#medication-assisted treatment centers in Pennsylvania

[intheroomblog]

Explore Residential Treatment Center in Pennsylvania

Cove Forge Behavioral Health Center provides comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. As one of the leading medication-assisted treatment centers in Pennsylvania, they offer tailored opioid treatment plans that combine medical care with counseling. Their approach focuses on stabilizing patients through opioid medically assisted treatment in Pennsylvania while addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. With compassionate care, Cove Forge guides patients toward long-term recovery and a healthier future.

[killed-by-choice]

Kelly Morse, 32 (USA 1996)

Kelly Morse was 32 years old when she found out she was 8 weeks pregnant. At 8 weeks and 5 days pregnant, she went with her husband Scott to Hillcrest Women’s Medical Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Despite the name, Hillcrest was just an abortion facility and would provide no medical care to her.

Kelly had allergies and asthma. She made sure to notify the staff at the abortion facility that she was severely allergic to Lidocaine and other medications ending in “caine”. Her allergies were highly dangerous, but easily avoided by simply not using the medicine she was allergic to.

Despite Kelly’s warning, Delhi Elmore Thweatt, Jr. administered 12 cc’s of 1 percent Lidocaine to Kelly. The effect was immediate.

Kelly couldn’t breathe and started turning blue. A licensed practical nurse got Kelly’s inhaler out of her purse and helped her use it, but Kelly told her that it was not helping. She was very agitated and struggling to breathe.

Instead of immediately calling, the abortionist proceeded with the abortion, rushing through it in about four minutes. Then he spent some time trying to administer incorrect measures to a dying Kelly before finally bothering to call an ambulance. Kelly needed medical treatment, but the abortionist killed her baby and watched her turn blue instead of helping her.

While all this was happening, Scott was waiting outside for his beloved wife, wondering what was taking so long. Before anyone at Hillcrest even told him about Kelly’s condition, paramedics arrived. He went inside with the ambulance crew to see what was happening. To his horror, Kelly was naked and blue-black from lack of oxygen, lying on a table that was halfway out of the examination room into the hallway.

The paramedics intubated Kelly, properly administered medicine, and performed CPR as they brought her to the Polyclinic Medical Center, where she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The abortion was done on June 19, 1996. Kelly died on June 22 after a few days of barely clinging to life in the ICU.

Scott sued Hillcrest for killing Kelly. Here are some quotes from the lawsuit:

“As Mrs. Morse’s dyspnea and cyanosis continued to worsen, Defendant Thweatt improperly administered Epinephrine subcutaneously instead of intravenously….” (This measure would do nothing to assist a patient in Kelly’s extremely severe condition.)

“No one started an IV. No respiration rate was recorded, no pulse was checked and no blood pressure was measured. No EKG was applied. No cardiac monitoring was conducted. No pulse oximeter was applied. No intubation or emergency tracheotomy was performed. No oxygen was administered. Kelly continued to agitate in fear, desperately gasping for air, and remained blue in color. Defendant Thweatt just stood there with a stethoscope in hand and listened to Kelly’s breathing and wheezing progressively worsen.”

“As Plaintiff choked and gasped for air, none of the Defendants, took steps to immediately dispatch an ambulance. In fact, the ambulance was not summoned until 11:24 a.m., or 10 minutes after Plaintiff violently choked, gasped, wheezed, and discolored to a blue-black appearance from respiratory arrest and hypoxia.”

It was also discovered that even though Hillcrest advertised Thweatt as being a Board-certified OB/GYN, “Defendant Thweatt failed the OB/GYN Board certification examination not once, not twice, but on three consecutive attempts…Defendant Thweatt failed his Board certification exam even after a fourth attempt, following his deposition of July 27, 1997.”

On April 20, 1999, Thweatt and Hillcrest settled out of court with Scott. No amount of money could give his surviving son and daughter their mother and sibling back.

Even while Kelly was scared and dying because of the abortion facility’s lethal malpractice, the abortionist killed her baby instead of immediately calling for help. Kelly’s health and safety was clearly not important to Hillcrest.

Dauphin County (PA) Court of Common Pleas, Civil Action # 6070 S96 SCOTT B. MORSE v. DELHI THWEATT, MD.

[drcloudehr-social]

Transform Healthcare Operations with Dr Cloud EHR's Best-in-Class EHR Solutions Across the U.S States

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and to keep up with the increasing demands for efficiency and compliance, providers require modern, integrated solutions. Dr Cloud EHR offers a robust electronic health records platform that caters to healthcare providers across various regions, including Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The platform is designed to optimize workflows, streamline documentation, and ensure better patient outcomes, all while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Advanced EHR Solutions Across Multiple States

Dr Cloud EHR is recognized as a leading electronic health record vendor, providing state-of-the-art EHR solutions for healthcare facilities in states like Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and beyond. Its versatility makes it a go-to solution for a wide variety of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized care centers. Whether you are in Idaho, Louisiana, or Pennsylvania, the platform ensures seamless integration with existing systems and offers tools tailored to meet specific regional healthcare needs.

Key Features of Dr Cloud EHR

Comprehensive EHR Platform: At its core, Dr Cloud EHR offers a fully integrated EHR platform that consolidates patient information into one easy-to-use system. Healthcare providers in Maryland or any other state can access medical histories, treatment plans, and test results all from a centralized database, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of care.

Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) System: For facilities seeking efficient medication management, Dr Cloud EHR includes an electronic medication administration record system. This feature ensures that healthcare providers in Oregon, Illinois, or Washington can monitor and track medication dispensing in real time, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring compliance with medication protocols.

Customizable Solutions: Dr Cloud EHR is among the leading EHR solution vendors that offer customizable features to meet the specific needs of different healthcare providers. The platform can be tailored to work seamlessly in diverse healthcare environments, from busy urban hospitals in Louisiana to rural clinics in Idaho.

Vendor Integration: As one of the most trusted EHR platform vendors, Dr Cloud EHR is designed to integrate effortlessly with other systems, including lab systems, billing software, and insurance portals. This ensures a smoother workflow for healthcare providers in Pennsylvania and other regions, making it easier to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.

Why Choose Dr Cloud EHR?

Dr Cloud EHR stands out as a leading electronic medical record vendor due to its advanced technological capabilities and user-friendly interface. The platform’s scalability makes it suitable for healthcare facilities of all sizes, from small private practices to large hospital networks.

One of the key strengths of Dr Cloud EHR is its commitment to providing top-tier customer support, ensuring that healthcare providers receive timely assistance when needed. The platform is designed to enhance communication between healthcare providers, helping to coordinate care more effectively and improving patient outcomes across states like Maryland and Washington.

Supporting Mental Health and General Healthcare Providers

In addition to general healthcare settings, Dr Cloud EHR also provides specialized support for mental health professionals. With features tailored to the specific needs of behavioral health services, the platform helps clinics and therapists manage patient data efficiently and securely.

