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...

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...

OBJECTIVE This study examines the relative burden of cardiovascular disease in diabetic and nondiabetic admissions to Veterans Administration (VA) and non-VA hospitals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Calendar year 1997 hospitalization data were collected from the VA Patient Treatment File and the National Hospital Discharge Survey, National Center for Health Statistics. Discharge diagnoses based...

OBJECTIVES We examined the impact of access to care characteristics on health care use patterns among those veterans dually eligible for Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) services. METHODS We used a retrospective, cross-sectional design to identify veterans who were eligible to use VA and Medicare health care in calendar year 1999. We analyzed national VA utilization and Medicare claims data...

PURPOSE Children may be tested with a variety of visual acuity (VA) charts during their ophthalmic care and differences between charts can complicate the interpretation of VA measurements. This study compared VA measurements across four pediatric charts with Sloan letters and identified chart design features that contributed to inter-chart differences in VA. METHODS VA was determined for righ...