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The article explores laws in New York legislature to pass an proposed constitutional amendment in through a constitutional convention. Topics discussed include State constitution-making in New York; need of conventions to streamline and modernize the constitution; and ways in which constitutional convention may permit amendments that may be harmful to responsible governance.

In this article, the author examines legitimate and illegitimate prosecutor speech in wrongful conviction guilty pleas in the U.S. courtrooms. Topics discussed include examination of criminal justice administration in the country; relationship between prosecutors and the media; and the role of prosecutors in convicting the guilty and protecting the innocent.

The article discusses the ethical obligations of American prosecutors in relation to the late U.S. law professor Monroe H. Freedman's article "Professional Responsibility of the Criminal Defense Lawyer: The Three Hardest Questions" which appears in a 1966 issue of the "Michigan Law Review." Prosecutorial discretion and plea bargaining are addressed, along with the unreliability of some witnesses and issues involving police testimony, criminal convictions, and disclosure duties.

Background: Influenza and pneumonia combined are the leading causes of death due to infectious diseases in the United States. We describe factors associated with pneumonia among adults hospitalized with influenza. Methods: Through the Emerging Infections Program, we identified adults ≥ 18 years, who were hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza during October 2005 through April 2008, and had a chest radiograph (CXR) performed. Pneumonia was defined as the presence of a CXR infiltrate and either an ICD-9-CM code or discharge summary diagnosis of pneumonia. Results: Among 4,765 adults hospitalized with influenza, 1392 (29 %) had pneumonia. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with pneumonia included: age ≥ 75 years, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.27 (95 % confidence interval 1.10-1.46), white race AOR 1.24 (1.03-1.49), nursing home residence AOR 1.37 (1.14-1.66), chronic lung disease AOR 1.37 (1.18-1.59), immunosuppression AOR 1.45 (1.19-1.78), and asthma AOR 0.76 (0.62-0.92). Patients with pneumonia were significantly more likely to require intensive care unit (ICU) admission (27 % vs. 10 %), mechanical ventilation (18 % vs. 5 %), and to die (9 % vs. 2 %). Conclusions: Pneumonia was present in nearly one-third of adults hospitalized with influenza and was associated with ICU admission and death. Among patients hospitalized with influenza, older patients and those with certain underlying conditions are more likely to have pneumonia. Pneumonia is common among adults hospitalized with influenza and should be evaluated and treated promptly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The detection of meningococcal outbreaks relies on serogrouping and epidemiologic definitions. Advances in molecular epidemiology have improved the ability to distinguish unique Neisseria meningitidis strains, enabling the classification of isolates into clones. Around 98% of meningococcal cases in the United States are believed to be sporadic. Methods: Meningococcal isolates from 9 Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites throughout the United States from 2000 through 2005 were classified according to serogroup, multilocus sequence typing, and outer membrane protein (porA, porB, and fetA) genotyping. Clones were defined as isolates that were indistinguishable according to this characterization. Case data were aggregated to the census tract level and all non-singleton clones were assessed for non-random spatial and temporal clustering using retrospective space-time analyses with a discrete Poisson probability model. Results: Among 1,062 geocoded cases with available isolates, 438 unique clones were identified, 78 of which had ≥2 isolates. 702 cases were attributable to non-singleton clones, accounting for 66.0% of all geocoded cases. 32 statistically significant clusters comprised of 107 cases (10.1% of all geocoded cases) were identified. Clusters had the following attributes: included 2 to 11 cases; 1 day to 33 months duration; radius of 0 to 61.7 km; and attack rate of 0.7 to 57.8 cases per 100,000 population. Serogroups represented among the clusters were: B (n = 12 clusters, 45 cases), C (n = 11 clusters, 27 cases), and Y (n = 9 clusters, 35 cases); 20 clusters (62.5%) were caused by serogroups represented in meningococcal vaccines that are commercially available in the United States. Conclusions: Around 10% of meningococcal disease cases in the U.S. could be assigned to a geotemporal cluster. Molecular characterization of isolates, combined with geotemporal analysis, is a useful tool for understanding the spread of virulent meningococcal clones and patterns of transmission in populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore knowledge and use of drug information resources by pharmacists and identify patterns influenced by gender and age-group classification. Methods: A survey questionnaire was mailed nationwide to 1,000 practitioners working in community (n = 500) and hospital (n = 500) settings who answer drug information questions as part of their expected job responsibilities. Responses pertaining to drug information resource use and knowledge of different types of drug-related queries, resource media preferences, and perceived adequacy of resources maintained in the pharmacy were analyzed by gender and age group. The t statistic was used to test for significant differences of means and percentages between genders and between age groups. