Physiological and subjective responses to low relative humidity in young and elderly men

In order to compare the physiological and the subjective responses to low relative humidity of elderly and young men, we measured saccharin clearance time (SCT), frequency of blinking, hydration state of the skin, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum level recovery and skin temperatures as physiological responses. We asked subjects to evaluate thermal, dryness and comfort sensations as subjective responses using a rating scale. Eight non-smoking healthy male students (21.7+/-0.8 yr) and eight non-smoking healthy elderly men (71.1+/-4.1 yr) were selected. The pre-room conditions were maintained at an air temperature (Ta) of 25 degrees C and a relative humidity (RH) of 50%. The test-room conditions were adjusted to provide 25 degrees C Ta and RH levels of 10%, 30% and 50%. RH had no effect on the activity of the sebaceous gland or change of mean skin temperature. SCT of the elderly group under 10% RH was significantly longer than that of the young group. In particular, considering the SCT change, the nasal mucous membrane seems to be affected more in the elderly than in the young in low RH. Under 30% RH, the eyes and skin become dry, and under 10% RH the nasal mucous membrane becomes dry as well as the eyes and skin. These findings suggested that to avoid dryness of the eyes and skin, it is necessary to maintain greater than 30% RH, and to avoid dryness of the nasal mucous membrane, it is necessary to maintain greater than 10% RH. On the thermal sensation of the legs, at the lower humidity level, the elderly group felt cooler than the young group. On the dry sensation of the eyes and throat, the young group felt drier than the elderly group at the lower humidity levels. From the above results, the elderly group had difficulty in feeling dryness in the nasal mucous membrane despite being easily affected by low humidity. On the other hand, the young group felt the change of humidity sensitively despite not being severely affected by low humidity. Ocular mucosa and physiology of skin by dryness showed no difference by age. In the effect of longer exposure (180 min.) to low RH, only TEWL showed a slight decrease after 120 minutes in 30% RH, and all the measured results showed no noticeable differences compared with the result at 120 minutes.     

Physiological responses of young and elderly men to prolonged exercise at critical power

The critical power (CP) of a muscle group or individual may represent the highest rate of work which can be performed for an extended period. We investigated this concept in young (n = 13, 24.5 years) and elderly (n = 12, 70.7 years) active men by first determining CP and then comparing responses elicited by 24 min of cycle exercise at power outputs (omega) corresponding to CP. Values from the final 2 min of the 24-min ride were expressed relative to maximal values established in a ramp test. CP for the elderly was only 65% that for the young, but on a relative basis, it was significantly higher both in terms of omega (67 vs 62% of omega max) and oxygen consumption (VO2) (91.5 vs 85.2% of maximum oxygen consumption). There were no group differences in relative values for ventilation (VE), heart rate or respiratory exchange ratio (R). During the 24-min ride, VO2 and R achieved a plateau in both groups, while VE, blood lactate and arterial PCO2 continued to change in the young. It was concluded that CP can be determined in active elderly men, but that CP may not represent a true non-fatiguing work rate in either young or elderly men.     

Salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin a responses to simulated and official Jiu-Jitsu matches

The aim of this study was to compare the salivary cortisol (sC) and the salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) responses to simulated and official Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) matches. Saliva samples were collected from 9 male BJJ athletes before (pre) and after (post) 2 simulated matches (SMs) and 2 official matches (OMs) performed during 2 different competitions. Salivary cortisol and sIgA concentrations (absolute concentration of sIgA [sIgAabs] and the secretion rate of sIgA [sIgArate]) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For sC, there was an effect of condition (SM vs. OM) (p < 0.05) and a time effect (pre and post) (p < 0.05). The sC was lower during SMs as compared with that during OMs and lower at premeasurement when compared with postmeasurement. No changes were observed for sIgA measurements. In summary, both SMs and official BJJ matches can increase sC levels. Moreover, the higher sC resting levels, observed before OMs, suggest that psychological factors associated with high physical-physiological demands from official BJJ competitions maximize stress hormone responses. In addition, the present findings suggest that the acute effect of BJJ matches on mucosal immunity is minimal, and it seems unlikely that changes in cortisol play a major role in the alterations in sIgA levels in response to BJJ matches. The findings of this study suggest that the use of sC can provide valuable information for coaches regarding athletes' responses to competition. In addition, psychological strategies should be implemented before events, to improve the manner in which BJJ athletes cope with the stress inherent to official matches.     

