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PubMed2004

Distribution and seasonal abundance of Cnephia pecuarum (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Arkansas.

Studies were conducted during 1990-92 to determine the distribution and abundance of the southern buffalo gnat (Cnephia pecuarum) in Arkansas. Field collection of adults near streams throughout Arkansas demonstrated adult occurrence in 24 counties. Abundance studies were conducted by using tent traps baited with dry ice in 3 counties in southeastern Arkansas. In 1990, studies were conducted in Bayou Meto (Ashley County); Seven Devils Swamp (Drew County); and Crocketts Bluff, Bayou Meto, and Little LaGrue Bayou (Arkansas County). During 1991 and 1992, abundance studies were limited to Arkansas County. Results and previous field observations suggest 3 distinct populations in Arkansas (southwestern, southeastern, and central). Seasonal occurrence extended from December to April but varied by location and year. Abundance studies indicated variation in both seasonal occurrence and adult density by year and trap location. Although investigations during 1990-91 showed similar seasonal occurrence trends (peaking in early March), higher adult densities were noted during 1990. In contrast, peak adult density during 1992 occurred in late January. Greatest adult density during the course of these investigations was 7,160 gnats/24 h during 1990 at Crocketts Bluff (Arkansas County). Results suggest that additional studies are warranted to determine the impact of environmental and river factors on seasonal occurrence and abundance of this pest.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Initial results from the Arkansas Smoking Cessation Network program.

Tobacco use is the single most costly health risk behavior today. Although Arkansas has seen a significant decrease in smoking prevalence (28.5% in 1997 to 25.2% in 2000), low-socioeconomic (SES) populations in Arkansas continue to use tobacco at a high rate and suffer disproportionately from tobacco-related diseases. In 1998, nearly 14% of all Medicaid expenditures in Arkansas, a total of dollars 189 million, were spent on smoking-related illnesses. Smoking cessation programs produce greater short-term public health benefits than any other component of a tobacco control program. As part of a statewide tobacco control program, the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health, has established intensive smoking cessation programs in 10 Community Health Centers and five rural hospitals throughout the state. Among the 852 participants enrolled in the first budget period, 221 completed a treatment program thus far, 180 terminated without completion and 451 are in treatment. Of those participants who completed treatment, 75% had quit smoking. This cessation program is clearly filling a demand for services and has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of smoking-related illness in Arkansas.

Arkansas↗
PubMed1999

Random amplified polymorphic DNA variation among remnant big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii vitman) populations from Arkansas' grand prairie

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to characterize genetic diversity and genetic distinctiveness of Andropogon gerardii from remnant Arkansas prairies. Six oligonucleotide primers, which generated 37 RAPD bands, were used to analyse 30-32 plants from six Grand Prairie populations, Baker Prairie (Arkansas Ozarks), two Illinois prairies and two cultivars. Genetic diversity of the Arkansas remnants ranged from 82.7 to 99.3%, with 89% of the total genetic variation within and 11% among populations. The partitioning of genetic variation was consistent with that reported for other outcrossing perennial grasses, using the more conservative allozyme markers. Principal component analysis indicated a northern and southern association within Arkansas' Grand Prairie. Although there was no genetic structuring at the landscape level, the Illinois prairies and cultivars were different from all Arkansas prairies tested. There was significant within-population structuring in four of the seven Arkansas remnants, with a negative relationship between genetic similarity and geographical distance. The three nonstructured populations were from a linear railroad remnant, suggesting different population-level dynamics from nonlinear prairies. The results of this study indicated that small isolated remnant big bluestem populations were not genetically depauperate and that genetic relationships among populations could not be predicted solely on geographical proximity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Trends in Arkansas motorcycle trauma after helmet law repeal.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of the 1997 Arkansas helmet law repeal on motorcycle registrations, crash and fatality risks, and alcohol involvement in motorcycle crashes. METHODS: Annual motorcycle registration data for the years 1990 through 2001 were obtained from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. These motorcycle registration data were complemented by the motorcycle crash data from the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office and motorcycle fatality data for the state of Arkansas from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The impact of the repeal on crash rates, helmet usage, and alcohol involvement was assessed through comparisons of data from before (1993 to 1996) and after (1998 to 2001) the repeal. RESULTS: After the repeal, an increase in motorcycle registrations correlated with a marked rise in the total number of crashes and fatalities; however, fatalities per crash remained virtually the same. The proportion of motorcycle fatalities that were not wearing a helmet increased from 47.0% (47/100) before the repeal to 78.2% (104/133) after the repeal (P = 0.001). The overall percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes involving alcohol use remained unchanged after the repeal (37.6% [29/77] to 38.5% [40/104], P = 0.91), but the percentage of fatal crashes involving drinking nonhelmeted drivers increased from 14.2% (11/77) to 33.6% (35/104) (P = 0.003). Inebriated motorcyclists killed in crashes were overwhelmingly non-helmeted (87.5%, 35/40) after the repeal, up from 37.9% (11/29) before the repeal (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the repeal of the mandatory helmet law in Arkansas has had a significant adverse effect on road safety.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2003

