QUOTE FOR WEDNESDAY:

“Moebius syndrome is a congenital (present at birth) disease.

Moebius syndrome causes many symptoms, this it affects babies’ facial muscles, including their ability to smile or move their eyes, but may cause other symptoms. The most common and significant symptom is weakness in the facial muscles that control facial expression, eye movement, sucking and swallowing.

Moebius syndrome is a neurological disorder that’s present at birth (congenital). It happens when certain cranial nerves don’t develop as they should during pregnancy. It causes several medical conditions and issues, but the primary issues are weak or paralyzed facial muscles.

Babies born with this condition have issues feeding because they can’t nurse or take a bottle. They can’t smile, frown or raise their eyebrows. They can’t close their eyelids, even when they’re sleeping.

The condition is very rare. An estimated 2 to 20 in 1 million babies are born with this condition.”

Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/…/6064-moebius-syndrome)

Part I Moebius Syndrome

Jul8

Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis (palsy) of multiple cranial nerves, most often the 6th (abducens) and 7th (facial) nerves. Other cranial nerves are sometimes affected. The disorder is present at birth (congenital). If the 7th nerve is involved, the individual with Moebius syndrome is unable to smile, frown, pucker the lips, raise the eyebrows, or close the eyelids. If the 6th nerve is affected, the eye cannot turn outward past the midline. Other abnormalities include underdevelopment of the pectoral muscles and defects of the limbs. Moebius syndrome is not progressive. The exact cause is unknown. It appears to occur randomly (sporadically) in most cases; however, some cases occur in families suggesting that there may be a genetic component.

Introduction:

Congenital facial and abducens palsy was first described by Von Graefe (1880) and Moebius (1888), a German neurologist after whom the syndrome was later named.

Signs and Symptoms:

The abnormalities and severity of Moebius syndrome vary greatly from one person-to-another. The classically accepted diagnostic criteria include: 1) facial paralysis or weakness affecting at least one but usually both sides of the face (7th cranial nerve), 2) paralysis of sideways (lateral) movement of the eyes (6th cranial nerve); and 3) preservation of vertical movements of the eyes. Less often, other cranial nerves, including the 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th may be affected.

Infants with Moebius syndrome may drool excessively and exhibit crossed eyes (strabismus). Because the eyes do not move from side-to-side (laterally), the child is forced to turn the head to follow objects. Infants who lack facial expression often are described as having a “mask-like” face that is especially obvious when laughing or crying. Affected infants may also have difficulties feeding, including problems swallowing and poor sucking. Corneal ulceration may occur because the eyelids remain open during sleep.

There are a wide variety of additional abnormalities. Some children with Moebius syndrome have a short, malformed tongue and/or an abnormally small jaw (micrognathia). Cleft palate may also be present. These abnormalities contribute to feeding and breathing difficulties. Children with cleft palate are prone to ear infections (otitis media). There may be external ear anomalies including underdevelopment of the outer portion of the ear (microtia) or total absence of the outer portion of the ear (anotia). If the 8th cranial nerve is affected, there is likely hearing loss. Dental abnormalities are not uncommon. There is an increased risk for childhood cavities. Some affected children have difficulties with speech and delays in speech development.

Skeletal malformations of the limbs occur in over half of children with Moebius sydrome. Lower limb malformations include clubbed feet and underdevelopment of the lower legs; upper extremities may have webbing of the fingers (syndactyly), underdevelopment or absence of the fingers, and/or underdevelopment of the hand. In a few children there may be abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and in approximately 15% of patients underdevelopment of the chest (pectoral) muscles and the breast on one side of the body also occur (see Poland-Moebius syndrome in the Related Disorder section below).

Some affected children exhibit delay in attaining certain milestones such as crawling or walking, most likely due to upper body weakness; however, most children eventually catch-up. Moebius syndrome rarely is associated with minor intellectual disability. Some children have been classified as being on the “autistic spectrum”. The exact relationship between Moebius syndrome and autism is unknown. Some studies have suggested that autism spectrum disorders occur with greater frequency in children with Moebius syndrome; other studies have not confirmed this and suggest that any such relationship is overstated. Moebius syndrome is often associated with a variety of social and psychological consequences. The lack of facial expressions and the inability to smile can cause observers to misinterpret what an affected individual is thinking or feeling or intends. Although clinical anxiety and depression are not more common in children and adolescents with Moebius syndrome, affected individuals may avoid social situations due to apprehension and frustration.

QUOTE FOR TUESDAY:

Jul7

“AABB joins the health care community in recognizing July as National Cord Blood Awareness Month.

Despite its life-saving potential, most umbilical cord blood — and the hematopoietic stem cells it contains — is still discarded as medical waste in the United States. Cord Blood Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of saving and storing cord blood.

Throughout July, AABB will share educational resources and social media graphics to highlight cord blood’s life-changing role in stem cell transplants and cellular therapies.”

Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies – AABB (July is National Cord Blood Awareness Month)

Cord Blood Banking

Jul7

Cord Blood Awareness Month is July

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion designates specific National Health Observances (NHO) dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Towards this goal, July has been declared “Cord Blood Awareness Month.” Although people benefit from cord blood banking every day, this NHO provides a special opportunity to highlight the significant contributions made through stem cell research, trials, and treatment.

