mar Margaret McCartney wants to fix the NHS By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Mon, 28 Nov 2016 17:15:18 +0000 Glasgow GP, writer, broadcaster, and The BMJ's weekly columnist Margaret McCartney joins us to talk about her new book "The State of Medicine: Keeping the Promise of the NHS". Read all of Margaret's columns: goo.gl/iKmmie Full Article
mar Biomarkers - miracle or marketing? By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:20:32 +0000 The BMJ has been campaigning for an end to “too much medicine” - the pernicious effect of marketing on the range of tests and treatments that doctors offer patients - tests and treatments which are motivated by the financial reward to the system, than the health of the individual. A new analysis on BMJ.com takes a look at what’s happening in the... Full Article
mar The sex lives of married Brits By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Thu, 09 May 2019 09:49:04 +0000 The National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles is a deep look into the sex lives of us brits - and has been running now for 30 years, giving us some longitudinal data about the way in which those sex lives have changed. The latest paper to be published, based on that data, looks at the frequency of sex - how often different groups are... Full Article
mar Statins for primary prevention - How good is the evidence By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 10:12:15 +0000 Statins are now the most commonly used drug in the UK and one of the most commonly used medicines in the world, but debate remains about their use for primary prevention for people without cardiovascular disease. Paula Byrne from the National University of Ireland Galway, joins us to talk about the evidence of benefit for low risk individuals,... Full Article
mar 19 Marion Nestle By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 22:30:59 +0000 This week, Ray ventures into the notoriously complex field of nutrition with special guest, Professor Marion Nestle. Named by Forbes as one of the world's most powerful foodies, Marion’s stellar career spans five decades of research, teaching, advocacy work and the publication of countless prize-winning books. Full Article
mar Too close for comfort - St Mary families in cramped homes have eyes on virus By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:26:06 -0500 Sandra Ferguson resides with her children and grandchildren in a concrete dwelling that is sectioned into four living quarters in the Fort George Road area of Annotto Bay. With 10 of them sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities, Ferguson said... Full Article
mar St Mary COVID crackdown - Health teams go house to house tracing virus as quarantine hits Dover, Annotto Bay, Enfield By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:26:31 -0500 Days after The Gleaner reported a clarion call from Port Maria Mayor Richard Creary for the quarantine of St Mary communities owing to growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in the parish, the Government responded with the lockdown of three... Full Article
mar PNP wants Gov’t to issue quarantine order for St Mary By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 00:17:24 -0500 The People’s National Party (PNP) has asserted that the absence of a quarantine order for three St Mary communities is adding to the state of confusion. The 14-day measure began on Thursday in Dover, Enfield and Annotto Bay at 6 a.m. “The lack of... Full Article
mar Bread-and-butter issues surface under St Mary community restrictions By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 00:15:31 -0500 DOVER, St Mary: Residents of Epsom and Dover in St Mary are on edge, but have accepted quarantine measures imposed by the Government to curtail the spread of the dreaded coronavirus in that parish. Security checkpoints at both ends of the parish... Full Article
mar Uniform patch to mark 150 years of pro baseball By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 10:09:05 EDT All 30 Major League teams will wear special "MLB 150" patches on their uniforms for the entire 2019 season in honor of the 150th anniversary of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first openly all-salaried professional baseball team. Full Article
mar George Headley Primary creates Peace Garden By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:20:29 -0500 A ‘Peace of Paradise’ garden has been created in George Headley Primary School, which is positively affecting behavioural change in students. The garden was created by students, teachers, and members of the community for the 2019 Trees for Peace... Full Article
