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Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Fellowship Opportunity: Dept of Energy. Micky Leland Fellowship
2013 Summer Internship and Research Opportunities
The DHS Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions provides research opportunities to increase and enhance the scientific leadership at Minority Serving Institutions in research areas that support the mission and goals of DHS. The program supports research teams composed of a faculty member and up to two students (undergraduate or graduate level) for a 10-week summer appointment. Participants conduct research at university-based DHS Centers of Excellence. The award includes a stipend plus transportation expenses to/from the internship location.
http://www.orau.gov/dhseducation/faculty/index.html
The DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program provides a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in DHS-related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. Students will have the opportunity to conduct research in DHS mission-relevant areas at federal research facilities located across the country. Participants receive a stipend plus transportation expenses to/from their internship location.
CDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis
Distributed via Health Alert Network
November 20, 2012, 15:00 ET (3:00 PM ET)
CDC HAN-00335-2012-11-20-ADV-N
November 20, 2012, 15:00 ET (3:00 PM ET)
CDC HAN-00335-2012-11-20-ADV-N
Update: Multistate Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis and Other Infections Associated with Contaminated Steroid Medication
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to work closely with state public health departments on a multistate investigation of fungal meningitis and other infections among patients who received a methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) injection prepared by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Mass. This HAN notice provides updated information on the following:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to work closely with state public health departments on a multistate investigation of fungal meningitis and other infections among patients who received a methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) injection prepared by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Mass. This HAN notice provides updated information on the following:
- Epidural abscess and other clinical syndromes being diagnosed in exposed patients
- Diagnostic and treatment recommendations for clinicians
Background
As of November 19, 2012, a total of 490 cases, which includes 34 deaths, have been reported in 19 states (see CDC’s website for up-to-date information about case count and distribution by state). Exserohilum rostratum continues to be the predominant fungus identified in patients and confirmed by the CDC laboratory.
As of November 19, 2012, a total of 490 cases, which includes 34 deaths, have been reported in 19 states (see CDC’s website for up-to-date information about case count and distribution by state). Exserohilum rostratum continues to be the predominant fungus identified in patients and confirmed by the CDC laboratory.
Clinical Syndromes Reported to CDC
Currently, more than 7 weeks after the three implicated lots of MPA1 were recalled, CDC continues to receive reports of fungal infection in exposed patients. Previously, the majority of new cases reported to CDC were patients with fungal meningitis following injection.
Currently, more than 7 weeks after the three implicated lots of MPA1 were recalled, CDC continues to receive reports of fungal infection in exposed patients. Previously, the majority of new cases reported to CDC were patients with fungal meningitis following injection.
Although cases of fungal meningitis continue to be reported, CDC has recently observed an increase in the number of patients presenting with evidence of epidural abscess, phlegmon, discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, or arachnoiditis at or near the site of injection. These complications have occurred in patients with and without evidence of fungal meningitis.
Of the 91 cases reported to CDC since November 4, 2012, a total of 26 (29%) were classified as meningitis, 61 (67%) had spinal or paraspinal epidural abscess or osteomyelitis, 2 (2%) had peripheral joint infection, and 2 (2%) had more than one condition (Figure 1).
Figure 1
Note: Data presented in Figure 1 are preliminary and subject to change. Additional patients may ultimately meet multiple case definitions (e.g., meningitis and osteomyelitis/abscess) as more time elapses and additional information is provided to CDC. Reporting dates to CDC may lag behind onset dates.
