Archive for March, 2009
Cell therapy: hope for the treatment of burn
Posted by admin in General Health on March 14th, 2009
Cell therapy has been used for over 20 years for the treatment of severe burns: stem cells from skin taken from the patient are cultured, which gives at the end of three weeks a surface of the skin sufficient to cover the areas affected. This new skin is then grafted to the patient. The disadvantage of this technique is the time required to produce skin, during which the patient is left unprotected and at risk of suffering from infection or dehydration.
Researchers of the STEM-I had the idea of using embryonic stem cells because these have an unlimited capacity for expansion and can differentiate rapidly into all types of human cells. They succeeded in obtaining an in vitro skin adult complete and functional.
The prospects opened by this success are important, and the transition to clinical research should take about two years. Researchers of the STEM-I wish to propose these cells ready to produce quickly epidermal cells to treat burn victims. This innovation may also be used for other skin conditions such as ulcers, common complication of diabetes.
The I-STEM is a research institute co-founded by INSERM, University of Evry and the French Association fight against myopathies, especially through the Telethon donations. This achievement represents another victory for the telethon after the recent success of gene therapy performed by the team at the Hopital Saint Vincent de Paul (Paris), Inserm and Université Paris Descartes against the progression of a rare genetic disorder, adrenoleukodystrophy.
The telethon will take place on 4 and 5 December. It is possible to make an online donation now or during the weekend of the Telethon, by phone at 36 37 (0,15 Euro / min), check, or stands animation.
Stay in bed a while after artificial insemination
Posted by admin in Family Health on March 7th, 2009
This Dutch study was conducted among 390 couples who underwent fertility treatment, specifically an intra-uterine insemination (IUI). During this treatment, the treated sperm of man is introduced into the uterine cavity of his partner. This technique is standard procedure for couples where one has not yet determined the cause of infertility. On average, 10 to 12% of couples using artificial insemination to procreate at the first implantation of the egg. This figure further increased if multiple attempts.
Getting pregnant
As part of the Dutch study, half of the 390 women could move freely after each treatment. The other half would stay in bed for fifteen minutes. In the latter case, there was an increased chance of pregnancy. The successive treatments in the group of women to remain lying reached scores of 10%, 10% and 7%, against 7%, 7% and 5% in the other groupe.Quinze minutes rest after artificial insemination
This study was conducted by the Academisch Medisch Centrum Amsterdam under the direction of Inge Custers, who believes that “the Dutch hospitals should adapt their procedures so that all women can remain lying fourth hour after treatment . Even if such an arrest requires more time and more space, this measure provides long-term benefits, as pregnant patients should not continue treatment.
This approach has also a psychological reason, as explained by Dr Willem Ombelet of Fertiliteit Genk Institute for Technology in India, where some centers have already been specially designed to allow patients to rest. “As in the case of natural fertilization, it is always a little liquid that emerges from the uterus, which encourages women to believe that their chances of pregnancy are reduced. A second reason is that the doctor has time to explain procedures and expectations. And as Bedrust study has now shown to scale, but we supposed long ago, it also increases the chances of pregnancy. ”
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Gravity plays no role
The positive effect attached to staying an extended time has, according to Dr. Ombelet, nothing to do with gravity. “We believe more in a decrease in the number of contractions in the uterus when the woman did not move. But there is no certainty about this.” The study indicates she therefore that women should stay in bed for a while in case of natural fertilization? “This has never been demonstrated so far, but in practice it is usually already applied the solution,” concluded the doctor.