mar Cartels and Competition in Minerals Markets: Challenges for Global Governance By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:13:30 +0000 19 December 2014 This research paper sets out recommendations for enhanced dialogue and intensified international cooperation that could significantly improve the functioning of global mineral markets. Download PDF Felix Preston Former Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources Siân Bradley Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme @ChathamSian Jaakko Kooroshy Former Chatham House Expert 20141219CartelsMineralsKooroshyPrestonBradley.jpg Photo: iStockphoto.com/tunart The purpose of this research paper is to identify and analyse the key policy challenges associated with anti-competitive practices in international metals and minerals markets.RecommendationsEnhanced dialogue and intensified international cooperation in four areas could significantly improve the functioning of global mineral markets:Deal with the last remnants of producer-country cartels Consumer countries should make a publicly visible case that in an age of interdependence and global supply chains, any remaining forms of producer-country cartels are an anachronism. Given limited means to coerce governments to stop supporting the last remaining mineral cartels in potash, a ‘naming and shaming’ approach in key forums such as the Group of Twenty (G20) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is likely to be most effective. Such action could be initiated by the three largest potash importers China, India and Brazil, and should seek support from others such as the EU and Japan. Prevent damaging export restrictions through win-win arrangementsWTO litigation against export restrictions is unlikely to be a silver bullet and in the short term cooperative policy dialogues, such as those pursued by the OECD, offer the best prospects for concrete results. Such dialogues should also be initiated by major emerging economies and could focus on providing incentives such as investment packages or technology-sharing to entice producer countries to abstain from imposing restrictions. Consumers should continue to push for more specific and stricter WTO rules on export restrictions. Japan, the EU and the US should seek to include similar measures in regional trade negotiations. Strengthen cooperation among regulators on clandestine private cartels and other anti-competitive practices Concerted action will be required by governments to tackle anti-competitive practices such as clandestine cartels, price-fixing and territorial agreements. Key regulators, such as those in the EU and China, should expand collection and sharing of data and best practice on anti-trust enforcement in minerals markets. In key cases they could also coordinate prosecution. Sustained investment in institutional capacity is required in many emerging economies; this should be supported through bilateral cooperation and via regional forums. Governments should also resuscitate the stalled negotiations on the WTO’s role in competition policy. Enhance governance for transnational market platforms and pricing mechanismsThe responsibility to regulate key nodes in global minerals markets will remain in the hands of national bodies, but coordination is vital given interconnected global markets. International organizations and regulators should strengthen structural cooperation and exchange in the area of physical markets and with greater involvement of emerging economies. An informal high-level forum on regulating physical markets could reinvigorate debate, foster new perspectives and stimulate new partnerships. Governments in key consumer countries should also give their national regulators a clear mandate in minerals markets. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
mar The Marikana Killings and Labour Dispute Resolution in South Africa: Implications of an Inquiry By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 17 Jul 2015 16:15:01 +0000 Research Event 4 August 2015 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm Chatham House, London Meeting Summarypdf | 118.42 KB Event participants Toby Fisher, Barrister, Landmark Chambers; Representative of the South African Human Rights Commission, Marikana Commission of InquiryGary White, Director of Operations, Ineqe Group; Expert Witness on Policing, Marikana Commission of InquiryChair: Muzong Kodi, Associate Fellow, Africa Programme The Marikana Commission of inquiry was appointed by South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma following more than 40 deaths (with many others left injured) after police opened fire on striking miners at Marikana in August 2012.The massacre was reported as the worst use of lethal force by the South African Police Service since 1994, and brought issues of labour dispute resolution, public-order policing and accountability into stark relief.Speakers will discuss the Commission's recently-published report and its potential impact on industrial stakeholders, as well as the wider consequences for South Africa. Department/project Africa Programme Christopher Vandome Research Fellow, Africa Programme +44 (0) 20 7314 3669 Email Full Article
mar Uniform patch to mark 150 years of pro baseball By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 10:09:05 EDT All 30 Major League teams will wear special "MLB 150" patches on their uniforms for the entire 2019 season in honor of the 150th anniversary of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first openly all-salaried professional baseball team. Full Article
mar Marte confident transition to CF will be smooth By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:16:45 EDT Ketel Marte does not lack for confidence when it comes to switching from second base/shortstop to center field, which is where he's expected to see a lot of time this season. Full Article
