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Biomedical subjects

T Davis

Publications and source records attributed to T Davis.

171 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Climatic and environmental patterns associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Four Corners region, United States.

To investigate climatic, spatial, temporal, and environmental patterns associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) cases in the Four Corners region, we collected exposure site data for HPS cases that occurred in 1993 to 1995. Cases clustered seasonally and temporally by biome type and geographic location, and exposure sites were most often found in pinyon-juniper woodlands, grasslands, and Great Basin desert scrub lands, at elevations of 1,800 m to 2,500 m. Environmental factors (e.g., the dramatic increase in precipitation associated with the 1992 to 1993 El Niño) may indirectly increase the risk for Sin Nombre virus exposure and therefore may be of value in designing disease prevention campaigns.

Animals↗

Evaluating nurse-led inpatient units.

This article highlights findings from three studies into nurse-led inpatient units. The results are not the same in each case, particularly with regard to length of stay, and the authors discuss the possible reasons for this. Further work is needed to develop NLIUs and identify cost savings.

Cost Savings↗

Inova Fairfax Hospital goes wireless to improve services.

The advent of the wireless technology has brought new communications opportunities to healthcare facilities. A wireless phone system has allowed key employees to stay in touch at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia, saving countless hours compared to traditional beeper systems, as well as saving money in reduced costs and improved efficiency.

Cost Control↗

The relationship between spontaneous coping strategies and perceived anxiety of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Little is known about how patients spontaneously cope with the inherent stressors of the cardiac catheterization procedure. In this study, spontaneous coping strategies were identified and the relationship between coping strategies and anxiety throughout the procedure was examined. Data consisted of 62 patients' subjective ratings of anxiety, reported at 6 points during the procedure, and the coping strategies which were used at those times. The Coping with Invasive Medical Procedures (CIMP) Scoring System was developed and utilized to examine the relationships between coping and anxiety. At various points throughout the procedure, "control" and "hoping" were associated with high anxiety, while "passive coping" and "positive reframing" were associated with low anxiety. Patients who repeatedly changed coping strategies during the procedure experienced slightly less anxiety than those using a more consistent coping approach. The results are discussed with an emphasis on patient teaching.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Phase II study of vinblastine-CCNU, triazinate, and dactinomycin in advanced renal cell cancer.

A total of 133 patients with advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the kidney were stratified according to performance status and time from initial diagnosis to recurrence and were then randomized to one of three different drug treatment arms or the crossover secondary treatment. The study drugs (combination vinblastine-CCNU and single-agent triazinate or dactinomycin) failed to provide any meaningful antitumor activity for these patients with advanced renal cell cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese-American women.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese women in San Francisco and Sacramento, California. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 1992 of 306 Vietnamese women in San Francisco and of 339 women in Sacramento. RESULTS: In both communities, only about one half of Vietnamese women had ever had routine check-ups, clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap smear tests, and only about one third were up-to-date for these screening examinations. Among women age 40 or older, 35% had never even contemplated having a mammogram. This study identified several significant barriers to recognition, receipt, and currency of screening tests. Negative predictors of test recognition included low level of education and not having a regular physician. Negative predictors of test receipt included low level of education, not having a regular physician, short duration of residence in the United States, and never having been married. A major negative predictor of test currency was low level of education. With a few exceptions, attitudes and beliefs generally were not important predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Health education and screening programs for early breast and cervical cancer detection among Vietnamese women must be culturally appropriate and conducted in the Vietnamese language. Special outreach efforts are needed to assist recent immigrants in obtaining recommended breast and cervical cancer screening examinations.

Adult↗