Conclusion

For healthcare providers across Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Dr Cloud EHR offers one of the most comprehensive electronic health record platforms available. The platform is built to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. With its cutting-edge electronic medication administration record system and robust EHR capabilities, Dr Cloud EHR is an essential tool for modern healthcare facilities looking to optimize their operations.

Whether you are searching for an electronic health record vendor or a complete EHR solution provider, Dr Cloud EHR is the partner you can trust to help navigate the complex demands of healthcare management in today's world.

For More Information Please Contact https://drcloudehr.com/

[tiffanyrivers]

Detailed Overview to Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities in Lancaster, PA: What You Need to Know

Mental wellness rehab facilities in Lancaster, PA give a variety of therapy possibilities for people battling along with mental health and wellness concerns. Nevertheless, deciding on the correct center can easily be a tough task, especially for those unknown along with the requirements that distinguish efficient treatment plans. To guarantee effective rehabilitation, it is vital to very carefully assess a facility's credibility and reputation, accreditation, and experience. Yet what details elements should you focus on, and how can you examine the quality of care supplied? Recognizing these key considerations is necessary to making an updated decision - and finding the correct center for an effective healing adventure.

Picking the Appropriate Facility

When seeking intensive outpatient program Lancaster, PA, selecting the appropriate one could be an uphill struggle. This decision is essential as it will greatly influence the performance of the treatment and total well-being of the person. It is necessary to examine a number of aspects, featuring the center's credibility and reputation, accreditation, and experience in offering psychological wellness rehab in Lancaster, PA. People must explore the center's treatment approach and validate it lines up along with their details necessities. The personnel's qualifications, know-how, and experience in dealing with psychological health and wellness concerns should likewise be actually assessed. In addition, examine the center's features, site, and supply of support services.

Treatment Possibilities and Services

Beyond the a variety of programs offered, mental wellness rehab facilities in Lancaster, PA, are actually likewise specified through the array of treatment options and services they provide. Helpful treatment typically entails a combination of evidence-based therapies, clinical interferences, and holistic strategies. In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, facilities may use specific, team, and household treatment sessions, and also cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. Medication control is additionally a critical element of several recovery programs, as it can easily assist ease signs and symptoms of psychological health and wellness disorders including depression, anxiousness, and bipolar affective disorder.

Qualifications and References Matter

In the landscape of intensive outpatient program Lancaster, PA, the certifications and credentials of team member participate in a pivotal part in determining the effectiveness of therapy plans. When seeking rehab services, it is actually necessary to verify the credentials of the facility's workers, featuring specialists, professionals, and physician. A trustworthy rehab establishment should possess a staff of certified and skilled professionals who concentrate on psychological health and wellness treatment. Search for team member who store postgraduate degrees in their industry and have pertinent qualifications, like Qualified Qualified Consultant (LPC) or even Certified Clinical Social Employee (LCSW).

Admitting to a Location Process

Once you have actually recognized an ideal partial hospitalization programs in Pennsylvania, with a group of trained and experienced specialists, the next measure is actually to browse the admittances method. This method generally starts with an initial evaluation, which might include a phone or even in-person evaluation to calculate the individual's details necessities and criteria for mental health and wellness treatment in Pennsylvania. During the course of this analysis, the facility's admissions staff will compile info about the person's case history, mental health record, and existing indicators. They might additionally talk to regarding the person's insurance coverage and monetary scenario to find out the greatest program of therapy.

Verdict

Psychological health and wellness rehab in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, needs cautious factor of a variety of aspects. An in depth strategy to choosing a location involves analyzing track record, accreditation, experience, treatment procedures, and staff qualifications. Ultimately, the chosen facility ought to provide a supportive setting that deals with particular demands. Effective psychological health and wellness treatment is actually contingent upon lining up treatment options along with personal demands. Proper certification and certifications are necessary in making sure a productive recovery experience.

[clearbrookmassachusetts]

Prescription Drug Rehab/Detox: Solutions for Addiction

Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemically increasing problem in the US and is now a major concern of both health officials and personal relatives. Individuals who are prescribed drugs, or buying them from the black market, can experience powerful addiction when using these substances. Clearbrook, a treatment and recovery center, offers detox treatments and drug rehabilitation services to those suffering from prescription drug addiction in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Benefits of Clearbrook:

24/7 support and monitoring

Evidence-based treatment methods

Individual and group therapy sessions

At the facility, holistic treatments are used to promote overall improved physical and mental health, such as nutrition counseling, fitness therapy, and meditation-based therapy. Through these techniques, clients can begin to understand and ultimately overcome their addiction issues. In terms of medication-assisted therapy, Clearbrook offers safe and controlled counseling and treatment to help individuals’ transition into sobriety. The staff at Clearbrook are committed to providing the best experience for their clients who seek recovery from drug addiction. They believe in providing close and personalized attention to each client's needs. They are certified medical professionals that specialize in treating individuals suffering from chemical dependency. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, please reach out to Clearbrook. They are the foremost experts in addiction treatment centers and drug rehabilitation within Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Call now to get started: 800-582-6241.

[xtruss]

Since gaining popularity online, the diabetes medication Ozempic (semaglutide) has been increasingly requested to manage weight. Now, there’s a shortage that’s affecting people who use the medication. Photograph By Imyskin, Getty Images

Ozempic is a Serious Drug with Serious Risks. Here’s What to Know.

The diabetes medication semaglutide has recently become a trendy weight loss treatment. But like every drug, there are downsides—and potentially serious side effects.

— By Allie Yang | August 1, 2023

Billionaire Elon Musk credited it for his dramatic weight loss. Celebrity sites allege that many more A-listers are using it to stay trim. And TikTok is full of influencers showing off their startling before-and-after shots showing off their weight loss after using it.

What is it? A medication called semaglutide, which is sold under different brand names, including Ozempic, approved in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, approved just last year for weight loss.

The buzz about these drugs has created a shortage of both, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is expected to last for several months—causing alarm among patients with diabetes who rely on Ozempic to help control their blood sugar. Experts caution that it’s important to understand these are not miracle drugs—and that there are risks to taking them outside of their intended use.

Here’s what you need to know about semaglutide, including how it works and the risks.

What’s The Science Behind The Drug?

Semaglutide helps lower blood sugar by mimicking a hormone that’s naturally secreted when food is consumed, says Ariana Chao, assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and medical director at the school’s Center for Weight and Eating Disorders. This medication, administered through injection, helps people feel full for longer, helps regulate appetite, and reduces hunger and cravings.

There is significant demand for the drug. In 2019, more than 11 percent of the population was diagnosed with diabetes, while more than four in ten adults classified as obese in 2020.

Patients with type 2 diabetes often have impairments in insulin, a hormone that helps break down food and convert it into fuel the body can use, Chao says. Semaglutide signals the pancreas to create more insulin and also lowers glucagon, which helps control blood sugar levels. This can result in weight loss but experts point out that Ozempic has not been approved for that purpose, though semaglutide at a higher dose (Wegovy) has been.

