RJA #13a: Word Cloud

RJA #12b: Field Research Report

My stem cell therapy research paper included 2 primary resources. I first interviewed a family that has a child with Cerebral Palsy. Most of the information was gathered from his mother. Her son, Drew is undergoing stem cell therapy in Germany in July he is 10.

I asked her the following questions:

Why have you and your husband decided to have Drew undergo this therapy?

What made you think the XCell Center in Germany was a good choice?

What type of Cerebral Palsy does Drew suffer from?

What symptoms of his Cerebral Palsy are you hoping to see improvements in?

Did you first talk to any medical professional about doing this treatment?

What did his doctor say, did he know of the XCell Center?

What kinds of tests did he have to undergo to be eligible for the program?

Where did he do the tests, how long did it take for the center to let you know you had been approved?

How expensive is the treatment, how long will you have to be there?

What exactly is the treatment that they will perform on Drew?

What have you told him about the treatment?

Did you feel the center was realistic about what he/you might expect from this treatment?

My second primary resource was an interview with Dr. Steven Grover, head of the OBGYN Center at Skyridge Medical Center. My questions to Dr. Grover dealt with the banking of umbilical cord blood.

I asked him the following questions:

What is you opinion of cord blood banking?

How many of your patients do cord blood banking?

What is the cost to bank the cord blood cells?

Do you think the cost is too high?

Do you think the cost is reasonable?

Have you ever banked cord blood for your children?

Do you recommend to your patients to bank their child’s cord blood?

Do you think it is wise to bank these cells?

What do you see happening with cord blood cells for the future?

Do you think cord blood banking would save lives?

RJA #12a: Annotated Bibliography, Part 3

Moran. Nulala. “Induced Stem Cells can’t Replace Embryonic Ones.” Science Business: Connecting Buyers and Sellers of Emerging Technologies. 25 February 2010. Science Business Publishing Ltd. 2010. http://bulletin.sciencebusiness.net/ebulletins/showissue.php3? page=/548/art/17037

Nulala Moran is the Senior Editor of the Science Business online magazine. In this article Moran discusses the differences between induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells. She discounts that iPS cells will at any time soon be able to replace embryonic stem cells in research methods or in therapy. While they do have an important place in research there is still much more research to be done. Interestingly enough much of that research to help iPS cells to achieve their hoped for potential involves using embryonic stem cells to test them.

“Bone Marrow Transplant.” Medline Plus. Encyclopedia. National Institutes of Health. 23 March 2010. Web. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003009.ht

This reference article takes one through the steps of bone marrow transplants from beginning to end. It sites the use of autologous stem cells as well as donor stem cells and the difference between them. The use of chemotherapy and the risks involved in that procedure as well as the fear of graft-versus-host-disease. It is a very good reference article.

Boyles, Salynn. “Stem Cell Treatment for Leukemia Improved.” Cancer Health Center. WebMD Health News. 19 January 2010. 2005-2010 WebMD, LLC. Web. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20100119/stem-cell-leukemia-treatment-improved

In this article the use of cord blood for leukemia transplant patients is reviewed. The researchers at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson’s Caner Center have found that the use of manipulated cord blood cells have helped to decrease the recovery period and reduce infection-related deaths in transplant patients. It is also noted that cord blood has an advantage over bone marrow for patients because they do not need to be perfectly matched to the patient.

BBC News. “Stem Cell Tourism in Germany.” 23 June 2009. Video. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8115881.stm

This video done by the BBC News goes into detail concerning some of the centers offering stem cell therapies around the world. Some doctors refer to these centers as middle-men selling cells,. This video discounts much of what goes on in this centers and that they pray on the hopes of those that are ill or injured. The charge large sums of money and give the patient very little in the way of scientific evidence that their therapies will work.

Stem Cell Basics: “What are Stem Cells and Why are They Important? ” Stem Cell Basics. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2009. Web. http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1.asp

The National Institutes of Health offers a great deal of information in their stem cell basics. These pages are filled with updated information about what stem cells are what therapies they are being tested to help and what risks are involved. They cover the ethics of stem cell research and are very readable and very thorough.

