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Physiological characteristics of successful mountain bikers and professional road cyclists.

The aims of this study were to compare the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of successful mountain bikers and professional road cyclists and to re-examine the power-to-weight characteristics of internationally competitive mountain bikers. Internationally competitive cyclists (seven mountain bikers and seven road cyclists) completed the following tests: anthropometric measurements, an incremental cycle ergometer test and a 30 min laboratory time-trial. The mountain bikers were lighter (65.3+/-6.5 vs 74.7+/-3.8 kg, P= 0.01; mean +/- s) and leaner than the road cyclists (sum of seven skinfolds: 33.9+/-5.7 vs 44.5+/-10.8 mm, P = 0.04). The mountain bikers produced higher power outputs relative to body mass at maximal exercise (6.3+/-0.5 vs 5.8+/-0.3 W x kg(-1), P= 0.03), at the lactate threshold (5.2+/-0.6 vs 4.7+/-0.3 W x kg(-1), P= 0.048) and during the 30 min time-trial (5.5+/-0.5 vs 4.9+/-0.3 W x kg(-1), P = 0.02). Similarly, peak oxygen uptake relative tobody mass was higher in the mountain bikers (78.3+/-4.4 vs 73.0+/-3.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), P = 0.03). The results indicate that high power-to-weight characteristics are important for success in mountain biking. The mountain bikers possessed similar anthropometric and physiological characteristics to previously studied road cycling uphill specialists.

Adult↗

Physiologic characteristics of straight and colonic J-pouch anastomoses after rectal excision for cancer.

PURPOSE: The colonic J-pouch anastomosis has been advocated to obviate urgent and frequent defecations following a sphincter-saving rectal excision. Physiologic characteristics of the colonic J-pouch were compared with those of the traditional straight anastomosis and related to clinical function. METHOD: Patients with total mesorectal excision for carcinoma were randomized to either a straight (n = 23) or a colonic pouch anastomosis (n = 23). The patients were examined before and at one year after surgery (n = 42), which included laboratory studies, and a questionnaire regarding anorectal function was completed. RESULTS: Preoperative compliance of the rectum was restored after surgery in the pouch group, 2.9 (2.2-3.4) ml/cm H2O, but there was a significant decrease after surgery in the straight anastomosis group, 1.9 (1.1-2.3) P < 0.001 (median (interquartile range)). Sphincter pressures in both groups were similar. In a multiple regression analysis, high compliance was associated with favorable clinical function, and hypermotility of the anal canal was associated with adverse clinical function. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic pouch-anal anastomosis restores neorectal compliance, which is important for good function after low anterior resection. Presence of an unstable internal sphincter is a negative factor for clinical function in both straight and pouch anastomoses.

Adult↗

Physiological characteristics of clinical isolates of Hendersonula toruloidea and Scytalidium species.

Sixteen clinical isolates comprising six each of type A and type B of Hendersonula toruloidea, three of Scytalidium hyalinum and one of S. japonicum were investigated for their physiological characteristics. All the isolates utilized 13 carbon sources and three nitrogen sources tested and grew in a medium containing 3.7 M NaCl. A concentration of 4.5 M NaCl inhibited the growth of all the isolates. The isolates produced amylase, lipase and protease but failed to produce collagenase.

Carbon↗

[The physiological characteristics of new agressotropic neuropeptides].

Physiological effects of the structural analogs of earlier unknown neuropeptides isolated from the bovine brain were studied. It was shown that intraventricularly and intraperitoneally administered peptides strongly affected different kinds of aggressive behaviour of rats. In addition, the peptides under study influenced various kinds of behaviour presumably linked to formation of the aggressive state of the animal (food and water intake, fear, locomotion). The findings suggest that the peptides modulate dopamine-, serotonin- and glutamatergic neurotransmission which underlie neurochemical mechanisms of aggressive activity.

Action Potentials↗

[Physiological characteristics of nitrogen nutrition and stress-resistance of film-mulched rice in various ecological regions of Zhejiang Province].

The study showed that different ecological environment and cultivation system in various ecological regions of Zhejiang Province resulted in some different physiological characteristics of nitrogen nutrition and stress-resistance, especially in the aspect of NO3(-)-N and NH4+-N concentrations, between film-mulched and conventional flooded rice. Owing to the heat stress in Hangjiahu plain, the NO3(-)-N concentration of film-mulched rice decreased to some extent, but NH4+-N concentration increased markedly at tillering, jointing and booting stages, compared to conventional flooded rice. In Jinqu basin, the NO3(-)-N concentration of film-mulched rice at booting stage was higher, while the NH4+-N concentration in its roots was notably lower than those of conventional flooded rice, with NH4+-N concentration in its basal stems and leaves somewhat increased. Generally, the glutamine synthetase (GS) and nitrate reductase (NR) activities in film-mulched rice leaves were enhanced at booting stage, while malondiadehyde (MDA), soluble sugar (SS) and proline (Pro) concentrations had little changes. In conclusion, film-mulched cultivation was beneficial to the rice growth and its high yielding.

