Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
American Academy of Neurology: Do Our Body Clocks Influence Our Risk of Dementia?
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Dec. 30 -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
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Do our body clocks influence our risk of dementia?
Highlights:
* A new study has found circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock, may affect a person's risk of dementia.
* More than 2,000 people wore monitors for an average of 12 days to track their rest and activity rhythms.
* Researchers found people with weaker or more irregular body clocks had a higher risk of developing dementia.
* Being most active later in the day, instead of earlier, was linked to a 45% increased risk of
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Dec. 30 -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
* * *
Do our body clocks influence our risk of dementia?
Highlights:
* A new study has found circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock, may affect a person's risk of dementia.
* More than 2,000 people wore monitors for an average of 12 days to track their rest and activity rhythms.
* Researchers found people with weaker or more irregular body clocks had a higher risk of developing dementia.
* Being most active later in the day, instead of earlier, was linked to a 45% increased risk ofdementia.
* Future studies of circadian rhythm interventions, such as light therapy or lifestyle changes, could help determine if they can lower a person's risk of dementia.
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Circadian rhythms that are weaker and more fragmented are linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study published on December 29, 2025, in Neurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study also found that circadian rhythm levels that peaked later in the day, rather than earlier, were also linked to an increased risk. The study does not prove that these factors cause dementia, it only shows an association.
Circadian rhythm is the body's internal clock. It regulates the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle and other body processes like hormones, digestion and body temperature. It is guided by the brain and influenced by light exposure.
With a strong circadian rhythm, the body clock aligns well with the 24-hour day, sending clear signals for body functions. People with a strong circadian rhythm tend to follow their regular times for sleeping and activity, even with schedule or season changes. With a weak circadian rhythm, light and schedule changes are more likely to disrupt the body clock. People with weaker rhythms are more likely to shift their sleep and activity times with the seasons or schedule changes.
"Changes in circadian rhythms happen with aging, and evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disturbances may be a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like dementia," said study author Wendy Wang, MPH, PhD, of the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. "Our study measured these rest-activity rhythms and found people with weaker and more fragmented rhythms, and people with activity levels that peaked later in the day, had an elevated risk of dementia."
The study involved 2,183 people with an average age of 79 who did not have dementia at the start of the study. Of participants, 24% were Black people and 76% were white people.
Participants wore small heart monitors that adhere to the chest to measure rest and activity for an average of 12 days. Researchers used data from the monitors to track the strength and patterns of people's circadian rhythms. Participants were then followed for an average of three years and during that time 176 people were diagnosed with dementia.
Researchers reviewed heart monitor data for various measures to determine circadian rhythm strength. These measures included relative amplitude, which is a measure of the difference between a person's most active and least active periods. High relative amplitude signified stronger circadian rhythms.
Researchers divided participants into three groups, comparing the high group to the low group. A total of 31 of 728 people in the high group developed dementia, compared to 106 of the 727 people in the low group. After adjusting for factors such as age, blood pressure and heart disease, researchers found when compared to people in the high group, those in the low, weaker rhythm group had nearly 2.5 times the risk of dementia, with a 54% increased risk of dementia for every standard deviation decrease in relative amplitude.
Researchers also found people who experienced a peak of activity later in the afternoon, 2:15 p.m. or later, compared to earlier in the afternoon, 1:11 p.m.-2:14 p.m., had a 45% increased risk of dementia. Seven percent of those in the early group developed dementia, compared to 10% of those in the high group.
Having a later peak of activity means there could be a difference between the body clock and environmental cues such as later hours and darkness.
"Disruptions in circadian rhythms may alter body processes like inflammation, and may interfere with sleep, possibly increasing amyloid plaques linked to dementia, or reducing amyloid clearance from the brain," said Wang. "Future studies should examine the potential role of circadian rhythm interventions, such as light therapy or lifestyle changes, to determine if they may help lower a person's risk of dementia."
A limitation of the study was that researchers did not have information on sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, which could affect the results.
Discover more about dementia at Brain and Life (R), from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life(R) on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.
Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com or find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
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Original text here: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5306
[Category: Medical]
Meet the Newest Members to NMMA
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 29 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Meet the Newest Members to NMMA
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NMMA recently welcomed seven new members to the association. As members of NMMA, our new, valued stakeholders have taken an active role in the success and vitality of the marine industry.
NMMA's strategic initiatives advocate for marine businesses and grow recreational boating's market share.
New members who joined the association in November and December include:
* Advancy New York, NY
* Barefoot Marine Decking
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 29 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Meet the Newest Members to NMMA
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NMMA recently welcomed seven new members to the association. As members of NMMA, our new, valued stakeholders have taken an active role in the success and vitality of the marine industry.
NMMA's strategic initiatives advocate for marine businesses and grow recreational boating's market share.
New members who joined the association in November and December include:
* Advancy New York, NY
* Barefoot Marine DeckingGorham, ME
* Cantiere Del Pardo S.P.A Forli, Forli-Cesena, Italy
* Chomarat North America, LLC Williamston, SC
* Flamingo Marine Grafton, WI
* ProtoTech LLC Orlando, FL
* Shadebiz Corporation Atlantic Beach, FL
NMMA membership provides businesses with a distinct advantage, connecting them with market research and exclusive regulatory alerts, economic impact updates, and programs vital to success in today's fast-paced, ever-changing global economy.
To learn more about the benefits of being an NMMA member, contact Ashley Smith, NMMA's director of membership at asmith@nmma.org.
***
Original text here: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25346
Los Angeles Wildfires: One Year Later, Insurers Highlight Progress and Call for a More Resilient Future
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 29 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association posted the following news release:
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The Los Angeles Wildfires: One Year Later, Insurers Highlight Progress and Call for a More Resilient Future
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LOS ANGELES, Calif. - One year ago, firestorms tore through Los Angeles, damaging or destroying more than 18,000 structures, claiming 31 lives, and forcing over 200,000 people to evacuate. Entire communities in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades were leveled into what became the largest insured wildfire in U.S history, with final insurance
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 29 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association posted the following news release:
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The Los Angeles Wildfires: One Year Later, Insurers Highlight Progress and Call for a More Resilient Future
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LOS ANGELES, Calif. - One year ago, firestorms tore through Los Angeles, damaging or destroying more than 18,000 structures, claiming 31 lives, and forcing over 200,000 people to evacuate. Entire communities in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades were leveled into what became the largest insured wildfire in U.S history, with final insuranceclaims costs estimated to reach $40 billion.
As thousands of families continue the hard work of recovery, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is marking the one-year anniversary by highlighting what insurers have done to help policyholders rebuildand calling for urgent action to ensure communities never again face devastation of this scale.
"Insurers have been working hard this year to help families recover from these historic wildfires, paying over $20 billion in claims so far," said Karen Collins, APCIA vice president, property & environmental. "California is now at a pivotal moment. As over 16,000 homes are rebuilt, the state has a rare opportunity to reshape wildfire resilience and prevent future firestorms from causing similar massive destruction. Vegetation in Zone 0the 0 to five feet around a homeis simply too dangerous. If we want to avoid repeating last year's tragedy, we must eliminate the pathways that allow embers and flames to ignite homes. Other wildfire-prone states are watching what California does and it will set a precedent for how other states build resilience."
Insurers' Commitment: A Year of Rebuilding and Support
Since the first hours when the January 7 fire ignited, insurers have been on the ground helping families navigate the claims and rebuilding process. Over the past year:
* Roughly 40,000 claims have been filed, with insurers paying over $20 billion to date to help families restore or replace homes, belongings, and businesses (as of the most recent data released July 31).
* Insured losses are projected to reach $40 billion.
* Insurers are continuing to ensure that every claim is reviewed carefully, accurately, and with compassion.
* 95 percent of claims filed have been partially paid according to California Department of Insurance data.
A Pivotal Moment: Building Back Safer
The key lesson from last year's fires is clear: most homes ignite from windblown embers, not towering flames. These embers can travel miles and ignite anything combustible near a home. That is why wildfire experts overwhelmingly agree on the importance of maintaining a noncombustible 0-5 foot "Zone 0" ignition zone.
