at the Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA 17) Annual Conference.

The ILLUMENATE EU RCT, which is part of a series of five trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Stellarex for superficial femoral artery and popliteal disease, includes 328 PAD patients from 18 centers across Germany and Austria and compares the Stellarex DCB to an uncoated angioplasty balloon. The results show that at 24 months, 75.9% of patients treated with Stellarex maintained blood flow through the treated segment of the diseased artery, assessed through blinded core-lab adjudicated patency. Only 61.0% of patients treated with an uncoated balloon still maintained blood flow at 24 months. The data shows that Stellarex demonstrates higher efficacy and patency results, and longer treatment durability compared to an uncoated balloon, which is the current standard of care in the United States.

“The Stellarex DCB produced durable results in this rigorous trial, validating earlier findings among the ILLUMENATE trial series,” stated Marianne Brodmann, M.D. “These consistent, top-tier outcomes are achieved with a low-dose balloon.* Stellarex is the first low-dose DCB to demonstrate a significant treatment effect at two years.”

The ILLUMENATE EU RCT has independent evaluation including supervision by a clinical events committee, a data safety and monitoring board, and assessment by angiographic and duplex ultrasound core laboratories. Philips Spectranetics fully funded the ILLUMENATE EU RCT as part of the ILLUMENATE series of five trials to evaluate the benefits of Stellarex .035″ for various patient groups in comparison to an uncoated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon, which is the current endovascular standard of care.

“We are committed to providing proven clinical solutions that positively impact patient outcomes,” stated Christopher Barys, Image Guided Therapy Devices Business Leader for Philips. “We are proud to have the only low-dose drug-coated balloon with a proven treatment effect at two years compared to the current endovascular standard of care in the U.S. The addition of Stellarex in the Philips portfolio through the Spectranetics acquisition reinforces our commitment to helping physicians decide, guide, treat and confirm the right therapy for their patients.”

The Stellarex drug-coated balloon is designed to restore and maintain blood flow to arteries in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Spectranetics launched the device in Europe in January 2015 and received FDA approval in the U.S. in July 2017. Philips acquired Spectranetics in August 2017 to continue the advancement of its unique portfolio of image-guided therapy solutions to deliver enhanced care for patients.

Visit the Philips and Spectranetics booths (406 and 405) at VIVA 17 to experience Stellarex and Philips’ other innovative offerings that deliver seamless care in the vascular space. Follow the #VIVA17 conversation at @PhilipsLiveFrom throughout the event.

* Low-dose DCBs are those that deliver a dose of only 2 micrograms of the drug paclitaxel per square millimeter, which is lower than some other DCBs on the market.

For further information, please contact:

Alicia Cafardi 
Philips Group Press Office 
Tel: +1 412-523-9616
E-mail: Alicia.Cafardi@philips.com

Kathleen Lozen
Philips Image Guided Therapy Devices
Tel: +1 617-529-2958
E-mail: Kathleen.Lozen@philips.com

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips’ health technology portfolio generated 2016 sales of EUR 17.4 billion and employs approximately 71,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

PRNews

Boston University Research Shows RayVio UVB LED is 2.4 Times More Efficient Than Sunlight for Producing Vitamin D3 in Human Skin

Breakthrough research will lead to new photopharmacology applications to help treat and prevent chronic illnesses

HAYWARD, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Research published today in Scientific Reports shows that light from RayVio’s 293nm ultraviolet (UV) LED is more efficient than sunlight at producing vitamin D3 in skin samples. Tyler Kalajian and his research team, led by Dr. Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D., and supported by Boston University School of Medicine and a Boston University Ignition Award, found that skin samples exposed to RayVio’s UV LED for just 0.52 minutes produced more than twice as much vitamin D3 as samples exposed to 32.5 minutes of sunlight.

“We tested ultraviolet LEDs from different sources and at different wavelengths. RayVio’s 293nm LED showed the most significant potential for vitamin D3 production in the shortest amount of time,” said Dr. Holick, a Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine, and endocrinologist at Boston Medical Center. “This study will lead to a new generation of technology that can be labeled as photopharmacology in which the use of LEDs with targeted wavelengths can cause specific biologic effects in human skin to help treat and prevent chronic illnesses.”

