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Biomedical subjects

D C Davis

Publications and source records attributed to D C Davis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Applicability of maximal oxygen consumption criteria in obese, postmenopausal women.

This study examines the applicability of using three standard criteria (age-predicted maximal heart rate [HRmax], respiratory exchange ratio [RER>1.10], and plateau in oxygen uptake [Vo(2)] for the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (Vo(2)max) in postmenopausal women. One hundred eight postmenopausal (60 +/- 6 years), overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI] = 33 +/- 4 kg/m(2)), sedentary (Vo(2)max = 19 +/- 3 ml/kg/min) women underwent one exercise test (Bruce protocol), and 71 of these women underwent a second test (modified Balke protocol). On test 1, 69 (64%) women achieved age-predicted HRmax, 61 (57%) reached an RER>1.10, and 16 (15%) achieved a plateau in Vo(2) (<2 ml/kg/min change). Women who reached age-predicted HRmax and reached an RER of at least 1.10 had a higher peak Vo(2) (p <0.01) than women who did not meet these criteria. There was no difference in the highest V02 obtained between women who did and did not achieve a plateau in Vo(2) during test 1 (p = 0.55). Resting HR, HRmax, and RER were similar between the two tests. On average, peak Vo(2) was higher on the second test (p <0.01). However, Vo(2)max was not different between exercise tests in women who achieved at least two of the three criteria on both tests (n = 24; test 1, 19.4 +/- 3.4; test 2: 19.8 +/- 3.7 ml/kg/min; p = NS). In addition, Vo(2)max was similar between the two exercise tests in 14 women who reached a plateau on the second test but did not reach a plateau on the first test (19.2 +/- 3.3 vs. 19.6 +/- 4.2 ml/kg/min; p = NS). We conclude that achievement of a plateau in Vo(2) is not a necessary criterion for a valid measurement of Vo(2)max in overweight and obese, sedentary, postmenopausal women.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Racial differences in metabolic predictors of obesity among postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined whether there are racial differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR), fat oxidation, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in obese [body mass index (BMI = 34+/-2 kg/m2)], postmenopausal (58+/-2 years) women. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Twenty black and 20 white women were matched for fat mass and lean mass (LM), as determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RMR and fat oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry in the early morning after a 12-hour fast using the ventilated hood technique. VO2max was measured on a treadmill during a progressive exercise test to voluntary exhaustion. RESULTS: RMR, adjusted for differences in LM, was 5% higher in white than black women (1566+/-27 and 1490+/-26 kcal/day, respectively; p<0.05); and fat oxidation rate was 17% higher in white than black women (87+/-4 and 72+/-3 g/day, respectively; p<0.01). VO2max (L/minute) was 150 mL per minute (8%) higher (p<0.05) in white than black women. VO2max correlated with LM in black (r=0.44, p=0.05) and white (r=0.53, p<0.05) women, but the intercept of the regression line was higher in white than black women (p<0.05), with no significant difference in slopes. In a multiple regression model including race, body weight, LM, and age, LM was the only independent predictor of RMR (r2 = 0.46, p<0.0001), whereas race was the only independent predictor of fat oxidation (r2 = 0.18, p<0.05). The best predictors of VO2max were LM (r2 = 0.22, p<0.05) and race (cumulative r2 = 0.30, p<0.05). DISCUSSION: These results show there are racial differences in metabolic predictors of obesity. Determination of whether these ethnic differences lead to, or are an effect of, obesity status or other lifestyle factors requires further study.

Basal Metabolism↗
PubMed1999

The effects of a short-term exercise program on movement, pain, and mood in the elderly. Results of a pilot study.

Therapeutic effects of a short-term Tai Chi exercise program for the elderly were evaluated in a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. This pilot study evaluated changes in flexibility, balance, sway, pain, and mood after a short slow-motion exercise. The program consisted of a series of movements involving turning, shifting weight, bending, and arm movements in combination with diaphragmatic breathing with slow movements. The measured effects included improved balance, sway, range of motion, decreased perceived pain, and lessened trait anxiety. Participants included 11 elderly females. Instruments consisted of standard goniometry, the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, stopwatch measures of single-leg stance and a tandem walk (sway), and visual analog measurement of pain. Findings included significant improvement (p = .05) in trait anxiety and pain perception. Improvements in mood, flexibility, and balance may have a profound effect on the incidence of falls, injuries, resulting disability, and overall quality of life.

Affect↗
PubMed1998

Curriculum revision: reaching faculty consensus through the Nominal Group Technique.

A fundamental concept to initiate change in the curriculum revision process is to overcome resistance to change and the boundaries of self-interest. Curriculum change cannot occur without an "unfreezing" of faculty values and interests. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to facilitate faculty identification of areas needing change in the undergraduate nursing curriculum. The process led to the generation of numerous independent ideas in which all faculty participated. The revised curriculum which resulted from the NGT process has had full and enthusiastic support of the faculty.

Alabama↗
PubMed1996

Hepatocellular adenoma case report with Tc-99m SC uptake and radiologic correlation.

An uncommon case of hepatocellular adenoma is presented. In this case, the tumor was Tc-99m SC avid rather than the typical pattern of no uptake. Liver scintigraphy was able to demonstrate that the tumor originated from the liver correlating with ultrasound and computed tomography. Background information on hepatocellular adenomas, a differential diagnosis, and a logical approach to similar liver lesions is discussed.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗
PubMed1996

The discomforts of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, women may experience one or more of a wide variety of discomforts. Every pregnancy is different; discomforts felt during one pregnancy may not appear in another. Most discomforts experienced during pregnancy are thought to be the result of abundant hormonal changes. As pregnancy progresses, other discomforts are attributed to physical changes associated with the enlarging uterus. Selected discomforts of pregnancy are presented with suggestions for clinical management. Nurses can do something to decrease discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Assessing reading level of drug users for HIV and AIDS prevention purposes.