Physiological and autonomic stress responses after prolonged sleep restriction and subsequent recovery sleep in healthy young men

Sleep and Biological Rhythms - Sleep restriction is increasingly common and associated with the development of health problems. We investigated how the neuroendocrine stress systems respond to...     

Clothing microclimate temperatures during thermal comfort in boys,young and older men

To examine the effects of age-related differences in thermoregulatory function on the clothing microclimate temperature (T _m) andT _m fluctuations while maintaining thermal comfort in daily life, 5 boys (group B, 10–11 years), 5 young men (group Y, 20–21 years) and 5 older men (group O, 60–65 years) volunteered to take part in this study. The subjects were asked to maintain thermal comfort as closely as possible in their daily lives.T _m (temperatures between the skin surface and the innermost garment) at four sites (chest, back, upper arm, and thigh), skin temperature on the chest (T _chest) and ambient temperature (T _a) were measured over a period of 8–12 h from morning to evening on one day in each of the seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Records of ability to maintain thermal comfort and of adjustment of their clothes were kept by each subject.T _a during periods of thermal comfort did not differ among the groups in any of the seasons. In group Y,T _m was significantly lower at the thigh than at the other sites in spring, autumn, and winter (P<0.05) and fluctuations (CV) ofT _m were significantly larger at the thigh than at other sites in autumn and winter (P<0.05). Similar tendencies were observed forT _m and CV ofT _m in group B. However,T _m and CV ofT _m in group O did not differ by site except for the autumnT _m. Group O had a smaller CV at the thigh in winter (P<0.05), compared to groups B and Y, suggesting a smaller regional difference inT _m fluctuation in group O. Group O adjusted their clothes even on the lower limbs (together with upper body) in order to maintain thermal comfort in accordance with changes inT _a, while groups B and Y did so only on their upper bodies. These results sugest that compared to boys and young men, lower thermoregulatory function in older men may affectT _m and CV ofT _m as a result of clothing on lower limbs being adjusted differently in order to maintain thermal comfort.     

Physiological responses to salt stress in young umbu plants

Soil salinity affects plant growth and development due to harmful ion effects and water stress caused by reduced osmotic potential in the soil solution. In order to evaluate the effects of salt stress in young umbu plants, research was performed in green house conditions at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Growth, stomatal behaviour, water relations, and both inorganic and organic solutes were studied aiming for a better understanding of the responses of umbu plants to increasing salinity. Plants were grown in washed sand with Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM NaCl. Growth, leaf water potential, transpiration, and diffusive resistance were evaluated. Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, soluble carbohydrates, and free amino acid contents were measured in several plant organs. Most variables were affected with salinity above 50 mM NaCl showing decreases in: number of leaves, plant height, stems diameter, and dry masses, and increases in root-to-shoot ratio. Reductions in ψ_pd were observed in plants grown under 75 and 100 mM NaCl. All salt levels above zero increased Na⁺ and Cl⁻ contents in leaves. However, K⁺ content was not affected. Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in stems and roots reached saturation in treatments above 50 mM NaCl. Organic solute accumulation in response to salt stress was not observed in umbu plants. These results suggest that umbu plants tolerate salt levels up to 50 mM NaCl without showing significant physio-morphological alterations.     

Physiological adjustments of young men to five-hour desert walks.

Seven young men undertook a desert walk of 30 km at a rate of 100 m/min. Six finished; the seventh stopped after 24 km. Each satisfied his thirst with cool tap water each hour. Periodic observations included metabolic rate, blood pressure, heart rate, rectal and skin temperature, body weight, and volume of water drunk. Hand sweat was collected each hour and body sweat residues on the skin were collected at the end of the walk. Subjective reports revealed portents of breakdown: aching muscles, painful joints, hot or blistered feet, hunger, and boredom. Cardiovascular adjustment and temperature regulation maintained tolerable conditions. The volumes of water evaporated by the 5-h walkers were about the same. Wet bulb temperatures were below 25 degrees C; all sweat evaporated and was available for temperature regulation. The volume of water drawn from body reserves was closely correlated with concentration of chloride in body sweat; the volume of water that satisfied thirst maintained osmotic pressure.     

