South Florida Counties Research Articles

The effect of primary language on access to specialized orthopedic care

BackgroundLanguage barriers can negatively impact the quality of care for non-English speaking patients. Lack of access to health-care providers who speak multiple languages or interpreters in medical offices can result in delayed appointment times, delayed treatment, and increased complications. Access to shoulder surgeons with subspecialty training is limited and this has been established which may further exacerbate the problem with access for these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of primary language spoken on access to specialty shoulder care in South Florida. MethodsThree populous, diverse counties in South Florida were selected for data collection. Sixty-nine orthopedic offices were identified by Google search and selected via random number generator. Investigators used the Secret Shopper methodology to contact each office to schedule an appointment for a shoulder arthroplasty for a family member who spoke exclusively English or Spanish using a blocked phone number. The ability to schedule a new patient appointment with a fellowship-trained shoulder specialist, the waiting period for the scheduled appointment, and interpretation services for Spanish-speaking patients were collected. ResultsOf the 69 offices called, 35 met inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in wait times for shoulder arthroplasty based on primary language spoken. There was no difference in wait time to see a shoulder specialist between Spanish (13.7 days) and English-speaking patients (12.9 days) (P = .835)). Wait times with a nonfellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon between Spanish and English-speaking patients was also not different (9.5 days and 11.96 days, respectively (P = .522). Similarly, no difference existed in phone call duration (P = .56), median income and wait times for a general orthopedic surgeon, with r = −0.26 (P = .105), or a shoulder specialist, with r = −0.19 (P = .22). Of the clinics accepting patients, 74.3% (n = 26/35) offered Spanish interpretation with 42.3% (n = 11/26) providing a multilingual physician, 26.9% (n = 7/26) a translating service, 23.1% (n = 6/26) had a staff member capable of translation, and 7.7% (n = 2/26) had an available professional interpreter. ConclusionWhile access to orthopedic specialty care may be similar for Spanish-speaking and English-speaking patients in South Florida, over 25% of clinics lack multilingual physicians or qualified interpreter access. This can negatively impact surgical decision-making, postoperative care and outcomes after shoulder surgery. It is essential the orthopedic community advocates for the proper resources to optimally assist surgeons and provide quality care for Spanish-speaking orthopedic patients.

Examining the epidemiology of AIDS-defining and HPV-associated cancers in HIV endemic areas of south Florida for development of targeted intervention.

e22522 Background: The Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in South Florida (SF) have the highest incidence of HIV infection in the United States, with over 47,000 people living with HIV as of 2021. The epidemiology and burden of cancers associated with HIV in SF have not been fully described, hampering efforts for effective cancer control. This study examines the regional epidemiology of AIDS-defining cancers and HPV-associated cancers, for which HIV+ patients face higher risk. The results are used to develop education and community screening events targeting communities with high incidences of these cancers. Methods: The catchment area of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, consisting of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties for a total population of six million was studied. Using the 2015-2019 data from Florida’s official cancer registry, age-adjusted incidences (AAI) for AIDS-defining cancers and HPV-associated cancers were calculated for all census tracts in SF. Geospatial hot spot analysis was then applied to identify statistically significant clusters (hot spots) of census tracts with high AAI of these cancers. Results: We identified two clusters of hot spots for AIDS-defining and HPV-associated cancers in SF. Except for penile cancer in one cluster, both clusters have HPV-associated cancer incidences that are significantly higher than the state averages. Specifically, one cluster has the highest incidence of anal cancer in SF, while the other has a notable concentration of penile cancer. Conclusions: Using the results, we have developed targeted educational and screening events for communities within the hot spots. A screening summit was recently held in a hot spot community where several screening and educational events were offered on a single day. By sharing information about the epidemiology of these cancers, we were able to facilitate community buy-in and develop working relationships with community partners to provide culturally competent and targeted intervention for a population who are less likely to undergo screening. [Table: see text]

Clinical-pathological features and treatment outcomes in Hispanic/Latino patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma at a single institution.