Using the short form of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised and the reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised, the reading abilities of 284 male and 128 female drug users from five sites across the United States were evaluated. All subjects were participants in a National Institute on Drug Abuse HIV/AIDS prevention project aimed at intravenous drug users and cocaine smokers. Results revealed differences in reading abilities among ethnic groups with Native and white subjects having significantly higher reading levels than Hispanic and black subjects. Significant site differences were revealed, with mean grade equivalent scores ranging from 2.7 to 10.1 grades. Across all subjects, the average grade equivalent reading level was 5.8 to 7.7, indicating that the subjects read below the level of 81.5% to 93% of the general population. We provide implications for development of educational materials that are accessible for this population.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Reading abilities of drug users in Anchorage, Alaska.

Evaluated the reading abilities of 122 male and fifty-nine female intravenous and other drug users in Anchorage, Alaska. Reading abilities were assessed through the Reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised and the short Form of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised. Results indicated that men and Black subjects reported the highest levels of schooling completed. However, no differences were revealed across gender and ethnicity in actual reading levels. Among all subjects, the average reading ability was between 8.5 and 8.7 grade level. These scores place the average subject reading at a level lower than approximately 76 percent of the general population. Implications are provided for development of educational materials accessible for this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in alcoholics, alcoholics with drug dependence, and cocaine addicts.

The main objective of this investigation was to study the influence of drug dependence on platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in the presence and absence of alcoholism. One hundred and thirteen admissions to alcohol and drug treatment facilities participated in the study. Twenty-six met the criteria for alcoholism (group I), seventy-eight subjects were alcohol-/cocaine- and cannabis-dependent (group II), and the remaining nine were patients with DSM-III-R diagnosis of cocaine addiction (group III). MAO activity was assayed radiochemically with [14C]tyramine as a substrate (221 microM). The results of this study showed that platelet MAO activity [nmol of product formed x (mg protein)-1 x hr-1] (mean +/- SE) was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in all of these subjects (group I, 5.50 +/- 0.80; group II, 3.90 +/- 0.50; group III, 4.3 +/- 1.60) as compared with controls (14.85 +/- 1.13). Measurements of platelet MAO activity may provide us with a reliable biochemical marker for alcoholism and perhaps addiction to other substances of abuse (i.e., cocaine).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Elevated concentrations of dopamine sulfate in plasma of cocaine abusers.

This study investigated the effect of cocaine abuse on peripheral catecholamines. Specifically, we measured the concentration of free dopamine, dopamine sulfate, free norepinephrine, norepinephrine sulfate, free epinephrine and epinephrine sulfate in plasma samples obtained from the blood of a group of patients with cocaine addiction (N = 15). The concentrations of free and sulfoconjugated catecholamines in plasma were measured by a radioenzymatic technique. The results of this study revealed significant (P < 0.0001) elevation in plasma dopamine sulfate (8926 +/- 1204 pg/mL) of cocaine addicts upon admission to an in-patient treatment facility when compared with the level of this dopamine metabolite in plasma of control subjects (2356 +/- 121 pg/mL). Furthermore, there was a significant (P < 0.0001) relationship between elevation in plasma dopamine sulfate levels and severity of cocaine use among these patients, and in the majority of cases the plasma levels of dopamine sulfate declined appreciably in time with abstinence from cocaine. In contrast, no appreciable difference was observed in the concentrations of either free or sulfate-conjugated norepinephrine and epinephrine in plasma of cocaine addicts as compared with controls. Differences in plasma dopamine sulfate among these patients versus controls may be interpreted as a reflection of activation of extracellular dopamine metabolism associated with chronic cocaine exposure in humans.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Melorheostosis on three-phase bone scintigraphy. Case report.

Melorheostosis is a benign sclerosing bone dysplasia with a very unusual and characteristic roentgenographic appearance. Its scintigraphic appearance also is characteristic, with asymmetric cortical activity that may cross joints to involve contiguous bones. The authors report the appearance of melorheostosis on angiogram and blood pool phases of three-phase bone scintigraphy.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Competencies of novice nurse educators.

Appropriate preparation for the nurse faculty role has been debated for many years. Currently, the master of science in nursing (MSN) is considered to be the minimal acceptable preparation. The focus of most MSN programs, however, is advanced knowledge and skill in clinical nursing. The purpose of this study is to identify the perceptions of novice nurse faculty concerning nurse faculty competencies, to ascertain the extent to which novice nurse faculty demonstrate the competencies, and to determine mechanisms through which competencies are obtained. The findings indicate that many novice nurse faculty are not educationally prepared for the faculty role.

Attitude↗
PubMed1991

Including gerontological nursing in graduate nursing curriculum.

Nursing programs must structure programs so that more nurses will choose to work with older adults. Whether gerontological nursing is incorporated into a clinical major at the graduate level depends on the philosophy of the program. Some programs offer a major in gerontological nursing, others may allow students to subspecialize, or all students may be exposed to content on the older adult. The objectives of the graduate course in gerontological nursing is to prepare students to meet the highly specialized health-care needs of older adults.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

An interactive perspective on the health beliefs & practices of rural elders.

1. In this study, major themes involving health were closely tied to an affective response of "feeling good" and cognitive appraisal of health status as "being able to function." 2. Rural elderly who participated in the study reported engaging in at least one activity to maintain their health and tended to rely on their own appraisal and resources to manage health problems. 3. Half of the participants indicated a need for services such as blood pressure and diabetic screening, health education classes on diet, cholesterol reduction, hypertension and diabetes management, new therapies in health care, and life management counseling.

Aged↗