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Massachusetts White Cane Law (Massachusetts General Laws: Chapter 90, Section 14A)
�Whenever a totally or partially blind pedestrian, guided by a guide dog or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, crosses or attempts to cross a way, the driver of every vehicle approaching the place where such pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross shall bring his vehicle to a full stop, and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian. Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or partially blind person, not carrying such a cane or walking stick or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law on pedestrians crossing ways, nor shall the failure of such blind person to carry a cane or walking stick or to be guided by a guide dog while on the ways of the Commonwealth be held to constitute or be evidence of contributory negligence. Whoever violates any provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.� October is White Cane Month.
Breakthrough for Gene-based Pharmaceutical Therapies by Tom Hoglund - Foundation Fighting Blindness
In a landmark study, published in the October issue of Nature Medicine, researchers from France substantially slowed vision loss in an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) using a commonly prescribed heart medication called diltiazem. This study represents the first time vision researchers have successfully used gene-based pharmaceutical therapy to slow the course of retinal degeneration. Gene-based pharmaceutical therapy exploits the knowledge gained from studying how a mutant gene causes cellular dysfunction and vision loss. With this knowledge, researchers can test drugs that overcome the disease process. Commenting on this major breakthrough, Dr. Gerald Chader, Chief Scientific Officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, stated, �To develop the most effective treatments, we must first understand how a healthy gene normally functions in retinal cells and how a genetic mutation leads to vision loss. Thanks to a decade of concentrated genetic research, we now know many of the mutant genes that cause retinal degeneration. Foundation researchers are now working to create similar breakthroughs for other forms of retinal degenerative disease. This study validates the Foundation's investment in genetic research.� In this particular study, researchers used an animal model called the rd mouse. The rd mouse exhibits an autosomal recessive form of RP that is also found in humans. In previous studies, Foundation researchers found that this form of RP results from a mutation in a gene called PDE beta. This gene produces a protein that is part of an enzyme called phosphodiestrase (PDE). PDE is a light-sensitive enzyme that helps regulate calcium channels in the outer membrane of photoreceptor cells. Mutations in the PDE beta gene are thought to interfere with the function of these calcium channels, which leads to photoreceptor cell degeneration and vision loss. In this study, the French scientists found that the drug diltiazem, a calcium-channel blocker known under the brand name Cardizem, partially overcame the gene defect to preserve visual function in the rd mouse. The number of functioning rod photoreceptor cells was 248 percent higher in treated mice than in the control mice who did not receive diltiazem. These results suggest that people with mutations in the PDE beta gene and possibly other mutant genes involved in the regulation of calcium transport may benefit from calcium-channel blockers such as diltiazem. However, it must be stressed that these findings are preliminary. The dosages used in the study were much higher than are commonly used for heart conditions. Furthermore, calcium channel blockers have not been tested in children and so their safety is not yet known. Clinical trials are needed to gauge the efficacy of the drug in human and to establish a safe and effective drug dosage. Nonetheless, this study offers the first exciting glimpse of a future filled with effective, sight-saving drugs.
Truro Council on Aging Transportation Services
The Truro COA Transportation program is primarily for elders and non-elders who have transportation needs for non-emergency medical appointments both on Cape and as far as the Boston or Providence vicinity. Although there are occasional trips for recreational purposes, medical passengers receive first priority. Assistance is provided by the driver. Residents from towns enroute to medical facilities are invited to use the transportation when space is available on scheduled trips. A fee is charged for non-residents of Truro. Fees are not charged for Truro residents, however, voluntary donations are gratefully accepted. Calling in advance of your appointment is recommended: 349-9525 60 Minutes Changes Schedule
As you may know by now, 60 Minutes did not air the piece on Macular Degeneration, as they announced. We have been told there are plans to air this show at one point during the coming months, however, no specific date has been announced. Keep watching.
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