Omega-3 Supplements Helping Clinical Depression

September 14th, 2010

Encouraging results from the largest clinical study ever conducted on treating depression with Omega-3

Montreal, June 21, 2010

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil Capsules

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil Capsules

The use of Omega-3 supplements is effective among patients with major depression who do not have anxiety disorders, according to a study directed by Dr. François Lespérance of the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier at the Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), head of CHUM’s Department of Psychiatry and a professor at the Université de Montréal. The study was published June 15 in the online Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

This was the largest study ever conducted assessing Omega-3′s efficacy in treating major depression. It was carried out in conjunction with researchers from centres affiliated with the UdM’s Réseau universitaire intégré de santé (RUIS), from McGill University, Université Laval in Quebec City and Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. The study was supported by the European firm isodisnatura, the Fondation du CHUM and the CRCHUM.

Initial analyses failed to clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of Omega-3 for all patients taking part in the study. Other analyses, however, revealed that Omega-3 improved depression symptoms in patients diagnosed with depression unaccompanied by an anxiety disorder. Efficacy for these patients was comparable to that generally observed with conventional antidepressant treatment.

From October 2005 to January 2009, 432 male and female participants with major unipolar depression were recruited to take part in this randomized, double-blind study (neither patients nor researchers knew which capsules patients received). For eight weeks, half of the participants took three capsules per day of OM3 Emotional Balance, a fish oil supplement containing high concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The other half took three identical capsules of a placebo consisting of sunflower oil, flavoured with a small quantity of fish oil. In contrast with typical clinical studies designed to assess the effectiveness of antidepressants, this study included a high proportion of patients with complex and difficult-to-treat conditions, including patients resistant to conventional antidepressant treatments and patients also suffering from an anxiety disorder. The aim was to assess the value of Omega-3 supplementation in a group of individuals more like those treated in outpatient clinics.

Need to assess the impact of Omega-3 supplements

Some 11% of men and 16% of women in Canada will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives, making this disorder one of our society’s leading public health issues. Depression, which is now the world’s fourth leading cause of morbidity and death is expected to move up to the number two position by 2020. “Despite significant progress in neuroscience over the past two decades, depression is difficult to treat,” Dr. Lespérance noted. In view of the large number of patients who stop taking their medications in the first few months of treatment and those who refuse such treatment due to fear of stigmatization or side effects, it comes as no surprise that a large number of patients suffering from major depression use alternative treatments offered outside the healthcare system. “Many of these treatments have not been adequately evaluated. That is why it was important to assess the efficacy of Omega-3, one of the most popular alternative approaches,” he added.

Epidemiological and neurobiological studies have suggested that a relative deficit in polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega-3 group may predispose individuals to psychological disorders such as depression. Further, several preliminary clinical studies based on small numbers of patients have suggested that Omega-3 supplements with high concentrations of EPA can help to reduce symptoms of depression among patients who fail to respond to an initial antidepressant treatment. These studies have not, however, convinced the entire scientific community. A broader study was needed to acquire further knowledge about the properties and efficacy of high-quality Omega-3 supplements among patients suffering from major depression.

“We are proud that OM3 Emotional Balance, with its high concentration of EPA at unexcelled levels of purity delivers the dose of EPA needed for effective treatment,” said Claire Bertin, head pharmacist for isodisnatura, the laboratory producing the Omega-3 supplement used in the study.

It is important to note that the study assessed use of Omega-3 for eight weeks, at doses of 1050 mg of EPA and 150 mg of DHA each day. It is currently unknown whether taking higher doses or taking supplements over a longer period would yield different results.

These encouraging results show that use of EPA is effective among patients with unipolar depression unaccompanied by an anxiety disorder. Additional research directly comparing Omega-3 with conventional antidepressants could more clearly confirm their usefulness for patients suffering from depression.