mar Preoperative Localization of Adenomas in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: The Value of 11C-Choline PET/CT in Patients with Negative or Discordant Findings on Ultrasonography and 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 We aimed to assess the value of 11C-choline PET in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and negative or discordant results on 99mTc-sestamibi imaging and neck ultrasound. Methods: Eighty-seven such patients were assessed and subsequently underwent parathyroidectomy. PET/CT image data were analyzed semiquantitatively using SUVmax and SUV ratios (target to contralateral thyroid gland and carotid artery). A positive PET/CT result was defined as focal uptake significantly higher than regular thyroid tissue. Ectopic foci were also considered positive. Inconclusive PET/CT cases were defined as a lesion with uptake equal to normal thyroid tissue. If no prominent or ectopic uptake was detectable, the PET/CT result was considered negative. Results: When dichotomizing the 11C-choline PET/CT imaging results by defining lesions with both positive and inconclusive uptake as positive, we found 84 of 92 lesions (91.3%) to have true-positive uptake whereas 8 lesions (8.7%) had false-positive uptake. One lesion showed false-negative uptake; the sensitivity was 98.8%. The corresponding positive predictive value for lesions was 91.3%. The mean SUVmax was 6.15 ± 4.92 in 72 lesions with positive uptake (70 patients) and 2.96 ± 2.32 in 20 lesions with inconclusive uptake (18 patients). Conclusion: These results in a large group of patients indicate that 11C-choline PET/CT is a promising tool for parathyroid adenoma localization when ultrasound and 99mTc-sestamibi imaging yield negative or discordant results. Full Article
mar 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Superior Diagnostic Performance to Conventional Scintigraphic Imaging for Localization of Hyperfunctioning Parathyroid Glands By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder, definitive treatment usually requiring surgical removal of the offending parathyroid glands. To perform focused surgical approaches, it is necessary to localize all hyperfunctioning glands. The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of established conventional scintigraphic imaging modalities with emerging 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT imaging in preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in a larger series of PHPT patients. Methods: In total, 103 patients with PHPT were imaged preoperatively with 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT and conventional scintigraphic imaging methods, consisting of 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT, 99mTc-sestamibi/pertechnetate subtraction imaging, and 99mTc-sestamibi dual-phase imaging. The results of histologic analysis, as well as intact parathyroid hormone and serum calcium values obtained 1 d after surgery and on follow-up, served as the standard of truth for evaluation of imaging results. Results: Diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT surpassed conventional scintigraphic methods (separately or combined), with calculated sensitivity of 92% for PET/CT and 39%–56% for conventional imaging (65% for conventional methods combined) in the entire patient group. Subgroup analysis, differentiating single and multiple hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, showed PET/CT to be most valuable in the group with multiple hyperfunctioning glands, with sensitivity of 88%, whereas conventional imaging was significantly inferior, with sensitivity of 22%–34% (44% combined). Conclusion: 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT is a diagnostic modality superior to conventional imaging methods in patients with PHPT, allowing for accurate preoperative localization. Full Article
mar Appropriate Use Criteria for Imaging Evaluation of Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer After Definitive Primary Treatment By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Full Article
mar Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT Combined with Sentinel Node Biopsy for Primary Lymph Node Staging in Prostate Cancer By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Our objective was to determine the diagnostic capabilities of combined prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT and sentinel node (SN) biopsy in PSMA PET/CT–negative patients for primary lymph node (LN) staging in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Methods: Between January 2017 and March 2019, retrospectively, all consecutive patients with diagnosed intermediate- or high-risk primary PCa who underwent preoperative PSMA PET/CT (68Ga or 18F-DCFPyL) followed by robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic LN dissection (ePLND) were included. All patients without suspected LN metastases on PSMA PET/CT were considered candidates for SN biopsy with indocyanine green–99mTc-nanocolloid or 99mTc-nanocolloid with free indocyanine green used as tracers. The ePLND was used as a reference standard. Results: Of 53 patients, 22 had positive PSMA PET/CT results and 31 underwent subsequent SN biopsy after negative PSMA PET/CT results. In total, 23 patients (43%) were pN1, of whom 6 (26%) had negative PSMA PET/CT results and underwent subsequent SN biopsy. The combined use of SN biopsy and PSMA PET/CT identified all pN1 patients (100% sensitivity; 95% confidence interval, 86%–100%) and performed correct nodal staging in 50 of 53 patients (94% diagnostic accuracy; 95% confidence interval, 84%–99%). SN biopsy identified significantly smaller LN metastases (median diameter, 2.0 mm; interquartile range, 1.0–3.8 mm) than PSMA PET/CT (median diameter, 5.5 mm; interquartile range, 2.6–9.3 mm; P = 0.007). Conclusion: Combining both modalities led to a 94% accuracy for nodal staging in diagnosed intermediate- and high-risk primary PCa. Adding SN biopsy in patients with negative PSMA PET/CT results increased the combined sensitivity to 100% for detecting nodal metastases at ePLND. This diagnostic accuracy may provide valuable information for directing further treatment in PCa patients, such as the use of PSMA PET/CT and SN biopsy rather than ePLND as the preferred approach for staging before radiotherapy. Full Article
