Monthly Archives: June 2012

Parkinson’s Disease – Smelling Test For Early Detection

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Editor's Choice Main Category: Parkinson's Disease Article Date: 16 Jun 2012 - 0:00 PDT

Current ratings for: 'Parkinson's Disease - Smelling Test For Early Detection'

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Researchers have now discovered that the sense of smell provides valuable indications. Hyposmia, i.e. losing the ability to smell for no known cause could be a markers for the non-motor signs of Parkinson's disease. Dr Ulrich Liebetrau, chief physician for Parkinson's consultations at the Neurological Department of Kliniken der Stadt Kln, declared at the 22nd Meeting of the European Neurological Society (ENS) in Prague: "Smelling tests in doctors' offices are suitable for detecting hyposmia but so too are tests conducted in public places such as pedestrian zones."

Parkinson's is a very common neurological slowly progressive disease that usually affects individuals aged between 50 and 60 years. In Germany alone there are about 300,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson's. Scientists still remain uncertain for the reasons of cell death occurring in the substantia nigra in the basal ganglia of the brain of Parkinson's patients, but suspect that genetic factors may be involved. The cell death causes a shortage of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which leads to loss of control over voluntary and involuntary movements. German neurologists from Cologne have now tested a new early detection method for subtle signs of Parkinson's which focuses on the partial loss of the sense of smell, which they based on previous studies that demonstrated that one in ten people with hyposmia develop Parkinson's in later years.

Dr Liebetrau explained: "Our objective was to reach as many people with hyposmia as we possibly could."

The team used an unusual method for their trial. They performed a public smelling test on a Saturday in a banqueting hall in Cologne's pedestrian district that is well known. Liebetrau described the requirements the venue needed to fulfill, saying:

They asked 187 participants to smell vanilla, lemon, cloves and lavender to smell. Overall, 46 participants were identified as having hyposmia, who were all offered a follow-up at the City of Cologne Clinics (Kliniken der Stadt Kln). Dr Liebetrau explained: "The test was to be followed up by a professional examination done by neurologists and ENT specialists at a separate time and place. After all, hyposmia can be a sign of any number of diseases."

The result revealed that three of the 46 individuals with hyposmia were diagnosed with Parkinson's, even though they had no former knowledge prior to the test that they were affected by the disease.

One of the key advantages of low-threshold tests is that diseases that would otherwise go undetected are identified early, which also prevents these diseases from becoming chronic. Early diagnosis is advantageous, even if they involve severe neurological disorders like Parkinson's.

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Parkinson's Disease - Smelling Test For Early Detection

Parkinson's Disease – Smelling Test For Early Detection

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Editor's Choice Main Category: Parkinson's Disease Article Date: 16 Jun 2012 - 0:00 PDT

Current ratings for: 'Parkinson's Disease - Smelling Test For Early Detection'

5 (1 votes)

Researchers have now discovered that the sense of smell provides valuable indications. Hyposmia, i.e. losing the ability to smell for no known cause could be a markers for the non-motor signs of Parkinson's disease. Dr Ulrich Liebetrau, chief physician for Parkinson's consultations at the Neurological Department of Kliniken der Stadt Kln, declared at the 22nd Meeting of the European Neurological Society (ENS) in Prague: "Smelling tests in doctors' offices are suitable for detecting hyposmia but so too are tests conducted in public places such as pedestrian zones."

Parkinson's is a very common neurological slowly progressive disease that usually affects individuals aged between 50 and 60 years. In Germany alone there are about 300,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson's. Scientists still remain uncertain for the reasons of cell death occurring in the substantia nigra in the basal ganglia of the brain of Parkinson's patients, but suspect that genetic factors may be involved. The cell death causes a shortage of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which leads to loss of control over voluntary and involuntary movements. German neurologists from Cologne have now tested a new early detection method for subtle signs of Parkinson's which focuses on the partial loss of the sense of smell, which they based on previous studies that demonstrated that one in ten people with hyposmia develop Parkinson's in later years.

Dr Liebetrau explained: "Our objective was to reach as many people with hyposmia as we possibly could."

