rom ADA provides suggestions to help protect dentists from employee theft By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 04 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0600 Full Article
rom ADA Practice Transitions offering promotional trial for dentists who sign up through March 1 By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:18:00 -0600 ADA Practice Transitions, a service offered by the ADA focused on helping dentists make the process of joining or leaving a practice successful, is offering a free three-month trial. Full Article
rom Phishing email claims to be from ADA president By www.ada.org Published On :: Mon, 02 Mar 2020 17:04:00 -0600 At least one American Dental Association member has reported receiving a phishing email appearing to come from an address containing ADA President Chad P. Gehani's name and including a link to "view member's details." Full Article
rom ADA seeks clarification from HHS regarding chief dental officer By www.ada.org Published On :: Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:50:00 -0600 The American Dental Association is applauding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to appoint a chief dental officer at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid but would like to confirm the position is exclusive to CMS. Full Article
rom ADA adds frequently asked questions from dentists to coronavirus resources By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:47:00 -0500 With the coronavirus disease now deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the American Dental Association updated its webpage on the disease March 11 to include a link to frequently asked questions from member dentists covering topics such as personal protective equipment and patient communications. Full Article
rom Infection control webinar from ADA, OSAP available late March 20 By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:20:00 -0500 On March 20, the ADA will release an on-demand webinar offering answers to frequently asked questions about infection control protocol and procedures related to COVID-19. Full Article
rom ADA urges CDC to provide ‘immediate guidance’ on protecting dental patients, staff from COVID-19 during emergency treatments By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:06:00 -0500 The American Dental Association is urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide immediate guidance on the best way to protect dental patients and staff from the transmission of COVID-19 during emergency and urgent care situations. Full Article
rom ADA offers free e-books on professional risk, OSHA from April 1-7 By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:29:00 -0500 As part of its ongoing efforts to support dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ADA is offering members two free e-books the week of April 1-7: “Managing Professional Risks: Best Practices” and “The ADA Practical Guide to OSHA Training: Compliance for Dental Professionals.” Full Article
rom Labor Department says employers with fewer than 50 employees may be exempt from new law By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 01 Apr 2020 19:18:00 -0500 Employers with fewer than 50 employees, including dental practices, may be exempt from a provision in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that requires them to provide emergency paid sick leave and expanded medical leave to employees in certain COVID-19 circumstances, the Department of Labor said April 1. Full Article
rom 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
rom 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
rom Arthritis drug shows promise against respiratory distress caused by COVID-19 By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 19:18:36 -0400 Anakinra, a drug developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis might help patients who have developed acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19, a small study published by The Lancet Rheumatology has found. Full Article
rom Exploring New Legal Migration Pathways: Lessons from Pilot Projects By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 10:26:36 -0500 As European countries launch ambitious new legal migration partnerships with several origin and transit countries in Africa, this report takes stock of the long and mixed history of such projects. To make the most of their potential to encourage skills development and fill pressing labor gaps, policymakers will need to think carefully about the partners and sectors they choose, among other key considerations. Full Article
rom Social Innovation for Refugee Inclusion: From Bright Spots to System Change By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Wed, 12 Jun 2019 11:51:08 -0400 In the three years since the European migration and refugee crisis vividly captured public attention, a wave of innovative initiatives has emerged to help newcomers settle into receiving societies. Now, as the sense of crisis abates, this report explores what these initiatives will need to do to outlast the hype and produce lasting change on key integration issues such as housing, economic inclusion, and community building. Full Article
rom 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