mar Viral load dynamics and disease severity in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Zhejiang province, China, January-March 2020: retrospective cohort study By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 - 14:45 Full Article
mar Stocks Round Up | JSE Combined Index advances marginally By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 17:09:59 -0500 The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Combined Index regained lost ground on Tuesday with an advance/decline ratio of 28/38 The JSE index advanced marginally 1,154.11 points or 0.32 per cent to close at 360,497.91. The JSE Main Market Index was up... Full Article
mar Dwayne Devonish | Smart virus testing necessary for economic reboot By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:13:10 -0500 OP-ED CONTRIBUTION: COVID-19 AND THE ECONOMY FOR MOST countries in the Caribbean, the current testing for COVID-19 has not reached levels suitable for ascertaining an accurate picture of the state of outbreak and spread of the infection. This... Full Article
mar FTC puts Total gas market share at 30% - Sees no threat to competition from Epping deal By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:08:14 -0500 THE ACQUISITION of Epping resulted in Total Jamaica controlling nearly a third of the retail gasolene market, but that’s not enough to lessen competition, the Fair Trading Commission, FTC, has found. “The acquisition is unlikely to have either the... Full Article
mar Anaïs Marin By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 15 Jan 2020 16:52:38 +0000 Associate Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme Biography Anaïs Marin is an independent Belarus expert who joined the the Russia and Eurasia programme as an associate fellow in December 2019.An IR scholar specialising on post-Soviet Eurasia, since 2014 she has been investigating the foreign policy of authoritarian regimes (“dictaplomacy”), first as a Marie Curie Fellow (Collegium Civitas, Warsaw), now with a grant from the Polish National Centre for Science (University of Warsaw).Her current research focuses on how Russian “sharp power” impacts European democracy and regional security.Anaïs has been involved in policy expert and advocacy networks on Belarus, and published for various think tanks, notably the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA, Helsinki) and the EU Institute for Security Studies. She regularly participates in OSCE/ODIHR election observation missions in the region.In 2018 she was appointed UN special rapporteur on human rights in Belarus.She received her PhD and MA from Sciences Po Paris/CERI. Areas of expertise BelarusRussian foreign policyEastern PartnershipEU-Russia relationsEurasian integration Past experience 2019 - presentResearcher, Centre for French Culture, University of Warsaw2015-18Marie Curie Fellow, Collegium Civitas2011-14Researcher, Eastern neighbourhood and Russia programme, Finnish Institute of International Affairs +48 517 808 917 Email LinkedIn Full Article
mar Iran Crisis: The Impact on Oil Markets By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jan 2020 09:00:23 +0000 14 January 2020 Professor Paul Stevens Distinguished Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme The assassination of Qassem Soleimani has exacerbated the sensitivity of oil markets to political events and brought geopolitics back into global oil prices. 2020-01-14-Hormuz.jpg Satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Getty Images. The assassination of General Qassem Soleimani has created much speculation about the possible impact on oil markets and – although any impact will very much depend upon what happens next in terms of political and military responses – theoretically the potential exists for Iran to seriously destabilize oil markets, raising oil prices.Arguably, it would be in Iran’s interest to do so. It would certainly hurt Trump’s possibility of a second term if higher prices were to last for some time as the 2020 presidential election gets underway. And it would also help shore up Iran’s failing economy. The assassination did initially cause oil prices to rise by a few dollars before quickly falling back, and the missile attacks by Iran produced a similar response. However, direct action by Iran to raise prices – for example by trying to close the Strait of Hormuz – is unlikely.Around one-fifth of the world's oil supplies passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow choke point between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Closing it would invite serious military action by the Americans and many of its allies who, so far, have been rather lukewarm over Trump’s actions. It would also possibly limit Iran’s own oil exports.Similarly, overt attacks on American allies in the region