Biomass↗

Physiological characteristics of elite and club level female triathletes during running.

Most studies of the triathlon have looked at male triathletes with respect to the longer distance events such as the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the physiological characteristics and training protocols of elite and competitive (club) women triathletes who compete at Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km cycle, 10 km run) to examine the relationship between these factors and running performance in the triathlon. The elite triathletes (n = 10) had a lower body mass and BMI than club level triathletes (n = 9) as well as smaller girths at all measured sites although these differences were not significant. Sum of skinfold thickness measured at four sites was significantly smaller in the elite group (p = 0.05), yet, wide individual variations were found within each group. The amount of training undertaken by individuals in both groups varied markedly; however, overall the elite did more training in all disciplines. The VO2max measured on the treadmill was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the elite women (65.6 +/- 6.0 ml.kg-1.min-1) as compared to the club level women (60.4 +/- 3.1 ml.kg-1.min-1). The elite triathletes were significantly more economical, showing a lowered relative oxygen consumption (% VO2max), (p = 0.008); lowered heart rate (p = 0.01) and lowered blood lactate values (p = 0.03) at 15 km.h-1. The elite group were also much more efficient runners at 15 km.h-1 when looking at VE/VO2 (p = 0.05). An association was found between run race time and %VO2max at 15 km.h-1 (p = 0.04). The results suggest that there is no ideal nor unique anthropometric profile that can be established for female triathletes especially with respect to running time and overall performance. The widespread differences in physiological variables found between the two groups confirms the important contribution factors such as these make to performance.

Adult↗

Metabolic and physiologic characteristics of skeletal muscle determine its response to clenbuterol treatment.

beta-Adrenoceptor agonists are reported to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and hence serve as valuable adjunct to the treatment of wasting disorders. In the present study, we attempted to find out whether metabolic and physiologic characteristics of fibres are important in determining skeletal muscle response to clenbuterol (an adrenergic receptor agonist) therapy, as proposed in the treatment of wasting disorders. The treatment of mice with clenbuterol (2 mg/kg body wt for 30 days) resulted in skeletal muscle hypertrophy, more common amongst fast-twitch glycolytic fibres/muscle, with increase in body mass and a parallel rise in muscle mass to body mass ratio. Measurement of fibre diameters in soleus (rich in slow-twitch oxidative fibres), ALD or anterior latissimus dorsi (with a predominance of fast-twitch glycolytic fibres) and gastrocnemius (a mixed-type of muscle) from clenbuterol-treated mice for 30 days revealed noticeable increase in the per cent population of narrow slow-twitch fibre and a corresponding decline in white-type or fast-twitch glycolytic fibres in gastrocnemius and ALD. As revealed by counting of muscle cells in soleus, narrow red fibres declined with corresponding increase in white-type glycolytic fibres population. A significant decline in the succinic dehydrogenase activity was observed, thereby suggesting abnormality in oxidative activity of skeletal muscles in response to clenbuterol therapy.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

[Leaf structure and some physiologic characteristics of low temperature wheat germplasm].

Through a long-term observation on wheat canopy temperature, it was found that in the nature, there existed low temperature wheat germplasm (LTWG) with constant low canopy temperature, and high temperature wheat germplasm (HTWG) with constant high canopy temperature. The study on the leaf structure and some physiologic characteristics of LTWG during its blooming and milk-filling stages showed that the canopy temperature of LTWG was 1 to approximately 4 degrees C lower than that of HTWG. The mesophyll cells of LTWG functional leaves were smaller, more compact in cell arrangement, and 1 to approximately 2 cell layers more than those of HTWG's. The average thickness of three LTWG functional leaves was 166,192 and 165 micro/m, being 26 microm thinner than that of HTWG, average vein interval of three functional leaves was 257,231 and 245 microm, being 31 microm smaller than that of HTWG, average transverse area of big veins of three functional leaves was 5 961,6 580 and 5 603 microm2, being averagely 837 microm2 more than that of HTWG, and average transverse area of small veins was 1624, 1521 and 1 472 microm2, being averagely 246 microm2 more than that of HTWG. The chlorophyll content of three LTWG functional leaves was 2.8749, 2.8162, and 2.4129 g x 100(-1) g FW, net photosynthetic rate was 10.864, 10.8003, and 10.1939 micromol x m(-2) x s(-1), and transpiration rate was 0.0076, 0.0074, 0.0067 mol x m(-2) x s(-1), respectively, which were all higher than those of HTWG. It was revealed that there were close relationships among canopy temperature, organ structure, and physiologic function.

