national

National Politics’ Role in Developing Primary Health Care Policy for Maternal Health in Papua New Guinea: A Qualitative Document Analysis

ABSTRACTPolitics is one of the critical factors that influence health policy agendas. However, scholarly efforts, especially in low- and middle-income countries, rarely focus on how politics influence health policy agenda-setting. We conducted a qualitative document review to examine the factors that led to developing the free primary health care policy for maternal health in Papua New Guinea. We also discuss mechanisms through which national politics, as an overriding factor, influenced the development of the policy. The review draws on Kingdon’s multiple-stream model for agenda-setting and incorporates theoretical insights from Fox and Reich’s framework for analyzing the politics of health reform for universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries.




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The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Priorities for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research [Special Section: Cannabinoid Signaling in Human Health and Disease-Commentary]

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), which is part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), has a broad interest in studying the biologic activities of natural products, especially those for which compelling evidence from preclinical research suggests biologic activities that may be beneficial to health or have a potential role in disease treatment, as well as products used extensively by the American public. As of 2023, use of cannabis for medical purposes is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C. Such use continues to climb generally without sufficient knowledge regarding risks and benefits. In keeping with NCCIH’s natural product research priorities and recognizing this gap in knowledge, NCCIH formally launched a research program in 2019 to expand research on the possible benefits for pain management of certain substances found in cannabis: minor cannabinoids and terpenes. This Viewpoint provides additional details and the rationale for this research priority at NCCIH. In addition, NCCIH’s efforts and initiatives to facilitate and coordinate an NIH research agenda focused on cannabis and cannabinoid research are described.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Use of cannabis for purported medical purposes continues to increase despite insufficient knowledge regarding risks and benefits. Research is needed to help health professionals and patients make knowledgeable decisions about using cannabis and cannabinoids for medical purposes. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, along with other NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices, is expanding study on the safety, efficacy, and harms of cannabis—a complex mixture of phytochemicals that needs to be studied alone and in combination.




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International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology CXV: The Class F of G Protein-Coupled Receptors [75th Anniversary Celebration Collection Special Section]

The class F of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) consists of 10 Frizzleds (FZD1–10) and Smoothened (SMO). FZDs bind and are activated by secreted lipoglycoproteins of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) family, and SMO is indirectly activated by the Hedgehog (Hh) family of morphogens acting on the transmembrane protein Patched. The advance of our understanding of FZDs and SMO as dynamic transmembrane receptors and molecular machines, which emerged during the past 14 years since the first-class F GPCR IUPHAR nomenclature report, justifies an update. This article focuses on the advances in molecular pharmacology and structural biology providing new mechanistic insight into ligand recognition, receptor activation mechanisms, signal initiation, and signal specification. Furthermore, class F GPCRs continue to develop as drug targets, and novel technologies and tools such as genetically encoded biosensors and CRISP/Cas9 edited cell systems have contributed to refined functional analysis of these receptors. Also, advances in crystal structure analysis and cryogenic electron microscopy contribute to the rapid development of our knowledge about structure-function relationships, providing a great starting point for drug development. Despite the progress, questions and challenges remain to fully understand the complexity of the WNT/FZD and Hh/SMO signaling systems.

Significance Statement

The recent years of research have brought about substantial functional and structural insight into mechanisms of activation of Frizzleds and Smoothened. While the advance furthers our mechanistic understanding of ligand recognition, receptor activation, signal specification, and initiation, broader opportunities emerge that allow targeting class F GPCRs for therapy and regenerative medicine employing both biologics and small molecule compounds.




