ic North Carolina interactive map launches to help public find emergency dental treatment during pandemic By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:07:00 -0500 A North Carolina oral health coalition, in collaboration with multiple state partners, has developed an interactive map to help guide the public to sites where emergency dental services are available throughout the Tar Heel State both during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Full Article
ic SBA changes grant computation for Economic Injury Disaster Loans By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:34:00 -0500 The ADA has received updated information from the Small Business Administration regarding grant advances on Economic Injury Disaster Loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article
ic Index shows that dentists slowly but surely embracing electronic means of doing business By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 10:26:00 -0500 Despite the ADA Council on Dental Benefits’ efforts, the practice of using automated electronic means for verifying eligibility and benefits, checking claim status or receiving and reconciling payment remains underutilized by many dental providers according to an index, said Dr. Randall Markarian, council chair. Full Article
ic Chicago Dental Society donates thousands of supplies to dental school clinic, health care facilities By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 10:49:00 -0500 The Chicago Dental Society and its members donated thousands of personal protective equipment to front-line health care workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article
ic SBA announces funding no longer available for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Paycheck Protection Program By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:59:00 -0500 The Small Business Administration said that as of April 16, the agency is unable to accept any new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loans due to a lack of funding. Full Article
ic ADA urges HHS to federally recognize licensed dentists to administer point of service COVID-19 tests By www.ada.org Published On :: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 10:14:00 -0500 The ADA sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services April 17 asking the agency to “issue federal recognition that licensed dentists may administer point of service tests authorized by the Food and Drug Administration” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article
ic ADA antibiotics guideline authors to discuss C. diff infections in dentistry during Peggy Lillis Foundation conference By www.ada.org Published On :: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:55:00 -0500 Two of the authors of the American Dental Association's antibiotics guideline will discuss C. diff infections and antibiotic stewardship in dentistry April 21 as part of a free, online conference organized by the Peggy Lillis Foundation. Full Article
ic Wisconsin dentists donate personal protective equipment amid COVID-19 pandemic By www.ada.org Published On :: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:43:00 -0500 Wisconsin dentists have answered the call for personal protective equipment by organizing drives and donating their surplus supplies to hospitals and urgent care facilities treating patients with COVID-19. Full Article
ic American College of Emergency Physicians endorses ADA's antibiotics guideline By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:18:00 -0500 The American College of Emergency Physicians has endorsed the American Dental Association's clinical practice guideline on the use of antibiotics for the management of pulpal- and periapical-related pain and swelling. Full Article
ic SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications April 27 By www.ada.org Published On :: Sun, 26 Apr 2020 08:29:00 -0500 The Small Business Administration will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program loan applications at 10:30 a.m. EST on April 27 from “approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower,” the agency said. Full Article
ic Dental school during a pandemic By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 09:22:00 -0500 If this were a typical day, and if these were typical times, LaShonda would be in her pediatrics competency exam, fresh off a cup of coffee, before heading to a three-hour simulation lab. Full Article
ic ADA president: Reopening dental practices needs a team approach By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:54:00 -0500 As some dental practices begin plans to reopen and provide nonemergency care — as some states reopen following the direction of their state — the Association is urging dentists to have robust communication and engage their dental team members to address any concerns related to returning to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article
ic Delta Dental of California, Massachusetts offer financial relief to dentists in midst of COVID-19 pandemic By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:52:00 -0500 Two additional Delta Dental member companies announced details April 27-28 of programs that will provide economic assistance and post-COVID-19 pandemic relief for members of its independent provider networks across 16 states and the District of Columbia. Full Article
ic Agencies submit final rule extending ERISA deadlines during pandemic By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:05:00 -0500 The U.S. Department of Labor said April 28 that it is extending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 filing deadlines for certain notice and disclosure requirements in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article
ic Dental materials research 'icon' who developed Bis-GMA resin dies By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 22:59:00 -0500 Dr. Rafael "Ray" Bowen, who made significant contributions to dental materials research and retired in 2018 after 62 years at the American Dental Association, has died. Full Article
