community

ProPSMA: A Callout to the Nuclear Medicine Community to Change Practices with Prospective, High-Quality Data




community

Mobilising community networks for early identification of tuberculosis and treatment initiation in Cambodia: an evaluation of a seed-and-recruit model

Background and objectives

The effects of active case finding (ACF) models that mobilise community networks for early identification and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) remain unknown. We investigated and compared the effect of community-based ACF using a seed-and-recruit model with one-off roving ACF and passive case finding (PCF) on the time to treatment initiation and identification of bacteriologically confirmed TB.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study conducted in 12 operational districts in Cambodia, we assessed relationships between ACF models and: 1) the time to treatment initiation using Cox proportional hazards regression; and 2) the identification of bacteriologically confirmed TB using modified Poisson regression with robust sandwich variance.

Results

We included 728 adults with TB, of whom 36% were identified via the community-based ACF using a seed-and-recruit model. We found community-based ACF using a seed-and-recruit model was associated with shorter delay to treatment initiation compared to one-off roving ACF (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.96). Compared to one-off roving ACF and PCF, community-based ACF using a seed-and-recruit model was 45% (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.45, 95% CI 1.19–1.78) and 39% (PR 1.39, 95% CI 0.99–1.94) more likely to find and detect bacteriologically confirmed TB, respectively.

Conclusion

Mobilising community networks to find TB cases was associated with early initiation of TB treatment in Cambodia. This approach was more likely to find bacteriologically confirmed TB cases, contributing to the reduction of risk of transmission within the community.




community

Incidence and Associations of Chronic Kidney Disease in Community Participants With Diabetes: A 5-Year Prospective Analysis of the EXTEND45 Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of and factors associated with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in people with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified people with diabetes in the EXamining ouTcomEs in chroNic Disease in the 45 and Up Study (EXTEND45), a population-based cohort study (2006–2014) that linked the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study cohort to community laboratory and administrative data in New South Wales, Australia. The study outcome was the first eGFR measurement <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 recorded during the follow-up period. Participants with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline were excluded. We used Poisson regression to estimate the incidence of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and multivariable Cox regression to examine factors associated with the study outcome.

RESULTS

Of 9,313 participants with diabetes, 2,106 (22.6%) developed incident eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 over a median follow-up time of 5.7 years (interquartile range, 3.0–5.9 years). The eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 incidence rate per 100 person-years was 6.0 (95% CI 5.7–6.3) overall, 1.5 (1.3–1.9) in participants aged 45–54 years, 3.7 (3.4–4.0) for 55–64 year olds, 7.6 (7.1–8.1) for 65–74 year olds, 15.0 (13.0–16.0) for 75–84 year olds, and 26.0 (22.0–32.0) for those aged 85 years and over. In a fully adjusted multivariable model incidence was independently associated with age (hazard ratio 1.23 per 5-year increase; 95% CI 1.19–1.26), geography (outer regional and remote versus major city: 1.36; 1.17–1.58), obesity (obese class III versus normal: 1.44; 1.16–1.80), and the presence of hypertension (1.52; 1.33–1.73), coronary heart disease (1.13; 1.02–1.24), cancer (1.30; 1.14–1.50), and depression/anxiety (1.14; 1.01–1.27).

CONCLUSIONS

In participants with diabetes, the incidence of an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was high. Older age, remoteness of residence, and the presence of various comorbid conditions were associated with higher incidence.




community

Connecting General Practitioners Through a Peer-Facilitated Community of Practice for Chronic Disease Care [Innovations in Primary Care]




community

Different Effects of Soil Fertilization on Bacterial Community Composition in the Penicillium canescens Hyphosphere and in Bulk Soil [Environmental Microbiology]

