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360 Results
US Capitol
A Need for Renewed and Cohesive U.S. Policy on Cord Blood Banking
While the Food and Drug Administration currently regulates storage and use of cord blood (CB) in the United States, other state and federal guidelines on CB education, awareness and ethical considerations remain variable, and no mandatory international guidelines exist. To help organize and coordinate efforts across the United States and other nations, policymakers should implement regulations for high quality standards for both private and public CB banks.
Monica M. Matsumoto, Kirstin R.W. Matthews August 4, 2015
A nurse and a patient smile at each other.
Regulating the Therapeutic Translation of Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine and stem cell research are exciting new fields. But as the fields progress toward clinical therapies, controversies emerge. Hype surrounding stem cell research has caused an increase in their use in interventions that are not clinically proven. Furthermore, the regulatory agencies have a lot of difficulty dealing with cell therapies, which are distinctly different from drugs and medical devices they more commonly approve. To move the field forward, advocates, regulators and scientists need to come together to find new options for stem cell research oversight that protects both the patients and the research field.
Maude Rowland Cuchiara, Jackie Olive, Kirstin R.W. Matthews July 6, 2015
A globe lies next to the diaphragm of a stethoscope.
Blue Marble Health and “The Big Three Diseases”: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
“Blue marble health” was introduced in 2013 as a policy framework to better understand new trends in the geographic distribution of the major neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)affecting human populations that live in extreme poverty. An analysis of information released by the World Health Organization reveals that the concepts of blue marble health extend beyond neglected tropical diseases to also include “the big three diseases”: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Peter J. Hotez May 21, 2015
A globe lies next to the diaphragm of a stethoscope.
Helminth Elimination in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals: A "Worm Index" for Human Development
Increasing evidence links the major neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to a significant adverse impact on both human and economic development, especially for the major helminth infections, i.e., hookworm and the intestinal helminth infections, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis. Helminth Elimination in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals: A "Worm Index" for Human Development
Peter J. Hotez, Jennifer R. Herricks April 30, 2015
Blue stem cell under microscope
Combating the Next Lethal Epidemic
Over the past 40 years, we have seen a consistent pattern of war and conflict leading to the collapse of public health systems and the subsequent reemergence of deadly tropical infections. "Outbreaks have undermined the health and livelihoods of individuals, the economic growth of communities, security and ultimately the development potential of nations," writes Peter Hotez, fellow in disease and poverty. "We may now be witnessing the beginnings of a similar pattern in the Middle East and North Africa region."
Peter J. Hotez April 17, 2015
Asia at night
Neglected Tropical Diseases Among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Overview and Update
The 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) constitute an economic powerhouse, yet these countries also harbor a mostly hidden burden of poverty and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Almost 200 million people live in extreme poverty in ASEAN countries, and many of them are affected by at least one NTD. However, NTDs are prevalent even among upper middle-income ASEAN countries such as Malaysia and Thailand, especially among the indigenous populations.
Peter J. Hotez April 16, 2015