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Biomedical subjects

M A Tufts

Publications and source records attributed to M A Tufts.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Optimal time of arrival for performance at moderate altitude (1700 m).

PURPOSE: The time course of physiological exercise responses after acute ascent to moderate altitude was investigated. METHODS: Fifteen young male subjects (16.5 +/- 0.8 yr) completed one familiarization and then two further sea level sessions to determine sea level values (SL). Subjects were then tested 6 h (ALT1), 18 h (ALT2), and 47 h (ALT3) after arrival at 1700 m. Subjects completed a 5-min submaximal cycle test, shuttle run test, and 45-s repeated push-up test. Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) were measured. RESULTS: Cycle test heart rate (HR) was higher at ALT1 than SL (182 +/- 15 vs 177 +/- 16 b.min(-1), P < 0.01) but had returned to 177 +/- 13 and 176 +/- 12 b.min(-1) at ALT2 and ALT3, respectively. At ALT1, only five subjects completed the full 5 min. Postexercise plasma lactate was not different. Shuttle test HR was higher at ALT1 than SL (191 +/- 8 vs 185 +/- 14 b.min(-1), P = 0.01) but had returned to 185 +/- 10 and 183 +/- 16 b.min(-1) at ALT2 and ALT3. Shuttle run time (SRT) was 37% shorter at ALT1 than SL (251 +/- 134 vs 401 +/- 115 s, P < 0.001) and remained impaired at ALT2 and ALT3 (330 +/- 124 and 344 +/- 115 s, both P < 0.001 vs SL). There was a significant relationship between magnitude of increased HR and reduction in SRT between SL and ALT1 (r = 0.52, P < 0.05). Push-up HR, Hb, and Hct were not affected by altitude. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that detrimental effects of acute ascent to 1700 m on exercise performance are greater after 6 h than after 18 or 47 h. Performance was not entirely restored to SL values even after 47 h, despite restoration of easily measured physiological parameters. The results suggest travel to moderate altitude should occur as early as is practical before competition.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1997

Towards reducing the trauma of direct intracompartmental pressure measurement for children: an in vitro assessment of small-diameter needles.

Direct intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurement in children is an important investigation, the use of which may be inhibited by the invasive nature of the procedure and the large 18-gauge (G) needles that have hitherto been recommended. These large needles contribute to patient, parental, and physician anxiety. This study compares ICP measurements using needles of different lengths and port configuration, ranging from 18 to 25 G, against the "gold standard" 18 G, long, double-ported needle. All except the 18 G long, single-ported needle had limits of agreement within 3 mm Hg of the gold-standard needle. The results indicate that needle manometry can confidently be performed using small needles, and that the addition of a side-port is unnecessary in needles of small volume.

Child↗
PubMed1985

Nursing's self-image--nursing education's responsibility.

This article is concerned primarily with the development of a professional image of nurses and the significant role played by nursing educators. What do nursing educators do or should they do to enhance positive self-image among their students? After many years of dealing with students at various stages along the way toward RN, and seeing their reluctance to enter the nursing world due to uncertainty and fear, it seemed to the authors that the root of the problem may be in the development of professional self-image. The authors believe that even though curricula are sound and faculty well prepared for their responsibilities, students still develop these feelings of doubt and inadequacy. Perhaps nursing educators need to do a self-examination by answering the questions posed throughout the article. It is the belief of the authors that nursing educators sincerely subscribe to their role in self-image development. But, at the same time, they may unconsciously contribute to some aspects of negative image development. Is it something that they "do or don't do"? The article is intended to be thought provoking; to stimulate thinking and self-examination. It is not meant to introduce new and innovative material. It reiterates some facts, enumerates a variety of situations, provides examples, and poses many questions. It is divided into three areas of discussion. Self-concept is briefly reviewed as foundation material for the examples and situations enumerated. Further discussion centers on the importance of the individual (nurse) and the importance of the work (nursing).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Education, Nursing↗