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Biomedical subjects

D W Holmes

Publications and source records attributed to D W Holmes.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Role of bird migration in the long-distance dispersal of Ixodes dammini, the vector of Lyme disease.

To evaluate the role of migratory birds in the long-distance dispersal of Ixodes dammini ticks and in the spread of Lyme disease, a 6-year study of migrating birds to an offshore New England island was conducted during 1989-1994. I. dammini are not endemic on this island, therefore allowing assessment of long-distance tick dispersal rather than local infestation. Of 11,324 spring migrants examined, 1.2% were infested with I. dammini. Of 8607 fall migrants examined, 0.2% were infested. Of nymphal ticks examined, 20% were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. OspB DNA sequencing of 6 B. burgdorferi isolates was identical to sequences of 2 strains common in coastal Maine. It is evident that bird migration allows for long-distance dispersal of I. dammini from areas where they are endemic to areas where they are not and that a few bird species account for the majority of tick dispersal. The likelihood of establishment of enzootic Lyme disease by this mechanism is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

The growing demand for midtrimester amniocentesis: a systems approach to forecasting the need for facilities.

A predicted shift in composition of the child-bearing population of the United States to higher maternal ages by year 2000 indicates that the number of chromosomally abnormal offspring of women age 35 and over will increase by 64% while the total number of women increases only 21%. We formulated a conceptual model of a health care system that predicts demand for amniocentesis from prospective patients in any particular region, the number of defective offspring detected, and the future cost of custodial care using any given level of detection effort. It was found that as capacity of clinic facilities and use by women age 35 and over in the area increased, the expenditure for amniocentesis combined with the cost of custodial care for undetected offspring decreased, assuming termination of affected pregnancies. Use of this model will enable health care managers to anticipate need for facilities, and also guide the formulation of social policy in the provision of new health services by enabling them to take into account the predictable effects of these services upon other public services.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Deaf children's processing of auditory, visual, and combined stimuli.

One hundred eighty-four deaf children were presented auditory, visual (speechreading), and combined stimuli. Some subjects showed an enhancement of their processing abilities in the combined mode, some demonstrated no improvement, and others yielded reduced scores. A method of data analysis is proposed which could contribute to a better understanding of a subject's performance.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Acoustic reflex threshold and loudness discomfort level: relationships in children with profound hearing losses.

Acoustic reflex thresholds (ART) and loudness discomfort levels (LDL) were obtained from 51 ears of 34 deaf children using broad band noise and pure tones. Both thresholds and levels were recorded using the psychophysical method of tracking. Results indicate that the relationship between ART and LDL is at variance with similar data for normal hearing individuals. Specifically, in over 39% of these deaf children LDL was obtained at a lower intensity than ART. Implications for hearing aid fitting with deaf children are discussed.

Acoustic Stimulation↗