rom Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular and Microvascular Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Findings From a Population-Based Cohort Study By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-28T14:33:04-07:00 OBJECTIVETo determine the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), microvascular complications, and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes who subsequently develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared with patients with type 2 diabetes without a diagnosis of OSA.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSThis age-, sex-, BMI-, and diabetes duration–matched cohort study used data from a U.K. primary care database from 1 January 2005 to 17 January 2018. Participants aged ≥16 years with type 2 diabetes were included. Exposed participants were those who developed OSA after their diabetes diagnosis; unexposed participants were those without diagnosed OSA. Outcomes were composite CVD (ischemic heart disease [IHD], stroke/transient ischemic attack [TIA], heart failure [HF]), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), atrial fibrillation (AF), peripheral neuropathy (PN), diabetes-related foot disease (DFD), referable retinopathy, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and all-cause mortality. The same outcomes were explored in patients with preexisting OSA before a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes versus diabetes without diagnosed OSA.RESULTSA total of 3,667 exposed participants and 10,450 matched control participants were included. Adjusted hazard ratios for the outcomes were as follows: composite CVD 1.54 (95% CI 1.32, 1.79), IHD 1.55 (1.26, 1.90), HF 1.67 (1.35, 2.06), stroke/TIA 1.57 (1.27, 1.94), PVD 1.10 (0.91, 1.32), AF 1.53 (1.28, 1.83), PN 1.32 (1.14, 1.51), DFD 1.42 (1.16, 1.74), referable retinopathy 0.99 (0.82, 1.21), CKD (stage 3–5) 1.18 (1.02, 1.36), albuminuria 1.11 (1.01, 1.22), and all-cause mortality 1.24 (1.10, 1.40). In the prevalent OSA cohort, the results were similar, but some associations were not observed.CONCLUSIONSPatients with type 2 diabetes who develop OSA are at increased risk of CVD, AF, PN, DFD, CKD, and all-cause mortality compared with patients without diagnosed OSA. Patients with type 2 diabetes who develop OSA are a high-risk population, and strategies to detect OSA and prevent cardiovascular and microvascular complications should be implemented. Full Article
rom Dietary Manganese, Plasma Markers of Inflammation, and the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Postmenopausal Women: Findings From the Womens Health Initiative By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-28T10:59:59-07:00 OBJECTIVETo examine the association between manganese intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women and determine whether this association is mediated by circulating markers of inflammation.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe included 84,285 postmenopausal women without a history of diabetes from the national Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS). Replication analysis was then conducted among 62,338 women who participated in the WHI-Clinical Trial (WHI-CT). Additionally, data from a case-control study of 3,749 women nested in the WHI-OS with information on biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were examined using mediation analysis to determine the relative contributions of these known biomarkers by which manganese affects type 2 diabetes risk.RESULTSCompared with the lowest quintile of energy-adjusted dietary manganese, WHI-OS participants in the highest quintile had a 30% lower risk of type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 0.70 [95% CI 0.65, 0.76]). A consistent association was also confirmed in the WHI-CT (HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.73, 0.85]). In the nested case-control study, higher energy-adjusted dietary manganese was associated with lower circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers that significantly mediated the association between dietary manganese and type 2 diabetes risk. Specifically, 19% and 12% of type 2 diabetes risk due to manganese were mediated through interleukin 6 and hs-CRP, respectively.CONCLUSIONSHigher intake of manganese was directly associated with a lower type 2 diabetes risk independent of known risk factors. This association may be partially mediated by inflammatory biomarkers. Full Article
