Control In Florida Research Articles

MO031EFFECTS OF PREDICTIVE MODELLING RISK DIRECTED INTERVENTIONS ON HOSPITALIZATION RATES IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients have high hospitalization rates. We have developed and deployed a predictive model to identify in-centre haemodialysis (HD) patients at an increased risk for all-cause hospitalization within the next 12 months. The model was used in a pilot called Dialysis Hospitalization Reduction Program (DHRP) to identify patients predicted to be at risk of >=6 hospital admissions and provide additional interdisciplinary team intervention. We investigated the impact of the DHRP on hospitalization rates in HD patients. Method We used data from 45 clinics in South Alabama/Florida Panhandle regions of the United States who participated in DHRP pilot starting January 2016. The predictive model used more than 200 variables to stratify patients as high risk (>=6 admissions), medium high risk (>=3 admissions) and medium low risk (>=1 admission) and low risk (<1 admission). For patients identified at high risk of hospitalization, social workers assessed psychosocial barriers and offered additional psychosocial intervention to target those barriers. Dietitians utilized a high risk assessment looking at weight, nutrition, and access to food and supplements. Resident nurses assessed high risk patients focusing on anaemia, adequacy, access, blood pressure, fluid management, prior hospitalizations, glycaemic control and risk of skin ulcers and blood stream infection Data from patients at the participating clinics was collected and yearly hospital admission and day rates per patient year were calculated 2 years prior to (2014, 2015) and 3 years after (2016-2018) pilot start. Comparison clinics were chosen from neighbouring regions in South and North Florida (43 and 45 clinics respectively). Results Over the study period the number of patients ranged from 4661 to 5672 in the DHRP pilot clinics, 5416 to 5947 in South Florida control clinics, and 6087 to 7596 in North Florida control clinics. Hospitalization rates in pilot clinics during the first year of the DHRP remined similar to the rates during the two years preceding the pilot start. In the second and third years of the DHRP, pilot clinics showed reductions in hospital admission and day rates. At control clinics in both regions the hospital admissions and day rates showed increasing trends while DHRP clinics showed decreasing trends over the study period (Figures 1a and 1b). Conclusion These findings suggest predictive model risk directed interdisciplinary team interventions associate with lower hospitalization rates in HD patients, compared to controls. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Use of Glyphosate and Herbicide Alternatives for Weed Control in Florida Landscape Planting Beds

This new 10-page article is written for landscape professionals and those maintaining landscape areas to guide them in selecting alternatives to glyphosate (the active ingredient in RoundUp®) for postemergence weed control in Florida. Information is also included on preemergence herbicides and integrated weed management (use of chemical and non-chemical controls), which should be the basis of a weed management program. Written by Chris Marble, Joe Neal, and Andy Senesac, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep580

Cadillo (Urena lobata) control with POST herbicides

AbstractCadillo is an invasive species in Florida pastures and natural areas. Despite its invasiveness, relatively few studies have evaluated cadillo management. Thus, the objective of this research was to determine effective POST herbicides for cadillo control in Florida. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center near Ona, FL, in 2015 and 2016. In the greenhouse study, triclopyr-ester, aminopyralid, metsulfuron, 2,4-D amine, aminopyralid+metsulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor+metsulfuron, and imazapyr+aminocyclopyrachlor+metsulfuron provided ≥80% control of cadillo 28 d after treatment (DAT). Aminocyclopyrachlor at 17 and 35 g ha–1were the only treatments with <80% control, with 70% and 75% control, respectively. Similar results were reflected in cadillo dry biomass reduction. The herbicide treatments used in the field study were triclopyr-ester, aminopyralid, 2,4-D amine, aminocyclopyrachlor, and triclopyr+fluroxypyr. Most treatments provided excellent control in the field (≥90% control) 30 DAT, and by 60 DAT all treatments provided 100% control. Results from these studies suggest that cadillo is susceptible to many of the common POST herbicides utilized in pastures and natural areas in Florida.

Yellow Brazilian Pepper-tree Leaf Galler (suggested common name) Calophya latiforceps Burckhardt (Insecta: Hemiptera: Calophyidae: Calophyinae)

In the late 1970s, Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), was targeted for classical biological control in Florida because its invasive properties (see Host Plants) are consistent with escape from natural enemies (Williams 1954), and there are no native Schinus spp. in North America. The lack of native close relatives should minimize the risk of damage to non-target plants from introduced biological control agents (Pemberton 2000). [...]

