Category Archives: Cf

When you buy a stock there is always a possibility that it could drop 100%. But on the bright side, you can make far more than 100% on a really good stock. For example, the Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (TSE:CF) share price has soared 276% in the last half decade. Most would be very happy with that. On top of that, the share price is up 15% in about a quarter.

After a strong gain in the past week, it's worth seeing if longer term returns have been driven by improving fundamentals.

View our latest analysis for Canaccord Genuity Group

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

During the five years of share price growth, Canaccord Genuity Group moved from a loss to profitability. That kind of transition can be an inflection point that justifies a strong share price gain, just as we have seen here. Since the company was unprofitable five years ago, but not three years ago, it's worth taking a look at the returns in the last three years, too. Indeed, the Canaccord Genuity Group share price has gained 163% in three years. Meanwhile, EPS is up 88% per year. This EPS growth is higher than the 38% average annual increase in the share price over the same three years. So you might conclude the market is a little more cautious about the stock, these days. This cautious sentiment is reflected in its (fairly low) P/E ratio of 5.11.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

It is of course excellent to see how Canaccord Genuity Group has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. If you are thinking of buying or selling Canaccord Genuity Group stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet.

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Canaccord Genuity Group, it has a TSR of 338% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

It's good to see that Canaccord Genuity Group has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 38% in the last twelve months. That's including the dividend. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 34% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Canaccord Genuity Group you should know about.

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on CA exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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The 5.7% return this week takes Canaccord Genuity Group's (TSE:CF) shareholders five-year gains to 338% - Simply Wall St

YONKERS, N.Y., Jan. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ContraFect Corporation (Nasdaq: CFRX), a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of direct lytic agents (DLAs), including lysins and amurin peptides, as new medical modalities for the treatment of life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant infections, today announces that it has received an additional award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). This contract award will support investigation of the potential utility of exebacase for treating serious lung infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The program, titled Nonclinical Assessment of Lysin Exebacase for Treating MRSA Infections in CF will, over the course of 12 months, evaluate the in vitro activity of exebacase against bacterial specimens obtained from CF patients.

MRSA lung infections lead to potential acceleration in the decline in lung function and are an independent predictor of mortality in the CF population. Eradication of persistent MRSA in the lungs of CF patients remains a major challenge despite current antibiotic therapy. Thus, there is a pressing unmet need for new medical modalities and novel therapeutic approaches to address the serious health threat to CF patients, said Cara Cassino, M.D., Executive Vice President of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer of ContraFect. We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the CF Foundation again in order to evaluate the potential utility of exebacase as such a treatment for MRSA lung infections in this vulnerable population, continued Dr. Cassino.

Pathogenic bacteria are known to be a major contributor to CF disease. The lungs of CF patients are typically colonized with pathogenic bacteria, that damage the epithelial surfaces. The growth of highly resistant Staph aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two of the most common causes of lung infections in CF patients, is associated with further epithelial surface damage, and potentially an overall decline in pulmonary function. MRSA has become more prevalent in the CF population in recent years, increasing from 9.2 percent in 2002 to 25.9 percent in 2017. MRSA plays a role in pulmonary exacerbations of CF that may require hospitalization and treatment with systemic antibiotics. Chronic lung infections are known to be the main cause of lung function deterioration, and ultimately mortality, in CF patients.

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The award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will provide ContraFect with financial support for research activities. Further financial details were not disclosed. ContraFect retains global rights for exebacase and its entire DLA therapeutic pipeline.

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a rare, life-shortening genetic disease affecting approximately 75,000 people worldwide. CF is a progressive, multi-system disease that affects the lungs, liver, GI tract, sinuses, sweat glands, pancreas and reproductive tract. People with CF are prone to infections of the lungs because they develop abnormally thick, sticky mucus which traps germs in their airways and therefore does not have the same infection-fighting properties as normal mucus. This abnormal mucus provides an ideal environment for bacteria to form protective layers -- known as biofilms -- that make them more difficult to kill. Many individuals also suffer severe side effects from long-term antibiotic use, such as hearing loss, and are at increased risk of lung function deterioration and ultimately mortality.