ic A post-pandemic future By www.ada.org Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 11:40:00 -0500 There is no playbook for a pandemic. The global COVID-19 crisis is unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. There are very few, if any, practical models for us to follow. Now, more than ever, each of us is acutely attuned to the plight of our neighbors and communities. Full Article
ic Two new dental benefit guides address common hurdles anticipated when reopening practices By www.ada.org Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 11:26:00 -0500 In the face of economic challenges, the ADA has released two online guides relating to third-party payment programs available at ADA.org/virus that are intended to help smooth the path of reopening practices: Handling Contract Negotiations and Handling Eligibility Verification Full Article
ic ADASRI manuscript wins 2020 William J. Gies Award in clinical research By www.ada.org Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 13:19:00 -0500 A manuscript authored by the American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Council on Scientific Affairs won the 2020 William J. Gies Award in clinical research from the American and International Associations for Dental Research. Full Article
ic Snapshots of American Dentistry By www.ada.org Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 13:52:00 -0500 Full Article
ic PracticeUpdate Clinical Dentistry Channel unveiled to keep dentists current By www.ada.org Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 16:03:00 -0500 The ADA announced May 1 the creation and launch of the PracticeUpdate Clinical Dentistry Channel, which delivers free evidence-based clinical content in general dentistry and specialty topics curated by a world-renowned editorial and advisory board. Full Article
ic UCLA dental school researchers create nanoparticle that could improve bone defect treatment By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 10:25:00 -0500 A team of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry has developed a nanoparticle that could improve treatment for bone defects. Full Article
ic Department of Labor releases Pandemic Unemployment Assistance FAQ By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 13:27:00 -0500 The Department of Labor released an FAQ April 27 that addresses common questions about work search and job refusal when an individual receives Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Full Article
ic 3M granted injunction against New Jersey company in N95 price-gouging scheme By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 14:18:00 -0500 A federal judge on May 4 granted 3M, the maker of N95 masks, an injunction against a New Jersey-based company accused of using 3M’s trademarks and deliberately inflating the price of the face masks. Full Article
ic HPI releases webinar on economic impact of COVID-19 By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 11:59:00 -0500 The ADA Health Policy Institute held a webinar April 29 with leading experts from across the dental industry to discuss how COVID-19 has affected the dental economy and what they think the future will bring. Full Article
ic Oil prices ease on renewed concern about a weaker economy By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:09:34 -0500 Crude oil prices fell Monday amid renewed concerns about potentially declining crude oil demand resulting from weaker economic outlook. Full Article
ic U.S. fuel pumps see first weekly price rise since October By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 07:47:15 -0500 Fuel prices in the United States on average were just a penny higher at $2.25 per gallon, ending consecutive price declines that had occurred since October. Full Article
ic Crude prices rise after positive news from China By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:51:50 -0500 Oil prices rose early Tuesday, after Monday declines, possibly helped by some positive news from China -- but doubts remain as to whether that direction will hold. Full Article
ic Dow, Total part of group that raised $1B to clean plastic in ocean By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 16 Jan 2019 08:18:54 -0500 Some 30 companies including Dow, Total and other big makers of plastic raised $1 billion to contribute to cleaner ocean waters. Full Article
ic Crude oil prices drop after API reported lower-than-expected draw By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 16 Jan 2019 09:13:03 -0500 Oil prices fell early Wednesday, likely a result of lower-than-expected draws in an API with traders awaiting official EIA inventory data later in the day. Full Article
ic EIA sees fuel prices below 2018 average for the next two years By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 17 Jan 2019 08:11:18 -0500 U.S. retail fuel prices will drop this year and in 2020 from 2018, but in both cases higher than January levels due to mandated lower sulfur in marine fuel. Full Article
ic Oil prices led lower by rising U.S. production, inventories By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 17 Jan 2019 08:51:15 -0500 Oil prices fell early Thursday despite an OPEC report confirming a sizable cut due to bearishness related to rising United States production and inventories. Full Article
ic Oil prices fall on rising U.S. rigs, fading Venezuelan risk By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 28 Jan 2019 09:07:11 -0500 Oil prices fell Monday as the number of rigs in the United States saw a weekly rise, analysts said Full Article
ic U.S. fuel prices near last month's levels, unlikely to change By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jan 2019 08:22:59 -0500 Average fuel prices in the United States started the week at $2.26 per gallon, showing little change from the last month or last week, and may remain flat. Full Article
ic Crude oil prices rise amid renewed Venezuela concerns By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jan 2019 09:39:09 -0500 Oil prices were higher early Tuesday amid renewed concern about Venezuelan supplies but market worries about China-U.S. trade issues prevented higher gains. Full Article
ic Oil prices rise amid ongoing concern about Venezuela By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 30 Jan 2019 09:12:39 -0500 Oil prices rose Wednesday amid expectations that Venezuelan oil shipments would see some disruption following U.S. sanctions. Full Article
