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At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Tick infestations of white-tailed deer in Alabama.

Four species of ticks were collected from 537 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), examined during the hunting seasons (November to January) of 1988-89 and 1989-90 at selected locations in Alabama (USA). Ixodes scapularis was the most common tick recovered (2,060 specimens) and infested 54% of the deer. Dermacentor albipictus was the second most frequent tick (1,253 specimens) and infested 15% of the deer. Amblyomma americanum was the third most frequent tick (315 specimens) and infested 24% of the deer; this was the only species of tick collected from deer at all sampling locations. Amblyomma maculatum was an infrequent parasite (five specimens) and infested only 1% of the deer; this tick species was only recorded during the 1989-90 season. Year-to-year and geographical differences in tick infestation parameters were noted. The data are compared with those reported for previous surveys of ticks infesting white-tailed deer in Alabama and adjacent states.

Alabama↗
PubMed1975

Two new hemoglobins. Hemoglobin Alabama (beta39(C5)Gln leads to Lys) and hemoglobin Montgomery (alpha 48(CD 6) Leu leads to Arg).

The amino acid substitutions in two new hemoglobins found by electrophoretic screening during a survey in Alabama have been determined by column chromatography and amino acid analyses of their tryptic peptides. They are hemoglobin Alabama (beta 39(C 5)Gln leads to Lys) and hemoglobin Montgomery (alpha 48(CD 6) Leu leads to Arg). No harmful symptoms have been attributed to the presence of either hemoglobin.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Ophthalmic telemedicine at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.

BACKGROUND: The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind have collaborated in development of electronic medical records, digital slit-lamp medical imaging, and ocular telemedicine between their two sites. METHODS: The telemedicine link uses the electronic medical record system (EMRS) called PEARL, and digitized slit-lamp images made with an MCV 4000 digital imaging unit attached to a Topcon SL4E slit-lamp. RESULTS: These technologies allow remote physician access to medical records as well as remote triage of eye problems using transmitted digital images and telephone consultation. CONCLUSIONS: This implementation strategy can serve as a model for improvement of specialist access to remotely located sites. It is a unique pairing of a school of optometry and a residential institution for people with sensory impairment.

Academies and Institutes↗
PubMed2001

Smoking cessation counseling practices: a survey of Alabama obstetrician-gynecologists.

BACKGROUND: Minimal interventions delivered by obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) to their pregnant patients who smoke could result in a substantial decrease in smoking during pregnancy. We examined performance and motivation levels of Alabama OB-GYNs for engaging in clinical practices based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines. METHODS: Questionnaires assessing attitudes, intentions, and behaviors specified by the NCI's "4-A" model (ask, advise, assist, and arrange follow-up) were mailed to all OB-GYNs licensed in Alabama. RESULTS: A total of 130 physicians completed the questionnaire. Nearly all reported that they ask (93%) and advise (90%) their patients who smoke to quit; however, significantly fewer reported that they assist (28%) or arrange follow-up (24%) with their pregnant patients. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions are needed to motivate, support, and guide OB-GYN physicians to assist and follow-up with their pregnant patients who smoke.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Varicella outbreaks among Mexican adults--Alabama, 2000.

On May 19, 2000, a physician in southern Alabama reported seven cases of varicella to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). All the cases were in previously healthy young adults living in an apartment complex in town A and working in a poultry processing plant in nearby town B. On May 24, ADPH invited CDC to assist in outbreak investigation and control. This report summarizes the investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Development of an internet-based rainfall atlas for Alabama.

In the United States, rainfall information needed for intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves or design storm hyetographs can be found in TP 40, HYDRO-35, and the NOAA Atlas 2. Additional rainfall data collected since the dates of those publications, and improved methods for statistical treatment of data, have motivated update studies in several regions of the United States. One of the new studies has been performed for the State of Alabama. Results of the Alabama study are embodied in an internet-based graphical user interface, which permits users to interactively point and click on a geographical location of interest, and have IDF curves and/or storm hyetographs returned on demand. Reactions to the internet-based rainfall atlas have been promising, and have led to additional work for the National Weather Service, Office of Hydrologic Development.

Alabama↗
PubMed2002

Epidemiology of fatal occupational injuries in Jefferson County, Alabama.

BACKGROUND: In Alabama, little is known about the overall characteristics of job-related injuries. METHODS: We examined fatal occupational injuries that occurred in Jefferson County, Alabama, from 1990 through 1999 using files maintained by the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner Office. Mortality rates were calculated by sex, age, race, occupation, and industry. RESULTS: There were 186 fatal occupational injuries; 136 were unintentional. The overall fatality rate was 4.45 deaths per 100,000 worker-years. Mortality rates were higher among men than among women, and they increased with advancing age. The homicide rate was higher among black workers than among whites. Mining, manufacturing, and transportation were the industries with the highest fatal injury rates. Transportation-related jobs and manual labor were high-risk occupations. CONCLUSION: High-risk industries should consider worker-targeted injury prevention programs, and particular attention should be paid to elderly workers.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2003

Transmission of eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus in central Alabama.

A site near Tuskegee, Alabama was examined for vector activity of eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus in 2001. More than 23,000 mosquitoes representing 8 genera and 34 species were collected during a 21-week period, and five species, Culiseta melanura, Aedes vexans, Coquillettidia perturbans, Culex erraticus, and Uranotaenia sapphirina, were examined for the presence of virus using a nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for EEE virus. Each species was infected at various times of the mosquito season (May-September) with different minimum infection rates (MIRs). Culiseta melanura had the highest MIR (20.2) and positive pools were detected from late May to mid-September. Aedes vexans had an MIR of 2.2 and was infected early in the season (June), while Cq. perturbans exhibited a much higher field infection rate (9.9) with all positive pools collected in August. Culiseta melanura is a likely endemic vector in central Alabama, while Ae. vexans and Cq. perturbans probably function as bridge vectors. Culex erraticus, the most common mosquito in the habitat (54% of total collections), had an MIR of 3.2, and was persistently infected from mid-June to mid-September. This is the first report of high rates of EEE virus infection in this species, a member of the tropical subgenus Melanoconion. Uranotaenia sapphirina, considered to feed on amphibians and possibly reptiles, had an MIR of 5.6, with positive pools spanning a four-month period. This suggests that species other than birds may serve as a reservoir for EEE in hardwood swamps in the Southeastern United States and elsewhere. The lengthy period of mosquito infection with EEE virus, coupled with the diverse habits of the vectors and their proximity to a population center, indicate the importance of monitoring EEE virus activity in the Mid-South.

Alabama↗
PubMed1992

Epidemic early syphilis--Montgomery County, Alabama, 1990-1991.

In Montgomery County (1990 population: 209,085), Alabama, an epidemic of early syphilis (ES) (i.e., primary, secondary, and early latent) involving 1010 cases occurred from August 1990 through November 1991 (Figure 1). From June 17 through November 7, 1991, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and CDC initiated an intervention campaign to reduce the incidence of ES; the intervention increased case-finding primarily through partner notification (PN) and cluster investigations.* This report assesses the intervention campaign by describing 1) the results of PN/cluster investigation interviews during the intervention, 2) the relation between reported crack cocaine use and PN/cluster investigation results, 3) a comparison of interview results for the first 6 weeks of the campaign (i.e., early campaign period) with the 6-week period immediately before the campaign (i.e., precampaign period), and 4) the syphilis morbidity trends for 1990 and 1991.

Alabama↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Restorative cost savings related to dental sealants in Alabama Medicaid children.