The Efficacy of Omega-3 Supplementation for Major Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial, The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry-François Lespérance, MD, PhD; Nancy Frasure-Smith, PhD; Élise St-André, MD; Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD; Paul Lespérance, MD, MSc; and Stephen R. Wisniewski, PhD.

Source: DigitalJournal.com

An Important Note from A-M B-Well about the Above Study:

From the Desk of Graeme George
Chief Financial Officer and International Sales Co-ordinator
A-M B-Well Inc. and AM B-Well International

I have put many hours of research into this important study re Depression which was published on June 15 in the online Journal of Clinical Psychiatry using the brand OM3 Emotional Balance by Isodisnatura, a European firm, and I have made the following observations:

Isodisnatura’s website is financially funded by a pharmaceutical company called Pfizer Canada so I wonder if the study was also funded by Pfizer Canada…Food for thought?

Over an 8 week period specialized groups of men and women suffering from unipolar depression, without anxiety disorders, were given either a placebo or 3 capsules daily of OM3 Emotional Balance (“OM3″) that provided  1050 mg. of EPA and 150 mg. of DHA, all in ethyl ester (EE) form which is a synthetic form vs. a triglyceride (TG) natural form.  Based on one of their resellers’ sites in the U.S. called CVS Pharmacy, the price of 60 capsules of OM3 is listed at US$24.69.

So if one compares like-for-like and compares 60 capsules of OM3 to 90 capsules of A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO (“AMB Well Omega-3″) capsules, the price for 90 capsules of OM3 would become US$36.04 in comparison to US$25.75 for AMB Well Omega-3 capsules.  If one then factors in the bioavailability of a pharmaceutical grade fish oil in EE (synthetic) form vs. a TG (natural) form of Omega-3, the difference in price of OM3 would be 1/3 more compared to AMB Well Omega-3 bringing OM3′s cost up to US$48.05 for the same effective dose as AMB Well Omega-3 at US$25.75.  FYI:  A highly concentrated triglyceride base fish oil  is put through an exclusive 6-step manufacturing process for extracting the Omega-3s from the fish oil and refining them vs. a 5-step manufacturing process for a highly concentrated ethyl ester base fish oil.  This exclusive 6-step manufacturing process for the triglyceride base fish oil is also much more expensive than the 5-step manufacturing process for the ethyl ester base fish oil.  It makes you wonder who is making all that extra money??  You can read more about TG vs EE and the studies that support it at http://www.anne-marie.ca/fishoil.html under Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil Standards.

Then we look at the EPA and DHA.

The EPA for 3 capsules of OM3, their claim to fame, is 1050 mg. daily costing US$1.60.

The EPA for 3 capsules of AMB Well Omega-3 is 1200 mg. daily costing $0.86c which is far better value. The true cost of EPA per gm. of AMB Well Omega-3 is less than half the cost of OM3!!

Obviously, with a 7.5:1 EPA/DHA ratio, OM3 is hopelessly deficient in DHA which is ALSO an EFA (essential fatty acid) required for overall health.

Conclusion: Certainly, the study using the OM3 brand has proven that EPA is significant in treating unipolar depression without an anxiety disorder, but to purchase an UNBALANCED product at a huge price premium per gm of EPA  makes no sense.  Further, OM3′s product is not third party tested by IFOS, although it does say they get independent testing periodically, but does not name the independent party.  EVERY batch of  AMB Well Omega-3 is third party tested by IFOS www.ifosprogram.com and receives a 5-star Certificate of Analysis that is posted under Consumer Reports on the Internet.

We at A-M B-Well Inc. recommend the ideal ratio of pharmaceutical grade fish oil be in a triglyceride form of 40:20TG (EPA/DHA) to treat not only depression, but heart health, high blood pressure, lipid profiles, brain and memory and do not require several brands offering differing ratios of EPA and DHA to treat a multitude of diseases.  The only thing you are treating is a deficiency in cash!!  All of the EPA and DHA is  provided for in our A-M B-Well Inc. pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil, the best fish oil in the world, with the best prices and a 5-star Certificate of Analysis for EVERY batch provided. You can follow this topic on our Omega-3 Wellness Forums.