九寨沟两种常见藓类植物对模拟氮沉降的生理响应

为探讨氮沉降对九寨沟藓类植物的影响，该研究以当地优势藓类植物锦丝藓(Actinothuidium hookeri)和塔藓(Hylocomium splendens)为对象，以NH₄NO₃为氮源，设置对照(0 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1)、低浓度(20 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1)、高浓度(50 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1)3种处理，开展为期6个月的氮沉降模拟实验。结果表明：(1)氮沉降处理导致两种藓类植物的活性氧、丙二醛、叶绿素、脯氨酸和可溶性蛋白含量显著增加，同时锦丝藓过氧化氢酶、过氧化物酶、超氧化物歧化酶、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶活性增加。(2)对于生长旺期和生长末期的塔藓，氮沉降导致其过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶活性降低。(3)锦丝藓的综合隶属函数值随氮沉降浓度增大而增加，在生长旺期和生长末期，塔藓综合隶属函数值对氮沉降的响应存在差异。综上认为，两种藓类植物对氮沉降处理的生理响应存在差异，高浓度氮沉...     

Physiological responses of phytoplankton communities in the Irish Sea to simulated upwelling

Understanding the dynamics of upwelling systems, especially the interactions between nutrients and light, has benefited from the application of models of varying complexity. Validation of such models using unialgal cultures or field observations has often proven difficult, but short-term incubations of contained natural assemblages and use of instantaneous physiological indicators offer an alternative approach. In May and June 1996, phytoplankton communities deep in the euphotic zone were sampled from nearly identical physical environments. Replicate samples (20 l volume) were incubated on deck at 50% surface irradiance with either no nutrient additions (Controls) or additions of 20 μM nitrate (Enrichments). Over 24 h, variable fluorescence (F _v:F _m), nitrate reductase activity (NR), nutrients, chlorophyll a and particulate C and N were monitored. Initial chlorophyll a (～3 μg l^?1), phosphate (～0.2 μM), nitrate (～1.5 μM) and silicate (～3 μM) were similar in both months. Changes in NR and F _v:F _m indicated clear physiological responses to changes in irradiance and added nitrate that differed between months. In May, Controls and Enrichments responded in the same way. F _v:F _m stayed constant (0.5), chlorophyll a increased slightly, and NR activity increased markedly in all samples. In contrast, in June, treatments responded quite differently. F _v:F _m was near the theoretical maximum (0.7–0.8) initially and remained constant in Enrichments, but fell sharply in Controls. Declines in controls were also seen for chlorophyll a, and NR activity. Thus, the addition of 20 μM nitrate had a significant effect even though ambient levels of nitrate (>1 μM) should not have been limiting. Small (<20 μm) flagellates predominated in the May samples, but in June large and chain-forming centric diatoms constituted a significant proportion of the phytoplankton community. We conclude that the response of a phytoplankton community to environmental changes can depend on factors that are poorly represented by bulk measurements of chlorophyll, nutrients and particulate elements.     

Thermoregulatory responses of middle-aged and young men during dry-heat acclimation

Thermoregulatory responses during heat acclimation were compared between nine young (mean age 21.2 yr) and nine middle-aged men (mean age 46.4 yr) who were matched (P greater than 0.05) for body weight, surface area, surface area-to-weight ratio, percent body fat, and maximal aerobic power. After evaluation in a comfortable environment (22 degrees C, 50% relative humidity), the men were heat acclimated by treadmill walking (1.56 m/s, 5% grade) for two 50-min exercise bouts separated by 10 min of rest for 10 consecutive days in a hot dry (49 degrees C ambient temperature, 20% relative humidity) environment. During the first day of heat exposure performance time was 27 min longer (P less than 0.05) for the middle-aged men, whereas final rectal and skin temperatures and heart rate were lower, and final total body sweat loss was higher (P less than 0.05) compared with the young men. These thermoregulatory advantages for the middle-aged men persisted for the first few days of exercise-heat acclimation (P less than 0.05). After acclimation no thermoregulatory or performance time differences were observed between groups (P greater than 0.05). Sweating sensitivity, esophageal temperature at sweating onset, and the sweating onset time did not differ (P greater than 0.05) between groups either pre- or postacclimatization. Plasma osmolality and sodium concentration were slightly lower for the young men both pre- and postacclimatization; however, both groups had a similar percent change in plasma volume from rest to exercise during these tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Rapid endocrine responses of young men to social interactions with young women