PURPOSE: Since properly placed and retained sealants can reduce the incidence of caries lesions and save subsequent restorative costs, the purpose of this study was to compare the subsequent restorative cost in a group of predominantly African American Medicaid children who received prior sealants to that of a group of children who did not receive sealants. METHODS: Dental claims of 2 cohorts of 5- to 7-year-old children who were continuously enrolled in Alabama Medicaid from 1990 to 1997 (N=9,549) and who either did or did not receive sealants were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics, chi-square and t tests, and regression analysis. The subsequent restorative care costs related to 1-surface posterior amalgam or resin restorations were evaluated in relation to sealant status and selected independent variables. RESULTS: Only 10% of the children with at least 1 prior sealant claim obtained subsequent 1-surface posterior amalgam or resin restorations. This proportion was 33% among children without a prior sealant claim (OR=4.2, 95% CI=3.6-4.9). On average, total Medicaid reimbursement per child for sealants, plus subsequent restorative care was 56 dollars in the sealant group compared to 72 dollars for subsequent care alone in the nonsealant group. This difference was independent of the child's race, gender, or age. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, children who do not receive sealants are more likely to obtain subsequent restorative care and cost more money to the health care system. However, the modest sealant-related subsequent restorative cost savings observed among Alabama Medicaid children may be an underestimate of the real cost-benefits of sealants.

Black or African American↗
PubMed2004

Measles outbreak associated with an imported case in an infant--Alabama, 2002.

Local transmission of measles is rare in the United States. Since 1997, the majority of measles outbreaks have been caused by imported cases. During October 19-November 15, 2002, an outbreak of 13 confirmed cases of measles occurred, with exposure in Alabama; 11 cases were among day care attendees who had not yet been vaccinated for measles. This was the largest outbreak of measles in the United States since 1999. In response to this outbreak, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and CDC conducted an epidemiologic investigation that determined the outbreak was initiated by an imported case in an infant aged 9 months who had returned recently from the Philippines. Health-care providers should continue to include measles in differential diagnoses for febrile rash illnesses in infants, particularly those with recent travel to areas where measles is endemic.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Elevated blood lead levels associated with illicitly distilled alcohol--Alabama, 1990-1991.

The use of automobile radiators containing lead-soldered parts in the illicit distillation of alcohol (i.e., "moonshine") is an important source of lead poisoning among persons in some rural Alabama counties. From March 5 through October 26, 1991, eight persons were diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) at a local hospital and were reported to the notifiable disease surveillance system maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). None of these patients had known histories of occupational or other potential sources of lead exposure, but all reported recent histories of moonshine ingestion. This report summarizes the results of an investigation of these cases conducted by the ADPH during December 1991.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Access and utilization of dental services by Alabama Medicaid-enrolled children: a parent perspective.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this survey were to assess barriers to utilization of dental services among Medicaid-enrolled Alabama children and identify families who used or did not use Medicaid-covered dental services. METHODS: A random sample of 4,500 parents of Medicaid-eligible children ages 3 to 19 years was surveyed. Participants came from Medicaid enrollment data stratified by area of residence into 3 groups: (1) large urban; (2) town; and (3) rural. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 40% (N = 1,766). Most respondents (71%) reported that their child had a dental visit in the past year. Compared to parents who had a dental visit, those who reported no visits were more likely to: (1) be non-Hispanic African American; (2) be less educated; (3) live in rural settings of Alabama; (4) have more children younger than 6 or older than 12; (5) have more children with disabling conditions; and (6) report poor perceived oral health. Respondents with no dental visits were grouped into 3 categories-those who: (1) believed they did not need dental care (46%); (2) thought dental care was hard to find (34%); and (3) tried but could not get dental care (20%). The first group had significantly less respondents with a high school or greater education, more reporting perceived good to excellent oral health, and more living in rural areas, compared to the other 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Families who did not use Medicaid-covered dental services include: (1) a group with high perceived need and barriers to care; and (2) a group with little perceived need. Interventions must target both groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Carbon monoxide poisonings after two major hurricanes--Alabama and Texas, August-October 2005.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the U.S. Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, and September 24, 2005, respectively, causing widespread damage and leaving approximately 4 million households without electrical power. Despite public health measures to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings after major power outages, multiple CO poisonings were reported in Gulf Coast states in the wake of these hurricanes. The Alabama Department of Public Health and Texas Department of State Health Services asked CDC to assist in investigating the extent and causes of these hurricane-related CO poisonings. The investigation identified 27 incidents of CO poisoning resulting in 78 nonfatal cases and 10 deaths in hurricane-affected counties in Alabama and Texas, nearly all of which were caused by gasoline-powered generators. Most of the generators involved were placed outside but close to the home to power window air conditioners (ACs) or connect to central electric panels. Few homes had functioning CO detectors. CDC continues to recommend that generators be placed far from homes, away from window ACs, and that CO detectors be used by all households operating gasoline-powered appliances (e.g., generators and gas furnaces), with batteries replaced yearly. Although the risk for CO poisoning likely decreases as generators are placed further from the home, additional studies are needed to establish a safe distance for generator placement.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Mortality associated with Hurricane Katrina--Florida and Alabama, August-October 2005.