The team used an unusual method for their trial. They performed a public smelling test on a Saturday in a banqueting hall in Cologne's pedestrian district that is well known. Liebetrau described the requirements the venue needed to fulfill, saying:

They asked 187 participants to smell vanilla, lemon, cloves and lavender to smell. Overall, 46 participants were identified as having hyposmia, who were all offered a follow-up at the City of Cologne Clinics (Kliniken der Stadt Kln). Dr Liebetrau explained: "The test was to be followed up by a professional examination done by neurologists and ENT specialists at a separate time and place. After all, hyposmia can be a sign of any number of diseases."

The result revealed that three of the 46 individuals with hyposmia were diagnosed with Parkinson's, even though they had no former knowledge prior to the test that they were affected by the disease.

One of the key advantages of low-threshold tests is that diseases that would otherwise go undetected are identified early, which also prevents these diseases from becoming chronic. Early diagnosis is advantageous, even if they involve severe neurological disorders like Parkinson's.

Read the original here:
Parkinson's Disease - Smelling Test For Early Detection

Parkinson’s Disease – Smelling Test For Early Detection

Posted on by

Editor’s Choice Main Category: Parkinson’s Disease Article Date: 16 Jun 2012 – 0:00 PDT

Current ratings for: ‘Parkinson’s Disease – Smelling Test For Early Detection’

5 (1 votes)

Researchers have now discovered that the sense of smell provides valuable indications. Hyposmia, i.e. losing the ability to smell for no known cause could be a markers for the non-motor signs of Parkinson’s disease. Dr Ulrich Liebetrau, chief physician for Parkinson’s consultations at the Neurological Department of Kliniken der Stadt Kln, declared at the 22nd Meeting of the European Neurological Society (ENS) in Prague: “Smelling tests in doctors’ offices are suitable for detecting hyposmia but so too are tests conducted in public places such as pedestrian zones.”

Parkinson’s is a very common neurological slowly progressive disease that usually affects individuals aged between 50 and 60 years. In Germany alone there are about 300,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Scientists still remain uncertain for the reasons of cell death occurring in the substantia nigra in the basal ganglia of the brain of Parkinson’s patients, but suspect that genetic factors may be involved. The cell death causes a shortage of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which leads to loss of control over voluntary and involuntary movements. German neurologists from Cologne have now tested a new early detection method for subtle signs of Parkinson’s which focuses on the partial loss of the sense of smell, which they based on previous studies that demonstrated that one in ten people with hyposmia develop Parkinson’s in later years.

Dr Liebetrau explained: “Our objective was to reach as many people with hyposmia as we possibly could.”

The team used an unusual method for their trial. They performed a public smelling test on a Saturday in a banqueting hall in Cologne’s pedestrian district that is well known. Liebetrau described the requirements the venue needed to fulfill, saying:

They asked 187 participants to smell vanilla, lemon, cloves and lavender to smell. Overall, 46 participants were identified as having hyposmia, who were all offered a follow-up at the City of Cologne Clinics (Kliniken der Stadt Kln). Dr Liebetrau explained: “The test was to be followed up by a professional examination done by neurologists and ENT specialists at a separate time and place. After all, hyposmia can be a sign of any number of diseases.”

The result revealed that three of the 46 individuals with hyposmia were diagnosed with Parkinson’s, even though they had no former knowledge prior to the test that they were affected by the disease.

One of the key advantages of low-threshold tests is that diseases that would otherwise go undetected are identified early, which also prevents these diseases from becoming chronic. Early diagnosis is advantageous, even if they involve severe neurological disorders like Parkinson’s.

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Parkinson's Disease – Smelling Test For Early Detection

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Will multiple sclerosis respond to herbals?

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Dear Dr. Gott: Please give me information on multiple sclerosis. Do you recommend any holistic or natural supplements that are helpful in treating the condition? My 41-year-old daughter-in-law has just been diagnosed with it. Thank you. Your column is very informative.

Dear Reader: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the protective sheath covering the nerves. This, in turn, interferes with signals between the brain and the remainder of the body, resulting in nerve deterioration.

Symptoms vary from person to person but can include an inability to speak or walk, dizziness, tremor, unsteady gait, double or blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body at a time or on the bottom half of the body. Increases in body temperature can worsen symptoms.

For the complete article, please pick up a copy of The Daily Reflector. Current home delivery and electronic edition subscribers may log in to access this article at no charge. To become a subscriber, please click here or contact Customer Service at (252) 329-9505.