Wegovy is the first drug since 2014 to be approved for chronic weight management. The difference between the two drugs is that Wegovy is administered at a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic. Wegovy’s clinical trials showed more weight loss but only slightly greater improvements in glycemic control compared to Ozempic, Chao says.

The FDA sees Ozempic and Wegovy as two different medications for different uses. Chao says many insurance companies cover Ozempic for diabetes but don't cover Wegovy for obesity—a prime example of weight bias in health care. That's why some medical providers use the two doses somewhat interchangeably, as obesity and type 2 diabetes are inextricably linked–obesity is the leading risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

What Are The Risks?

Like every medication, there can be downsides.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, Chao says—and more rarely, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and diabetic retinopathy.

Angela Godwin, nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, explains that recent reports of extreme vomiting and gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach) are to be expected.

Gastroparesis “just means the food’s in your stomach longer, which then makes you feel fuller longer,” she explains.

Nausea is one of the biggest side effects of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and that can always lead to vomiting, Godwin says. In June, the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommended patients stop taking these medications before surgery to avoid aspiration and vomiting.

“Normally, in my experience, it's tolerable,” she says. “But then there are times when I ask [patients], ‘Well, what happened?’ And they [say] they ate too much and ate too quickly. And then yes, the body will vomit it up, because it just can't tolerate that much food anymore.”

These drugs have been extensively studied, but their relatively recent approval means researchers still don’t know what the effects of taking them long term might be.

Continuing research is helping us understand more about what happens when people stop taking these medications—which many may be forced to do amid current shortages. Research does suggest that stopping use of this medication could cause patients to regain weight, especially if they didn’t make any lifestyle changes.

“In almost all weight-loss studies, it really depends on your foundation,” says Stanford endocrinologist Sun Kim. “Your efforts at lifestyle will determine how much weight you lose. If you have your foundations like food, exercise, and sleep, you’re gonna do well.” If not, you might regain as much as 20 percent of the weight lost per year.

These medications can also be incredibly expensive, especially without insurance. Kim says an injection pen can run more than $1,000.

What Does It Mean To Use This Drug Off-label?

Using a drug off-label means using it in a way other than its intended and its FDA-approved purpose, which may not be safe or effective. Ozempic has been approved only for type 2 diabetics, and Wegovy has been approved only for patients with a BMI above 30, or 27 if they have a weight-related comorbidity like high blood pressure.

“There is no scientific evidence to show whether this medication will be effective or of benefit to those who do not fit the criteria from the FDA-approved label indications, such as people with a BMI lower than 27,” Chao says. “We also do not know the side effects or risks in these populations—there could be unknown drug reactions. These medications are not meant to be a quick fix.”

Even if you meet the criteria, experts warn against trying to obtain the medication without a prescription by traveling to countries that don't require them.

“When the medication’s not used under supervision of a health-care provider, then they can come into misuse,” Chao says. “There could be more serious adverse events that can happen.”

Godwin says recent reports of extreme vomiting and gastroparesis are a reminder that patients should schedule regular checkups with their doctor when taking these medications.

“I think it's so popular now that practitioners might be tempted to just prescribe more freely, and then maybe not monitor patients as frequently,” she says.

Patients should not increase their Ozempic dose without doctor approval—which is possible because there are multiple doses in one pen. “They could definitely have a lot of poor side effects, because they didn't titrate up to that level yet,” Godwin says. The same could be said for Wegovy, which comes in a pack of four one-dose pens.

Robert Gabbay, the American Diabetes Association’s chief scientific and medical officer, said the organization is “very much concerned” about the Ozempic shortage.

“The medication has been an important tool for people with diabetes,” he says. “Not only does it lower blood glucose and weight but it has been shown to decrease cardiovascular events—heart attacks—one of the leading causes of death for those living with diabetes.”

A Last Resort?

Still, Kim says that prescribing drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to patients who are desperate for a new approach to weight loss can make her feel “like a superhero.” By the time patients come to her, they’ve often tried methods like Weight Watchers and following the advice of dieticians. In that case, she says, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be a great option.

“What I find is sometimes as they're becoming successful at losing weight, it really does feed into their lifestyle too, and then they're able to be more active,” Kim says. “It’s hard to lose weight. Seventy-five percent of the U.S. population is overweight or obese. I feel that we shouldn't be holding this back if this can help.”

Chao agrees that these medications are a good alternative for those who are unable to lose 5 percent of their body weight within about three months of making lifestyle changes. Still, she recommends trying those approaches before turning to medication.

Patients should “make sure that they're focusing on a healthy dietary pattern, reducing calories, as well as increasing physical activity,” she says. “It’s important they know that even if they are taking the medication, it's not an easy way out: They're still going to have to make lifestyle changes.”

[neighborlyhomecarepa]

Why People Choose In Home Care as an Alternative to Residential Centers for Seniors

Today, families have options other than elderly nursing homes and similar full-time residential treatment centers. Neighborly Home Care is one professional provider of senior care that has found that many people in Delaware and Pennsylvania are choosing the more affordable and individualized in home care.

In Home Care Benefits for Seniors

In home care brings numerous benefits to seniors, particularly those who are still largely mobile and autonomous, but having difficulty in their day-to-day lives. Seniors can continue living in their own homes and maintain a level of independence. The caregiver is able to help with many tasks, such as light cleaning or cooking, while also being available to help monitor the senior’s well-being. Neighborly Home Care’s in home care providers will also accompany seniors to medical visits, offering safe transport as well as someone who can take notes and provide information to families.

In Home Care Benefits for Families

In home care also benefits families, as the responsibility on adult children or other relatives can be reduced. Those dedicated to providing care to their aging loved-ones will find that they need respite sometimes. Such care can easily cause significant physical, mental, or financial damage to those providing care – especially those untrained in best practices for helping the elderly. In home care is also less expensive than nursing facilities in nearly all cases, and can sometimes be covered under Medicaid and other public health options.

In home care combines the best in elderly care techniques: The elderly get as much freedom and autonomy as possible, while still receiving individualized care that fits their particular needs. Families gain assistance with their loved ones’ senior care: both physical relief and emotional relief, knowing that their loved ones are being cared for when they are unable to be present. Contact Neighborly Home Care directly for further information.

About Neighborly Home Care

Neighborly Home Care is a Pennsylvania-based provider of in home health care and life-assistance services for the elderly and infirm. Neighborly Home Care prides themselves on maintaining the highest possible levels of expertise, compassion, and professionalism among their care staff, while offering a wide range of assistance services. Within home care in Delaware County, whether it entails 24/7 around-the-clock care, periodic check-ins, or transport for seniors lacking mobility, Neighborly Home Care seeks to allow seniors the most autonomy while still caring for their needs. For more information, please visit https://www.neighborlyhomecare.com or contact 610-658-5822.

Blog is originally published at: https://www.neighborlyhomecare.com/neighborly-home-care-discusses-people-choosing-home-care-analternative-residential-centers-seniors-delaware-county/

It is republished with the permission from the author.