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize other findings. Results: Gender and age group classification influenced patterns of knowledge and use of drug information resources by pharmacists. They also affected pharmacists' perceptions of the most common types of questions prompting them to consult a drug information reference, as well as the resources consulted. Micromedex, exclusively available in electronic format, was the most commonly consulted resource overall by pharmacists. Lexi-Comp Online was the leading choice by women, preferred over Micromedex, but was not one of the top two resources selected by men. Conclusion: This study successfully identified the influence of gender and age-group classification in assessing drug information resource knowledge and use of general and specific types of drug-related queries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine has resulted in a dramatic reduction of Hib disease in the U.S. and an increase in the relative importance of infections caused by nontypeable strains. The current project describes the characteristics and clinical outcomes of pediatric and adult patients with invasive H. influenzae (HI) and, through multivariable analysis, identifies risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Methods: HI cases were identified during 1999–2008 through active surveillance as part of Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs). Multivariable analysis was performed with logistic regression to identify factors predictive of in-hospital death. Results: 4839 cases of HI were identified from 1999–2008. Children accounted for 17.1% of cases and adults 82.9%. Underlying conditions were present in 20.7% of children and 74.8% of adults. In-hospital mortality was highest in cases ≥65 years (21.9%) and <3 months (16.2%). The risk of in-hospital death in children <1 year was higher among those who were prematurely-born (<28 weeks, OR 7.1, 95% CI 3.2–15.6; 28–36 weeks OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.9–4.8) and, among children aged 1–17 years, higher in those with healthcare-associated onset and dialysis (OR 5.66, 95% CI 1.84–17.39; OR 18.11, 95% CI 2.77–118.65). In adults, age ≥40 was associated with death in nontypeable, but not encapsulated, infections. Infections with nontypeable strains increased the risk of death in cases ≥65 years (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.31–2.52). Healthcare-associated HI, bacteremia without identifiable focus, bacteremic pneumonia, associated cirrhosis, cerebrovascular accident, dialysis, heart failure, and non-hematologic malignancy also increased the risk of death in adults. Conclusion: Prematurity in infants, advanced age and certain chronic diseases in adults were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death. Nontypeable HI was associated with higher mortality in the elderly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. The 2009 influenza pandemic led to guidelines emphasizing antiviral treatment for all persons hospitalized with influenza, including pregnant women. We compared antiviral use among adults hospitalized with influenza before and during the pandemic. Methods. The Emerging Infections Program conducts active population-based surveillance for persons hospitalized with community-acquired, laboratory-confirmed influenza in 10 states. We analyzed data collected via medical record review of patients aged≤18 years admitted during prepandemic (1 October 2005 through 14 April 2009) and pandemic (15 April 2009 through 31 December 2009) time frames. Results. Of 5943 adults hospitalized with influenza in prepandemic seasons, 3235 (54%) received antiviral treatment, compared with 4055 (82%) of 4966 during the pandemic. Forty-one (22%) of 187 pregnant women received antiviral treatment in prepandemic seasons, compared with 369 (86%) of 430 during the pandemic. Pregnancy was a negative predictor of antiviral treatment before the pandemic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], .16-.35) but was independently associated with treatment during the pandemic (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.32-2.96). Antiviral treatment among adults hospitalized >2 days after illness onset increased from 43% before the pandemic to 79% during the pandemic (P < .001). Conclusions. Antiviral treatment of hospitalized adults increased during the pandemic, especially among pregnant women. This suggests that many clinicians followed published guidance to treat hospitalized adults with antiviral agents. However, compliance with antiviral recommendations could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. With the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccines, there has been a dramatic reduction of Hib disease in young children and the epidemiological trends of invasive H. influenzae have shifted. Methods. Data were collected from active surveillance for invasive H. influenzae disease conducted through Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites during 1989-2008. Results. During 1999-2008, the estimated mean annual incidence of H. influenzae infection was 1.62 cases per 100 000 population; 15.3% of cases were fatal. Incidence was higher among adults aged ≥65 years, compared with other age groups. The largest burden of disease among children aged <5 years was in infants aged <1 year; many of these cases occurred during the first month of life in preterm or low-birth weight infants. An estimated 10% of the total burden of disease among children aged <5 years occurred in American Indian and Alaska Native children. During 1989-2008, 7559 cases of H. influenzae disease were reported from Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites. Small increases in the incidence of serotypes a, e, and f were observed during 1989-2008. The largest of these increases was in serotype f and was primarily among adults aged ≥18 years. Conclusions. Since the introduction of Hib conjugate vaccines, the incidence of invasive disease caused by H. influenzae in the United States has decreased dramatically; however, a considerable burden of non-Hib disease is still present in the oldest and youngest age groups. There is no evidence of substantial replacement disease with non-b serotypes in young children in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the proposed standards in the American Bar Association (ABA) Criminal Justice Standards for the Prosecution Function that deals with issues relevant to a prosecutor's charging decision such as the role of innocence in the charging decision, and the role of race and community pressure. The author identifies a prosecutor's charging decision as the heart of the prosecution function. He notes that it will be difficult to design professional standards to guide such function.