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Active ingredient of cannabis has no effect on the progression of multiple sclerosis, study suggests

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ScienceDaily (June 15, 2012) The first large non-commercial study to investigate whether the main active constituent of cannabis (tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) is effective in slowing the course of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) shows that there is no evidence to suggest this; although benefits were noted for those at the lower end of the disability scale.

The CUPID (Cannabinoid Use in Progressive Inflammatory brain Disease) study was carried out by researchers from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD), Plymouth University. The study was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and managed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on behalf of the MRC-NIHR partnership, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

The preliminary results of CUPID are to be presented by lead researcher Professor John Zajicek at the Association of British Neurologists’ Annual Meeting in Brighton on May 29th.

CUPID enrolled nearly 500 people with MS from 27 centres around the UK, and has taken eight years to complete. People with progressive MS were randomised to receive either THC capsules or identical placebo capsules for three years, and were carefully followed to see how their MS changed over this period. The two main outcomes of the trial were a disability scale administered by neurologists (the Expanded Disability Status Scale), and a patient report scale of the impact of MS on people with the condition (the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29).

Overall the study found no evidence to support an effect of THC on MS progression in either of the main outcomes. However, there was some evidence to suggest a beneficial effect in participants who were at the lower end of the disability scale at the time of enrollment but, as the benefit was only found in a small group of people rather than the whole population, further studies will be needed to assess the robustness of this finding. One of the other findings of the trial was that MS in the study population as a whole progressed slowly, more slowly than expected. This makes it more challenging to find a treatment effect when the aim of the treatment is that of slow progression.

As well as evaluating the potential neuroprotective effects and safety of THC over the long-term, one of the aims of the CUPID study was to improve the way that clinical trial research is done by exploring newer methods of measuring MS and using the latest statistical methods to make the most of every piece of information collected. This analysis will continue for several months. The CUPID study will therefore provide important information about conducting further large scale clinical trials in MS.

Professor John Zajicek, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at PCMD, Plymouth University, said: “To put this study into context: current treatments for MS are limited, either being targeted at the immune system in the early stages of the disease or aimed at easing specific symptoms such as muscle spasms, fatigue or bladder problems. At present there is no treatment available to slow MS when it becomes progressive. Progression of MS is thought to be due to death of nerve cells, and researchers around the world are desperately searching for treatments that may be ‘neuroprotective’. Laboratory experiments have suggested that certain cannabis derivatives may be neuroprotective.”

He added: “Overall our research has not supported laboratory based findings and shown that, although there is a suggestion of benefit to those at the lower end of the disability scale when they joined CUPID, there is little evidence to suggest that THC has a long term impact on the slowing of progressive MS.”

Dr Doug Brown, Head of Biomedical Research at the MS Society, said: “There are currently no treatments for people with progressive MS to slow or stop the worsening of disability. The MS Society is committed to supporting research in this area and this was an important study for us to fund. While this study sadly suggests THC is ineffective at slowing the course of progressive MS, we will not stop our search for effective treatments. We are encouraged by the possibility shown by this study that THC may have potential benefits for some people with MS and we welcome further investigation in this area.”

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A Genetic Cause For Multiple Sclerosis Is Identified And Funded By Science Patron, Jeffrey Epstein

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NEW YORK, June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study at Oxford University in England and published in Annals of Neurology, has identified a gene that causes vitamin D deficiency and may also be the cause of multiple sclerosis. The study was partly funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Wellcome Trust and the support of science investor, Jeffrey Epstein and The Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation.

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease caused by the decay of myelin, the fatty sheath that protects the axons around the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is an essential part of neural communication because it not only protects the nerve circuits but promotes efficient conductivity. Every year, approximately 400,000 people in the United States develop the disease and about 2.5 million people worldwide. Symptoms vary widely, ranging from mild tingling to blindness and paralysis.

The cause of myelin damage is still hotly debated: some believe it to be an autoimmune disease while others cite viruses or the environment as the culprit. There is growing evidence however of a correlation between multiple sclerosis and vitamin D deficiency. Epidemiological studies also show that populations closer to the equator and the sun, have far fewer case of multiple sclerosis than populations closer to the north or south poles. Researchers at Oxford University have now taken this premise a step further by showing that vitamin D deficiency and therefore multiple sclerosis could have a genetic cause.