national

Support for primary care prescribing for adult ADHD in England: national survey

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, for which there are effective pharmacological treatments that improve symptoms and reduce complications. Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommend that primary care practitioners prescribe medication for adult ADHD under shared-care agreements with Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS). However, provision remains uneven, with some practitioners reporting a lack of support.AimThis study aimed to describe elements of support, and their availability/use, in primary care prescribing for adult ADHD medication in England to improve access for this underserved population and inform service improvement.Design and settingCross-sectional surveys were used to elicit data from commissioners, health professionals (HPs), and people with lived experience of ADHD (LE) across England about elements supporting pharmacological treatment of ADHD in primary care.MethodThree interlinked cross-sectional surveys were used to ask every integrated care board in England (commissioners), along with convenience samples of HPs and LEs, about prescribing rates, AMHS availability, wait times, and shared-care agreement protocols/policies for the pharmacological treatment of ADHD in primary care. Descriptive analyses, percentages, and confidence intervals were used to summarise responses by stakeholder group. Variations in reported provision and practice were explored and displayed visually using mapping software.ResultsData from 782 responders (42 commissioners, 331 HPs, 409 LEs) revealed differences in reported provision by stakeholder group, including for prescribing (95% of HPs versus 64% of LEs). In all, >40% of responders reported extended AMHS wait times of ≥2 years. There was some variability by NHS region – for example, London had the lowest reported extended wait time (25%), while East of England had the highest (55%).ConclusionElements supporting appropriate shared-care prescribing of ADHD medication via primary care are not universally available in England. Coordinated approaches are needed to address these gaps.




national

Management of opioid use disorder: 2024 update to the national clinical practice guideline [Guideline]

Background

In an evolving landscape of practices and policies, reviewing and incorporating the latest scientific evidence is necessary to ensure optimal clinical management for people with opioid use disorder. We provide a synopsis of the 2024 update of the 2018 National Guideline for the Clinical Management of Opioid Use Disorder, from the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters.

Methods

For this update, we followed the United States Institute of Medicine’s Standards for Developing Trustworthy Clinical Practice Guidelines and used the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation—Recommendation Excellence tool to ensure guideline quality. We carried out a comprehensive systematic literature review, capturing the relevant literature from Jan. 1, 2017, to Sept. 14, 2023. We drafted and graded recommendations according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Development and Evaluation approach. A multidisciplinary external national committee, which included people with living or lived experience of opioid use disorder, provided input that was incorporated into the guideline.

Recommendations

From the initial 11 recommendations in the 2018 guideline, 3 remained unchanged, and 8 were updated. Specifically, 4 recommendations were consolidated into a single revised recommendation; 1 recommendation was split into 2; another recommendation was moved to become a special consideration; and 2 recommendations were revised. Key changes have arisen from substantial evidence supporting that methadone and buprenorphine are similarly effective, particularly in reducing opioid use and adverse events, and both are now considered preferred first-line treatment options. Slow-release oral morphine is recommended as a second-line option. Psychosocial interventions can be offered as adjunctive treatment but should not be mandatory. The guideline reaffirms the importance of avoiding withdrawal management as a standalone intervention and of incorporating evidence-based harm reduction services along the continuum of care.

Interpretation

This guideline update presents new recommendations based on the latest literature for standardized management of opioid use disorder. The aim is to establish a robust foundation upon which provincial and territorial bodies can develop guidance for optimal care.




national

WATCH: NFL commissioner says players ‘should stand for the national anthem’


NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held a news conference today after the second day of the annual owners meeting. Watch his remarks in the player above.

NFL players will be encouraged to stand for the national anthem at the start of the football games, the league’s chief told reporters today.

After two days of meeting with owners of each NFL team, representatives for the players’ union and players themselves, the NFL has reiterated its decision to keep its existing policy of not requiring players to stand during the anthem. Goodell said yesterday that the league wouldnot instate a rule that would penalize players who refuse to stand for the anthem.

“We believe everyone should stand for the national anthem,” he told reporters at a news conference today. “That’s an important part of our policy. It’s also an important part of our game that we all take great pride in. And it’s also important for us to honor our flag and our country and I think our fans expect us to do that.”

