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Biomedical subjects

M Carter

Publications and source records attributed to M Carter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Arm to leg coordination in elite butterfly swimmers.

This study proposed the use of four time gaps to assess arm-to-leg coordination in the butterfly stroke at increasing race paces. Fourteen elite male swimmers swam at four velocities corresponding to the appropriate paces for, respectively, the 400-m, 200-m, 100-m, and 50-m events. The different stroke phases of the arm and leg were identified by video analysis and then used to calculate four time gaps (T1: time gap between entry of the hands in the water and the high break-even point of the first undulation; T2: time gap between the beginning of the hands' backward movement and the low break-even point of the first undulation; T3: time gap between the hands' arrival in a vertical plane to the shoulders and the high break-even point of the second undulation; T4: time gap between the hands' release from the water and the low break-even point of the second undulation), the values of which described the changing relationship of arm to leg movements over an entire stroke cycle. With increases in pace, elite swimmers increased the stroke rate, the relative duration of the arm pull, the recovery and the first downward movement of the legs, and decreased the stroke length, the relative duration of the arm catch phase and the body glide with arms forward (measured by T2), until continuity in the propulsive actions was achieved. Whatever the paces, the T1, T3, and T4 values were close to zero and revealed a high degree of synchronisation at key motor points of the arm and leg actions. This new method to assess butterfly coordination could facilitate learning and coaching by situating the place of the leg undulation in relation with the arm stroke.

Acceleration↗
PubMed2005

The spatial-temporal and coordinative structures in elite male 100-m front crawl swimmers.

This study analysed the spatial-temporal and coordinative structures in 12 elite male 100-m front crawl swimmers. Swim performance was analysed over each length of a 25-m pool divided into five zones of 5 m. Velocity (V), stroke rate (SR), and stroke length (SL) were calculated for each zone and each length. Four stroke phases were identified by video analysis and the Index of Coordination (IdC) was established. Three modes of coordination were identified: catch-up (IdC < 0), opposition (IdC = 0), and superposition (IdC > 0). The swimmers tended to reduce the decrease in V and SR over the course of the 100 m by maintaining a stable SL. In fact, these spatial-temporal values were stable during the time spent stroking and were higher or lower during the start, the turns (in and out), and the finish. Thus the spatial-temporal changes did not occur within the lengths, but between them. Conversely, the evolution in the IdC showed that the swimmers had to install the stroke at the beginning and only reached a stable coordination in the second part of the race. Moreover, the IdC increased throughout the different zones of each 25-m length, indicating changes in motor organisation, particularly increases in the push or pull phases. The IdC values corresponded to a superposition of the arms, linked to a six-beat leg kick. Achievement of an effective superposition coordination occurred by boosting the stroke just after the turn-out until the end of the length. Regarding the spatial-temporal and coordinative structures of a 100-m front crawl, great swimming skill was reflected by both high and stable data.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Solar wind-induced atmospheric erosion at Mars: first results from ASPERA-3 on Mars Express.

The Analyzer of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA) on board the Mars Express spacecraft found that solar wind plasma and accelerated ionospheric ions may be observed all the way down to the Mars Express pericenter of 270 kilometers above the dayside planetary surface. This is very deep in the ionosphere, implying direct exposure of the martian topside atmosphere to solar wind plasma forcing. The low-altitude penetration of solar wind plasma and the energization of ionospheric plasma may be due to solar wind irregularities or perturbations, to magnetic anomalies at Mars, or both.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Acute injury and chronic disability resulting from surfboard riding.

