[Optimization of cluster analysis based on drug resistance profiles of MRSA isolates].

We examined 402 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from clinical specimens in our hospital between November 19, 2010 and December 27, 2011 to evaluate the similarity between cluster analysis of drug susceptibility tests and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The results showed that the 402 strains tested were classified into 27 PFGE patterns (151 subtypes of patterns). Cluster analyses of drug susceptibility tests with the cut-off distance yielding a similar classification capability showed favorable results--when the MIC method was used, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were used directly in the method, the level of agreement with PFGE was 74.

[For the careful use of handheld and portable whole blood glucose meters].

Accurate and frequent glucose measurement is an essential requirement for tight glucose control. Many varieties of handheld and portable blood glucose meters, such as self-monitoring-of-blood-glucose (SMBG) and point-of-care testing (POCT) devices, are widely used for a real-time measurement of whole blood glucose outside the laboratory unit. Obviously, SMBG device has been developed for the home-based use of diabetic patients to achieve better management.

[Epidemiology of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009 in Aichi Medical University Hospital].

We have analyzed epidemiology of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 in Aichi Medical University hospital. As a result, the characteristics of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 was as follows. (1) The number of ordered rapid diagnostic test was 2.