e16554 Background: Annually, there are over 400,000 new renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases and more than 170,000 deaths worldwide. RCC is one of the top ten more prevalent malignancies in the United States, with 76,000 new cases each year and almost 14,000 deaths. Over the past half-century, RCC has more than doubled in incidence. Studies demonstrate histologic differences and outcome disparities among Hispanic and Latino patients diagnosed with RCC. Research to date describes earlier and more advanced diseases at diagnosis, higher rates of obesity at presentation, and higher mortality among these cohorts. However, there is limited data on clinical, pathological, molecular, and treatment outcomes in this patient population. This study aims to characterize clinical features and treatment outcomes in this patient population in South Florida. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to describe the characteristics and rates of recurrence of RCC among patients treated at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami (which serves four counties in South Florida) between June 2010 to June 2022. An IRB-approved advanced RCC database was developed on RedCap, where clinical, laboratory, pathological, treatment, and response information were captured. Ethnicity was determined as Hispanic/Latino (HL) or non-Hispanic/Latino (NHL). Clinical groups were classified based on the last encounter as local RCC after nephrectomy, recurrent metastatic RCC after nephrectomy, and metastatic RCC at diagnosis/de novo. Results: We analyzed a total of 2048 patients aged 18 and older diagnosed with RCC, from which 1008 patients (47.70%) were identified as NHL and 963 (47.92%) as HL. RCC was in over a 2:1 ratio of men to women in both HLs and NHLs. A subtotal of 435 patients (22.87%) had metastatic RCC at diagnosis/de novo, from which 245 (55.59%) were NHL, and 175 (40.32%) were HL. A subtotal of 1613 patients (78.76%) were diagnosed with local RCC and underwent nephrectomy, from which 763 (45.46%) were identified as NHL and 788 (50.15%) as HL. From the NHL group that underwent nephrectomy, 222 patients (28.21%) had recurrent disease, and 541 patients (71.79%) did not. From the HL group, 175 patients (21.69%) had recurrent disease, and 613 (78.31%) did not. Overall, 408 patients had metastasis after nephrectomy, of which 175 (44.31%) were HL, and 203 (52.24%) were NHL. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with RCC, over 40% of patients diagnosed with metastasis were HL. NHL appeared to have more disease recurrence after nephrectomy and higher rates of metastatic disease at diagnosis compared to Hispanics. Further histopathological differences, clinical outcomes, genomic characterization, and rates of clinical trial participation between the NHL and HL cohorts will be presented at the meeting, along with comparisons between US and foreign-born HLs.

Abstract 722: Epidemiological characterization of renal cell carcinoma in Hispanics: A single US center cohort study

Abstract Background: Annually, there are over 400,000 new cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and more than 170,000 deaths worldwide. RCC is one of the top ten more prevalent malignancies in the United States, with 76,000 new cases each year and almost 14,000 deaths. Over the past half-century, RCC has more than doubled in incidence. RCC seems to have a greater incidence among Hispanics with a nearly three-fold increase. The epidemiology of RCC in the Caucasian population has been previously studied. However, there is a knowledge gap on disparities in RCC on minority populations. Studying the epidemiology of RCC in Hispanics is integral to our community where Hispanics make up 70%. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to describe the characteristics and rates of recurrence of RCC among patients treated at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami (which serves four counties in South Florida) between June 2010 to June 2022. We identified ethnicity as Hispanic/Latino (HL) or non-Hispanic/Latino (NHL). Clinical presentation was classified based on the last encounter as local RCC without recurrence, metastatic RCC after nephrectomy, and metastatic RCC at diagnosis/de novo. Results: We analyzed a total of 2049 patients aged 18 and older diagnosed with RCC, from which 1014 patients (47.90%) were identified as NHL and 933 (48.02%) as HL. A subtotal of 435 patients (22.86%) had metastatic RCC at diagnosis/de novo, from which 245 (55.60%) were NHL, and 176 (40.57%) were HL. A subtotal of 1614 patients (77.14%) were diagnosed with local RCC and underwent nephrectomy, from which 769 (45.61%) were identified as NHL and 787 (50.22%) as HL. From the NHL group that underwent nephrectomy, 223 patients (28.28%) had recurrent disease, and 546 patients (71.72%) did not. From the HL group, 176 patients (21.81%) had recurrent disease, and 611 (78.19%) did not. Overall, 409 patients had metastasis after nephrectomy, of which 176 (44.5%) were HL, and 203 (52.42%) were NHL. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with RCC, almost 50% of patients diagnosed with metastasis were HL. NHL appeared to have more disease recurrence after nephrectomy and higher rates of metastatic disease at diagnosis compared to Hispanics. Further histopathological differences, clinical outcomes, genomic characterization, and rates of clinical trial participation between the NHL and HL cohorts will be presented at the meeting, along with comparisons between US and foreign-born HLs. Citation Format: Abner A. Murray, Jesus A. Ocejo Gallegos, Sandra Jones, Jose Noy, Rosa L. Frias, Leticia E. Campoverde, Jaime R. Merchan. Epidemiological characterization of renal cell carcinoma in Hispanics: A single US center cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 722.

