A definition and systems view of anaerobic capacity

The purpose of this paper is both to define terms used in exercise physiology, i.e. anaerobic capacity, anaerobic work capacity and anaerobic potential, and develop a systems perspective of anaerobic capacity. Philosophical argument is used to support the proposed definitions and systems view, which is an approach to assist in the universal acceptance of such terms amongst scientific investigators, coaches and athletes, and provide a focus on physiological mechanisms associated with anaerobic capacity which may be the subject of future investigation.     

Contribution of the distal tubule to potassium excretion in experimental glomerulonephritis

The renal adaptations that maintain potassium homeostasis in diffuse forms of glomerular disease are not well defined. Thus, handling of potassium by superficial nephron segments was examined in a rat model of antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis. Sampling the same nephron successively from the end and beginning of the distal tubule and the end of the proximal tubule allowed a segmental analysis. Despite a 40% reduction in GFR, potassium excretion in the glomerulonephritis animals was normal due to an increase in FEK. The proximal tubule and loop segment did not contribute to the enhanced FEK seen in these animals. In contrast, potassium entry along the distal tubule was significantly greater in the experimental group averaging 13.7 +/- 4.3 pmol/min compared to 1.2 +/- 1.7 pmol/min in controls (P less than 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that distal tubule potassium entry at any level of flow was enhanced in glomerulonephritis compared to controls (P less than 0.0001). Plasma aldosterone levels were similar in both groups of animals. Thus, the adaptation to potassium excretion seen in glomerulonephritis is partly achieved by the distal tubule through flow-rate independent mechanisms and appears to be independent of plasma aldosterone levels.     

The Role of Exercise in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Nursing Perspective

A crucial component of cardiac rehabilitation programs is exercise therapy. The purpose of this paper is to describe the benefits of exercise and the role of nursing within these programs. Rehabilitation programs must be individualized by identifying different patient populations and appropriate nursing diagnoses. Thereby, benefits of the program are maximized in order to improve the individual's quality of life.     

Chemotherapy-induced nausea

The rubric complementary medicine covers a variety of approaches that may seem alike only in their being outside conventional care and training. We have asked experienced practitioners to present their own pieces of this jigsaw, realising that these clinical fragments, when seen together, create excitement but also confusion. Of course, this forum is not intended to be a comprehensive review of relevant complementary treatments, and often the individual apporaches to clinical problems will appear totally unrelated, while their apparent effectiveness stretches the biomedical model and conventional research methodology beyond their capacity. With this in mind, we intend that forthcoming articles and reviews will expand on the therapies themselves, and discuss the evidence supporting them.