U.S.A.'s interesting latest

Δεκ 22 τις 6:16 μ.μ.

Not a bad year  Under President Donald J. Trump, nearly 1.7 million new jobs have been created. 159,000 jobs have been added in the manufacturing industry. Another 57,000 have been created in mining and logging. The unemployment rate is its lowest in nearly 17 years. And GDP growth topped 3 percent the past two quarters—after zero such quarters in 2016. The bottom line is that while the media largely ignores it, America’s economy is firing on all cylinders. More growth means more of our citizens are able to afford their own homes, send their kids to college, and save for their retirements. Under President Trump, Americans are getting back to work. Take a look for yourself. What tax reform is all about  Tax cuts are an early centerpiece of what President Trump promised to do once elected: Run a government that’s more accountable, more democratic, and less eager to line its pockets with tax money from working families and small businesses. In addition to tax relief for individuals, this bill is about restoring America’s economic dominance by putting U.S. companies on a level playing field with foreign competitors. Read how the Tax Cuts Act will put America first. Bonus: A 30-second cut of President Trump and Congressional leaders on the White House South Lawn. A surprise for Christmas  Ahead of next week’s holiday, Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise visit to U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan to thank them for their service. The Vice President also met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to discuss the country’s ongoing security partnership with the United States. President Trump met with service members yesterday, as well, making a visit to Walter Reed’s USO Warrior & Family Center to visit military personnel recovering from injuries. See what Vice President Pence told U.S. troops in Afghanistan. PHOTO OF THE DAY Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks to American troops in Afghanistan | December 21, 2017 (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

Thank you for your patience while we work toward the development of new Job Alerts. We have developed a temporary solution that will allow you to pull up current job opportunities for the area(s) that you have subscribed. Clicking on the link below will take you to the current postings for GSA that are Open to the Public (All U.S. Citizens). GSA All Public Vacancies

