Tuesday, August 15, 2017

NIH Article

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921747/#!po=40.2439

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Almost any answer about your Dialysis Questions

http://advancingdialysis.org/
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Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Ohio State University Regenerative Medicine BREAKTHROUGH!!



Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough

TNT_research_blog_largeWe are ready to revolutionize regenerative medicine with our latest research finding: a new technology called Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT) that can generate any cell type of interest for treatment within the patient’s own body. This technology may be used to repair injured tissue or restore function of aging tissue, including organs, blood vessels and nerve cells.
Our study shows that injured or compromised organs can be replaced by using our novel nanochip technology. 
We have successfully shown that skin can be a fertile land where we can grow any cell type for a failing organ. 
As director of Ohio State’s Center for Regenerative Medicine & Cell Based Therapies, I co-led the study in collaboration with Ohio State’s Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center in the College of Engineering. Results of the regenerative medicine study are now published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. 
Our teams studied mice and pigs in these experiments, and we were able to reprogram skin cells to become vascular cells in badly injured legs that lacked blood flow. Within one week, active blood vessels appeared in the injured leg, and by the second week, the injury was saved. In lab tests, this technology was also shown to reprogram skin cells in the live body into nerve cells that were injected into brain-injured mice to help them recover from stroke.
This is difficult to imagine, but it is achievable, successfully working about 98 percent of the time. With this technology, we can convert skin cells into elements of any organ with just one touch. This non-invasive process only takes less than a second. The chip does not stay with you, and the reprogramming of the cell starts.
TNT technology has two major components: First is a nanotechnology-based chip designed to deliver cargo to adult cells in the live body. Second is the design of specific biological cargo for cell conversion. This cargo, when delivered using the chip, converts an adult cell from one type to another. The cargo is delivered by zapping the device with a small electrical charge that’s barely felt by the patient.
We plan to start clinical trials next year to test this technology in humans, where we are hopeful for continued success.


Researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Engineering are ready to revolutionize regenerative medicine with their latest research finding: a new technology called Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT) that can generate any cell type of interest for treatment within the patient’s own body. This technology may be used to repair injured tissue or restore function of aging tissue, including organs, blood vessels and nerve cells.
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Tuesday, August 8, 2017

U.S. News & World Report names best hospitals for nephrology

U.S. News & World Report names best hospitals for nephrology

U.S. News & World Report ranks Mayo Clinic best hospital for nephrology

 — AUGUST 8, 2017
 Images/iStockphoto/ThinkStock
U.S. News & World Report has released the 28th edition of the Best Hospitals rankings, which includes the best hospitals for nephrology. The Mayo Clinic ranked number one for nephrology on the best hospitals list, and also topped the honor roll list, which includes hospitals that received very high scores in at least six specialties.
The magazine ranks the best hospitals in nephrology based mostly on death rates for patients who represent especially challenging cases, patient safety, readmission rates, nursing quality, and other measures of performance that can be assessed using hard data. Results from the three most recent years of an annual reputation survey of physicians are also factored in. Surveyed physicians are asked to name up to five hospitals they consider the best in their specialty for difficult cases.
The top ranked hospitals for nephrology for 2017 – 2018 include:
1 Mayo Clinic
2 Cleveland Clinic
3 Johns Hopkins Hospital
4 New York-Presbyterian Hospital
5 UCSF Medical Center
6 Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
7 Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian
8 Massachusetts General Hospital
9 Barnes-Jewish Hospital
10 Mount Sinai Hospital
All of the 10 best hospitals in nephrology for 2017-2018 were also recognized on the Honor Roll.

U.S. News & World Report has released the 27th edition of the Best Hospitals rankings, which includes the best hospitals for nephrology.
The magazine ranks the best hospitals in nephrology based mostly on death rates for patients who represent especially challenging cases, on patient safety and on other measures of performance that can be assessed using hard data. Results from the three most recent years of an annual repetitional survey of physicians are also factored in. Surveyed physicians are asked to name up to five hospitals they consider the best in their specialty for difficult cases.
The top ranked hospitals for nephrology for 2016 – 2017 include:
1. Mayo Clinic *
2. Cleveland Clinic*
3. UCSF Medical Center*
4. New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell*
5. Johns Hopkins Hospital*
6. Massachusetts General Hospital*
7. UCLA Medical Center*
8. Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University* (tie)
8. Vanderbilt University Medical Center (tie)
10. University of California, Davis Medical Center
∗Included in Honor Roll
Among the 10 best hospitals in nephrology for 2016-2017, eight of them were also recognized on the Honor Roll, which means they received very high scores in at least six specialties.

