Medical Research Council

About: Medical Research Council is a government organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Malaria. The organization has 16430 authors who have published 19150 publications receiving 1475494 citations.

Lymphoid development in mice congenitally lacking T cell receptor alpha beta-expressing cells.

Abstract: Vertebrate T cells express either an alpha beta or gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR). The developmental relatedness of the two cell types is unresolved. alpha beta + T cells respond to specific pathogens by collaborating with immunoglobulin-producing B cells in distinct lymphoid organs such as the spleen and Peyer's patches. The precise influence of alpha beta + T cells on B cell development is poorly understood. To investigate the developmental effects of alpha beta + T cells on B cells and gamma delta + T cells, mice homozygous for a disrupted TCR alpha gene were generated. The homozygotes showed elimination of alpha beta + T cells and the loss of thymic medullae. Despite this, gamma delta + T cells developed in normal numbers, and there was an increase in splenic B cells.

A fivefold reduction in the incidence of recurrent ankle sprains in soccer players using the Sport-Stirrup orthosis.

Abstract: A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a semi-rigid ankle orthosis (Sport-Stirrup) on the incidence of ankle sprains in soccer players during 1 playing season. Senior soccer players were divided into 2 groups: players with previous ankle sprains (N = 258) and players without such history (N = 246). The players in these groups were each randomly allocated to either a semi-rigid orthosis or a control group at the start of the playing season. All subsequent injuries during the season and the total number of playing hours were documented. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of ankle sprains (injuries/1000 playing hours) by ankles in the orthosis group with previous sprains (0.14) compared with the nonbraced group with previous sprains (0.86). The incidence of ankle sprains was significantly higher in the nonbraced group with previous sprains (0.86) compared with the nonbraced group without previous sprains (0.46). Thus, in this study, a semirigid orthosis significantly reduced the incidence of recurrent ankle sprains in soccer players with previous history of ankle sprains.

Cerebral responses to electrical stimulation of peripheral nerve in man.

Abstract: FIG. 1.-In (a) are shown, superimposed, fifty responses to stimulation of the left ulnar nerve at the wrist. The stimulus escape at the left-hand end of the record is followed by a train of waves each with a period of about 20 msecs. In (b) the potential differences between the same electrodes on the head have been recorded but no stimulus has been applied. No deflections comparable with those in (a) occur. The time scales show intervals of 5 and 20 msecs. Calibration marks at the right-hand end of (b) show the deflection produced in each channel by a potential difference of 20 pNV.

Diet, nutrition and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Objectives: The overall objective of this study was to evaluate and provide evidence and recommendations on current published literature about diet and lifestyle in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Design: Epidemiological and experimental studies, focusing on nutritional intervention in the prevention of type 2 diabetes are used to make disease-specific recommendations. Long-term cohort studies are given the most weight as to strength of evidence available. Setting and subjects: Numerous clinical trials and cohort studies in low, middle and high income countries are evaluated regarding recommendations for dietary prevention of type 2 diabetes. These include, among others, the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study, US Diabetes Prevention Program, Da Qing Study; Pima Indian Study; Iowa Women’s Health Study; and the study of the US Male Physicians. Results: There is convincing evidence for a decreased risk of diabetes in adults who are physically active and maintain a normal body mass index (BMI) throughout adulthood, and in overweight adults with impaired glucose tolerance who lose weight voluntarily. An increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes is associated with overweight and obesity; abdominal obesity; physical inactivity; and maternal diabetes. It is probable that a high intake of saturated fats and intrauterine growth retardation also contribute to an increased risk, while non-starch polysaccharides are likely to be associated with a decreased risk. From existing evidence it is also possible that omega3 fatty acids, low glycaemic index foods and exclusive breastfeeding may play a protective role, and that total fat intake and trans fatty acids may contribute to the risk. However, insufficient evidence is currently available to provide convincing proof. Conclusions: Based on the strength of available evidence regarding diet and lifestyle in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, it is recommended that a normal weight status in the lower BMI range (BMI 21‐23) and regular physical activity be maintained throughout adulthood; abdominal obesity be prevented; and saturated fat intake be less than 7% of the total energy intake.