Non-targeted analysis for the screening and semi-quantitative estimates of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water samples from South Florida environments

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of anthropogenic pollutants that are found ubiquitously in surface and drinking water supplies. Due to their persistent nature, bioaccumulative potential, and significant adverse health effects associated with low concentrations, they pose a concern for human and environmental exposure. With the advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) methods, there has been an increasing number of non-targeted analysis (NTA) approaches that allow for a more comprehensive characterization of total PFAS present in environmental samples. In this study, we have developed and compared NTA workflows based on an online solid phase extraction- liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (online SPE-LC-HRMS) method followed by data processing using Compound Discoverer and FluoroMatch for the screening of PFAS in drinking waters from populated counties in South Florida, as well as in surface waters from Biscayne Bay, Key west, and Everglades canals. Tap water showed the highest number of PFAS features, indicating a poor removal of these chemicals by water treatment or perhaps the breakdown of PFAS precursors. The high number of PFAS features identified only by CD and FluoroMatch emphasizes the complementary aspects of these data processing methods. A Semi-quantitation method for NTA (qNTA) was proposed using a global calibration curve based on existing native standards and internal standards, in which concentration estimates were determined by a regression-based model and internal standard (IS) response factors. NTA play a crucial role in the identification and prioritization of non-traditionally monitored PFAS, needed for the understanding of the toxicological and environmental impact, which are largely underestimated due to the lack of such information for many PFAS.

Professional Quality of Life and Fear of Covid-19 Moderated by Perceived Job Market Outlook: Predicting Registered Nurse Turnover Intentions in South Florida During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: The nursing shortage and the aging of the nursing workforce is a growing concern for health care institutions. Understanding nurses attitudes toward turnover intentions is a crucial step to develop effective policies and maintain nurse staffing continuity. Objective: This research aims to study the impact of the Professional Quality of Life and Fear of COVID-19 moderated by perceived Job Market Outlook on South Florida registered nurses by predicting turnover intentions. Methods: From March to August, 2021, 202 registered nurses from seven South Florida counties completed the self-reporting Professional Quality of Life, Fear of COVID-19, and perceptions of Job Market Outlook surveys when predicting turnover intentions in a quantitative nonexperimental predictive correlational design research study. Results: Results showed that in the professional quality of life, burnout significantly predicted (p <.001) registered nurses (n=202) turnover intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction and fear of COVID-19 did not significantly predict registered nurses’ turnover intentions. Hierarchical regression analysis confirmed burnout is significantly more predictive than no model of turnover intentions accounting for more variance at 15.45% (p < .001). Perceived job market outlook did not moderate between the independent variables and the dependent variable turnover intentions. Conclusion: This research reveals the deleterious impact of burnout in the registered nurses’ professional quality of life and turnover intentions warranting the need for health care institutions and nursing leadership to collaborate on the needs of the nursing workforce on a micro and macro level.

Geographic variation and association of risk factors with incidence of colorectal cancer at small-area level.