rom microRNA-21/PDCD4 Proapoptotic Signaling From Circulating CD34+ Cells to Vascular Endothelial Cells: A Potential Contributor to Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T07:23:01-07:00 OBJECTIVEIn patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and critical limb ischemia (CLI), migration of circulating CD34+ cells predicted cardiovascular mortality at 18 months after revascularization. This study aimed to provide long-term validation and mechanistic understanding of the biomarker.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSThe association between CD34+ cell migration and cardiovascular mortality was reassessed at 6 years after revascularization. In a new series of T2D-CLI and control subjects, immuno-sorted bone marrow CD34+ cells were profiled for miRNA expression and assessed for apoptosis and angiogenesis activity. The differentially regulated miRNA-21 and its proapoptotic target, PDCD4, were titrated to verify their contribution in transferring damaging signals from CD34+ cells to endothelial cells.RESULTSMultivariable regression analysis confirmed that CD34+ cell migration forecasts long-term cardiovascular mortality. CD34+ cells from T2D-CLI patients were more apoptotic and less proangiogenic than control subjects and featured miRNA-21 downregulation, modulation of several long noncoding RNAs acting as miRNA-21 sponges, and upregulation of the miRNA-21 proapoptotic target PDCD4. Silencing miR-21 in control subject CD34+ cells phenocopied the T2D-CLI cell behavior. In coculture, T2D-CLI CD34+ cells imprinted naïve endothelial cells, increasing apoptosis, reducing network formation, and modulating the TUG1 sponge/miRNA-21/PDCD4 axis. Silencing PDCD4 or scavenging reactive oxygen species protected endothelial cells from the negative influence of T2D-CLI CD34+ cells.CONCLUSIONSMigration of CD34+ cells predicts long-term cardiovascular mortality in T2D-CLI patients. An altered paracrine signaling conveys antiangiogenic and proapoptotic features from CD34+ cells to the endothelium. This damaging interaction may increase the risk for life-threatening complications. Full Article
rom Promising New Research on Early Intervention for Autism By schoolpsychologistfiles.blogspot.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:55:00 +0000 CNN reports that a study confirms that early autism intervention in toddlers is effective. A study was completed with a program called the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). This program involves about twenty hours a week in the child's own home. It involves play and parents can easily learn some of the skills that can be applied in other settings. The study compared a group of toddlers that were given ESDM intervention to a group of toddlers receiving typical community interventions. Both groups showed improvement, but the ESDM group improved IQ by 18 points compared to 8 points with traditional interventions. The study is reporting that some of the children "virtually caught up to the typical kids their age." However, they are not claiming it is a cure for autism. According to the article they are working on a replication study to determine if there are similar results. Personally, I'm looking forward to the results of the replication study and want to find out more about this method. From what I understand it is less of a time constraint than ABA therapy. This study also demonstrated the need for early intervention, which also includes early identification. When children are diagnosed early, they can begin receiving interventions that are proven effective. The study showed that current methods are working, but there may be a new program that can be even more effective on the horizon. I'd love to hear more from my readers if you have any experience with ESDM or more information about it. Full Article Autism
rom Top 5 Questions about ADHD- From Everyday Health By schoolpsychologistfiles.blogspot.com Published On :: Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:34:00 +0000 Everyday Health is gathering the responses of several professionals of the top 5 questions they get regarding ADHD. They asked me to participate. The following are the questions and my answers. Check in with Everyday Health next week to see the compilation of responses. 1. Why are there so many theories about the causes of ADHD? What are the most common?Any disorder that does not have a known cause is open to a number of theories. People naturally want to know why or want to feel as if it can be prevented in the future. Heredity is believed to be the most commonly accepted cause. 2. How can you explain the value of treatment to resistant parents? For example, “I survived my childhood with ADHD --and I was never diagnosed or treated. Why does my child need ADHD treatment?” Often children with ADHD have gaps in their education. As they are in and out of focus each day, they miss key points in instruction. As new skills build upon old skills, it can be more and more difficult to learn new tasks where there are gaps in the foundation. This difficulty can make focusing even more difficult, further compounding the problem. Treatment can help reduce or prevent this cycle. 3. What role does a child’s school have in helping him or her with ADHD?The school can help by providing support and accommodations specific to the particular needs of your child IF it can be determined that the symptoms of ADHD are significantly impacting his or her education. Of course, each school has different criteria for determining if there is a significant impact.4. Are the medications recommended for ADHD safe for children? What are the potential dangers?There is not a lot of solid research yet on this topic. While the medications are believed to be safe, they have not been around long enough to fully study long term effects. There are also side effects that may make the medications not worth the benefits in some children. All of that being said, I've seen kids who are finally able to focus after starting medication. Taking the medication improves learning, grades, and self esteem, which has numerous positive long term benefits. Medication is not something to take lightly. Parents must think very carefully weigh the unknown risks of taking the medications verses the possible risks of refusing the medications. There is not one answer that fits all children.5. What are the most common side effects of ADHD meds?Weight loss, behavioral changes, and headaches are possible side effects. Full Article ADHD