About Exebacase (CF-301):

Exebacase is an anti-staphylococcal recombinantly-produced lysin (cell wall hydrolase enzyme) with potent bactericidal activity against Staph aureus, a major cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs) also known as bacteremia. It is the first lysin to enter clinical studies in the U.S. and was granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for the treatment of MRSA bloodstream infections, including right-sided endocarditis, when used in addition to SOC anti-staphylococcal antibiotics.

Exebacase is currently being studied in the Phase 3 DISRUPT superiority design study of exebacase in patients with Staph aureus bacteremia, including right-sided endocarditis. In the Companys Phase 2 study of exebacase, a pre-specified analysis of MRSA-infected patients showed that the clinical responder rate at Day 14 in patients treated with exebacase was nearly 43-percentage points higher than in patients treated with SOC antibiotics alone (74.1% for patients treated with exebacase compared to 31.3% for patients treated with SOC antibiotics alone (p=0.010)). In addition to the higher rate of clinical response, MRSA-infected patients treated with exebacase showed a 21-percentage point reduction in 30-day all-cause mortality (p=0.056), a four-day lower median length of hospital stay and meaningful reductions in hospital readmission rates.

Exebacase has the potential to be a first-in-class treatment for Staph aureus bacteremia. Exebacase was licensed from The Rockefeller University and is being developed at ContraFect.

About ContraFect

ContraFect is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of DLAs, including lysins and amurin peptides, as new medical modalities for the treatment of life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant infections. An estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide each year are attributed to antimicrobial-resistant infections. We intend to address life threatening infections using our therapeutic product candidates from our platform of DLAs, which include lysins and amurin peptides. Lysins are a new class of DLAs which are recombinantly produced antimicrobial proteins with a novel mechanism of action associated with the rapid killing of target bacteria, eradication of biofilms and synergy with conventional antibiotics. Amurin peptides are a novel class of DLAs which exhibit broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, including P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter species. We believe that the properties of our lysins and amurin peptides will make them suitable for targeting antibiotic-resistant organisms, such as MRSA and P. aeruginosa, which can cause serious infections such as bacteremia, pneumonia and osteomyelitis. We have completed a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of Staph aureus bacteremia, including endocarditis, with our lead lysin candidate, exebacase, which is the first lysin to enter clinical studies in the U.S. Exebacase, currently being studied in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical study, was granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for the treatment of MRSA bloodstream infections, including right-sided endocarditis, when used in addition to SOC anti-staphylococcal antibiotics.

Follow ContraFect on Twitter @ContraFectCorp and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, and our officers and representatives may make from time to time, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as projects, may, will, could, would, should, believes, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, plans, potential, promise or similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements regarding: the potential for exebacase to treat serious MRSA lung infections associated with CF, ContraFects ability to discover and develop DLAs as new medical modalities for the treatment of life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant infections, statements regarding the award, CF and CFF, statements made by Dr. Cassino, whether the award will provide ContraFect with financial support for research activities, whether exebacase has the potential to be a first-in-class treatment for Staph aureus bacteremia, ContraFects ability to address life-threatening infections using its DLA platform, whether lysins are a new class of DLAs which are recombinantly produced, antimicrobial proteins with a novel mechanism of action associated with the rapid killing of target bacteria, eradication of biofilms and synergy with conventional antibiotics, whether amurins are a novel class of DLAs which exhibit broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, and whether the properties of ContraFects lysins and amurins will make them suitable for targeting antibiotic-resistant organisms, such as MRSA and P. aeruginosa. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on ContraFects current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of its business, future plans, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond ContraFects control, including the occurrence of any adverse events related to the discovery, development and commercialization of ContraFects product candidates such as unfavorable clinical trial results, insufficient supplies of drug products, the lack of regulatory approval, or the unsuccessful attainment or maintenance of patent protection and other important risks detailed under the caption Risk Factors in ContraFect's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ include, among others, our ability to develop treatments for drug-resistant infectious diseases. Any forward-looking statement made by ContraFect in this press release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable law, ContraFect expressly disclaims any obligations to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Michael MessingerContraFect CorporationTel: 914-207-2300Email: mmessinger@contrafect.com

Media:

Jules AbrahamCORE IRTel: 917-885-7378Email: Julesa@coreir.com

Original post:

ContraFect Announces Award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to Evaluate Exebacase as a Potential Treatment for Serious MRSA Lung Infections...