The study examined the DNA of a group of people with multiple sclerosis who also have a large number of family members with the disease. All the DNA samples showed a distortion of the CYP27B1 gene which controls vitamin D levels in the body. And in a few rare cases where the DNA showed two copies of the distorted gene, the person was found to have a genetic form of rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency as well as multiple sclerosis.

Despite this pivotal link, not all people with vitamin D deficiency develop multiple sclerosis. More research is needed to fully understand why only some people develop multiple sclerosis from vitamin D deficiency and why others don't. However, a distortion of the CYP27B1 gene is increasingly apparent in MS cases and it's possible that the gene generates other, yet undetected, complications that lead to the diseasesuch as genetically caused rickets.

"Although vitamin D deficiency doesn't always cause MS, it unveiled a critical genetic source that could be causing other problems that lead to MS," Jeffrey Epstein asserted, whose foundation, advances science and medical research across the United States. "Even if we don't understand all of the implications of that gene's distortion, research can focus on gene therapy, and that will accelerate a cure."

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society which also helped fund the Oxford study provides more than 325 research grants worldwide and training fellowships on a broad range of topics from immunology, nerve tissue repair and myelin biology, clinical trials, rehabilitation, psychosocial issues and health care delivery.

http://www.jeffreyepsteinfoundation.com

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Seniors' Attitude on Age May Affect Dementia Test Results: Study

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THURSDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Seniors who regard themselves as "older" are five times more likely to meet the criteria for dementia than those who see themselves as "younger," a small new study suggests.

The study included 68 people, aged 60 to 70, who were divided into two groups. One group was told that the study participants ranged in age from 40 to 70 and that they were at the upper end of the age range. The other group was told that the participants ranged in age from 60 to 90 and that they were at the lower end of the age range.

All of the participants were then given one of two articles to read, which either described how aging affected memory or how aging affected general thinking ability.

The participants then underwent a standard dementia screening test.

Seventy percent of the people who were encouraged to see themselves as older and read the article that said aging was associated with a general decline in thinking ability met the criteria for dementia, compared with 14 percent of those in the other groups.

"Our research shows that the effect of age perceptions on performance can be dramatic, and that seeing oneself as 'older' significantly increases a person's risk of being diagnosed with dementia on such tests. It highlights the importance of taking a person's attitude towards their age into account when assessing for dementia," study lead author Dr. Catherine Haslam, of the University of Exeter, in England, said in a university news release.

The study was scheduled for presentation Tuesday at the International Conference on Social Identity and Health, hosted by the University of Exeter. The data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

-- Robert Preidt

Copyright 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: University of Exeter, news release, June 11, 2012

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Seniors' Attitude on Age May Affect Dementia Test Results: Study

Seniors’ Attitude on Age May Affect Dementia Test Results: Study

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THURSDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) — Seniors who regard themselves as “older” are five times more likely to meet the criteria for dementia than those who see themselves as “younger,” a small new study suggests.

The study included 68 people, aged 60 to 70, who were divided into two groups. One group was told that the study participants ranged in age from 40 to 70 and that they were at the upper end of the age range. The other group was told that the participants ranged in age from 60 to 90 and that they were at the lower end of the age range.

All of the participants were then given one of two articles to read, which either described how aging affected memory or how aging affected general thinking ability.

The participants then underwent a standard dementia screening test.

Seventy percent of the people who were encouraged to see themselves as older and read the article that said aging was associated with a general decline in thinking ability met the criteria for dementia, compared with 14 percent of those in the other groups.

“Our research shows that the effect of age perceptions on performance can be dramatic, and that seeing oneself as ‘older’ significantly increases a person’s risk of being diagnosed with dementia on such tests. It highlights the importance of taking a person’s attitude towards their age into account when assessing for dementia,” study lead author Dr. Catherine Haslam, of the University of Exeter, in England, said in a university news release.

The study was scheduled for presentation Tuesday at the International Conference on Social Identity and Health, hosted by the University of Exeter. The data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

— Robert Preidt

Copyright 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: University of Exeter, news release, June 11, 2012

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Norwich Free Academy graduates sent off with wisdom

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With her support system by her side, Danielle Ciccotti is fearless.

Life after high school doesnt seem so scary for the new Norwich Free Academy graduate.