September 14, 2010

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Omega-3 fatty acids may help PMS pain

August 6th, 2010

 

Fish Oil Capsules

Fish Oil Caps

Overview

Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids—essential fats the body can’t manufacture on its own. In addition to cardiovascular, brain function and mood benefits, fish oil may help prevent or alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). According to women’s health expert Christiane Northrup, M.D., over 60% of women experience PMS symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, breast tenderness and mood swings. Obtaining fish oil through food and/or supplements may reduce these symptoms and promote overall wellness.

Benefits

Since fish oil is associated with reduced bodily inflammation, regular consumption may prevent or alleviate bloating and pain caused by PMS. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), women who take fish oil supplements regularly report fewer menstrual cramps than women who do not. The omega-3 fats present in fish oil also improve brain function, which contribute to mood balance and emotional health. For this reason, fish oil may help reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings associated with PMS.

Sources

Fish oil known to ease PMS symptoms and promote overall wellness stems from coldwater, or “fatty” fish, including salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout, sardines, herring, halibut and mackerel. According to the UMMC, fish oil supplements may provide equal benefits. Strict vegetarians or vegans and anyone who prefers not to eat fish or fish products can reap omega-3 benefits from alternate sources, such as ground flaxseed, walnuts, flaxseed oil and canola oil.

Dosage

For best results in reducing PMS symptoms through fish oil, a woman may opt to consume coldwater fish at least twice weekly and/or take daily fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements contain both healthy acids that fatty fish provide–EPA (eicosapentaenoic) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The UMMC suggests basing fish oil dosage on EPA and DHA content rather than amount of fish oil contained for best results. Standard fish oil supplement provide approximately 180 mg (milligrams) of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. The UMMC recommends a maximum daily dosage of 3 grams of fish oil for most adults, as excessive intake can increase bleeding.

Time Frame

The time required for fish oil supplements to provide benefits varies among women. However, regular intake is suggested, as fish oil taken once in a while or only at the start of menstruation is less likely to provide benefits. 

Suggestions

Fish oil and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain are recommended for women who regularly experience PMS symptoms and as a means of promoting women’s wellness in general. Northrup suggests regular intake of essential fatty acids through foods—such as nuts, seeds and coldwater fish—in addition to fish oil supplements, for many women. Regular physical activity, a nutrient-rich diet sufficient in calories, reducing caffeine intake and relaxation techniques may also prevent, reduce or alleviate symptoms. Severe PMS symptoms may indicate underlying medical conditions. For this reason, PMS symptoms that detract from a woman’s ability to function normally should be addressed with a health care provider.

References
* Dr. Northrup: Premenstrual Syndrome Facts and Treatment
* University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Facts and Dosage
* Lipids in Health and Disease; Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the mental health profession; Alan C. Logan; Nov. 2004.

You can get your Ultra Refined Omega-3 Fatty Acids from A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO Capsules and Liquid Form.  A-M B-Well Omega-3 Fish Oil Products have been through 6 manufacturing processes so that the fish oil is virtually contaminant-free.  Each capsule contains 400 mg. of EPA and 200 mg. of DHA which is twice the amount of Omega-3s found in regular fish oil containing 180 mg. of EPA and 120 mg. of DHA.

Click here to order the highest-quality 5 star fish oil in the World.