[mystlnewsonline]

Complete Physician Services to Pay $1.5 Million

Complete Physician Services, Kenneth Wiseman, DO, and Steven Schmidt, DO to Pay $1.5 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Liability for Submitting Unsupported Diagnosis to The Medicare Advantage Program PHILADELPHIA, PA (STL.News) United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Complete Physician Services, Kenneth Wiseman, DO, and Steven Schmidt, DO (collectively, “CPS”), have agreed to pay a total of $1,500,000 plus interest to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they caused the submission of false claims by misrepresenting the severity of illness and services rendered to increase reimbursement from the Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part B programs. CPS, a primary care physician practice located in Philadelphia, treated patients under the Medicare Advantage program and the Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) program.  The government alleges that CPS caused the submission of false claims for payment to Part C from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, arising from CPS submitting unsupported diagnosis codes, resulting in increased reimbursement to Part C health insurance companies.  Specifically, CPS submitted morbid obesity diagnosis codes to Part C, where the diagnoses lacked medical support in that patients had a body mass index under 35.  The government contends that the diagnosis of morbid obesity in this situation is inappropriate.  Further, the government alleges that CPS’s submission of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”) diagnoses was not medically supported or supported by appropriate medical documentation in many instances.  As a result of these unsupported diagnoses, CPS substantially increased Part C reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”). The government also alleges that CPS caused the submission of inappropriate claims to the Medicare Part B program that were not supported by medical documentation from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, in order to maximize its reimbursement.  Specifically, the government contends that CPS improperly billed Evaluation and Management visits using Current Procedural Terminology Code 99214 without the requisite level and complex medical decision-making that this code requires.  Further, CPS inappropriately billed physician assistant services “incident to” the professional services of a physician, including occasions when the physician was out of the country.  Finally, CPS also submitted unsupported billing to CMS for smoking cessation counseling, pulmonary function tests, and unsupported claims for vaccine administration. “Almost half of Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.  As a result, investigation of credible allegations of fraud impacting it is more important than ever,” said U.S. Attorney Romero.  “The Medicare Advantage Program relies on accurate information about its enrollees’ health status, such as whether they really have morbid obesity or COPD.  It is imperative that enrollees receive appropriate treatment and that participating providers and health plans receive proper compensation for the services they actually provide.  We will hold accountable those who report unsupported diagnoses to inflate Medicare Advantage payment.” “Today’s settlement shows our attention to and commitment to investigating all potential allegations of fraud against the Medicare Part C Programs, no matter the size of the physician practice or the complexity of the scheme,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.  “We will continue to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office to evaluate allegations brought under the False Claims Act to ensure the integrity of Medicare programs.” This settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by former CPS employees captioned United States ex rel.  Michael Helzner, D.O., et al. v. Complete Physician Services, LTD, at al., No. 16-cv-5401 (E.D. Pa.).  Under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, lawsuits like this one may be brought on behalf of the United States, and the relators share in any recovery by the government.  The relators were represented in this case by John M. Hanamirian of the Hanamirian Law Firm.  “We thank the relators and the relators’ counsel for their contributions.  Detecting fraud is much easier when we have the cooperation of whistleblowers like the ones in this case,” said Romero. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  The investigation and settlement were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah W. Frey, Civil Division Chief Gregory B. David, and Auditor George Niedzwicki. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. SOURCE: U.S. Department of Justice Read the full article

[drivelikeaminister]

Thank You, Rep. Fetterman

In mid-February one of Pennsylvania’s Senators, Rep. John Fetterman, checked himself into Walter Reed Medical Center to receive treatment for depression.  This is a public action of courage and vulnerability.  Rep. Fetterman took a step toward self-care with the inherent risk of being judged or being asked to resign.  By definition being vulnerable is difficult; vulnerability means opening ourselves up with risk of exposing our emotions and our feelings.

Vulnerability is sometimes viewed as weakness, but it is not.  Appearing that you aren’t perfect, that you might need assistance or support - that’s not a show of weakness.  Weakness is trying to show that everything is “fine” without asking for help.  When Rep. Fetterman reaches out, he is being courageous and he is giving us all an example.  His example is to be true to ourselves, to be true to our personal needs and to reach out and ask for help when we need it.

Our culture usually puts celebrities, athletes, politicians - anyone who is famous - on a pedestal.  If someone is famous, they can do no wrong, their words hold more clout and their actions are impeccable.  Any person in the public eye is set up for failure.  We all make mistakes.  We all need help.  We are all imperfect human beings.

It takes people like Rep. Fetterman seeking help... it takes people like Simone Biles focusing on mental health... it takes people like Demi Lovato sharing her own struggles... it takes people like Lady Gaga and Prince William talking about mental health... to help everyone see that we are all in need of help sometimes.

I commend and thank all those who are in the public eye and are vulnerable and open about their struggles.  Thank you all for your vulnerability and thank you for getting the help you need.  Let us all do the same.

With respect to Rep. Fetterman, and the question of whether he is fit for office, I see an intersection of politics and faith.  When I think about who I want to represent me.  My response is, “I want someone who is human, someone who isn’t perfect.  Like me.“

[intheroomblog]

Explore Medication-assisted treatment in Dunmore, Pennsylvania

Dunmore Comprehensive Treatment Center offers evidence-based opioid addiction treatment in a supportive and compassionate environment. Utilizing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) alongside counseling services, we provide a holistic approach to recovery. Our expert team of professionals helps patients achieve long-term sobriety and regain control over their lives. Whether you are seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one, Dunmore Comprehensive Treatment Center is dedicated to your success on the path to recovery.

[spaspace]

Greatest Botox In Montgomery County Injectables Philadelphia

Most people get migraine aid two to a few weeks after their first remedy. Research means that Botox is extremely efficient at relieving continual migraines. The majority of folks who obtain injections report fewer headaches each month, improved mental clarity, and fewer days off work. A sequence botox pennsylvania of appointments can significantly ease your pain and enhance your high quality of life. Enhances the looks of average to extreme frown lines inside the eyebrows. A Botulinum Toxin used to briefly get rid of deep wrinkles and facial folds.

You can discuss to your BOTOX injector about one of the best time to schedule your next appointment with Abington Medi Spa to extend your outcomes. BOTOX treatments are accomplished as an outpatient procedure on-site at OneSkin Dermatology. Even if it is your first go to to our office in Chambersburg, PA, we might carry out the remedy on the identical day as your preliminary session with Dr. Day. You shall be asked to make various expressions utilizing your higher face, like frowning, squinting, smiling, etc., to help us to mark the place the injections shall be placed. Your face will be ready and BOTOX shall be utilized with a fine needle.