such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE would probably invite too heavy a reaction, although this is uncertain given the lack of response after the alleged Iranian attacks on Abqaiq and Khurais in mid-September.Indirect action by Iran to affect oil supplies is much more likely as they have many options by using their proxies to affect others’ oil production. This is especially true for Iraq, which is now an important source of global oil supply as Iraqi exports in 2019 averaged 3.53 million barrels per day (Mb/d), a significant amount.Iraq’s future production has already been damaged as international oil companies are withdrawing staff for safety reasons, anticipating potential attacks by both Iraqi and Iranian sources. It is now very unlikely that the crucial ‘common seawater supply project’ being run by Exxon – essential for expanding production capacity – will go ahead in the near future.However, one important consequence of the assassination that has attracted little attention is that it has almost fully restored the role of geopolitics into the determination of oil prices. Up to 2014, geopolitics played a key role in determining oil prices in the paper markets where perceptions and expectations ruled.Prices determined in these markets – NYMEX in New York, ICE in London and other lesser futures markets throughout the world – then influence wet barrel markets where real barrels of oil are traded. In 2014, the world was so oversupplied with real oil barrels that the oil price collapsed – the price of Brent crude fell from $110.72 on 23 May to $46.44 eight months later. Thereafter, little if any attention was given to geopolitical events, and geopolitics became marginalized in the determination of crude oil prices.This began to change in 2019. The market remained physically over-supplied but events in the Gulf began to attract attention. In June, there were a series of attacks on oil tankers close to the Gulf, followed by attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq processing facility and the Khurais oil field in September.The Americans claimed these attacks were launched by Iran, but no convincing evidence for the claim was provided. Both attacks produced an initial price response but it was surprisingly limited and short-lived. However, it did suggest that geopolitics might be creeping back into influencing oil prices.This became ever more noticeable in the third and fourth quarters as rumours regarding the trade talks between China and US clearly began to affect price – talks going well meant higher oil demand, and prices rose; talks going badly meant lower oil demand, and prices fell.Meanwhile, the oil market showed signs of tightening towards the end of 2019. Although there was much cheating on the OPEC+ agreement that was trying to restrain production and protect prices, the OPEC meeting last December saw both Iraq and Nigeria agreeing to restrain production. US stock levels also began to fall in December and the futures markets began to price in a tightening market towards the end of 2020. Significantly, the tighter the market appears, the greater attention is paid to the level of spare producing capacity.Just before the attack on Abqaiq, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated there was 3.5 Mb/d spare capacity in OPEC which, historically, is quite comfortable. However, 2.5 of this was estimated to be in Saudi Arabia, so how much of this spare capacity still existed after the Abqaiq attack?The Saudis claimed the Abqaiq capacity was quickly restored but technical experts greeted this with considerable skepticism, not least because the Abqaiq equipment was highly specialized. If spare capacity is tight, this makes the oil price vulnerable to geopolitical scares and rumours, real or imagined. Although the assassination of General Soleimani has exacerbated the sensitivity of oil markets to geopolitical events, this becomes irrelevant if a serious shooting war starts in the region. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iraq’s oil infrastructure remains highly vulnerable to attack either directly by Iran or one of its many proxies, suggesting oil prices will become increasingly volatile but, at the same time, benefit from a rising geopolitical premium. Full Article
mar Covid-19: Lack of capacity led to halting of community testing in March, admits deputy chief medical officer By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 - 12:25 Full Article
mar A Wall Cannot Fix Problems at Border; Smart Solutions for Asylum Crisis Can By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:48:47 -0500 What President Trump calls a border crisis is in fact a crisis in the asylum system—one worsened at every turn by his administration’s harsh policies and rhetoric. Rather than spend $5.7 billion on a wall, it would be far more effective to use the money to retool an overwhelmed asylum system, adapt outmatched border enforcement infrastructure to respond to the changing composition of arrivals, and work cooperatively with Mexico to tackle the factors propelling Central Americans to flee. Full Article
mar The First 100 Days: Summary of Major Immigration Actions Taken by the Trump Administration By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Mon, 24 Apr 2017 17:24:00 -0400 During his first 100 days in office, President Trump has taken a sweeping set of actions on immigration, ranging from imposing a travel ban to cutting refugee admissions, "extreme" vetting, and fortifying immigration enforcement at the border and in the U.S. interior. This fact sheet examines the major immigration actions taken to date, legal challenges, and related policy and personnel developments. Full Article