Thank you for your patience while we work toward the development of new Job Alerts. We have developed a temporary solution that will allow you to pull up current job opportunities for the area(s) that you have subscribed. Clicking on the link below will take you to the current postings for GSA open to Federal Employees and Special Appointment Eligibles. GSA All Status Vacancies   MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program Linezolid Injection by Auromedics Pharma: Voluntary Recall - Due to Presence White Particle Matter That Has Been Identified as Mold  AUDIENCE: Risk Manager, Pharmacy, Nurse ISSUE: AuroMedics Pharma is voluntarily recalling one lot of Linezolid Injection 600mg/300mL flexible bags, NDC 55150 -242 -51 batch CLZ160007 expiration August 2018 to the hospital level. This batch was distributed May 15 through August 14, 2017. The product was found to contain white particulate matter that has been identified as mold. BACKGROUND: Linezolid injection is an oxazolidinone-class antibacterial indicated in adults and children for the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria: Nosocomial pneumonia Community-acquired pneumonia Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections, without concomitant osteomyelitis Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections.  Linezolid injection is supplied as a ready-to-use sterile, clear colorless to slightly yellow color isotonic solution for intravenous infusion. Each 300 mL contains 600 mg of linezolid. Inactive ingredients are sodium citrate, citric acid, and dextrose in an aqueous vehicle for intravenous administration. The sodium (Na+) content is 0.38 mg/mL (5 mEq/300 mL bag). It is available in single-use, ready-to-use flexible plastic infusion bags in a foil laminate overwrap. RECOMMENDATION: Healthcare professionals patients and consumers who have the product lot which is being recalled should immediately stop using and return to place of purchase/contact their doctor as appropriate. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178 Read the MedWatch Safety Alert, including a link to the FDA Drug Safety Communication, at:https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/UCM590485.htm Auromedics Pharma LLC Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Linezolid Injection 600mg/300ml, due to Presence White Particulate Matter that has been Identified as Mold AuroMedics Pharma LLC is voluntarily recalling one lot of Linezolid Injection 600mg/300mL flexible bags, NDC 55150 -242 -51 batch CLZ160007 expiration August 2018 to the hospital level. This batch was distributed May 15 through August 14, 2017. The product was found to contain white particulate matter that has been identified as mold. This problem was discovered as a result of a product complaint in which the contents of one flexible bag from one batch CLZ160007 was found to contain white particulate matter. Use of a non-sterile injectable product could result in fatal infections in a broad array of patients. To date, AuroMedics Pharma LLC has not received reports of any adverse events or identifiable safety concerns attributed to this recall. Nodine's Smokehouse Inc. is Recalling Smoked Salmon 1.5 lbs, 8 oz Packages Due to Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination Nodine's Smokehouse, Inc. of Torrington, Connecticut is recalling Smoked Salmon 1.5 lbs, 8 oz packages. Lot numbers 40173 and 33173 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, with high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and nausea as its primary symptoms. In rare cases, listeriosis is fatal; it can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. Pregnant women the very young, elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible. The Smoked Salmon was distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in 1.5 lb and 8 oz packages with lot numbers 40173 and 33173. Fresh Pak Inc. Recalls Lot Specific Sliced Apple Products Because of Possible Health Risk Fresh Pak Inc. of Detroit, MI is announcing a voluntary Lot specific recall of red/green apple slices. Jack Brown Produce, Inc. (supplier) requested Fresh Pak Inc. to perform a recall for the reason that they could have potentially been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short‐term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem. The recalled apples slices were distributed in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin in retail stores and through distributors. A potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company Nyblad Orchards revealed the presence of Listeria mo Meijer Voluntarily Recalls Select Meijer Brand Fresh Packaged Products Containing Apples Due to Potential Health Risk As a result of the Fresh-Pak Inc. recall, Meijer is announcing a voluntary recall of select Meijer brand packaged products due to sliced apples within the products being potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, there have been no known illnesses reported in connection with this recall. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, including animals. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The SBA is now on Instagram - @SBAgov For over 50 years, National Small Business Week has served as our nation’s salute to small business owners. SBA is currently accepting nominations for a variety of awards, including SBA’s signature award, the National Small Business Person of the Year.  Submit your nomination  Blog Why Are Food Franchises So Popular? One of the reasons food franchises are popular is because they tend to have incredible brand recognition. Another reason: people need to eat. Read More Establishing Values for Your Business Learn about the steps in the planning process, potential problems you may face and how to implement your company’s values using a strategic plan. Launch the Course SCORE LIVE Webinar: 20 Things No One Tells Millennials about Entrepreneurship December 28, 2017 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT With the successes of Mark Zuckerberg and Evan Spiegel, it’s easy for millennials to become enchanted by the idea of becoming an entrepreneur. Their dreams are becoming reality—according to recent studies, millennials are starting businesses at younger ages than previous generations. During this webinar produced by SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Ashley Williams will share eye-opening truths that she learned as a millennial entrepreneur in hopes to empower millennials looking to start a company. You will learn how to: Create an action plan for your idea Surround yourself with the best possible team Test your idea in the market Develop the perseverance needed for success Register The SBA is hiring to fill temporary positions to provide aid to those affected by the recent hurricanes. Check out the list of positions open at this time on the disaster section of the website. Apply Today FTC Requires Divestiture of Two Medical Device Product Lines as Condition of Becton, Dickinson and Company Acquiring C. R. Bard, Inc. Divestitures preserve competition in two U.S. medical device markets Becton, Dickinson and Company and C. R. Bard, Inc. have agreed to divest two medical device product lines to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that Becton, Dickinson’s proposed $24 billion acquisition of Bard would negatively impact competition in those markets. Both companies supply a range of medical devices to health care organizations, healthcare workers, and pharmaceutical companies. According to the FTC’s complaint, the acquisition, as it was initially proposed, would likely harm competition by combining the