rom House probe: Trump admin failed to adequately screen travelers from South Korea, Italy for COVID-19 By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 03:20:46 -0400 The Trump administration failed to conduct effective screening of passengers from South Korea and Italy for the coronavirus when those countries were experiencing rapid expansion in COVID-19 cases. Full Article
rom Astronauts anticipate first crewed launch from U.S. soil in nine years By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 18:15:49 -0400 The two astronauts who are to begin a new era of human spaceflight from U.S. soil this month said Friday they hope to inspire generations of Americans. Full Article
rom Astronomers find black hole just 1,000 light-years from Earth By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 15:35:41 -0400 Scientists have discovered the closest black hole to Earth, located just 1,000 light-years away. Full Article
rom Televangelist Jim Bakker recovering from stroke By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 19:56:46 -0400 Televangelist Jim Bakker is recovering at his North Carolina home after having a stroke, his wife said Friday. Full Article
rom Watch: Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Schwartz read texts from their moms on 'Kimmel' By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 07:58:08 -0400 Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Schwartz and other celebrities read text messages from their mothers on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in honor of Mother's Day. Full Article
rom Princess Love files for divorce from Ray J By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 09:21:37 -0400 Princess Love filed for divorce from Ray J, her husband and "Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood" co-star, after nearly four years of marriage. Full Article
rom Minimizing your Risk of PTSD from COVID-19 By psychcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 04 May 2020 15:45:12 +0000 I was recently asked if I thought the pandemic is a national trauma. The answer is a simple “Yes.” By the standards of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), the... Full Article Psychology PTSD Self-Help coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic social distancing Trauma
rom How to Stay Sane While Staying Home: Advice from an Introvert By psychcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 20:30:40 +0000 For loners, recluses, and other solitary types such as myself, sheltering-in-place feels natural and normal. However scary other aspects of this pandemic might be, for us, this aspect isn’t. Working... Full Article Publishers Spirituality & Health coronavirus COVID-19 Extrovert Introvert quarantine
rom [ Credit ] Open Question : I'm 23 with a 536 credit score because I was stupid from ages 18-20. Is there any way to make it higher? ? By answers.yahoo.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 17:16:58 +0000 I have 2500 worth of debt and most of it has been turned over into collections Full Article
rom [ Religion & Spirituality ] Open Question : My mother keeps turning water into wine, walking on water and resurrecting from the dead. Is she a witch? By answers.yahoo.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 17:20:02 +0000 Full Article
rom [ Politics ] Open Question : IF Cons rewrote the Constitution of the United States would it have less laws, more liberty, & move power from DC to the State Capitals? By answers.yahoo.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 17:23:18 +0000 Oh would that 'less laws/more liberty/more state capital power' look anything like Mike Pence's Religious Freedom Restoration Act or in other words the 'we Conservative Republican Christians are such oppressed persecuted victims WAAAAA WAAAA' Bill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIikqPmbgvI Full Article
rom From Emigration to Asylum Destination, Italy Navigates Shifting Migration Tides By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 22 Aug 2017 10:33:27 -0400 Long a country of emigration—13 million Italians went abroad between 1880 and 1915—Italy has also experienced significant inflows of Middle Eastern and sub-Saharan African workers in recent decades. Italy has also been on the frontlines of Europe's refugee crisis. This country profile examines Italy's shifting migration patterns, policy responses over time, and debates. Full Article
rom Under Lockdown Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Europe Feels the Pinch from Slowed Intra-EU Labor Mobility By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 09:07:52 -0400 Border closures and lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic have put a chill on intra-EU labor mobility, most immediately with the difficulty for European farmers to gain access to much-needed seasonal workers and for health-care institutions to get care workers. This article explores how these workers, who often face difficult situations, may be more vulnerable now. It also takes on implications for intra-EU labor mobility post-pandemic. Full Article