Some Tips on Taking Omega-3 Liquid Gold

June 25th, 2010

You could put the 2 teaspoons into a shooter glass and drink it down like a shooter!  My daughter gave my 2 1/2 year old grandson one-half teaspoon yesterday in a syringe.  At first he didn’t like it, then he started licking his lips and said “yummy, this is Grandma’s fish oil”.  We sure have come a long way from the cod liver oil days.  That is a good sign!!  You can also mix the oil with a dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and put on your salad.  Mixing it in with a fruit smoothie will also work; however, the quickest way to take it is by simply swallowing it down…

You can bite into citrus fruit before you take the liquid oil, or once you have swallowed the liquid, you will have a taste of mandarin orange in your mouth.  Because our Omega-3 Liquid Gold is triglyceride (TG – natural), rather than ethyl esther (EE – ethyl esther), it is thicker in texture.  I ensure that there is no fish oil on my lips by wiping with a napkin so I am not walking around smelling like a sardine.  I then take a drink or bite into something and the taste is completely gone.  If I get any oil on my hands, I wash immediately because you will start to smell it on your hands once it hits the air.  This is because there is no gelatin capsule to protect the oil from oxidation.

Also ensure that you are taking the fish oil with a meal, as the liquid will enter the bloodstream a lot faster, because your body does not have to breakdown the gelatin capsule first.  It takes approximately 60 minutes for a capsule to dissolve.

Well I know this is more than what you asked for, but it’s just some tips I have found that work.  Please let me know what you think of the Omega-3 Liquid Gold once you receive it.

Click here to order the highest-quality 5 star fish oil in the World.

Introducing A-M B-Well Omega-3 Liquid Gold!

June 24th, 2010
A-M B-Well™ Omega-3 Liquid Gold

Click for Large View

A-M B-Well inc. is thrilled to introduce its newest product called A-M B-Well™ Omega-3 Liquid Gold! It is a welcome addition to the A-M B-Well Inc. product line.

Omega-3 Liquid Gold is identical to our Omega-3 PGFO capsules (as they are both triglyceride *40:20 TG) except that it is in liquid form and has a natural mandarin orange taste.  It is manufactured exclusively for A-M B-Well Inc. by the same manufacturer as its Omega-3 PGFO capsules.  It has also been third party tested according to parameters established by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (“CRN”) and the World Health Organization (“WHO”) for its potency and purity by the International Fish Oil Standards Program (“IFOS”) http://www.ifosprogram.com and receives a 5 star rating under Lot 21824.

We are now in the process of updating our shopping carts. To find out how to order your Omega-3 Liquid Gold, please click our Main Order Page for more exciting information.

Click here to order the highest-quality 5 star fish oil in the World.

Fish Oil 101 – Get the Basics

June 14th, 2010

There are three types of fish oil:

  • Cod liver oil
  • Health grade fish oil
  • Pharmaceutical grade fish oil (“PGFO”)

What is Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil?

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil standards are as follows:

  • At least 60% of the long-chain fatty acids must consist of EPA and DHA (40:20 TG).
  • AA/EPA ratio must be less than .04.
  • PCBs per gram of oil should have a much lower level of 45 ppb.

Omega-3 PGFO

Omega-3 PGFO

A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO is a highly concentrated triglyceride base fish oil that uses only the finest quality raw materials of fish oils from ocean fish like anchovies, mackerel and sardines. The oil is then put through an exclusive 6-step manufacturing process for extracting the Omega-3s from the fish oil and refining them. In numerous studies, the absorption of Omega-3 fatty acids in their natural triglyceride form are superior to the synthetic ethyl ester form that is common in other concentrated Omega-3 products. Each bottle contains 90 capsules. Each 1,000 mg. capsule contains a minimum of *400 mg. of EPA and *200 mg. of DHA (both as triglyceride, TG), for a minimum summed total of 600 mg. of Omega-3s per capsule.  The remaining 400 mg. is made up of glycerin, purified water, and 10 I.U.s of Vitamin E for oxidative stability.  Our pharmaceutical grade fish oil has been purified using advanced molecular distillation to make it virtually contamination free of PCB’s, mercury, dioxins, and furans, often  present in related products containing Omega-3 fatty acids. Our pharmaceutical grade fish oil is also gluten free!