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Monday, August 7, 2017

Fresenius Medical Care to acquire NxStage Medical, Inc. to strengthen its vertically integrated dialysis business

Fresenius Medical Care to acquire NxStage Medical, Inc. to strengthen its vertically integrated dialysis business

NEWSROOM
Acquisition of NxStage Medical, Inc. would:
  • position Fresenius Medical Care as a global leader in home dialysis
  • establish U.S. presence in the critical care space
  • further enhance clinical outcomes and patient empowerment
  • support strategic initiative of vertical integration and Care Coordination
Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s largest provider of dialysis products and services, has signed an agreement to acquire NxStage Medical, Inc., (NxStage) (Nasdaq: NXTM) a U.S.-based medical technology and services company.
NxStage, which just like Fresenius Medical Care North America, has its headquarters in the Boston, Massachusetts area, was founded in 1998 and has approximately 3,400 employees. It develops, produces and markets an innovative product portfolio of medical devices for use in home dialysis and in the critical care setting. In 2016, NxStage delivered USD 366 million in revenue.
Fresenius Medical Care intends to acquire all outstanding shares of NxStage through a merger for USD 30.00 per common share, thus the transaction would be valued at approximately USD 2.0 billion. The merger, which has been approved by NxStage’s board, is subject to approval of NxStage stockholders, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Fresenius Medical Care currently expects the closing to occur in 2018.
“The acquisition supports our 2020 strategic initiative of driving growth in the core business with innovation, better clinical outcomes through Care Coordination and improving the patient experience,” said Rice Powell, Chairman and CEO of Fresenius Medical Care. “Combining our two companies would strengthen and diversify our business in the U.S. and help meet the evolving needs of our patients.”
This acquisition enables Fresenius Medical Care to further leverage its manufacturing, supply chain and marketing competencies across the dialysis products, services and care coordination businesses in a less labor- and capital- intensive care setting.
“The combination of Fresenius Medical Care’s industry leadership with NxStage’s innovative products and employees has the potential to significantly advance the standard of care for patients around the world,” said Jeff Burbank, Founder and CEO of NxStage Medical, Inc. “Fresenius Medical Care would like us to continue doing what we do best, and a lot more of it. I strongly believe our opportunities would be greater working together for the benefit of patients, customers and shareholders.”
“Home dialysis is a critical component of renal care, and this acquisition would help us accelerate growth and innovation in this important modality,” said Bill Valle, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America. “I look forward to teaming up with Jeff Burbank and his highly talented team to transform the delivery of home dialysis care in the U.S.”
The transaction would be cash and debt financed. An initial net cost synergies potential of approximately USD 80 to 100 million p.a. before tax over three to five years is expected. Integration cost of around USD 150 million in the first three years from announcement are assumed. Fresenius Medical Care expects the acquisition to be accretive to net income and EPS within three years from closing.
Conference Call
Fresenius Medical Care will hold an analyst conference call to discuss the acquisition of NxStage on August 7, 2017, at 2.00p.m. CEDT/ 8.00 a.m. EDT. An alternative opportunity to discuss the acquisition in a conference call, will be on August 9, 2017, for analysts at 2.00p.m. CEDT/ 8.00 a.m. EDT and for investors at 2.30p.m. CEDT/8.30 a.m. EDT. The company invites investors to follow the live webcast of the call at the company’s website www.freseniusmedicalcare.com in the “Investors/Events” section. A replay will be available shortly after the call.
About Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care is the world’s largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases of which around 3 million patients worldwide regularly undergo dialysis treatment. Through its network of 3,690 dialysis clinics, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatments for 315,305 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the leading provider of dialysis products such as dialysis machines or dialyzers. Along with the core business, the company focuses on expanding the range of related medical services in the field of Care Coordination. Fresenius Medical Care is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME) and on the New York Stock Exchange (FMS).