Objectives. We examined associations between the socioeconomic characteristics of census tracts and racial/ethnic disparities in the incidence of bacteremic community-acquired pneumonia among US adults. Methods. We analyzed data on 4870 adults aged 18 years or older with community-acquired bacteremic pneumonia identified through active, population- based surveillance in 9 states and geocoded to census tract of residence. We used data from the 2000 US Census to calculate incidence by age, race/ethnicity, and census tract characteristics and Poisson regression to estimate rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. During 2003 to 2004, the average annual incidence of bacteremic pneumonia was 24.2 episodes per 100000 Black adults versus 10.1 per 100000 White adults (RR=2.40; 95% CI=2.24, 2.57). Incidence among Black residents of census tracts with 20% or more of persons in poverty (most impoverished) was 4.4 times the incidence among White residents of census tracts with less than 5% of persons in poverty (least impoverished). Racial disparities in incidence were reduced but remained significant in models that controlled for age, census tract poverty level, and state. Conclusions. Adults living in impoverished census tracts are at increased risk of bacteremic pneumonia and should be targeted for prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Rates of influenza-associated hospitalizations in the United States have been estimated using modeling techniques with data from pneumonia and influenza hospitalization discharge diagnoses, but they have not been directly estimated from laboratory-positive cases. Methods. We calculated overall, age-specific, and site-specific rates of laboratory-positive, influenza-associated hospitalization among adults and compared demographic and clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized cases by season with use of data collected by the Emerging Infections Program Network during the 2005-2006 through 2007-2008 influenza seasons. Results. Overall rates of adult influenza-associated hospitalization per 100,000 persons were 9.9 during the 2005-2006 season, 4.8 during the 2006-2007 season, and 18.7 during the 2007-2008 season. Rates of hospitalization varied by Emerging Infections Program site and increased with increasing age. Higher overall and age-specific rates of hospitalization were observed during influenza A (H3) predominant seasons and during periods of increased circulation of influenza B. More than 80% of hospitalized persons each season had ≥1 underlying medical condition, including chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Conclusions. Rates varied by season, age, geographic location, and type/subtype of circulating influenza viruses. Influenza-associated hospitalization surveillance is essential for assessing the relative severity of influenza seasons over time and the burden of influenza-associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigated and described changes in rates of invasive health care-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among residents of 9 U.S. metropolitan areas from 2005 through 2008. The bases for the evaluation and classification of MRSA infections included the setting of the positive culture and the presence and absence of health care exposures. A drop in health care-associated MRSA infection was seen among patients with health care-associated infections.

