RSS Feed

LSU team gets patent for cancer detection method

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 1:36pm

LSU Department of Physics & Astronomy Associate Professor Joyoni Dey and colleagues in the J. Bennett Johnston, Sr. Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices, or CAMD, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics & Astronomy, received a U.S. patent issued for “Phase-Contrast X-Ray Interferometry,” U.S. Patent No. 10872708.
The patent features Dey as the primary inventor of a method that could help clinicians improve breast cancer detection without the expensive absorbing analyzer typically required for X-ray interferometers.
“This way, the amount of radiation, or dose, can be lowered to that equivalent of conventional mammography," Dey said.
"Note that phase-contrast X-ray provides phase as well as small-angle scatter information, which sets it apart from conventional x-ray attenuation images. These multiple modalities obtained with the same dose in a single scan will provide tremendous clinical benefits and may help doctors better detect and locate breast cancer with more specificity."
Dey and Ph.D. graduate Jingzhu Xu investigated the concept in simulations.
Dey, her graduate students and co-investigator Assistant Professor-Research Kyungmin Ham at CAMD are further pursuing the idea in the context of breast cancer mammography with support from the National Institutes of Health Trail-blazer R21 grant titled, “Breast Cancer Detection and Imaging using Analyzer-less X-ray Interferometry,” which Dey was awarded in July 2020.

La. stays with vaccine plan but will study new federal guidance

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 1:32pm

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

Louisiana is sticking to its current COVID-19 vaccination plan for now, though Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration is reviewing new guidelines the federal government issued Tuesday and will consider possible changes.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar called on states to begin vaccinating everyone age 65 and older as well as younger people with medical conditions that put them at high risk for serious COVID-19 complications, rather than focusing on people with high-risk or “essential” jobs.
The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices previously had recommended an age cutoff of 74, calling for people 75 and older to be near the front of the line just behind hospital workers and nursing home residents and staff. For subsequent allocations, ACIP issued a complex prioritization schedule based in part on job categories.
Louisiana officials said they planned to follow those recommendations, albeit with slight state-specific tweaks. Hospitals and nursing homes got first crack at the vaccine, and now eligibility has been expanded to people 70 and older, people who work at health care clinics and dental offices, dialysis patients and providers, and students and staff of allied health schools.
But Azar on Tuesday said states were using the ACIP recommendations to “micromanage” distribution, leading to doses sitting in freezers and not getting into people’s arms.
Azar stressed that he would much prefer that someone in a low priority group get vaccinated than for a vaccine to go to waste.
“Use every channel,” he said. “Get the vaccine out there.”
Azar also said states that are doing a better job ensuring vaccines are being used in a timely fashion will get more vaccines in the future. The federal government so far has been distributing the limited supply of available vaccines based on population and will continue to do so for the next two weeks.
While some states report distributing upwards of 80 percent of their allotted vaccines, others report giving out less than half. Azar said the discrepancy might be partly due to some distributors not quickly reporting vaccinations to state authorities.
“Get your data together,” Azar said to state officials.
In another change announced Tuesday, the federal government no longer will hold back the second booster dose of vaccines that recipients need to get the full benefit. Edwards said this change will impose additional costs on states who will be responsible for storing second doses.
Of the 368,300 doses sent to Louisiana, 142,771 had been administered by Tuesday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those totals include doses reserved for nursing homes being distributed through a program federal officials, rather than state authorities, oversee.
Edwards noted on Tuesday afternoon that the new federal guidance had only been announced that morning and said state officials haven’t had a chance to discuss possible changes. He also noted that the Trump administration will end Jan. 20 and President-elect Joe Biden’s team might have different ideas.
Edwards said officials probably wouldn’t make changes regarding the groups currently eligible, but they might change their prioritization plans going forward when current groups are only using 80% or less of the current number of available appointments.
There are currently 210 locations in all 64 parishes distributing vaccines by appointment only, the state health department says. Edwards said state officials chose to spread the limited supply across the state rather than hold larger distribution events in fewer locations that would be out of reach to many state residents.
Edwards did not know Tuesday afternoon how many doses Louisiana would receive next week, though he expected to get that information later in the evening. He said he expected vaccines to be available from fewer locations than 210 next week.

