Biomedical subjects

F M Andrews

Publications and source records attributed to F M Andrews.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Biochemical changes in three-day-event horses at the beginning, middle and end of Phase C and after Phase D.

Blood samples were collected 12-16 h before the Speed and Endurance test, immediately after steeplechase, midway through Phase C (4 km marker), at the end of Phase C and immediately after cross-country from 36 horses that completed a 3-day-event at the CCI* (n = 19) or CCI** (n = 17) level. Packed cell volume (PCV), plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, pH and lactate; and serum concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin, total calcium, alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose and creatinine were measured. No differences were noted in any biochemical measurements between the CCI* and CCI** horses at any sampling time, despite differences in speed and length of various phases of the Speed and Endurance test. For all horses (n = 36), biochemical parameters changed significantly over time (P < 0.01). The PCV, calcium, potassium, lactate, total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly increased over pre-exercise concentrations immediately after Phase B. During Phase C, these parameters decreased towards pre-exercise concentrations, thereby supporting the concept that Phase C is a recovery phase. In contrast, chloride concentration decreased, and the creatinine concentration and CK increased compared to pre-exercise concentrations from the end of Phase B to the end of Phase C. These changes probably resulted from fluid and electrolyte losses in sweat, reduced renal blood flow and continued muscular activity. Many parameters did not change significantly between the 4 km marker (midway point on Phase C) and the end of Phase C. However, there were a few notable exceptions: potassium, chloride, lactate and glucose concentrations decreased, whereas pH and creatinine concentrations increased significantly from the 4 km marker to the end of Phase C. The most significant benefit of the extra distance from the 4 km marker to the end of Phase C was that it facilitated further dissipation of lactate concentrations prior to the start of Phase D.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1996

Cerebrospinal fluid acid-base status during normocapnia and acute hypercapnia in equine neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine normal acid-base status of the CSF and to compare it with changes during acute hypercapnia in equine neonates. ANIMALS: 10 clinically normal foals between 1 and 12 days old. PROCEDURE: CSF and arterial and venous blood samples were collected every 15 minutes during 45 minutes of normocapnia and 90 minutes of hypercapnia in isoflurane-anesthetized foals. CSF samples were collected via a subarachnoid catheter placed in the atlanto-occipital space. RESULTS: Comparison of blood and CSF gases during normocapnia indicated that CSF was significantly more acidic than blood. The lower pH was attributable to higher CO2 and lower bicarbonate concentrations than those in blood. During hypercapnia, CSF CO2 increased and pH decreased parallel to changes in blood, but changes were not a great as similar changes in venous blood, indicating that some degree of buffering occurs in the CSF of foals. CONCLUSIONS: Normal CSF acid-base status in equine neonates is similar to that in other domestic species. The blood-brain and blood-CSF interfaces in neonates allow rapid diffusion of CO2, but allow only slow diffusion of bicarbonate. Equine neonates are capable of buffering respiratory-induced acid-base changes in the CSF, but the buffering capacity is less than that of the vascular compartment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Neonatal foals may develop severe respiratory compromise, resulting in hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Because the ability of the CSF to buffer acid-base changes in neonates is reduced, hypercapnia may contribute to the CNS abnormalities that often develop in sick neonates. Thus, normal blood gas values should be maintained in diseased equine neonates.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed1995

Provision and receipt of social support and disregard: what is their impact on the marital life quality of infertile and fertile couples?

A longitudinal study examined perceptions of received and provided social support and disregard among members of 248 infertile and fertile married couples. Correlational and structural equation modeling analyses were conducted. Women's and men's perceptions of the amount of social support they gave to and received from their partner were highly positively related. In contrast, agreement between spouses about the amount of provided support was moderate. Both social support and disregard mediated the relationships between stress and marital quality of life. Overall, highly similar patterns of results were found for members of infertile and fertile couples. These results demonstrate the perceptual element of received support and disregard as well as the importance of considering the provider's perspective.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1995

Heart rate response and plasma lactate concentrations of horses competing in the cross-country phase of combined training events.

