Blair County Research Articles

A pilot study of the potential effects of Penn State Altoona's deicer storage pile on Spring Run stream in Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania

Pollution originating in headwater streams, such as Spring Run that flows next to the Penn State Altoona campus, can negatively affect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is located on the Atlantic coast of the United States, and is home to diverse flora and fauna. In addition, commercial fishing and tourism industries contribute to the economies of neighboring states, including Maryland and Virginia. Thus, it is important to monitor headwater streams located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed for sources of point pollution. Spring Run flows next to parking lots where commercial deicers containing chloride, potassium, and sodium ions are routinely applied in the winter months. Given the proximity of Penn State Altoona's deicer storage shed to Spring Run, we hypothesized that it could be a source of ion pollution for this headwater stream. Chloride, sodium, and potassium levels were measured at various locations near and within Spring Run. Our results indicate that ion levels close to the location of the deicer storage pile are greater than levels upstream, suggesting that runoff from the deicer pile is contributing to increased ion levels in Spring Run. Alternate locations to relocate the deicer storage shed are suggested.

596. The ID Physician Is Out: Are Remote ID E-Consults an Effective Substitute?

BackgroundTelemedicine (TM) can provide specialty ID care for remote and underserved areas; however, the need for dedicated audio-visual equipment, secure and stable internet connectivity, and local staff to assist with the consultation has limited wider implementation of synchronous TM. ID e-consults (ID electronic consultations or asynchronous™) are an alternative but data are limited on their effectiveness, especially patient outcomes.MethodsIn the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic and ID physician outage, we were asked to perform ID e-consults at a 380-bed tertiary care hospital located in Blair County, PA. We performed retrospective chart reviews of 121 patients initially evaluated by ID e-consults between April 2020 and July 2020. Follow-up visits were also conducted via e-consults with or without direct phone calls with the patient. Key patient outcomes assessed were length of stay (LOS), disposition after hospitalization, 30-day mortality from initial ID e-consult and 30-day readmission post-discharge.ResultsThe majority of patients were white males and non-ICU (Table 1). The most common ID diagnosis was bacteremia (27.3%, 33/121), followed by skin and soft tissue infections (15.7%, 19/121) and bone/joint infections (14.9%, 18/121) (Figure 1). Table 2 shows patient outcomes. Average total LOS was 11 days and 7 days post-initial ID e-consult. 48.7% (59/121) of patients were discharged home and 37.2% (45/121) to a post-acute rehabilitation facility. 2.5% (3/121) of patients required transfer to a higher level of care facility; none of which were to obtain in-person ID care. The index mortality rate was 3.3% (4/121), which appears to be lower than published data for in-person ID care. The 30-day mortality rate was 4.1% (5/121), which is also comparable to previously reported for ID e-consults. 25.6% (31/121) of patients required readmission within 30 days but only 14.0% (17/121) were related to the initial infection.Table 1. Demographics *Immunosuppressive agents include: Apremilast, Dasatinib, Etanercept, Remicade, Rituximab, and Prednisone >10 mg/dayFigure 1. Variety of ID Diagnoses made by e-consults Table 2. Outcomes ConclusionWe believe that this is the first report of the implementation of ID e-consults at a tertiary care hospital. Mortality rates appear to be comparable to in-person ID care. In the absence of in-person ID physicians, ID e-consults can be a reasonable substitute. Further study is required to compare performance of ID e-consults to in-person ID consults.Disclosures John Mellors, MD, Abound Bio, Inc. (Shareholder)Accelevir (Consultant)Co-Crystal Pharma, Inc. (Other Financial or Material Support, Share Options)Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support)Infectious DIseases Connect (Other Financial or Material Support, Share Options)Janssen (Consultant)Merck (Consultant) Rima Abdel-Massih, MD, Infectious Disease Connect (Employee, Director of Clinical Operations) Rima Abdel-Massih, MD, Infectious Disease Connect (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Chief Medical Officer, Other Financial or Material Support, Other Financial or Material Support, Shareholder

Effect of Medical Nutrition Therapy for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in a Low-/No-Cost Clinic: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