A Call for Leadership on Zone 0: Build Long-Term Resilience & Improve Insurance Availability and Affordability
"We must adapt and learn to live with wildfire by bending down the risk curve and lowering losses," Collins said. "When community resilience is done at scale, this positively impacts the availability and affordability of insurance."
California has lost more than 36,000 structures to wildfire in the last decade, and 1.3 million homes statewide remain at high risk. Climate change and increased building in high-risk areas are accelerating the threat. Insurers are urging state and local leaders to adopt strong Zone 0 regulations and expand communitywide mitigation programs to protect residents, stabilize the insurance market, and reduce long-term wildfire risk.
"Los Angelesand all of Californiahave the opportunity to lead the nation in wildfire resilience," Collins said. "We can turn this tragedy into long term resiliency, but only if we act decisively. This is our moment to build back safer."
APCIA supports the adoption of strong, science-based Zone 0 standards now under consideration by CAL FIRE and the State Board of Forestry. These standards would require:
* No vegetation or combustible materials within 5 feet of home (Option 1)
* Replace bark with stone within 5 feet of home
* Ember resistant home improvements such as 1/8-inch vent screens
* Class A fire rated roofs
* Replacement of wood fencing touching a home with metal sections
* Clearance of debris from gutters, decks, and roofs
"Small actions make a substantial difference in a home's ability to survive an ember storm," said Collins. "Insurers remain committed to supporting Los Angeles policyholders throughout the rebuilding process and advocating for the mitigation strategies needed to safeguard all California communities. Increasing resilience will help make property insurance more available and affordable for consumers."
Restoring the California Insurance Market
"We appreciate the California Department of Insurance for adopting the Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS), an important step toward stabilizing California's insurance market," said Collins." Insurers remain committed to serving Californians, but it's important to recognize that these reforms were adopted in December 2024 and regulatory implementation just took effect in August. Insurers have begun to submit filings leveraging the reforms and it will take time to implement themespecially as the market absorbs massive losses from the recent January wildfires, The SIS is a meaningful step forward, but delays in the rate review process remain a major barrier to restoring balance. Streamlining that process is essential to making real progress. Insurers will continue working with the Department and Legislature to expand coverage options and rebuild a competitive market."
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regionsprotecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.
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Original text here: https://www.apci.org/media/news-releases/release/87817/
Doctors Group Applauds Commitment by RFK Jr. to Replacing Animal Experiments, Proposes Five Priorities for 2026
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 [Category: Health Care] -- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine posted the following news release:
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Doctors Group Applauds Commitment by RFK Jr. to Replacing Animal Experiments, Proposes Five Priorities for 2026
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WASHINGTON, D.C.A national doctors group is applauding Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, after he announced efforts to reduce and replace government-funded animal experiments. The nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is also proposing five steps Kennedy can take in 2026 to make
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 [Category: Health Care] -- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine posted the following news release:
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Doctors Group Applauds Commitment by RFK Jr. to Replacing Animal Experiments, Proposes Five Priorities for 2026
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WASHINGTON, D.C.A national doctors group is applauding Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, after he announced efforts to reduce and replace government-funded animal experiments. The nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is also proposing five steps Kennedy can take in 2026 to makethat goal a reality and accelerate innovation.
In a Dec. 20 interview on "My View with Lara Trump," Kennedy spoke on the ethical and scientific imperative to modernize research and testing. The interview also showed clips of Kennedy and other Trump administration senior officials holding rescue dogs. Kennedy pointed out that 100,000 monkeys are currently in U.S. laboratories, and 20,000 monkeys are imported to the country every year. Regarding the imports, Kennedy said, "we're trying to put an end to that." He also explained that the seven National Primate Research Centers, which receive hundreds of millions of dollars each year from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, "have a profit motive" that "we need to challenge."
The Physicians Committee, whose scientists regularly advise the NIH and lobby Congress on the need to modernize research and testing by replacing animals, is proposing five steps Kennedy can take in the new year to achieve his goals:
1. Halt the importation of monkeys for experimentation. Importing monkeys for laboratory use poses a serious and unnecessary public health risk. Nonhuman primates are known carriers of dangerous zoonotic pathogensincluding Herpesvirus B, which can cause fatal disease in humans, and tuberculosisand imported monkeys have been documented arriving with infections transmissible to people.