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis, rickets and other metabolic bone diseases and is more prevalent in northern and southern latitudes where sunlight is limited for a significant part of the year. This device for making vitamin D is ideally suited for patients with fat malabsorption syndromes including inflammatory bowel disease and gastric bypass surgery. The research shows that RayVio’s UV LEDs could be used for treating patients that are vitamin D deficient.

A vitamin D3 producing UV LED device could be used on skin areas that experience less exposure to sunlight such as upper legs and arms and abdomen and back thus minimizing risk for developing non-melanoma skin cancer. The UV LED device also emits a much narrower band of UVB light and thereby decreasing likelihood of skin damage that can occur when the skin is exposed to higher wavelengths of UV radiation.

“The potential of digital UV technology for phototherapy is enormous,” said Dr. Robert C. Walker, RayVio’s CEO. “Dr. Holick’s research with our UVB LEDs demonstrates the potential for new applications that can potentially improve and save hundreds of thousands of lives. In the U.S. alone, seventy-five percent of teens and adults are vitamin D deficient. Thanks to the work of the research team and the pioneering work of the Boston University Photonics Center on UV LEDs, we may soon see innovative treatment options like simple integration with a wearable device could aid millions of people.”

About Vitamin D3
Two forms of vitamin D are important to humans: vitamin D2 produced by plants, yeast and mushrooms, and vitamin D3 produced by skin when exposed to sunlight or the appropriate wavelength of ultraviolet light.

Co-authors on the paper, all from Boston University, are T.A. Kalajian, A. Aldoukhi, A.J. Veronikis, K. Persons, and M.F. Holick.

About Boston University School of Medicine
Originally established in 1848 as the New England Female Medical College, and incorporated into Boston University in 1873, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) today is a leading academic medical center with an enrollment of more than 700 medical students and 950 students pursuing degrees in graduate medical sciences. BUSM faculty contribute to more than 950 active grants and contracts, with total anticipated awards valued at more than $693 million in amyloidosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious diseases, pulmonary disease and dermatology, among other areas. The School’s teaching affiliates include Boston Medical Center, its primary teaching hospital, the Boston VA Healthcare System, Kaiser Permanente in northern California, as well as Boston HealthNet, a network of 15 community health centers. For more information, please visit http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/

About RayVio Corp.
RayVio Corp. is an advanced health and hygiene company that delivers clean water and environments. RayVio helps protect billions from germs and creates new markets and revenue streams by enabling a new class of products. Its powerful and efficient UV LED technology can be integrated into a variety of applications, powering versatile on-demand solutions that give consumers control over health without chemicals or costly consumables. To learn more, please visit www.rayvio.com.

PRNews

Frost & Sullivan Acclaims CGI’s Advanced Genomic & Biomarker Technologies That Drive Industry Innovation in Support of Precision Cancer Treatment

CGI’s technologies provide valuable insights across cancer diagnostics through the accurate and sensitive quantitation of clinically relevant genomic signatures & biomarkers from both blood and tissue samples

SANTA CLARA, California, July 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the precision oncology industry, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI or the Company) with the 2017 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation. CGI’s leading-edge technology platforms and comprehensive menu of diagnostic services enhance precision oncology by enabling earlier cancer detection, improving treatment management, and aiding the development of novel cancer therapies. The Company’s genomic products and services not only present diagnostic, prognostic, and theranostic information for routine clinical care, but also facilitate and accelerate drug development programs seeking to deliver targeted, more effective and safer drugs to market more quickly. With its comprehensive suite of both off-the-shelf and proprietary tests, technology-agnostic approach, global infrastructure, and extensive research collaborations, CGI is at the forefront of enabling precision medicine in oncology globally, from bench to bedside.

“CGI has a wide variety of assays for genomic and immuno-oncology related biomarkers, applicable across several therapeutic areas, including hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and hereditary cancers,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Vandana Iyer. “The Company offers a broad range of laboratory services that provide critical genomic and biomarker information for patient care and for clinical trials being performed by biotech and pharmaceutical companies. CGI’s recent launches of cutting edge tests, its ability to partner with innovative companies, and its extensive research collaborations with leading academic institutions and cancer centers are a testament to the value and depth of CGI’s commitment to driving industry innovation.”