top two suppliers in the U.S. markets for tunneled home drainage catheter systems and soft tissue core needle biopsy devices. Tunneled home drainage catheter systems are used to treat recurrent fluid build-up in the lungs and abdomen, often caused by cancer or another serious illness, and requiring frequent fluid drainage. After a medical doctor places the indwelling catheter, the device allows fluid drainage to take place conveniently in a patient’s home or in a hospice setting. Outpatient medical procedures to reduce fluid build-up are not suitable alternatives to tunneled home drainage catheter systems because they require repeated trips to a healthcare facility to see a doctor. Becton, Dickinson and Bard are the two largest manufacturers of tunneled home drainage catheter systems in the United States, with a combined market share of approximately 98 percent. Soft tissue core needle biopsy devices are typically used by medical clinicians, generally interventional radiologists or oncologists, to remove small samples of tissue from soft tissue organs for examination and diagnosis. Other biopsy devices, such as bone or bone marrow biopsy devices, are not approved or intended for use in soft tissue biopsies. Becton, Dickinson and Bard are the two largest manufacturers of soft tissue core needle biopsy devices in the United States, with a combined market share of 60 percent or greater. According to the complaint, new competition in these markets or expansion by current competitors would be unlikely because of the large investment of time and money required for product research and development, regulatory approval by the FDA, and establishment of an effective sales and marketing infrastructure. Under the terms of a settlement with the FTC, Becton, Dickinson’s soft tissue core needle biopsy device business and Bard’s tunneled home drainage catheter system business will be divested to Utah-based medical device supplier Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Merit is a global medical device company with experience manufacturing and selling biopsy and drainage products, as well as a track record of integrating acquired products into its business. Under the proposed order, Becton, Dickinson and Bard are required to maintain the businesses pending divestiture, to transfer all necessary intellectual property and manufacturing equipment, and to provide contract manufacturing of the products until Merit is able to manufacture them, as well as other transitional services. The proposed order also provides for the Commission to appoint a monitor to ensure compliance with the order, and to appoint a divestiture trustee if needed. Further details about the consent agreement are set forth in the analysis to aid public commentfor this matter. Commission staff and the staff of antitrust agencies in China, the European Union, Mexico, and South Africa worked cooperatively to analyze the proposed transaction and remedies. The Commission vote to issue the complaint and accept the proposed consent order for public comment was 2-0. The FTC will publish the consent agreement package in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning today and continuing through January 23, 2018, after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Comments can be filed electronically or in paper form by following the instructions in the “Supplementary Information” section of the Federal Register notice. NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $40,654. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources. FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in Markets for Five Types of Medical Devices Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.’s $1 billion acquisition of Johnson & Johnson’s Codman Neuro division would negatively impact competition in those markets. Both companies supply a range of devices used in operative neurosurgery, hydrocephalus management and neuro-critical care. As announced in September 2017, the complaint alleged that the acquisition, as it was initially proposed, would likely harm competition in the U.S. markets for intracranial pressure monitoring systems, cerebrospinal fluid collection systems, non-antimicrobial external ventricular drainage catheters, fixed pressure valve shunt systems and dural grafts. Under the terms of the stipulated settlement with the FTC, the parties are required to divest the rights and assets to Integra’s intracranial pressure monitoring systems and fixed pressure valve shunt systems, as well as Codman’s cerebrospinal fluid collection systems, non-antimicrobial external ventricular drainage catheters, and dural grafts to Natus Medical Incorporated. The Commission vote approving the final order was 2-0. (FTC File No. 171 0084; the staff contact is Aylin M. Skroejer, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2459) FTC Issues Biennial Report to Congress on the National Do Not Call Registry The Federal Trade Commission has issued its biennial report to Congress focusing on the use of the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry by both consumers and businesses and other organizations over the past two years. This year’s report includes: 1) a summary of current Registry operations; 2) a summary of the impact on the Registry of new telecommunications technologies; and 3) a discussion of the impact of the established business relationship exception in the Commission’s enforcement efforts. The DNC Registry currently has more than 229 million active registrations, an increase of more than 3.8 million registrations from the previous fiscal year (FY). According to the report, during fiscal year 2017, 2,259 businesses and other entities paid more than $12.6 million to access the Registry. Another 15,536 entities subscribed to access five or fewer area codes free of charge, and 543 entities (such as charitable organizations) claimed “exempt organization” status and also received free access to the Registry. In FY 2016, 2,353 entities paid Registry access fees totaling more than $12.9 million. That year, 17,634 entities subscribed to access five or fewer area codes at no charge, and 503 entities claimed “exempt organization” status and accessed the Registry without paying a fee. The report concludes that the DNC Registry exists to provide consumers with a choice regarding whether or not to receive telemarketing calls. Accordingly, the FTC works to keep it accessible and effective for both consumers and telemarketers. As new technology provides new challenges, the FTC actively seeks to address and confront them by, among other things, encouraging private industry, other government agencies, academia, and other interested parties to work towards and create new strategies to help consumers avoid unwanted telemarketing calls. The Commission vote authorizing the biennial report to Congress was 2-0. (The staff contact is Ami Dziekan, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2648)

Fresh Pak Inc. of Detroit, MI is announcing a voluntary Lot specific recall of red/green apple slices. Jack Brown Produce, Inc. (supplier) requested Fresh Pak Inc. to perform a recall for the reason that they could have potentially been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short‐term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.

The recalled apples slices were distributed in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin in retail stores and through distributors. A potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company Nyblad Orchards revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a random single sample that was taken from related gala apple products.