2. Cancel NIH funding to the seven National Primate Research Centers and convert the facilities to sanctuaries. As Kennedy stated, these centers are driven by profit, not public health. They are big, expensive, unproductive facilities that often serve as monkey warehouses. Kennedy stated in the Dec. 20 interview that "we're developing sanctuaries across the country"if true, the primate centers would be ideal facilities to convert to sanctuaries.
3. Invest in nonanimal methods [or "new approach methodologies"] and scientist training. Unlike monkeys and other animals, human-based approaches can model key features of human biology, avoiding the well-documented failures of translating findings between species. These methods, often developed from human cells, tissues, and data, include organoids, human tissue constructs, and organs-on-chips. While the NIH invested $87 million in September for the Standardized Organoid Modeling Center, that is a drop in the bucket compared to the nearly $20 billion the agency spends each year on grants involving animals. Kennedy also stated in the Dec. 20 interview that HHS is "reeducating researchers" to be familiar with "forms of research that are much more predictive of human health outcomes." The Physicians Committee has long been a leader in this area. Earlier this month, the organization won an NIH prize for its Summer Immersion on Innovative Approaches in Science program, a one-of-a-kind training opportunity that equips students and researchers with hands-on experience and mentoring in human-specific nonanimal methods.
4. Halt funding of foreign animal experiments. Between 2011 and 2021, the NIH awarded more than $2.2 billion to laboratories in Asia, Europe, South America, Canada, and elsewhere. But the agency has no effective way of ensuring those laboratories comply with animal welfare standards or verifying the claims made in grant applications or progress reports. In fact, foreign organizations receiving less than $750,000 a yearor about 90% of the overseas grants awarded by the NIH in the last five yearsare entirely exempt from agency audits.
5. Stop funding experiments on dogs. Science is quickly moving away from dog experiments, but Secretary Kennedy can accelerate that process. In April, the FDA announced its plan to replace animals in drug testing, where dogs are often used. In May, the NIH shut down its last in-house beagle lab. In June, under Defense Secretary Hegseth, the U.S. Navy announced it will no longer use dogs or cats in research. Yet tens of thousands of dogs still die each year in tests for federal regulatory agencies or in experiments funded directly by the NIH. Wayne State University in Detroit has killed more than 300 dogs in painful heart failure experiments funded by the NIH since 1991 without producing results for patients.
"A serious commitment to human-based research methods is long overdue at HHS," said Janine McCarthy, MPH, acting director of research policy at the Physicians Committee. "We hope Secretary Kennedy will follow through on this, and we are eager to work with him."
To speak with Ms. McCarthy, please contact Reina Pohl at 202-527-7326 or rpohl@pcrm.org.
***
Original text here: https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/doctors-group-applauds-commitment-rfk-jr-replacing-animal-experiments-proposes
ASAM Weekly for Dec. 23, 2025
ROCKVILLE, Maryland, Dec. 26 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following news wrap up:
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The ASAM Weekly for December 23, 2025
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This Week in the ASAM Weekly
Dear readers,
It's that time of year again when we slow things down here at the ASAM Weekly, re-wrap some of our favorites, and look forward to a new year. This week, we're providing the top 10 most viewed scientific publications of 2025.
Thanks for reading, and happy holidays to all!
Nicholas Athanasiou, MD, MBA, DFASAM
Editor in Chief
with Co-Editors: Brandon Aden, MD,
... Show Full Article
ROCKVILLE, Maryland, Dec. 26 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Society of Addiction Medicine posted the following news wrap up:
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The ASAM Weekly for December 23, 2025
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This Week in the ASAM Weekly
Dear readers,
It's that time of year again when we slow things down here at the ASAM Weekly, re-wrap some of our favorites, and look forward to a new year. This week, we're providing the top 10 most viewed scientific publications of 2025.
Thanks for reading, and happy holidays to all!