Krassowska, Anna, PhD. “Company and Regulatory Agency Define Path to Re-Initiate Human Trial for Spinal Cord Injury.” Geron and FDA Reach Agreement on Clinical Hold. Geron Corporation News Release.30 October 2009. Web. http://www.geron.com/media/pressview.aspx?id=1195

Geron Corporation is the only company that has been able to conduct their own embryonic stem cell research in the U.S. They are funded by private funds so they did not have to depend on any help from the government, therefore they did not have to follow the same guidelines. In 2009, they had reached a milestone in their research and was approved by the FDA to proceed with human clinical trials on spinal cord injury patients. Before they could get started however, the FDA found some problems in their preliminary tests with animals and put a hold on the human trials. This article discusses the problems that surrounded those tests. The FDA has not lifted the ban and has made no comment about when they might do so.

Glover, Joel C. “Can We Use Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Treat Brain and Spinal Cord Injury and Disease." Stem Cells, Human Embryos and Ethics. Springer 2008. 57-62. Print.

In this particular chapter Glover states the seriousness of spinal cord injury as he talks about the numbers of injured persons each year and the cost that goes with this type of injury. He goes into detail about how the spinal cord works and what happens when an injury occurs. He goes into to good detail and the informational content is very interesting.

Robinson, B.A. “Therapeutic Cloning: How it is done; possible benefits. Religious Tolerance.org. Copyright 2000-2005. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Updated 29 October 2005. Web. http://www.religioustolerance.org/clo_ther.htm

This article by B. A. Robinson takes on the task of reviewing the advantages and disadvantages to therapeutic cloning. In it he takes on the task of explaining what cloning is, and how therapeutic cloning takes place. He explains why people are interested in therapeutic cloning as a means of treatment for medical procedures and also what the possible benefits are for such procedures. Equal time is spent discussing the problems of therapeutic cloning and the ethical debates that surround it as well.

“Overview of our Stem Cell Treatment.” XCell-Center at the Institute for RegenerativeMedicine. Adult Stem Cell Therapy. 2007-2010. Web.

http://www.xcell-center.com/treatments/overview.aspx

The information gathered from the XCell-Center in Cologne, Germany concerns primarily the treatments done at the center for cerebral palsy patients. The center does not provide scientific data on their treatments but mainly the types of stem cells that are used and under what conditions the treatments are done . There are many testimonials given both in writing and as videos from those who have received treatment at the center and have had positive results.

“Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy.” Cell Medicine. 2004-2008. Web.

http://www.cellmedicine.com/cerebralpalsy.asp

This Cell Medicine article is full of information concerning cerebral palsy and stem cell therapy. The information is explicit in how stem cells can be utilized in the treatment of cerebral palsy because of their ability to differentiate into new tissue circuitry that is needed for those parts of the brain which have been damaged due to this condition. The article gives details concerning umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy that has been done in the United States on cerebral palsy patients, and the success that has been realized. The use of hematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow has also been very effective in treating cerebral palsy as well, probably more so than cord blood, but most of this therapy has been available outside the United States, as noted in the article.

Borthwick, Lindsay. “Stem cells Improve Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms.” Nature Reports Stem Cells. Published Online: 17 April 2008. 63. Web. http://www.nature.com/stemcells/2008/0804/080417/full/stemcells.2008.63.html

Lindsay Borthwick, a freelance writer out of Toronto wrote this article featured in Nature Reports on stem cells and how they improve Parkinson’s symptoms to help bring to light some of the advances of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. In the article she reviews experiments that have taken place showing that the iPS cells injected into mice with Parkinson’s symptoms were able to differentiate into neurons and integrate into the surrounding brain tissue, causing it to function normally. Safety is still an issue with regards to human clinical trials, but the animal trials have helped research to take a giant step forward with regards to iPS cells, basically more research is needed to eliminate any of the safety concerns.

Mollard, Richard PhD. “Embryonic Stem Cells.” International Society for Stem Cell Research. 2 February 2005. Web. 1 April 2010.

http://www.isscr.org/public/escells.htm

This article written by Richard Mollard, PhD., an embryonic stem cell specialist at the Institute of Reproduction and Development at the Monash University in Australia. Dr Mollard focuses his remarks on the basics of embryonic stem cell research. Primarily, where embryonic stem cells come from and how scientists are able to obtain. He discusses the use of in vitro clinics and the role they play in obtaining these research embryos and also the part the donor plays in releasing these embryos to research facilities. He also goes into reviewing the remarkable features of the embryonic stem cell and how they are being used in research to discover new therapies for many types of diseases and injuries. How these new therapies will be best achieved is still an open debate, but scientists are hopeful that success will be obtained. Adult stem cells potential applications for treatment are also discussed in this article.

RJA #11: Annotated Bibliography, Part 2

McGee, Glenn, and Arthur Caplan. “The Ethics and Politics of Small Sacrifices in Stem Cell Research.” The Stem Cell Contoversy: Debating the Issues. 2nd ed. Ed. by Michael Ruse and Christopher A Pynes. Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books, 2006. 162. Print.

This article first published in the Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal 9, (1999): 151-58, focuses on the idea that though pluripotent stem cell research may offer new treatments for hundreds of diseases, opponents to the research say that it comes at too high a price.
The argument is centered on the use of aborted fetuses from which embryonic stem cells were taken and used for research, as well as those embryos from fertilization clinics. This article shows very clearly the battles which brew among millions of American who favor stem cell research and millions who oppose the destruction of any fetus or embryo for any purpose.


Mapping Stem Cell Research, Terra Incognita. Dir. by Maria Finitzo, Documentary. Kartemquin Film Production, 2008. DVD.

This documentary centered on the work of Dr. Jack Kessler, M.D., a renowned stem cell expert and chair of neuology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. When his daughter experienced a skiing accident that left her paralyzed, his life’s work totally found new meaning. He now focuses his time and efforts in and out of his laboratory to finding a stem cell therapy that will regenerate spinal cord damage. The documentary portrays the religious controversial views against embryonic stem cell research as well as the scientific views. Basically his question throughout the film is, if one had the opportunity to heal a spinal cord injury—why would you not want to do such a thing?


Experiment Resources (2008). “Stem Cell Research - Pros and Cons.” Retrieved [Date of Retrieval] from Experiment Resources: http://www.experimentresources.com/stem-cell-pros-and-cons.html Web.

From this reference resource basic stem cell information has been gathered. Some of the subjects that are covered include, what stem cells are, and what different types of stem cells are being used for research. The reference also addresses the many different types of diseases and disabilities that are being looked at for potential treatments using stem cells, and the pros and cons concerning stem cell research and future application.


Baker, Monya. “Stick to the Guidelines and Fewer Get Hurt.” Nature Reports Stem Cells. 11 December, 2008. Published online, Web. http://www.nature.com/stemcells/2008/0812/081211/full/stemcells.2008.157.html

This article was written especially to warn those seeking stem cell therapy outside of the United States to beware of profit-hungry quacks who are exploiting patients and endangering clinical research by offering risky stem cell procedures. Many of these centers offer help for almost all serious ailments with the average cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has put together guidelines to help patients read about the types of regulations and considerations they should look for in a clinic. The safety levels of the procedures, how the cells to be administered have been manipulated, and whether the patient is receiving his own cells or donor cells. The ISSCR task force feels that the education and the safety of patient is of the utmost importance as they continue to work on this issue.


Tenenbaum, David. “The Cloning Conundrum.” The Science Behind the Why Files. Ed. by Terry Devitt. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Published online. 2010. Web. http://whyfiles.org/148clone_clash/4.html

This article debates the use of therapeutic cloning or somatic nuclear transfer. Many scientists feel that therapeutic cloning is a modern medical miracle and should be allowed to be researched. It’s ability to benefit an immense number of people through perfectly matched transplantation therapies and repairing damaged cells is overwhelming. The controversy is viewed by those who see it as disrupting human life by creating a prospective human life just to destroy it for research. They feel that it should be condemned on moral grounds. Others feel that if this type of cloning is allowed it would only be a matter of time that reproductive cloning would also be acceptable as part of research.

RJA #10c: Ideas for the Application project

1. Journal Entry. I would write a journal entry to my cousin lived most of his life in a wheel chair because of a spinal cord injury that he experienced at age 18. I would tell him all that I have learned about the progress that has been made in the field of stem cell therapy, and how close scientists are to having therapy available for people with spinal cord injuries. I would tell him how the research is being conducted, where it is being conducted, and about the trials and tests that are being done. I would share with him the hope that because of stem cell research and developed applications, those who are paralyzed from spinal cord injuries might someday walk again. My cousin did not live to see this day, he died in 1988, due to complications created from his spinal cord injury, he was 44.

2. Short Story. This would be a story of how stem cell therapy has been able to help someone with cerebral palsy. This disorder has shown marked success in the field of stem cell therapy and I would like to share a story using dialogue between patient and doctor about how successful it has been and how it has changed individual lives.