Background.Although many studies have been conducted regarding the effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for type 2 diabetes management, less is known about the effectiveness of MNT for low-income adults. This study evaluated the contribution of MNT in improving A1C and blood pressure in a population of low-income adults with type 2 diabetes.Methods.This was a population-based, propensity score–matched cohort study using provincial health data from Altoona, Blair County, Pa. Patients who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months before March 2014 were selected from two separate clinics that serve low-income populations. Patients who received MNT (n = 81) from a registered dietitian were compared to a matched group of patients who received primary care alone (n = 143). Outcome measures were A1C and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The follow-up period was 1 year.Results.Improvements in A1C and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were statistically significant for patients who received MNT at uniform 3-month intervals through 1 year. At the 1-year follow-up, A1C reduction was –0.8% (P <0.01), systolic blood pressure reduction was –8.2 mmHg (P <0.01), and diastolic blood pressure reduction was –4.3 mmHg (P <0.05).Conclusion.Although low-income individuals encounter a variety of barriers that reduce their capacity for success with and adherence to MNT, provision of nutrition therapy services by a registered dietitian experienced in addressing these barriers can be an effective addition to the existing medical components of type 2 diabetes care.

Collaborative implementation of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment within the medical community of Blair County, PA

Background This report provides an overview on the planning and implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) training programs in one community healthcare system so that it can be a model for other systems who wish to implement similar programs. The goal was to reduce the impact of substance use disorders (SUD) on the criminal justice system and community by implementing SBIRT in local medical clinics to improve the early identification of and evidence-based intervention on SUD by the medical community.

Blair County's Competitive Economic Advantage

The demographic and economic characteristics of Blair County, Pennsylvania, are compared with the entire state of Pennsylvania. The age distribution of the working population of Blair County is similar to Pennsylvania’s. Blair County, however, has a lower percentage than Pennsylvania of people over 25 years old who have some college education and postgraduate education, even though the density of higher education institutions is roughly the same in Blair County as in all of Pennsylvania. Blair County hourly earnings and per capita income are lower, and the percentage of children living in poverty is greater, than in the Commonwealth in general. Blair County’s population is less likely to be foreign–born, but is more likely to be disabled, than the population in the Commonwealth. Most of the migration in and out of Blair County is to and from surrounding counties. Ten industries are identified that: Are concentrated - Employed a higher proportion of total Blair County workers in 2008 than the proportion of industry employment in the nation; Are growing - Employed more Blair County workers in 2008 than in 2005; Grow jobs competitively - Created more Blair County jobs between 2005 and 2008 than can be accounted for by the general rate of job growth in the nation and the industry’s own growth rate in the entire nation; and are substantial - Employed more than 200 workers in 2008. These industries included: paper manufacturing; warehousing & storage; food manufacturing; waste management & remediation services; miscellaneous manufacturing; building material & garden supply stores; general merchandise stores; social assistance; miscellaneous store retailers; and sporting goods, hobby, book, & music stores. The major regional suppliers and customers in Blair County are listed which form the business-to-business markets for these ten industries. Then, the ten industries were ranked on the following five factors that impact the well-being of Blair County residents and their community: National employment growth - Establishments in industries with national employment growth more likely to expand and create new jobs than establishments in flat or declining industries. Indicates robust product market at general level. Average establishment size - Industries with larger average establishment employment have greater potential for substantial job creation than establishments with lower average employment. Ratio of average wages in region to nation - Other industry characteristics held constant, higher wage opportunities in an industry induce higher impacts on the regional - Local tax revenue per worker - The local fiscal impact of an industry is related to (a) the industry’s contribution to revenues through property taxes paid and (b) public expenditures through increased services required by the industry’s employees. This indicator scales the local revenue generated by an industry by the number of workers employed, which demonstrates the per capita worker contribution to the purchase of public goods and services. Ripple effect on income - Income is created throughout a region when an industry’s employees spend their income in, for instance, retail establishments and restaurants. Some industries produce a larger “ripple effect” on regional compensation of employees and income to proprietors than other industries. The resulting rankings: 1 - paper manufacturing; 2 - warehousing & storage; 3 - food manufacturing 4 - waste management & remediation services; 5 - miscellaneous manufacturing; 6 - building material & garden supply stores; 7 - general merchandise stores; 8 - social assistance 9 - miscellaneous store retailers; 10 - sporting goods, hobby, book, & music stores.