Folks, in the spirit of the new year, we'll be drooling over Canyon Bicycles' latest wonder, Grail:ON CF 8 eTap, a gravel-crushing e-bike that's not meant just to drain your pocket of 7,000 USD (6,155 EUR at current exchange rates), but one that has been nominated and won awards for its design and capabilities, in particular the sought-after Red Dot Award.

You probably figured out the price for this bike so let's see what you'll be getting for that sort of cash and why you should consider this machine if you're into gravel riding.

First off, Canyon builds more than one Grail bike, but it's this version that comes in with an electric drivetrain and peak secondary components. The price alone tells you that you're looking at a bikecompleted using carbon fiber, and it is.

This heavy use of carbon fiber is one of the reasons that Canyon was able to shape this bike the way it did. To understand what I mean, take note of the top tube shape, the way the seat stays blended into the rest of the frame, and the way the bike is shaped to accommodate the mid-mounted motor. The fork and motor guard are carbon fiber too.

Since you're looking at an e-bike, a couple of things we need to consider are the motor and battery. Here, Canyon shakes hands with Bosch and supplies a Gen4 Performance Line CX motor with 85 Nm (62.3 lb-ft) of torque and an assist up to 28 mph (45 kph). Powered by an integrated PowerTube battery with 500 Wh of juice, you'll be able to explore further and faster than with most other gravel bikes.

Now, one reason the bike gets its name is because of the SRAM eTap drivetrain. If you've heard of this drivetrain, then you know that your shifting will be controlled with nothing more than a wireless setup. At the tap of a paddle on your handlebar, SRAM takes over and moves your chain for you. All you've got to do is keep pedaling. Overall, you'll be boasting 1x12 speeds with 10-36T.

Even if you never end up riding this bike on some local trails, which would ultimately be a shame, the looks you'll get as you dash around town on a silver bullet will be enough to boost your ego.

My recommendation, if you ever pick up a machine like Grail:ON CF 8 eTap, ride the hell out of it! Figure out why it's getting the attention it is, and get your money's worth.

Link:

Here's Why Canyon's $7K Grail:ON CF 8 eTap Won the Sought-After Red Dot Award - autoevolution

Testing kits will be distributed beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 'subject to available supply'

Furthering the province's initiative which saw rapid COVID-19 kits distributed to select LCBO locations, a supply of rapid COVID-19 antigen tests willbe made availablelocally this week as part of the Ford government's "holiday pop-up testing blitz."

The province has emphasized that these kits, provided free of charge, are distributed based on "available supply" with a limit of one test kit per person.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. onSunday, residents in Waterloo Region may be able to receive a free kit at CF Fairview Park, located at 2960 Kingsway Dr.in Kitchener.

The province has indicated that a supply of kits will also be available at the same location on Monday & Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

Additional locations across Ontario are expected to be added to the province's rapid antigen holiday pop-up schedule on a regular basis on Fridays, while locations will be removed "as soon as possible" as their test kit supply is depleted.Appointments are not needed to access any pop-up sites.

Individuals that have symptoms of COVID-19 or may have been exposed to an individual positive for the virus are being asked to not attend pop-up locations. Furthermore, the province has emphasized that rapid tests should be used as a "screening tool" for asymptomatic individuals only - and not for "diagnostic purposes."

Earlier in December, the province's announcement of free COVID-19 rapid test kits at select LCBO locations was met with heavy demand locally, with "first-come, first served" distribution seeing the seven locations in Waterloo Region running out of kits in short order.

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Free rapid COVID-19 test kits offered this week at CF Fairview Park - CambridgeToday

AC Milan are set to close the financial year with boosted revenues thanks to a number of different factors, according to a report.

It was confirmed back in September that Milan have essentially halved their losses as a financial resurgence continues. Calcio e Finanza andMilanNewsboth reported that the accounting year has effectively closed with a loss of 96.4m, a marked improvement compared to that of the 2019-20 season when the total stood at -194.6m a record loss for Milan.