The exercise intensity of horses (n = 175) competing in the cross-country phase of 4 combined training events at 5 levels of competition [novice (N), training (T), preliminary (P), intermediate (I) and advanced (A)] was investigated. Environmental conditions varied from cool and humid (mean +/- s.d. temperature and humidity = 12.1 degrees C +/- 0.6 and 88.4% +/- 8.9 RH) to moderately hot and humid (27.8 degrees C +/- 2.1 and 62.5% +/- 7.8 RH). Heart rates (beats/min) were recorded continuously at 5 s intervals with a heart monitor. Mean +/- s.d. heart rates (beats/min) for each level of competition were: 154.4 +/- 19.2 beats/min (n = 45) (N), 160.4 +/- 28.1 beats/min (n = 47) (T), 160.6 +/- 33 beats/min (n = 53) (P), 181 +/- 26.6 beats/min (n = 29) (I) and 194.6 +/- 4.2 beats/min (n = 4) (A). Plasma lactate concentration was determined at rest in a random sampling of horses (n = 36) from all competitions and within 60 s of completion of the cross-country phase in all horses. Mean +/- s.d. lactate concentration at rest was 0.98 +/- 0.3 mmol/l. Mean +/- s.d. lactate concentrations (mmol/l) of horses after exercise were: N = 8.1 +/- 7, T = 11.5 +/- 4.7, P = 17.6 +/- 6.1, I = 19 +/- 6.7 and A = 21.3 +/- 7.3. Mean plasma lactate increased significantly (P < 0.001) as levels of competition increased, although there were few significant differences in heart rate between levels. Rectal temperatures were taken immediately after completion of the cross-country phase and 10 min later. Mean +/- s.d. rectal temperatures were significantly higher 10 min after completion of the cross-country than those taken immediately after cross-country (P < 0.001). Rectal temperatures 10 min after completion of exercise were significantly higher as the level of competition increased for N through I (P < 0.001). Rectal temperatures 10 min after completion of exercise were correlated with ambient temperatures (r = 0.22, P = 0.01). There was no significant correlation between either pulse or respiratory rate taken immediately after completion of exercise with heart rate during the course.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Heart rate response and plasma lactate concentrations of horses competing in the speed and endurance phase of 3-day combined training events.

The exercise intensity of horses competing in 3-day combined training events at 3 different levels of competition (CCI, n = 7; CCI, n = 11; CCI, n = 23) was investigated. Environmental conditions during all events were cool with 100% cloud cover. Heart rates were continuously recorded at 5 s intervals by a heart rate monitor. Mean +/- s.d. heart rate for all horses during each phase were: Phase A = 118 +/- 11 beats/min, Phase B = 179 +/- 22.7 beats/min, Phase C = 129 +/- 13.9 beats/min and Phase D = 174 +/- 19.6 beats/min. Mean +/- s.d. heart rates on Phase A and C were significantly different from mean heart rates on Phases B and D. Plasma lactate concentrations were determined at rest, within 60 s and 10 min after the end of Phase D or the cross country test. Mean +/- s.d. lactate concentrations were highest immediately post exercise (mean = 18.4 +/- 5 mmol/l for all horses) and had declined significantly in 10 min (mean = 15 +/- 6.8 mmol/l for all horses). Mean +/- s.d. heart rates and lactate concentrations were not significantly different among levels of competition at each time period. The intensity of work of fit horses successfully competing in 3-day combined training events consists of both low intensity aerobic exercise and more intense submaximal work with significant anaerobiosis. The work intensity is remarkably constant throughout different levels of competition, despite the increasing distance, number and difficulty of jumping efforts and faster optimum speeds.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Haematological and biochemical changes in horses competing in a 3 Star horse trial and 3-day-event.

Haematological and biochemical changes in horses competing in the Endurance Test (Phase T and D) of an advanced Horse Trial (HT, n = 22) and the Endurance Test (Phases A-D) of an advanced (CCI) 3-day-event (TD, n = 11) over a similar course on the same day were studied. Environmental conditions during the event were cool (5.5-11.1 degrees C). Blood samples were collected from the horses in each group the evening prior to the Endurance Test, within 60 s after, and 10 min after, completion of Phase D (cross-country jumping). The following were determined in the blood samples and compared between the 2 groups of horses: packed cell volume (PCV), serum total protein [TP], serum albumin [ALB], plasma lactate [lactate], serum total calcium [TCa], plasma ionised calcium [Ca+2], serum inorganic phosphate [PO4], plasma pH, plasma sodium [Na], plasma potassium [K], serum chloride [Cl], serum urea nitrogen [SUN], serum creatinine [Cr] and serum glucose concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) activities. The PCV and [Cr] were higher in the TD group and approached significance (P = 0.063 and P = 0.057, respectively). The [TP], [ALB], [Na], glucose concentration and CK, and AST were significantly higher and [Cl] and [PO4] were significantly lower in the TD group after exercise when compared to the HT group. It was deduced from these data that the horses competing in the 3-day-event experienced greater fluid and electrolyte losses, reduced glomerular filtration, higher glycogenolysis and had greater leakage of enzymes from working muscles during competition than horses competing in the horse trial.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effects of shortening the steeplechase phase (phase B) of a 3-day-event.