rom Tapping the Talents of Highly Skilled Immigrants in the United States: Takeaways from Experts Summit By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Wed, 08 Aug 2018 12:19:20 -0400 Economists project a shortage of 5 million U.S. workers with postsecondary education and training by 2020. Yet 2 million immigrant college graduates in the United States are either unemployed or work in jobs that require no more than a high school degree. How can this skill underutilization, known as "brain waste," be remedied? MPI asked the experts, and this report summarizes their discussion and recommendations. Full Article
rom 'Attraction Effect' Helps Voters Pick From the Pack By www.washingtonpost.com Published On :: Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST Some years ago, a political scientist conducted an interesting experiment that speaks to the fractured race for the Republican presidential nomination, which now has six candidates, five issues, and four potential front-runners. Full Article Opinions 'Attraction Effect' Helps Voters Pick From the Pack
rom What Obama Might Learn From Emily Dickinson By www.washingtonpost.com Published On :: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT Tell all the Truth but tell it slant/Success in Circuit lies/Too bright for our infirm Delight/The Truth's superb surprise . . . Full Article Opinions What Obama Might Learn From Emily Dickinson
rom Mathematics from arts? By blogs.ams.org Published On :: Fri, 27 Dec 2019 13:15:38 +0000 In which I write about the wonderful mathematics that I learned inspired by a graphics design student I met at a Halloween party. Continue reading → Full Article Algebraic Geometry Arts & Math Linear Algebra Technology & Math Graphics Design LaTeX Manim Splines
rom After the Storm: Learning from the EU Response to the Migration Crisis By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 26 Jun 2018 10:04:54 -0400 As maritime arrivals climbed in 2015, EU policymakers struggled to mount a coordinated response. A range of ad hoc crisis-response tools emerged, but many officials worry that if another migration emergency were to hit Europe, the European Union may still be unprepared. This report traces the evolution of the EU response to the 2015–16 crisis and lays out recommendations to lock in progress and shore up weaknesses. Full Article
rom Seasonal Worker Programs in Europe: Promising Practices and Ongoing Challenges By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 18 Feb 2020 14:18:40 -0500 Seasonal worker programs in the European Union have a long history, but have yet to find the sweet spot of working for migrants, employers, and countries of destination and origin alike. This policy brief explores some of the challenges common to these programs—drawing on examples in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand—and highlights promising practices. Full Article
rom Supporting DLLs in Superdiverse PreK-3 Programs: Findings from Two Studies By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:46:18 -0500 Marking the release of two research reports that highlight promising, effective approaches to teaching and learning for Dual Language Learners in multilingual, multicultural classrooms, report authors present their findings on this webinar and discuss key implications for policy and practice. Full Article
rom Reducing Integration Barriers Facing Foreign-Trained Immigrants: Policy and Practice Lessons from Across the United States By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Thu, 16 Feb 2017 13:11:19 -0500 Marking the release of an MPI report, researchers and practitioners on this webinar discuss brain waste among college-educated immigrants and initiatives that ease the barriers foreign-educated newcomers confront with regards to credential recognition, employment, and relicensure, as well as recent policy developments and ongoing challenges in the field. Full Article
rom Reducing Integration Barriers Facing Foreign-Trained Immigrants: Policy and Practice Lessons from Across the United States By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:42:32 -0500 Marking the release of a report on the barriers foreign-trained high-skilled immigrants face in the United States, this webinar examines programs and initiatives that assist with credential recognition, employment, and relicensure, as well as recent policy developments. Discussants review recommendations for community-based organizations, employers, and policymakers to expand successful efforts aimed at preventing brain waste. Full Article
rom Promoting Refugee Integration in Challenging Times: The Potential of Two-Generation Strategies By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:02:13 -0500 At a time when the U.S. refugee resettlement system is facing unprecedented challenges, innovative and cost-effective tools for supporting refugee integration are in demand. This report explores how a two-generation approach to service provision could help all members of refugee families—from young children to working-age adults and the elderly—find their footing. Full Article