Goodell’s remarks came after President Donald Trump continued his criticism of the NFL this morning. On Twitter, Trump said: “The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total disrespect for our great country!”

After former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem last year to protest police killings of unarmed black men, dozens of other players joined him to draw greater attention to social and racial injustice. Last month, Trump said the NFL ought to fire players who didn’t stand for the anthem.

The players “are not doing this in any way to be disrespectful to the flag,” Goodell said today. “But they also understand how it’s being interpreted.”

Goodell also said the league wanted to stay out of the political arena over the issue.

“We’re not looking to get into politics,” he told reporters. “What we’re looking to do is to continue to get people focused on football.”

The post WATCH: NFL commissioner says players ‘should stand for the national anthem’ appeared first on PBS NewsHour.




national

Critics of the International Space Station are missing the point

As the International Space Station comes to the end of its life, we should recognise its biggest achievement – showing that a better world is possible




national

Five of the most important International Space Station experiments

From artificial retinas to ageing mice, here are five of the most promising results from research performed on the ISS – and what they might mean for humans on Earth and in space




national

DeepMind AI gets silver medal at International Mathematical Olympiad

AlphaProof, an AI from Google DeepMind, came close to matching the top participants in a prestigious competition for young mathematicians




national

2 grizzlies follow hikers down trail for 20 minutes in Banff National Park

Two large grizzly bears followed 13 hikers down a trail in Banff National Park for 20 minutes — with one even making a few quick runs at the group.



  • News/Canada/Calgary

national

Trump picks former national intelligence head John Ratcliffe for CIA

President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman and director of national intelligence, will serve as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his administration.




national

Kraft Heinz pulls Lunchables from National School Lunch Program

Kraft Heinz has announced it is removing its Lunchables meal kits from the National School Lunch Program. With eight $1 billion+ brands, Kraft Heinz is North America’s third-largest food and beverage company and the fifth-largest in the world. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is America’s second-largest food and nutrition... Continue Reading




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My Little Pony, Transformers, Phase 10 join the National Toy Hall of Fame

The three 1980s staples are new National Toy Hall of Fame inductees. Hess Toy Trucks, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the trampoline, and balloons were among the finalists.




national

Atlanta Suburbs Defy National Trend, Shifting Left...


Atlanta Suburbs Defy National Trend, Shifting Left...


(Third column, 3rd story, link)





national

National chief says ICC should probe disappearances of children from residential schools

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says the International Criminal Court should investigate the disappearance of Indigenous children from Canadian residential schools.




national

National online certificate course for pathologists on cervical cancer screening to begin from November 25

The Indian Council of Medical Research─National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR─NICPR) is set to launch its first─ever DHR─funded National NICPR─ECHO online certificate course on cervical




national

The International Space Station Has Been Leaking for Five Years

Pesky leaks on the International Space Station aren’t the most serious issue facing U.S. human spaceflight




national

FDA reopens National Forensic Chemistry Center after expansion and renovation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a photo:

Catherine Dasenbrock, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Forensic Chemistry Center, speaks to guests prior to officially reopening the center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 24, 2024, celebrating the completion of the 64,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of the facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. The NFCC is a specialty laboratory that serves as the FDA’s national forensic laboratory providing specialized laboratory services in analytical chemistry and molecular/microbiology related to adulteration/contamination, counterfeiting, and product tampering of FDA regulated commodities including drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, veterinary feeds, and medical devices.

FDA photo by Matthew MacRoberts




national

FDA reopens National Forensic Chemistry Center after expansion and renovation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a photo:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials and General Services Administration leaders officially reopen the National Forensic Chemistry Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 24, 2024, highlighting the completion of the 64,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of the center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The NFCC is a specialty laboratory that serves as the FDA’s national forensic laboratory providing specialized laboratory services in analytical chemistry and molecular/microbiology related to adulteration/contamination, counterfeiting, and product tampering of FDA regulated commodities including drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, veterinary feeds, and medical devices.