Initiating arbovirus surveillance in Arkansas, 2001.

Migratory birds could introduce West Nile (WN) virus to Arkansas. The purpose of this study was to establish a cooperative arbovirus surveillance program to monitor mosquitoes and birds in Arkansas for arboviruses. Our objectives were to: 1) perform routine, multicounty collections of mosquitoes and test them for eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and WN viruses; and 2) conduct passive surveillance by testing dead wild birds for WN virus. Arbovirus surveillance was organized by the Arkansas Department of Health, University of Arkansas, and Vector Disease Control Incorporated. None of the 14,560 mosquitoes (425 pools) tested were virus positive. Two hundred forty-two dead birds from 62 counties were tested for WN virus. Four blue jays in three counties were positive. These infections are the first reported incidences of WN virus in Arkansas. Sera from five horses with suspected encephalitis all tested negative for WN, eastern equine encephalitis, and western equine encephalitis viruses.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nutrient input and removal trends for agricultural soils in nine geographic regions in Arkansas.

Knowledge of the balance between nutrient inputs and removals is required for identifying regions that possess an excess or deficit of nutrients. This assessment describes the balance between the agricultural nutrient inputs and removals for nine geographical districts within Arkansas from 1997 to 2001. The total N, P, and K inputs were summed for each district and included inorganic fertilizer and collectable nutrients excreted as poultry, turkey, dairy, and hog manures. Nutrients removed by harvested crops were summed and subtracted from total nutrient inputs to calculate the net nutrient balance. The net balances for N, P, and K were distributed across the hectarage used for row crop, hay, pasture, or combinations of these land uses. Row-crop agriculture predominates in the eastern one-third and animal agriculture predominates in the western two-thirds of Arkansas. Nutrients derived from poultry litter accounted for >92% of the total transportable manure N, P, and K. The three districts in the eastern one-third of Arkansas contained 95% of the row-crop hectarage and had net N and P balances that were near zero or negative. The six districts in the western two-thirds of Arkansas accounted for 89 to 100% of the animal populations, had positive net balances for N and P, and excess P ranged from 1 to 9 kg P ha(-1) when distributed across row-crop, hay, and pasture hectarage. Transport of excess nutrients, primarily in poultry litter, outside of the districts in western Arkansas is needed to achieve a balance between soil inputs and removals of P and N.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2003

A forty-three year museum study of northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans) abnormalities in Arkansas: upward trends and distributions.

The northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans) is a resident of streams, rivers, and wetlands of eastern North America. We documented abnormalities in A. crepitans housed in the Arkansas State University Museum of Zoology Herpetology Collection. Abnormality frequency increased from 1957 to 2000 (chi 2 = 43.76, df = 3, P < 0.001). From 1957 through 1979 only 3.33% of specimens were unusual. This rate was 6.87% during the 1990s, and in 2000 it was 8.48%. High frequencies of abnormalities were identified in the following Ozark highland counties: Sharp, Lawrence, and Randolph. We observed 104 abnormalities among 1,464 frogs (7.10%). The differential abnormality frequencies observed between the Arkansas lowlands and highlands are striking. The Ozarks had significantly higher frequencies of abnormalities than other Arkansas regions (chi 2 = 59.76, df = 4, P < 0.001). The Ouachita Mountains had significantly higher frequencies than the Gulf Coastal Plain, Delta, or Arkansas River Valley (chi 2 = 13.172, df = 3, P < 0.01). There was no difference in abnormality frequency between the Gulf Coastal Plain, Delta, and Arkansas River Valley (chi 2 = 0.422, df = 2, P > 0.70). Proposed hypotheses for distributions include: 1) A. crepitans might possess naturally high abnormality levels, and land use practices of the Delta may reduce this variability; 2) an unknown xenobiotic may be in Ozark streams causing increased numbers of abnormalities; 3) the museum's collection effort may be skewed; 4) Delta habitat might be more favorable for green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) allowing this species to drive out A. crepitans through competition; here, abnormal metamorphs are not detected because they are even less competitive than normal individuals.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Utilization of local anesthesia by Arkansas dental hygienists, and dentists' delegation/satisfaction relative to this function.

PURPOSE: Given the legalization of administration of local anesthesia as an expanded function for dental hygienists in Arkansas, the purpose of this study was to 1) describe the utilization of local anesthesia in dental hygiene care; 2) compare the utilization of local anesthesia by dental hygienists certified in the administration of local anesthesia and those who were not; 3) determine if there was a difference in attitude toward the use of local anesthesia for dental hygiene procedures between dental hygienists certified in the expanded function versus those not certified; 4) determine if and to what degree employers delegate this procedure to certified employees; and 5) compare employer satisfaction with this expanded function for those who employed a certified dental hygienist and those who did not. METHODS: Surveys were sent to all Arkansas dental hygienists certified, as of June 1998, to administer local anesthesia as well as an equal random sample of Arkansas dental hygienists not certified in the expanded function. The dentist employers of these dental hygienists also were asked to complete a companion survey. These surveys included demographic items as well as questions about the demand for and utilization of local anesthesia by dental hygienists. Additionally, the surveys included an opinionnaire section concerning attitudes toward and perceptions of the administration of local anesthesia by dental hygienists. RESULTS: An overall response rate of 31% (n = 182) was achieved for the survey of the dental hygienist sample (n = 580). Forty-one percent of the surveys (n = 118) were returned by the dental hygienists certified in the administration of local anesthesia, while 22% (n = 64) of the surveys were returned by those not certified in the function. An approximate response rate of 25% (n = 146) was achieved for the surveys of the dentist employers. Findings indicate that the respondents perceived local anesthesia as beneficial for both dental hygiene patients and clinicians. Arkansas dental hygienists and dentists reported that this function had a positive impact on scheduling, production, patient satisfaction and comfort, and quality of care. Furthermore, more than nine out of 10 of the dentist respondents were satisfied with their dental hygienists local anesthesia skills and/or would encourage their uncertified dental hygienists to become certified. Dental hygienists certified in the function reported utilizing this technique moderately to fully for patient care, particularly for those in practices with greater numbers of periodontally involved patients. Certified dental hygienists also viewed local anesthesia as contributing to the quality of patient care and necessary for dental hygiene procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study provide evidence that local anesthesia benefits dental hygiene patients and clinicians. Both Arkansas dental hygienists and dentists viewed this expanded function as necessary for provision of quality dental hygiene care. The dentist employers of certified dental hygienists reported that the function had a positive impact on scheduling, production, patient satisfaction and comfort, and quality of care.

Anesthesia, Dental↗
PubMed2004

Birth defects in Arkansas: is folic acid fortification making a difference?