Chlorophyll↗

Physiological characteristics of the projection pathway from the medial preoptic to the nucleus raphe magnus of the rat and its modulation by the periaqueductal gray.

Anatomical studies have shown a strong projection from the medial preoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (MPO) to both the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and nucleus raphe magnus (NRM). In this study, we examined the physiological characteristics of MPO to NRM connections and examined how blockade of neuronal transmission and of the glutamatergic system within the PAG modifies this pathway. In deeply anesthetized rats, recordings were made from NRM neurons that were identified by their response to peripheral mechanical stimulation and designated as "E", "I", or "N" if they were excited, inhibited, or not activated by noxious stimulation. In addition, cells were identified as spinally projecting if they could be antidromically activated by stimulation of the dorsolateral funiculus at the thoracic level. The responses of 204 NRM neurons to electrical and 87 cells to both chemical and electrical stimulation of MPO were recorded. The response of NRM neurons to MPO stimulation was highly dependent on the sensory class of these cells. Chemical stimulation of MPO inhibited 50% (16/32) and excited 16% (5/32) of the I-cells. In contrast, 23% (9/39) of the E-cells were inhibited and 49% (19/39) were excited by chemical stimulation of MPO. Electrical stimulation at intensities below 80 microA at 100Hz had similar effects on the two classes of cells; 62% (24/39) of the E-cells and 31% (10/32) of the I cells were excited, and 31% (12/39) of the E-cells and 59% (19/32) of the I-cells were inhibited. The excitatory response to chemical stimulation lasted for an average of 136.8+/-73.2s and inhibitory response lasted for an average of 143.8+/-102.1s. Electrical stimulation of MPO at 1Hz excited 27%, inhibited 3%, and had no effect on 70% of NRM cells. The mean latency to peak excitation was 9.6+/-6.6ms. Antidromic activation of MPO neurons by NRM stimulation showed an average latency of 6.3+/-3.4ms. Blocking the glutamatergic transmission within the PAG (by injecting kynurenic acid (KYN) into the PAG) blocked the inhibitory response of 40% (6/15) of the I-cells and inhibitory response of 43% (3/7) of the E-cells. The excitatory response of 27% (3/11) of the I-cells and the excitatory response of 14% (1/7) of the E-cells were blocked by kynurenic injection into the PAG. It is concluded that: (1) in response to chemical stimulation of MPO, the number of I-cells that were inhibited was more than three times the number of I-cells that were excited; in contrast, the number of E-cells that were excited was more than twice the number of E-cells that were inhibited. (2) The interaction between MPO and NRM can be modulated by blockade of the neuronal transmission or blockade of the glutamatergic system in the PAG. (3) Simultaneous activity of many synapses is required for activation of the MPO-NRM pathway. (4) MPO to NRM interaction is mediated by fibers with a conduction velocity of less than 1m/s.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Physiological characteristics of the best Eritrean runners-exceptional running economy.

Despite their young age, limited training history, and lack of running tradition compared with other East African endurance athletes (e.g., Kenyans and Ethiopians), male endurance runners from Eritrea have recently attained important running successes. The purposes of our study were (i) to document the main physical and physiological characteristics of elite black Eritrean distance runners (n = 7; age: 22 +/- 3 years) and (ii) to compare them with those of their elite white Spanish counterparts. For this second purpose we selected a control group of elite Spanish runners (n = 9; 24 +/- 2 years), owing to the traditionally high success of Spanish athletes in long-distance running compared with other white runners, especially in cross-country competitions. The subjects' main anthropometric characteristics were determined, together with their maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and VO2 (mL.kg(-1).min(-1)), blood lactate, and ammonia concentrations while running at 17, 19, or 21 km.h(-1). The body mass index (18.9 +/- 1.5 kg.m(-2)) and maximal calf circumference (30.9 +/- 1.5 cm) was lower in Eritreans than in Spaniards (20.5 +/- 1.7 kg.m(-2) and 33.9 +/- 2.0 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and their lower leg (shank) length was longer (44.1 +/- 3.0 cm vs. 40.6 +/- 2.7 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05). VO2 max did not differ significantly between Eritreans and Spaniards (73.8 +/- 5.6 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) vs. 77.8 +/- 5.7 mL.kg(-1).min(-1), respectively), whereas the VO2 cost of running was lower (p < 0.01) in the former (e.g., 65.9 +/- 6.8 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) vs. 74.8 +/- 5.0 mL.kg(-1).min(-1) when running at 21 km.h(-1)). Our data suggest that the excellent running economy of Eritreans is associated, at least partly, with anthropometric variables. Comparison of their submaximal running cost with other published data suggests that superior running economy, rather than enhanced aerobic capacity, may be the common denominator in the success of black endurance runners of East African origin.