mar Labor Migration from Myanmar: Remittances, Reforms, and Challenges By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 17 Jan 2017 16:00:55 -0500 Having emerged from a long era of military rule, Myanmar's leaders and many citizens are looking outward. In particular, with Burmese labor migration abroad on the rise, policymakers are examining ways in which to harness remittances as a vehicle for economic development, particularly in impoverished rural areas. This article explores Burmese labor migration flows, financial reforms, and challenges on migration and development. Full Article
mar Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Migration History Marked by Crises and Restrictions By www.migrationpolicy.org Published On :: Tue, 19 Apr 2016 14:11:11 -0400 One of the least developed countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced significant migration outflows and inflows tied to political and economic crises in recent decades. While most Congolese migrants head to neighboring countries, destinations have diversified, with an uptick in those leaving for opportunities in Europe and beyond. This country profile explores historical and contemporary patterns of migration to and from DR Congo. Full Article
mar Diabetes INSIDE: Improving Population HbA1c Testing and Targets in Primary Care With a Quality Initiative By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-20T12:00:30-08:00 OBJECTIVE To improve outcomes of patients with adult type 2 diabetes by decreasing HbA1c undertesting, reducing the proportion of patients with poor glycemic control, and lowering mean HbA1c levels using a quality improvement (QI) program. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Six years of outpatient electronic health record (EHR) data were analyzed for care gaps before and 2 years after implementing a QI initiative in an urban academic medical center. QI strategies included 1) individual provider and departmental outcome reports, 2) patient outreach programs to address timely follow-up care, 3) a patient awareness campaign to improve understanding of achieving clinical goals, 4) improving EHR data capture to improve population monitoring, and 5) professional education. RESULTS Analysis (January 2010 to May 2018) of 7,798 patients from Tulane Medical Center (mean age 61 years, 57% female, 62% black, 97% insured) with 136,004 visits showed target improvements. A Cox proportional hazards model controlling for age, sex, race, and HbA1c level showed a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c undertesting >6 months (hazard ratio 1.20 ± 0.07). Statistical process control charts showed 15.5% relative improvement in the patient proportion with HbA1c >9% (75 mmol/mol) from 13% to 11% (P < 10–6) following QI interventions and a 2.1% improvement of population mean HbA1c from 7.4% (57 mmol/mol) to 7.2% (55 mmol/mol) (P < 10–6). CONCLUSIONS Multidisciplinary QI teams using EHR data to design interventions for providers and patients produced statistically significant improvements in both care process and clinical outcome goals. Full Article
mar Smartphone-Based Glucose Monitors and Applications in the Management of Diabetes: An Overview of 10 Salient "Apps" and a Novel Smartphone-Connected Blood Glucose Monitor By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2012-10-01 Joseph TranOct 1, 2012; 30:173-178Practical Pointers Full Article
mar Opportunities and Challenges for Biosimilars: What's on the Horizon in the Global Insulin Market? By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2012-10-01 Lisa S. RotensteinOct 1, 2012; 30:138-150Features Full Article
mar Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes--2018 Abridged for Primary Care Providers By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2018-01-01 American Diabetes AssociationJan 1, 2018; 36:14-37Position Statements Full Article
mar Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes--2019 Abridged for Primary Care Providers By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2019-01-01 American Diabetes AssociationJan 1, 2019; 37:11-34Position Statements Full Article
mar Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes--2020 Abridged for Primary Care Providers By clinical.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-01 American Diabetes AssociationJan 1, 2020; 38:10-38Standards of Care Full Article