Some of CGI’s prominent and recently launched technologies include:

  • Complete::IO™ is a unique and in-depth flow cytometry panel supporting informed therapeutic decisions and assessment of potential toxicities for novel immuno-oncology (IO) therapies in blood cancers and solid tumors.
  • Focus::Oncomine™ is capable of simultaneously testing DNA and RNA, enabling the detection of various types of genomic alterations in a single workflow that requires minimal sample quantities and boasts a rapid turnaround time. The Focus::Oncomine™ assay can detect thousands of clinically and pharmacologically relevant biomarkers in solid tumors, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and biopharma.
  • Focus::Lymphoma™ is the most comprehensive next generation sequencing (NGS) panel for B-cell lymphomas in the field.  Focus::Lymphoma™, sequences 220 clinically-actionable genes, allowing clinicians to determine the most effective treatment management for patients. Focus::Lymphoma™ is also offered to biotech and pharmaceutical companies to power efficient clinical trials focused on B-cell lymphomas.
  • Focus::Renal™ is a highly-sensitive NGS panel that provides thorough information for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy selection in renal cancers.  In a single test, Focus::Renal™ is able to detect mutations in 76 renal cancer-related genes, as well as genome-wide copy number changes, and critical single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Focus::Renal™ is the only NGS panel of its type, as it is disease-focused, and has been developed through collaboration with leading cancer centers and academic institutions, including MSKCC, Cleveland Clinic, Huntsman Cancer Center at University of Utah, and University Hospital of Paris.
  • Liquid::Lung-cfDNA™ is a CLIA-validated, multi-gene NGS panel for lung cancer liquid biopsies. The test can detect lung tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) obtained from a single blood draw, and analyzes frequently-mutated SNPs and short indels in 11 genes with significant clinical relevance to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This groundbreaking assay is highly sensitive, with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.05% or 1 mutant copy of DNA in a background of 2,000 wild-type copies of DNA.
  • Focus::HERSite™ is a hereditary cancer test that focuses on breast and ovarian cancers. The test analyzes the 16 genes most commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancers and provides in-depth coverage of BRCA1 and BRCA2.
  • Oncomine Dx Target Test is the first NGS-based companion diagnostic (CDx) test that simultaneously screens tumor samples for biomarkers associated with 3 FDA-approved therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CGI is one of the first laboratories, and one of only three in the United States, to offer the Oncomine Dx Target Test.

CGI has established a global footprint with a presence in the United States, India, and China. The Company’s infrastructure, which has been developed through strategic acquisitions, and its unique business model, which incorporates routine clinical testing for cancer patients and fee-for-service solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, have positioned it uniquely for diversified growth and access to the oncology community. These factors have supported the Company’s successful development of a durable business model through which to commercialize its oncology programs and testing capabilities.

“CGI is a technology-agnostic company with comprehensive diagnostic capabilities utilizing various platforms, including next generation sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, microarrays, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry. The Company boasts full NGS capabilities with both Illumina and Thermo Fisher platforms, offering a mix of proprietary panels and off-the-shelf assays,” noted Iyer. “CGI has several ongoing research collaborations with leading oncologists and cancer centers in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies, including kidney cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and HPV-associated cancers. The Company constantly strives for diversity and innovation, and has successfully achieved a balance between the two.”

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated uniqueness in developing and leveraging new technologies, which significantly impact both the functionality and the customer value of new products and applications. The award lauds the high R&D spend towards innovation, its relevance to the industry, and the positive impact on brand perception.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

ABOUT CANCER GENETICS, INC.

Cancer Genetics, Inc. is a leader in enabling precision medicine in oncology from bench to bedside through the use of oncology biomarkers and molecular testing. CGI is developing a global footprint with locations in the US, India and China. We have established strong clinical research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Keck School of Medicine at USC and the National Cancer Institute.
The Company offers a comprehensive range of laboratory services that provide critical genomic and biomarker information. Its state-of-the-art reference labs are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited in the US and have licensure from several states including New York State.

For more information, please visit or follow CGI at:

Internet: www.cancergenetics.com
Twitter: @Cancer_Genetics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CancerGenetics
Media Contact:
Panna Sharma
Cancer Genetics, Inc.
Tel: 201-528-9200
Email: panna.sharma@cgix.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Richard Moyer
Cameron Associates
535 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-554-5466
Email: richard@cameronassoc.com

About Frost & Sullivan

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. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Andrea Steinman
P: 210.477.8425
F: 210.348.1003
E: andrea.steinman@frost.com

PRNews

Astrocytic Gene in the Brain Determines the Language Learning Ability of Humans

– 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

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