Last data update: Apr 22, 2024. (Total: 46599 publications since 2009)
Records 1-5 (of 5 Records) |
Query Trace: Helfrich W [original query] |
---|
Using geographic disaggregation to compare tuberculosis epidemiology among American Indian and Alaska native persons-USA, 2010-2020
Springer YP , Kammerer JS , Felix D , Newell K , Tompkins ML , Allison J , Castrodale LJ , Chandler B , Helfrich K , Rothoff M , McLaughlin JB , Silk BJ . J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024 BACKGROUND: American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations are frequently associated with the highest rates of tuberculosis (TB) disease of any racial/ethnic group in the USA. We systematically investigated variation in patterns and potential drivers of TB epidemiology among geographically distinct AIAN subgroups. METHODS: Using data reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System during 2010-2020, we applied a geographic method of data disaggregation to compare annual TB incidence and the frequency of TB patient characteristics among AIAN persons in Alaska with AIAN persons in other states. We used US Census data to compare the prevalence of substandard housing conditions in AIAN communities in these two geographic areas. RESULTS: The average annual age-adjusted TB incidence among AIAN persons in Alaska was 21 times higher than among AIAN persons in other states. Compared to AIAN TB patients in other states, AIAN TB patients in Alaska were associated with significantly higher frequencies of multiple epidemiologic TB risk factors (e.g., attribution of TB disease to recent transmission, previous diagnosis of TB disease) and significantly lower frequencies of multiple clinical risk factors for TB disease (e.g., diagnosis with diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease). Occupied housing units in AIAN communities in Alaska were associated with significantly higher frequencies of multiple measures of substandard housing conditions compared to AIAN communities in other states. CONCLUSIONS: Observed differences in patient characteristics and substandard housing conditions are consistent with contrasting syndromes of TB epidemiology in geographically distinct AIAN subgroups and suggest ways that associated public health interventions could be tailored to improve efficacy. |
Multipathogen outbreak of bacillus cereus and clostridium perfringens among hospital workers in Alaska, August 2021
Newell K , Helfrich K , Isernhagen H , Jones M , Stickel G , McKeel H , Castrodale L , McLaughlin J . Public Health Rep 2023 333549231170220 OBJECTIVE: Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus are common causes of reported foodborne illness. On August 6, 2021, the Alaska Division of Public Health identified a multipathogen gastrointestinal outbreak among hospital staff in Homer, Alaska. The objectives of this study were to identify the outbreak source and prevent future illness. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospital staff who participated in luncheon events during August 5-7, 2021, and used an online survey to identify hospital staff with gastrointestinal illness. We defined case patients as people who reported new-onset gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea or abdominal cramping) after food consumption during the luncheon events. We calculated adjusted odds ratios of gastrointestinal illness associated with reported food exposures. We tested available food samples for C perfringens and B cereus and tested case patient stool specimens for C perfringens. We conducted an environmental investigation at the implicated vendor site. RESULTS: Of 202 survey responses, 66 (32.7%) people reported acute gastrointestinal illness: 64 (97.0%) reported diarrhea, 62 (94.9%) reported abdominal cramps, and none were hospitalized. Of 79 people who consumed ham and pulled pork sandwiches, 64 (81.0%) met the case definition; this food item was significantly associated with increased odds of gastrointestinal illness (adjusted odds ratio = 296.4; 95% CI, 76.7-2019.1). C perfringens and B cereus were isolated at confirmatory levels from sandwich samples. C perfringens enterotoxin was detected in all 5 stool specimens tested. Environmental investigators observed other food items at the sandwich vendor that were refrigerated outside the required temperature range (>41 °F); no clear handling deficiencies for the implicated food were identified. CONCLUSION: Quick notification and effective collaboration can help detect an outbreak, identify the responsible food vehicle, and mitigate further risk. |
Illustrating the Luminaire Comparison Method
Sammarco J , Helfrich W . IEEE Trans Ind Appl 2021 57 (3) 3023-3028 The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforces underground coal mining lighting regulations in the United States and for issues approvals for electrical devices and machines. Companies submit standard test and evaluation (ST&E) documentation to MSHA when seeking approval on a machine with mounted lighting. Subsequent machine modifications, such as changing the type of light lamp from incandescent to light-emitting diode (LED), will require an update via the Revised Approval Modification Program (RAMP). Older incandescent and fluorescent lamps are being replaced by light-emitting diode (LED) technology having many advantages. Today, thousands of obsolete compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are used in underground coal mines. Replacing these with LED lamps requires RAMP documentation for each ST&E and requires MSHA to review virtually thousands of RAMPS that would require an exorbitant amount of resources and would create backlogs that would take MSHA potentially years to process. This problem is addressed by the Luminaire Comparison Method (LCM) that determines if the luminous intensity from a luminaire with a replacement lamp meets or exceeds the luminous intensity of the luminaire with a legacy lamp. If it does, then the replacement lamp is determined as equivalent and can be used as a replacement. One RAMP can then replace multiple RAMPs that would be required without the method. One company estimates over <formula><tex>$700,000 USD in savings; another company has saved about $</tex></formula>200,000 USD using the LCM. It is projected that the LCM will save millions of dollars. This paper provides several examples to illustrate the LCM. USGov |
Developing a virtual reality environment for mining research
Bellanca JL , Orr TJ , Helfrich WJ , Macdonald B , Navoyski J , Demich B . Min Metall Explor 2019 36 (4) 597-606 Recent advances in computing, rendering, and display technologies have generated increased accessibility for virtual reality (VR). VR allows the creation of dynamic, high-fidelity environments to simulate dangerous situations, test conditions, and visualize concepts. Consequently, numerous products have been developed, but many of these are limited in scope. Therefore, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researchers developed a VR framework, called VR Mine, to rapidly create an underground mine for human data collection, simulation, visualization, and training. This paper describes the features of VR Mine using self-escape and proximity detection as case studies. Features include mine generation, simulated networks, proximity detection systems, and the integration and visualization of real-time ventilation models. |
Two outbreaks of trichinellosis linked to consumption of walrus meat - Alaska, 2016-2017
Springer YP , Casillas S , Helfrich K , Mocan D , Smith M , Arriaga G , Mixson L , Castrodale L , McLaughlin J . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017 66 (26) 692-696 During 1975-2012, CDC surveillance identified 1,680 trichinellosis cases in the United States with implicated food items; among these cases, 1,219 were attributed to consumption of raw or pork products, and 461 were attributed to nonpork products. Although trichinellosis in the United States has historically been associated with consumption of pork, multiple nonporcine species of wild game also are competent hosts for Trichinella spp. and have been collectively implicated in the majority of trichinellosis cases since the late 1990s (1-4) (Figure 1). During July 2016-May 2017, the Alaska Division of Public Health (ADPH) investigated two outbreaks of trichinellosis in the Norton Sound region associated with consumption of raw or undercooked walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) meat; five cases were identified in each of the two outbreaks. These were the first multiple-case outbreaks of walrus-associated trichinellosis in Alaska since 1992 (Figure 2). Health care providers should inquire about consumption of commercially prepared and personally harvested meats when evaluating suspected trichinellosis cases, especially in areas where consumption of wild game is commonplace. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Apr 22, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure