Serologic survey of antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi in coyotes and red foxes from Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic parasite of humans and other mammalian hosts with distribution throughout the Americas. Domestic and wild canine species are reservoirs for human T. cruzi infections.

Water birth in the hospital setting.

Many women seek alternative birth methods, including water immersion for labor and birth, which several hospitals now offer. Although thousands of water births have occurred with few adverse outcomes documented, research findings on water birth have been sparse and mixed, and further study is necessary. Clinicians should discuss the potential risks and benefits of water birth and utilize informed decision-making with women desiring this option.

Survey of antibodies to Leishmania spp. in wild canids from Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution. Infections with the Leishmania donovani complex, including Leishmania infantum, cause the VL. Domestic dogs are the most important reservoir host for human VL, and wild canids are also susceptible.

Physician patterns of metabolic screening for patients taking atypical antipsychotics: a retrospective database study.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective database study was to determine rates of screening for metabolic side effects by physician specialty in community hospital patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics.

Method: A pharmacy database review identified patients who were prescribed atypical antipsychotics over a 6-month period from July 1, 2004, to December 31, 2004. This list of patients was then cross-referenced with the laboratory database to determine if screening laboratory tests for metabolic abnormalities had been ordered.