Adult↗

[Effects of soil root-growing space on root physiological characteristics and grain yield of sorghum].

In this paper, soil culture was conducted on the Experimental Farm of Shanxi Agricultural University, with the sorghum planted in cylindrical nylon bags to confine the space of root growth but allow the pass-through of water and nutrients, aimed to study the effects of soil root-growing space on the root physiological characteristics and grain yield of sorghum. The results showed that the confinement of root growth space decreased the plant height, leaf area, SOD and POD activities in flag leaf, total root length, root absorbing area, dry weights of root and aboveground part, nutrient uptake and grain yield, but increased the activity of root and its active absorbing area. Fertilization stimulated the root growth under space stress, increased the activity of root and its absorbing area, promoted nutrient uptake, and thus, increased grain yield while decreased the detrimental effects derived from the confine of root growth space.

Biomass↗

Trajectory formation based on physiological characteristics of skeletal muscles.

Human arm trajectories in natural unrestricted reaching movements were studied. They have particular properties such that a hand path is a rather simple straight or curved line, and a tangential velocity profile of hand is bell-shaped. Also these properties are invariant, independent of movement duration and hand-held load. In this study, trajectory formation is investigated on the basis of physiological characteristics of skeletal muscles, and a criterion prescribed by a derivative of isometric muscle torque is proposed. Subsequently, optimal trajectories are formulated under various conditions of movement to account for a planning strategy of human arm trajectories. In addition to such a theoretical approach, human arm trajectories are experimentally observed by a measuring system which provides a visual sensor and a target tracking device, enabling totally unrestricted movements. Then, optimal trajectories are quantitatively evaluated in comparison with experimental data in which essential properties of human arm trajectories are demonstrated. These results support the idea that human arm trajectories are planned in order to minimize the proposed criterion which is determined from physiological aspects. Finally, the physiological advantages of human arm trajectories are discussed with regard to the analysis of observed and optimal trajectories.

Arm↗

Morphological and physiological characteristics of pancreas-specific venular permeability induced by Monastral blue B.

Leaky blood vessels in the microcirculation can be detected in vivo by injecting an animal with colloidal pigments such as Monastral blue B (MbB) or carbon black. We have previously used the MbB labeling method in the spontaneously diabetic BB/W or rat and detected increased vascular permeability restricted to the venules of the pancreas. We now report the morphological and physiological characteristics of this phenomenon in additional rat strains. Susceptibility to pancreatic labeling with MbB among strains was found to be a highly variable, heritable characteristic, but in no strain did vessels label in any organ other than the pancreas. Pancreatic labeling by MbB was dose dependent, was observed in both inbred and outbred rats, and was not related to major histocompatibility complex haplotype. Enhanced permeability was induced by MbB within minutes of its administration as a result of the formation of gaps between endothelial cells; these gaps then closed within 15 min. Pretreatment with silica or carrageenan, agents known to affect macrophage function, completely blocked pancreatic MbB venular labeling, but the effect was reversible over a period of several days. We hypothesize that presence of MbB in the pancreatic circulation induces organ-specific venular leakage either by a direct effect on pancreatic endothelial cells or via the local release of a mediator.

Animals↗

Natural occurrence of Nocardia in soil of Tucumán: physiological characteristics.

This is the first study initiated in Argentina to establish the presence of species of Nocardia from soil samples. These samples were gathered in different areas of Tucumán. Thirty three pathogenic strains of Nocardia were isolated by the paraffin bait method. Out of them, 28 were N. brasiliensis, 3 N. asteroides and 2 N. caviae. N. brasiliensis was widely distributed in the soil of the areas tested. It is proved that N. caviae, so rarely found in other regions of the world, occurs in Tucumán. A detailed study of the morphological and physiological characteristics for identification is discussed.

Argentina↗

[Comparison of physiological characteristics of different ecotype plants].

Studies on the responses of photosynthesis, leaf water content and stoma resistance of 4 different ecotype plants to water stresses showed that their mechanism of drought-resistance was different. Mesic plants limited water loss from transpiration by increasing their stoma resistance, while xeric plants decreased water loss by keeping the high concentration of cell protoplasm. The latter had a higher efficiency of keeping water than the former. The leaf water content and stoma resistance was decreased from mesic to xeric plants, while the net photosynthetic rate per unit leaf was increased, indicating the difference of physiological characteristics among different ecotype plants.

Photosynthesis↗

Comparison of predicted induction dose with predetermined physiologic characteristics of patients and with pharmacokinetic models incorporating those characteristics as covariates.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between patient characteristics and anesthesia induction dose at a high administration rate is unclear. This study was designed to investigate the relation between induction dose and patient characteristics and to compare it to the predicted induction dose using the previously reported pharmacokinetic model. METHODS: Diluted propofol (0.5 mg/ml) dose required to reach loss of consciousness, when infused at an infusion rate per lean body mass (LBM) of 150 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) (high rate), was determined in 82 patients, ages 10-85 yr. Cardiac output, blood volume, central blood volume (CBV), and hepatic blood flow were measured with indocyanine green pulse spectrophotometry. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the relations between the patient characteristics and induction dose. These were compared with our previously reported parameters at the rate of 40 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) (low rate) and with predicted induction doses with two previously reported pharmacokinetic models. RESULTS: Significant factors for predicting the induction dose at a high rate were age, LBM, and CBV. Induction dose with one pharmacokinetic model was 1.5 times that of the measured one and the other was half that of the measured one at a high rate. At a low rate, one pharmacokinetic model provided an accurate induction dose. CONCLUSIONS: The prediction of induction dose from physiologic characteristics of patients provides reasonable accuracy at both high and low administration rates of propofol. A previously reported pharmacokinetic model that incorporated patient characteristics provides the same accurate induction dose at a low rate.

Adolescent↗

Anatomic and physiologic characteristics of transplanted fetal rat intestine.

Avascular segments of fetal rat intestine transplanted to the subcutaneous tissues of host syngeneic rats will become vascularized and grow. This study more fully characterizes this tissue, which we call "neogut," and compares it to normal rat small intestine. Anatomy was studied with light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy; transport and electrophysiologic parameters were measured in full-thickness pieces of tissue mounted in Ussing chambers; motility patterns, including slow wave and spike activity, were recorded. Subtle anatomic differences (shortened villi and microvilli) were noted in neogut compared to normal small bowel. Both neogut and normal rat ileum demonstrated net mucosal to serosal transport of d-glucose; the magnitudes of the electrophysiologic parameters (PD, Isc, and G) were less in neogut than in ileum. Slow-wave frequency of neogut was slightly less than native small bowel while spike activity was increased. These data show that neogut has structural and physiologic characteristics similar to normal rat small bowel and offers hope that this tissue may provide a nutritionally useful accessory gut for the patient with critical short-gut syndrome.

Animals↗

Physiological characteristics of nationally competitive female road cyclists and demands of competition.

There are few published data describing female cyclists and the studies available are difficult to interpret because of the classification of athletes. In this review, cyclists are referred to as either internationally competitive (International Cycling Union world rankings provided when available) or nationally competitive. Based on the limited data available it appears that the age, height, body mass (BM) and body composition of women cyclists who have been selected to the US and Australian National Road Cycling Teams from 1980 to 2000 are fairly similar. Female cyclists who have become internationally competitive are generally between 21 to 28 years of age, 162 to 174 cm, 55.4 to 58.8 kg and 38 to 51 mm (sum of 7 skinfolds) corresponding to 7 to 12% body fat. The lower BM and percentage body fat are traits unique to the most competitive women. Internationally competitive women cyclists also possess a slightly superior ability to produce a high absolute power output for a fixed time period and a noticeably greater ability to produce power output relative to BM. In Women's World Cup races, successful women (top 20 places) spend more time >7.5 W/kg (11 +/- 2 vs 7 +/- 2%, p < 0.01) and less time <0.75 W/kg (24 +/- 4 vs 29 +/- 3%, p = 0.05) compared with non-top 20 placed riders. Additionally, cyclists in the top 20 produced higher average power (3.6 +/- 0.4 vs 3.1 +/- 0.1 W/kg, p = 0.01). Unlike professional men's road cycling, the physiological characteristics of internationally competitive female road cyclists and the demands of women's cycling competition are poorly understood.

Adult↗