Its exciting, Ciccotti, of Preston, said, and the real world doesnt seem that bad, especially since I know Ill always have someone by my side.

Ciccotti and her assistance dog, Rover, both wearing caps and gowns, went through NFAs commencement exercises Friday afternoon.

Ciccotti needs Rover, a golden retriever, to help her with her balance. Ciccotti has ataxia, a lack of muscle coordination that can affect speech, walking and other voluntary movements.

He doesnt love wearing the cap, Ciccotti said. Weve been practicing with the hat so he keeps it on. NFAs class of 2012 was one of the largest in recent years. A total of 549 students earned diplomas.

Im going to miss the community here at NFA, graduate Emma Fontaine, of Norwich, said. She plans to attend the University of Delaware in the fall. We have special bonds with each other and the teachers; everyone here wants you to succeed.

Make it special

Class speaker Brian Reyes encouraged his classmates to continue with the lessons they learned at NFA.

Let us make it our mission to make it special, Reyes told the graduates. To continue the goodwill, the good work and the goodness we learned here at NFA. But let me caution you: We can only be special people if we find it in our hearts to do special deeds for others.

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Make-A-Wish fulfills boy’s dream to see Disney’s Cars Land

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ANAHEIM Lucas Appleton wheeled himself toward the wrought-iron safety gate separating him from the ride he was about to experience Luigi’s Flying Tires, a personal hovercraft attraction in Cars Land.

As he watched the super-sized “flying tires” bumping and bouncing their way across an expansive arena, he inched his wheelchair closer and closer to the gate. It wasn’t long before his front wheels started drifting upward.

Lucas Appleton, 9, at left, with his brother William, 13, makes a funny face at his parents while waiting for Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree ride to start. Make-A-Wish made it possible for Lucas, of Grover Beach, to go to California Adventure’s new Cars Land attraction before it officially opened.

MINDY SCHAUER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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If you’d like to donate

Lucas Appleton’s family is raising money to buy him a service dog, expected to cost $12,000 to $15,000. To make a donation to the Lucas Appleton Trust Fund, which is being maintained at Rabobank in Pismo Beach, call the bank at 805-773-5255 and ask to speak with the branch manager.

“Not that close, buddy!” a ride operator cheerfully reminded the 9-year-old boy.

“He’s so excited,” said his mother, Cassandra, shaking her head as she warned him (again) to not do wheelies in line.

Lucas, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy called Friedreich’s ataxia, was one of four kids with life-threatening illnesses who got to experience the new attractions at Disney California Adventure park Thursday through children’s dream-granting charity Make-A-Wish.

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Make-A-Wish fulfills boy's dream to see Disney's Cars Land

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ANAHEIM Lucas Appleton wheeled himself toward the wrought-iron safety gate separating him from the ride he was about to experience Luigi's Flying Tires, a personal hovercraft attraction in Cars Land.

As he watched the super-sized "flying tires" bumping and bouncing their way across an expansive arena, he inched his wheelchair closer and closer to the gate. It wasn't long before his front wheels started drifting upward.

Lucas Appleton, 9, at left, with his brother William, 13, makes a funny face at his parents while waiting for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree ride to start. Make-A-Wish made it possible for Lucas, of Grover Beach, to go to California Adventure's new Cars Land attraction before it officially opened.

MINDY SCHAUER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ADVERTISEMENT

If you'd like to donate

Lucas Appleton's family is raising money to buy him a service dog, expected to cost $12,000 to $15,000. To make a donation to the Lucas Appleton Trust Fund, which is being maintained at Rabobank in Pismo Beach, call the bank at 805-773-5255 and ask to speak with the branch manager.

"Not that close, buddy!" a ride operator cheerfully reminded the 9-year-old boy.

"He's so excited," said his mother, Cassandra, shaking her head as she warned him (again) to not do wheelies in line.

Lucas, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy called Friedreich's ataxia, was one of four kids with life-threatening illnesses who got to experience the new attractions at Disney California Adventure park Thursday through children's dream-granting charity Make-A-Wish.

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Make-A-Wish fulfills boy's dream to see Disney's Cars Land

Without insurance for autism, Utah families leave state

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Anne Eliason, left, watches her son Isaac, 5, play at a neighborhood park in Highlands Ranch, Colo., on Monday, June 4, 2012. Isaac has been diagnosed with autism and his family moved from Utah to Colorado because of the insurance options and the superior therapeutic and support services for Isaac. Isaac has appointments nearly everyday to work on speech, occupational and behavioral therapy. Photo by Chris Schneider

When the Eliasons realized their youngest child had autism, their lives changed forever.