On August 25, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall between Hallandale Beach and Aventura, Florida, as a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of 80 mph. Storm effects, primarily rain, flooding, and high winds, were substantial; certain areas reported nearly 12 inches of rainfall. After crossing southern Florida and entering the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane strengthened and made landfall in southeastern Louisiana on August 29 as a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds of 125 mph. Katrina was one of the strongest hurricanes to strike the United States during the past 100 years and was likely the nation's costliest natural disaster to date. This report summarizes findings and recommendations from a review of mortality records of Florida's Medical Examiners Commission (FMEC) and the Alabama Department of Forensic Science (ADFS). CDC was invited by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to assess the mortality related to Hurricane Katrina. The mortality review was intended to provide county-based information that would be used to 1) define the impact of the hurricane, 2) describe the etiology of deaths, and 3) identify strategies to prevent or reduce future hurricane-related mortality. Combined, both agencies identified five, 23, and 10 deaths, respectively, that were directly, indirectly, or possibly related to Hurricane Katrina. Information from the characterization of these deaths will be used to reduce hurricane-related mortality through early community awareness of hurricane-related risk, prevention measures, and effective communication of a coordinated hurricane response plan.

Alabama↗
PubMed1990

Medical information for Alabama rural physicians.

Physicians practicing outside of Alabama's urban medical centers often have difficulty obtaining medical information for patient care. This article describes how Alabama's rural physicians may gain access to the biomedical literature needed for patient care using personal collections, communications technology, and libraries. A table in the paper lists health sciences libraries in the state which may provide consultative and information services.

Alabama↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of very low birth weights on fetal and neonatal mortality rates in Alabama.

The relationship of births weighing less than 1,000 grams (g) to fetal and neonatal mortality rates, including changes over time, was studied. In Alabama during the period 1974-84, the percentage of reported births that weighed less than 500 g doubled, and the percentage of reported births weighing 500 to 999 g increased by about 10 percent. By the end of the study, while only 0.13 percent of reported births weighed less than 500 g, 24 percent of all stillbirths and 14 percent of all neonatal deaths were in this birth weight group. Similarly, in 1984, while only 0.62 percent of all births weighed 500 to 999 g, 23 percent of stillbirths and 42 percent of neonatal deaths were in this birth weight group. The data suggest that Alabama neonatal and fetal mortality rates declined more than was apparent in vital statistics data because of changes in reporting practices for very low birth weight newborns during the study period. Changes in vital statistics reporting are suggested to improve data reliability.

Alabama↗
PubMed1989

Surveillance for Lyme disease in Alabama.

To estimate the frequency of occurrence of Lyme disease in Alabama, in September 1988 the Department of Public Health requested physicians and laboratories to begin voluntary reporting of cases of Lyme disease. Thirteen cases, 5 confirmed, 1 probable, 4 presumptive and 3 possible, were reported for the years 1986-1988. Counties in which tick exposure likely occurred included Calhoun, Cleburne, Mobile, Monroe, Shelby, Talladega and Tallapoosa. Lyme disease occurs in Alabama but appears to be uncommon.

Adolescent↗