Examining spatial distribution of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence or mortality is helpful for developing cancer control and prevention programs or for generating hypotheses. Such an investigation involves describing the spatial variation of risk factors for CRC and identifying hotspots. The aim of this study is to identify county-level risk factors that may be associated with the incidence of CRC and to map hotspots for CRC in Florida. County-level CRC cases, recorded in 2018, were obtained from the Florida Department of Health, Division of Public Health Statistics & Performance Management (DPHSM). Data on county-level risk factors were also obtained from the same source. We used Bayesian spatial models for relative incidence rates and produced posterior predictive that indicates excess risk (hotspots) for CRC. The county-level unadjusted incidence rates range from .462 to 3.142. After fitting a Bayesian spatial model to the data, the results show that a decreasing risk of CRC is strongly associated with an increasing median income, higher percentage of Black population, and higher percentage of sedentary life at county level. Using exceedance probability, it is also observed that there are clustering and hotspots of high CRC incidence rates in Charlotte County in South Florida, Hernando, Sumter and Seminole counties in central Florida and Union and Washington counties in north Florida. Among few county-level variables that significantly explained the spatial variation of CRC, income disparity may need more attention for resource allocation and developing preventive intervention in high-risk areas for CRC.

Time from hospital presentation to head imaging in White, Black, and Hispanic geriatric trauma patients

BackgroundHealth care disparities have been shown to negatively affect non-White people sustaining traumas, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. One possible explanation could be delays in emergent medical care. This study aims to assess if a disparity between races exists amongst acutely head-injured geriatric patients, as evidenced by the time it takes from emergency department (ED) presentation to performance of head computerized tomography (CT) imaging. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted from August 15, 2019 to August 14, 2020 at the two trauma centers in a south Florida county covering 1.5 million residents. Patients aged ≥ 65 years who sustained a head injury were identified daily. Patients who had a head injury >24 h prior, sustained penetrating trauma, or were transferred from another hospital were excluded. The primary outcome was time measured between ED presentation and CT head performance. Patients were grouped by race as selected from White, Black, Hispanic, and other. Comparisons were made using ANOVA analysis. Results4878 patients were included. 90% were White. The mean times to CT head were 90.3 min for White patients, 98.1 min for Black patients, and 86.6 min for Hispanic patients. There was a significant difference comparing time to CT between the three groups (F = 2.892, p = 0.034). Comparing each group to a combined others, there were no significant differences for White vs non-White (90.3 vs 91.3, F = 0.154, p = 0.695) or Hispanic vs non-Hispanic (86.6 vs 90.5, F = 0.918, p = 0.338); however Black vs non-Black (98.1 vs 89.9, F = 4.828, p = 0.028) was significant. ConclusionsGeriatric Black patients who sustained head trauma were found to have a longer time from ED presentation to performance of head CT than their non-Black counterparts.

Heirs Property, Critical Race Theory, and Reparations☆

AbstractWe use critical race theory (CRT) to examine the involuntary loss of land and homes among Black residents of the southeastern United States and in particular among the Gullah/Geechee. An Afro‐indigenous population, the Gullah/Geechee have deep roots in the federally designated Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, an area of sea islands and coastal Lowcountry within 25 coastal counties in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. We identify legal vulnerabilities associated with heirs property, in particular tax sales and predatory partition actions, as mechanisms used within the legal system to dispossess owners of their land. Our use of CRT allows us to understand heirs property as a legacy of the Jim Crow era and to recognize material motivations behind continued racial discrimination that has led to involuntary land loss. CRT also leads us to consider the question of empowerment of the Gullah/Geechee population through a program of reparations for wrongful taking of land and homes since coastal development began roughly 70 years ago. One possible mechanism for reparations is to increase existing lodging taxes on coastal tourism along the Gullah/Geechee coast.

The Lychee Erinose Mite Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae)

The lychee erinose mite is an important pest of lychee and is found in lychee-producing countries in Asia and South America and in Australia, Hawaii, and Brazil, where it has has caused an estimated 70–80% yield reduction and a 20% increase in production costs. Found in Lee County, Florida, in 2018, it has since spread to several counties in central and south Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services , Division of Plant Industry established an eradication program and a quarantine in Lee county. Management in other countries includes chemical control in combination with pruning. The purpose of this publication is to provide an in-depth profile of the lychee erinose mite. It is intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Analysis of Some Risk Factors of Active Tuberculosis in Three South Florida Counties.

