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Medical Device Development: Stanford Researchers Publish Comprehensive Model
In an effort to increase understanding of the medical device development process and help companies execute the bench-to-bedside process of product development more effectively, researchers at Stanford University have published the first comprehensive model representing the medical device development process.
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Saved By Junk DNA
VIB researchers linked to K.U.Leuven and Harvard University show that stretches of DNA previously believed to be useless "junk" DNA play a vital role in the evolution of our genome. They found that unstable pieces of junk DNA help tuning gene activity and enable organisms to quickly adapt to changes in their environments. The results will be published in the reputed scientific ournal Science.
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Tiller Murder Unlikely To Stall Abortion Debate In Kansas
Antiabortion-rights legislators in Kansas plan to push for harsher restrictions on abortion when the next legislative session begins in January 2010, despite increased tensions following the murder of abortion provider George Tiller, the AP/Indianapolis Star reports.According to state House Judiciary Committee Chair Lance Kinzer (R), the debate over abortion rights should continue in the state because some laws aimed at restricting abortion access are not being enforced properly. This year, Kinzer pushed legislation (S.B. 218) to strengthen the state"s restrictions on abortions performed later in pregnancy, but the bill was vetoed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D). Gov. Mark Parkinson (D) has said his views are "very similar" to those of Sebelius on abortion rights. On Monday, he called on advocates on both sides of the issue to tone down their rhetoric. Parkinson also has said that Kansas should aim to reduce unplanned pregnancies.State Rep. Tom Sawyer (D), who supports abortion rights, said he would like to see legislators take one year off of debating the issue, adding that he thinks this is unlikely. He said, "It"d be nice to have one session where we didn"t have to debate it," adding, "People who are adamant, who keep bringing up these issues, are going to keep bringing them up. I don"t think [Tiller"s murder] is going to slow them down."However, state House Speaker Mike O"Neal (R) said tensions over abortion rights "will calm down a great deal" in the coming months. He added, "All those issues are still there. As long as the parties on both sides behave themselves and not let the rhetoric get out [of] hand, I think we can stay focused on the issues." State Sen. Tim Huelskamp (R) said that abortion-rights opponents likely will focus in the short term on the Board of Healing Arts, which licenses and regulates physicians, and the courts. A criminal case against a Planned Parenthood clinic in Johnson County, Kan., is pending (Hanna, AP/Indianapolis Star, 6/5).
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MPS Clarifies Indemnity Arrangements For GPs During A Pandemic Flu Outbreak

Medical Protection Society (MPS) GP members, who are expected to work outside of their normal duties during a pandemic flu, should feel confident that they can turn to the MPS for assistance, in the event they are subject to a clinical negligence claim or other medicolegal matter such as a complaint. Dr Nick Clements, MPS, Head of Medical Services said: "During a pandemic flu outbreak GPs may be expected to extend their current responsibilities and some retired GPs might be asked to return to clinical practice. It is crucial that there is clarity about indemnity arrangements for GPs during a pandemic flu outbreak, as different considerations apply. "We would expect doctors who are asked to extend their responsibilities in a pandemic flu outbreak to confirm with MPS or their indemnity provider that they would be indemnified for clinical negligence claims. GPs who are members of MPS and working as a GP during a pandemic flu emergency would be entitled to seek MPS indemnity and assistance in the usual way in the event that they are subject to a clinical negligence claim, complaint or other medicolegal matter. "This would apply for example if a GP was asked to care for someone at home because the nearest hospitals were full, as we would consider this to be part of their professional responsibilities during a flu pandemic." Commenting on GPs who are asked to return from retirement or work as NHS hospital staff, Dr Clements said: "There are special arrangements envisaged for GPs who are asked to return from retirement or work in NHS hospitals. "We anticipate further guidance will be published by the Department of Health in the event that these emergency measures need to be put in place. We believe that GPs who are asked to return from retirement to be an employee of a PCT should be offered an honorary NHS contract and, therefore, receive NHS indemnity. GPs who are asked to return to work as an independent contractor should contact MPS and we would be happy to arrange appropriate indemnity. "GPs - whether currently practising or retired - who are asked by the NHS to work in NHS hospitals should be offered an honorary NHS contract and, therefore, receive NHS indemnity." The GMC, in its guidance Good Medical Practice, states that in an emergency doctors must offer assistance taking account of their own safety, competence and the availability of other options for care. GPs will continue to be responsible for their own individual clinical decisions during a flu pandemic. Dr Clements added: "GPs, like in any emergency situation, are expected to do the best they can in the circumstances. Doctors and other healthcare professionals will bear the brunt of the strain as the current flu pandemic intensifies. However, GPs, like all doctors, are highly trained professionals who are well used to acting in stressful and demanding situations." "Following on from previous discussions MPS had with the Department of Health, the GMC and other medical defence organisations, we expect further guidance will be published in the event the pandemic flu outbreak intensifies." Notes 1. The guidance, Pandemic Influenza: Good Medical Practice - Responsibilities of doctors in a national pandemic can be found here. Medical Protection Society


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