The effect of labour on somatotype of males during the adolescent growth period

Although the effect of labour and physical stress on the height and weight of growing children is relatively well known, rather limited information concerning the influences of the work environment on the physique of working children and adolescents is available. The purpose of this study was to increase our knowledge of the effects of mechanical stress on the human physique via somatotype during the adolescent growth period. Anthropometric measurements of 509 male apprentices aged 13.50–18.49 years and measurements of 451 nonworking youth (control group) of the same age group were taken. The members of both groups were from the lower socioeconomic strata and had similar living conditions. The apprentices were working an average of 11 h per day in vocations requiring intense physical effort. The subjects were somatotyped using the Heath–Carter anthropometric protocol. The overall mean somatotypes were 2.3–4.4–3.3 for working adolescents, and 2.5–3.9–3.6 for the nonworking controls. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated significant differences between the groups. Working adolescents were more mesomorphic and less ectomorphic than their nonworking peers. In both groups, endomorphy decreased with age up to age 15; then remained stable for the labourers but increased for the nonworking peers. In both groups, mesomorphy was stable, but decreased with ectomorphy. These results indicate that physical stress not only causes retardation in linear growth, but also produces changes in human physique during the growth period.     

The effect of prior exercise and caffeine ingestion on metabolic rate and hormones in young adult males

The purposes of this study were to examine (a) the effects of acute exercise on metabolic rate 24 and 48 h postexercise and (b) the interaction of acute exercise and the thermic effect of caffeine on metabolic rate and hormonal changes during the late postexercise recovery period. In six young males, who were regular consumers of caffeine, resting energy expenditure was measured before and after caffeine (5 mg.kg-1) and placebo ingestion under the following conditions: (i) control (e.g., no prior exercise), (ii) 24 h postexercise, and (iii) 48 h postexercise. Blood samples were drawn for plasma glucose, insulin, glycerol, free fatty acids, catecholamines, and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and free thyroxine). Results showed that acute exercise did not exert a detectable effect on resting metabolic rate in the late postexercise recovery period, that is, resting metabolic rate was similar among the conditions of control (1.17 +/- 0.12 kcal.min-1), 24 h postexercise (1.16 +/- 0.12), and 48 h postexercise (1.16 +/- 0.11). Caffeine ingestion increased metabolic rate (approximately 7%), but the thermic effect was not different among the experimental conditions. Plasma insulin and norepinephrine were lower after caffeine ingestion, whereas an increase in plasma free fatty acids was noted. Other hormones and substrates did not change significantly in response to caffeine ingestion. Furthermore, the hormonal and substrate milieu was not significantly different 24 and 48 h postexercise when compared with the control condition. Our results support the view that acute exercise does not alter the resting metabolic rate in the late postexercise recovery period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The ecology of height: the effect of microbial transmission on human height

The height that adult humans achieve results from a complex interplay between genetic endowment and environmental exposures during development. We hypothesize that exposure to microbes--both exogenous pathogens and endogenous biota--are critical environmental determinants of the expression of human height in a community. Both experimental studies and historical changes in height in relation to presumed microbial transmission support this hypothesis.     

The effect of sampling height on dendroclimatic analysis

The radial growth response to climate of white spruce in open grown conditions was examined at two measurement heights [breast height (1.3 m aboveground) versus stump height (0.3 m aboveground)] in order to examine the role of sampling height in dendroclimatic analysis. Twenty-four white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] islands were sampled within Epinette prairie in the Spruce Woods Provincial Park (SWPP) located in south-western Manitoba. The structure of breast height and stump height residual chronologies were essentially the same after standardization and autoregressive (AR) modeling to stabilize growth variability, and AR modeling to remove temporal autocorrelation and thereby reduce low-frequency variation and enhance high-frequency variation. Correlation and response function analysis indicated that white spruce at the two sampling heights responded similarly to total precipitation, moisture index (precipitation subtract potential evapotranspiration), and minimum, mean, and maximum temperature. Both sampling heights also responded strongly to the cumulative effects of precipitation during the period of August of the previous year (t−1) to July of the current year (t). Regardless of the sampling heights considered, the results indicate that white spruce at its southern distribution limit responded strongly to moisture stress intensified by high temperatures. The results support the recommendation, at least for samples of white spruce at its southern distribution limit, that samples taken at stump height can be safely incorporated into tree-ring chronologies without the risk of diminishing the strength of chronologies in detecting climatic signals.     

Effect of tongue position on postural stability during quiet standing in healthy young males

Abstract

Background and aims: Role of the neck and jaw sensory motor system in control of body balance has been established. Tongue is an integral part of jaw sensory motor system and helps in execution of purposeful and precise motor tasks like eating, drinking and speaking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of tongue position on the postural control system.

