ß2-Agonist administration increases sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activity in aged rat skeletal muscle

Aging is associated with a slowing of skeletal muscle contractile properties, including a decreased rate of relaxation. In rats, the age-related decrease in the maximal rate of relaxation is reversed after 4-wk administration with the &beta;2-adrenoceptor agonist (&beta;2-agonist) fenoterol. Given the critical role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in regulating intracellular Ca2+ transients and ultimately the time course of muscle contraction and relaxation, we tested the hypothesis that the mechanisms of action of fenoterol are mediated by alterations in SR proteins. Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) kinetic properties were assessed in muscle homogenates and enriched SR membranes isolated from the red (RG) and white (WG) portions of the gastrocnemius muscle in adult (16 mo) and aged (28 mo) F344 rats that had been administered fenoterol for 4 wk (1.4 mg/kg/day ip, in saline) or vehicle only. Aging was associated with a 29% decrease in the maximal activity (Vmax) of SERCA in the RG but not in the WG muscles. Fenoterol treatment increased the Vmax of SERCA and SERCA1 protein levels in RG and WG. In the RG, fenoterol administration reversed an age-related selective nitration of the SERCA2a isoform. Our findings demonstrate that the mechanisms underlying age-related changes in contractile properties are fiber type dependent, whereas the effects of fenoterol administration are independent of age and fiber type. <br />

The effect of education on hypothetical and actual oxygen administration decisions

Aim<br />This study examined the effect of an education intervention on emergency nurses&rsquo; decisions related to oxygen administration.<br /><br />Method<br />A controlled pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design was used. The intervention was a written self directed learning package. Outcome measures were (i) factual knowledge measured using parallel form multiple choice questions (MCQs) and (ii) clinical decisions measured using parallel form MCQs, parallel form patient scenarios and clinical practice observation.<br /><br />Results<br />Eighty-eight nurses from 4 Melbourne EDs participated in the study (control group: n = 37 and experimental group: n = 51). Subgroups of nurses from the experimental group also participated in the patient scenarios (n = 20) and clinical practice observation (n = 10). Emergency nurses&rsquo; knowledge increased as a function of education. Both patient scenario data and clinical practice observation showed decreased selection of nasal cannulae, increased selection of air entrainment masks and a trend towards selection of higher oxygen flow rates following education.<br /><br />Conclusions<br />Evaluation of educational interventions in nursing should focus on identifying strategies that enhance learning in a clinical environment, are valid in terms of the clinical context and culture in which they are being used and most importantly, produce sustained improvements in actual clinical practice.<br />

The taxpayers'€™ charter : a case study in tax administration

The Australian Taxpayers'€™ Charter was introduced in 1997 and a revised version in November 2003. This is therefore an appropriate time to review the contribution of this initiative. This article traces the development of such modern charters and then specifically the development of tax charters. The Australian Taxpayers' Charter and the Australian Tax Office'€™s (&quot;€œATO&quot;€) experience with it are then examined. Among other possible advantages, the Charter may be used as a measure of the ATO'€™s performance. Taxpayers&acirc;€™ views regarding the extent to which the ATO meets its obligations under the Taxpayers'€™ Charter, as expressed in two surveys of Australian voters (N = 2,040 and 2,374), are presented. Generally the taxpayers are supportive. The results of the survey also support the ATO'€™s view that the Charter fits in with compliance policy. Finally, the Charter demonstrates how initiatives in tax administration might he successfully achieved.

Integrating nursing research education and practice : safe administration of medications

The integration of the best available evidence into the delivery of safe patient care is a challenging but important task. Southern Health in partnership with Deakin University embarked on a joint initiative to develop a culture of inquiry and evidencebased nursing practice.<br />

Serving community : prosocial engagement in educational administration

The rise of managerialism in the 1990s entrenched bureaucratic practices as core education and training for educational administrators. As the educational divide between those who achieve and those who fall short continues to problematize the success of educational reforms, the work of administrators becomes critical to review. The current challenge for educational administration is to provide an environment that genuinely serves the interests of complex diversity and social justice in education systems by building the frameworks that respects differences, protects the weak, and regulates the strong. By taking a more prosocial stance with issues relating to cultural diversity, equity, and democracy, educational administration can transform society, the school, and the classroom, through humanistic and interpretive management practices, and influencing pedagogy, curriculum, educator training, and the socio-political system.<br />

Intravenous AICAR administration reduces hepatic glucose output and inhibits whole body lipolysis in type 2 diabetic patients

<b>Aims/hypothesis</b>: The 5&prime;-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway is intact in type 2 diabetic patients and is seen as a target for diabetes treatment. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR) on both glucose and fatty acid metabolism in vivo in type 2 diabetic patients.<br /><br /><b>Methods</b>: Stable isotope methodology and blood and muscle biopsy sampling were applied to assess blood glucose and fatty acid kinetics following continuous i.v. infusion of AICAR (0.75 mg kg&minus;1 min&minus;1) and/or NaCl (0.9%) in ten male type 2 diabetic patients (age 64&thinsp;&plusmn;&thinsp;2 years; BMI 28&thinsp;&plusmn;&thinsp;1 kg/m2).<br />Results Plasma glucose rate of appearance (R a) was reduced following AICAR administration, while plasma glucose rate of disappearance (R d) was similar in the AICAR and control test. Consequently, blood glucose disposal (R d expressed as a percentage of R a) was increased following AICAR infusion (p&thinsp;&lt;&thinsp;0.001). Accordingly, a greater decline in plasma glucose concentration was observed following AICAR infusion (p&thinsp;&lt;&thinsp;0.001). Plasma NEFA R a and R d were both significantly reduced in response to AICAR infusion, and were accompanied by a significant decline in plasma NEFA concentration. Although AMPK phosphorylation in skeletal muscle was not increased, we observed a significant increase in acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation (p&thinsp;&lt;&thinsp;0.001).<br /><b><br />Conclusions/interpretation</b>: The i.v. administration of AICAR reduces hepatic glucose output, thereby lowering blood glucose concentrations in vivo in type 2 diabetic patients. Furthermore, AICAR administration stimulates hepatic fatty acid oxidation and/or inhibits whole body lipolysis, thereby reducing plasma NEFA concentration. <br />

Teaching educational administration in Thailand : a participatory approach

A participatory approach was used to teach educational administration topics relevant to the Thai reform agenda. Students were also required to carry out a workplace project based on their studies. Data indicated that the content and pedagogy of the university course were an effective form of professional development for school administrators.

No evidence of expression of two classes of natural antibiotics (cathelicidins and defensins) in a sample of platypus milk

Marsupial neonates are born without a fully functioning immune system, and are known to be protected in part by natural antimicrobial peptides present in their mother's milk. Monotreme neonates hatch at a similar stage in development, and it has been hypothesised that their survival in a non-sterile burrow also relies on the presence of natural antibiotics in their mother's milk. Here we review the field of monotreme lactation and the antimicrobial peptide complement of the platypus (<i>Ornithorhynchus anatinus</i>). Using reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction of milk cell RNA from a sample of platypus milk, we found no evidence for the expression of cathelicidins or defensins in the milk. This was unexpected. We hypothesise that these natural antibiotics may instead be produced by the young platypuses themselves.<br />