Ribbon-cutting for Market by Southern Grace

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 1:29pm

The Daily Review/Geoff Stoute
A St. Mary Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting was held Saturday for The Market by Southern Grace, 1500 Federal Ave. in Morgan City. Owner Grace Eisenman and her husband, Brian Eisenman, cut the ribbon. They are joined by Grace Eisenman’s mother, Jen Dragna, store vendors and local chamber and government officials.

Wildlife agents play role in drug, stolen property arrests

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 1:26pm

(Editor’s Note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)
Staff Report
A state wildlife agent’s inquiry into possible hunting violations led to three arrests, including one for drug possession and two for possession of stolen property, the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Brendan Scott Charlet, 19, Grand Coupe Lane, Pierre Part, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of hydrocodone (felony), marijuana (first offense), cocaine (felony), Xanax (felony), psilocybin (felony), and oxycodone; three counts of prohibited acts; two counts of legend drug imprint; two counts of felony possession of stolen firearms; illegal possession of firearms in the presence of controlled dangerous substances; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Alyssa Maray Jarreaux, 21, Cedar Street. Gonzales, was arrested Thursday on a charge of resisting an officer.
—Kade Leo Penn, 21, West Sycamore Street, Gonzales, was arrested Thursday on charges of hunting big game without a license, hunting without a license, failure to abide by commission rules and illegal possession of stolen things.
During recent days, wildlife agents had occasion to make contact with Charlet and Penn concerning alleged hunting violations in the Pierre Part area.
During the interview process, agents established that illegal drug activity was being conducted.
Wildlife agents contacted the Sheriff’s Office and at some point, narcotics agents met with wildlife agents.
Based on all information available, agents established that probable cause existed and obtained a search warrant for the property in question.
During the search process, agents recovered numerous controlled dangerous substances, stolen firearms, other firearms, a large amount of U.S. currency, assorted paraphernalia and a currency counter.
The search warrant and arrests were executed on Thursday.
At the conclusion of the investigation, agents arrested Charlet, Jarreaux and Penn.
Charlet’s bond was set at $210,000.
Penn’s bond was set at $25,000.
Jarreaux was released on a $5,000 bond.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
—Gerald K. Hood, 60, La. 401, Napoleonville, was arrested Sunday on two felony counts of domestic abuse aggravated assault.
Deputies were called to a Napoleonville address in reference to a disturbance.
At some point, the victims were able to leave the residence, at which time deputies were able to locate and interview them.
Deputies determined that Hood was at the family home and was extremely intoxicated. Hood was angry and at some point, assaulted two family members with a knife.
Deputies located Hood at the home and arrested him.
Hood was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center and remains incarcerated with bond set at $100,000.
—Ronald Stanley Billiot, 38, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of marijuana (third offense, felony), obstruction of justice, headlamps required and failure to drive on the right side of the roadway.
The felony charges arising from a Dec. 17 traffic stop.
On that day, a deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on U.S.90 and initiated a stop of that vehicle.
The deputy identified the driver as Billiot and proceeded to interview him.
During that process, the deputy noted a pungent odor of suspected marijuana. The deputy conducted a pat down search of Billiot then conducted a vehicle search.
Subsequent to the original search, a quantity of marijuana was recovered, which was attributed to Billiot. Due to circumstances, Billiot was released. Following additional investigation warrants were obtained for Billiot’s arrest.
On Monday, Billiot turned himself in and was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center.
He was released after posting a $6,000 commercial bond.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Paige L. Bonvillain, 30, Lockport, was arrested at 9:28 p.m. Monday on charges of no license plates and no insurance. Bonvillain was released on a summons to appear April 27.
—Trevion Jackson, 18, Four Corners, was arrested by the Narcotics Section at 2:46 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions involving drug proceeds.
No bail has been set.
—Lakeisha Charles, 43, Jeanerette, was arrested at 2:46 a.m. Tuesday on charges of tail lamp required, no insurance and possession of marijuana. Charles was released on a summons to appear April 27.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Brandon Delozier, 33, Gibson, was arrested at 3:21 p.m. Monday on warrants for failure to appear on the charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and headlights required, and a charge of criminal damage to property.
Delozier turned himself in on warrants for arrest at the Morgan City Police Department. Delozier was booked into the Morgan City Police Department Jail.
—Phillip Aucoin, 50, Berwick, was arrested at 2:21 a.m. Tuesday on warrants for failure to appear to pay probation fees and failure to appear to pay fine for possession of marijuana, and on a warrant for failure to appear for arraignment in 16th Judicial District Court.
Aucoin was stopped by officers who checked warrants and found Aucoin to have warrants from City Court of Morgan City and 16th JDC. Aucoin was placed under arrest and booked into the Morgan City Police Department Jail.
Franklin
Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported these arrests:
—Avrine Henry, 40, Talbot Street, Franklin, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested at 10:56 a.m. Monday on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of possession of hydrocodone and possession of marijuana.
Henry was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of this press release.

