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C J Francisco

Publications and source records attributed to C J Francisco.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Good Samaritans.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Charities↗

Computed axial tomography of the porcine nasal cavity and a morphometric comparison of the nasal turbinates with other visualization techniques.

A non-invasive imaging modality, computed tomography (CT), was used to visualize changes in nasal turbinates of anesthetized pigs over a 12-week observation period (pigs were 14 wk of age at study week 0). Normal, non-infected pigs were compared to pigs with mild challenge-induced atrophic rhinitis (AR) in order to detect subtle differences in morphology. To determine feasibility for time course studies in future experiments, morphometric quantitation at the level of the 2nd premolar (turbinate area ratio or TAR) in cross-section CT images at multiple timepoints was done. Additionally, at study termination, the TAR determined from CT images, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and wet tissue (WT), were compared to each other and to the standard subjective measure, visual scoring. There were no statistically significant differences between the control and AR groups at CT imaging dates of 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 wk (P = 0.182). However, a statistically significant decrease in TAR measurements over time (P = 0.015) was observed in both groups, with lower mean values observed on Weeks 3 and 6 before rebounding to baseline values at study termination. At Week 12 (termination of the study), the TAR measurements derived from CT, MRI, and WT were not statistically different from one another (P = 0.220) and the treatment group-by-method interaction was not significant (P = 0.800). This provided evidence of equivalency of the techniques. Mean values for normal and infected groups were not significantly different based on either TAR imaging methods (P = 0.552) or visual scores (P = 0.088). Thus, the current study demonstrated that CT was an acceptable alternative imaging modality which could be used for quantitation of turbinate changes in snouts of live pigs to provide data comparable to tissue taken at necropsy. Computed tomographic imaging would allow non-invasive tracking of disease or treatment responses within individual animals over time. Morphometric analysis of the TAR was equivalent between the CT, MRI, and WT specimens.

Animals↗

Serum haptoglobin concentration in growing swine after intranasal challenge with Bordetella bronchiseptica and toxigenic Pasteurella multocida type D.

The acute phase reaction, in association with progressive atrophic rhinitis (AR), was monitored for 3 wk using serum haptoglobin (HPT) quantification in thirty-six, 15 kg swine after intranasal challenge with varying doses of Pasteurella multocida type D (toxigenic strain) and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The challenge doses were administered alone or in combination with pigs divided into 9 isolated treatment groups. Increasing doses of B. bronchiseptica were associated with lower serum HPT (P < 0.05), whereas increasing doses of P. multocida tended to increase serum HPT (0.05 < P < 0.10). Significant and positive correlation of mean HPT and AR score was found in these pigs; increased AR scores were associated with elevated mean HPT concentration (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). A significant interaction between P. multocida and B. bronchiseptica dose indicated that increasing the dose of B. bronchiseptica, for a fixed P. multocida dose, was associated with less AR (P < 0.05). The AR scores were greater in pigs given P. multocida, than B. bronchiseptica alone. These results indicate that a complex interaction between Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica causes progressive atrophic rhinitis and alters serum HPT concentration in swine.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Confidentiality, privilege, and release of medical records under a subpoena duces tecum.

A physician's medical practice includes creating, maintaining, and releasing medical records. Such medical records can be an essential element in a civil lawsuit brought by or on behalf of a patient. Questions regarding their proper release under a subpoena duces tecum presented by a medical records collection company comprise one of the largest categories of inquiries the Texas Medical Association's Office of the General Counsel receives. (A subpoena duces tecum is a written court order commanding a person to produce in court certain designated documents or other evidence.) This article reviews the rules of evidence and civil procedure relevant to the release of medical records under a subpoena duces tecum in a civil case. It includes a suggested form for use by physicians when presented with a subpoena duces tecum by a records collection company.

Confidentiality↗

When cost containment interferes with clinical decisions.

Incentives to sparingly order diagnostic tests, make referrals to specialists, or discharge patients early, expand exposure to medical professional liability. Discharging a patient prematurely from a hospital, or denying a patient referral to a specialist because of HMO or government budgetary considerations is no defense to substandard treatment. Such accusations are difficult to defend. Not only is there the issue of negligence in denying proper care but also the conflicting interest of deriving financial profit from the denial of adequate care. This article documents these liability risks for physicians and those who seek to manage their treatment decisions.

Cost Control↗