Our medical aestheticians and licensed Expert Providers have administered over 500,000 aesthetic therapies and are unmatched in their experience, precision, safety, and trusted outcomes. Remember, each vial of Botox is the same-it's the Expert Provider who makes all the distinction. The Skin Center is a leading medical spa in the Pittsburgh area with seven convenient locations —and we're growing. Founded over 40 years in the past, our team of aesthetic medical suppliers have performed over 500,000 aesthetic remedies.

For the crow’s ft area, your specialist will inject 3 areas of the muscle that frames the side of the eye. There will be patients in which it lasts longer, in that four to six-month vary, or shorter, in that two-month vary. It can be common for first-timers to note that Botox could not last as lengthy initially, but it could last lengthy after the second remedy. If you suffer from persistent migraines, greater than 15 episodes a month, then you could benefit from Botox injections. The treatment works as a preventive device to assist stop the frequency of your head ache.

You can return to work and upright activities immediately after your Botox appointment. We do limit bending over or taking a nap in the first three hours after injection. You can count on some minor redness or sensitivity in the skin after your injections, but these symptoms sometimes fade inside a couple of days. Many patients choose to obtain their Botox® treatments throughout their lunch break since they can return to work and different activities instantly following their appointment. Side results might include slight bruising or a headache for one to two days post-treatment.

Learn extra about our treatments and procedures at Abington Medi Spa in Newtown, PA. Microneedling gently scratches the skin’s surface with a hand curler gadget coated in tiny needles to create micro-channels in your pores and skin. Then, experience your pores and botox pennsylvania skin therapeutic itself because the collagen and elastin productions are kicked into overdrive to refine nice lines and wrinkles, scale back acne scars, stretch marks, hyper-, and hypopigmentation. Brighten your day and the room as you enter with refreshed new pores and skin.

Typically, med spas and other providers of BOTOX® Cosmetic have a very restricted service menu. If you need one thing past wrinkle fillers, they’ll have to refer you elsewhere. When you go to Abington Medi Spa, both non-surgical and surgical choices are on the table.

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[clearbrookmassachusetts]

Pennsylvania Addiction Treatment: All You Need to Know About Clearbrook Treatment Centers

Pennsylvania Drug Rehab Centers Help Those Struggling With Addiction

Clearbrook Treatment Centers aims to help people struggling with addiction break the cycle and work on their recovery. For those who live in Pennsylvania, these drug rehab centers offer guidance and assistance to those working to regain control of their lives. The goal of the clinicians at these addiction treatment centers is to provide individuals with the skills they need for personal growth, sobriety, and long term recovery. The team uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach to helping people develop skills to cope with and manage their emotions effectively. It is designed to help individuals gain mindfulness, regulate emotions, and improve inter-personal relationships. Other therapies offered at the centers include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and family therapy. The article lays out the following benefits that the center provides:

Assistance in developing a better understanding and awareness of addiction

Help in finding new ways to build healthy coping skills

Guidance on how to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle

The addiction treatment centers provide a structured environment, which includes detoxification, medication management, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. In addition, the centers provide individualized care to best suit the needs of each patient. The staff works around the clock in order to monitor patient progress and ensure that treatment practices are in line with their goals. In order to make sure patients receive the supportive atmosphere necessary in order to make sustainable progress in their recovery, the staff also manages recreational activities and outings. This helps to make sure that individuals are staying engaged in treatment and pursuing activities that help reinforce sobriety. The Pennsylvania drug rehab centers offer a safe and supportive environment for those looking to break free from the cycle of addiction. With the right combination of medication management, therapies, and recreational activities, patients will be able to make real progress in their recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Clearbrook Treatment Center is a great option to explore for drug rehabilitation. The dedicated staff is knowledgeable and experienced in managing addiction, and committed to helping patients succeed in their recovery.

[verycleverboy]

Welcome to October 7th.

(cough cough)

Where we are today:

After spending the weekend at Walter Reed Medical Center for treatment of his COVID-19 infection, President Donald Trump returned to the White House yesterday afternoon, where he is expected to continue treatment under quarantine.

The slim hopes there were that Trump would calm down and take his current situation seriously--and yeah, I know, but some people are just born suckers--were exploded yesterday when Trump's first full day out of the hospital was highlighted by an almost incoherent tweet storm, followed by a declaration out of nowhere that long-stalled talks over a second stimulus package were dead until after the election, and everyone had been instructed to dedicate their undivided attention to the Supreme Court nomination. The response was instantaneous: one spur-of-the-moment tweet shaved 600 points off the stock market before closing.

He walked back the stance slightly later on, saying he'd be willing to sign off on just the personal stimulus checks, part of a piecemeal approach that Democrats have repeatedly said was a nonstarter. For those who were depending on extended unemployment relief or waiting for a federal lifeline for their small businesses (or even larger ones, in the case of the airlines), the message from Trump and his party, with 27 days until the election, is what it's been all summer: Help isn't on the way. You're on your own. Please suffer quietly while we play confirmation games in the Senate.

The above would appear to demonstrate that the President’s emotional state is even more unhinged than usual, and the speculation (not to mention a certain style of headline) has been zeroing in on the manic episodes that are a known side-effect of the steroid treatment Trump has been taking. The impression is that there’s still a lot that’s being kept from us, and the main thing the West Wing has been open about since the President’s diagnosis is that they have no intention of being open about anything related to the current state of affairs.

Physician to the President Dr. Sean Conley maintains that Trump’s recovery is continuing in a positive direction, but the memorandum begins with the one line that has been casting a long shadow over any hope of honesty:

“I release the following information with the permission of President Donald J. Trump.” 

In 2015, Trump’s personal physician Dr. Harold Bornstein released a hyperbole-laden assessment of the then-candidate’s health status: “If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." Like Conley’s status report, there we no real negatives. The main difference was that Borstein’s letter sounded a lot like a Trump-penned press release. 

Borstein later revealed there was a reason that letter sounded so Trumpian. "He dictated that whole letter. I didn't write that letter." 

Folks, this could be some hard-earned paranoia talking, since there’s no major reason to assume that a Borstein level of hijacking is happening with Conley, apart from his Walter Reed declaration that he was intentionally skewing towards optimism over the weekend while dodging (and sometimes backtracking on) a lot of key questions. But if some of us feel like we smell a rat in a sunshine-and-rainbows status report, it’s because that rat was caught in this particular corn crib once before.

HIPAA rules entitle every American citizen to a certain expectation of privacy when it comes to medical records. If you want to allow even another member of your family to be able to talk about your condition with your doctors, you have to sign off specific names. That means the onus of allowing transparency in the case of Donald J. Trump, a man whose health (for better or for worse) has international implications, falls on the full consent of Donald J. Trump himself. But since Borstein’s revelation came days after members of the Trump Organization seized his Trump-related medical records in what he characterized as a “raid” on his office, it’s safe to assume that’s not going to happen....not until it’s too late, anyway.

Meanwhile...

The Trump/Pence team continues to openly mock the medically-recommended safety measures that, had they been applied consistently, would've kept the President out of the hospital. Trump is still making the claim that COVID-19 is no worse than the flu, which by any metric is demonstrably false and highly dangerous, while Pence and his team made a last-minute attempt yesterday to flex on the previously agreed-to plexiglas guards in front of the podiums. His debate with Kamala Harris is scheduled for tonight.

