Natural DNA Transformation Is Functional in Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris KW2.

is one of the most commonly used lactic acid bacteria in the dairy industry. Activation of competence for natural DNA transformation in this species would greatly improve the selection of novel strains with desired genetic traits. Here, we investigated the activation of natural transformation in subsp.

The use of telemedicine in the management of diabetes-related foot ulceration: a pilot study.

Objective: To determine if the management of forefoot ulcerations through telemedicine is medically equivalent to ulcer care at a diabetes foot program.

Design: Nonrandomized comparison of forefoot ulcer healing rates.

Setting: The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Diabetes Foot Program, Baton Rouge, LA, and Lallie Kemp Medical Center, Independence, LA.

A staged management diabetes foot program versus standard care: a 1-year cost and utilization comparison in a state public hospital system.

Objective: To determine whether staged management of foot ulcers reduces health care costs and utilization.

Design: Nonrandomized retrospective study using data from 1998-1999 in the Louisiana public hospital system.

Setting: Louisiana public hospital system.

The impact of a staged management approach to diabetes foot care in the Louisiana public hospital system.

By the beginning of 1999, a Disease Management Initiative (DMI), consisting of targeted goals for the medical management of diabetes, had been established at all Louisiana State public hospitals. Concurrently, a regional Diabetes Foot Program (DFP) utilizing a staged management approach to foot problems was established in Baton Rouge. This study compares annual rates of hospitalization for diabetes-related foot problems and diabetes-related lower extremity amputations in diabetes patients treated for foot ulceration at the Louisiana public hospitals before and after implementation of DMI and the DFP.

Comparison of forefoot ulcer healing using alternative off-loading methods in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To compare the healing rate of forefoot ulcers in patients with diabetes treated using a total contact cast with those treated using alternative off-loading methods. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of healing rates of forefoot ulcers.

Setting: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Diabetes Foot Program, Baton Rouge, LA.