The diagnosis wasnt the only reason.

What states require insurance companies to cover autism?

Several dozen states have an insurance mandate although the rules vary. Check with each state individually for the most up-to-date information. bit.ly/ItajXh

What would a Utah mandate cost?

Advocates and some studies say that adding an autism mandate would have a nominal impact on premiums. See a past look at that issue in Utah at http://bit.ly/youNzl.

“It was hard enough to discover that he had autism, but then it was just an added burden to know we didnt have a way to financially take care of him unless we left the state,” said Brian Eliason, Isaacs dad.

As a data specialist at Intermountain Healthcare, he was covered by its insurance arm, SelectHealth, which didnt pay for autism treatment for his son.

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Walking for autism awareness in Hanover

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The 3rd annual “Walk for Autism” on Saturday at the Hanover Area YMCA, sponsored by Friends of Amazing Kids, created a safe space for parents and kids with autism.

In many ways, going out in public with autistic kids can be a “spectacle,” said Steve Brown, executive director of Friends of Amazing Kids. Community events, like the walk, help get the kids out and about, interacting with others and raising awareness in the community.

Friends of Amazing Kids is a local non-profit organization for people with autism and special needs run by parent volunteers. The event catered to all ages with music, bounce castles, vendors, raffles and food. But for families, the walk symbolized their support for finding

Participants walk in Hanover during Saturday s Walk for Autism, sponsored by the local group Friends of Amazing Kids. (THE EVENING SUN CLARE BECKER)

“Autism is so different from every other disease,” Kelly Pascoe, the organization’s director of merchandise said. The spectrum of autism is so big and each case is different, she said. As a mother of an autistic daughter, she hopes to raise awareness to the uniqueness of the disease.

Paul and Monica Reiner have two autistic sons. Although there are good days and bad days, they find strength in the group.

“It’s like a big family,” Monica said.

Like many other parents, Andy Coradi walked for his son. Cory, who turns 18 next week, was diagnosed at 3-years-old. At the time, doctors knew little about autism, which made the diagnosis difficult. The family looked through books and pamphlets, searching out his

Ann Stair’s son Brandon, now 13, was diagnosed with autism right before his third birthday. “The diagnosis isn’t a death sentence,” Ann Stair said. “They are just normal kids like everyone else.

Brown, a founding father of Friends of Amazing Kids, is also a father to three autistic sons, 12-year-old twins and a 5-year-old. But being dad, the organization’s executive director, and holding down a day job at the Army Corp of Engineers in Baltimore can be overwhelming.

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Researchers urge EU not to cut stem cell funding

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* European Parliament debating funding for 2014 to 2020

* Scientists fear cuts to embryonic stem cell research

* Experts say cutting funds would hold back entire field

LONDON, June 15 (Reuters) - Leading scientists, biomedical research bodies and patient groups urged the European Parliament on Friday to maintain vital European Union funding for studies using embryonic stem cells.

Hailing the field as "one of the most exciting and promising" in modern biomedical research, the group said they feared research grants currently under review may be under threat from pro-life European parliamentarians who say public funds should not be spent on embryonic stem cell work.

"(EU) Commission funding must be available to continue to support scientists investigating all types of stem cells - including human embryonic stem cells - with potential to make advances in regenerative medicine," they wrote in an open letter released by the Wellcome Trust, a charitable health foundation.

The European Parliament is currently debating the future outline of Horizon (Euronext: HOR.NX - news) 2020, the EU's programme for research and innovation which will run from 2014 to 2020.

Draft rules provide for stem cell research funding, including embryonic stem cells but some member states have been lobbying for embryonic stem cell research to be excluded.

Many scientists believe stem cell research has the potential to lead to the development of treatments for a whole host of diseases including incurable neurodegenerative illnesses such as Parkinson's, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as type 1 diabetes, various serious heart conditions, liver damage, spinal cord damage and blindness.

Europe (Chicago Options: ^REURUSD - news) , and particularly Britain, is considered a world leader in stem cell research. The experts, from charities, funding bodies and patient groups, said if Europe is to hold on to this competitive edge, it is crucial to maintain funding for all stem cell research.