Treatments

Stem cells are at the forefront of one of the most fascinating and revolutionary areas of biology today. To date, there are more than 80 diseases being treated with umbilical cord blood and tissue. The list of diseases that are treatable with cord blood include stem cell disorders, acute and chronic forms of leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders, and many more.

Clinical Trials

With a very promising future, clinical trials using cord blood stem cells are being conducted for neurological, cardiovascular, and auto-immune disorders. Some of the common diseases that have clinical trials in Phase 1 and Phase 2 include autism, cerebral palsy, and diabetes. There are also promising clinical trials for acquired hearing loss, pre-/peri-natal stroke, and traumatic brain injury.

Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood banking provides a simple process of safely and securely storing the blood within your child’s umbilical cord, as well as the tissue from the cord itself. Parents have the option of banking their baby’s cord blood with a public cord blood bank or a private cord blood bank.

Public cord blood banking is free and will provide life-saving benefits to a family in need. Once you donate your cord blood, however, you no longer have rights to those stem cells. If your child or family member is in need of cord blood stem cells, there is no guarantee that you or children can use their own cells. With private cord blood banking, there are fees but you own the cells. Your full rights to use it are preserved, and it is always immediately available to you.

A Perfect Match

One of the key benefits of using a private cord blood bank is the ability to provide a perfect match, since your child will be getting their own cells. Cord blood banking is especially vital for minorities and those of mixed race, where matching can be difficult using other stem cells from bone marrow or circulatory blood. Certain diseases also either depend upon, or greatly benefit from, using your own (autologous) cells. Luckily, it is easy to bank umbilical cord blood with New England Cord Blood Bank during Cord Blood Awareness Month and all year round.

QUOTE FOR MONDAY:

Jul6

“Every July, Cord Blood Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of the most powerful yet often overlooked medical resources: cord blood. Collected from a newborn’s umbilical cord shortly after birth, cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells—the building blocks of blood and immune systems. These stem cells have the unique ability to develop into red and white blood cells and platelets, and they’re already being used to treat more than 80 serious and life-threatening conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and certain metabolic and immune disorders.”

Fetal Health Foundation (Cord Blood Awareness Month: One Decision Could Save a Life)

Cord Blood Awareness Month-What it is and uses for it!

Jul6

July is National Cord Blood Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn more about cord blood—a biological product regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Found in the blood vessels of the placenta and the umbilical cord, cord blood is collected after a baby is born and after the umbilical cord is cut—an important point.

“Because cord blood is typically collected after the baby is delivered and the cord is cut, the procedure is generally safe for the mother and baby,” explains Keith Wonnacott, Ph.D., Chief of the Cellular Therapies Branch in FDA’s Office of Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies.

Approved Uses By the Food and Drug Administration states the following:

Cord blood is approved only for use in “hematopoietic stem cell transplantation” procedures, which are done in patients with disorders affecting the hematopoietic (blood forming) system. Cord blood contains blood-forming stem cells that can be used in the treatment of patients with blood cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas, as well as certain disorders of the blood and immune systems, such as sickle cell disease and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

“Cord blood is useful because it is a source of stem cells that form into blood cells. Cord blood can be used for transplantation in people who need regeneration, that is, ‘regrowth,’ of these blood-forming cells,” Wonnacott says.

For instance, in many cancer patients, the disease is found in the blood cells. Chemotherapy treatment of these patients kills both cancer cells and the healthy blood-forming stem cells. Transplanted stem cells from cord blood can help regrow the healthy blood cells after the chemotherapy.

However, cord blood is not a cure-all.

“Because cord blood contains stem cells, there have been stem cell fraud cases related to cord blood,” says Wonnacott. “Consumers may think that stem cells can cure any disease, but science doesn’t show this to be the case. Patients should be skeptical if cord blood is being promoted for uses other than blood stem cell regeneration.”

About Cord Blood Banking

After cord blood is collected, it is frozen and can be safely stored for many years. “The method of freezing, called ‘cryopreservation,’ is very important to maintain the integrity of the cells,” Wonnacott says. “Cord blood needs to be stored carefully.”

You may choose to store your baby’s cord blood in a private bank so it can be available if needed in the future by your child or first- or second-degree relatives. Private cord banks typically charge fees for blood collection and storage.

Or you may donate the cord blood to a public bank so that doctors can use for a patient who needs a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

FDA regulates cord blood in different ways, depending on the source, level of processing and intended use.

Cord blood stored for personal use, for use in first- or second-degree relatives, and that also meets other criteria in FDA’s regulations, does not require the agency’s approval before use. Private cord banks must still comply with other FDA requirements, including establishment registration and listing, current good tissue practice regulations, and donor screening and testing for infectious diseases (except when cord blood is used for the original donor). These FDA requirements ensure safety of these products by minimizing the risk of contamination and transmission of infectious diseases.