We undertook a cross-sectional survey of surfers at eight Victorian beaches between February and May 2003 and analysed acute injury and chronic disability sustained while surfing during the preceding 12 months. Significant injuries were defined as requiring medical attention or time off surfing/work. 646 surfers were enrolled (90.2% male, median age 27 years, median years of surfing 10). 145 surfers sustained 168 significant acute injuries in the preceding 12 months (0.26 injuries/surfer/year, 95% CI 0.22-0.30). Most were caused by striking a surfboard or another surfer (45.2%, 95% CI 37.6-53.1), "wiping out" (36.3%, 95% CI 29.1-44.1) or striking the seabed (17.9%, 95% CI 12.6-24.7). Injuries included lacerations (46.4%, 95% CI 38.8-54.3), sprains (28.6%, 95% CI 22.0-36.1), dislocations (10.7%, 95% CI 6.7-16.6) and fractures (8.9%, 95% CI 5.3-14.6). Body parts most frequently injured were the lower limb (45.8%, 95% CI 38.2-53.7) and the head/face (26.2%, 95% CI 19.9-33.6). Surfing injuries that were treated in Victorian emergency departments over a six year period revealed a similar pattern, although there was a greater proportion of head/face injuries (42.0%, 95% CI 36.0-48.1, p = 0.001). 20 surfers reported long-term effects from acute injuries, mainly unstable/stiff/painful joints. 136 surfers reported chronic health problems not related to acute injury including chronic/recurrent otitis externa and exostoses, muscle and joint pain/stiffness and pterygium. Significant injury while surfing is not uncommon. Although head injury accounts for a considerable proportion, very few surfers wear protective headgear. Greater use of protective headgear should be considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Light and electron microscopical observations of the effects of high-density lipoprotein on growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.

Human serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is necessary and sufficient for the short-term maintenance of Plasmodium falciparum in in vitro culture. However, at high concentrations it is toxic to the parasite. A heat-labile component is apparently responsible for the stage-specific toxicity to parasites within infected erythrocytes 12-42 h after invasion, i.e. during trophozoite maturation. The effects of HDL on parasite metabolism (as determined by nucleic acid synthesis) are evident at about 30 h after invasion. Parasites treated with HDL show gross abnormalities by light and electron microscopy.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of arm-leg coordination in flat breaststroke.

This study proposes a new method to evaluate arm-leg coordination in flat breaststroke. Five arm and leg stroke phases were defined with a velocity-video system. Five time gaps quantified the time between arm and leg actions during three paces of a race (200 m, 100 m and 50 m) in 16 top level swimmers. Based on these time gaps, effective glide, effective propulsion, effective leg insweep and effective recovery were used to identify the different stroke phases of the body. A faster pace corresponded to increased stroke rate, decreased stroke length, increased propulsive phases, shorter glide phases, and a shorter T1 time gap, which measured the effective body glide. The top level swimmers showed short time gaps (T2, T3, T4, measuring the timing of arm-leg recoveries), which reflected the continuity in arm and leg actions. The measurement of these time gaps thus provides a pertinent evaluation of swimmers' skill in adapting their arm-leg coordination to biomechanical constraints.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Advances in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors.

Brain tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with different origins, pathobiologies, treatments and prognoses. The collective contributions from the fields of neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neurology, neuropathology, neuroradiology and molecular biology have all led to significant advances in the treatment of certain brain tumors. Ideas from these fields, under the cooperative umbrella of clinical cancer trial consortia, have been tested in large-scale studies. As a result, patient survivals have increased markedly for these tumor types. Unfortunately, there are certain brain tumors in childhood, such as the diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, for which survival advantages have not been found. This review will discuss the current and possible future therapies of the most common pediatric brain tumors and highlight some of the novel imaging modalities that are used pre- and intraoperatively.

Astrocytoma↗
PubMed2002

Genetic abnormalities detected in ependymomas by comparative genomic hybridisation.

Using comparative genomic hybridisation, we have analysed genetic imbalance in a series of 86 ependymomas from children and adults. Tumours were derived from intracranial and spinal sites, and classified histologically as classic, anaplastic or myxopapillary. Ependymomas showing a balanced profile were significantly (P<0.0005) more frequent in children than adults. Profiles suggesting intermediate ploidy were common (44% of all tumours), and found more often (P<0.0005) in tumours from adults and the spinal region. Loss of 22q was the most common specific abnormality, occurring in 50% of spinal (medullary) ependymomas and 26% of tumours overall. Genetic profiles combining loss of 22q with other specific abnormalities--gain of 1q, loss of 6q, loss of 10q/10, loss of 13, loss of 14q/14--varied according to site and histology. In particular, we showed that classic ependymomas from within the cranium and spine have distinct genetic profiles. Classic and anaplastic ependymomas with gain of 1q tended to occur in the posterior fossa of children and to behave aggressively. Our extensive data on ependymomas demonstrate significant associations between genetic aberrations and clinicopathological variables, and represent a starting point for further biological and clinical studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Consuming the evidence: consumers and evidence-based medicine.