According to the latest from Calcio e Finanza (as seen in the chart below), Milans total revenue for the 2021-22 year is projected to be around 303.5m which is up over 40m from the 260.9m posted in 2020-21.

The optimistic forecast (which includes a project for the second half of the season too) is thanks to a number of different factors such as participation in the Champions League, increased revenue from stadiums after Covid, new sponsorship deals and other partnerships.

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CF: Milan predicted to close 2021-22 financial year with over 40m revenue gain the figures - Yardbarker

U.S. stocks have been booming this year with the major bourses skyrocketing to new peaks. Solid corporate earnings and an improving economy have driven the markets higher though inflation fear, the resurgence in COVID-19 cases and Feds taper concerns have weighed on investors sentiment.

We discuss some of the hot events of 2021 that should influence markets in a big way in the New Year. Also, we highlight some stocks such as Affiliated Managers Group AMG, Advanced Micro Devices AMD, CF Industries CF, J.Jill JILL and PDC Energy PDCE that could be compelling picks to tap the trend.

With just a couple of sessions left to end 2021, the S&P 500 is up 27.6% and is approaching the new milestone of 4,800. The Dow Jones and the Nasdaq have gained 19.2% and 22.3%, respectively.

In the latest FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve signaled a more aggressive unwinding of its pandemic-era monthly bond-buying, setting the stage for three interest rates hikes in 2022 to fight inflation. The central bank plans to buy $60 billion per month of bonds in combined Treasuries and agency mortgage-backed securities starting in January, down from $90 billion in December and $120 billion from the start of the pandemic through November. The speedy tapering comes amid the highest inflation in nearly four decades, solid job gains in recent months, and a declining unemployment rate.

The financial sector seems to be the biggest beneficiary of the Feds move. This is because the steepening yield curve would bolster profits for banks, insurance companies and discount brokerage firms. Affiliated Managers is a global asset manager with equity investments in a large group of investment management firms or affiliates. The stock has surged about 63% this year and is expected to maintain its bullish trend heading into 2022.

Affiliated Managers has an impressive estimated earnings growth of 15.1% for the next year. AFL has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and VGM Score of B.

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Earnings this year so far have shown solid growth. Q4 earnings for the S&P 500 are expected to be up 19.3% on 11.4% revenue growth. This would follow the 41.5% rise in earnings on 17.3% higher revenues in Q3. Earnings were up 95% in Q2 and 50.1% in Q1. Overall, 2021 earnings are expected to increase 45.4% in contrast to the 13% year-over-year decline reported last year.

Advanced Micro Devices from the S&P 500 Index appears a lucrative choice to bet on the solid earnings trend. The stock has a Zacks Rank #2 and Earnings ESP of +3.77%. Advanced Micro Devices earning are expected to grow 105.4% this year and 24.4% next year.

Advanced Micro Devices has surged about 67% this year and delivered an earnings surprise of 14.03%, on average, over the past four quarters.

Prices of almost everything, from raw materials to food prices to shipping costs, have surged at the fastest pace in nearly four decades. The consumer price index (CPI) jumped 6.8% year over year in November, the highest level since June 1982 when inflation hit 7.1%. The pandemic-related supply shortages and continued strength in consumer demand continued to push prices higher.

The so-called core inflation, which strips out volatile components such as food and energy prices, rose 4.9% year over year in November the steepest increase since 1991. Investors could make some profits by investing in stocks benefiting from rising inflation. While there are many options, CF Industries could be an exciting bet. With a market cap of $15.9 billion, CF Industries is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of nitrogenous fertilizer and other nitrogen products globally.

The stock has soared 92% this year. CF Industries has an estimated earnings growth rate of 245.6% for the next. It carries a Zacks Rank #2 and a VGM Score of B.

The 2021 holiday shopping season has been astounding for retailers as consumers have stocked their carts with gifts and gadgets. This is especially true as retail sales surged the most in nearly two decades powered by soaring ecommerce sales as well as a rush to stores amid supply chain concerns, rising inflation and the raging new COVID-19 variant. Per a report from Mastercard, U.S. retail sales jumped 8.5% (for the period Nov 1-Dec 24) from last year, the highest in 17 years, and are up 10.7% from the pre-pandemic 2019 holiday period. U.S. e-commerce sales jumped 11% while in-store sales rose 8.1% year over year.