The article focuses on the laws provided regarding the use of global positioning system (GPS) tracking for search and seizure purposes which may affect privacy. It discusses court cases in which the law has been applied, along with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court whether GPS tracking of a vehicle by law enforcement establishes a search under the Fourth Amendment. Moreover, it relays that use of GPS device in the law enforcement to trace the direction of a vehicle constantly for an extensive period of time is a grave invasion into the rational expectation of privacy of the motorist which establishes a search under the Fourth Amendment. It also mentions that the affixation of the GPS device to a vehicle may also establish a seizure under the Fourth Amendment.

Background. In January 2005, a quadrivalent (serogroups A, C , Y, and W-135) meningococcal conjugate vaccine was licensed for use in adolescents. This report describes the epidemiologic features of meningococcal disease in the United States from January 1998 through December 2007, before and during implementation of adolescent quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccination. Methods. Data were collected from active surveillance for invasive Neisseria meningitidis conducted through the Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) sites during 1998-2007. Isolates from cases were serogrouped at the ABCs site and confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimates of the incidence and number of cases in the 50 states were calculated, standardizing for race and age group. Results. In the period 1998-2007, a total of 2262 cases of meningococcal disease were reported from ABCs sites; 11.3% of these cases were fatal. The estimated United States average annual incidence of meningococcal disease was 0.53 cases per 100,000 population (95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.55), and an estimated 1525 (95% confidence interval, 1470-1598) cases occurred annually. The annual incidence decreased 64.1%, from 0.92 cases per 100,000 population in 1998 to 0.33 cases per 100,000 population in 2007. Infants aged <1 year have the highest incidence of meningococcal disease (5.38 cases per 100,000 population). After introduction of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, no significant decrease in serogroup C or Y meningococcal disease was seen among those aged 11-19 years in 2006-2007, compared with 2004-2005. Conclusions. Before the introduction of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, the incidence of meningococcal disease in the United States decreased to a historic low. However, meningococcal disease still causes a substantial burden of disease among all age groups. Future vaccination strategies may include targeting infants and preventing serogroup B meningococcal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pharmaceutical compounding, the manipulation of ingredients to create a customized medication, is a widespread practice. In January 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was notified of 4 cases of Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteremia that were traced to contaminated heparinized saline intravenous flush syringes prepared as a compounded medical product. Patients and Methods. We reviewed medical records of symptomatic patients with P. fluorescens-positive cultures of blood specimens or sections of explanted catheters, reviewed the production process of syringes, performed syringe cultures, compared isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and examined catheters by scanning electron microscopy. Results. We identified 80 patients in 6 states with P. fluorescens-positive cultures during December 2004-March 2006. Sixty-four patients (80%) had received a diagnosis of cancer. Seventy-four (99%) of 75 patients for whom information about catheter type was available had long-term indwelling catheters. Thirty-three (41%) of 80 cases were diagnosed 84-421 days after the patient's last potential exposure to a contaminated flush (delayed-onset cases). Compared with patients with early infection onset, more patients with delayed infection onset had venous ports (100% versus 50%; ). By P < .001 PFGE, clinical isolates from 50 (98%) of 51 patients were related to isolates cultured from unopened syringes. Scanning electron microscopy of explanted catheters revealed biofilms containing organisms morphologically consistent with P. fluorescens. Conclusion. This outbreak underscores important challenges in ensuring the safety of compounded pharmaceuticals and demonstrates the potential for substantially delayed infections after exposures to contaminated infusates. Exposures to compounded products should be considered when investigating outbreaks. Patients exposed to contaminated infusates require careful follow-up, because infections can occur long after exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the text of the address by Carl Gershman, President of the National Endowment for Democracy, to the Henry Jackson Society and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy at the House of Commons, Westminster, 21 January 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study investigating disease trends related to group B Streptococcal disease as a cause of mortality in newborns and the elderly in the U.S. The objective of the study was to reveal potential benefits from vaccination and inform evolving prevention strategies. The study measured age- and race-specific incidence of invasive group B streptococcal disease through analysis of population-based surveillance in 10 U.S. states. Researchers reported a decrease in the incidence of group B streptococcal disease among infants from birth to 6 days in 2003-2005 relative to 1999-2001. However, a significant increase in the disease in adults was reported during the same period.

