BACKGROUND To simulate the short-term dynamics of soluble gas exchange (e.g. CO2 rebreathing), model structure, ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) and ventilation-volume (VA/VA) parameters must be selected correctly. Some diseases affect mainly the VA/Q distribution while others affect both VA/Q and VA/VA distributions. Results from the multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET) and multiple br...

OBJECTIVE To survey malaria prevalence in Sarbaz from April 2009 to October 2010. METHODS Epidemiological data of 1 464 confirmed malarial patients were analyzed according to demographic status, sex, age, nationality, isolated species and residence place. RESULTS The majority of patients were male 950 (64.8%) but 514 (35.2%) were female. 82.5% of patients were Iranian, 14% Pakistani immigra...

The relation between vitamin A (VA) nutritional status and the metabolism of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) is not well understood. In this study, we determined the tissue distribution and metabolism of a test dose of [(3)H]-RA in rats with graded, diet-dependent, differences in VA status. The design included 3 groups, designated VA-deficient, VA-marginal, and VA-adequate, with liver total retino...

Among Veterans, heart failure (HF) contributes to frequent emergency department visits and hospitalization. Dual health care system use (dual use) occurs when Veterans Health Administration (VA) enrollees also receive care from non-VA sources. Mounting evidence suggests that dual use decreases efficiency and patient safety. This qualitative study used constructivist grounded theory and content ...

PURPOSE The Titmus Stereotest (Stereo Optical Co., Inc., Chicago, IL) has been used to estimate visual acuity (VA) in the evaluation of nonorganic visual loss. Previous predictions were derived from optical degradation of VA in normal subjects and may not account for the variability seen in patients with neuro-ophthalmic pathologies included in the differential diagnosis of nonorganic visual lo...

BACKGROUND Veterans who are hospitalized in both VA and non-VA hospitals within a short timespan may be at risk for fragmented or conflicting care. To determine the characteristics of these "dual users," we analyzed administrative hospital discharge data for VA-enrolled veterans of any age in seven states, including any VA or non-VA hospitalizations they had in 2004-2007. METHOD For VA enroll...

Malaria vivax is prevalent in many regions of the world. It is more prevalent in Asia and Latin America and accounts for more than half of all malaria cases in these two regions. Clinically severe cases and complications of malaria are commonly due to Plasmodium falciparum. Hematological changes are nearly common in malaria infection but severe thrombocytopenia is rare in P. vivax (1, 2). For m...