BackgroundWith tuberculosis (TB) being among the top 13 leading cause of death and second leading infectious disease killer next to COVID-19 globally, there is a need for continued study and a better understanding of the risk factors and management approaches. One in five tuberculosis (TB) deaths occurs in individuals who have contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, other risk factors play a role in its morbidity pattern. Therefore, descriptions of these comorbidities between TB, HIV, and other risk factors such as diabetes are needed.MethodA retrospective, descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of TB and its relationship with some risk factors (HIV, diabetes, race, ethnicity, end-stage renal disease, post-organ transplant, recent contact with active TB, and other non-HIV immunosuppressive conditions) using data from three South Florida counties (Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach) from 2010 to 2019 retrieved from the CDC’s Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT).ResultsA total of 2437 cases of TB were reported between 2010 and 2019. There was approximately a 14% positive rate among the three counties for HIV. In contrast, 47% of the individuals with active TB in all three counties were also diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. An average of 25% of the active TB cases in these counties had a concurrent immunosuppressive condition other than HIV. Known contact with another active TB case was an identified risk factor in 18%, 17%, and 29% of reported TB cases in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, respectively.DiscussionThe HIV status of patients with TB in these three counties was predominantly negative, in contrast to initial theories. The presence of diabetes mellitus was associated with a diagnosis of TB or latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) within the studied population.ConclusionScreening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), compliance, and promotion of LTBI management in newly diagnosed and uncontrolled diabetics may be a successful prevention strategy for this high-risk group.

Analyzing COVID-19 Impacts on Vehicle Travels and Daily Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Levels among Florida Counties

The COVID-19 outbreak and ensuing social distancing behaviors resulted in substantial reduction on traffic, making this a unique experiment on observing the air quality. Such an experiment is also supplemental to the smart city concept as it can help to identify whether there is a delay on air quality improvement during or after a sharp decline on traffic and to determine what, if any, factors are contributing to that time lag. As such, this study investigates the immediate impacts of COVID-19 causing abrupt declines on traffic and NO2 concentration in all Florida Counties through March 2020. Daily tropospheric NO2 concentrations were extracted from the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite and vehicle mile traveled (VMT) estimates were acquired from cell phone mobility records. It is observed that overall impacts of the COVID-19 response in Florida have started in the first half of the March 2020, two weeks earlier than the official stay-at-home orders, and resulted in 54.07% and 59.68% decrease by the end of the month on NO2 and VMT, respectively. Further, a cross-correlation based dependency analysis was conducted to analyze the similarities and associated time lag between 7-day moving averages of VMT and NO2 concentrations of the 67 counties. Although such reduction is unprecedented for both data sets, results indicate a strong correlation and this correlation increases with the identification of a time lag between VMT and NO2 concentration. Majority of the counties have no time lag between VMT and NO2 concentration; however, a cluster of South Florida counties presents earlier decrease on NO2 concentration compare to VMT, which indicates that the air quality improvements in those counties are not traffic related. Investigation on the socioeconomic factors indicates that population density and income level have no significant impact on the time lag between traffic and air quality improvements in light of COVID-19.

2011 South Florida Beef Forage Survey Results

UF/IFAS Extension faculty and state specialists involved in the UF/IFAS South Florida Beef-Forage Program (SFBFP), in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit, created a survey in 1982 that is used to evaluate ranch management practices. The survey is updated and distributed every five years to ranchers in 14 south Florida counties. Written by Sonja Crawford, Christa Kirby, Tycee Prevatt, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, Joao Vendramini, and Lindsey Wiggins, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department. Note: Originally published with the Digital Library Number (AG410) October 2016. Revised January 2019.