How to Select 5 Star Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil:

  • Check that your bottle of pharmaceutical grade fish oil has a Lot Number that has been posted on an official IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) consumer report site such as IFOS.
  • Check to ensure that you are buying a TG (natural) PGFO and not an EE (synthetic) PGFO.
  • Check the ingredient label to ensure that the pharmaceutical grade fish oil has a 60% Omega-3 concentration and complies with the CRN and WHO standards.
  • Ask your supplier for a Certificate of Analysis and look for its 5 star rating to confirm that the pharmaceutical grade fish oil has exceeded these international standards.

A Certificate of Analysis for each batch of A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO has been posted at IFOS under Consumer Reports.

If you would like to read more about Fish Oil Oil please visit my website Anne-Marie.ca. You will find it full of information.


Where to get your Omega-3 PGFO:

Click here for our Main Order Page for Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil and Liquid.

Return to FishOil Blog.ca

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Is Your Fish Oil Safe?

June 1st, 2010

Dear Friend,

Omega-3 fatty acids are also called essential fatty acids (“EFAs”).  As with some vitamins, the body cannot synthesize Omega-3s so therefore they must be introduced with the diet.

Recently published clinical literature has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can:

  • Lower total cholesterol and increase good cholesterol “HDL”, helping to keep the heart healthy
  • Reduce  triglycerides to 40%
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improve memory, concentration and learning
  • Keep  skin healthy and vital and fight aging
  • Fight the formation of thrombi
  • Reduce the risk of heart attack
  • Lower the risk for some cancers
  • Decrease symptoms of angina and heart palpitations
  • Be helpful in pregnancy
  • Improve mood and fight depression
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Improve the symptoms of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, ADD, ADHD, Crohn’s disease or lupus, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, premenstrual syndrome and painful periods
  • Reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes
  • Make cell membranes more fluid, prevent stiffness and deterioration (replacing saturated fats)
  • Be useful for the hormonal system
  • Help the body to maintain its temperature

The best diet is one that is rich in fish, preferably small in size, at the bottom of the food chain.  This will help prevent contamination from mercury, PCB’s and other toxins in medium to large fish.

The minimum daily requirement of Omega-3s as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (“FAO”) is 1.5% of daily caloric needs.  For example, if you consume 1,800 kcal per day of food, you should ingest at least 3 grams of Omega-3s.  This amount is hard to reach because foods rich in these fats are not very attractive, and not everyone wants or can eat fish every day.  If you cannot reach the recommended daily amount of Omega-3s from food, it then becomes crucial to choose an Omega-3 supplement.

Is It Enough to Buy Pills at the Supermarket?

Read the rest of this entry »

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Omega-3 fatty acid kills cancer cells in mice

May 30th, 2010

An omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils has shown some promise to reduce the size of tumours and enhance the positive effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, while limiting its harmful side effects.

A. M. El-Mowafy, a professor at Mansoura University in Egypt, studied the effects of the fatty acid Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) on solid tumours growing in mice.

The researcher also studied how this fatty acid interacts with the drug cisplatin, which is known to cause kidney damage.

El-Mowafy said: “DHA elicited prominent chemopreventive effects on its own, and appreciably augmented those of cisplatin as well. Furthermore, this study is the first to reveal that DHA can obliterate lethal cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and renal tissue injury.”

Cold-water fish oil and some vegetable oils are known to be rich in DHA.

This fatty acid is a major component of brain grey matter and of the retina in most mammalian species.

It is considered to be essential for normal neurological and cellular developments.

The authors said: “While DHA has been tentatively linked with protection against cardiovascular, neurological and neoplastic diseases, there exists a paucity of research information, in particular regarding its interactions with existing chemotherapy drugs”.

During the study, the researchers found that DHA acts by reducing white blood cell accumulation, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress at the molecular level.

The finding attains significance as all these processes have been linked with tumour growth.