ic Crude oil prices rise early Friday amid supply concerns By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Feb 2019 10:59:28 -0500 Oil prices rose early Friday amid supply concerns following reports of smaller-than-expected stocks, and amid reduced expectation of interest rate hikes. Full Article
ic Arctic bird turns down immune system to conserve energy in winter By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:32:40 -0400 To survive the Arctic's frigid temperatures, animals must use their energy efficiently. According to a new study, one Arctic bird species, the Svalbard rock ptarmigan, utilizes a previously unknown energy-saving method. Full Article
ic Cancer patients on Medicaid might not benefit from experimental treatments, study finds By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:00:57 -0400 Cancer patients on Medicaid or who don't have insurance benefit less from experimental treatments, even if they get into clinical trials, a study published Thursday by JAMA Network Open has found. Full Article
ic Suicide risk high in first year after brain cancer diagnosis By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 13:28:09 -0400 People with brain cancer are at increased risk for suicide compared to the general population, particularly within the first year following diagnosis, a new analysis has found. Full Article
ic Researchers discover microbe that could control spread of malaria By www.upi.com Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 12:16:19 -0400 A microbe found in mosquitoes that appears to block malaria could be used to control spread of the disease in humans, according to researchers in Kenya and Britain. Full Article
ic U.S. rural areas soon might be on front lines in COVID-19 pandemic By www.upi.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 18:42:18 -0400 The COVID-19 pandemic has left a path of destruction in urban centers throughout the northeastern United States, but the next outbreak hotspots could have even deadlier effects in rural areas. Full Article
ic U.S. ICUs could still be overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients, analysis says By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 17:47:04 -0400 Communities across the U.S. still need to expand hospital capacity to manage new COVID-19 cases, even as some states loosen social distancing restrictions, a study published Wednesday by JAMA Network Open says. Full Article
ic Study: Opioid overdose 14 times more likely in general public than cancer survivors By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 13:25:09 -0400 Cancer survivors have a lower risk for a fatal opioid overdose -- from prescription pain medications or illegal drugs -- than those without the disease, an analysis published Thursday by JAMA Oncology shows. Full Article
ic Measles vaccinations in U.S. children fall up to 60 percent since pandemic, CDC says By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 19:03:09 -0400 Pediatric vaccination against measles has declined by as much as 60 percent nationally since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to new data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Full Article
ic Sustainable Reintegration: Strategies to Support Migrants Returning to Mexico and Central America By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 11:23:40 -0500 Reception and reintegration programs for deported and other returning migrants represent a long-term investment for migrant-origin and destination countries, holding the potential to reduce re-migration and permit communities of origin to benefit from the skills migrants learn abroad. This report offers recommendations to make reintegration programs more effective in Mexico and Central America. Full Article
ic Breaking New Ground: Ten Ideas to Revamp Integration Policy in Europe By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Wed, 23 Jan 2019 10:00:37 -0500 To address the intersecting challenges facing European societies—from population aging and labor-market change, to immigration and political upheaval—governments need to hone new strategies for helping both newcomers and long-term residents succeed amid diversity. This report explores some of the most promising approaches, drawing on input from policymakers, the private sector, civil society, and others. Full Article
ic Trends in Uninsured Rates Before and After Medicaid Expansion in Counties Within and Outside of the Diabetes Belt By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-27T16:03:28-08:00 OBJECTIVETo examine trends in uninsured rates between 2012 and 2016 among low-income adults aged <65 years and to determine whether the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which expanded Medicaid, impacted insurance coverage in the Diabetes Belt, a region across 15 southern and eastern states in which residents have high rates of diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSData for 3,129 U.S. counties, obtained from the Small Area Health Insurance Estimates and Area Health Resources Files, were used to analyze trends in uninsured rates among populations with a household income ≤138% of the federal poverty level. Multivariable analysis adjusted for the percentage of county populations aged 50–64 years, the percentage of women, Distressed Communities Index value, and rurality.RESULTSIn 2012, 39% of the population in the Diabetes Belt and 34% in non-Belt counties were uninsured (P < 0.001). In 2016 in states where Medicaid was expanded, uninsured rates declined rapidly to 13% in Diabetes Belt counties and to 15% in non-Belt counties. Adjusting for county demographic and economic factors, Medicaid expansion helped reduce uninsured rates by 12.3% in Diabetes Belt counties and by 4.9% in non-Belt counties. In 2016, uninsured rates were 15% higher for both Diabetes Belt and non-Belt counties in the nonexpansion states than in the expansion states.CONCLUSIONSACA-driven Medicaid expansion was more significantly associated with reduced uninsured rates in Diabetes Belt than in non-Belt counties. Initial disparities in uninsured rates between Diabetes Belt and non-Belt counties have not existed since 2014 among expansion states. Future studies should examine whether and how Medicaid expansion may have contributed to an increase in the use of health services in order to prevent and treat diabetes in the Diabetes Belt. Full Article