mar Redesigning Primary Care to Improve Diabetes Outcomes (the UNITED Study) By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-02-20T11:55:29-08:00 OBJECTIVE The effective redesign of primary care delivery systems to improve diabetes care requires an understanding of which particular components of delivery consistently lead to better clinical outcomes. We identified associations between common systems of care management (SysCMs) and the frequency of meeting standardized performance targets for Optimal Diabetes Care (NQF#0729) in primary care practices. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A validated survey of 585 eligible family or general internal medicine practices seeing ≥30 adult patients with diabetes in or near Minnesota during 2017 evaluated the presence of 62 SysCMs. From 419 (72%) practices completing the survey, NQF#0729 was determined in 396 (95%) from electronic health records, including 215,842 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. RESULTS Three SysCMs were associated with higher rates of meeting performance targets across all practices: 1) a systematic process for shared decision making with patients (P = 0.001), 2) checklists of tests or interventions needed for prevention or monitoring of diabetes (P = 0.002), and 3) physician reminders of guideline-based age-appropriate risk assessments due at the patient visit (P = 0.002). When all three were in place, an additional 10.8% of the population achieved recommended performance measures. In subgroup analysis, 15 additional SysCMs were associated with better care in particular types of practices. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes care outcomes are better in primary care settings that use a patient-centered approach to systematically engage patients in decision making, remind physicians of age-appropriate risk assessments, and provide checklists for recommended diabetes interventions. Practice size and location are important considerations when redesigning delivery systems to improve performance. Full Article
mar Google-related company pulls plug on Toronto 'smart city' project By www.upi.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 13:41:47 -0400 A Google-related company has pulled the plug on its ambitious high-tech waterfront city project in Toronto, citing financial strains from the coronavirus, but the project had also run into local opposition. Full Article
mar Subdued ceremonies in Europe mark 75th anniversary of VE Day By www.upi.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 07:28:15 -0400 French President Emanuel Macron led a series of events in Europe Friday that commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, with a small ceremony in Paris. Full Article
mar Air Force, Marines train near China amid heightened tensions By www.upi.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 14:06:18 -0400 The Air Force and Marines have both reported engaging in training maneuvers in the East and South China Sea in recent weeks amid escalating tensions in the region. Full Article
mar Investigation of the Accuracy of 18 Marketed Blood Glucose Monitors By care.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2018-08-01 David C. KlonoffAug 1, 2018; 41:1681-1688Emerging Technologies: Data Systems and Devices Full Article
mar 2019 marks big year for Washington office By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:56:00 -0600 The Association’s Washington office covered a wide range of advocacy issues in 2019 — from vaping to student loan reform to making sure dentistry was exempt from the U.S. Mexico-Tourism Act. Full Article
mar Dental Assistants Recognition Week set for March 1-7 By www.ada.org Published On :: Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:26:00 -0600 The ADA Council on Dental Practice is encouraging dentists to acknowledge the dedication and contributions of their dental assistants during Dental Assistants Recognition Week. Full Article
mar Free ADA webinar to help dentists with social media marketing By www.ada.org Published On :: Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:01:00 -0600 The ADA is hosting a free webinar in March on how to effectively advertise and market services and dental practices on Facebook and Instagram. Full Article
mar March JADA finds past incarceration associated with oral health issues By www.ada.org Published On :: Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0600 Formerly incarcerated people in the U.S. have worse oral health outcomes than those who have never been in prison, according to a study published in the March issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association. Full Article
mar HRSA virtual job fair set for March 4 By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 25 Feb 2020 13:04:00 -0600 The Health Resources and Services Administration is hosting a virtual job fair March 4 from 6:45-10:15 p.m. ET. In addition, HRSA’s National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program is now accepting applications for 2020 through April 23. Full Article
mar FDI World Dental Congress abstract deadline in late March By www.ada.org Published On :: Tue, 25 Feb 2020 13:42:00 -0600 The deadline for submission of abstracts for the FDI World Dental Congress is March 25. Full Article
mar Narwhal exhibit to start U.S. tour March 28 By www.ada.org Published On :: Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:22:00 -0600 Dr. Martin Nweeia began researching narwhals in 2000. He came to the conclusion that the prevailing research available about the narwhal’s tooth — such as Charles Darwin’s belief that the narwhal’s tooth was a secondary sexual characteristic like an antler or a horn — was only part of the story. Full Article
mar 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
mar New compendium summarizes best practices in oral health service delivery By www.ada.org Published On :: Fri, 06 Mar 2020 07:44:00 -0600 Titled “Compendium of Innovations in Oral Health Service Delivery,” the 64-page digital booklet features organizations from across the country that have found success through varied measures in expanding oral care to underserved populations. Full Article