Background. Serotype 19A invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) increased annually in the United States after the introduction of the 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV7). To understand this increase, we characterized serotype 19A isolates recovered during 2005. Methods. IPD cases during 1998-2005 were identified through population-based surveillance. We performed susceptibility testing and multilocus sequence typing on 528 (95%) of 554 serotype 19A isolates reported in 2005. Results. The incidence of IPD due to serotype 19A increased from 0.8 to 2.5 cases per 100,000 population between 1998 and 2005 (P < .05), whereas the overall incidence of IPD decreased from 24.4 to 13.8 cases per 100,000 population (P<.05). Simultaneously, the incidence of IPD due to penicillin-resistant 19A isolates increased from 6.7% to 35% (P<.0001). Of 151 penicillin-resistant 19A isolates, 111 (73.5%) belonged to the rapidly emerging clonal complex 320, which is related to multidrug-resistant Taiwan19F-14. The remaining penicillin-resistant strains were highly related to other clones of PCV7 serotypes or to isolates within major 19A clonal complex 199 (CC199). In 1999, only CC199 and 3 minor clones were apparent among serotype 19A isolates. During 2005, 11 multiple-isolate clonal sets were detected, including capsular switch variants of a serotype 4 clone. Conclusions. PCV7 ineffectiveness against serotype 19A, antibiotic resistance, clonal expansion and emergence, and capsular switching have contributed to the genetic diversity of 19A and to its emergence as the predominant invasive pneumococcal serotype in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited information exists on the incidence and characteristics of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections among residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). We reviewed cases of invasive GAS infections occurring among persons > or =65 years of age identified through active, population-based surveillance from 1998 through 2003. We identified 1,762 invasive GAS cases among persons > or =65 years, including 1,662 with known residence type (LTCF or community). Incidence of invasive GAS infection among LTCF residents compared to community-based elderly was 41.0 versus 6.9 cases per 100,000 population. LTCF case-patients were 1.5 times as likely to die from the infection as community-based case-patients (33% vs. 21%, p<0.01) but were less often hospitalized (90% vs. 95%, p<0.01). In multivariate logistic regression modeling, LTCF residence remained an independent predictor of death. Additional prevention strategies against GAS infection in this high-risk population are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a study on community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which has become the most frequent cause of skin and soft tissue infections presenting in emergency rooms throughout the U.S. This study looked to describe the incidence and distribution of MRSA disease in 9 U.S. communities and to estimate the burden for the U.S. in 2005. The authors found 8987 cases of MRSA in the targeted areas during 18 months, most of which were health care-associated. The standard incident rate was 31.8 per 100,000 people but were higher in the elderly, African Americans and males. The average mortality rate in 2005 was 6.3 per 100,000 people.

