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Redefining How A Chronic Auto-Immune Disease Is Diagnosed
New research from Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience (JHN) may redefine how Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is diagnosed. Eduardo De Sousa, M.D., assistant professor of Neurology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, and director of the Electrodiagnostic Neuromuscular Lab at JHN, led the study which looked at the number of demyelinating features that are needed to differentiate between CIDP, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig"s disease) and diabetic neuropathy. His research suggests a minimum number of three demyelinating features can be used to positively identify CIDP in a patient. CIDP is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. It affects about 50,000 people in the United States. The study, available in the current edition of the Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease, may help doctors more effectively diagnose and treat CIDP.

Alzheimer's Society Comment On New Tau Tangle Research
Tau protein tangles are found in the brains of people with a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer"s.
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Advocates Express Concern About Embryonic Stem Cell Research Guidelines As Comment Period Closes
Supporters of embryonic stem cell research have expressed concern about the impact on existing research efforts under the Obama administration"s draft guidelines outlining criteria for federal funding of stem cell research, the Washington Post reports. The public comment period for the guidelines ends Tuesday and has generated more than 20,000 comments addressing nearly every element of the proposal. The guidelines, which NIH issued in April, propose limiting federal funding for the research to stem cells derived from unused embryos created for fertility treatments and willingly donated by patients who have given written consent. Former President George W. Bush in August 2001 enacted restrictions limiting federal funding for the research to the 21 stem cell lines existing at the time. Although President Obama in March signed an executive order lifting Bush"s restrictions, some proponents of embryonic stem cell research have suggested that Obama"s plan could actually jeopardize many existing research efforts. The Obama administration is expected to issue its final version of the guidelines by July 7, the Post reports.After Bush restricted federal funding to the embryonic stem cell lines already in existence, many researchers turned to private donors and state governments for the financial support to create hundreds of new lines. Although supporters of the research initially were pleased that the Obama administration"s guidelines would allow federal funding for research on these new existing lines, some are now concerned that certain stipulations in the new guidelines could actually disqualify these research efforts from receiving federal funding. For example, NIH"s proposal requires that couples who wish to donate unused embryos for research sign a consent form indicating that they were fully informed of their alternatives. Although many fertility clinics provide information for couples about their other options, few clinics note these details in written consent forms, according to the Post. Therefore, existing stem cell lines derived from embryos donated by couples who did not sign the required consent forms could be ineligible under NIH"s draft proposal, the Post reports. In addition, many stem cell research supporters also expressed disappointment that only unused embryos created for fertility treatments would be eligible for federal funding.George Daley of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute said that the Obama administration"s guidelines "take 2009 standards and attempt to apply them retroactively, which isn"t really a standard that would allow most of the pre-existing lines to be acceptable for NIH funding." Lawrence Goldstein, director of the University of California-San Diego"s stem cell program, said, "It"s not that past practices were shoddy. But they don"t necessarily meet every letter of the new guidelines moving forward." Goldstein added that researchers would "have to throw everything out and start all over again" under the new proposed guidelines. Amy Comstock Rick, CEO of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, said that her group is "very concerned" about the funding prospects for existing research efforts, adding that if NIH officials do not modify the guidelines, "very little current research would be eligible" to receive federal funds. However, Raynard Kington, acting NIH director, said the agency is aware of the concerns and "will take them into consideration." He added that "it"s unambiguous that the intent of the president was to expand opportunities and research in this area," as long as such research is "scientifically worthy" and "ethically responsible" (Stein, Washington Post, 5/25).
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Fees Frozen For Doctors Completing Specialty/GP Training

The GMC and PMETB have announced that the fees for trainee doctors completing specialty/GP training - and those seeking certification via the equivalence routes - will be frozen at the current levels for 2010/11. The Government announced that PMETB would be merged with the GMC following an independent inquiry into "Modernising Medical Careers" led by Sir John Tooke. The merger aims to build on the strengths of both bodies and, once complete, will mean that for the first time, all stages of medical education and training are the responsibility of a single organisation. The GMC and PMETB are working together to ensure the merger is achieved by the planned date of 1 April 2010. The legislation, which will transfer PMETB"s power to the GMC, is currently being consulted on by the Department of Health (England). Funding for the merger has been agreed, in principle, by the Department of Health, subject to further work. GMC Chair, Professor Peter Rubin said: "I know trainees will welcome this news as it gives assurance that the fee levels will not rise in 2010/11. The full benefits of the merger will not be realised for some time - however I am pleased that the immediate economies of scale can be passed on to doctors in specialty and GP training. The merger provides an opportunity for a more radical look at the fees and the funding structure and the GMC will consult on proposals after the merger has been completed." PMETB Chair, Professor Stuart Macpherson said: "This announcement is another positive step in the journey towards PMETB"s merger with the GMC next year. It is important because it provides reassurance to trainees wishing to apply for specialist or general practice registration, that both organisations are committed to ensuring that the merger does not cause doctors any inconvenience. Most importantly it tells trainees that we are able to continue to offer a fair, thorough and expedient certificate application service with no additional costs for applicants. "Both the GMC and PMETB look forward to working towards the continued progression and development of high standards of medical training and education in the UK." The General Medical Council PMETB


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