Predictors of initial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography indication among patients with colorectal cancer.

Objectives: To evaluate the determinants of initial F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG)-PET indication following primary colorectal cancer diagnosis among patients who underwent surgery between January 2000 and December 2007 and who were observed at a single institution for at least 2 years after diagnosis.

Methods: Of the 530 patients who underwent colorectal cancer resection, 113 patients received at least one F-FDG-PET following diagnosis. Outcome variables included indication and time of the first F-FDG-PET following diagnosis.

Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels in offshore workers.

Objectives: To compare differences in pre- and post-shift urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1OHP) levels as a measure of internal dose of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) between two groups of oil production workers offshore assumed to be exposed to PAH, and to compare the exposed group to an unexposed control group.

Methods: Participants' (n = 42) urine samples, collected over a study period of three consecutive 12-h work days (pre-shift on the first day and post-shift on the third day), were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Analysis of covariance was used in the statistical models.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk, prevention, and testing behaviors--United States, National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System: men who have sex with men, November 2003-April 2005.

Problem/condition: For CDC's goal of reducing the number of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections to be achieved, data are needed to assess the prevalence of HIV-related risk behaviors at a given time, monitor trends in these behaviors, and assess the correlates of risk. These data also can be used to evaluate the extent to which current HIV-prevention programs are reaching targeted communities and direct future HIV-prevention activities to reduce HIV transmission.

Reporting Period: November 2003-April 2005.

Cluster of deaths from group A streptococcus in a long-term care facility--Georgia, 2001.

Background: Invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) affects approximately 10,500 persons annually; 1 in 5 patients >/=65 years die. In August 2001, CDC investigated a cluster of GAS deaths in a Georgia long-term care facility (LTCF).

Methods: We screened LTCF residents and staff for GAS carriage and conducted a retrospective cohort study among residents.