Fumigant Nematicides Registered for Vegetable Crop Use in Florida

This 3-page fact sheet lists of multispectrum fumigant nematicides currently registered for use on different Florida crops (Table 1); their maximum rates and specific details for field application (Table 2); and a generalized summary of maximum use rate and relative effectiveness of various soil fumigants for nematode, soilborne disease, and weed control in Florida (Table 3). Written by J. W. Noling and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2013.
 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in980

Chemical control of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in banana and coconut

The red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica Hirst, is a predominant pest of coconuts, date palms and other palm species, as well as a major pest of bananas (Musa spp.) in different parts of the world. Recently, RPM dispersed throughout the Caribbean islands and has reached both the North and South American continents. The RPM introductions have caused severe damage to palm species, and bananas and plantains in the Caribbean region. The work presented herein is the result of several acaricide trials conducted in Puerto Rico and Florida on palms and bananas in order to provide chemical control alternatives to minimize the impact of this pest. Spiromesifen, dicofol and acequinocyl were effective in reducing the population of R. indica in coconut in Puerto Rico. Spray treatments with etoxanole, abamectin, pyridaben, milbemectin and sulfur showed mite control in Florida. In addition, the acaricides acequinocyl and spiromesifen were able to reduce the population of R. indica in banana trials.

Priorities in nursing management

Priorities in nursing management

Suitability of a New Plant Invader as a Target for Biological Control in Florida

AbstractThe suitability of a target weed for classical biological control should be considered early in the process of plant invasion. Concerns have been raised about the recent arrival ofMikania micranthaKunth in south Florida and its potential to spread and invade natural and managed ecosystems. This weed is native to the neotropics, and has been introduced into many Asian countries and, more recently, into Australia. In Asia,M. micranthais particularly problematic in plantation crops, but also threatens natural areas and disturbed ecosystems. Several aspects of the biology and ecology ofM. micranthaare discussed in this review to evaluate its suitability as a target of biological control in Florida. Based on an ecological niche model, the climate in southern and central Florida is highly favorable for the invasion of this weed. Previous biological control programs provide valuable information for Florida scientists about the availability of natural enemies and potential areas for future foreign surveys. Genetic comparison of the Florida population and native range populations, in addition to climate matching, should be considered when selecting areas for foreign exploration. Finally, the authors used a scoring system and risk-benefit–cost analysis to evaluateM. micranthaas a potential target for biological control in Florida. We suggest that similar feasibility evaluations should be conducted not only for well-established problematic weeds but also for new invaders with a known history of invasiveness.

Characteristics of mangrove swamps managed for mosquito control in eastern Florida, USA: a re-examination

A recent study by Middleton et al. (2008; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 371:117-129) characteriz- ing mangrove swamps impounded for mosquito control in Florida has a number of problems that weaken some of the resulting conclusions. We examine some of these issues, which we divide into (1) errors of fact, (2) methodological problems, (3) unwarranted conclusions. Errors of fact include incorrect historical assertions, incorrect site descriptions, and inaccurate statements on the general effects of impoundments. Methodological problems include inadequate sampling for the stated pur- pose, in particular using results of one-time sampling of very small marsh areas to characterize entire marshes and groups of marshes; defining inadequate controls; use of heterogeneous experimental treatment groups, including highly atypical and unrepresentative sites within experimental treat- ments; selective sampling; and others. Unwarranted conclusions include the characterization and comparison of marshes and management strategies based upon unrepresentative sampling, and the attribution of differences in habitat function as a result of management strategy without any experi- mental evidence to suggest such an effect. We make suggestions for mitigating some of these issues.

