Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Foster

Publications and source records attributed to C Foster.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Experimental study of mortality and morbidity of contrast media and standardized fecal dose in the peritoneal cavity.

BACKGROUND: The use of radiographic contrast media in the setting of possible bowel ischemia and potential perforation is known to be associated with increased clinical risk. However, there is a lack of controlled studies using a standard native fecal load to define and compare the intrinsic mortality and morbidity among options of contrast media currently available to the radiologist. We have compared the mortality and gross and histopathologic morbidity of a standard intraperitoneal native fecal dose in the guinea pig, using barium, two iodinated media, saline and air. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on adult Hartley guinea pigs. A standard native fecal solution with a colony count of 10(8) aerobes and 2 x 10(7) anaerobes was prepared, and the LD50 of intraperitoneal injection of the solution was determined. The standard solution at the LD50 dose was then used to compare the mortality and morbidity when commercial barium sulfate (18% w/v), Conray 30 (iothalamate meglumine 30%), 1:1 dilution of Conray 30 with sterile water, termed Conray "15" (iothalamate meglumine 15%), saline and air, were added to the intraperitoneal injection of the fecal solution in five groups of 20 animals each. Mortality and acute (96 h) and chronic (30 days) gross and histopathology were assessed and graded according to a standard system and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Barium was significantly more deleterious than the dilute water-soluble iodinated media, saline and air. Mortality occurred within 24 h in the barium group and within the initial 48 h in all groups as follows: barium 19/20 (95%); Conray 30 16/20 (80%); Conray "15" 7/20 (35%); saline 0; air 0. Acute gross and histopathology showed extensive grade 4 lesions in 19/19 barium animals; less severe lesions were present in a lesser percentage of the animals in the other four groups. Entirely chronic lesions were present only in the single surviving barium animal and were non-significant (< 400 microns) or absent in the other four groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, barium incurred the most significant deleterious short and long-term effects in the setting of fecal peritonitis. Dilute water-soluble media offer a much greater margin of safety. Saline under sonographic guidance is less deleterious than any of the positive radiographic contrast media. However, in our study, air was the safest contrast medium in the setting of peritoneal soiling.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The environmental response of Middle Ordovician large organic walled microfossils from the Goldwyer and Nita Formations, Canning Basin, Western Australia.

Middle Ordovician large organic walled microfossils (chitinozoans, scolecodonts, hydrozoans and foraminiferal linings) were recovered from the upper Goldwyer and lower Nita formations, Canning Basin, Western Australia, from three cores (WMC Santalum 1A, Kunzea 1 and Acacia 2). Petrophysical logs of these cores reveal an overall upward shallowing supersequence, overprinted by numerous transgression/regression couplets that can be correlated over 100km.Analysis of the abundance of the microfossils with respect to the gamma log signatures reveals that both chitinozoan abundance and diversity decrease as water depth shallows; however, the opposite is not always true and other factors probably intervene. Scolecodonts show an increase in abundance in transgressions, while hydrozoans and foraminiferal linings show no consistent response to trangressive or regressive phases. Cyathochitina hunderumensis tends to dominate chitinozoan assemblages where there is a transgression, while species of Belonechitina replace Cy. hunderumensis in regressive phases.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Effect of exercise and nasal splinting on static and dynamic measures of nasal airflow.

The main aim of this study was to assess the separate and combined effects of exercise and nasal splinting on static and dynamic measures of nasal airflow. In a randomized crossover design, 12 healthy participants (6 men, 6 women) performed static and dynamic spirometric nasal airflow assessment tests, with or without nasal splinting (Breathe-Right), before and after a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) treadmill test. At least 7 days later, the VO2max, and nasal airflow tests were repeated. The results showed that the measured variables were not significantly different with and without nasal splinting. We conclude that the absence of significantly enhanced nasal patency observed for nasal splinting and after exercise suggest that these factors have a minimal impact on nasal airflow volume and rate.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Structure-activity relationships of pyrroloquinazolines as thrombin receptor antagonists.

A series of pyrroloquinazolines has been discovered that represent novel small molecule inhibitors of the intramolecular ligand of the thrombin receptor. Analogs were prepared to study the structure-activity relationships of substitution at the N 1, N3, and N7 positions of the heterocycle. Compounds 4e and 4f have been identified with IC50's of 56 and 52 nM, respectively.

Drug Evaluation, Preclinical↗
PubMed1999

Determination of optimal pacing strategy in track cycling with an energy flow model.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pacing strategies on performance times in the 1000 m time trial event and the 4000 m pursuit event in track cycling. For this purpose, we simulated these events with a model based on the flow of energy in cycling. Different strategies in distributing the available anaerobic energy were evaluated and we compared model predictions of split times and final times with values achieved by cyclists during championships. The best result at the 1000 m time trial was obtained when the cyclist had the highest anaerobic peak power output and used an 'all-out' strategy. The fastest time on the 4000 m pursuit was achieved with an 'all-out' start at a high level of initial power output, followed by a constant anaerobic power output after 12 seconds, resulting in an evenly paced race. The results show that even small variations in pacing strategy may have substantial effects on performance. There seems to be an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage when individual athletes experiment with small variations in pacing strategy to find the precise individual strategy that works best under specific conditions.