Role of Fruit and Vegetable Canning in the Economy of Blair County

The Penn State Workforce Education and Development Initiative conducted an analysis of the economic impact of fruit and vegetable canning in Blair County in Pennsylvania. The results of the analysis provide a benchmark for measuring the total employment, employee compensation, and property taxes associated with every 100 workers employed in Blair County's fruit and vegetable canning firms.The current recession has reshaped consumer behavior in the U.S. Tightened budgets forcing many consumers to eat more of their meals at home, making them more likely to purchase canned soups, bottled juices, and pasta sauces, all products of fruit and vegetable canning. These trends expected to drive fruit and vegetable canning industry revenue in the U.S. to a five-year peak of $34.7 billion in 2010.Products provided by fruit and vegetable canning industry classified in the North American Industrial Classification System, code 311421. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, establishments in this industry are primarily engaged in manufacturing canned, pickled, and brined fruits and vegetables. Examples of products made in these establishments juices; canned jams and jellies; canned tomato-based sauces, such as catsup, salsa, chili, spaghetti, barbeque, and tomato paste; pickles, relishes, and sauerkraut. During 2007, 48,830 U.S. workers were employed in 724 establishments in this industry, with a payroll of $2.2 billion.

Role of Mining Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing in the Economy of Blair County

The Penn State Workforce Education and Development Initiative conducted an analysis of the economic impact of mining machinery and equipment manufacturing in Blair County in Pennsylvania. From 2004 to 2009, the mining machinery and equipment manufacturing industry underwent a period of stellar growth, underpinned by booming global demand for mineral and energy commodities. Rising resource prices led mining and oil to expand existing production and increase exploration, resulting in strong demand for machinery and equipment. After a challenging year in 2009, firms in the industry expected to enjoy better conditions in 2010, with the global economic recovery and rising commodity prices, signaling stronger demand for new equipment.Products provided by mining machinery and equipment manufacturing classified in the North American Industrial Classification System, code 333131. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, establishments in this industry are primarily engaged in (1) manufacturing underground mining machinery and equipment, such as coal breakers, mining cars, core drills, coal cutters, rock drills and (2) manufacturing mineral beneficiating machinery and equipment used in surface or underground mines. During 2007, 11,309 U.S. workers were employed in 265 establishments in this industry, with a payroll of $557 million.

Role of Paper Mills in the Economy of Blair County

The Penn State Workforce Education and Development Initiative conducted an analysis of the economic impact of paper mills in Blair County in Pennsylvania. Among the firms operating paper mills in Blair County American Eagle Paper Mills in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and Appleton Papers in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania. The Initiative's analysis reveals that paper mill operations have a remarkably strong impact on jobs, income, and property taxes in Blair County, despite facing an especially tough and competitive economic environment.Products manufactured by paper mills classified in the North American Industrial Classification System code 322121. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, establishments in this industry are primarily engaged in manufacturing paper. These establishments may manufacture or purchase pulp. In addition, these establishments may convert the paper they make. During 2010,the U.S. paper mills industry is estimated to employ 40,076 in 297 mills owned by 175 companies.

Role of Glass &amp; Glass Products Manufacturing in the Economy of Blair County

The glass and glass products manufacturing industry is an important part of the history and economy of Blair County in Pennsylvania. The industry creates jobs and compensation for workers throughout Blair County and influences tax revenues in the County.

Threshold events in spring discharge: Evidence from sediment and continuous water level measurement

In September 2004, three major hurricanes, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, traveled up the eastern United States from the Gulf Coast bringing large amounts of rain to Central Pennsylvania. Monitoring equipment in place at Arch Spring, Blair County, PA captured the effects of these storms on the karstic spring flow. Together these storms revealed a quantitative limit for the carrying capacity of the conduit system. Ivan was a much more devastating storm to the area because rain fell on ground already saturated by Frances, but the net stage increase at the spring was greater during the earlier Frances storm, a 74 cm stage increase versus a 54 cm increase. Storm water not transported through the Arch Spring system was diverted into surface channels during these storms. Suspended sediment collected by an automatic sampler during Frances reveals another threshold crossed. Concurrent with increasing stage and high conductance water, maximum sediment concentrations (933 mg/L) exceed previous fluxes by up to an order of magnitude. The timing of the sediment pulse indicates that high sediment concentrations occur not only when the storm water reaches the spring, but also when stored water is being flushed out of the karst spring system. Sediment previously deposited in the conduit system is flushed only when adequate flows occur, indicating that sediment transport in karst is marked by thresholds and is a strongly non-linear process.

Mineralogy of suspended sediment in three karst springs

Springs in karstic carbonate rocks frequently carry a sediment load as well as a dissolved load. Analysis of morphology and mineralogy of suspended sediment from three contrasting karst springs reveals a suite of clastic particles that reflect both source areas and processes that take place within the aquifer. Nolte Spring in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA, discharges sediment of apparently precipitated calcite, indicating that at some point in the aquifer or vadose zone, water exceeds saturation with respect to calcite. Sediment morphologies and chemical conditions in the aquifer point to two different scenarios for this precipitation. The other two springs, Arch Spring in Blair County, Pennsylvania and Bushkill Spring in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, show no evidence of calcite precipitation. Arch Spring discharges mainly layer silicates, while Bushkill Spring discharges mainly silica.