Materials and method: We compared the mean center of gravity (COG) velocity during quiet standing on an unstable surface with eyes closed during two test conditions: (i) with habitual jaw resting position and (ii) with instructed tongue positioned against the upper incisors. One hundred and sixteen normal healthy male subjects (average age 31.56?±?8.51 years and height 170.86?±?7.26?cm) participated in the study. Their COG velocity (deg/s) was measured using the NeuroCom® Balance Master version 8.5.0 (Clackamas, OR, USA).

Results and conclusions: The results show that COG velocity decreased significantly while tongue was positioned against upper incisors in comparison to the habitual jaw resting position. Our findings suggest that the tongue positioning can modulate postural control mechanisms. Tongue positioning against the upper incisors can enhance the postural stability during upright standing on an unstable surface and in the absence of vision in healthy young adults. Our findings can be of value for evaluation and rehabilitation protocols for postural control dysfunction.     

The effects of negative air ions on various physiological functions during work in a hot environment

The effects of negative air-ions on human physical performance has been investigated. Twenty-one healthy males, 20–25 years old (X=23.6±2.6) were exposed to two 180-min rest and exercise sessions two weeks apart. The subjects were randomly assigned into either an experimental group (n=12) or to a control group (n=9). The experimental group performed the first session in neutral air conditions and the second one in air containing 1.36 to 1.90×10⁵ negative air ions and 1.40 to 1.66×10² positive air ions/ml. The control group performed both sessions under neutral air conditions. All sessions were held at T_a=40±1C and 25±5% RH. Each session included one hour of resting under the respective ionization conditions, followed by 3 30-min cycle ergometer work bouts, separated by 7-min rest periods. The mechanical work-load during the bicycle exercise was 1.64±0.6 W/kg BW. The experimental group showed a significant reduction with negative air-ions in heart rate (HR), in rectal temperature, and in the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), all when compared with their own neutral session. The control group showed no significant changes between the first and the second exposure. Although not statistically significant, being exposed to negative air-ions seems also to reduce total sweat rate and minute ventilation (V_E), and to increase O₂ pulse. It is suggested that under the conditions of this study negative air ions canimprove various cardiovascular and thermoregulatory functions as well as subjective feelings during physical effort. It is felt that such positive influences may be augmented by increasing the exposure time to negative ionized air and/or prolonging the stressful conditions.With the technical assistance of M. Sheinovitz.     

The effect of heavy metal salts on the embryonic development of the common frog]

To elaborate methods of biological testing during monitoring of the environment, a study was made of the effect of heavy metal salts on frog embryos and of the influence of temperature on the extent of toxicity of these substances. It was shown that the early stages of embryogenesis were more sensitive to this toxic effect. The differences in the effect of heavy metals are expressed not only in the extent of toxicity, but also in the pattern of change in toxicity as related to concentration. A rise in temperature of the solution containing heavy metals results in a relative increase in the number of abnormal larvae, whereas a decrease in temperature of the solution leads to a higher mortality at the earliest stages of embryogenesis. The latter, apparently, is due to a longer duration of development at low temperature, and thus, to a longer exposure of embryos to toxic effect. This is more pronounced at earlier stages of development, more vulnerable (sensitive) to toxicants. The estimation of toxicity of a substance by the pathological changes induced in embryos and larvae is one of the most sensitive methods, which allows not only to determine the extent of toxicity, but also to give prognosis of its possible effect on the population.     

The effect of drop jump starting height and contact time on power, work performed, and moment of force

The purposes of this study are (a) to examine the effects of contact time manipulation on jump parameters and (b) to examine the interaction between starting height changes and contact time changes on important jump parameters. Fifteen male athletes performed a series of drop jumps from heights of 20, 40, and 60 cm. The instructions given to the subjects were (a) "jump as high as you can" and (b) "jump high a little faster than your previous jump." Jumps were performed at each height until the athlete could not achieve a shorter ground contact time. The data were divided into 5 groups where group 1 was made up of the longest ground contact times of each athlete and groups 2-4 were composed of progressively shorter contact times, with group 5 having the shortest contact times. The jumps of group 3 produced the highest maximum and mean mechanical power (p <0.05) during the positive phase of the drop jumps regardless of starting jump height. The vertical takeoff velocities for the first 3 groups did not show significant (p < 0.05) differences. These results indicate that the manipulation of jump technique plays larger role than jump height in the manipulation of important jump parameters.     

Physiological and psychological responses of young males during spring-time walks in urban parks

Background

It is widely believed that contact with the natural environment can improve physical and mental health. Urban green spaces may provide city residents with these benefits; however, there is a lack of empirical field research on the health benefits of urban parks.