El-Mowafy and his colleagues have called for greater deployment of omega-3 in the fight against cancer.

They write: “Our results suggest a new, fruitful drug regimen in the management of solid tumours based on combining cisplatin, and possibly other chemotherapeutics, with DHA.”

The study has been published in the open access journal Cell Division. (ANI)

Source

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Fish Oil and Acne

May 14th, 2010

Does Fish Oil Help?

One of my friends has acne and I suggested he try some fish oil. It has been about 7 months now and we can both see the difference in his face. He seems to be much happier as well.

Needless to say I had him start with the best pharmaceutical brand I know; Omega-3 PGFO Fish Oil from A-M B-Well inc.

My Research on Fish Oil and Acne.

Hormonal disturbance in our body causes many health conditions and one of these is acne. Fish oil and acne are related to each other because of the presence of fatty acids in fish oil which can be helpful in the prevention as well as cure of acne. Two essential fatty acids – DHA and EPA – are broken down in the body to make other substances, such as prostaglandins. These substances prevent the formation of excess sebum in the hair follicles present throughout the human body, and as a result prevent acne from being emerging out.

Doctors and dermatologists recommend increasing the intake of fish oil with acne. Although eating fish directly can also help prevent acne, but this is not usually advised by health experts across the globe. A healthy alternative is to buy fish oil supplements containing adequate percentages of DHA, EPA and even some other substances like vitamin E and antioxidants. These nutritional supplements are not only helpful in the prevention of acne, but are also important for your overall health and well-being.

If you are allergic to fish, you can consume flax seed oil to obtain another essential fatty acid by the name of ALA. This acid is converted into DHA and EPA in the body and can be used for many important functions. Some other vegetable oils are also recommended to people who are overweight or cannot consume fish oil with acne.

Cod liver oil, although a very rich source of DHA and EPA also contains high amounts of vitamin A and D. Excess of vitamin A in the body can also cause acne. If you experience acne because of the intake of certain oily foods and chocolate, try taking in pharmaceutical grade fish oil. I have seen it work.

Good healing!

Click here to order the highest-quality 5 star fish oil in the World.

Fish Oil Helps the Skin

February 16th, 2010

There are many beauty products on the market today that promise this and promise that, but the only thing they do is empty your pocket book!

Consumers need to do some homework before they run out and buy any type of supplement or beauty aid.

As this article reads, Many Beauty Products’ Claims are Only Skin Deep. As I have always said the “proof is in the pudding”.

According to an article in USA Today by Cindy Clark:

•Beauty vitamins. Beauty in a bottle? “I was really skeptical at first, but there are scientific studies that prove that a number of supplements can make a difference,” Wells says. For instance, “the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help with under-eye puffiness.” Try a premixed pack or individual vitamins, such as niacin for acne or fish oil.

I have been supplementing with pharmaceutical grade fish oil since 2001, and I am what you would call a guinea pig.

I can attest to some of the wonders that Omega 3 has done for my skin. My skin is never dry (even in the winter). I used to suffer from mild outbreaks of acne on my chin and since supplementation with pharmaceutical grade fish oil, that has disappeared.

At night time I use a little bit of Vitamin E oil under my eyes. There’s nothing like enriching your skin with a very important antioxidant.

My nails are also very strong from the Omega 3s whereas before I used to have problems with them breaking and being brittle.

My lipid profiles are incredible, but that’s another blog.

Source: Many Beauty Products’ Claims are only Skin Deep

Anne-Marie
The Proof is in the Pudding
Click here to order the highest-quality 5 star fish oil in the World.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

December 10th, 2009

Here is yet another amazing scientific discovery of the miracles of Omega-3:

A study was done by the Neuroscience Centre, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, St. Bartholomew’s and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a cause of major neurological disability, and no satisfactory treatment is currently available. Evidence suggests that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could target some of the pathological mechanisms that underlie damage after SCI.

Read the rest of this entry »

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