Publications by authors named "Elizabeth Behrens"

Objective: Describe the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of an outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing organisms and the novel use of a cohorting unit for its control.

Design: Observational study.

Setting: A 566-room academic teaching facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In 2018, the Clostridium difficile LabID event methodology changed so that hospitals doing 2-step tests, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) plus enzyme immunofluorescence assay (EIA), had their adjustment modified to EIA-based tests, and only positive final tests (eg, EIA) were counted in the numerator. We report the immediate impact of this methodological change at 3 Milwaukee hospitals.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pulmonary condition, characterized by diffuse proliferation of neuroendocrine cells in the respiratory epithelium. DIPNECH lesions are less than 5 mm in size and are limited to the basement membrane with no invasion. There is limited information regarding epidemiology, natural history of disease progression, or the management of this rare entity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, 2010) and the Institute of Medicine's (IOM, 2011) Future of Nursing report have prompted changes in the U.S. health care system.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Mustard gas is a simple molecule with a deadly past. First used as a chemical weapon in World War I, its simple formulation has raised concerns over its use by terrorist organizations and unstable governments. Mustard gas is a powerful vesicant and alkylating agent that causes painful blisters on epithelial surfaces and increases the incidence of cancer in those exposed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF