Determinants of Clostridium difficile Infection Incidence Across Diverse United States Geographic Locations.

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is no longer restricted to hospital settings, and population-based incidence measures are needed. Understanding the determinants of CDI incidence will allow for more meaningful comparisons of rates and accurate national estimates.

Methods: Data from active population- and laboratory-based CDI surveillance in 7 US states were used to identify CDI cases (ie, residents with positive C difficile stool specimen without a positive test in the prior 8 weeks).

Colorado dental practitioners' attitudes and practices regarding tobacco-use prevention activities for 8- through 12-year-old patients.

Background: Tobacco use is a leading risk factor for oral morbidities and mortalities such as oral cancers and periodontitis. This study characterizes the factors related to dentists and hygienists conducting tobacco-use prevention counseling with 8- through 12-year-old patients.

Methods: The study used a mailed survey of dentists (n = 434), orthodontists (n = 91) and hygienists (n = 160) practicing in Colorado to collect data on the practitioners' tobacco-use prevention counseling activity, demographic characteristics, barriers to counseling and attitudes toward tobacco use.

Recombinant human activated protein C reduces human endotoxin-induced pulmonary inflammation via inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis.

Recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) is a natural anticoagulant with potentially important anti-inflammatory properties. In humans with severe sepsis, rhAPC treatment reduces mortality, but mechanisms responsible have not been well characterized. Accumulation of activated neutrophils in the lungs and other organs during severe infection contributes to sepsis-induced organ dysfunction, including acute inflammatory lung injury.