3. News Article. In this article I would relate how stem cell research and therapeutic application have been used around the world to help individuals suffering from debilitating illnesses and injuries. I would report on current therapies that are being performed, and where they are being done. I would address the controversies still plaguing stem cell research and development and what lies ahead for this type of therapy.

4. Editorial. In my editorial I would give my views on how important stem cell therapy is in the world of medicine. I would like to voice my opinion of why the United States lags behind the world in this therapy and the frustrations felt by many because of this issue. I would like to talk about the ethics involved and how they apply or don’t apply to stem cell therapy.

RJA #10b: Progress Report for Argumentative Paper

What I have accomplished on my argumentative paper:

So far I have gathered most of the resources, books, articles, videos, and forum websites that will be using for my research and bookmarked them. Using my outline as a guide, I have begun to put down on paper some of my thoughts and have organized the resources I have compiled so far. I have also started on my presentation ideas.

What I still have to do:

Even though I have put down thoughts I need to begin to write my paper. I also need to finish one interview, which I plan to do this week. I plan to begin my rough draft this week as well. I also need to spend more time organizing to make sure that I have all the resources that I want to use for my paper, as well as for the application project and bookmark them.

RJA #10a: Annotated Bibliography, Part 1

Ostnor, Lars, et al. “The Moral Status of Human Embryos with Special Regard to Stem cell Research and Therapy.” Stem Cells, Human Embryos and Ethics. 4-18. Springer 2008. Print

This is a multidisciplinary study from many different professionals investigating the field of embryonic stem cells. This chapter is comprised of studies done by the Norwegian project group and deals with embryo and fetal cell development and their potential use in the field of stem cell therapy. The group examines the advantages of using embryonic stem cells in the field of medicine as well as stem cell alternatives. They look at adult stem cells and the importance they can play in research and therapy as an viable and more ethical alternative to using embryonic stem cells. Their differing views are represented continually and the authors remain divided as they represent both sides of this endless debate. The first position emphasizing the use of embryonic stem cells especially for the treatment of currently untreatable serious disease and injuries. The second position being the continuation of research on all human stem cells excepting those that come from human embryos.

Chu, Jennifer. “Testing Drugs with Stem Cells.” Technology Review 13 December 2007. Web. http://www.technologyreview.com/Biotech/19893/?a=f

This article is focused on the studies of Gabriela Cezar, assistant professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her novel way of testing for drug toxicity using embryonic stem cells . By monitoring the results of these tests Cezar and her colleagues feel that they should be able to have a far more accurate prediction of a drug’s potential toxicity than they get with conventional animal testing. Cezar’s group tested the drug valproate, an anti-epileptic drug that has been linked to cases of autism and spina bifida in the offspring of mothers treated with the drug. Cezar was able to see in these tests that the ES cell samples tested with valproate exhibited significant changes in what would represent early brain development. Steven Tannenbaum, professor of chemistry and toxicology at MIT does not agree with Cezar and her findings. He points out that drugs taken into the body are processed first in the liver, not the brain, and that drug metabolism in the body is a very complex process. Recognizing the abilites to have embryonic stem cells develop into liver cells, Cezar feels that the research she is doing is capable of bringing safer and more effective drugs to the consumer.

Schwartz, Philip H., and Peter J. Bryant. “Therapeutic Uses of Stem Cells.” Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate, The Scientific, Religious, Ethical, and Political Issues. Ed. Kristen Renwick Monroe, et al. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2008. 38-49. Print.

The therapeutic uses of stem cells are of course, the main reason for stem cell research. In this chapter the authors recognize that the current therapeutic applications of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) such as in bone marrow transplantation have been successfully treating patients with Leukemia and Lymphoma for many years. Umbilical cord stem cells have also been used to treat blood disorders and are especially preferred in pediatric patients. The experimental therapeutic applications noted by the authors include testing with patients who have multilple sclerosis. Neural stem cells (NSC) and embryonic stem cells (ESC) have both shown signs of effectiveness against this disease. Potential therapeutic applications for use in Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, retinal degeneration, Diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are being researched and tested using HSC, NSC and ESC. Testing with different types of stem cells is important to the research. It enables the scientists to learn which therapy might cause potential problems with immune rejection for the patient. Autologous transplantation has been found to eliminate the problems of rejection for the patient since those stem cells come from the patient who is being treated. Research continues to show improvements in the current therapeutic applications as well as in the experimental and potential phases of stem cell therapy.