Jeremy Alford: Louisiana politics calendar says it's already 2023

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 1:24pm

JEREMY ALFORD

It may not feel like it now, but Louisiana’s statewide elections slated for 2023 are right around the corner. And while some of the politicians lining up for these jobs profess it’s a little early, the political reality is many of them need to kick their campaigns (shadow or otherwise) into high gear this year. After all, each statewide cycle of late has trumped its predecessor in terms of money spent, and the cycle that commences in two years is unlikely to be an exception.
Let’s start at the top of the ticket. The first news reports about the next election for governor were published just days after Gov. John Bel Edwards was re-elected in November 2019, so it’s not an exaggeration to describe the 2023 race to replace him as highly anticipated. So far, however, the potential contenders floated for the big race have all been Republicans, leaving onlookers to repeat a single question: Who will be the Democrat?
The answer to that question could end up being Sen. Gary Smith, who represents portions of Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. John parishes. Smith is being encouraged by party boosters to consider the race and his supporters have been quick to cast him in the same centrist mold that has served Edwards well. In the coming months more Democratic names will surely surface, but for now Smith is the first into the developing fray.
There has also been growing speculation about a bid from Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who is viewed by some as a Republican compromise to the far-right politics of Attorney General Jeff Landry and the centrist offerings of Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. While Strain said in an interview he’s focused on the job he has now, both Landry and Nungesser have been the most aggressive of the potential contenders in staking out early ground.
Another name often added to mix in political conversations belongs to Treasurer John Schroder, who said his top priority is overseeing the COVID-19 relief funding that’s flowing through his office. “I’m flattered so many people have talked to me about it,” Schroder said. “Who wouldn’t be? It won’t be a decision or topic I take lightly.”
To be certain, the field will be crowded and anyone who flirted with the race in 2019 will undoubtedly be asked to look at it again by supporters, including but not limited to Sen. Bret Allain, Congressman Garret Graves, Sen. Sharon Hewitt, Congressman Mike Johnson, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, Congressman Steve Scalise and Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack. None of the politicos on this shortlist are making noisy or noticeable moves toward the race at this very moment, but a few of them likely will in the coming months.
Should Nungesser run for a governor in 2023,there are a couple of names worth watching for that post. House Ways and Means Chair Stuart Bishop, a Lafayette Republican, said he is seriously considering the race. Given his position leading the House’s tax-writing committee and his reputation for being an aggressive fundraiser,
Bishop is in a position to build an enviable war chest.
Also keep an eye on GOP Public Service Commissioner Craig Greene of Baton Rouge, who is said to be sizing up the race and meeting with consultants.
With Landry expected to run for governor, friend and ally Blake Miguez, the House majority leader, is among those included in recent speculation.
Same goes for Rep. Alan Seabaugh, who would be just as interested in running for lieutenant governor should a special election be needed prior to 2023 (that is, if Gov. John Bel Edwards finds a reason to leave his post and Nungesser moves up the ladder). Seabaugh, though, may also run for the state Senate next cycle.
“Blake and I will not run against each other,” Seabaugh added. “I’ll tell you that much.”
Others expected to take a look at the race can all be found in the state in House, including Rep. Larry Frieman, House Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee and House and Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski.
On another front, it has been many years since Louisiana has seen a House speaker angle for higher office, but that may happen this term. Speaker Clay Schexnayder is considering a bid for agriculture commissioner.
As a key player in the creation of Louisiana’s hemp program and the former chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Schexnayder will be able to walk the walk and talk the talk. He’ll also be able to raise some cash.
The real question is whether he’ll take it as far as challenging Strain, who, as reported above, is being pushed by many to run for governor.
There have been no indications that longtime Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is ready to hang it up, but if he does it will be best to keep tabs on Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot.
Lobbyists who represent the industry like his chances and have encouraged him to maintain an open mind about the statewide contest.
While it may feel a bit early to speculate about these contests, it’s never too early for candidates to start fundraising and angling.
So just a keep an eye on these developing races of importance, because that’s all we can do until 2023 — watch. The voting part will come soon enough.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics. com or follow Alford on Twitter@ LaPolitsNow.follow Alford on Twitter@LaPoliticsNow.