Since Trump loves Citizen Kane, while not necessarily understanding that Kane isn't the hero of the movie, let's end this wall of words with a quote that he probably hasn't figured out yet either.

“You're the greatest fool I've ever known, Kane. If it was anybody else, I'd say what's going to happen to you would be a lesson to you. Only you're going to need more than one lesson. And you're going to get more than one lesson.”

Will Trump's next lesson come from the disease or the electorate? Either way, we're in for a long, dark October. Stay warm, everybody.

First Lady Melania Trump, who did not join her husband at Walter Reed, continues to rest at the White House during her recovery.

Other confirmed positives for COVID-19:

(This is not intended to be a complete list, and is based on news reports concerning those who are known to have been in contact with other infected individuals in connection with recent events. Status changes and additions since yesterday’s megapost will be listed in bold. Updated throughout the day as new information becomes available from the CNN, NBC News, and CBS News live update pages, supplemented by other sources.)

White House

Hope Hicks: Began showing symptoms on Wednesday, tested positive on Thursday morning. Was not in attendance at Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination event on September 26th.

Nicholas Luna, personal assistant to the President: Luna is a “body man”, whose duties require him to be in close proximity to the President at all times.

Kayleigh McEnany, White House press secretary:  She was not aware of the Hicks diagnosis when she addressed the press on Thursday.

Stephen Miller, Senior Advisor to the President: Was already working remotely and self-isolating, announced positive test on Monday. His wife, Katie Miller, is Vice President Pence’s director of communications, had coronavirus several months ago.

Chad Gilmartin and Karoline Leavitt, members of Kayleigh McEnany’s staff.

Assistant White House press secretary Jalen Drummond: Another McEnany staffer who tested positive Monday morning

Unidentified staffer: Military personnel directly assigned to support the President in the Oval Office and residence, diagnosed over the weekend per CNN.

Three initially unidentified members of the White House press corps and an unidentified staffer who works with the media. Per the White House Correspondents’ Association president Zeke Miller: Individual #1 attended a Sunday briefing and tested positive on Friday after exhibiting symptoms on Thursday. Individual #2 (later confirmed to be Michael Shear of the New York Times) was part of the press pool which traveled to last Saturday’s Pennsylvania rally; also exhibited symptoms on Thursday and tested positive on Friday. Individual #3 was in the press pool for the Barrett Rose Garden event and also travelled with the press pool on Sunday. #3 exhibited symptoms on Wednesday and tested positive Friday afternoon. The press at the Barret event were confined in a crowded “penlike enclosure” behind the invited guests (per Washington Post).

Campaign personnel

Chris Christie: Attended the Barrett nomination event and was part of Trump debate prep. Christie, whose asthma puts him in a higher risk group, checked himself into Morristown Medical Center as a precautionary measure.

Kellyanne Conway: Attended the Barrett nomination event and was part of Trump debate prep. The initial news came in the form of a string of snarky Tiktok posts on Friday from her daughter Claudia, followed much later by a confirmation from Kellyanne herself.

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel: Isolating at home since September 26th, tested last Wednesday.

Bill Stepien, current Trump 2020 campaign manager: In the White House on Monday, in Cleveland for Tuesday’s presidential debate, traveled with Trump and Hicks aboard Air Force One afterwards.

US Congress

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): Per CNN: “Johnson was not at the Amy Coney Barrett ceremony because he was quarantining from a prior exposure, during which he twice tested negative for the virus, according to the spokesperson.” He was exposed “shortly after” returning to Washington.

Sen. Mike Lee, (R-UT): Attended the Barrett nomination event.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC): Attended the Barrett nomination event.

Military

Admiral Charles Ray, Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard: Recently attended several meetings with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Nearly all the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including chairman General Mark Milley, are in precautionary quarantine.

Gen. Gary L. Thomas, assistant commandant of the US Marine Corps

Others

University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, CSC: Attended the Barrett nomination event. Jenkins was told that he didn’t need to wear a mask to the event after he and other guests tested negative at the White House.

Thirteen employees at Murray’s restaurant in Minneapolis: Catered a party attended by President Trump on September 30th, although none of them were in close proximity to the President.

Confirmed negatives:

(Because of the nature of COVID-19, this list is subject to change.)

Mike and Karen Pence: The Pences have been testing daily since the announcement of the Trumps’ diagnosis.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner: Recently traveled with Hope Hicks

Barron Trump

Eric Trump: At debate.

Lara Trump: At debate.

Donald Trump Jr.: Flew on Air Force One to Cleveland debate, did not fly back.

Mark Meadows, White House chief of staff

Pat Cipollone, White House counsel

Dan Scavino, Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Director of Social Media

HHS Secretary Alex Azar

Attorney General Bill Barr

Defense Secretary Mark Esper

WH Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany

Justin Clark, deputy campaign manager

Rudy Giuliani: Was in Trump debate prep.

Jason Miller: Was in Trump debate prep.

Alice Marie Johnson: Flew on Air Force One to Cleveland debate.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett: Barrett and her husband had coronavirus earlier this year and recovered, per AP News.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA): Tested out of "an abundance of caution” because of Steve Mnuchin meeting earlier this week.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH): Few on Air Force One to Cleveland debate, did not fly back.

DNC Chairman Tom Perez: In front row for Tuesday’s debate.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO):  Attended the Barrett nomination event, was seen there without a face covering.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Precautionary quarantine because of close contact with COVID-19-positive individuals.

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE): Precautionary quarantine because of close contact with COVID-19-positive individuals.

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK):  Precautionary quarantine because of close contact with COVID-19-positive individuals.

All of the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Status unknown as of Tuesday midday:

Kimberly Guilfoyle (at debate)

Alyssa Farah, White House Director of Strategic Communications

Robert O’Brien, national security adviser (tested positive for coronavirus in July)

Tiffany Trump (at debate)

Derek Lyons,  Counselor to the President

Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R-IA), Senate pro tem: Declined to be tested, claiming physician’s advice as his reason; attended a meeting Thursday with Sen. Mike Lee.

30-50 donors who were in close contact with President Trump during an in-person event held at Trump’s Bedminster golf club on Thursday night. According to the official story, the event was held hours before President Trump’s positive test came back, but Hicks’s positive came back immediately before he left (although for a variety of reasons, the validity of that timeline is up in the air).

And because they’re stuck in this story, too:

Joe and Jill Biden: negative, committed to regular testing on all campaign event days.

Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff: negative

Previous megaposts, in case you’re a masochist: October 2 3 4 5 6

[uicscience]

Top: Dr. Damiano Rondelli; above, sickle cells under a microscope.

CRISPR technology to cure sickle cell disease at UIC

University of Illinois Chicago is one of the U.S. sites participating in clinical trials to cure severe red blood congenital diseases such as sickle cell anemia or Thalassemia by safely modifying the DNA of patients’ blood cells.