This study investigated the effects of long-term soil fertilization on the composition and potential for phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) cycling of bacterial communities associated with hyphae of the P-solubilizing fungus Penicillium canescens. Using a baiting approach, hyphosphere bacterial communities were recovered from three soils that had received long-term amendment in the field with mineral or mineral plus organic fertilizers. P. canescens hyphae recruited bacterial communities with a decreased diversity and an increased abundance of Proteobacteria relative to what was observed in soil communities. As core bacterial taxa, Delftia and Pseudomonas spp. were present in all hyphosphere samples irrespective of soil fertilization. However, the type of fertilization showed significant impacts on the diversity, composition, and distinctive taxa/operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of hyphosphere communities. The soil factors P (Olsen method), exchangeable Mg, exchangeable K, and pH were important for shaping soil and hyphosphere bacterial community compositions. An increased relative abundance of organic P metabolism genes was found in hyphosphere communities from soil that had not received P fertilizers, which could indicate P limitation near the fungal hyphae. Additionally, P. canescens hyphae recruited bacterial communities with a higher abundance of N fixation genes than found in soil communities, which might imply a role of hyphosphere communities for fungal N nutrition. Furthermore, the relative abundances of denitrification genes were greater in several hyphosphere communities, indicating an at least partly anoxic microenvironment with a high carbon-to-N ratio around the hyphae. In conclusion, soil fertilization legacy shapes P. canescens hyphosphere microbiomes and their functional potential related to P and N cycling.

IMPORTANCE P-solubilizing Penicillium strains are introduced as biofertilizers to agricultural soils to improve plant P nutrition. Currently, little is known about the ecology of these biofertilizers, including their interactions with other soil microorganisms. This study shows that communities dominated by Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria colonize P. canescens hyphae in soil and that the compositions of these communities depend on the soil conditions. The potential of these communities for N and organic P cycling is generally higher than that of soil communities. The high potential for organic P metabolism might complement the ability of the fungus to solubilize inorganic P, and it points to the hyphosphere as a hot spot for P metabolism. Furthermore, the high potential for N fixation could indicate that P. canescens recruits bacteria that are able to improve its N nutrition. Hence, this community study identifies functional groups relevant for the future optimization of next-generation biofertilizer consortia for applications in soil.




community

Ecological and Ontogenetic Components of Larval Lake Sturgeon Gut Microbiota Assembly, Successional Dynamics, and Ecological Evaluation of Neutral Community Processes [Microbial Ecology]

Gastrointestinal (GI) or gut microbiotas play essential roles in host development and physiology. These roles are influenced partly by the microbial community composition. During early developmental stages, the ecological processes underlying the assembly and successional changes in host GI community composition are influenced by numerous factors, including dispersal from the surrounding environment, age-dependent changes in the gut environment, and changes in dietary regimes. However, the relative importance of these factors to the gut microbiota is not well understood. We examined the effects of environmental (diet and water sources) and host early ontogenetic development on the diversity of and the compositional changes in the gut microbiota of a primitive teleost fish, the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), based on massively parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Fish larvae were raised in environments that differed in water source (stream versus filtered groundwater) and diet (supplemented versus nonsupplemented Artemia fish). We quantified the gut microbial community structure at three stages (prefeeding and 1 and 2 weeks after exogenous feeding began). The diversity declined and the community composition differed significantly among stages; however, only modest differences associated with dietary or water source treatments were documented. Many taxa present in the gut were over- or underrepresented relative to neutral expectations in each sampling period. The findings indicate dynamic relationships between the gut microbiota composition and host gastrointestinal physiology, with comparatively smaller influences being associated with the rearing environments. Neutral models of community assembly could not be rejected, but selectivity associated with microbe-host GI tract interactions through early ontogenetic stages was evident. The results have implications for sturgeon conservation and aquaculture production specifically and applications of microbe-based management in teleost fish generally.

IMPORTANCE We quantified the effects of environment (diet and water sources) and host early ontogenetic development on the diversity of and compositional changes in gut microbial communities based on massively parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes from the GI tracts of larval lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). The gut microbial community diversity declined and the community composition differed significantly among ontogenetic stages; however, only modest differences associated with dietary or water source treatments were documented. Selectivity associated with microbe-host GI tract interactions through early ontogenetic stages was evident. The results have implications for lake sturgeon and early larval ecology and survival in their natural habitat and for conservation and aquaculture production specifically, as well as applications of microbe-based management in teleost fish generally.




community

Microbial Diversity in Deep-Subsurface Hot Brines of Northwest Poland: from Community Structure to Isolate Characteristics [Geomicrobiology]

