Israel Active

Scientists at Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Universities have found that an important cell-maintenance process called “autophagy” is reduced in the brains of schizophrenic patients due to low levels of the protein beclin 1. Medication to boost beclin 1 levels could offer a new way to treat schizophrenia.

Israel’s Pluristem announced that patients treated with PLX-PAD stem cells had a greater improved change of maximal voluntary muscle contraction force than the placebo group. The Phase I/II clinical trial shows that PLX cells can help repair orthopedic injuries including muscles and tendons.

(Thanks to Atid-EDI) Trans-Catheter Aortic-Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures are saving thousands of lives but are extremely difficult to perform. The Acwire from Israel’s MediValve allows cardiologists to implant these heart valves at exactly the right position. Acwire has just received European CE mark approval.

Complications from pressure ulcers (bedsores) are a big problem for hospital patients, and leads to 60,000 deaths in the US each year. Hospitals are installing the MAP (Monitor Alert Protect) system from Israel’s Wellsense. A pressure-sensing mat alerts nurses to reposition patients regularly.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) begins as a mild bacteria infection but can develop into the deadly flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered how this bacterium metamorphoses, opening the door to future possible treatments.

Israeli biotech Novocure’s clinical study of its NovoTTF therapy for pancreatic cancer demonstrated a significant decrease in cell count and reduced tumor volume. Its effectiveness was enhanced when combined with chemotherapy.

Administering medication is a hazardous task. Standard syringes risk exposing hospital staff to dangerous chemicals. The Israeli-manufactured Equashield provides the safe, simple and sterile transfer of meds, preventing contamination and spillage.

Surgeons at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva have performed the first-ever successful transplant in Israel of a small intestine. The patient was a 39-year-old woman who had been fed through a vein since her own intestine was removed two years ago. The donor was an 11-year-old Israeli girl whose other organs saved four children.

The Israeli Ministry for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee has allocated NIS 2.5 million for biomedical research to be conducted at hospitals in northern Israel. President Peres made the announcement at the at the Galilee Forum. Eighteen studies have been approved for the project.

(Thanks to NoCamels.com) Israel’s Premia Spine is advancing in “leaps and bounds” with its TOPS spinal implant. Watch the video to see previously crippled 79-year-old Yoda Schwartz running with his TOPS artificial joint. Premia Spine is expanding in Europe and launching into Asia.