The first cases treated with this approach were recently published in an article co-authored by Dr. Damiano Rondelli, the Michael Reese Professor of Hematology at the UIC College of Medicine. The article reports two patients have been cured of beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease after their own genes were edited with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The two researchers who invented this technology received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.  

In the paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine, CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia, researchers reported gene editing modified the DNA of stem cells by deleting the gene BCL11A, the gene responsible for suppressing fetal hemoglobin production. By doing so, stem cells start producing fetal hemoglobin so that patients with congenital hemoglobin defects (beta thalassemia or sickle cell disease) make enough fetal hemoglobin to overcome the effect of the defective hemoglobin that causes their disease.  

The advantage of this approach is that it uses the patient’s cells with no need for a donor. Also, the gene manipulation does not use a viral vector as with other gene therapy studies but is done with electroporation (quick production of pores into the cells with high voltage) which is known to have low risk of off-target gene activation, according to Rondelli.  

Sickle cell disease is an inherited defect of the hemoglobin that causes the red blood cells to become crescent-shaped. These cells can lyse and obstruct small blood vessels, depriving the body’s tissues of oxygen. The disease can cause extreme pain and damage the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin — the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells throughout the body. In people with beta thalassemia, low levels of hemoglobin lead to a lack of oxygen in many parts of the body.

The first two patients to receive the treatment have had successful results and continue to be monitored. Rondelli is on the steering committee for an international clinical trial, with UIC being the only site in Chicago. Although the trial is at an early stage and the first patients will be followed for some time before expanding the numbers worldwide, UIC will be among the few sites ready for this treatment.

“It is a great privilege for UIC to be part of this international study and I hope that in the future we will have our own patients undergo this procedure,” Rondelli said.

“UIC and UI Health is an ideal place for any cellular therapy in sickle cell disease because of our experience and success in stem cell transplantation in these patients. In fact, over 75% of sickle cell patients can be cured with a transplant, and we have already done over 50 cases,” he said.  

While a full-match donor is still the first line of treatment, finding a compatible stem cell donor is challenging. For this reason, many centers including UI health have developed strategies to successfully utilize donors who are only 50% compatible, called haploidentical donors. However, according to Rondelli, in about 30% to 50% of the patients, there are still multiple barriers that can limit the possibility of a donor-derived transplant, such as a family donor availability, or the presence of antibodies in the patient caused by many prior red cell transfusions, that would reject the donor stem cells.

“This gene-editing procedure has the potential to overcome all of these. Cells of the same patient can be manipulated and can be transplanted without the risk of rejection or to cause immune reactions from the donor (graft-versus-host disease),” said Rondelli. “For the almost 900 patients with SC coming to our hospital, this should be great news.”

Patients who in the future will participate in the trial will have cells sent to the CRISPR manufacturing site where the cells undergo genetic editing. Patients then receive chemotherapy prior to the edited stem cells being re-inserted into their bloodstream.  

Researchers hope this treatment can be a game-changer for world health. Sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia and other congenital blood disorders are major diseases in the world. Rondelli said 5 million people only in Nigeria suffer from sickle cell disease, and many others in Africa. Also, currently, 30% of transplants being performed in India, which has 1.3 billion people, are to treat severe beta thalassemia, he added.

“The hope is that this treatment will be accessible and affordable in many low-middle-income countries the Middle East, Africa, and India, and have an important impact in the lives of many people in these areas,” said Rondelli.

The CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia research paper was authored by Haydar Frangoul and Jennifer Domm of the Sarah Cannon Center for Blood Cancer at the Children’s Hospital at TriStar Centennial, Nashville; Akshay Sharma of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis; David Altshuler, Brenda K Eustace, Julie Lekstrom-Himes and Angela Yen of Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Martin Steinberg of Boston University School of Medicine; Yi-Shan Chen, Tony Ho, Andrew Kernytsky and Sandeep Soni of CRISPR Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts; M. Domenica Cappellini of University of Milan; Franco Locatelli of Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù Rome, Sapienza, University of Rome; Juergen Foell and Selim Corbacioglu of University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Rupert Handgretinge of Children’s University Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Josu de la Fuente of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London; Stephan Grup of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Antonis Kattamis of University of Athens, Athens; Amanda Li of BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Donna Wall of Hospital for Sick Children-University of Toronto; Markus Mapara of Columbia University, New York; Sujit Sheth of Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York; Mariane de Montalembert of Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Paris; and Damiano Rondelli, University of Illinois Chicago.

Funded by CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals; ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT03655678 for CLIMB THAL-111 and NCT03745287 for CLIMB SCD-121.

[intheroomblog]

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[newstfionline]

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Tax cuts for the wealthy aren’t trickling down (CBS News) Do tax cuts for the wealthy really help the overall economy and “trickle down” to everyone else? It’s not a trickle question. David Hope of the London School of Economics and Julian Limberg of King’s College London examined 18 developed countries and did the math. “Per capita gross domestic product and unemployment rates were nearly identical after five years in countries that slashed taxes on the rich and in those that didn’t, the study found. But the analysis discovered one major change: The incomes of the rich grew much faster in countries where tax rates were lowered. Instead of trickling down to the middle class, tax cuts for the rich may not accomplish much more than help the rich keep more of their riches and exacerbate income inequality.” 50 years of tax cuts for the rich failed to trickle down.

Suspected Russian Cyberattack Strikes at Heart of U.S. Government (Foreign Policy) As more details are revealed about Russia’s alleged hack of the U.S. government, it’s becoming clear that the breach is much worse than previously thought. On Thursday, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned that is “poses a grave risk” to federal, state, and local governments as well as private companies and organizations. There is a growing list of reported victims: the Centers for Disease Control, the Defense Department, State Department, Commerce Department, Department of Homeland Security, Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy were all affected. “This is, I think, appears to be at this point the most serious cyberattack this country has ever endured,” Sen. Angus King, I-Maine said on NPR. Microsoft, which is helping to respond to the hack, noted that “the attack unfortunately represents a broad and successful espionage-based assault on both the confidential information of the U.S. Government and the tech tools used by firms to protect them … ongoing investigations reveal an attack that is remarkable for its scope, sophistication and impact.”

California hospitals buckle as virus cases surge (AP) Hospitals across California have all but run out of intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients, ambulances are backing up outside emergency rooms, and tents for triaging the sick are going up as the nation’s most populous state emerges as the latest epicenter of the U.S. outbreak. On Thursday, California reported a staggering 52,000 new cases in a single day—equal to what the entire U.S. was averaging in mid-October—and a one-day record of 379 deaths. More than 16,000 people are in the hospital with the coronavirus across the state, more than triple the number a month ago. Patients are being cared for at several overflow locations, including a former NBA arena in Sacramento, a former prison and a college gymnasium.