Deep-subsurface hot brines in northwest Poland, extracted through boreholes reaching 1.6 and 2.6 km below the ground surface, were microbiologically investigated using culture-independent and culture-dependent methods. The high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons showed a very low diversity of bacterial communities, which were dominated by phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Bacterial genera potentially involved in sulfur oxidation and nitrate reduction (Halothiobacillus and Methylobacterium) prevailed in both waters over the sulfate reducers ("Candidatus Desulforudis" and Desulfotomaculum). Only one archaeal taxon, affiliated with the order Thermoplasmatales, was detected in analyzed samples. Bacterial isolates obtained from these deep hot brines were closely related to Bacillus paralicheniformis based on the 16S rRNA sequence similarity. However, genomic and physiological analyses made for one of the isolates, Bacillus paralicheniformis strain TS6, revealed the existence of more diverse metabolic pathways than those of its moderate-temperature counterpart. These specific traits may be associated with the ecological adaptations to the extreme habitat, which suggest that some lineages of B. paralicheniformis are halothermophilic.

IMPORTANCE Deep-subsurface aquifers, buried thousands of meters down the Earth’s crust, belong to the most underexplored microbial habitats. Although a few studies revealed the existence of microbial life at the depths, the knowledge about the microbial life in the deep hydrosphere is still scarce due to the limited access to such environments. Studying the subsurface microbiome provides unique information on microbial diversity, community structure, and geomicrobiological processes occurring under extreme conditions of the deep subsurface. Our study shows that low-diversity microbial assemblages in subsurface hot brines were dominated by the bacteria involved in biogeochemical cycles of sulfur and nitrogen. Based on genomic and physiological analyses, we found that the Bacillus paralicheniformis isolate obtained from the brine under study differed from the mesophilic species in the presence of specific adaptations to harsh environmental conditions. We indicate that some lineages of B. paralicheniformis are halothermophilic, which was not previously reported.




community

How To Watch The Community Reunion Table Read In Australia

The cast of Community is reuniting for a virtual table read to raise money for coronavirus relief. Almost all of main cast will be back for the online event, including Donald Glover who left the show in season 5. It will also include a Q&A where fans can submit questions via social media. This is how you can watch it live. More »
    





community

Coronavirus takes a toll in Sweden's immigrant community

STOCKHOLM (AP) - The flight from Italy was one of the last arrivals that day at the Stockholm airport. A Swedish couple in their 50s walked up and loaded their skis into Razzak Khalaf's taxi.

It was early March and concerns over the coronavirus were already present, but the couple, ...




community

Prince Charles records special message for Sikh community on festival of Vaisakhi amid &apos;challenging times&apos;

Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms




community

UK coronavirus LIVE: Huge jump in death toll as Covid-19 figures for fatalities in hospitals, care homes and the community revealed

The UK discovered the true toll of coronavirus deaths today when the Government unveils figures for fatalities in hospitals, care homes and the community .




community

UK Covid-19 deaths hit 26,771 as Boris Johnson confirms 674 more fatalities across hospitals, care homes and community

The number of coronavirus deaths in the UK has increased by 674 – bringing the national total to 26,771.




community

Ambulance staff thank community for support during coronavirus outbreak with heartwarming video

NHS ambulance staff have created a heartwarming video to say thank you to the community for the support they have received during the coronavirus crisis.




community

Heritage project to help London&apos;s children re-engage with community after lockdown

London children who have been cooped up at home will be able to discover the historic buildings on their doorstep when lockdown is over.




community

Coronavirus takes a toll in Sweden&#39;s immigrant community

The flight from Italy was one of the last arrivals that day at the Stockholm airport. A Swedish couple in their 50s walked up and loaded their skis into Razzak Khalaf's taxi. It was early March and concerns over the coronavirus were already present, but the couple, both coughing for the entire 45-minute journey, assured Khalaf they were healthy and just suffering from a change in the weather.





community

Saskatchewan Indigenous community 'frustrated and angry' as it battles outbreak

LA LOCHE, Sask. - Amanda Black feels lucky that her symptoms have remained mild since she tested positive last week for COVID-19. She and her six-year-old son, Malachi, have runny noses and can't taste their food. "We seem to be OK so far," Black said in an online video from her home in La




community

On coronavirus lockdown, gamers seek solace and community in video games

Coronavirus lockdowns and extended social distancing has more people playing video games to stay connected and pass the time.

