Comparing Contributions of Passive and Active Tick Collection Methods to Determine Establishment of Ticks of Public Health Concern Within Illinois.

In Illinois, between 1990 and 2017, tick-borne diseases in humans increased 10-fold, yet we have insufficient information on when and where people are exposed to vector ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae). The aims of our research were to compare contributions of passive and active tick collection methods in determining establishment of ticks of public health concern and obtain information on tick distributions within Illinois. We used three surveillance strategies within the Illinois Tick Inventory Collaboration Network to gather information about the ticks of public health concern: 1) passive collection (voluntary submission by the public); 2) systematic collection (biweekly active surveillance); and 3) special collections (active collections in locations of special interest). Of collected adult and nymphal ticks, 436 were from passive collections, 142 from systematic collections, and 1,270 from special collections. Tick species distribution status changed in 36 counties. Our data provide noteworthy updates to distribution maps for use by public health agencies to develop prevention and control strategies. Additionally, the program built a network of collaborations and partnerships to support future tick surveillance efforts within Illinois and highlighted how the combination of the three surveillance strategies can be used to determine geographic spread of ticks, pinpoint locations in need of more surveillance, and help with long-term efforts that support phenology studies.

Enamel nail polish does not interfere with pulse oximetry among normoxic volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if enamel nail polish interferes with pulse oximetry. DESIGN: Laboratory investigation. PARTICIPANTS: 12 healthy nonsmoking volunteers. METHODS: Spectrophotometry was performed on polystyrene cuvettes painted with 3 uniform layers of nail polish enamel in triplicate. Absorbances were compared at 660 and 940 nm for 10 colors across the visible spectrum and documented by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers color code against Pantone matches on a color scanner. Colors were then selected that had the greatest A660-A940 difference and pulse oximetry (Nellcor N-209A. Pleasanton , CA) was performed on nails painted with these colors on 12 subjects using an unpainted digit as a control. RESULTS: When tested by the oximeter, there were no SpO2 differences detected between nail polish colors, nor were there any differences between the painted and the unpainted control digits across subjects (F = 0.51, ANOVA; p = 0.67). Blue (B), green (G), and lime green (G') possessed the largest A660-A940 difference and potentially could interfere with pulse oximetry but did not do so in the clinical model. CONCLUSION: Enamel finger nail polish pigments do not interfere with pulse oximetry as previously reported, the A660-A940 difference must be greater than 1.88 +/- 0.23 SD AU in order to affect pulse oximetry.