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Biomedical subjects

W Petrie

Publications and source records attributed to W Petrie.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

A mobile screening unit, practicalities and problems.

The need for a mobile screening unit to travel throughout Scotland to measure and modify cardiovascular risk factors in the apparently healthy working population was fulfilled by the conversion of a double-decker bus. The aim of the project was to assess the incidence of risk factors in healthy individuals and to modify their risk factors by individual counselling. Many unforeseen practical problems were encountered and overcome during the planning stage and during the project. The team of specially trained staff spent three and a half years screening more than 20,000 people throughout Scotland. This project provides a model for other screening projects involving a multicentre/scattered cohort.

Adult↗

Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease.

We studied 51 patients meeting clinical criteria for probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients were treated for 12 weeks with a formulation of bovine cortex phosphatidylserine (BC-PS; 100 mg t.i.d.) or placebo, and those treated with the drug improved on several cognitive measures relative to those administered placebo. Differences between treatment groups were most apparent among patients with less severe cognitive impairment. Results suggest that phosphatidylserine may be a promising candidate for study in the early stages of AD.

Aged↗

Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment.

We treated 149 patients meeting criteria for age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) for 12 weeks with a formulation of phosphatidylserine (100 mg BC-PS tid) or placebo. Patients treated with the drug improved relative to those treated with placebo on performance tests related to learning and memory tasks of daily life. Analysis of clinical subgroups suggested that persons within the sample who performed at a relatively low level prior to treatment were most likely to respond to BC-PS. Within this subgroup, there was improvement on both computerized and standard neuropsychological performance tests, and also on clinical global ratings of improvement. The results suggest that the compound may be a promising candidate for treating memory loss in later life.

Aging↗

Treatment of age-associated memory impairment with guanfacine.

Alpha2 adrenergic agonists have been shown to improve memory test performance in amnesic humans and aged nonhuman primates. In a group of drugs in this class that were tested for their effects on age-related memory impairments in aged monkeys, guanfacine was the most effective for improving mnemonic function at doses that were without significant side effects. These data prompted studies of guanfacine for its effect on learning and memory in persons with age-associated memory impairment (AAMI), the results of which are now reported. The data suggest that guanfacine may have modest mood-improving effects but had no significant effects on learning and memory in the subjects tested.

Adult↗

Research review of the supportive care needs of spouses of women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To conduct an integrative review of the research describing the needs of spouses of women with breast cancer for direction in planning nursing interventions to meet their supportive care needs. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and bibliographies from pertinent articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: A base of knowledge exists regarding the emotional and psychosocial needs of spouses of women with breast cancer. Less is known about their spiritual, practical, and physical needs. Very little research has explored nursing interventions and supportive care needs. CONCLUSIONS: Definite knowledge gaps exist regarding the needs of spouses of women with breast cancer. More research is required to develop and evaluate interventions that focus on these needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: A diagnosis of breast cancer is a distressing time for both women and their spouses. Ongoing research and the development of interventions are necessary to help spouses cope with the stress throughout the illness so that they may support their wives.

Adaptation, Psychological↗