       




community

Donald Glover to reunite with Community cast for virtual table read and Q&amp;A

The show ran for six seasons from 2009 to 2015




community

Community aid website urges more people to volunteer amid coronavirus crisis

CoronaBuddy.co.uk helps connect people in need with local volunteers in their area




community

Join the community: how Nextdoor app is helping to connect neighbours during Covid-19

People are flocking to the hyper-local app to stay connected during the lockdown




community

Donald Glover reuniting with Community cast for virtual table read

Donald Glover will be joined by castmates including Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Alison Brie, and Ken Jeong.




community

Roy Hodgson praises Crystal Palace community work during coronavirus shutdown

Roy Hodgson has issued a lengthy message to Crystal Palace supporters during the coronavirus crisis, commending the club and players' community efforts and reaffirming the collective desire to finish the 2019-20 Premier League season.




community

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho to help grow and transport food for local community during coronavirus crisis

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho will volunteer to help transport food during the coronavirus pandemic.




community

How Brentford are working hard to help the local community during coronavirus lockdown

Bees vice-chairman Donald Kerr believes there is scope for the trusts of all London clubs to unite at this difficult time




community

Manchester United Foundation donates £300,000 to local schools to aid vulnerable families in local community

Manchester United Foundation are donating £300,000 to schools and colleges in a latest move in response to the coronavirus pandemic.




community

Coronavirus cancels E3 convention, leaving a hole in L.A.'s gaming community

Canceled Wednesday, this year's E3 was particularly anticipated because new consoles from Sony and Microsoft are due to be released by the end of the year.




community

Clinicians and autistic transgender youth partner to create first community-built care model

The first ever set of specific recommendations to support transgender autistic young people was co-created by these youth and their families working hand-in-hand with clinical experts. The resulting model offers clinicians a set of concrete ways to provide this unique population the support they need.




community

Community spirit shattered by the sound of helicopters

At 8pm, applause rings out from our neighbours' balconies, punctuating the night. It's a new tradition, but when the applause dies down, the jarring reality of our situation is brought home.




community

Mayor fears community left out of decision on toxic West Gate Tunnel soil

Moorabool Shire Mayor David Edwards says he fears his council is being shut out of any decisions around the dumping of contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel project.





community

Local Muslim community to break fast during Ramadan with virtual iftar Saturday

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA invites Americans across the country to unite together in interfaith virtual iftar celebrations during the pandemic.




community

Community rugby league clubs set to 'go under' as coronavirus leaves its impact at grassroots level

The impact of coronavirus is not just being felt in the NRL, as community and junior rugby league clubs struggle to stay afloat because of the current health crisis.




community

Community sporting clubs will feel the pinch as coronavirus hits grassroots levels

As professional sporting bodies such as the AFL and NRL sweat on the financial cost of coronavirus, the impact on suburban and regional clubs at the amateur level should not be ignored, writes Richard Hinds.




community

Community sport must be ready to meet post-coronavirus challenges

Junior participation numbers in sport may face long-term effects caused by the coronavirus shutdown, meaning it's crucial community clubs act now so the battle isn't lost, writes Richard Hinds.




community

Drug Channels News Roundup, April 2020: Drug Pricing Outlook, COVID-19 Data Tracker, Community Oncology Clinics, and My Favorite Chart of 2020

Rumor has it that Spring has finally reached our worldwide headquarters here in beautiful downtown Philadelphia. (See photo at right.) While we wait to go outside, please enjoy this month’s selection of noteworthy news:
  • The outlook for drug prices
  • A outstanding (and free!) resource for tracking COVID-19 daily data
  • What’s up with community oncology practices?
Plus, I share my favorite chart of 2020 (so far).

P.S. Join the more than 9,200 followers of my curated links to neat stuff at @DrugChannels on Twitter. My recent tweets have highlighted: Prime Therapeutics new gene therapy offering, AmerisourceBergen’s laudable deal with the Justice Department, the Costco/Instacart deal, Rite Aid’s new CEO, clinical trial trends, vaccine pricing, and much more! I have also been tweeting under-the-radar stories about how the coronavirus is affecting drug channels.