ic The Association of Lipoprotein(a) Plasma Levels With Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Control Status in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-02-04T06:30:22-08:00 OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of the cardiovascular risk factor lipoprotein (Lp)(a) and vascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSPatients with type 1 diabetes receiving regular care were recruited in this observational cross-sectional study and divided into four groups according to their Lp(a) levels in nmol/L (very low <10, low 10–30, intermediate 30–120, high >120). Prevalence of vascular complications was compared between the groups. In addition, the association between metabolic control, measured as HbA1c, and Lp(a) was studied.RESULTSThe patients (n = 1,860) had a median age of 48 years, diabetes duration of 25 years, and HbA1c of 7.8% (61 mmol/mol). The median Lp(a) was 19 (interquartile range 10–71) nmol/L. No significant differences between men and women were observed, but Lp(a) levels increased with increasing age. Patients in the high Lp(a) group had higher prevalence of complications than patients in the very low Lp(a) group. The age- and smoking-status–adjusted relative risk ratio of having any macrovascular disease was 1.51 (95% CI 1.01–2.28, P = 0.048); coronary heart disease, 1.70 (95% CI 0.97–3.00, P = 0.063); albuminuria, 1.68 (95% CI 1.12–2.50, P = 0.01); and calcified aortic valve disease, 2.03 (95% CI 1.03–4.03; P = 0.042). Patients with good metabolic control, HbA1c <6.9% (<52 mmol/mol), had significantly lower Lp(a) levels than patients with poorer metabolic control, HbA1c >6.9% (>52 mmol/mol).CONCLUSIONSLp(a) is a significant risk factor for macrovascular disease, albuminuria, and calcified aortic valve disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. Poor metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes is associated with increased Lp(a) levels. Full Article
ic Rapid Corneal Nerve Fiber Loss: A Marker of Diabetic Neuropathy Onset and Progression By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-05T08:52:34-08:00 OBJECTIVECorneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) represents a biomarker for diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). We aimed to determine the reference distribution of annual CNFL change, the prevalence of abnormal change in diabetes, and its associated clinical variables.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe examined 590 participants with diabetes [399 type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 191 type 2 diabetes (T2D)] and 204 control patients without diabetes with at least 1 year of follow-up and classified them according to rapid corneal nerve fiber loss (RCNFL) if CNFL change was below the fifth percentile of the control patients without diabetes.RESULTSControl patients without diabetes were 37.9 ± 19.8 years old, had median follow-up of three visits over 3.0 years, and mean annual change in CNFL was –0.1% (90% CI, –5.9 to 5.0%). RCNFL was defined by values exceeding the fifth percentile of 6% loss. Participants with T1D were 39.9 ± 18.7 years old, had median follow-up of three visits over 4.4 years, and mean annual change in CNFL was –0.8% (90% CI, –14.0 to 9.9%). Participants with T2D were 60.4 ± 8.2 years old, had median follow-up of three visits over 5.3 years, and mean annual change in CNFL was –0.2% (90% CI, –14.1 to 14.3%). RCNFL prevalence was 17% overall and was similar by diabetes type [64 T1D (16.0%), 37 T2D (19.4%), P = 0.31]. RNCFL was more common in those with baseline DSP (47% vs. 30% in those without baseline DSP, P = 0.001), which was associated with lower peroneal conduction velocity but not with baseline HbA1c or its change over follow-up.CONCLUSIONSAn abnormally rapid loss of CNFL of 6% per year or more occurs in 17% of diabetes patients. RCNFL may identify patients at highest risk for the development and progression of DSP. Full Article
ic Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Weight Loss From Gastric Bypass Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes: Cardiorenal Risk Reductions Exceed Atherosclerotic Benefits By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-09T12:42:04-07:00 OBJECTIVEWe examined detailed renal and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes after gastric bypass (GBP) surgery in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), across several renal function categories, in a nationwide cohort study.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe linked data from the National Diabetes Register and the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Register with four national databases holding information on socioeconomic variables, medications, hospitalizations, and causes of death and matched 5,321 individuals with T2DM who had undergone GBP with 5,321 who had not (age 18–65 years, mean BMI >40 kg/m2, mean follow-up >4.5 years). The risks of postoperative outcomes were assessed with Cox regression models.RESULTSDuring the first years postsurgery, there were small reductions in creatinine and albuminuria and stable estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the GBP group. The incidence rates of most outcomes relating to renal function, CV disease, and mortality were lower after GBP, being particularly marked for heart failure (hazard ratio [HR] 0.33 [95% CI 0.24, 0.46]) and CV mortality (HR 0.36 [(95% CI 0.22, 0.58]). The risk of a composite of severe renal disease or halved eGFR was 0.56 (95% CI 0.44, 0.71), whereas nonfatal CV risk was lowered less (HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.70, 0.97]) after GBP. Risks for key outcomes were generally lower after GBP in all eGFR strata, including in individuals with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest robust benefits for renal outcomes, heart failure, and CV mortality after GBP in individuals with obesity and T2DM. These results suggest that marked weight loss yields important benefits, particularly on the cardiorenal axis (including slowing progression to end-stage renal disease), whatever the baseline renal function status. Full Article