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Divisions Emerge Among Democrats Lawmakers, Business Groups
As the health care debate intensifies, divisions among lawmakers, competing lobbies and interest groups are increasingly tense. "The health care battle in Congress is getting hotter, fueled by growing opposition to taxing health insurance benefits, mandating small-business coverage and cutting Medicare payments and by creeping doubts about a public plan for the uninsured. And this is just among Democrats," the Washington Times reports. Notably, last week the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of conservative Democrats, objected to the cost of an anticipated House reform proposal and said it would hurt small businesses, a key constituency already reeling from the recession. The objection stalled the House, which delayed releasing the proposal (Lambro, 7/14).

Quality Of GP Consultations Drives High Patient Satisfaction, UK
Being given enough time with a GP and feeling that their problems are taken seriously are the most important factor in patients" satisfaction with their local surgery, according to new data out today. The GP Patient Survey, the biggest healthcare survey of its kind, found that overall satisfaction with surgeries was high at 91%, but there is still room for improvement in accessing GP services, especially getting through on the phone and being able to make appointments more than 48 hours in advance.
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Cholesterol-Regulating Genes Identified By Scientists
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the University of Heidelberg, Germany, have come a step closer to understanding how cholesterol levels are regulated. In a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, the researchers identified 20 genes that are involved in this process. Besides giving scientists a better idea of where to look to uncover the mechanisms that ensure cholesterol balance is maintained, the discovery could lead to new treatments for cholesterol-related diseases.
Cardiovascular

ViraCor Laboratories Launches Ultrasensitive JC Virus Test

ViraCor Laboratories, the leader in molecular diagnostic testing for infectious diseases, announced the launch of a new ultrasensitive molecular test to detect JC Virus in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The second JCV test to be developed in ViraCor"s laboratories, the ultrasensitive JCV PCR test can accurately detect the virus in a patient sample with as few as 25 viral copies per milliliter of sample. "The need for ultrasensitive JC virus testing exists within the clinical setting as well as within pharmaceutical clinical trials," said Steve Kleiboeker, PhD, chief scientific officer of ViraCor. "The ability to detect extremely low levels of JC virus is critical to saving lives because it can progress to a fatal viral infection of the brain, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy or PML. We are pleased to be able to add this life-saving test to our menu." Discovered in 1971, JCV is a human polyomavirus that is able to establish a latent infection in certain tissues throughout the body once a person has acquired the virus. The majority of the population has antibodies for JCV, but the virus remains latent in most people throughout their lives. JCV can become active and cause serious problems in patients with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, those who have undergone organ transplantation and people taking certain classes of prescription medications. JCV causes Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), an extremely serious viral infection that causes destruction of certain types of cells within the brain. Symptoms of PML generally evolve over time and are typically related to the location of damage within the brain. The most common symptoms include clumsiness, weakness and visual and speech impairments. Up to 80 percent of those with PML die within six months of contracting the disease. Those who survive PML can be left with severe neurological disabilities. Since there is no antiviral medication available to treat PML, it is important to diagnose the disease as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. "ViraCor Laboratories is at the forefront of helping physicians and healthcare organizations quickly detect viruses and other pathogens so they can proceed with the right treatment and prevent further complications," said John Martin, president of ViraCor. "The development of this new ultrasensitive JCV test aligns with our commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients. Providing quick, accurate results when diagnosing JCV is especially critical for the immunocompromised patient population we serve." The development of the JCV ultrasensitive assay is not only important for patients, but for ViraCor"s Custom Testing Services clients as well. ViraCor conducts research for organizations that perform clinical trials or research studies and has partnered with a range of hospitals, universities, research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies around the world that need molecular infectious disease and immunology testing expertise and services. To date, ViraCor has completed 25 JCV trials and has 14 ongoing. The company also has conducted studies involving adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and BK virus. ViraCor provides a range of novel infectious disease testing for these pathogens in addition to several others such as enterovirus, herpes simplex and several respiratory viruses, from metapneumovirus to influenza. For more information about ViraCor"s menu of tests, visit http://www.viracor.com. ViraCor Laboratories


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