For more information visit the Company’s website at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com. BofA Merrill Lynch is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Fresenius Medical Care.
About NxStage
NxStage Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXTM) is a leading medical technology company, headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA, that develops, manufactures and markets innovative products for the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and acute kidney failure. NxStage has also established a small number of dialysis clinics committed to the development of innovative care delivery models for patients with ESRD. For more information on NxStage and its products and services, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.nxstage.com and www.nxstagekidneycare.com.
Piper Jaffray is serving as exclusive financial advisor to NxStage.
Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This message contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Fresenius Medical Care’s planned acquisition of NxStage Medical, Inc., the expected timing of the closing of the transaction, the synergies expected to be achieved from the transaction, and the expected benefits to Fresenius Medical Care’s business, product offerings and profitability and other expected financial impacts of the transaction. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including, among others: the failure or inability of either Fresenius Medical Care or NxStage Medical, Inc. to satisfy closing conditions or obtain approvals necessary to close the transaction; unexpected costs or delays associated with efforts to obtain the regulatory or other approvals necessary to close the transaction; risks associated with litigation or regulatory actions related to the transaction; unanticipated difficulties and expenditures in connection with integration programs; customer and shareholder reaction to the transaction; significant transaction costs and assumption of unknown liabilities; changes in business, economic and competitive conditions; regulatory reforms; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; risks and uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, whether or not related to the transaction; and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG; Co. KGaA’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG; Co. KGaA does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
Important Information for Investors and Security Holders
This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger of NxStage with Broadway Renal Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. In connection with the proposed merger, NxStage intends to file relevant materials with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including a preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A. Following the filing of a definitive proxy statement, NxStage will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the proposed merger.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF NXSTAGE ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MERGER THAT NXSTAGE WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NXSTAGE AND THE PROPOSED MERGER.
The preliminary proxy statement, the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials in connection with the proposed merger (when they become available), and any other documents filed by NxStage with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC or by sending a request to NxStage’s Investor Relations Department at NxStage Medical, Inc., 350 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843.
NxStage and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from NxStage’s stockholders with respect to the proposed merger.
Information about NxStage’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of NxStage’s common stock is set forth in NxStage’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017, and NxStage’s proxy statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 27, 2017. Information regarding the identity of the potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests in the merger, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger.
Media Contact
Fresenius Medical Care Group
Joachim Weith
T +49 6172 609-2101
joachim.weith@fresenius.com
Fresenius Medical Care North America
Katherine Dobbs
T +1 781 699-9039
Katherine.dobbs@fmc-na.com
Contact for Analysts and Investors
Dr. Dominik Heger
T +49 6172 609-2601
dominik.heger@fmc-ag.com
www.freseniusmedicalcare.com
NxStage Contact
Kristen K. Sheppard, Esq.
T +1 978-332-5923
ksheppard@nxstage.com
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Friday, August 4, 2017