BACKGROUND: Since 1998, fortification of grain products with folic acid has been mandated in the United States, in an effort to reduce the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Published reports have shown a reduction in the prevalence of spina bifida since fortification was mandated, but no published studies have reported a reduction in birth defects, other than NTDs, that are postulated to be associated with folic acid deficiency. This study was performed to determine if fortification has reduced the prevalence of NTDs and other birth defects in Arkansas. METHODS: Using data from the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System, prevalences were computed for thirteen specific birth defects with prior evidence supporting a protective effect of folic acid or multivitamins. Prevalences were calculated using data for live births to Arkansas residents for 1993-2000. Exposure to folic acid fortification was classified by birth year as "pre-fortification" (1993-1995), "transition" (1996-1998) or "post-fortification" (1999-2000). Logistic regression analysis was used to compute crude and adjusted prevalence odds ratios comparing the identified time periods. RESULTS: Prevalences decreased between the pre- and post-fortification periods for spina bifida, orofacial clefts, limb reduction defects, omphalocele, and Down syndrome, but only the decrease in spina bifida was statistically significant (prevalence odds ratio 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.37, 0.83). CONCLUSION: In Arkansas, the prevalence of spina bifida has decreased since folic acid fortification of foods was implemented. Similar studies by other birth defects surveillance systems are needed to confirm a preventive effect of fortification for malformations other than spina bifida.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Regional bias in birth defect prevalence rates for Arkansas: influence of incomplete ascertainment along surveillance system borders.

BACKGROUND: As part of the continuing evaluation of the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System (ARHMS), we assessed the effects on birth defect prevalence rates introduced by incomplete case ascertainment along surveillance boundaries. METHODS: Using data from ARHMS and Arkansas Vital Statistics for 1993-1998, we determined birth defect prevalence rates (per 10,000 live births), stratified by race, among three geographic comparison groups of counties. These included: (1) the Northeast Group, near the state border at Memphis, Tennessee; (2) the Central Group, surrounding Little Rock, Arkansas; and (3) the Southwest Group, near Texarkana, Texas. These counties have similar socioeconomic measures and proximity to health care facilities, but are differentiated by limitations imposed by ARHMS' surveillance borders. Maternal age-standardized rates from the control groups were used to impute expected rates, for the Northeast Group and statewide, which were compared with reported rates. RESULTS: We found that there were 620 fewer reported birth defect cases than expected for the Northeast Group. The Northeast Group's prevalence rates were approximately half of the control groups' rates (310.6 vs. 529.8, respectively, for Whites, and 240.8 vs. 550.1, respectively, for African-Americans). Incorporating the missed cases into statewide prevalence calculations could increase prevalence rates from 502.6 to 523.2 for Whites and from 527.4 to 590.7 for African-Americans. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified significant regional differences in reported birth defect rates in Arkansas. Case ascertainment might be incomplete in other surveillance systems lacking the means to share data with neighboring systems. Regional inaccuracy can hinder evaluation of localized birth defect trends or targeted prevention efforts.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1997

Spinal cord injuries in Arkansas due to violence: 1980-1989.

In some areas of the US the incidence of violence-related spinal cord injuries (SCIs) is double or triple that of 10 years ago. The purpose of this study was to determine if this trend is evident in Arkansas, a small rural state. For the study period 15.3% of traumatic SCIs identified in Arkansas were violence-related. The overall incidence rate of traumatic SCIs in Arkansas declined from 41.11 per million in 1980 to 33.18 per million in 1989. However, the rate of violence-related SCIs rose from 3.5 per million in 1980 to 5.14 in 1989. The incidence of violence-related SCIs in Arkansas did not increase dramatically during the 1980s. However, the incidence of women with violence-related SCIs nearly tripled. With the dramatic rise in violence-related SCIs in women and the decrease in violence-related SCIs in men, the gender gap has been virtually eliminated in violence-related SCIs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Horn fly (Diptera: Muscidae) insecticide resistance in Kentucky and Arkansas.

The effect of previous insecticide use patterns for horn fly control on the susceptibility spectrum of horn fly (Haematobia irritans [L.]) populations from Kentucky and Arkansas is described. Populations of horn flies from both states were tested with three pyrethroids (cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, and permethrin), three organophosphates (diazinon, pirimiphos methyl, and tetrachlorvinphos), and a chlorinated hydrocarbon (methoxychlor). Dose-mortality data indicated insecticide resistance in Arkansas and Kentucky. Two permethrin-resistant horn fly populations in Kentucky that did not have a history of exposure to methoxychlor were cross-resistant to this chlorinated hydrocarbon. Horn fly populations from both states with a history of at least three consecutive years of exposure to various pyrethroid ear tags were subsequently exposed to cattle tagged with cyhalothrin-impregnated ear tags for 15-16 wk. Such exposure resulted in a decrease in susceptibility to this pyrethroid (ranging from approximately 30 to greater than 100-fold) when compared with levels before treatment. Horn fly populations from Arkansas resistant to cyhalothrin (as a result of exposure to cyhalothrin ear tags) were cross-resistant to pirimiphos methyl. Seasonal exposure of an Arkansas and Kentucky horn fly population to cattle with ear tags impregnated with pirimiphos methyl resulted in a significant decrease in susceptibility to this organophosphate.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

The negative impact of the repeal of the Arkansas motorcycle helmet law.