Thirty-four horses competing in the Endurance Test of a 3-day-event were divided into 3 groups: horses in Group 1 (n = 15) competing in a 3.5 min steeplechase phase; horses in Group 2 (n = 13) in a 3 min steeplechase phase (Phase B) and horses in Group 3 (n = 6) in a 2.5 min steeplechase phase. The shortening of Phase B was associated with a lengthening of Phase C so that the total distance of the event for all horses was 14,940 m. Bodyweight (BW) was measured and total body water (TBW) and water loss estimated. Blood samples were collected from the horses prior to the Endurance Test, at the end of Phase B, the 4 km marker on Phase C (C4K), the end of Phase C, and 20 min after the completion of Phase D for measurement of packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein [TPP], lactate, ionised calcium, pH, sodium, potassium, chloride, total calcium and glucose concentrations, and aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Mean +/- s.d. ambient environmental temperature during the Endurance Test was 25.3 +/- 1 degrees C (range 20.3 degrees C-29.7 degrees C). Mean relative humidity was 43.8 +/- 2.4% (range 39%-48.6%) and the average 'comfort index' (CI) was 121. There were no significant differences between the groups competing in the Endurance Test, despite the shorter Phase B. However, there were significant decreases in BW, TBW, net exchangeable cations, chloride, ionised calcium, and pH. The sodium and total calcium concentrations remained at near pre-event values. The PCV, TPP, lactate, potassium, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activity increased during the Endurance Test, when compared to pre-event values. Horses competing in this competition experienced significant fluid and electrolyte losses, reduced glomerular filtration, increased glycogenolysis and had significant leakage of enzymes from working muscles during competition. These changes could not be reduced by shortening Phase B and lengthening Phase C.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Acid:base and serum biochemistry changes in horses competing at a modified 1 Star 3-day-event.

We examined the effects of participation in each of 3 modifications of Day 2 of a 3-day-event on blood and serum variables indicative of hydration, acid:base status and electrolyte homeostasis of horses. Three groups of horses - 8 European (E) horses and 2 groups each of 9 North American horses performed identical Days 1 (dressage) and 3 (stadium jumping) of a 3-day-event. E horses and one group of the North American horses (TD) performed modifications of Day 2 of a 1 Star 3-day-event and the other group of North American horses (HT) performed a Horse Trial on Day 2. Jugular venous blood was collected from each horse on the morning of Day 2 before any warm-up activity, between 4 min 55 s and 5 min 15 s after Phase D and the following morning. Eight E horses, 5 TD horses and 8 HT horses completed the trials. There were few significant differences in acid:base or serum biochemistry variables detected among horses performing either 2 variations of the Speed and Endurance day of a 1 Star 3-day-event, or a conventional Horse Trial. Failure to detect differences among groups may have been related to the low statistical power associated with the small number of horses, especially in the TD group, variation in quality of horses among groups and the different times of the day at which the E horses competed. Differences detected among time points were usually common to all groups and demonstrated metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis, a reduction in total body water and cation content, and hypocalcaemia. Importantly, horses of all groups did not replenish cation, chloride, and calcium deficits after 14-18 h of recovery.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed1995

Blood ionized calcium concentrations in horses before and after the cross-country phase of three-day event competition.

Blood ionized calcium (Ca2+) and pH; plasma lactate concentrations; and total protein, total calcium (CaT), albumin, and phosphorus concentrations in serum were determined in 40 healthy horses before (T1), at the finish line (T2), and 10 minutes after the finish (T3) of the cross-country phase of a 3-day-event competition. Mean (+/- SEM) Ca2+ concentrations decreased from 6.22 +/- 0.04 mg/dl at T1 to 5.04 +/- 0.07 mg/dl at T2 (P < or = 0.05). This decrease was accompanied by a nonsignificant increase in CaT between T1 and T2. The mean (+/- SEM) percent ionization of calcium decreased significantly (P < or = 0.05), from 50.9 +/- 2.75% at T1 to 40.3 +/- 3.58% at T2. Significant increases in mean albumin, total protein, phosphorus, and lactate concentrations and a significant decrease in mean pH were observed at T2 (P < or = 0.05). At T3, mean Ca2+ and percent ionization had increased, but remained significantly less than resting values. Mean CaT was significantly decreased at T3, compared with values at T1 and T2. Correlation of mean Ca2+ concentration with all other measured variables at each time was evaluated; correlation coefficients between mean Ca2+ and all other variables were low (r2 < or = 0.38), indicating low biological significance.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Bleeding diathesis associated with variant von Willebrand factor in a Simmental calf.