rom More Than a DREAM (Act), Less Than a Promise By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:50:54 -0400 The first bill introduced in the 116th Congress to offer a path to legal status to DREAMers, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019, could legalize nearly 2.7 million unauthorized immigrants brought to the United States as children, as well as those eligible for Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure, as this commentary explains. Full Article
rom Specificity and affinity of the N-terminal residues in staphylocoagulase in binding to prothrombin [Computational Biology] By www.jbc.org Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 In Staphylococcus aureus–caused endocarditis, the pathogen secretes staphylocoagulase (SC), thereby activating human prothrombin (ProT) and evading immune clearance. A previous structural comparison of the SC(1–325) fragment bound to thrombin and its inactive precursor prethrombin 2 has indicated that SC activates ProT by inserting its N-terminal dipeptide Ile1-Val2 into the ProT Ile16 pocket, forming a salt bridge with ProT's Asp194, thereby stabilizing the active conformation. We hypothesized that these N-terminal SC residues modulate ProT binding and activation. Here, we generated labeled SC(1–246) as a probe for competitively defining the affinities of N-terminal SC(1–246) variants preselected by modeling. Using ProT(R155Q,R271Q,R284Q) (ProTQQQ), a variant refractory to prothrombinase- or thrombin-mediated cleavage, we observed variant affinities between ∼1 and 650 nm and activation potencies ranging from 1.8-fold that of WT SC(1–246) to complete loss of function. Substrate binding to ProTQQQ caused allosteric tightening of the affinity of most SC(1–246) variants, consistent with zymogen activation through occupation of the specificity pocket. Conservative changes at positions 1 and 2 were well-tolerated, with Val1-Val2, Ile1-Ala2, and Leu1-Val2 variants exhibiting ProTQQQ affinity and activation potency comparable with WT SC(1–246). Weaker binding variants typically had reduced activation rates, although at near-saturating ProTQQQ levels, several variants exhibited limiting rates similar to or higher than that of WT SC(1–246). The Ile16 pocket in ProTQQQ appears to favor nonpolar, nonaromatic residues at SC positions 1 and 2. Our results suggest that SC variants other than WT Ile1-Val2-Thr3 might emerge with similar ProT-activating efficiency. Full Article
rom As Millions Are Pushed from Jobs amid Pandemic, the Loss of Employer Health Coverage & Limited Access to Public Coverage for Many Immigrants Hold Major Implications for Them – and U.S. Overall By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 10:44:32 -0400 WASHINGTON – As more than 33 million U.S. workers have lost their jobs since March amid the pandemic-induced economic crisis, immigrants are among the most vulnerable: They are more likely than the U.S. born to be laid off and to live in communities with high COVID-19 infection rates, and less likely to have health insurance coverage and access to a doctor or other usual source of health care. Full Article
rom As More Migrants from Africa and Asia Arrive in Latin America, Governments Seek Orderly and Controlled Pathways By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 12:48:50 -0400 Growing numbers of African and Asian migrants are moving through Latin America, many hoping to reach the United States or Canada after expensive, arduous, and often dangerous journeys that can take months or even years. As more extracontinental migrants transit through South and Central America, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica have developed the most comprehensive policies to manage these flows, sometimes working in coordination with the U.S. government. Full Article
rom Efficacy and Safety of Dapagliflozin in the Elderly: Analysis From the DECLARE-TIMI 58 Study By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-20T12:00:30-08:00 OBJECTIVE Data regarding the effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the elderly (age ≥65 years) and very elderly (age ≥75 years) are limited. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE)–TIMI 58 assessed cardiac and renal outcomes of dapagliflozin versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. Efficacy and safety outcomes were studied within age subgroups for treatment effect and age-based treatment interaction. RESULTS Of the 17,160 patients, 9,253 were <65 years of age, 6,811 ≥65 to <75 years, and 1,096 ≥75 years. Dapagliflozin reduced the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure consistently, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.88 (95% CI 0.72, 1.07), 0.77 (0.63, 0.94), and 0.94 (0.65, 1.36) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.5277). Overall, dapagliflozin did not significantly decrease the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, with HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.81, 1.08), 0.97 (0.83, 1.13), and 0.84 (0.61, 1.15) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.7352). The