‘Unbelievable’ snowfall blankets parts of the Northeast (AP) The Northeast’s first whopper snowstorm of the season buried parts of upstate New York under more than 3 feet (1 meter) of snow, broke records in cities and towns across the region, and left plow drivers struggling to clear the roads as snow piled up at more than 4 inches (10 centimeters) per hour. “It was a very difficult, fast storm and it dropped an unbelievable amount of snow,” Tom Coppola, highway superintendent in charge of maintaining 100 miles (160 kilometers) of roads in the Albany suburb of Glenville, said Thursday. “It’s to the point where we’re having trouble pushing it with our plows.” The storm dropped 30 inches (76 centimeters) on Glenville between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Thursday, leaving a silent scene of snow-clad trees, buried cars and laden roofs when the sun finally peeked through at noon. Much of Pennsylvania saw accumulations in the double digits. Boston had more than 9 inches (23 centimeters) of snow early Thursday morning.

1 in 5 prisoners in the US has had COVID-19, 1,700 have died (AP) One in every five state and federal prisoners in the United States has tested positive for the coronavirus, a rate more than four times as high as the general population. In some states, more than half of prisoners have been infected, according to data collected by The Associated Press and The Marshall Project. As the pandemic enters its 10th month—and as the first Americans begin to receive a long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine—at least 275,000 prisoners have been infected, more than 1,700 have died and the spread of the virus behind bars shows no sign of slowing. New cases in prisons this week reached their highest level since testing began in the spring, far outstripping previous peaks in April and August. As the virus spreads largely unchecked behind bars, prisoners can’t social distance and are dependent on the state for their safety and well-being.

Shut down by corona, Berlin restaurant opens for homeless (AP) The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t made life on the streets of Berlin any easier for Kaspars Breidaks. For three months, the 43-year-old Latvian has faced homeless shelters operating at reduced capacity so that people can be kept at a safe distance from one another. And with fewer Berliners going outdoors, it’s much harder to raise money by panhandling or collecting bottles to sell for recycling. But on a chilly winter morning this week Breidaks found himself with a free hot meal and a place to warm up, after the German capital’s biggest restaurant, the Hofbraeu Berlin—itself closed down due to coronavirus lockdown restrictions—shifted gears to help the homeless. It was a clear win-win proposition, said Hofbraeu manager Bjoern Schwarz. As well as helping out the homeless during tough times the city-funded project also gives needed work to employees—and provides the restaurant with welcome income. In cooperation with the city and two welfare organizations, the restaurant quickly developed a concept to take in up to 150 homeless people in two shifts every day until the end of the winter, and started serving meals on Tuesday.

Japan: Snow traps 1,000 drivers in frozen traffic jam (BBC) Rescuers are trying to free more than 1,000 vehicles which have been stranded on a highway for two days after a heavy snow storm struck Japan. Authorities have distributed food, fuel and blankets to the drivers on the Kanetsu expressway, which connects the capital Tokyo to Niigata, in the north. The snow, which began on Wednesday evening, has caused multiple traffic jams along the road. Officials have been using a combination of heavy machinery and physical labour to dig out the vehicles one by one, but around 1,000 cars were still stranded on the road as of Friday noon.

‘Nightmare’ Australia Housing Lockdown Called Breach of Human Rights (NYT) The sudden lockdown this summer of nine public housing towers in Melbourne that left 3,000 people without adequate food and medication and access to fresh air during the city’s second coronavirus wave breached human rights laws, an investigation found. The report, released on Thursday by the ombudsman in the state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, said that the residents had been effectively placed under house arrest for 14 days in July without warning. It deprived them of essential supports, as well as access to activities like outdoor exercise, the report said. The lockdown was not “compatible with residents’ human rights, including their right to humane treatment when deprived of liberty,” Deborah Glass, the Victorian ombudsman, wrote. The report recommended the state government apologize publicly to tower residents, as well as improve relationships and procedures at similarly high-risk accommodations in the city so that they might be better prepared for future outbreaks. Though Australia has won global praise for successfully slowing the spread of the coronavirus in the country, the report was a scathing rebuke of state officials’ decision to apply stringent measures to the public housing residents, who said they felt trapped and traumatized and suspected discrimination. Several described it as a “nightmare.”

Fiji says two dead as powerful cyclone tears across Pacific nation (Reuters) A powerful cyclone pounded Fiji, killing two people and leaving a trail of destruction across the Pacific Island nation, authorities said on Friday. Cyclone Yasa, a top category five storm, made landfall over Bua province on the northern island of Vanua Levu on Thursday evening, bringing torrential rain, widespread flooding and winds of up to 285 km per hour (177 miles) across the archipelago. Scores of houses were destroyed, while power was cut to some areas and roads blocked by fallen trees and flash flooding, authorities said. Officials with the Red Cross said authorities were scrambling to help affected communities. Adverse weather has hampered efforts by aid groups to dispatch assistance, with waves of more than 3 metres (10 ft) preventing ships leaving Suva.

Radio stations may be the real “e-learning” revolution (Rest of World) The impact of a student’s socioeconomic status on their access to education during the pandemic is playing out globally, exposing just how closely tied internet access is to educational opportunity. In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 85% of households lack access to the internet at home and 89% of students do not have access to a computer outside of school. On the African continent, expensive and unreliable internet reaches only 40% of the population. Many governments, companies, and NGOs think that throwing millions of dollars behind providing tablets is the best way to improve the quality of education, but this impulse overlooks infrastructural issues like access to the internet, teacher training, and the cost of upkeep that students need to use the tablets in the first place. “Even if we did have a device for every student, they would have nowhere to charge them,” Reshma Patel, the executive director of Impact Network, a nonprofit that provides education for over 6,000 kids in rural Zambia through community schools, told Rest of World. Impact-run schools adapted radio lessons, since a majority of their students live in homes without electricity. Faced with the shutdown of the 43 schools she supervises, Patel relied on the “forgotten stepchild of tech interventions” to reach students: radio. On the continent, radio has long been a window to the external world. Shoeshoe Qhu works as the station manager at Voice of Wits 88.1 FM, a university radio station in Johannesburg, South Africa. She grew up in a mountainous village of 100 homesteads without electricity or running water. While there wasn’t television, there was radio. As long as her family had access to batteries and a receiver, it was free. “If you wanted to hear what was happening everywhere else, you could only get it through the radio,” Qhu said. “I grew up with radio, and it gave me access to the world,” she added. “It meant everything.”

Watch those passwords (NYT) Dutch hacker Victor Gevers claims to have logged in to President Trump’s Twitter account six years ago by guessing the password: “yourefired.” Then he did it again. On Oct. 16, Gevers, 44, made an accurate guess, “maga2020!,” on his fifth try, according to Dutch prosecutors. Hacking is a crime in the Netherlands. But on Wednesday, Dutch officials said they would not press charges because Gevers had met the bar for “responsible disclosure,” demonstrating how easy it could be to gain access to the U.S. president’s handle: @realdonaldtrump.