A 10-month-old Simmental heifer was examined because of a 10-day history of epistaxis and aural hematomas. Examination of the calf also revealed hemarthrosis. Initial laboratory data indicated that platelet count, platelet size, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time were not different from a clinically normal (control) cow. Mucosal bleeding time was prolonged, and platelet adhesion to glass beads was less than expected. The clinical signs, prolonged bleeding time, and platelet adhesion defect were corrected by infusion of bovine plasma. Subsequent laboratory testing revealed that the affected calf had a truncated multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor (vWF), low vWF activity, and impaired platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate, but concentration of vWF was not different from that in clinically normal control animals. These data were consistent with a diagnosis of variant von Willebrand disease. The relationship of this disease to the thrombopathy of Simmental cattle is unclear.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Weight, water, and cation losses in horses competing in a three-day event.

Body weight of 48 horses competing in a 3-day event was measured the day before the event (baseline), following the dressage phase of the event (day 1), after the endurance phases of the event (day 2), and 18 to 24 hours after the endurance phases (day 3). Plasma sodium and potassium concentrations were measured the evening before, immediately after, and 10 minutes after the endurance phases. Total body water, water loss, and net exchangeable cation loss were then calculated. Body weight and total body water were significantly decreased, compared with baseline values, at all times during the event, and significant water loss was detected. The largest changes were recorded after the endurance phases of the event. Water deficits were still detected 18 to 24 hours after the endurance phases of the event. Mean plasma sodium concentration was significantly increased immediately after the endurance phases of the event, compared with concentration measured the evening before, and remained increased after the 10-minute recovery period, presumably because of dehydration. Mean plasma potassium concentration was significantly increased immediately after the endurance phases of the event, compared with concentration measured the evening before, but was not increased after the 10-minute recovery period.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Acute rhabdomyolysis.

Early aggressive medical therapy in horses with acute rhabdomyolysis is essential to prevent further muscle damage and secondary complications, such as laminitis and acute renal failure. A variety of pharmacologic agents may be helpful in the treatment of this condition but may have adverse affects if hydration status is not corrected first or concurrently with oral or intravenous fluids. Early aggressive therapy will help prevent irreversible muscle damage that could lead to poor performance in the future.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1994

Infertility and parenthood: does becoming a parent increase well-being?

There is a large literature that demonstrates that infertility has a variety of negative effects on women's and men's well-being, but little is known about the impact of becoming a parent. The effects of parenthood were examined in a longitudinal study with both wives and husbands from 174 infertile couples and a comparison group of 74 presumed fertile couples. Infertile women who became parents experienced greater global well-being but diminished marital well-being, compared with infertile women who had not become parents. Infertile men who became parents experienced the same negative effects that their wives reported, but they did not experience positive effects to the same extent. Parental status had fewer positive and negative effects on members of presumed-fertile couples. These results are discussed in terms of gender differences in the meaning of parenthood, and their implications for research and clinical services are considered.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1994

Gender differences and perceptions about childbearing among infertile couples.

OBJECTIVE: To explore gender differences and responses of infertile couples to childbearing issues. DESIGN: Data analysis from the first wave of a larger three-wave prospective panel study. Face-to-face interviews with both husbands and wives were conducted. SETTING: Husbands and wives were interviewed separately in their homes. One was generally interviewed immediately after the other. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty-one infertile couples in southeastern Michigan were interviewed in 1988. MEASURES: Variables of interest included the self-recognized source of the fertility problem, the importance of children to individuals, stress associated with infertility treatment, the number of tests and treatments received, the acceptability of indicated treatments, the length of time couples expected it would take to have a child, and the ideal and expected number of children. RESULTS: Women experienced significantly more stress from tests and treatment, placed greater importance on having children, were more accepting of indicated treatments, and wanted more children than men did. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for nurses working with infertile couples are discussed, including provision of emotional support, evaluation of perceptions of success, assessment of couples' expectations, and inclusion of husbands in decision making.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Albumin quotient, IgG concentration, and IgG index determinations in cerebrospinal fluid of neonatal foals.

