CENTENNIAL, Colo., Aug. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — AlloSource, one of the nation’s largest providers of skin, bone and soft tissue allografts for use in surgical procedures and the world’s largest processor of cellular bone allografts, worked with NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on microbial research that could help improve medical care for astronauts in space.

AlloSource collaborated with NASA and JPL scientists on a study to characterize the effects of zero gravity on antibiotic resistant genes in microorganisms taken from the International Space Station (ISS).  In this role, AlloSource assisted in describing antimicrobial capabilities of microbes isolated from the ISS.

The study, titled Targeted Amplification of Antibiotic Resistant Genes Associated with the International Space Station Environment, investigates the impact of zero gravity on microbes by looking at the change in resistance over time compared to similar strains on earth. The ongoing project will help NASA and JPL scientists and medical staff to more efficiently prescribe antibiotics on the ISS.

In addition to participating in the study, AlloSource continues to leverage technologies developed by NASA and JPL for assembly and launch operations of various Mars missions – specifically, rapid molecular microbial burden measurement and genetic inventory cataloging – to advance microbial research in tissue processing.

“This work with NASA and JPL on microbial research efforts aligns with our commitment to improve processes at AlloSource in order to fully maximize the gift of tissue donation,” said Dr. Peter Stevens, PhD, AlloSource Vice President of Development and Growth.

AlloSource will use the research on microbiological testing methods to look for new ways to rapidly detect the presence of microorganisms to benefit allograft availability for patients.

About AlloSource
AlloSource is one of the largest nonprofit cellular and tissue networks in the country, offering more than 200 types of precise cartilage, cellular, bone, skin and soft-tissue allografts to advance patient healing. For more than 20 years, AlloSource’s products have bridged the proven science of allografts with the advanced technology of cells, offering life-saving and life-enhancing possibilities in spine, sports medicine, foot and ankle, orthopedic, reconstructive, trauma and wound care procedures. As the world’s largest processor of cellular bone allografts, fresh cartilage tissue for joint repair and skin allografts to help heal severe burns, AlloSource delivers unparalleled expertise and service to its growing network of surgeons, partners, and the country’s most reputable organ procurement organizations. The company is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks and is headquartered in Centennial, CO. For more information, please visit allosource.org or our educational website, allograftpossibilities.org.

Media Contact:
Megan Duggan
AlloSource
720. 382. 2766
mduggan@allosource.org

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SOURCE AlloSource

August 22, 2016

Cincinnati, OH /PRNewswire/ – Ethicon^*, a trusted leader in advancing wound closure, announces the launch of STRATAFIX™ Spiral PDS Plus and STRATAFIX™ Spiral Monocryl Plus Knotless Tissue Control Devices. With the addition of these two new suture technologies to the STRATAFIX™ Family of Knotless Tissue Control Devices, Ethicon has established the most comprehensive and unmatched knotless suture offering available to surgeons in the U.S.

STRATAFIX™ Knotless Tissue Control Devices transforms the wound closure experience by providing unique advantages over traditional sutures. STRATAFIX™ sutures provide more strength and security, more consistency and more efficiency than traditional suturing. The portfolio of knotless sutures also enables surgeons to more easily manage tension and control tissue approximation with each pass during closure and eliminates the need to tie knots.

“I call it the suture of the future,” said James Dan Kondrup^**, M.D., Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, NY. “Any case where I can use STRATAFIX sutures, I will.”

The versatile STRATAFIX™ portfolio of knotless sutures will help surgeons to achieve the optimal clinical outcome for each tissue type, from skin and fat layers to fascia^*** and organs. STRATAFIX™ Spiral Plus sutures boast exceptional wound holding strength while offering a smooth glide through tissue, and are available in both bidirectional and a unidirectional design with an adjustable fixation loop. These new sutures are made with proprietary polymers, premium needles and Plus antibacterial coating that continue to deliver the optimal wound closure experience surgeons and health care practitioners expect from Ethicon.

“With more than 60 years of experience, Ethicon has become synonymous with surgical sutures,” said Liza Ovington, Franchise Medical Director for Ethicon. “Ethicon will continue to innovate in wound closure working to provide solutions that elevate the standard of care for surgeons and the patients they serve.”

STRATAFIX™ Knotless Tissue Control Devices can address tissue repair needs in a broad range of surgical specialties including orthopaedic, plastic, gynecological, general, bariatric, colorectal, and urological procedures. Additional information about the Ethicon STRATAFIX™ portfolio can be found here:

http://www.ethicon.com/healthcare-professionals/products/wound-closure/tissue-control-devices

About Ethicon^*
From creating the first sutures, to revolutionizing surgery with minimally invasive procedures, Ethicon has made significant contributions to surgery for more than 60 years. Our continuing dedication to Shape the Future of Surgery is built on our commitment to help address the world’s most pressing health care issues, and improve and save more lives. Through Ethicon’s surgical technologies and solutions including sutures, staplers, energy devices, trocars and hemostats and our commitment to treat serious medical conditions like obesity and cancer worldwide, we deliver innovation to make a life-changing impact. Learn more at www.ethicon.com, and follow us on Twitter @Ethicon.

^*Ethicon, Inc. is the legal manufacturer of STRATAFIX™ Sutures.
^**James Kondrup is a paid consultant of Ethicon.
^***Fascia indication for STRATAFIX™ Symmetric PDS™ Plus only.

For complete indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions, please reference full package insert.

SOURCE: Ethicon

Copyright 2016 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Celling Biosciences, the foremost pioneer in point-of-care cell therapies, is opening an international office in Curitiba, Brazil, one of the largest medical markets in the world. Combined with Mexican sales that continue to grow, company leaders are confident that this new office will build a bright future for cell therapies in all of South America.