The strong trend is likely to continue in the next year too. J.Jill operates as a specialty retailer of womens apparel. The company offers sweaters, tops, pants, dresses, shorts, skirts, sleepwear and accessories. J.Jill markets through retail stores, website and catalog. Its earnings are expected to grow 123.3% for the fiscal year (ending Jan 2022) and 5.6% for the fiscal year (ending January 2023).

J.Jill has skyrocketed about 400% this year and has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). It sports a top VGM Score of A. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The energy sector has been the outperformer this year on surging oil prices. Tightening supply and improving demand fundamentals have been driving prices higher. Overall demand for fuel has rebounded to the pre-pandemic levels. PDC Energy has more than doubled this year with a potential to move higher further in 2022. PDC is an independent upstream operator engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids.

PDC Energy has an estimated earnings growth rate of 29.1% for next year and sports a top Zacks Rank #1. The stock has a VGM Score of B.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportAdvanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) : Free Stock Analysis ReportCF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) : Free Stock Analysis ReportAffiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG) : Free Stock Analysis ReportPDC Energy, Inc. (PDCE) : Free Stock Analysis ReportJ.Jill, Inc. (JILL) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

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Wall Street Stories of 2021 to Drive Markets in 2022: 5 Picks - Yahoo Finance

Smoking can really clog up the lungs, even for people whove never been near a cigarette. Turns out that smoking habits from the early 1900s are still inflicting damagenot on tobacco users or their families, but on people with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary condition that makes afflicted peoples mucus thick and sticky. Their lungs become breeding grounds for bacteria that healthy peoples immune systems easily defeat. People with CF often take antibiotics to prevent lung infections, but antibiotics dont kill everything. A bacterium called Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) is resistant to many common drugs, and it has become a plague in the CF community over the last couple of decades.

A few years ago, scientists began investigating how the plague originated. By analyzing M. abscessus genomes collected from people around the world, the researchers traced the bacteriums spread over the last century. They found that decades before the 1950sbefore medical advances let people with CF survive past infancyM. abscessus was already spreading around the globe, and an old public health enemy was to blame. Smokers lungs created a reservoir where the pathogen could live and reproduce, a reservoir that quickly spilled over when people with cystic fibrosis began living into adulthood.

Making this unexpected connection required sequencing the full genomes of thousands of M. abscessus strains from around the world, and scientists who werent involved in the research say that the hard work paid off.

Its pretty clearthis finding, said Vegard Eldholm, an infectious disease researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Its a really cool paper, said Verity Hill, a molecular epidemiologist from University of Edinburgh. Really elegant and really well thought out.

Scientists used to think M. abscessus spent most of its time in the environment and that people with damaged lungs contracted infections when they were exposed to contaminated soil or water. This dogma changed five years ago when a group led by infectious disease researchers Julian Parkhill and Andres Floto showed that M. abscessus can spread from one person with CF to anotherand that CF treatment centers were hotbeds for transmission.

The results came as a surprise. At the time, researchers didnt know much about the genetics of M. abscessus. Parkhill and Floto set out to sequence the genomes of M. abscessus strains found in people who received treatment at a single CF center to see how much variation theyd find and whether that genetic variation correlated with virulence. They assumed that each infected person had contracted the pathogen from the environment independently, so the genomes would vary substantially. Instead, many of the genomes were similar or even identical. We were really surprised to find that there was really strong evidence that these patients had transmitted it to each other, Parkhill said.

But not all of the M. abscessus infections could be explained by spread within the treatment center. Some of the genomes were too similar to have been picked up from the environment, but too different to have come directly from other people at the center. So where did they originate?

The answer to any question is always more data, Parkhill said. His group sequenced the genomes of M. abscessus strains isolated from over 1,000 people from around the worldsome with CF, some with other types of lung damageto understand how the pathogen spreads.

Armed with a boatload of genetic sequences, you build what is essentially a family tree, said Hill, who uses similar techniques to track the spread of viruses. Bacteria that were genetically similar grouped together, like how siblings occupy the same branch of a family tree. Knowing approximately how often the M. abscessus genome gains a new mutation let the researchers add dates to the tree.