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What people are saying about Mississippi travel

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"If I was in business -- which I am, for the state of Mississippi -- I couldn't justify (keeping the state jet). I sold it ... For me to compete with the (Louisiana Gov.) Bobby Jindals of the world, I do have to hustle, and go meet with some international partners. But the best way I can think to put it is that if you're going to go have a vacation and make it look like work, that just doesn't work any more. Whenever I travel, I assure you I come back exhausted ... Sure, we want to be involved in international business, particularly areas like Japan, but we have to make sure we're not wasting taxpayers' dollars on travel. That's the bottom line."

-- Gov. Phil Bryant

"All travel is not bad travel. There are times when state officials need to be traveling and by most accounts (former) Gov. Barbour traveled a lot, but he had a lot of results to show for it ... Of those 300 employees who did travel out of the country, were each and every one of those trips justified for the benefit of the state and its taxpayers? That's a question that needs to be answered ... Those are the kind of hard questions I think you will see this Joint Legislative Budget Committee asking."

-- Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

"I can certainly understand the need for some (out-of-country) travel. Case in point: Gov. Barbour and MDA going to Japan to recruit Toyota or Nissan. This amount of travel really raises a red flag in my mind, especially in tough economic times ... With this amount of volume, I'm curious about the locations and the type of conferences and events."

-- State Auditor Stacey Pickering

"It certainly seems excessive. I can't imagine a justification for that much travel out of the country when the technology we have now should allow for video conferencing and other ways to participate in meetings or training. Businesses and families have had to cut back on their travel."

-- Forest Thigpen, Mississippi Center for Public Policy

"Why would all these agencies need to go out of the country? They could be down here at the Convention Center in Biloxi ... Every penny counts. Every dollar counts and we need to continue to curtail spending. I think our chairman will be having us look at all of this and I know he also wants to look into the amount agencies are spending on advertising."

-- State Rep. Carolyn Crawford, R-Pass Christian, vice chair of the House Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Committee

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What people are saying about Mississippi travel

Travel Notes: June 17, 2012

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Contemporary theater

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- The Contemporary American Theater begins its 22nd season in historic Shepherdstown July 6 with five new plays that will rotate through July 29.

The plays are: "Gidion's Knot," by Johnna Adams; "The Exceptionals," by Bob Clyman; "In a Forest Dark and Deep," by Neil LaBute; "Captors," by Evan M. Wiener; and "Barcelona," by Bess Whol.

Single tickets range from $30 to $55. For more information on shows, prices and to order tickets, visit http://www.catf.org or call toll-free 800-999-2283.

TripAdvisor notes Stonewall

WESTON, W.Va. -- Lewis County's Stonewall Resort recently was presented the 2012 Certificate of Excellence Award by TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel website.

Mike Hager, general manager of Stonewall Resort, said, "The award is based on true guest experiences and their personal reviews of their visit to Stonewall Resort. We work hard every day to assure each guest enjoys their stay."

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, said its travelers consistently commend the resort with the highest praise.

For more information or reservations, contact Stonewall Resort at 888-278-8150 or visit http://www.stonewallresort.com.

Camden Park kids' festival

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Travel Notes: June 17, 2012

Happenings in the travel world

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Paddle Out for the Whales at Hervey Bay - pets optional. Picture: Supplied Source: National Features

ANGELA Saurine looks at what's going on in the world of travel including a special paddle out to the whales event in mecca Hervey Bay and a new funky hotel for Sydney.

1 See KI from a high

VISITORS to Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia will be able to take part in helicopter flights from September.

Heli Experiences will become the first permanent helicopter touring operation on the island, offering flights from Hanson Bay.

Each flight will showcase different aspects of the region's spectacular views, including Cape Borda Lighthouse, Admirals Arch, Snelling Beach and Vivonne Bay.

Ph 8582 6500 or see heliexperiences.com

2. Make sweet music with a range of holiday packages

VIRGIN Australia's holiday program Blue Holidays has introduced a range of cultural and musical event packages so travellers can book airfares, accommodation and show tickets in one hit.

It will include tickets to theatre events such as Agatha Christie's play The Mousetrap and Legally Blonde and the 18th Biennale of Sydney.

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Happenings in the travel world