Background. Invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. We report the current epidemiologic characteristics of invasive GAS infections and estimate the potential impact of a multivalent GAS vaccine. Methods. From January 2000 through December 2004, we collected data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs), a population-based system operating at 10 US sites (2004 population, 29.7 million). We defined a case of invasive GAS disease as isolation of GAS from a normally sterile site or from a wound specimen obtained from a patient with necrotizing fasciitis or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in a surveillance area resident. All available isolates were emm typed. We used US census data to calculate rates and to make age- and race-adjusted national projections. Results. We identified 5400 cases of invasive GAS infection (3.5 cases per 100,000 persons), with 735 deaths (case-fatality rate, 13.7%). Case-fatality rates for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis were 36% and 24%, respectively. Incidences were highest among elderly persons (9.4 cases per 100,000 persons), infants (5.3 cases per 100,000 persons), and black persons (4.7 cases per 100,000 persons) and were stable over time. We estimate that 8950-11,500 cases of invasive GAS infection occur in the United States annually, resulting in 1050- 1850 deaths. The emm types in a proposed 26-valent vaccine accounted for 79% of all cases and deaths. Independent factors associated with death include increasing age; having streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, meningitis, necrotizing fasciitis, pneumonia, or bacteremia; and having emm types 1, 3, or 12. Conclusions. GAS remains an important cause of severe disease in the United States. The introduction of a vaccine could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality due to these infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the incidence of Group B streptococcus (GBS) disease in the U.S. in 2003-2005, after the issuance of revised guidelines for the prevention of perinatal GBS disease by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The incidence of early onset GBS disease fell by 33% in 2003-2005 as compared to 2000-2001. However, incidence among African American infants increased by 70%. The incidence of GBS disease among pregnant women remained stable.

This article presents an update on a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control focusing on an outbreak of mumps, initiated in Iowa in 2005. This outbreak had spread to ten additional states by May, 2006. A summary of the preliminary data from the original article is presented concerning the progression of the outbreak across state lines, and updated recommendations for the control of the virus during the outbreak are also provided. The author suggests employing multiple doses of vaccines during an outbreak, especially for individuals born before 1957, with no previous history of vaccination.

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the divergence in national trends of gonorrhea and syphilis from 1986 to 1989 in the United States was real and if overall trends masked a contemporaneous increase in both diseases in a core group. Methods. We analyzed the following: (1) reported cases of gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis in the United States for the years 1981 to 1989, (2) gonorrhea screening results from six states for the years 1985 to 1989, and (3) reported cases of gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis by census tract for the years 1986 to 1989 in one city. Results. The incidence of gonorrhea decreased 22% in the United States from 1986 to 1989 while the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis increased 59%. Among Blacks, syphilis incidence increased 100% and gonorrhea incidence decreased 13%; among Whites and Hispanics, the incidence of both diseases decreased. Results from gonorrhea screening among females in six states agree with gonorrhea incidence trends in those areas. Race-specific and census tract analyses of data from a number of metropolitan areas where overall rates diverged did not demonstrate a group in which the incidence of both diseases increased. Conclusions. We conclude that diverging trends of gonorrhea and syphilis from 1986 to 1989 are real and emphasize differences in the epidemiologic characteristics of these two sexually transmitted diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information about shopping in New York City. The shopping scene; Shopping neighborhoods; New York's best buys; Items from A to Z that can be bought in New York City and the best places to shop for them. INSETS: Only in New York;The European invasion: The beat goes on;What's new & hot in SoHo.

The article explores the cognitive adaptations suggesting orientations to control over stress in a sample of mothers who were interviewed after discharge of their infants from a newborn intensive care unit in the U.S. Mothers reported how much their infants' recovery and future developmental status were or are dependent on personal actions and the degree to which they thought they could prevent perinatal complications in future deliveries.

An essay is presented on democratic revolutions in the United States and other countries. It discusses events that exemplified a democratic retreat in Latin America and other parts of the world including Portugal, Philippines, and Africa. The author suggests that it is the people in the developing countries who will determine whether democratic systems will be formed.

Reports on the status of advertising in the United States. Factors that contributed to the advertising industry's decline; Reasons behind most advertising agencies' decision to relocate to less pricey headquarters; Impact of promotional spending practices on the advertising industry. INSETS: BADVERTISING 101;PROMOTION 101;PSYCHOCULTURAL MARKETING 101.