It is well-established that males of many nonhuman vertebrate species exhibit hormonal reactions to stimuli from potential mates. The present studies were designed to test replication of preliminary findings suggesting that human males may exhibit such reactions as well. In Experiment 1, young men (n=115) provided saliva samples before and after either conversing with a woman confederate or sitting alone for 15 min. Changes from baseline in salivary testosterone concentrations were significantly greater among the men exposed to women, but only among subjects tested in the afternoon. In Experiment 2, male subjects (n=99) interacted with either a male or a female confederate with saliva samples collected before and after these interactions and all experimental sessions conducted in the afternoon. Men who interacted with women exhibited significant elevations of testosterone relative to both their own baseline concentrations and to change scores among the men who interacted with other men. In addition, women confederates' ratings of men's extraversion and degree of self-disclosure were positively correlated with changes in testosterone. In both experiments, furthermore, changes in cortisol concentrations from baseline were significantly greater among men who spoke with women relative to men in the control conditions. The results provide evidence that social interactions with potential mates can in fact trigger specific patterns of endocrine responses in human males.     

彩叶草对模拟干旱胁迫的生理响应

采用盆栽试验,对彩叶草进行PEG-6000浓度为0(对照)、5%、10%、15%、20%(W/V)模拟干旱胁迫,研究在干旱胁迫下彩叶草的生长、渗透调节能力及抗氧化酶活性的变化。结果表明:与对照相比,随着PEG-6000浓度的增加,鲜质量、干质量、含水量、水势、根系脱氢酶活性、无机离子含量包括K+、Na+、Ca2+、Mg2+等均呈下降趋势;NO-3含量呈先下降后上升趋势;硝酸还原酶活性、可溶性蛋白含量、可溶性糖含量、超氧化物歧化酶活性均呈先上升后下降趋势;脯氨酸含量、游离氨基酸含量、过氧化物酶活性、过氧化氢酶活性、超氧阴离子(O-2·)产生速率、质膜透性则呈上升趋势。因此,模拟干旱胁迫对彩叶草生长有抑制作用,且随着PEG-6000浓度增加,其生长受抑制和水分胁迫程度加重;模拟干旱胁迫下,彩叶草不积累K+、Na+、Ca2+、Mg2+和NO-3等无机离子进行渗透调节,而积累脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖、游离氨基酸等有机小分子物质进行渗透调节,但这4种小分子物质增加幅度不尽相同;轻度模拟干旱胁迫虽增强彩叶草抗氧化酶活性,但仍表现轻度的氧化伤害;重度模拟干旱胁迫加重彩叶草氧化伤害。研究结果可为彩叶草耐旱生理机制的研究积累资料,也为其节水型栽植和养护提供依据。     

Metabolic responses to exercise in young and older athletes and sedentary men

This study evaluated the effects of aging and endurance training on the metabolic responses of trained and sedentary young (age 20-32 yr) and older (age 60-70 yr) men to exercise at the same relative exercise stress (70% of maximal O2 consumption). Plasma growth hormone concentrations at rest were similar in all four groups, but both older groups had an attenuated response to exercise. The older trained men appeared to have avoided the age-associated changes that were evident in their sedentary peers with respect to resting plasma insulin, C-peptide, and norepinephrine concentrations. Plasma glucagon concentrations were lower in both older subject groups at rest. Both sedentary groups decreased their plasma glucose concentrations and increased their plasma glucagon concentrations during exercise, whereas the trained groups had increases in their plasma glucose concentrations but had no change in their glucagon concentrations. Thus, although the concentrations of some hormones at rest and during submaximal exercise are unaffected by aging or by training, others are markedly altered by aging, training, or the interaction of the two. However, it appears that older healthy sedentary men undergo less physiological stress than young untrained men during submaximal exercise at the same relative exercise intensity, and they have no responses that would contraindicate their participation in exercise of the duration and intensity usually prescribed in exercise-training programs.     

