The Latest News: January 2017

Looking Forward: What to Expect in 2017

The Napa Medical Research Foundation is working to broaden the scope and capacity of Dr. Bodor’s research in the coming year. Based on the strong results to-date, we are confident these improvements will help yield new discoveries and further our mission.

RESEARCH PROJECTS & LAB IMPROVEMENTS

• Investigate the use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as an alternative to cement injections for osteoporotic compression fractures
• Develop a patentable platelet-rich lysate growth factor solution
• Increase lab and office space by 300 square feet
• Learn bone marrow stem cell techniques
• Acquire a dedicated research ultrasound machine
• Enlist the part-time assistance of a Lab Technician
• Initiate a pilot trial for a study of Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease based on a new treatment developed through the Sever’s Study
• Prove the effectiveness of a hybrid ultrasound-fluoroscopy guided technique for platelet-rich plasma injections
• Explore the development of an ultra-minimally invasive technique for ulnar nerve decompression

With your support, we are making meaningful contributions to the advancement of regenerative medicine by sharing our developments for less invasive, more effective treatments and procedures with the broad medical community.

Originally invented in 1850, the Inversion Fluorescence Microscope is a combination of a conventional optical microscope and a reflected fluorescence illuminator. More recent improvements in fluorescent observation techniques have expanded its use to the fields of cellular and molecular biology. A highly sensitive machine, it is capable of detecting and visualizing substances and structures, their movement and location, and changes in the brightness and color.

The State of the Art in Microscopy

The Inversion Fluorescent Microscope allows Dr. Bodor and his researchers to observe and study specific characteristics of tissue, muscle and nerve samples at the cellular level. Enlisting the assistance of Ryan Dregalla, Head Consultant at Dregalla Medical Technologies, an AMG EVOS FL was acquired in December, giving them a prominent edge over many other research facilities.

Owing to the fact an Inversion Fluorescent Microscope captures high quality images at the cellular level with exceptional accuracy and academic lab grade clarity, this acquisition removes the need to consult an expert in Microscopy while still yielding publishable results. By using light to contrast the image of the constituent, the microscope can be programmed to read a variety of dyes and pre-determined cell markers. The resulting images provide highly specific information about each cell in the sample. When applied to stem cell research, the image can verify whether or not a given cell is alive or dead – information that is critical to the effectiveness of that cell in an injection treatment.

Individual cells can also be identified and counted, allowing the researchers to quantify the number of stem cells harvested through various techniques to determine the most effective method. In similar fashion, a specific concentration of platelets can be targeted yielding the most beneficial delivery of healing and growth factors.

As the research team builds on their observations, they are also building a vital database of information that will support current research projects and lead to new and exciting discoveries. The concept of establishing a protocol for ensuring maximum efficacy in stem cell harvesting is already under investigation. Now they can explore the parameters in-house, with increased flexibility and more immediate results.

The Inversion Fluorescent Microscope was specifically purchased with growth and adaptation in mind. Dr. Dregalla shares, “It has the capacity to grow with the development of innovative new approaches and increased research scope. The machine will not need to be upgraded. Instead, they can identify specific research needs and outfit the machine accordingly.” The Napa Medical Research Foundation is proud to provide this state of the art equipment to Dr. Bodor and his researchers so they may continue their necessary work in advancing regenerative medicine.

With Our Sincere Thanks!

2016 has certainly been an exciting year for the Foundation. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the generous support of donors from across the community and our Board of Directors. Our deepest appreciation for their belief in the future of regenerative medicine, in the vital necessity of the important work Dr. Bodor and his researchers are performing here in Napa, and in the Foundation’s vision.