Nicholas Athanasiou, MD, MBA, DFASAM
Editor in Chief
with Co-Editors: Brandon Aden, MD,MPH, FASAM, John A. Fromson, MD; Sarah Messmer, MD, FASAM; Jack Woodside, MD
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Most Viewed Story of 2025
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Playbook
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The AHRQ Integration Academy developed the Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Playbook as a practical guide for providing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and immediate care for patients with OUD in primary care and other ambulatory care settings. It is interactive, web-based, and has the latest guidance, tools, resources, and examples that address key aspects of MOUD implementation. The MOUD Quick Start Guide covers the essentials of low-threshold care, while the balance of the Playbook offers more in-depth resources and guidance for those practices interested in working toward more comprehensive, whole-person care. The low-threshold approach ensures immediate access to MOUD, eliminating barriers for both patients and providers.
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The association between buprenorphine doses above 16 milligrams and treatment retention in a multi-payer national sample in the United States, 2014 to 2021
Addiction
Buprenorphine labeling identifies 16 mg as the "target dose," supported by prior evidence that higher doses (>=16 mg) were associated with increased retention in treatment. Studies comparing doses above 16 mg to 16 mg, particularly in the era of fentanyl, have been very limited. The authors conducted a cohort study to look at retention for those receiving 24, 32, and 40 mg compared to 16 mg. Overall, higher doses were associated with increased retention, as follows: 1) 24 mg was more effective than 16 mg at 1 (aOR=1.52) and 18 months (aOR=1.17), 2) 32 mg was more effective than 24 mg at 6 (aOR=1.06), 12 (aOR=1.09), and 18 months (aOR=1.12), and 3) 40 mg was more effective than 24 mg at 12 (aOR=1.10) and 18 months (aOR=1.18). The authors suggest updates to label language and recommendations are prudent, while also supporting more research on long-term treatment with these higher doses.
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Injectable-Only Overlapping Buprenorphine Starting Protocol in a Low-Threshold Setting
JAMA Network Open
Injectable-only buprenorphine protocols represent an exciting new strategy for buprenorphine initiation, particularly in the fentanyl era. In this cohort study, 95 patients with moderate to severe opioid use disorder received care in a low-threshold setting in Seattle. Of patients included in the study, 79% were experiencing homelessness or living in permanent supportive housing. Patients selected a long-acting injectable (LAI) buprenorphine initiation protocol, which included 3 escalating doses of LAI buprenorphine over 3 days, with no sublingual buprenorphine and without cessation of fentanyl/opioid use. Seventy-five percent of the patients completed the protocol, and 64% received a second monthly dose of LAI buprenorphine.
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Outpatient Low-Dose Initiation of Buprenorphine for People Using Fentany l
JAMA Network Open
The accumulation of fentanyl in fat is likely responsible for the risk of precipitated withdrawal when buprenorphine is initiated. Low-dose initiation (LDI) of buprenorphine attempts to minimize this risk. This retrospective study included 126 individuals making 175 LDI attempts in an outpatient setting. Patients chose either a 4-day or 7-day LDI protocol with buprenorphine monoproduct. Both protocols begin with buprenorphine 0.5 mg, increasing to 8 mg tid. Overall, LDI was successful in 34% of attempts (with no difference between the protocols), and one-month retention on buprenorphine was 21%. Repeated LDI attempts were less likely to be successful (second attempt aOR=0.3). Unhoused people had lower odds of success (OR=0.4). The authors conclude that people with OUD using fentanyl attempting outpatient LDI of buprenorphine had low odds of success.
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Goals for Opioid Use Disorder Medications Protection, Remission, and Recovery
The New England Journal of Medicine
Various providers of treatment for OUD have different goals. Some provide MOUD for protection from overdose and other harms while others pursue a goal of abstinence without the use of medications. The authors propose a cascade of care model that includes this range of goals. In the first stageprotectionMOUD provides immediate protection from overdose and other harms. The next stageremission from OUDinvolves reduction in OUD symptoms and can include MOUD, behavioral therapy, and AA/NA attendance. The final stagerecovery from all SUDsinvolves sustained reduction in all SUD symptoms. This final stage includes significant, sustained reduction in the misuse of all substances, improvement in physical health, and improvement in social functioning. Rather than discharging patients for failure to progress towards recovery, providers would encourage patients to progress towards remission and recovery.