(From left)
Marie Maguire, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Headquarters Operations, Office of Criminal Investigations, FDA
James Sigg, Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Commissioner, FDA
Catherine Dasenbrock, Director, National Forensic Chemistry Center, Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII), FDA
Duane Satzger, Associate Director, Office of Medical Products and Specialty Laboratory Operations, OII, FDA
Katy Kale, Deputy Administrator, GSA
Douglas Stearn, Principal Deputy Associate Commissioner, OII, FDA

FDA photo by Matthew MacRoberts




national

FDA reopens National Forensic Chemistry Center after expansion and renovation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a photo:

Scientists explain the work they do to guests attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a 64,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Forensic Chemistry Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 24, 2024.

The NFCC is a specialty laboratory that serves as the FDA’s national forensic laboratory providing specialized laboratory services in analytical chemistry and molecular/microbiology related to adulteration/contamination, counterfeiting, and product tampering of FDA regulated commodities including drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, veterinary feeds, and medical devices.

FDA photo by Matthew MacRoberts




national

FDA reopens National Forensic Chemistry Center after expansion and renovation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a photo:

Scientists explain the work they do to guests attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a 64,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Forensic Chemistry Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 24, 2024.

The NFCC is a specialty laboratory that serves as the FDA’s national forensic laboratory providing specialized laboratory services in analytical chemistry and molecular/microbiology related to adulteration/contamination, counterfeiting, and product tampering of FDA regulated commodities including drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, veterinary feeds, and medical devices.

FDA photo by Matthew MacRoberts




national

FDA reopens National Forensic Chemistry Center after expansion and renovation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a photo:

Scientists explain the work they do to guests attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a 64,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Forensic Chemistry Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 24, 2024.

The NFCC is a specialty laboratory that serves as the FDA’s national forensic laboratory providing specialized laboratory services in analytical chemistry and molecular/microbiology related to adulteration/contamination, counterfeiting, and product tampering of FDA regulated commodities including drugs, dietary supplements, foods, cosmetics, veterinary feeds, and medical devices.

FDA photo by Matthew MacRoberts




national

Words Matter: The Effect of Moral Language on International Bargaining

When states use moral language in a dispute, they reduce the possibility of compromise. The possibility of military escalation, meanwhile, rises in response to moral language when states’ domestic audiences accuse their governments of hypocrisy for their willingness to compromise. The Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas case explores the theory.




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Pakistan raised Mujahideen and now they are terrorists, says Pakistan Interior Minister in National Assembly

The Pakistani Taliban on Monday claimed responsibility for the January 30 mosque attack in Peshawar which left 100 people dead and over 220 injured




national

The Market Rewards Companies That Prioritize National Security

Companies that rely on certain countries in Asia for their supply lines will face continued challenges as geopolitical stresses, let alone global pandemics, cause supply shortages. Beyond causing economic harm, these shortages pose a direct threat to U.S. national security interests.





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International Trade and Climate Change Policy: A Conversation with Robert Lawrence

The rise of political populism and economic protectionism are serious barriers impeding efforts to combat global climate change. Robert Lawrence, the Albert Williams Professor of International Trade and Investment at Harvard Kennedy School, expressed those concerns in the latest episode of “Environmental Insights: Discussions on Policy and Practice from the Harvard Environmental Economics Program.”




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Global Players: The Role of International Humanitarian Organizations in Africa

On April 2, the study group met for the second time to evaluate the role of international humanitarian groups in shaping political and social outcomes in Africa. The group examined how these organizations deal with emergencies, crises, and conflict situations across the continent, and scrutinized their influence on policy decisions and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of their involvement. Discussions covered the expanding influence of organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the International Rescue Committee (ICR). The study group counted with the presence of external expert guest Professor Sabs K. Quereshi, a senior-level leader with 17+ years of experience in global health, gender equality, health policy and equity, national security, humanitarian response, and government and multilateral affairs sectors in the U.S., with the UN, and worldwide.