Bicycling↗
PubMed1999

Stability of the blood lactate-heart rate relationship in competitive athletes.

INTRODUCTION: The identification of the HR (or RPE) associated with blood lactate concentrations of 2.5 mmol x L(-1)(aerobic threshold) (AerT) and 4.0 mmol x L(-1)(anaerobic threshold) (AnT) is a common method for defining training intensities. It is often assumed that the HR at AerT and AnT changes with changes in fitness, much as the power output (Watts: W) associated with AerT and AnT is known to change. METHODS: We studied speed skaters (N = 13, 7 male, 6 female) during spring (deconditioned) and fall (conditioned) evaluations, using cycle ergometry (stage duration = 5 min) to determine W, HR, and RPE at AerT, AnT, and at maximal exercise (3000 (female) and 5000 (male) m cycle time trials). RESULTS: In the spring vs. fall evaluations, the power output at AerT was 127+/-12 vs 162+/-9 W (P<0.05), at AnT was 216+/-14 vs. 230+/-13 W (P<0.05), and at maximal exercise was 341+/-15 vs. 364+/-19 W (P<0.05); HR at AerT was 129+/-6 vs. 130+/-7 bpm (P>0.05), at AnT was 162+/-7 vs. 164+/-7 bpm (P>0.05), and at maximal exercise was 196+/-6 vs. 198+/-5 bpm (P>0.05); RPE at AerT was 2.7+/-0.9 vs. 2.6+/-0.8 (P>0.05), at AnT was 5.3+/-1.0 vs. 5.3+/-0.9 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that although power output at AerT, AnT, and maximal exercise changes significantly with conditioning, there is no systematic change in the associated values for HR and/or RPE used as practical markers of training intensity. Accordingly, a single well-conducted evaluation may allow evaluation of appropriate training markers that may be longitudinally stable.

Anaerobic Threshold↗
PubMed1999

Left ventricular function during interval and steady state exercise.

PURPOSE: Interval training (INT) is a commonly used method of exercise training in both athletic and clinical populations. Although we generally understand left ventricular (LV) function during steady state (SS) exercise, there are no data regarding LV function during INT. METHODS: We studied eight healthy, physically active volunteers during upright cycle ergometry during 15 min of both SS and INT, at the same average power output (90% individual anaerobic threshold), using first pass radionuclide ventriculography. During INT (60s/60s), measures of LV function were made during work (220 W) after 4 and 12 min and during recovery (120 W) after 7 and 15 min. These were compared with the average of four temporally matched measures made during SS (170 W). RESULTS: During INT, LV ejection fraction increased from rest (67 +/- 6%) to 77 +/- 5, 80 +/- 5, 77 +/- 5 and 79 +/- 4% after 4, 7, 12, and 15 min, respectively. During SS, LV ejection fraction was not significantly different at rest (70 +/- 4%) or during exercise (76 +/- 4, 79 +/- 4, 80 +/- 3, and 81 +/- 3%) after 4, 7, 12, and 15 min, respectively. Other measures of LV function (HR, BP, LV volumes, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, peak emptying, and filling rates) were likewise similar during temporally matched measurements during INT and SS. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were the expected transitions of ejection fraction with work and recovery, the overall hemodynamic picture during INT was very similar to SS. These data suggest that LV function during INT is not substantially different to that during SS.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Evidence for restricted muscle blood flow during speed skating.

INTRODUCTION: We have previously hypothesized restricted muscle blood flow during speed skating, secondary to the high intramuscular forces intrinsic to the unique posture assumed by speed skaters and to the prolonged duty cycle of the skating stroke. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we studied speed skaters (N = 10) during submaximal and maximal cycling and in-line skating, in both low (knee angle = 107 degrees) and high (knee angle = 112 degrees) skating positions (CE vs SkL vs SkH). Supportive experiments evaluated muscle desaturation and lactate accumulation during on-ice speed skating and muscle desaturation during static exercise at different joint positions. RESULTS: Consistent with the hypothesis were reductions during skating in VO2peak (4.28 vs 3.83 vs 4.26 L x min(-1)), the VO2 at 4 mmol x L(-1) blood lactate (3.38 vs 1.93 vs 3.31 L x min(-1)), and cardiac output during maximal exercise (33.2 vs 25.3 vs 25.6 L x min(-1)). The reduction in maximal cardiac output was not attributable to differences in HRmax (197 vs 192 vs 193 b x min(-1)) but to a reduction in SVmax (172 vs 135 vs 134 mL x beat(-1)). The reduction in SV appeared to be related to an increased calculated systemic vascular resistance (354 vs 483 vs 453 dynes x s(-1) x cm(-1)). During maximal skating there was also a greater % O2 desaturation of the vastus lateralis based on near infrared spectrophotometry (50.3 vs 74.9 vs 60.4% of maximal desaturation during cuff ischemia). The results were supported by greater desaturation with smaller knee angles during static exercise and by greater desaturation and accelerated blood lactate accumulation during on-ice speed skating in the low vs high position. The results of this study support the hypothesis that physiological responses during speed skating are dominated by restriction of blood flow, attributable either to high intramuscular forces, the long duty cycle of the skating stroke, or both.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Metabolic responses associated with deer hunting.