Dean Kamen Opens Organ-Building Institute

Dean Kamen Opens Organ-Building Institute: BioFabUSA will bring together public and private companies to “a machine shop of 21st-century advanced biomanufacturing”
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Thursday, August 3, 2017

Home Dialysis Central (HDC) On My Own ...And Loving It By Nieltje Gedney


On My Own…And Loving It


This blog post was made by Nieltje Gedney on August 3rd, 2017.
On My Own…and Loving It
"2015"
I’m into week 2 of my first vacation since starting dialysis, and I am happy to report that I am totally relaxed, at peace, and enjoying life. I’ve settled in to the routine of treatments, making up for the few I missed while driving cross country. I even did labs without incident, and they were stellar! So vacation surely agrees with me!
Nxstage has been wonderful. I had to recalculate my supplies because several bags leaked, and I only got one case of cartridges (6 would not last for 13 treatments!), but the additional supplies arrived almost immediately. The delivery service for the originally scheduled supplies was superb, bringing all the boxes in and stacking them neatly. Even Fresenius, who couldn’t quite cope with the concept of sending certain meds to a vacation address, got their act together and the meds arrived, in duplicate, only a few days late.
Treatments have been a bit of a challenge, but only because I am adjusting for much, much higher altitudes than my body is used to. It takes time for the blood to thin, so my pressures were crazy, more than 200 venous, at the 300 BFR that I normally run at. But a quick call to my Access Center, NxStage, and some online research left me reassured. I also discovered how positional my fistula arm really is. Turning my body slightly, raising the treatment arm to rest on the armchair, all contributed to raising the pressures. Another side effect of the altitude was significantly higher blood pressure, which has slowly started coming down the longer I am here. 
Being a solo traveler has its challenges, and being on dialysis adds a few more, so I won’t lie and say that I had some fear and trepidation about undertaking a four week cross country trek. True to form, I mentally planned every aspect of packing, both clothing and treatment supplies. (I also downloaded several helpful checklists from Homedialyzorsunited.org ) It paid off. There was nothing missing from my normal treatment routine, except the S-hooks for the hanging bags, and they were easily replaced at a nearby Lowes for 30 cents each! These hooks make the hanging bags almost bearable, and I urge everyone to buy a supply, and a vial of heparin (which was easily replaced with a shipment from Fresenius).
Now, as an aside, I must comment on how much I dislike the hanging bag system. I surely appreciate that it allows me the freedom to travel, but, in my opinion, hanging bags are archaic. I can’t help but resent the fact that in over 10 years, while medical devices for diabetes, prosthetics, and so many other afflictions have progressed, those of us on dialysis are still using such an outdated treatment modality! The necessity of transporting over 40 boxes of dialysate, in 5 pound bags (6 per treatment) that weigh over 10 pounds each is daunting. Each bag has a perforated hole in the corner, which you have to maneuver over the curled IV pole hooks. Try that holding a 10 pound bag, especially when your fistula arm is restricted to lifting no more than 5 pounds. Then, to connect all the bags, you need an octopus of tubing (8 to be exact), that need to be screwed into each hanging bag. Be sure to clamp the unused tubes, as I found the caps fell off and solution sprayed everywhere. In fact, this happened frequently, no matter how many times I checked the connections.
To activate these hanging bags, you have to “break” a “frangible”, a piece of hard plastic that blocks the fluid from leaving the hanging bag until you are ready for treatment. To me, this is the worst possible design – it is tough to break the tubing correctly, allowing free flow of the dialysate. Push too hard, and the plastic cuts through, causing the bag to leak. Don’t break it enough, and the fluid doesn’t flow through correctly, signaling alarms, and much fidgeting to correct. Seriously, there has to be someone out there who cares enough to develop a user friendly system for dialyzors to travel. In my mind, this is not it.
That being said, I have thoroughly enjoyed being on my own, visiting with friends and family, exploring the local towns of Carbondale, Basalt, Redstone, Snowmass, Aspen, and of course Glenwood. Soaking in the hot springs is one of my particular favorites, and I’ve managed to squeeze in a few delightful soaks. And keeping up with my treatments! 
One key spot I got to explore, not in any of the tourism brochures, was the local landfills! Dialysis produces an inordinate amount of waste, and sadly, my house did not have trash collection. Normally, a person wouldn’t produce much trash during a three week stay, but add in dialysis, and it more than triples! Each week I hauled 15 or so cardboard boxes, and three hefty contractor bags filled with medical waste off to the landfill.
Now, I was lucky to score a Prius for my vacation, which has been phenomenal on gas. Almost 2000 miles on $115 in gas. What it doesn’t do is go through 6 inches of mud at the Glenwood landfill! I managed to creep along to within 20 feet of the drop off, and the mud was over a foot deep. There was no way the car or me were hauling the trash through that! So carefully inching backwards, I managed to barely turn around, and get the hell out of dodge! The next day, I decided to try the Pitkin County/Aspen landfill. What a difference, a concrete covered lot with dumpsters marked for trash and recycling, and a mere $12 and 10 minutes later, I was done! It was positively civilized! I was almost expecting white gloved waiters to appear to help!
Soon I’ll be heading home, back to reality, but you can bet that I am already planning my next vacation! Stay tuned…
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