GENETIC INFLUENCE ON NEUROANATOMIC DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD

Health care disparities have been shown to negatively affect non-White people sustaining traumas, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. One possible explanation could be delays in emergent medical care. This study aims to assess if a disparity between races exists amongst acutely head-injured geriatric patients, as evidenced by the time it takes from emergency department (ED) presentation to performance of head computerized tomography (CT) imaging.A prospective cohort study was conducted from August 15, 2019 to August 14, 2020 at the two trauma centers in a south Florida county covering 1.5 million residents. Patients aged ≥ 65 years who sustained a head injury were identified daily. Patients who had a head injury >24 h prior, sustained penetrating trauma, or were transferred from another hospital were excluded. The primary outcome was time measured between ED presentation and CT head performance. Patients were grouped by race as selected from White, Black, Hispanic, and other. Comparisons were made using ANOVA analysis.4878 patients were included. 90% were White. The mean times to CT head were 90.3 min for White patients, 98.1 min for Black patients, and 86.6 min for Hispanic patients. There was a significant difference comparing time to CT between the three groups (F = 2.892, p = 0.034). Comparing each group to a combined others, there were no significant differences for White vs non-White (90.3 vs 91.3, F = 0.154, p = 0.695) or Hispanic vs non-Hispanic (86.6 vs 90.5, F = 0.918, p = 0.338); however Black vs non-Black (98.1 vs 89.9, F = 4.828, p = 0.028) was significant.Geriatric Black patients who sustained head trauma were found to have a longer time from ED presentation to performance of head CT than their non-Black counterparts.

Area-level factors associated with spatial variation of prostate cancer incidence for black men

Purpose: Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer (CaP) compared to any other racial/ethnic groups within the United States. Identifying CaP hotspots along with associated local area-level risk factors is crucial to tackling the significant burden of CaP and the disparity seen in Black men. The objective of this study was to determine the scope of geographical variation in CaP incidences and to assess the degree to which this variation is associated with county-level risk and protective factors. Methods: The study population was Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2006-2010 in Florida. County-level CaP incidence rates were computed as the ratios of the numbers of new CaP cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 to the corresponding 2000 US census population of Black men 20 and over years old data (US Census 2000). Other county-level environmental and health care factors were also obtained. A random effects Poisson model and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used to map and assess the spatial patterns of CaP incidences in 67 Florida counties. These statistical techniques involved a Bayesian approach for estimating the underlying county-specific CaP risk since the data are very sparse. Results: The findings showed that an increasing CaP incidence of Black Men in Florida was significantly associated with an increasing unemployment rate ( 2 with 95% CI: (.0025, .2703), does not include zero suggesting significance) and with increasing number of physicians per capita after controlling for other county characteristics. There was a negative association between poverty and CaP incidence. Regarding spatial distribution of CaP incidence, we observed that there are clustering and hotspots of high CaP incidence rates in Palm Beach county in South Florida, and Alachua and Marion counties in north Florida. Conclusion: Our findings showed that indicators of socioeconomic status and accessibility of health care services such as poverty, unemployment and health care providers are important variables that explain spatial variation of prostate cancer incidence rates of Black Men. Better understanding of such risk factors and identifying specific counties with a disproportionate burden of CaP disease may help formulate targeted interventions and resource allocation by state and local public officials

Acculturation and dietary intake pattern among Jamaican immigrants in the US.

Information on dietary intakes of Jamaican immigrants in the United States is sparse. Understanding factors that influence diet is important since diet is associated with chronic diseases. This study examined the association between acculturation, socio-cultural factors, and dietary pattern among Jamaican immigrants in Florida. Jamaican persons 25–64 years who resided in two South Florida counties were recruited for participation. A health questionnaire that assessed acculturation, dietary pattern, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease was administered to participants. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine associations. Acculturation score was not significantly associated with dietary intake pattern (β = − 0.02 p = 0.07). Age at migration was positively associated with traditional dietary pattern (β = 0.02 p < 0.01). Persons with 12 or fewer years of education (β = − 0.55 p < 0.001), divorced (β = − 0.26 p = 0.001), or engaged in less physical activity (β = − 0.07 p = 0.01) were more likely to adhere to a traditional diet. Although acculturation was not a statistically significant predictor of dietary intake, findings show the role of demographic and lifestyle characteristics in understanding factors associated with dietary patterns among Jamaicans. Findings point to the need to measure traditional dietary intakes among Jamaicans and other immigrant groups. Accurate assessment of disease risk among immigrant groups will lead to more accurate diet-disease risk assessment and development of effective intervention programs.

Measuring the Spatial Dimension of Automobile Ownership and Its Associations with Household Characteristics and Land Use Patterns: A Case Study in Three Counties, South Florida (USA)

Motorization and increased levels of car ownership have partly contributed to traffic congestion and air pollution, which is a prime concern in the era of climate change. Therefore, vehicle ownership-related topics have been extensively explored by transportation scholars, economists, and planning researchers. However, relatively fewer scientists have investigated the spatial patterns and socioeconomic factors of car ownership simultaneously within a large geographic scale. Thus, the goal of this article is to illuminate how high levels of auto ownership may cluster spatially and what factors relate to such phenomena by developing an integrative framework and applying it in three counties in South Florida (US). Specifically, this study first evaluated whether vehicle ownership is spatially autocorrelated using Global and Local Moran’s I statistics. It then justified significant factors associated with car ownership by employing Poisson and Corrected Poisson regression models. The findings, using raw data, show that there exist locally spatial clusters of the households with high levels of automobile ownership, while globally the patterns of auto ownership are statistically random. Furthermore, the results suggest that the number of drivers, the number of workers, household income level, housing tenure, the proximity to schools, and net house density significantly influence car ownership levels. The results can assist urban planners and local governments in developing planning schemes that aim at transit, cycling, walking, and other non-motorized travel modes, thereby furthering environmentally friendly communities.

2011 BEEF FORAGE SURVEY RESULTS

The University of Florida / IFAS South Florida Beef Forage Program (SFBFP) is composed of county Extension faculty and state specialists. The members, in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit, created a survey in 1982, which is used to evaluate ranch management practices. The survey is updated and distributed every 5 years to ranchers in 14 South Florida counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota. The responses are anonymous.&#x0D;

Amblyomma auricularium(Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Florida: New Hosts and Distribution Records

Previous published evidence for the occurrence of an exotic armadillo tick, Amblyomma auricularium (Conil), in Florida is scant, but we found it is fully established and integrated into the state's tick fauna. We collected 11,192 specimens of this tick from naturalized nine-banded armadillos, Dasypus novemcinctus L., and 14 other species of wild native mammals and birds in Florida, while sampling statewide during 2004 through 2007. In all, we document its specific presence only in 14 contiguous South Florida counties. Moreover, we report the first collections of A. auricularium from the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Kerr), common raccoon [Procyon lotor (L.)], cotton deermouse [Peromyscus gossypinus (Le Conte)], gray fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus (Schreber)], eastern spotted skunk [Spilogale putorius (L.)], and white-tailed deer [Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman)]. For the first time on birds, we report the collection of this tick from the broad-winged hawk [Buteo platypterus (Vieillot)], northern cardinal [Cardinalis cardinalis (L.)], Carolina wren [Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham)], gray catbird [Dumetella carolinensis (L.)], and yellow-rumped warbler [Setophaga coronata (L.)]. In addition, we report unattached A. auricularium collected from humans for the first time, and additional new collections from domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris L.

Community Federally Qualified Health Centers as Homes for HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis: Perspectives from South Florida.

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV has the potential to reduce HIV incidence in highly affected areas. The Southeastern United States is disproportionately impacted by HIV, and 3 counties in South Florida have the highest incidence of new HIV infections in the United States. This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and uptake of PrEP in South Florida. Focus groups consisting of providers, administrators, and case managers at HIV-servicing community health centers and federally qualified health centers in South Florida reported broad support but low implementation of PrEP. Generally, participants indicated that the centers were appropriate locations for implementation. However, practical concerns and perceived limitations due to financial, insurance, and immigration status of those who would potentially benefit from the intervention were widely reported. Addressing provider concerns appears necessary for successful expansion of PrEP implementation in highly impacted areas such as South Florida.