BACKGROUND: On July 1, 1997, Arkansas became the first state in 14 years to repeal their adult helmet law. We examined the clinical and financial impact of this repeal. METHODS: A 6-year retrospective review was conducted of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences trauma registry including the 3 years before and the 3 years after the repeal of the helmet law. A head and neck Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score >or= 3 was considered severe. All patients admitted to the hospital or who died in the emergency department were included in the study. The database of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department was also used to determine the number of crashes and fatalities occurring statewide (1995-1999). RESULTS: Although total and fatal crashes in Arkansas were not significantly different (1995-1996 vs. 1998-1999), nonhelmeted deaths at the scene of a crash significantly increased from 19 of 48 (39.6%) (1995-1996) to 40 of 53 (75.5%) (1998-1999) (p < 0.0001). Before repeal, 25% of nonfatal crash admissions were nonhelmeted (18 of 73). This significantly increased to 54% (52 of 96, p< 0.001) after repeal. Overall, patients who were nonhelmeted had significantly higher AIS scores for head and neck, significantly more severe head injuries (AIS score >or= 3), 47% (33 of 70) versus 20% (20 of 99), and significantly longer length of intensive care unit stay. Financially, patients without helmets had significantly higher unreimbursed charges compared with their helmeted counterparts, resulting in a total of 982,560 dollars of additional potentially lost revenue over the length of the study. CONCLUSION: Repeal of the mandatory helmet law was associated with an increase in the nonhelmeted crash scene fatality rate. After the repeal, there was a disproportionately higher admission rate for nonhelmeted motorcycle crash survivors. These patients had an increased use of hospital resources and poorer reimbursement of charges compared with their helmeted counterparts. This resulted in significantly higher unreimbursed charges. States considering repeal of their mandatory adult helmet laws should consider the potential negative financial impact on their health care system and the increased morbidity associated with nonhelmeted motorcycle riders involved in a crash.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2002

Meningococcal infections in children from Arkansas.

BACKGROUND: Infections with Neisseria meningitidis are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children of all ages. With wide-spread use of the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, this organism might become the prominent pathogen for invasive disease in children. METHODS: Retrospective reviews of medical and microbiologic records from Arkansas Children's Hospital were done to identify patients with invasive N. meningitidis infections from January, 1988, through December, 2000. Basic demographic and clinical data were gathered and reviewed. Data on invasive meningococcal infections were obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-four cases of invasive meningococcal infection were reported to the Arkansas Department of Health during the study period. Two hundred ninety-six cases were in patients <21 years of age. The estimated annual incidence of meningococcal disease for the State of Arkansas was calculated to be 1.2-cases/100000 population during the study period. The annual incidence of meningococcal disease in patients <21 years of age was estimated at 2.9 and 21.7 cases/100000 population for children < 1 year of age. One hundred fifty patients (51%) <21 years of age with 151 episodes of invasive meningococcal infections were treated at our institution. Eighty percent of the patients were Caucasian, 55% were male, 31% live in a rural area and the median age at presentation was 30 months (range, 2 weeks to 21 years). The most common signs and symptoms at admission included fever (95%), petechial/purpuric rash (62%), nuchal rigidity (41%) and hypotension (41%). Thirty-eight patients (26%) required both inotropic support and mechanical ventilation during hospitalization, 15 patients died and 18 patients had long term sequelae. Eighty-three of the isolates were serogrouped and included the following: A (2); B (38); C (33); and Y (10). Eighty-four of the index cases were treated with parenteral cephalosporin therapy alone and did not receive additional chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Many infections in the general pediatric population are a result of N. meningitidis. Although most patients do well and recover without sequelae, there are a significant number who experience major morbidity and mortality as a result of this infection.

Adolescent↗