Tomorrow (May 1), Drug Channels Institute will host the first of two live video webinars: Industry Update and COVID-19 Impact: Retail & Specialty Pharmacies. We'll host the second video webinar—Industry Update and COVID-19 Impact: PBMs & Payers—on May 8. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP. Contact Paula Fein (paula@drugchannelsinstitute.com) for our special promo codes for multiple viewing sites. DCI will donate 20% of all profits from these events to The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s COVID-19 Response Fund.

Read more »
        




community

The Geosciences Community Needs to Be More Diverse and Inclusive

It’s essential if we’re going to protect our planet

-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com




community

California Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Community Correctional Facility in Connection with Scheme to Defraud First International Bank and Export-Import Bank

Carlos Serrano, 64, of Glendale, Calif., was sentenced to 18 months in a community correctional facility in connection with a $1.3 million scheme to defraud the First International Bank of Connecticut (FIB) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). In addition to his prison sentence, Serrano was placed on five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $924,569 to the Ex-Im Bank.



  • OPA Press Releases

community

United States Joins Suit Against Community Health Systems Inc. and Three of Its Hospitals in New Mexico

The United States has intervened in a whistleblower suit filed in the District of New Mexico against Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS) and three of its hospitals in New Mexico: Eastern New Mexico Medical Center in Roswell, Mimbres Memorial Hospital in Deming, and Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas. The suit alleges that CHS and its three hospitals violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly causing to be presented to the United States false claims for federal matching Medicaid funds.



  • OPA Press Releases

community

Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT) Awards Dinner

"I’m honored to participate in ALPACT’s first annual banquet, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to discuss an issue that I care about deeply – fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve," said Attorney General Holder.




community

Justice Department to Participate in Community Integration Case in North Carolina

The Department filed a brief as a friend of the court in Marlo M., et al. v. Cansler, et al., a community integration case in federal court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.



  • OPA Press Releases

community

Department of Justice Announces Allocation of 33 New Prosecutors, Launches 3 Community Prosecution Pilot Teams in Indian Country

“Violent crimes, and particularly crimes against women and girls, continue to devastate tribal communities across the country, and the U.S. Attorney community is crucial to the Department of Justice’s response,” Attorney General Holder said. 



  • OPA Press Releases

community

Judge Orders State of Florida to Provide Community Services to Jacksonville Woman at Risk of Institutionalization

The state of Florida must provide Michele Haddad with services that will enable her to remain in her home, a U.S. District Court in Jacksonville, Fla., ruled Wednesday.



  • OPA Press Releases

community

Miami-Area Marketing Director Pleads Guilty for Her Role in Community Mental Health Care Fraud Scheme Involving More Than $100 Million in Fraudulent Medicare Claims

A Miami-area resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Miami for her role in managing a community mental health care fraud scheme that resulted in the submission of more than $100 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare.



  • OPA Press Releases

community

Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition Annual Conference Luncheon

"President Obama and Attorney General Holder recognize that civil rights enforcement is about protecting individual rights and helping entire communities," said Assistant Attorney General Perez.




community

Justice Department Settles Allegations of Immigration-Related Employment Discrimination Against Maricopa Community College District

The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with the Maricopa County Community College District in Arizona, resolving allegations that the district engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against non-citizens in the hiring and employment-eligibility verification process.



  • OPA Press Releases

community

President of Washington, D.C., Area Community Newspaper Chain Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Employment Taxes

Peter Labovitz, of Alexandria, Va., pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to pay employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.



  • OPA Press Releases

community

Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Office of Community Oriented Policing Service Annual Conference

"In their work with agencies and police departments nationwide, the COPS Office has driven vital efforts to improve public safety strategies and law enforcement operations. This collaboration has led to historic reductions in crime – and helped to secure and empower communities across the country."




community

Assistant Attorney General Laurie O. Robinson Speaks at the International Community Corrections Association Annual Meeting

"Let me say at the outset how honored I am to be placed among the many distinguished past recipients of this award – and I’m humbled to have my name connected with the extraordinary woman in whose honor this award is given," said Assistant Attorney General Robinson.




community

Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez Speaks at the 15th Annual Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Colloquium

"It is critical to continue our dialogue about how we can ensure a level playing field for all who are seeking economic opportunity and a fair chance at the American Dream," said Assistant Attorney General Perez.