Methods

This field experiment was performed in May. Seventeen males aged 21.2 ± 1.7 years (mean ± standard deviation) were instructed to walk predetermined 15-minute courses in an urban park and a nearby city area (control). Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured to assess physiological responses. The semantic differential (SD) method, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure psychological responses.

Results

Heart rate was significantly lower while walking in the urban park than while walking in the city street. Furthermore, the urban park walk led to higher parasympathetic nervous activity and lower sympathetic nervous activity compared with the walk through the city street. Subjective evaluations were generally in accordance with physiological reactions, and significantly higher scores were observed for the ‘comfortable’, ‘natural’, and ‘relaxed’ parameters following the urban park walk. After the urban park walk, the score for the ‘vigor’ subscale of the POMS was significantly higher, whereas that for negative feelings such as ‘tension-anxiety’ and ‘fatigue’ was significantly lower. The score for the anxiety dimension of the STAI was also significantly lower after the urban park walk.

Conclusions

Physiological and psychological results from this field experiment provide evidence for the physiological and psychological benefits of urban green spaces. A brief spring-time walk in an urban park shifted sympathetic/parasympathetic balance and improved mood state.     

The effect of tree height on crown level stomatal conductance

Variation in stomatal conductance is typically explained in relation to environmental conditions. However, tree height may also contribute to the variability in mean stomatal conductance. Mean canopy stomatal conductance of individual tree crowns (G_Si) was estimated using sap flux measurements in Fagus sylvatica L., and the hypothesis that G_Si decreases with tree height was tested. Over 13 d of the growing season during which soil moisture was not limiting, G_Si decreased linearly with the natural logarithm of vapour pressure deficit (D), and increased exponentially to saturation with photosynthetic photon flux density (Q_o). Under conditions of D = 1 kPa and saturating Q_o, G_Si decreased by approximately 60% with 30 m increase in tree height. Over the same range in height, sapwood‐to‐leaf area ratio (A_S:A_L) doubled. A simple hydraulic model explained the variation in G_Si based on an inverse relationship with height, and a linear relationship with A_S:A_L. Thus, in F. sylvatica, adjustments in A_S:A_L partially compensate for the negative effect of increased flow‐path length on leaf conductance. Furthermore, because stomata with low conductance are less sensitive to D, gas exchange of tall trees is reduced less by high D. Despite these compensations, decreasing hydraulic conductance with tree height in F. sylvatica reduces carbon uptake through a corresponding decrease in stomatal conductance.     

The effect of multiple systematic knee reflex elicitation on its development in young children]

The development of the knee jerk was studied electromyographically in children of two groups: (a) a control group, where children of different age (from one to twelve months) were examined each only once, and (b) an experimental group, in which the knee jerk was elicited in each child repeatedly (every other day) for several months, beginning with the age of one to two of from five to six months. There was no difference between the two groups in the latencies of the phasic component of the reflex. Significant differences were found in the development of the tonic component: its disappearance, occurring with the growth of the child, took place in the experimental group much earlier than in the control one. Thus, intensive afferent stimulation, linked with multiple systematic evoking of the knee jerk, leads to substantial acceleration of the reflex development.     

Plasma levels of beta-endorphin in young and aged human males during the morning hours

Age-related alterations in plasma levels of beta-endorphin (BE) were investigated in young and aged human males. This was accomplished by obtaining repeated measurements of BE levels in the plasma of young and aged human male subjects during the morning hours, when a diurnal elevation of BE in the plasma is reported to occur. BE was extracted from the plasma and measured by radioimmunoassay. No differences were found in plasma levels of BE between young and elderly males at any time during the time period studied. In addition, the mean level of BE in the plasma during the entire sampling period did not differ between the two age groups. These data suggest that in human males, the levels of BE in the plasma during the morning hours are not modified by aging.     

The effect of activity during early postnatal development on motor unit size

At early stages of neuromuscular development, motor unit territory is expanded, with each muscle fibre being supplied by several axons. During postnatal development, some synapses are eliminated, motor unit size decreases, and the adult distribution of motor unit sizes emerges. This process depends on activity, since it proceeds more rapidly when the nerve is activated and is slower when activity is reduced. Here we studied whether, in addition to influencing the rate of retraction of motor unit territory, activity during the critical period of development affects the final outcome of the distribution of motor unit sizes. The sciatic nerve of 8- to 12-day-old rats was stimulated daily. One week later the tension of the extensor digitorum longus muscle and that of its individual motor units was recorded. The sizes of individual motor units were calculated and compared with those from animals that received no stimulation. The distribution of motor unit sizes from stimulated muscles was not significantly different from those from control muscles. Therefore, we conclude that although activity increases the rate at which motor units attain their adult size, it does not influence the final outcome of motor unit size distribution.