Around the 1960s, the tree turned bushy. M. abscessus began to mutate rapidly, leading to a dense web of branches. The timing correlates with the establishment of centers for CF treatments, which allowed people with CF to live past infancy and interact with each other. Youre creating a niche for bacteria to live inthis niche of the lungs of people with CFand also a transmission route, Parkhill said. Whats good for people with CF is good for M. abscessus, so it makes sense that the pathogen took off in the middle of the century.

But the roots of the tree lay farther back in time, leading the researchers to wonder what drove the spread of M. abscessus before modern CF treatment was available, when most afflicted people died very young?

Parkhill knew that tobacco smokers are also susceptible to M. abscessus infections, and, coincidentally, his colleagues had published a study showing that cells from tobacco-associated cancers have characteristic genetic mutations. Parkhill wondered if he could detect these same mutations in M. abscessus.

I really didnt believe it would work, he said. Because the mutational signature associated with smoking is subtle, his lab had to analyze hundreds of genomes to be confident that the signatures they found were true evidence of tobacco exposure and not just flukes. Each genome contains more DNA bases than the number of characters in Moby Dick, so the computer program the researchers wrote took days to chug through all the data. But, in the end, the tobacco mutational signature shone through the genetic noise. The group felt it had compelling data that smokers carry M. abscessus.

This study marks the first time researchers have used mutational analysis to identify environments a pathogen has lived in. I wasnt immediately convinced that this was something they were going to be able to prove, Eldholm said. But this mutational spectrum analysis is actually pretty convincing.

That sets a precedent, Hill said. She suspects the study will inspire other microbiologists to perform similar analyses.

When researchers realized M. abscessus can spread between people with CF, it changed the way health care providers thought about preventing the disease. The new study shows that the danger of transmission is even more widespread. But knowledge creates options.Parkhill said: The more we can identify [routes of] transmission, the more it can be shut down.

Saima is a freelance science writer based in Somerville, Massachusetts. When shes not writing, she enjoys biking around the city, learning photography, and practicing taekwondo.

Originally posted here:

Smokers gave a home to bacteria that now sicken people with cystic fibrosis - Ars Technica

The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), in accordance with the requirements in 29 DCMR 988.4, announces publication of the Medicaid Fee Schedule setting forth the reimbursement rates, effective January 1, 2022, for services available to participants under the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for the Individual and Family Support (IFS) Waiver.The Department on Disability Services (DDS), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), operates the IFS Waiver under the supervision of DHCF. The IFS Waiver was approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), for a five-year period beginning November 1, 2020.

DHCF is identifying through this Public Notice the changes in the reimbursement rates for services rendered on or after January 1, 2022. The services are set forth in the approved IFS Waiver, are fully described in a new 29 DCMR Chapter 90 (Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Individual and Family Support), and will be listed in the new 29 DCMR 9001, upon publication of the regulations in the D.C. Register. The new rates align with ID/DD waiver service rates and follow the same rate methodology, except for Education Support Services, which is a unique service to this waiver. The new rates include the 2022 D.C. Living Wage where required and are expressly subject to the service and other limitations described in the IFS Waiver and applicable rules.

DHCF is increasing the reimbursement rates for Sixteen (16) IFS Waiver services as follows: (1) Assistive Technology Services (29 DCMR 9015; cf. 29 DCMR 1941); (2) Behavioral Support Services (29 DCMR 9016; cf. 29 DCMR 1919); (3) Companion Services (29 DCMR 9017; cf. 29 DCMR 1939); (4) Creative Arts Therapies Services (29 DCMR 9018; cf. 29 DCMR 1918); (5) Day Habilitation Services (29 DCMR 9019; cf. 29 DCMR 1920); (6) Employment Readiness Services (29 DCMR 9022, cf. 29 DCMR 1922); (7) Family Training Services (29 DCMR 9023; cf. 29 DCMR 1924); (8) Individualized Day Supports Services (29 DCMR 9024; cf. 29 DCMR 1925); (9) In-Home Supports Services (29 DCMR 9025; cf. 29 DCMR 1916); (10) Occupational Therapy Services (29 DCMR 9026; cf. 29 DCMR 1926); (11) Parenting Supports Services (29 DCMR 9027; cf. 29 DCMR 1942); (12) Physical Therapy Services (29 DCMR 9029; cf. 29 DCMR 1928); (13) Respite Services (29 DCMR 9030; cf. 29 DCMR 1930); (14) Speech, Hearing and Language Services (29 DCMR 9032; cf. 29 DCMR 1932); (15) Supported Employment Services Individual and Small Group Services (29 DCMR 9033; cf. 29 DCMR 1933); and (16) Wellness Services (29 DCMR 9034; cf. 29 DCMR 1936).