Mass Rearing of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), an Approved Biological Control Agent for Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae)

Raddi, native to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay(Barkley 1944), is a non-native invasive weed inFlorida (Langeland & Burks 2008), California(Randall 2000), Hawaii (Hight et al. 2003), andTexas (Gonzalez & Christoffersen 2006). Thiswoody ornamental most likely was introducedinto Florida before 1900 (Morton 1978; Mack1991). It eventually escaped cultivation and is aserious problem in disturbed sites (e.g., fallowfarmlands, ditch banks), natural communitiessuch as pinelands, hardwood hammocks andmangrove forests, and the Everglades NationalPark (Toops 1979; Ewel et al. 1982).During the mid-1980s, Brazilian peppertreewas targeted for classical biological control inFlorida (Bennett et al. 1990; Habeck 1995). Thelong-term goal of this project is to introduce acomplex of specialist natural enemies into Floridathat are capable of selectively attacking and re-ducing the invasiveness of Brazilian peppertree.Surveys for natural enemies within the areas ofnatural distribution of Brazilian peppertree havebeen conducted, and biological and host rangestudies have been completed for several candi-date biological control agents (Cuda et al. 2006).In May 2007, the federal interagency TechnicalAdvisory Group for the Introduction of BiologicalControl Agents of Weeds (TAG) recommended therelease from quarantine of the stem-attackingthrips

Adaptive and economic management methods for feral hog control in Florida

hogs (Sus scrofa) negatively impact the environment in most places around the world where they have been introduced into the wild. In many places, hog removal is essential to protect special habitats, in particular, wetlands. This paper describes techniques developed for use in adaptive management approaches to enhance hog removal efforts in Florida, as well as methods to evaluate the economic impacts from hog management. A valuable adaptive management tool that can be an easily applied index to monitor feral hog activity is track plots. This method has been effective for monitoring hog distribution and relative abundance, thus aiding the location and timing of control method applications and the evaluation of control results. Hogs are usually managed because they are causing damage. Hence, it is also essential to monitor damage before and after implementation of a control program. To accomplish this, we developed a quadrat sampling methodology to estimate the percentage of hog-damaged habitat. We applied quadrat sampling safely to fragile seepage slopes. We also employed a series of transects specially applied to effi ciently estimate damage to riparian zones. Hog management, like all wildlife management, is also rooted in economic realities. Hence, we developed means for estimating the monetary value of the damage based on the dollar amounts that wetland regulators have charged permit applicants to mitigate their damage to wetland resources. Universally, the economic analyses have demonstrated

Parasitoids of Paratachardina lobata (Hem., Kerriidae): surveys for biological control of the invasive lobate lac scale

Abstract Paratachardina lobata is an invasive pest in southern Florida, threatening a great number of economically important and native plants. The lobate lac scale does not cause problems in its area of origin, India and Sri Lanka, presumably due to various parasitoid wasps. In an attempt to discover promising parasitoids for biological control against the invasive pest in Florida, P. lobata infesting Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) was collected bimonthly from August 2005 to June 2006 at 14 sites in southern India. Four parasitoids were demonstrably associated with P. lobata: a eulophid Aprostocetus bangaloricus Narendran, an encyrtid Ooencyrtus kerriae Hayat and two aphelinids, Marietta leopardina Motschulsky and an undescribed Coccophagus Westwood sp. These chalcidoid wasps were found regularly at all heavily infested sites with an average emergence number per collection period of 62.8, 31.7, 11.9 and 90.5 respectively. The mean number emerged 20–28 days after the collection date, excluding the Coccophagus sp., which occurred significantly later, on average 41 days after collection. Species emergence was examined and parasitized scales dissected. Parasitoid remains were interpreted to understand the mode of parasitism. The Coccophagus sp. was found to be a secondary parasitoid. Marietta leopardina occurred as a primary parasitoid, but only in low number and this species is also known to be hyperparasitic on chalcidoid wasps. Aprostocetus bangaloricus and O. kerriae are promising candidates for the lobate lac scale control in Florida. They are primary parasitoids of P. lobata and occurred at almost every collection site, especially where P. lobata was very abundant.

Mosquito Control in Florida with a Focus on Aerial Adulticiding

Mosquito Control in Florida with a Focus on Aerial Adulticiding

The risk of classical biological control in Florida

Classical biological control in Florida dates from 1899, when Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) was introduced and controlled an infestation of the adventive (=nonindigenous) species Icerya purchasi Maskell. We list 60 invertebrates (59 insects and one nematode) imported into and established in Florida up until and including 2003. No vertebrates have been imported and established for classical biological control. All targets of successful introductions except one were adventive pest insects and weeds. The exceptional target was a widespread aphid, whose introduced biological control agent had no obvious effect. Using many sources of information, we consider the effects, both potential and realized, of established classical biological control agents, on non-target species in Florida. Our goal was to provide a substantiated record and an example analysis. Florida, with high numbers of invasive species, is a microcosm of worldwide classical biological control. We recognized six levels of host range of agents and concluded that 24 agents potentially have native species in their host range. Our analysis suggests that fewer than 10 introduced agents are likely to have produced population changes in non-target organisms and, of these, fewer than four are likely to have produced substantial population changes. No species has had a documented substantial effect on a non-target species in Florida. Such evidence might accrue in future, however, if searched for diligently.