Morgan City police radio logs for Jan. 11-12

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 1:11pm

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Monday, Jan. 11
7:06 a.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Lost/found property.
9:59 a.m. 1000 block of Victor II Boulevard; Welfare concern.
10:02 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
10:06 a.m. 600 block of Main Street; Animal complaint.
10:32 a.m. La. 70 area; Reckless driver.
10:43 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; Accident.
12:18 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Medical emergency.
12:40 p.m. 1300 block of Nebraska Street; Animal complaint.
1:06 p.m. Michigan Street area; Suspicious vehicle.
1:08 p.m. 200 block of Patton Street; Hang up call.
2:00 p.m. 900 block of Youngs Road; Accident.
2:51 p.m. 500 block of Leona Street; Theft.
3:21 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant/arrest.
5:31 p.m. 3100 block of Wytchwood Drive; Forgery.
10:04 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
11:09 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Disturbance.
Tuesday, Jan. 12
2:52 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
4:40 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Medical.

Gulf Coast Baptist Men & Boys Wild Game Supper on Saturday

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 1:03pm

The Gulf Coast Baptist Association, a network of 15 Southern Baptist churches in St. Mary and Assumption parishes, will host its annual Men & Boys Wild Game Supper at 5 p.m. Saturday at Bayou Vista Baptist Church. The evening will begin with a meal featuring a variety of wild & tame dishes, followed by a worship gathering featuring Steve Horn, Louisiana Baptist Convention executive director. The night will conclude with door prizes. Admission to the public event is $10 per person for men, while boys ages 17 and under will be admitted for free.

43 new confirmed COVID cases, no deaths in local parishes

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 12:43pm

Forty-three new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 22 of them in St. Martin, were reported for the 24 hours ending at midday Wednesday for three local parishes.

The Louisiana Office of Public Health said St. Mary has 15 new confirmed COVID cases for a pandemic total of 2,953 with 504 probable.

St. Martin's 22 new confirmed cases raised the total to 3,880 confirmed with 332 probable.

Assumption has six new confirmed cases for a total of 1,240 confirmed with 327 probable.

No local fatalities were reported, so the pandemic death tolls remain at 97 confirmed with seven probable in St. Mary, 85 with eight probable in St. Martin and 27 with two probable.

Statewide:

--2,902 new cases raise the pandemic total to 317,336 confirmed with 38,499 probable.

--51 new fatalities were reported for a total of 7,582 confirmed COVID-related deaths with 440 probable.

--The number of COVID-positive people in hospitals was down by six for a total of 2,029.

--9 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 235.