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Rapid vs Standard Induction to Injectable Extended-Release Buprenorphine: A Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA Network Open
This industry-sponsored, multicenter, open-label randomized clinical trial with 729 participants assessed if rapid induction (RI) for initiating extended-release buprenorphine is as safe and effective as standard induction (SI) in individuals who inject opioids or use fentanyl. RI was well tolerated and had higher retention than SI at extended-release buprenorphine injection two overall and in fentanyl-positive participants. Administering the second extended-release buprenorphine injection one week after the first was well tolerated in both the RI and SI arms. These findings support RI for extended-release buprenorphine induction in high-risk patients and demonstrate the feasibility of administering the first two doses at least one week apart.
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Cannabis Use Disorder Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations and 5-Year Mortality
JAMA Network Open
This cohort study of 11.6 million people who were studied for a median of five years investigated if individuals who have hospital-based (emergency department or hospitalization) care for a cannabis use disorder (CUD) were at increased risk of death. Researchers found that individuals with incident hospital-based care for a CUD were at a 2.8-fold increased risk of death within five years relative to the general population. These results suggest that individuals who require hospital-based care for a CUD may be at increased risk of premature death.
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Building Multidisciplinary Consensus on Inpatient Xylazine Management through Clinical Protocols
Substance Use and Addiction Journal
Xylazine in the unregulated drug supply produces significant morbidity. This paper describes utilizing a multidisciplinary team to develop inpatient setting protocols to manage patients with xylazine exposure. Protocols developed include the use of scheduled clonidine or tizanidine to manage withdrawal with hold parameters. As there is no FDA-approved immunoassay screen, the authors recommend assuming xylazine exposure in areas with high prevalence and limited testing. The team also developed guidelines for cases in which surgical interventions would be considered, when to culture wounds, antibiotic usage, and consistent wound care based on size and clinical characteristics. In addition, they developed standardized discharge instructions, including referral to substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, and education around xylazine test strip use.
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Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA Psychiatry
This randomized clinical trial explored if glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide reduces alcohol consumption and craving in adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Relative to placebo, low-dose semaglutide reduced the amount of alcohol consumed during a posttreatment laboratory self-administration procedure. Over the course of 9 weeks of treatment, semaglutide led to reductions in some but not all measures of weekly consumption, significantly reduced weekly alcohol craving relative to placebo, and led to greater relative reductions in cigarettes per day in a subgroup of participants with current cigarette use. These results justify larger clinical trials of incretin therapies for AUD.
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Contingency Management for Stimulant Use Disorder and Association With Mortality: A Cohort Study
The American Journal of Psychiatry
This national retrospective cohort study found that veterans with stimulant use disorder who received contingency management (CM) were 41% less likely to die in the year following treatment initiation relative to matched comparison subjects. These findings provide the strongest real-world evidence to date that CM is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, underscoring its potential as a life-saving intervention in routine care. Results support expanding access to CM across health care systems and public health settings.
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Original text here: https://www.asam.org/news/detail/2025/12/26/the-asam-weekly-for-december-23--2025
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership
NEW YORK, Dec. 24 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership
Event connected Metropolitan Hospital's senior leadership with 40 soon-to-be graduates of the Mailman School of Public Health
Discussion highlighted community-based care, hospital leadership, and public service within the nation's largest public health care system
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan announced today that it hosted 40 Master of Public Health
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 24 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership
Event connected Metropolitan Hospital's senior leadership with 40 soon-to-be graduates of the Mailman School of Public Health
Discussion highlighted community-based care, hospital leadership, and public service within the nation's largest public health care system
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan announced today that it hosted 40 Master of Public Healthstudents from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health to connect soon-to-be graduates for a Public Health Fireside Chat with the hospital's senior leadership. The conversation, facilitated by Metropolitan Hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Julian S. John, MPA, Chief Operating Officer Elsa Cosme, MBA, and Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary President Betsy Mendez White, MPH, covered the importance of community-based care, hospital leadership, innovation, and public service within the nation's largest public health system.
The event provided students with firsthand insight into the role of a safety-net hospital within a larger public health care ecosystem. Metropolitan leadership discussed the daily operational and strategic decisions that shape care delivery, particularly in an under-served community like East Harlem where residents have higher rates of preventable health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, HIV, certain cancers, as well as lower rates of healthcare access and insurance coverage.