Consumers have varying expectations and knowledge about evidence-based medicine (EBM), but expect the healthcare system to offer best practice based on the latest evidence. With the increasing power of the consumer movement, EBM has the potential to promote informed participation in health decision making by individual consumers and carers. To more effectively incorporate consumer experiences, views and concerns into the evidence base, there needs to be greater value put on qualitative research and acknowledgement of its importance. Consumers would like the research agenda to reflect population health needs, and for there to be more consultation about evidence-based decisions on access to care and rationing, and greater understanding of consumers' attitudes in decisions about treatment. Consumers want patient-centred healthcare and therefore must be involved collaboratively in the way EBM is used by health services and health practitioners.

Australia↗
PubMed2001

Indazolylamino quinazolines and pyridopyrimidines as inhibitors of the EGFr and C-erbB-2.

Described herein is the design and synthesis of indazolylaminopyridopyrimidines and quinazolines as inhibitors of the class 1 tyrosine kinase receptor family. Data is presented for N(4)-(1-benzyl-1H-indazol-5-yl)-N(6),N(6)-dimethylpyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine 3B. This compound inhibited EGFr and c-erbB-2 enzymes selectively over other kinases. It inhibited the proliferation of a range of tumour cell lines in vitro and the growth of BT474 xenografts in SCID mice.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Psychiatric bed utilization: 1896 and 1996 compared.

BACKGROUND: The 1896 and 1996 populations of North West Wales are similar in number, ethnic and social mix and rurality, enabling a study of the comparative incidence and prevalence of service utilization over the course of a century. METHODS: We collected records on all psychiatric admissions from North-West Wales in 1894-1896 and 1996. These were assessed and diagnosed by the responsible sector area consultant. RESULTS: The data reveal substantially more patients admitted for all diagnoses in 1996. even when comparisons are restricted to detained patients. The incidence of hospitalization by detention for schizophrenia is slightly lower 1996 than in 1896 but the incidence of hospitalization is higher now than in 1996. The incidence of hospitalization by detention for non-affective disorder psychoses is the same in both 1896 and 1996 but there is a doubling of incidence of hospitalization. The incidence of hospitalization for bipolar disorders is similar in the two periods. Modern mental health services admit large numbers of personality disordered patients, where none were admitted 100 years ago. CONCLUSIONS: Factors general to changing health care and expectations and others specific to mental health would appear to have led to the increase in rates of admissions observed in the modern period.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Long-term outcome of patients surviving for more than ten years following treatment for acute leukaemia.

Between 1972 and 1988, 832 consecutive patients were treated for acute leukaemia at St. Bartholomew's Hospital; a retrospective analysis has been conducted to determine the clinical course and outcome for 101 who have survived > or = 10 years following treatment. At a median follow-up of 16 years (range 10-28 years), 86 patients (86 out of 834 total, 11%) were still alive. Long-term follow-up of patients who have survived > or = 10 years following treatment for acute leukaemia revealed that most patients were in normal health, although a significant number of complications had occurred.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Surgical confirmation of ProstaScint abnormalities in two patients with high risk prostate cancer.

We describe our initial experience using ProstaScint scanning in addition to conventional imaging modalities for staging of high risk prostate cancer. Using our protocol, ProstaScint images detected abnormalities in pelvic lymph nodes not seen on CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in two patients. Subsequent surgical pelvic lymphadenectomy confirmed these abnormalities. Further patients will be accrued on this study to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of ProstaScint scanning.

Aged↗