relative risk reduction for the secondary prespecified cardiorenal composite outcome ranged from 18% to 28% in the different age-groups with no heterogeneity. Major hypoglycemia was less frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo, with HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.58, 1.64), 0.50 (0.29, 0.84), and 0.68 (0.29, 1.57) in age-groups <65, ≥65 to <75, and ≥75 years, respectively (interaction P value 0.2107). Safety outcomes, including fractures, volume depletion, cancer, urinary tract infections, and amputations were balanced with dapagliflozin versus placebo, and acute kidney injury was reduced, all regardless of age. Genital infections that were serious or led to discontinuation of the study drug and diabetic ketoacidosis were uncommon, yet more frequent with dapagliflozin versus placebo, without heterogeneity (interaction P values 0.1058 and 0.8433, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The overall efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin are consistent regardless of age. Full Article
rom Myocardial Ischemic Burden and Differences in Prognosis Among Patients With and Without Diabetes: Results From the Multicenter International REFINE SPECT Registry By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-20T12:00:30-08:00 OBJECTIVE Prevalence and prognostic impact of cardiovascular disease differ between patients with or without diabetes. We aimed to explore differences in the prevalence and prognosis of myocardial ischemia by automated quantification of total perfusion deficit (TPD) among patients with and without diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Of 20,418 individuals who underwent single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging, 2,951 patients with diabetes were matched to 2,951 patients without diabetes based on risk factors using propensity score. TPD was categorized as TPD = 0%, 0% < TPD < 1%, 1% ≤ TPD < 5%, 5% ≤ TPD ≤ 10%, and TPD >10%. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or late revascularization. RESULTS MACE risk was increased in patients with diabetes compared with patients without diabetes at each level of TPD above 0 (P < 0.001 for interaction). In patients with TPD >10%, patients with diabetes had greater than twice the MACE risk compared with patients without diabetes (annualized MACE rate 9.4 [95% CI 6.7–11.6] and 3.9 [95% CI 2.8–5.6], respectively, P < 0.001). Patients with diabetes with even very minimal TPD (0% < TPD < 1%) experienced a higher risk for MACE than those with 0% TPD (hazard ratio 2.05 [95% CI 1.21–3.47], P = 0.007). Patients with diabetes with a TPD of 0.5% had a similar MACE risk as patients without diabetes with a TPD of 8%. CONCLUSIONS For every level of TPD >0%, even a very minimal deficit of 0% < TPD < 1%, the MACE risk was higher in the patients with diabetes compared with patients without diabetes. Patients with diabetes with minimal ischemia had comparable MACE risk as patients without diabetes with significant ischemia. Full Article
rom Microvascular and Cardiovascular Outcomes According to Renal Function in Patients Treated With Once-Weekly Exenatide: Insights From the EXSCEL Trial By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-20T12:00:30-08:00 OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of once-weekly exenatide (EQW) on microvascular and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes by baseline renal function in the Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Least squares mean difference (LSMD) in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline between the EQW and placebo groups was calculated for 13,844 participants. Cox regression models were used to estimate effects by group on incident macroalbuminuria, retinopathy, and major adverse CV events (MACE). Interval-censored time-to-event models estimated effects on renal composite 1 (40% eGFR decline, renal replacement, or renal death) and renal composite 2 (composite 1 variables plus macroalbuminuria). RESULTS EQW did not change eGFR significantly (LSMD 0.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI –0.27 to 0.70]). Macroalbuminuria occurred in 2.2% of patients in the EQW group and in 2.5% of those in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87 [95% CI 0.70–1.07]). Neither renal composite was reduced with EQW in unadjusted analyses, but renal composite 2 was reduced after adjustment (HR 0.85 [95% CI 0.74–0.98]). Retinopathy rates did not differ by treatment group or in the HbA1c-lowering or prior retinopathy subgroups. CV outcomes in those with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 did not differ by group. Those with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 had nominal risk reductions for MACE, all-cause mortality, and CV death, but interactions by renal function group were significant for only stroke (HR 0.74 [95% CI 0.58–0.93]; P for interaction = 0.035) and CV death (HR 1.08 [95% CI 0.85–1.38]; P for interaction = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS EQW had no impact on unadjusted retinopathy or renal outcomes. CV risk was modestly reduced only in those with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in analyses unadjusted for multiplicity. Full Article