Cord blood stored for use by a patient unrelated to the donor meets the legal definitions of both a “drug” and a “biological product.” Cord blood in this category must meet additional requirements and be licensed under a biologics license application, or be the subject of an investigational new drug application before use. The FDA requirements help to ensure that these products are safe and effective for their intended use.

Not every cord blood unit will meet requirements for public banking, adds Safa Karandish, M.T., an FDA consumer safety officer. If that happens, some of this donated cord blood may be used for non-clinical research.

Happy 4th of July America!

Jul4

“What has made us a nation is our love of liberty and our realization that we’re part of a great historic venture, an experiment in freedom to test the ability of people to live together in freedom, respecting the rights of others and expecting that their rights, in turn, will be respected. We don’t celebrate dependency day on the 4th of July we celebrate independency day!”

2- “America is too great for small dreams. May all of you as Americans never forget your heroic origins, never fail to seek Divine guidance, and never lose your natural God-given optimism.”

President Ronald Reagan ( The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute)

Thank you all veterans active and retired for everything you have done and continue to do in keeping our country, the U.S.A., safe and Happy 4th of July this 250th Anniversary!

QUOTE FOR FRIDAY:

Jul3

“Independence Day is the single biggest day of the year for lost pets — more dogs and cats go missing around July 4th than any other time. Fireworks are the most well-known culprit, but barbecue hazards, summer heat, water dangers, and crowded gatherings all pose serious risks too.

Fireworks can be terrifying for pets, leading to stress, fear, and potential injury. Keep your pet indoors during prime showtimes around sunset. Create a safe, quiet space for them with comforting items, such as their favorite toys and a cozy bed, and provide engaging treat puzzles and chews for distraction. Additionally, consider using calming products, such as pheromone sprays and diffusers, compression wraps, and soothing music, to help reduce their anxiety.”

American Animal Hospital Association (July 4th Pet Safety Tips: Protecting Your Dog or Cat on Independence Day – AAHA)

How to keep your pets safe this 4th of July weekend!

Jul3

The days immediately surrounding Independence Day create what animal welfare experts call a perfect storm for missing and injured pets. Animal control officials across the country report a 30% to 60% increase in lost pets between July 4 and July 6 each year, and July 5 is consistently one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters nationwide.

The reason is rooted in biology.

Dogs and cats hear frequencies far beyond the range of human hearing, making the sudden, unpredictable booms of fireworks far more intense and disorienting for them than for us. Without any frame of reference for what that sound means, many animals instinctively flee, triggering a fight-or-flight response that can cause even the most well-behaved, calm pet to bolt through fencing, break free from a leash or escape through an open door.

Preparation before the holiday weekend is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your pet.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July:

Preparation before the fireworks and festivities is the best way to protect your pets from stress, injury, and getting lost.

1. Update Identification

Collar & ID tag: Ensure your pet’s collar has a properly fitted ID tag with your current phone number and address.
Microchip: Log in to your pet’s microchip registry and confirm contact info is up to date.
Photo: Keep a recent photo of your pet in case you need to post a lost pet notice.

2. Create a Safe, Quiet Space

Bring pets indoors before fireworks start, especially dogs that usually stay outside.
Give your pet a long walk or play session earlier in the day to reduce baseline anxiety
Talk to your veterinarian in advance if your pet has a history of severe noise phobia; there are safe, effective options that can help
Set up a quiet room away from windows, with soft bedding, familiar toys, and calming music or white noise.
Keep curtains and blinds closed to reduce flashing light exposure.

3. Manage Fireworks Anxiety

Walk your dog before dark to reduce baseline stress.
Talk to your vet about calming aids (pheromone diffusers, compression wraps, sedatives if appropriate) for pets with severe noise phobia.
Stay close to your pet during loud moments; your presence is reassuring.

4. Prevent Losses

Lock all doors, dog doors, and backyard gates.
If you must be away, play music or white noise to mask sounds.
Crate-trained pets should be in their crate; never remove their collar all night.

5. Keep an Eye on Food & Hazards

Keep your pet away from the grill to avoid burns, grease, and toxic foods like bones, chocolate, onions, grapes, alcohol, and fatty meats.
Ask guests not to feed your pet; supervise if they’re in the kitchen.
Provide safe chew toys or frozen treats as distraction.

6. Heat Safety

Avoid peak heat hours; walk or play in early morning or late evening.
Provide shade, fresh water, and monitor for signs of overheating (excessive panting, drooling, lethargy).

7. Water & Pool Safety

If swimming, supervise closely and use a pet life jacket.
Rinse your pet with fresh water after swimming to remove pool chemicals.

8. During the fireworks

Bring all pets indoors, including dogs that typically spend time outside
Set up a quiet, comfortable space in an interior room away from windows
Play calming music or white noise at a steady volume to help muffle the sounds outside
Again, Stay close to your pet if possible; your presence is genuinely reassuring

QUOTE FOR THURSDAY:

Jul2

“FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Many states outlaw most fireworks, so consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers or silly string instead. If you choose to set fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never use fireworks around pets, keep pets indoors!”

American Red Cross (Tips to Help You Have a Safe 4th of July)