Caiman Bite

Caiman crocodilus, commonly called the spectacled caiman, is a very widely distributed resident of the western-hemisphere wetlands. Caiman bites to humans can cause trauma and infection. There are few reports of caiman bites; however, there is information about bites by other members of the same family, including Alligator mississippiensis. A case of acute caiman bite to the hand is described, including initial treatment and outcome. The bite resulted in multiple lacerations, interarticular fracture, and infection. One of the lacerations was closed, and the patient was started on moxifloxacin hydrochloride. Preventive care and treatment including wound care and antibiotics are discussed. The patient recovered with only a slight long-term functional deficit.

The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida

The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida

Book Reviews: The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida

Book Reviews: The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida

The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida (review)

Reviewed by: The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida Darwin H. Stapleton (bio) The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida. By Gordon Patterson. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2004. Pp. xviii+263. $55. This is a useful contribution to the history of malaria control. It is written with a certain literary verve, and can be recommended to a general audience as well as to students of the history of public health and the environment. After a one-chapter survey of the history of human interaction with mosquitoes, Gordon Patterson finds his pace in the second chapter, establishing that the 1888 yellow fever epidemic in Jacksonville persuaded the Florida state government to create a board of health. While that was the beginning of attempts at epidemic disease control in Florida, it was some years before the board had sufficient funding. Among the board's modest accomplishments was its rather quick acceptance of the idea that mosquitoes transmitted yellow fever after Walter Reed showed the connection in 1903. Yet it was not until a call from the malarious town of Perry in 1920 that the board had an opportunity to show how this idea could be applied to the fight against malaria. The state board of health joined with the U.S. Public Health Service to develop a comprehensive program for mosquito control in Perry and the surrounding county. Draining swamps, oiling waters, and the widespread distribution of the larva-eating Gambusia minnow were the major environmental strategies. The citizens were taught to screen their houses and were given liberal doses of quinine. After one year of the program, malaria infection rates were reportedly down to 10 percent of what they had been. While these were by that time well-known techniques for mosquito control, it was their first systematic demonstration in Florida. The problem for Florida was that mosquito-breeding waters were ubiquitous while the residential development of the state was continuous. Even though yellow fever subsided as a threat to public health, malaria was a major problem, and there were regular outbreaks of dengue. The state government was generally controlled by fiscal conservatives who were not attracted to the concept of statewide agencies run by experts. The state [End Page 449] board of health could not rely on consistent funding, and local governments tended to be allied with real estate interests that saw little to be gained by anti-mosquito campaigns that focused public attention on the problem. The hurricane disasters of the 1920s and the economic depression of the next decade deferred any statewide approach to mosquito control. The post–World War II availability of DDT is a familiar story. In Florida the wonder chemical began to be utilized extensively in 1945, and was a "stunning success" (p. 111). The last native case of malaria was recorded in 1948, and in 1953 the state legislature enacted powerful legislation that permitted local governments to set up mosquito control boards. The next twenty years were a "golden age" for mosquito-control officials and advocates in Florida: while mosquitoes were no more eradicated in Florida than anywhere else in the world, major portions of the state became safe for residential development and vacation resorts. The state was on its latter-twentieth-century rise from economic and social backwater to one of the most populous and popular parts of the United States. Toward the end of his volume Patterson frankly engages the political conflict between the eventually entrenched mosquito-control establishment and a growing environmental consciousness among Florida's citizens. While he extends some sympathy to each side, he particularly spotlights the arrogance of officials committed to spraying insecticides in spite of increasing recognition of their hazards. This is an important story, well-told. But Patterson neglects to engage what must be an equally significant story of private development. How did Disney World control the mosquito? While establishing a chronology of mosquito control in Florida is a valuable service, Patterson might have done more to connect Florida's story to events in the United States as a whole and around the globe. For example, the Rockefeller Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S...

The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida (review)

The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida (review)

The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida

The Mosquito Wars: A History of Mosquito Control in Florida