St. Mary Parish Students of the Year named

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 11:24am

The St. Mary Parish Students of the Year have been named, with two from Berwick schools and the third from a Morgan City school.
Briar Gorman, of Wyandotte Elementary School in Morgan City, has been named the Fifth Grade Student of the Year; Mallory Menard, of Berwick Junior High School, has been recognized as the Eighth Grade Student of the Year; and Abby Williams, of Berwick High School, is the 12th-grade Student of the Year.
The three parish winners will participate in virtual regional competitions in February hosted in St. James Parish (fifth grade), Jefferson Parish (eighth grade) and Plaquemines Parish (12th grade).
The Students of the Year Award Program is designed to recognize outstanding elementary, middle/junior and high school students. Students are recognized for their academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship. The Students of the Year Award Program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the state Department of Education and the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
In St. Mary Parish, other fifth-grade, eighth-grade and 12th-grade participants were as follows:
—Fifth Grade: Janiya Jones, Aucoin Elementary School in Amelia; Aubree Bach, Bayou Vista Elementary School; Stanley Aucoin IV, Berwick Elementary School; Olivia Buford, Centerville Elementary School; S’Nai Burrell, Foster Elementary School in Franklin; Brison Small, LaGrange Elementary School in Franklin; Laurynn Jones, Maitland Elementary School in Morgan City; Whitley Berry, Norman Elementary School in Morgan City; Connor Gierman, Patterson Junior High School; and Tyren Austin, Raintree Elementary School in Baldwin.
—Eighth Grade: Kelsey August, B.E. Boudreaux Middle School in Baldwin; Jace Cooks, Centerville Junior/High School; Carl Madison, Franklin Junior High School; Riley Jackson, Morgan City Junior High School; and Lainey Blanco, Patterson Junior High School.
—Twelfth Grade: Chloe Lanclos, Centerville High School; Kaitlyn Marcotte, Franklin High School; Hailey Aucoin, Morgan City High School; Logan Gore, Patterson High School; and Chloe Dupre, West St. Mary High School in Baldwin.

New Labadieville farmers market seeks to expand

Wed, 01/13/2021 - 8:54am

By RUTHIE LOSAVIO, LSU AgCenter

NAPOLEONVILLE — A new farmers market launched in Labadieville in November.
The weekly market is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cookie’s Thrift Store, located at 3218 La. 1.
“We currently have baked goods, fresh produce, jewelry and a few crafts being sold,” said Chelsie Rodrigue, owner of Cookie’s Thrift Store. “We only have one farmer that comes consistently every week to sell cabbage, mustard greens, turnips, cauliflower, broccoli and fresh honey. Saturday, Jan. 9, was his last day of goods from his fall crop, but he does plan to participate again when his spring crop is ready to harvest.”
Organizers are actively seeking new vendors, particularly farmers, in an effort to expand the market’s offerings and support more local producers and artisans.
“I wanted to start a farmers market so that there would be a central location to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to my community,” Rodrigue said. “The idea basically came from a few local farmers who asked if they could sell cucumbers and satsumas outside of the thrift store. The few vendors that participate almost always sell everything that they bring, and the community members are able to buy fresh produce locally.”
The Labadieville Farmers Market is a collaborative effort between Cookie’s Thrift Store and LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities in Assumption Parish.
The Healthy Comm-unities initiative aims to improve the physical and social environments that influence health using a community-driven approach.
The goal of the Labadieville farmers market is to make accessing healthy food easier for the local community.
“One week I noticed that Cookie’s Thrift Store asked their Facebook followers how they would feel about starting a farmers market, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Maria Gonzales, LSU AgCenter agent and facilitator of Assumption Parish Healthy Communities. “I reached out to her to let her know that the LSU AgCenter could be a potential partner if she were willing to work with us.”
There is only one grocery store that sells fresh produce in the heart of Labadieville, and Cookie’s is located on the outskirts of the community, Gonzales said.
“Because of its location, it can be easily accessed by both Napoleonville and Labadieville residents,” she said. “People are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables if they are readily available to them.”
For information about the Labadieville Farmers Market or to inquire about becoming a vendor, contact Chelsie Rodrigue at 985-227-3948 or crodrigue921@gmail.com or Maria Gonzales at mgonzales@agcenter.lsu.eduor 985-369-6386.