Diagnostic and Treatment Guidance
As a reminder, CDC’s current diagnostic and treatment guidance addresses management of patients with epidural abscess or other complications at or near the injection site. These localized infections may occur in isolation or in patients previously diagnosed with fungal meningitis. Although patients with these localized infections frequently have new or worsening back pain, symptoms may be mild or clinically difficult to distinguish from the patient’s baseline chronic pain. Based on current information, CDC recommends the following diagnostic protocol:
As a reminder, CDC’s current diagnostic and treatment guidance addresses management of patients with epidural abscess or other complications at or near the injection site. These localized infections may occur in isolation or in patients previously diagnosed with fungal meningitis. Although patients with these localized infections frequently have new or worsening back pain, symptoms may be mild or clinically difficult to distinguish from the patient’s baseline chronic pain. Based on current information, CDC recommends the following diagnostic protocol:
- In patients with new or worsening symptoms at or near the injection site, physicians should obtain an MRI with contrast of the symptomatic area(s), if not contraindicated. This recommendation also applies to patients being treated for meningitis. In some cases, radiologic evidence of abscess or phlegmon has become apparent on repeat MRI studies performed subsequent to an initially normal imaging procedure. Clinicians should therefore have a low threshold for repeat MRI studies in patients who continue to have symptoms localizing to the site of injection, even after a normal study. However, the optimal duration between MRI studies is unknown.
- CDC has received reports of patients being treated for fungal meningitis who had no previous evidence of localized infection at the site of injection, but who were subsequently found to have evidence of localized infection (e.g., epidural abscess, phlegmon, discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, or arachnoiditis) on imaging studies. Therefore, in patients being treated for meningitis, even in the absence of new or worsening symptoms at or near the injection site, clinicians should strongly consider obtaining an MRI of the injection site approximately 2-3 weeks after diagnosis of meningitis. Early identification of new disease may facilitate additional specific interventions (e.g., drainage) and provide information for measuring effectiveness of therapy thereafter.
- For patients demonstrated to have epidural abscess, phlegmon, discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, or arachnoiditis, early consultation with a neurosurgeon to discuss whether surgical management, including debridement, is warranted in addition to antifungal therapy (for information about antifungal therapy, see Interim Treatment Guidance for Central Nervous System and Parameningeal Infections Associated with Injection of Contaminated Steroid Productshttp://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/clinicians/guidance_cns.html).
CDC continues to gather data from existing and newly reported cases of infection and will use this information to inform updates to existing guidance. Healthcare professionals with patients under their care should check CDC’s website for the most up-to-date clinical guidance because information is subject to change.
1NECC lots of methylprednisolone acetate (PF) 80mg/ml:
Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #05212012@68, BUD 11/17/2012
Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #06292012@26, BUD 12/26/2012
Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013
Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #06292012@26, BUD 12/26/2012
Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.
NICE Advances NG9-1-1 By Collaborating OnMultimedia Communications For Speech And Hearing Disabled At NENA's ICE 5 Forum
11/20/2012 ( 8:24am)
NICE Systems (NICE) announced it participated in the National Emergency Number Association's (NENA's) ICE 5 Industry Collaboration Event, a forum that promotes progress towards Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). During ICE 5, NICE was able to demonstrate its ability to record video calls, real-time text messages, and voice calls in various test scenarios using the standard interfaces defined by NENA. These are essential future NG 9-1-1 capabilities for PSAPs.
People with speech and hearing disabilities will gain better access to emergency services as a result of this Industry Collaboration Event hosted by NENA: The 9-1-1 Association. The event brought together twenty-two leading public safety and technology companies with deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech disability technologies to test products designed to improve access to 9-1-1 for those communities, as well as enhance the ability of 9-1-1 centers to receive and share data-rich communications with the public and emergency responders.
This 5th Industry Collaboration Event, or "ICE 5," resulted in heightened awareness of the requirements necessary for access to 9-1-1 by all persons in the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) environment. NG9-1-1, which will soon replace today's voice-centric 9-1-1 system, is designed to support text messaging and multimedia communications; these widely-used communications methods are especially critical for improving interactions between those with hearing- and speech-related disabilities and 9-1-1 call takers.
ICE 5 participants determined that end-to-end testing of the "call chain" is essential to ensuring that new and emerging technologies can provide the necessary reliability, stability, compatibility, and call quality over all media types, leading to significantly improved access to emergency services for all people, including individuals with disabilities.
