Inverse Relationship between V˙O2max and Gross Efficiency

The aim of this study was to identify if an inverse relationship exists between Gross Efficiency (GE) and V˙O2max in trained cyclists. In Experiment 1, 14 trained cyclist's GE and V˙O2max were recorded at 5 different phases of a cycling 'self-coached' season using an incremental laboratory test. In Experiment 2, 29 trained cyclists undertook 12 weeks of training in one of 2 randomly allocated groups (A and B). Over the first 6 weeks Group A was prescribed specific high-intensity training sessions, whilst Group B were restricted in the amount of intensive work they could conduct. In the second 6-week period, both groups were allowed to conduct high intensity training. Results of both experiments in this study demonstrate training related increases in GE, but not V˙O2max. A significant inverse within-subject correlation was evident in experiment 1 between GE and V˙O2max across the training season (r=?-?0.32; P<0.05). In experiment 2, a significant inverse within-subject correlation was found between changes in GE and V˙O2max in Group A over the first 6 weeks of training (r=?-?0.78; P<0.01). Resultantly, a training related inverse relationship between GE and V˙O2max is evident in these groups of trained cyclists.     

Use of the human tumor stem cell assay to study chemotherapy sensitivity in cancer of the cervix

Two questions concerning chemotherapy of cervical cancers are addressed in this study. 1) Can the human tumor stem cell assay identify active chemotherapeutic agents?; and 2) Can the human tumor stem cell assay predict which patient's tumors will demonstrate clinical responsiveness to chemotherapy? Sixty-seven of 76 cervical cancer specimens (88.2%) were grown in the human tumor stem cell assay, resulting in 159 separate drug assays. Based on the known activity of standard chemotherapeutic agents demonstrated in clinical trials, cisplatin, bleomycin, vincristine, and mitomycin C were chosen for testing. In vitro sensitivity patterns, seen at one-tenth of the peak plasma drug concentration, were similar to those seen in historic clinical trials. Retrospective correlations between in vitro drug sensitivity data and patient responses to chemotherapy are available from 13 patients, demonstrating clinically helpful predictive capabilities of the assay. Two conclusions were made: 1) The human tumor stem cell assay can determine single agent activity, which is often dose related; and 2) Useful correlations with clinical responses were observed.     

Chemotherapy of advanced squamous carcinoma of the cervix: a phase I-II study of high-dose cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. A pilot study of the Gynecologic Oncology Group

Sixteen patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were treated with a combination of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin to determine a tolerable dose schedule, major adverse effects, and a general estimate of response rate and duration. Toxicity was substantial with a dose of cyclophosphamide 1000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 100 mg/m2 given intravenously every 3 weeks. Renal, hematologic, and gastrointestinal toxicities were severe. Of the 12 patients with measurable disease, there were two complete responses and three partial responses for a response rate of 42%. The median duration of response was 24 weeks. Six patients remained stable during therapy and one patient had progression of disease. Use of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin in combination chemotherapy for recurrent carcinoma of the cervix was tolerable but associated with substantial toxicity. The responses seen in this study are encouraging and warrant further comparative trials with this combination of drugs.     

Association between intrusive negative autobiographical memories and depression: A meta‐analytic investigation

The study investigated several associations between depression and intrusive negative autobiographical memories. A systematic literature search identified 23 eligible studies (N = 2,582), which provided 59 effect sizes. Separate meta‐analyses indicated that depression was moderately, positively associated with intrusive memory frequency, memory distress, maladaptive memory appraisals, memory avoidance, and memory rumination. Intrusive memory vividness was not significantly associated with depression. There were insufficient data to examine the relationship between depression and memory vantage perspective. Between‐study heterogeneity was high for intrusive memory frequency and memory avoidance, and the percentage of females in studies significantly moderated the relationship between these variables and depression. An additional exploratory meta‐analysis (3 studies; N = 257) indicated that intrusive memories were experienced more frequently by those with posttraumatic stress disorder than those with depression. Overall, the findings suggest that intrusive memories warrant clinical attention as they may contribute to the maintenance of depressive symptomatology.     

Controversies in the physiological basis of the 'anaerobic threshold' and their implications for clinical cardiopulmonary exercise testing

This article reviews the notion of the 'anaerobic threshold' in the context of cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Primarily, this is a review of the proposed mechanisms underlying the ventilatory and lactate response to incremental exercise, which is important to the clinical interpretation of an exercise test. Since such tests are often conducted for risk stratification before major surgery, a failure to locate or justify the existence of an anaerobic threshold will have some implications for clinical practice. We also consider alternative endpoints within the exercise response that might be better used to indicate a patient's capacity to cope with the metabolic demands encountered both during and following major surgery.     

Gender identity and HIV risk among men who have sex with men in Cape Town,South Africa

Gender identity plays a potentially important role contributing to HIV risk among MSM in South Africa. Where studies have included a focus on gender identity, MSM reporting gender non-conformity have been found to have a higher risk of being HIV positive than other MSM. This article examines HIV risk among gender non-conforming MSM in a sample of 316 MSM in Cape Town, South Africa. Reporting gender non-conformity was associated with higher HIV prevalence and increased HIV risk behaviour. Gender non-conformity was also associated with a higher likelihood of being unemployed and reporting low household incomes. These findings highlight the importance of gender-identity as a factor affecting access to HIV treatment, care, and prevention in South Africa and this is an issue that needs to be addressed in interventions targeting MSM populations.     

Tubal microsurgery with the carbon dioxide laser

Thirty New Zealand White female rabbits underwent tubal resection and reanastomosis for comparison of conventional microsurgery and laser microsurgical techniques. The rabbits were divided into three groups. The first group of 10 rabbits had 3 cm of tissue resected by knife from each uterine horn; the cut ends were then reanastomosed in one layer with 8-0 Vicryl sutures with the use of the operating microscope. The second group of 10 rabbits had 3 cm of tissue resected by laser from each uterine horn; the cut ends were then reanastomosed in one layer with 8-0 Vicryl. The third group of 10 rabbits had 3 cm of tissue resected by laser from each uterine horn; the cut ends were then reanastomosed by "welding" the tissues with the laser. All rabbits in the first group became pregnant. Only four in the second group became pregnant, but none in the third group became pregnant. It is concluded that the carbon dioxide laser beam as used in this study has no place in tubal resection and reconstruction.