PURPOSE: Deer hunting is a popular recreational activity with a high rate of cardiovascular events. Previous studies have demonstrated large HR responses during deer hunting. This study compared the HR and metabolic costs of maximal treadmill (TM) exercise with those of hiking while deer hunting and while dragging a deer. METHODS: Healthy male volunteers (N = 16) performed a maximal TM exercise test, a 0.8-km hiking test, and a 0.4-km dragging test over lightly rolling terrain. VO2 was measured by portable spirometry and HR by radiotelemetry. RESULTS: HR averaged 74.0 +/- 7.0% and 89.1 +/- 4.5% of peak TM HR during the hike and drag, respectively. The peak HR observed during hiking and dragging was 83.2 +/- 6.0% and 94.9 +/- 4.2% of peak TM HR, respectively. VO2 averaged 62.2 +/- 15.8% and achieved a peak of 77.2 +/- 19.0% of TM VO2 while hiking. This corresponded to 86.8 +/- 17.3% and 108.1 +/- 22.3% of ventilatory threshold (VT), respectively. VO2 averaged 72.3 +/- 21.0% and achieved a peak of 91.2 +/- 21.4% of peak TM VO2 while dragging the deer. This corresponded to 101.5 +/- 27.7% and 128.5 +/- 26.8% of VT, respectively. The VO2/HR relationship showed significant (P < 0.05) difference between the dragging test and the TM test with a disproportionately high HR. The VO2/HR relationship between the hiking and TM tests was comparable. CONCLUSION: In part, the previously described large HR responses and high rate of cardiovascular complications associated with deer hunting may attributable to the elevated metabolic costs of associated activities.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of left ventricular function during interval versus steady-state exercise training in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

This study sought to assess the safety of interval exercise training in patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) with respect to left ventricular (LV) function. For effective rehabilitation in CHF, both aerobic capacity and muscle strength need to be improved. We have previously demonstrated in both coronary artery bypass surgery and patients with CHF that interval exercise training (IET) offers advantages over steady-state exercise training (SSET). However, because LV function during IET has not yet been studied, the safety of this method in CHF remains unclear. To assess LV function during IET and SSET, at the same average power output, 11 patients with stable CHF were compared with 9 stable coronary patients with minimal LV dysfunction (control group). Using first-pass radionuclide ventriculography, changes in LV function were assessed during work versus recovery phases, at temporally matched times between the fifth and sixteenth minute of IET and SSET. In CHF during IET, there were no significant variations in the parameters measured during work and/or recovery phases. During the course of both IET and SSET, there was a significant increase in LV ejection fraction (5 vs 4 U; p <0.05 each), accompanied by increased heart rate (6 vs 8 beats/min; p <0.05 each) and cardiac output (2.4 vs 1.8 L/min; p <0.01 and p <0.05). In CHF, the magnitude of change in LV ejection fraction during IET was similar to that seen in controls. Both LV ejection fraction and the clinical status in patients with CHF remained stable during IET. Because IET appears to be as safe as SSET with respect to LV function, IET can be recommended for exercise training in CHF to apply higher peripheral exercise stimuli and with no greater LV stress than during SSET.

Exercise Therapy↗
PubMed1998

Employment selection in health care: the case for structured interviewing.

The literature related to selection interviewing dates, at least, to 1915. The focus of that literature and the conclusions represented by the various authors assumed that the employment selection interview had limited validity or predictive value until the late 1980s. Papers appearing since contradict those conclusions. This article proposes that the selection interview can be a valid portion of the hiring process to the degree that each is highly structured.

Employment↗
PubMed1998

Autonomic imbalance hypothesis and overtraining syndrome.

PURPOSE: The parasympathetic, Addison type, overtraining syndrome represents the dominant modern type of this syndrome. Beside additional mechanisms, an autonomic or neuroendocrine imbalance is hypothesized as underlying. METHODS/RESULTS: Several findings support this thesis. During heavy endurance training or overreaching periods, the majority of findings give evidence of a reduced adrenal responsiveness to ACTH. This is compensated by an increased pituitary ACTH release. In an early stage of the overtraining syndrome, despite increased pituitary ACTH release, the decreased adrenal responsiveness is no longer compensated. The cortisol response decreases. In an advanced stage of overtraining syndrome, the pituitary ACTH release also decreases. In this stage, there is additionally evidence for decreased intrinsic sympathetic activity and sensitivity of target organs to catecholamines. This is indicated by decreased catecholamine excretion during night rest, decreased beta-adrenoreceptor density, decreased beta-adrenoreceptor-mediated responses, and increased resting plasma norepinephrine levels and responses to exercise. However, this complete pattern is only observed subsequent to high-volume endurance overtraining at high caloric demands. CONCLUSION: The described functional alterations of pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic system can explain persistent performance incompetence in affected athletes.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