The Status of Gymnocarpium heterosporum and G. robertianum in Pennsylvania

In 1935, Katherine Schneider made the first discovery of what she identified as the limestone oak fern, Gymnocarpium robertianum (Hoffm.) Newm., in Blair County, Pennsylvania (Wherry, 1942a). This significant find was not disclosed until 1941, when she and Elsie Canan located a larger colony of plants nearby and arranged to have the site verified by E.T. Wherry. At the time, this finding was regarded as the most remarkable disjunct occurrence of any species for the state of Pennsylvania (Wherry, 1942b); an honor that later when to Montia chamissoi (Ledeb. ex Spreng.) Greene (Wherry, 1964). Nevertheless, the Blair County site still maintained the presumed distinction of being the southernmost locality known for G. robertianum in North America (Ogden, 1981), with the nearest stations being 260 miles to the northwest in St. Clair County, Michigan and 300 miles directly north in Frontenac County, Ontario (Sarvela et al., 1981). The small number of herbarium specimens originating from the Blair County site indicates that it was a well-kept secret indeed, with only a handful of botanists who made collections there (Table 1). Most gave general directions to it as either miles northwest of 3 miles northwest of or 3.5 miles north of Duncansville. Thomas Darling, Jr. visited the site on August 25, 1956, and the specimen that he deposited at the Smithsonian (US) provides the most detailed locality information: among limestone rocks on northwest-facing talus slope near quarry, approximately 2 miles northwest of Hollidaysburg, near point where Burgoon Creek intersects Beaverdam Branch of Juniata River, Blair County. The most recent date of collection is August 10, 1957, when the site was visited by L.K. Henry (Table 1). No herbarium specimens taken from there since that date were located.

The fossils of Franktown Cave, Blair County, Pennsylvania

The fossils of Franktown Cave, Blair County, Pennsylvania

Notes on the Breeding Birds of Pennsylvania and New Jersey

74. Otocoris alpestris praticola. PRAIRIE HORNED LARK.An irregularly distributed breeding bird over most of Pennsylvania north of Northampton, Schuylkill, Northumberland, Cumberland and Franklin Counties. I have found it nesting on the Pocono plateau and in Huntington, Center, and Greene Counties. Data on seven nests give: average set, 3 (4-5); average date, March 25 (March 18); a second set, May 20. 75. Cyanocitta cristata cristata. BLUE JAY.Breeds commonly, though in some places locally, throughout both states. Data on sixteen nests give: average set, 5 (4-6); average date, May 5 (April 29-June 17). 76. Corvus corax principalis. NORTHERN RAVEN.Does not now breed in New Jersey and is nearing extinction in Pennsylvania, making a last stand in the mountains of Snyder, Mifflin, Center, Blair, Clinton, Union, Juniata and Huntington Counties. During 1917 only one pair out of five previously located was present. Nests have seldom been found nearer togetber than thirty miles, and all have been located on cliffs with one exception, that one being in a pine tree. Data on ten nests give the following: average set, 5 (4); average date, March 4 (February 27-April 12). 77. Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos. CROW.-Nests abundantly throughout, even along the sea coast of New Jersey with the Fish Crows. Data recorded on 194 nests give: average set, 5 (3-6); average date April 10 (March 26-May 20). 78. Corvus ossifragus. FISH CROW.Nests commonly through southern New Jersey being especially abundant in Cape May County where they breed in colonies as well as singly. In Pennsylvania I have found them nesting in the valleys of the Delaware and Susquehanna as far north as Bucks and Dauphin Counties. Data on thirty-two nests give: average set 5 (4-6); average date, May 14 (April 19-May 24). 79. Sturnus vulgaris vulgaxis. STARLING.Now breeding over practically the entire state of New Jersey and well established in Pennsylvania as far west as Altoona, Blair County. It reached Wayne and Center Counties and bred there in 1917. Data on eleven nests give: average set 5 (4-6); average date, April 28 (April 20-May 14). 80. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. BOBOLINK.Very locally distributed in Pennsylvania in the breeding season. They occur regularly as near Philadelphia as Ambler, Montgomery Co. and Newtown, Bucks Co., and I once saw a pair as far south as Tinicum, Delaware Co., where however,