Total protein (TP), albumin, and IgG concentrations were measured in CSF from the atlanto-occipital (AO) and lumbosacral (LS) sites and in serum of 15 clinically normal neonatal foals < or = 10 days old (mean, 7.0 days). The albumin quotient (AQ; CSF albumin/serum albumin x 100) and IgG index ([CSF IgG/serum IgG] x [serum albumin/CSF albumin]), indicators of blood-brain barrier permeability and intrathecal IgG production, respectively, were then calculated. Mean +/- SD values obtained from the foals of this study were: serum albumin, 2,900 +/- 240 mg/dl; serum IgG, 1,325 +/- 686 mg/dl; AO CSF total protein (TP), 82.8 +/- 19.2 mg/dl; LS CSF TP, 83.6 +/- 16.1 mg/dl; AO CSF albumin, 52.0 +/- 8.6 mg/dl; LS CSF albumin, 53.8 +/- 15.7 mg/dl; AO CSF IgG, 10.2 +/- 5.5 mg/dl; LS CSF IgG, 9.9 +/- 5.7 mg/dl; AO AQ, 1.86 +/- 0.29; LS AQ, 1.85 +/- 0.51, AO IgG index, 0.52 +/- 0.28; and LS IgG index, 0.48 +/- 0.27. Significant difference between values for the AO and LS sites was not found. A CSF albumin concentration > 85.2 mg/dl or AQ > 2.4, as determined by mean +/- 2 SD, may indicate increased blood-brain barrier permeability. An IgG index value > 1.0 may indicate intrathecal IgG production. Values obtained for foals of this study should serve as baseline for comparison in the evaluation of blood-brain barrier permeability and intrathecal IgG production in neonatal foals with neurologic disease.

Albumins↗

PubMed1994

Alterations in blood viscosity in horses competing in cross country jumping.

Packed cell volume and plasma total protein (TP), serum albumin (Alb) and globulin (Glb), and plasma ionized calcium (PCa) concentrations, blood viscosity (BV), and plasma viscosity (PV) were measured in 42 horses at rest and after the cross country jumping phase of a horse trial competition. The BV and PV were determined at 6 shear rates (230, 115, 46, 23, 11.5, 5.75 s-1), using a digital rotational cone and plate microviscometer. A paired t-test was used to determine differences between PCV, TP, Alb, Glb and PCa values at rest and after exercise. The PCV, TP, Alb, and Glb values increased (P < 0.05) in horses after exercise. The PCa concentration decreased (P < 0.05) in horses after exercise. Mean BV and PV in the 42 horses at rest and after exercise were fitted to an asymptotic function. Significant (P < 0.05) correlation at all shear rates was seen between BV at rest and PCV, TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa values at rest; and between BV after exercise and PCV, TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa values after exercise. Significant correlation was not seen between PV at rest and TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa at rest, or between PV after exercise and TP, Alb, Glb, and PCa concentrations after exercise at any shear rate.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Why are couples satisfied with infertility treatment?

OBJECTIVE: To determine which factors relate to satisfaction with infertility treatment. DESIGN: A prospective structured interview research design was used. SETTING: In-person and telephone interviews were conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Wives and husbands from 185 couples in southeastern Michigan with primary infertility were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: There were two main outcome measures: how satisfied people were with the infertility treatment they received and why they were satisfied. RESULTS: Both men and women were satisfied with the infertility treatment they had received. The most frequently mentioned reasons for satisfaction were the technical skills and the emotional support of infertility specialists. Both men and women advised infertility specialists to be compassionate and share information with their patients. Spouses' satisfaction with treatment was the greatest predictor for both men and women. For men, using escape as a coping skill was a negative predictor for treatment satisfaction. For women, personal control and the number of infertility treatments received were other predictors for treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, a variety of psychosocial factors were related to treatment satisfaction. Contrary to expectation, treatment costs and how long respondents had been trying to have a child were not related to treatment satisfaction. This study's results suggest that physicians and their staff should pay particular attention to their patients' emotional needs, to their patients' understanding of procedures explained to them, to discussing adoption with their patients, to involving men more in the infertility treatment, and to assisting women to have more control over their course of treatment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1992

Psychosocial, treatment, and demographic predictors of the stress associated with infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which psychosocial, treatment, and demographic factors relate to the amount of perceived stress that infertile women and men experience. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, structured interview research design was used. SETTING: In-person interviews were conducted in study participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS: Wives and husbands from 185 couples in Southeastern Michigan with primary infertility were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A nine-item rating scale of perceived stress associated with infertility was the outcome measure. RESULTS: For both women and men, stress was significantly positively correlated with treatment costs and number of tests and treatments received; stress was significantly negatively correlated with confidence that one will have a child and perceived control. For women only, attitudes about infertility treatments, importance of children, attributions of responsibility to physicians, and social support also significantly related to perceived stress. For men only, income, number of physicians seen, and self attributions of responsibility also significantly related to perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, a variety of treatment characteristics and psychosocial factors were related to experienced stress. Contrary to expectation, demographic factors such as age and number of years married were not related to experienced stress. This study's results suggest that attempts by health care providers to increase patients' sense of control, optimism (within realistic limits), and social support should reduce stress.

Adult↗