The article focuses on historian Alexis de Tocqueville and his opposition to slavery in the U.S. and France. The possibility that France would lose its colonies either through war or financial disaster was one of the reasons of Tocqueville for arguing that the region should abolish slavery. He regarded slavery evil and contradiction to both humanitarian and Christian principles.

Objective: To elucidate regional trends of infectious complications following transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB) from a national, privately-insured database.Matereial and Methods: Using Market Scan, we identified all men who underwent TRUS-PB from 2010 to 2015. Infectious complications (UTI, prostatitis, sepsis) occurring 30 days after the prostate biopsy from emergency room (ER) visits or hospital admissions constituted the primary outcomes. We analyzed unadjusted and adjusted rates of infectious complications from ER visits and hospital admissions per 100 prostate biopsies by state. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify patient covariates associated with infectious complications.Results: During the study interval, we identified 193,490 patients who underwent TRUS-PB. The mean age was 57.6 years (SD: 5.0). Over time the unadjusted national rates of infectious complications remained similar from 0.4 ER visits per 100 prostate biopsies in 2010 -0.2 in 2015 (P = 0.83), and 1.2 hospital admissions per 100 prostate biopsies in 2010 to 1.1 in 2015 (P= 0.58). Connecticut had the lowest unadjusted infectious complication rate per 100 biopsies at 0.64, whereas West Virginia had the highest at 2.34. Multivariable analysis revealed higher Elixhauser status and patient age were associated with higher odds of infectious complications (P<0.05).Conclusions: While rates of infectious complications attributable to prostate biopsies remain relatively stable, significant variation exists at the state level regarding this adverse outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing abuse of toxic stimulants known as "bath salts" can cause psychosis and possibly death. Raising awareness of the dangers through patient counseling and community outreach programs will be important-especially efforts aimed at young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the results of an analysis of invasive pneumococcal disease in young children before licensure of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in the U.S. in 2007. Medical records were reviewed by investigators to identify children aged 24 to 59 months who received the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. It was found that among the 427 invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases with known serotype in children aged less than 5 years, 274 were caused by serotypes found in PCV13. INSET: What is already known on this topic?.

The article presents a report from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) summarizing an investigation into trends in prenatal group B Streptococcal disease (GBS) in the U.S. between 2000-2006. The analysis includes 2006 data from the Active Bacterial Core surveillance system. Results indicate an increase in the incidence early-onset GBS from 2003 to 2006, driven by an increase in preterm infants and a significantly higher rate among black infants. The overall rate of late-onset of GBS from 2000 to 2006 remained stable.

The article presents an analysis of the effects of penicillin susceptibility breakpoints for Streptococcus pneumoniae in the U.S. from 2006 to 2007. The analysis found that the percentage of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) nonmeningitis S. pneumoniae isolates categorized as susceptible and resistant to penicillin changed from 74%, 15.0% and 10.3% under the former breakpoints to 93.2%, 5.6% and 1.2%, respectively, under the new breakpoints. Cases of IPD were identified through the Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABC) to conduct the analysis.

This article presents news from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This study looked at Salmonella infection outbreaks in the United States due to raw tomato consumption at restaurants in 2005-2006. There were four large outbreaks in the time period that resulted in 459 confirmed cases in 21 states. Investigation by the CDC determined that the tomatoes had been shipped from fields in Florida, Ohio and Virginia and says that these outbreaks show the need to research policies that will prevent Salmonella contamination early in the production and packing process.

The article describes the epidemiologic, environmental and laboratory investigations of the four large multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections associated with eating raw tomatoes at restaurants in the U.S. from 2005-2006. During 2005-2006, there were 459 culture-confirmed cases of salmonellosis in 21 states. The investigations conducted by state and local health departments, national food safety agencies and CDC determined that the tomatoes had been supplied to restaurants either whole or precut from tomato fields in Florida, Ohio and Virginia.