Improving Blood Pressure Control and Tobacco Use Cessation Intervention In Primary Care: Protocol for the Alabama Cardiovascular Cooperative Heart Health Improvement Project.

Background: Alabama has the second highest rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality of any US state and a high prevalence of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Within the state, there are disparities in CVD outcomes and risk factors by race or ethnicity and geography. Many primary care practices do not have the capacity for full-scale quality improvement (QI) initiatives.

Monitoring Seroprevalence of Infectious Diseases in the Florida Panther (Puma concolor coryi).

Infectious diseases can have detrimental effects on wildlife populations, particularly those that persist at small sizes, have low genetic diversity, and are affected by fragmented habitat. One such example is the endangered Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), which has been intensively managed since the early 1980s, with the current population ranging between 120 and 230 individuals. For more than three decades, panthers have been captured, demographics recorded, and blood samples collected to monitor for multiple infectious diseases; however, an updated comprehensive study of many of these pathogens has not occurred since 1991.

Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer for Clubfoot Deformity: Cuboid Versus Lateral Cuneiform.

Background: Tibialis anterior tendon transfer in relapsing clubfoot deformity is a well-known treatment option for dynamic forefoot supination and adduction deformities. The tibialis anterior tendon can be anchored to the lateral cuneiform or the cuboid. A complication of this surgery is overcorrection to a flatfoot deformity or undercorrection that maintains the clubfoot deformity.

Contextual Factors Influencing Screening for Diabetic Eye Disease in Alabama: Provider Perspectives.

Comprehensive eye exams are recommended at least every 2 years for people with diabetes for early identification and treatment of diabetic eye disease, but screening rates remain suboptimal. Our objective was to qualitatively assess barriers and facilitators to completing recommended eye exam screening for patients with diabetes among providers and practice staff. As part of a larger initiative, we conducted discussion groups with healthcare providers and practice staff to evaluate factors related to referral and screening for diabetic eye disease at 2 sites, a safety-net healthcare system and a specialty clinic.