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Africa Beyond the Headlines: A Kaleidoscopic Exploration of Contemporary African Politics and International Cooperation

Dr. Gloria Ayee led a study group over the course of five sessions during the Spring of 2024, exploring the current pivotal moment on the African continent. Participants of the study group were invited to reflect on the role that international cooperation must play in supporting inclusive, sustainable development in Africa, as well as to move beyond outdated perspectives and learn about Africa’s profound transformation through trade, investments in clean energy and health, and youth empowerment initiatives.




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Beyond the Headlines: A Kaleidoscopic Exploration of Contemporary African Politics and International Cooperation

Dr. Gloria Ayee led a study group over the course of five sessions during the Spring of 2024, exploring the current pivotal moment on the African continent. Reflecting back, Dr. Ayee highlights the key takeaways from the study group.




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To Enhance National Security, the Biden Administration Will Have to Trim an Exorbitant Defense Wish List

David Kearn argues that even in the absence of restrictive resource and budgetary constraints, a focus on identifying and achieving concrete objectives that will position the United States and its allies to effectively deter aggression in critical regional flashpoints should be the priority given the stressed nature of the defense industrial base and the nuclear enterprise.




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International Automakers Now Account for 45% of U.S. Auto Production and 59% of U.S. Vehicle Sales - Redefining the American Auto Industry

Redefining the American Auto Industry. - The Growing Impact of International Automakers on the U.S. Economy.






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CrissCross Expands Representative Payee Services to Serve as a National Resource for Qualified Beneficiaries - CrissCross Representative Payee Services

CrissCross Representative Payee Services




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November Marks National Pet Cancer Awareness Month - Associates at VPI share their stories in honor of National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. [...]

Associates at VPI share their stories in honor of National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Find out how you can help #CurePetCancer, visit www.CurePetCancer.com




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Die L'Or�al-Stiftung ver�ffentlicht die Ergebnisse ihrer internationalen Studie #Changethenumbers - #ChangeTheNumbers - Entdecken Sie die Ergebnisse der Studie

#ChangeTheNumbers - Entdecken Sie die Ergebnisse der Studie




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National Home Builder Launches 'Clayton Built� Storytelling' Campaign - Sharing Their Clayton story

Lee and Lucille Allen share the story of how their Clayton Home changed their lives.




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The National WWII Museum Presents New Permanent Exhibit Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries - National WWII Museum Opens Road to Tokyo

Gary Sinise and nearly 100 WWII veterans mark the opening to the newest exhibit at the National WWII Museum. Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries, retraces the grueling trail that led from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay. Through personal narratives, artifacts and oral histories, the exhibit tells the story of the American spirit that carried the day.





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Australia Launches New International Tourism Campaign - 3 minute aquatic and coastal film

3 minute aquatic and coastal film




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Bahama Breeze Kicks off Viva la 'Rita and Margarita Mondays on National Margarita Day - Grilled Pineapple Margarita

Featuring one of our new sweet and tangy margaritas, the Grilled Pineapple Margarita is a mix of grilled pineapple, tequila and Falernum syrup. Learn how to make your own!





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General Mills Big G Cereals Share Many Reasons to Celebrate #NationalCerealDay - #NationalCerealDay B-roll

From unique cereal recipes by Chef Justin Warner to simply enjoying a favorite bowl, cereal lovers of all ages are encouraged to share how they are enjoying cereal again on #NationalCerealDay.





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Mason Young-Hiss From Berthoud, Colorado Wins The National Odor-Eaters� Rotten Sneaker Contest� - 41st Annual National Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest

41st Annual National Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest







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GENESIS Reveals Hybrid Sports Sedan Concept At New York International Auto Show - Genesis New York Concept Design Video

Genesis Reveals Hybrid Sports Sedan Concept At New York International Auto Show