No Evidence of Human Leukocyte Antigen Gene Association With Rheumatic Fever Among Children in Samoa.

Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) have been implicated in rheumatic fever pathogenesis. This pilot whole genome association study compares genotypes of Samoan children with rheumatic fever to unaffected siblings and unrelated healthy controls. No risk-related genotypes were associated with HLA genes.

Risk factors for community-associated Staphylococcus aureus skin infection in children of Maui.

The prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection, and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection overall, has dramatically increased in the past 10 years. Children and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) are disproportionately affected by CA-MRSA infection.

A report on the first case of vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) in Hawai'i.

The state of Hawai'i has the highest prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in the United States. Since vancomycin is the most frequently-prescribed antibiotic for healthcare-associated MRSA infection, there is concern for development of vancomycin resistance. We report on a 61 year-old woman with history of previous successful treatments of MRSA bacteremia with vancomycin.

A probe-based method for confirmation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin and tst virulence genes.

Probe-based detection of mecA, lukS/F-PV (Panton-Valentine leukocidin), and tst virulence genes in 435 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus had comparable sensitivity and specificity to end-point polymerase chain reaction as a reference standard.

Increasing prevalence of nasal and rectal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children with cancer.

Background: Infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in community-settings, especially with strains carrying the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) genes, have increased markedly in recent years. Colonization with S. aureus is a risk factor for infection.

Quantitation of Staphylococcus aureus in seawater using CHROMagar SA.

A microbiological algorithm has been developed to analyze beach water samples for the determination of viable colony forming units (CFU) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Membrane filtration enumeration of S.

Short communication: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in children and young adults infected with HIV.

The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, in particular with Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive strains, has not been well characterized in children and young adults with HIV infection. It is not known if PVL-positive strains of MRSA cause an increased morbidity in this population compared to PVL-negative strains. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the epidemiology of PVL-positive and PVL-negative MRSA infections in children and young adults with HIV from 2000 to 2007.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in pediatric patients with cancer.

The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S.aureus (MSSA) in children with cancer has not been well studied. A total of 10 MRSA and 42 MSSA isolates from bacteremic episodes were collected from cancer patients from 2000 through 2007.

Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in children with cancer.

Background: New strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which frequently carry the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes have been recognized to cause invasive infections in otherwise healthy children and adults. However, the epidemiology of PVL-positive MRSA infections has not been described in children or adults with cancer.

Procedure: The epidemiology of MRSA infections in patients with cancer was retrospectively studied from 2000 to 2007.

Survey of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in healthy college students, Hawai'i.

Currently, the carriage rate for Community-Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is unknown in Hawai'i. This survey focuses on a healthy population of 95 college students and 5 faculty who completed a survey related to possible risk factors for colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and were sampled for S. aureus from their anterior nares.

Association between angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphisms and QT duration in a multiethnic population in Hawaii.

Objectives: Recent studies have suggested that heart-rate corrected QT interval (QTc) in normal populations may be influenced by genetic factors. We report findings of a study of the relationship between QTc, increased QTc (> 440 ms) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotype in a multiethnic, population-based study completed in rural Hawaii.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained while fasting and after an oral glucose challenge from 1452 individuals between 1997 and 2000.

Prevalence and risk factors for prolonged QTc in a multiethnic cohort in rural Hawaii.

Background: Few studies have examined the biochemical risk factors for prolonged QTc, a predictor of mortality in numerous studies. We report on the prevalence and risk factors for prolonged QTc in a multiethnic population in rural Hawaii.

Methods: Electrocardiograms were collected from 1415 participants in a cross-sectional survey.

Distance learning on the Internet: web-based archived curriculum.

Web-based education through archived educational modules offers a significant opportunity to provide didactic education. By archiving lectures and teaching materials, it reduces the educators' time of preparation, especially when many students will need to take the same curriculum over a long period of time. The site can package educational material in multiple formats including audio, video, and readable text, allowing the student to tailor the educational experience to his/her learning preferences.