For Personal Care Services (29 DCMR 9028; cf. 29 DCMR 1910) and Skilled Nursing Services (29 DCMR 9031; cf. 29 DCMR 1931), DHCF will reimburse providers at the rates set forth in the Medicaid Fee Schedule for the Medicaid State Plan.

These reimbursement rates for each service will be included on the Medicaid Fee Schedule for the ID/DD Waiver/IFS Waiver and will become effective January 1, 2022. These new rates do not replace the rates established in response to the Public Health Emergency. The Medicaid Fee Schedule for the ID/DD Waiver/IFS Waiver is located on the DHCF website at https://www.dc-medicaid.com/dcwebportal/nonsecure/feeScheduleDownload. For further information or questions regarding this fee schedule update, please contact Samuel Woldeghiorgis, Associate Director, Office of Rates, Reimbursement, and Financial Analysis, DHCF, at [emailprotected] or via telephone at (202) 442 9240.

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Public Notice: Medicaid Fee Schedule for Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Individual and Family Support (IFS) | dmh - Executive Office of...

Typically when Toyota makes a special edition version of its Supra sports car or any other sports car, the vehicles are exclusive to Japan. Toyota has confirmed the GR Supra A91-CF Edition will be exclusive to North America, however, and only 600 units will be produced. The limited-edition car gets a carbon fiber body kit and a duckbill rear spoiler.

Via Toyota

The carbon fiber body kit includes a handmade carbon fiber front splitter and larger carbon fiber canards. In addition, the sides of the car feature carbon fiber rocker panels, and the duckbill spoiler on the rear is made from the same lightweight material, as are the larger lower canards on the rear end. Toyota claims the body kit improves aerodynamics and stability in addition to looking good.

Toyota

Other touches for the limited-edition sports car include unique 19-inch wheels finished in a matte-black texture. GR Supra A91-CF Edition is available in a matte-gray color called Phantom (also available on the 3.0 Premium). The car is also available in Absolute Zero White and Nitro Yellow for buyers who want a shiny paint color. The special touches on the limited-edition ride carry over into the interior, which features red and black Alcantara material and a leather-trimmed cabin.

Toyota

The GR Supra A91-CF Edition utilizes 14-way power-adjustable, heated sports seats with plenty of carbon fiber trim on the interior. In addition to carbon fiber touches and a unique interior, Toyota fits the GR Supra A91-CF Edition with the standard 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 382 turbocharged horsepower. The car can reach 60 MPH from a standstill in 3.9 seconds.

The top-of-the-line model for 2022 is the limited-edition GR Supra A91-CF Edition. Toyota also offers the Supra in 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and 2.0 grades. For 2022, heated seats are standard on all 3.0 grades. Buyers of the 3.0 Premium now have the option of a red leather-trimmed interior. Any version of the Supra with the Premium Audio package gains Apple CarPlay that displays on the entire infotainment screen.

Toyota

Exterior color options for 2022 include Absolute Zero, Tungsten, Turbulence Gray, Nocturnal, Renaissance Red 2.0, and Nitro Yellow. Those colors are all available on the 2.0 and 3.0 options. The Phantom color is exclusive to the GR Supra A91-CF Edition and the 3.0 Premium edition.

Toyota

Interior options include black Alcantara and leather for the 2.0 and 3.0 models. Stepping up to the 3.0 Premium gets buyers the red leather option. As previously mentioned, the A91-CF Edition has a mix of red and black Alcantara and leather in its interior.

Toyota increased the power output of the Supra for the 2021 model year, and the engine carries over unchanged for 2022. Previously, the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six made 335 horsepower. In 2021, the horsepower number increased to 382 horsepower with a torque of 368 pound-foot. Toyota tuned the engine to deliver 368 pound-foot of torque across a wide range of 1800 to 5000 rpm.

Toyota

The Supra 2.0 utilizes a 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll single turbo producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-foot of torque. The car can reach 60 MPH from a standstill in 5 seconds. Models with the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder can reach 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds. Both versions of the car have an electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH, and both use an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Toyota

All versions of the car feature launch control, active exhaust, and automatic engine start/stop. The 3.0 grades all have an active rear sport differential, which the 2.0 lacks. Both versions of the car utilize double-joint type MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension.

Toyota

Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars are fitted, and both versions have sport-calibrated electric power steering. The 3.0 grade gets an adaptive variable sport suspension system. The 2.0 utilizes single-piston aluminum floating caliper disc brakes for the front, while the 3.0 gets Brembo four-piston disc brakes on the front.

For 2021, the Supra 3.0 also received a few tweaks to its chassis, which carry over for 2022. Those tweaks included aluminum bracing to increase the lateral rigidity of the car, as well as new front and rear bump stops and revised damper tuning. In addition, programming for electronic systems, including the power steering, adaptive variable suspension, stability control, and the active differential, were revised.

The 3.0 Premium and A91-CF Edition come standard with a 500-watt 12-speaker JBL audio system. The 2.0 gets a four-speaker sound system, while the standard 3.0 system has 10 speakers. An 8.8-inch touchscreen with touchpad control and wireless Apple CarPlay is available.

Toyota

For 2022, all Supra models get a range of standard safety equipment. Standard features include lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, speed limit information, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Buyers can opt for a Safety & Technology Package on all 2.0 or 3.0 grades.

Toyota

The Safety & Technology Package adds the 12-speaker 500-watt JBL audio system that supports wireless CarPlay, full-speed radar cruise control, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, speed limit information, parking sensors with emergency braking, and a connected services trial.

Something important to note is that every 2022 Supra includes a complimentary membership to the National Auto Support Association known as NASA. The GR Supra 2.0 starts at $43,290, the GR Supra 3.0 starts at $51,640, and the GR Supra 3.0 Premium starts at $54,790. The top-of-the-line limited-edition A91-CF Edition starts at $63,280. None of the MSRPs include Toyotas $1,025 destination and delivery fee. Toyota has offered no pricing details on the options packages for 2022.

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2022 Toyota GR Supra A91-CF Edition is exclusive to North America - SlashGear

Malaga players during a recent team training session. / MARIANO POZO

Malaga CF has seen the number of coronavirus infections double at the football club, from the initial six members of the first team squad who tested positive for the virus before the Christmas holiday.

The new infections came to light after players, coaching and medical staff associated with mens first team squad returned to training on Monday.

The twelve infected players will now have to complete a home quarantine until they produce a negative test result, which will prevent them from training with the rest of the squad, although some of them could return by the end of the week, once the isolation protocols have been completed.

In the coming days, further tests will continue to be carried out at the club to see if any more positives come to light, something that the club fears could happen.

After the diagnostic PCR tests, the medical team have detected six new cases of Covid-19 among the members of the male first team staff. Which adds up to a total of twelve affected," the club said in a statement. All of them are with mild or completely asymptomatic symptoms and remain in the mandatory home quarantine. Their return to training is subject to the evolution of the infection, and until they produce a negative result in the specific tests for the detection of the disease, the Roselada club said in a statement.

Combined with the Covid outbreak, the situation at the club is further complicated, as Jos Alberto Lpez's squad has seven players out of action with injuries, ahead of the next clash on Monday (January 2022) at Alcorcn, with a scheduled 9pm kick-off.

Malaga's rival on Monday, Alcorcn, is also waiting to know the results of PCR tests carried out on its footballers. Until the results are known, the possibility that the match may be postponed remains open. At the moment, however, the conditions for this to happen do not exist, according to the La Liga guidelines.

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Malaga CFs next match in doubt, after 12 of the squad test positive for coronavirus - Surinenglish.com