Physiological responses of free-swimming adult coho salmon to simulated predator and fisheries encounters

The responses of free-swimming adult coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to simulated predator and fisheries encounters were assessed by monitoring heart rate (f(H)) with implanted data loggers and periodically taking caudal blood samples. A 10- or 30-min corralling treatment was conducted to simulate conspecifics being cornered by a predator or corralled by fisheries gear without physical contact. Corralling rapidly doubled f(H) from ～31 beats min(-1) to a maximum of ～60 beats min(-1), regardless of the duration of the corralling. However, recovery of f(H) to precorralling levels was significantly faster after the 10-min corralling (7.6 h) than after the 30-min corralling (11.5 h). An exhaustive-exercise treatment (chasing for 3 min, with physical contact) to simulate a predator chasing a fish to exhaustion or a fish becoming exhausted after encountering fisheries gear resulted in increased f(H) (to 60 beats min(-1)), plasma lactate, glucose, sodium, osmolality, and cortisol (males only) and a significant decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Recovery of f(H) and most blood variables was complete about 16 h after exhaustive exercise and handling. The results illustrate a clear relationship between the intensity of exercise and the duration required for recovery of f(H). Changes in f(H) were significantly correlated with those in plasma lactate, chloride, and sodium at 1 h after the exercise treatment protocols. Thus, measurements of f(H) may provide an accurate indication of the general physiological response of salmonids to exhaustive exercise in the natural environment.     

Monitoring internal load parameters during simulated and official basketball matches

The purpose of this study was to compare the internal load responses (session rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and salivary cortisol) between simulated and official matches (SM and OM). Ten professional basketball players participated in 2 OMs and 2 SMs during the competition season. Subjects provided saliva samples 30 minutes before the prematch warm-up (PRE) and 10 minutes after the end of the match. Session RPE (CR-10 scale) was assessed 30 minutes after each match. The results from the 2-way analysis of variance showed significant differences for post-OM salivary cortisol as compared with pre-OM values (p < 0.05). No changes were observed for cortisol during the SM. Before the OM, a significant difference in salivary cortisol was observed as compared with pre-SM values (p < 0.05). Moreover, the OM session RPE was significantly greater than that of SM. There was a significant correlation between session RPE and cortisol changes (r = 0.75). In summary, the results of this study showed a greater magnitude of cortisol and session RPE responses after OM as compared with that after SM confirming the hypothesis that a real competition generates a greater stress response than a simulated condition does. The anticipatory effect was also observed in the OM. In addition, the results indicate that session RPE seems to be a viable tool in monitoring internal loads, and the results are useful in providing a better understanding of internal loads imposed by basketball training and competitions. The precise monitoring of these responses might help the coaches to plan appropriate loads maximizing recovery and performance.     

Thermoregulatory responses of young and older men to cold exposure.

Nine young (20-25 years) and ten older (60-71 years) men, matched for body fatness and surface area:mass ratio, underwent cold tests in summer and winter. The cold tests consisted of a 60-min exposure, wearing only swimming trunks, to an air temperature of 17 degrees C (both seasons) and 12 degrees C (winter only). Rectal (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperatures, metabolic heat production (M), systolic (BPs) and diastolic (BPd) blood pressures and heart rate (fc) were measured. During the equilibrium period (28 degrees C air temperature) there were no age-related differences in Tre, Tsk, BPs, BPd, or fc regardless of season, although M of the older men was significantly lower (P < 0.003). The decrease in Tre and Tsk (due to the marked decrease in six of the older men) and the increase in BPs and BPd were significantly greater (P < 0.004) for the older men during all the cold exposures. The rate of increase in M was significantly greater (P < 0.01) for the older group when exposed to 12 degrees C in winter and 17 degrees C in summer (due to the marked increase in four of the older men). This trend was not apparent during the 17 degrees C exposure in winter. There was no age-related difference in fc during the exposures. Significant decreases in Tre and Tsk and increases in M, BPs and BPd during the 12 degrees C exposure were observed for the older group (P < 0.003) compared to their responses during the 17 degrees C exposure in winter. In contrast, Tre, M, BPs in the young group were not affected as much by the colder environment. It was concluded that older men have more variable responses and some appear more or less responsive to mild and moderate cold air than young men.