"The real promise of NG9-1-1 is the system's capability to provide truly equal access to 9-1-1 for all people, irrespective of one's primary means of communication," said NENA President Barbara Jaeger, ENP. "It is therefore essential that all new technologies seamlessly and intuitively interface with each other, requiring a thorough and rigorous testing process. Through the ICE initiative, NENA is proud to provide a space for all relevant players to come together in an open, collaborative atmosphere to test the products and services that will ultimately enable Next Generation 9-1-1 and improve emergency responses for all citizens in need.
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Monday, November 19, 2012
Spotlight: SEARCH (Search.org). Public Safety
SEARCH is dedicated to improving the quality of justice and public safety through the use, management and exchange of information; application of new technologies; and responsible law and policy, while safeguarding security and privacy.
Company Background
SEARCH, The National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics, is a nonprofit membership organization created by and for the states.Since 1969, SEARCH's primary objective has been to identify and help solve the information management and information sharing challenges of state, local, and tribal justice and public safety agencies confronted with the need to exchange information with other local agencies, state agencies, agencies in other states, or with the federal government.
SEARCH is governed by a Membership Group comprised of one gubernatorial appointee from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories, as well as eight at-large appointees selected by SEARCH's Chair. Members are primarily state-level justice officials responsible for operational decisions and policymaking concerning the management of criminal justice information, particularly criminal history information.
A staff of professionals works from SEARCH headquarters in Sacramento, California, and other locations nationwide to implement solutions identified by the Membership Group. Through its staff and with the direction of the Membership, SEARCH provides justice agencies with diverse products, services and resources through general focus areas of Information Sharing, High-Tech Crime and Criminal History Law and Policy.
Funding for SEARCH activities is provided by annual fees from Member states for the operation of the consortium and Board of Directors; grants from various U.S. Justice and Homeland Security agencies; state grants; and federal, state and local contracts.
For more information, please email Twyla Putt, Corporate Communications Manager.
SEARCH News
October 2012
- DHS "One-stop Shop" of Public Safety Tools Features SEARCH-developed Products, Training
- SEARCH Provides 'Immeasurable' Cellphone Data Recovery Assistance to Operation SNAG
- SEARCH Hires Phillip Bennie to Handle IT Support
- SEARCH Chair and Staff to Present at 2012 National Justice Information Systems Conference
September 2012
- Rural Law Enforcement Agencies: Get Free Information Sharing Assistance from SEARCH
- SEARCH High-Tech Crime Trainers Offer Investigative Workshops at HTCIA International Conference
- Major Sandy Karsten Appointed to Represent Missouri on SEARCH Membership Group
August 2012
- Four New SEARCH Issue Briefs Provide Public Safety Technology, Project Management Guidance
- SEARCH Member Robert Wessels Honored With Warren E. Burger Award
- SEARCH High-Tech Crime Trainers Offer Investigative Workshops at National Child Victims Conference
- Annual Board of Directors Elections Feature Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
July 2012
- Don Lewis Joins High-Tech Crime Training Services Team
- SEARCH Board of Directors Recognizes Members and Staff for Years of Service
- High-Tech Crimes Trainer Lauren Wagner Achieves Level 3 Advanced Instructor Certification
- Latest SEARCH Issue Brief Answers Question: What is an "Accidental" Project Manager?
June 2012
May 2012
- SEARCH Publishes Four New Technical Briefs Offering Information Sharing Guidance, Models
- SEARCH Information Sharing Programs Director Mallorie Teubner Earns PMP Certification
- SEARCH Issue Brief Addresses Public Safety Interoperable Communications SOPs
April 2012
- SEARCH Membership Group Welcomes Four New Members
- Dr. Steven Schlesinger, Former BJS Director and Longtime SEARCH Friend, Dies
- Mary Lou Leary is New Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs
- SEARCH High-Tech Crime Experts to Present At 2012 National Child Exploitation Training
March 2012
- SEARCH to Honor Former Assistant Attorney General for OJP with 2012 National Justice Policy Leadership Award
- SEARCH Board Selects BJS Deputy Director Dr. Gerard Ramker for 2012 O.J. Hawkins Award
- Idaho SEARCH Member's National Leadership and Policy Vision Cited in 2012 Cooper Award Selection