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Biomedical subjects

K Whitmer

Publications and source records attributed to K Whitmer.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

In their own words: using the common sense model to analyze patient descriptions of cancer-related fatigue.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe cancer-related fatigue (CRF) from the perspective of individuals experiencing it and examine the fit of their descriptions with the concepts from the Common Sense Model (CSM). DESIGN: Exploratory, qualitative design, SAMPLE: A convenience sample of eight patients with cancer known to be experiencing fatigue from the outpatient clinic. METHODS: Content analysis of data obtained from focus groups. FINDINGS: All statements describing CRF could be classified using the major constructs of the CSM: representation, coping, and appraisal. The majority of statements were classified as representations of fatigue (67%), with smaller proportions classified as coping (26%) and appraisal (7%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence to support the validity of the CSM constructs as an organizing framework in the conduct of research. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: This study demonstrates the usefulness of the model In clinical assessment of patient representations of CRF as well as coping strategies for managing it The model is particularly useful in targeting knowledge deficits and inaccuracies.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1983

[3H]nimodipine specific binding to cardiac myocytes and subcellular fractions.

[3H]Nimodipine binding was studied in isolated myocytes from rat heart and in partially purified sarcolemma, sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial fractions from dog heart. In isolated myocytes, the density of [3H]nimodipine specific sites (10(6) per cell) was close to density of [3H]QNB sites (0.8 x 10(6) per cell) and higher than that of [3H]DHA sites (0.2 x 10(6) per cell). During subcellular fractionation, [3H]nimodipine binding did not copurify with plasma membrane markers. The highest densities were found in fractions enriched in sarcolemma or in sarcoplasmic reticulum. No specific binding was found in mitochondria. These results indicate that the localization of [3H]nimodipine sites is not restricted to areas of the plasma membrane rich in beta-adrenoceptors, muscarinic receptors and sodium pump sites.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psychometric testing of fatigue instruments for use with cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment-related fatigue (CRF) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. A problem identified in most reviews of CRF is lack of sound approaches to measurement that are congruent with the conceptualization of CRF as a self-perceived state. The diversity of instruments available to measure fatigue and the lack of comprehensive testing of several promising instruments with cancer patients undergoing treatment provided the rationale for this study. The purpose of this article is to report the results of psychometric testing of several fatigue instruments in patients undergoing cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of each instrument and to determine the ability of each instrument to capture CRF. METHODS: Existing fatigue instruments with published psychometric information that indicated suitability for further testing were selected and included the Profile of Mood States Short Form fatigue subscale (F_POMS-sf), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF), Lee Fatigue Scale (LFS), and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Data were collected at a university-based clinical cancer center and a freestanding comprehensive cancer center. Subjects completed all study instruments, which were presented in random order, at a time when CRF was expected to be high and again when it was expected to be low. A subset of subjects completed the instruments within 48 hours of one of the data collection points when CRF was expected to be relatively unchanged to provide stability data. RESULTS: Reliability estimates using Cronbach's alpha indicated that all instruments examined had good internal consistency. Test-retest correlations showed good stability for total scores on all the instruments, but some subscales of the LFS and MFI had marginal stability. Factor analysis of all instruments indicated that only the LFS and the F_POMS-sf fully supported their construct validity. All of the instruments showed responsiveness to changes in CRF related to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study provide researchers and clinicians with detailed comparisons of the performance of established fatigue measures in cancer patients undergoing treatment to use when selecting measures of CRF.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Decrease in Na+,K+-ATPase activity and [3H]ouabain binding sites in sarcolemma prepared from hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Na+,K+-ATPase activity, phosphorylation, and [3H]ouabain binding in sarcolemma isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) hearts were compared to the same parameters in sarcolemma from normotensive rat (WKY) hearts. Sarcolemma prepared from SHR heart contained significantly less ouabain-inhibitable ATPase activity than sarcolemma from WKY heart. No significant differences in sarcolemmal protein content or recovery were noted between the two groups. The numbers of phosphorylation sites and ouabain binding sites were lower for SHR hearts than for WKY hearts. The KD values for ouabain binding were the same (0.30 muM) in cardiac sarcolemma of SHR and WKY. The I50 values for inhibition by ouabain of Na+,K+-ATPase were also the same for both groups (SHR = 49 microM; WKY = 44 microM). These data suggest that the decrease of cardiac sarcolemmal Na+,K+-ATPase activity in SHR hearts is due to a decrease in the number of active sites.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quality of life and nutritional support in patients with cancer.

Nutritional support is often initiated in patients with cancer who are unable to meet their nutritional needs by the oral route. Much has been written about the effect of nutritional support on physiological outcomes in patients with cancer. However, less is known about the relationship between improvement of nutritional status and quality of life. Trends in the treatment of cancer highlight the need for an examination of home nutrition support and quality of life. The purpose of this article is to describe the state of knowledge about the relationship of home enteral and parenteral nutrition support and quality of life. Research exploring the dimensions of quality of life (physical functioning, psychological status, interpersonal relationships and social functioning, financial concerns, and symptoms, and complications of nutritional support) is presented. Implications for clinical practice and research are identified. The trend for increased numbers of patients on home nutrition support emphasizes the need to understand the patient's and family's experience in managing this treatment in the home.

Enteral Nutrition↗