"Exposing students to community-focused care models allows them the opportunity to better understand the realities of localized care and the responsibility we share in improving health outcomes locally and nationally," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer, Julian S. John, MPA. "Public service is a privilege and mentorship is critical. We are happy to offer students the chance to learn from those who have navigated healthcare leadership and offer insights that can help shape their careers."
"This event allowed Metropolitan to show students firsthand what hospital operations and the journey to leadership truly looks like at the local level, and the lasting impact it can have on patients, communities, and their own careers," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Operating Officer, Elsa Cosme, MBA.
"Supporting the next generation of public health leaders is central to Metropolitan's mission, and we are proud to welcome students who are committed to understanding community needs and serving with purpose," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary President, Betsy Mendez White, MPH.
The discussion also explored what qualities it takes to lead in the health care field: resilience, vision, and heart. Leaders shared their personal journeys, offering students valuable insights into navigating the challenges of today's healthcare climate. The conversation allowed students the unique opportunity to engage directly with senior hospital leadership, asking questions to inform their careers,including how to best apply their passion for public service in an evolving industry.
As one of New York City's oldest public hospitals and with a 150-year legacy of empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders, Metropolitan Hospital supports a range of educational programs including medical residencies, nursing and allied health professional trainings, pre-collegiate and direct to workforce programs, as well as a robust volunteer network to help develop future healthcare professionals and strengthen local pathways to careers in public service.
MEDIA CONTACT : Domonique Chaplin, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, (212) 423-7782
#232-25
About NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is a 338-bed facility serving East Harlem and surrounding communities. Known historically as the primary health care provider in El Barrio, Metropolitan delivers high-quality, compassionate care to over 400,000 clinic visits and more than 60,000 emergency room visits annually. The hospital is a designated Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Center of Excellence and a recognized "Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign. Since 2021, the hospital has been ranked #1 in New York State for health equity and inclusivity across all categories by the Lown Institute. Metropolitan has earned numerous honors, including the AORN, Beacon, Lantern, and Pathway to Excellence with Distinction awards, and national recognition in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals list. With a legacy spanning 150 years, Metropolitan maintains the nation's oldest municipal hospital-medical school affiliation through its longstanding partnership with New York Medical College.
https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/metropolitan
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health planall supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/pressrelease/nyc-health-hospitals-metropolitan-hosts-columbia-university-students-for-discussion-on-public-health-leadership/
Consumer Confidence Falls for Fifth Straight Month in December
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 24 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Consumer Confidence Falls for Fifth Straight Month in December
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U.S. consumer confidence weakened for a fifth consecutive month in December, reflecting growing unease about business conditions, jobs and household income, according to the latest report from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index declined 3.8 points in December to 89.1, down from an upwardly revised 92.9 in November.
According to The Conference Board report, consumers' assessment
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 24 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Consumer Confidence Falls for Fifth Straight Month in December
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U.S. consumer confidence weakened for a fifth consecutive month in December, reflecting growing unease about business conditions, jobs and household income, according to the latest report from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index declined 3.8 points in December to 89.1, down from an upwardly revised 92.9 in November.
According to The Conference Board report, consumers' assessmentof current conditions deteriorated sharply. The Present Situation Index fell 9.5 points to 116.8, driven by more negative views of business and labor market conditions. Meanwhile, the Expectations Index, which measures consumers' short-term outlook for income, business and employment, held steady at 70.7. The expectations measure has now remained below 80 for 11 consecutive months, a level that historically signals heightened recession risk.
Shawn DuBravac, NMMA's fractional chief economist, said the report points to a consumer that is increasingly cautious but not retreating entirely.
"Confidence remains under pressure as concerns about inflation and job security persist, contributing to a more cautious consumer even as broader spending indicators remain relatively healthy," said DuBravac. "For discretionary categories such as recreational boating, households are continuing to weigh purchasing decisions carefully."
NMMA will continue tracking consumer sentiment and its impact on the industry. Members are encouraged to leverage tools such as the Monthly Industry Data Summary and Marine Leadership Barometer to support planning and navigate evolving market dynamics.
For more economic updates and data-driven insights, visit nmma.org/statistics or contact the NMMA Business Intelligence team at BI@nmma.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25345
