Balance In Men Research Articles

Effects of active and latent H. pylori infection coupled with chronic alcohol ingestion on cytokine profiles and markers of oxidative balance in men seropositive for H. pylori CagA Ab: An observational study.

This study aimed to explore the effects of active and latent Helicobacter pylori infection coupled with alcohol consumption on cytokine profiles and markers of oxidative balance in men seropositive for H. pylori CagA Ab.The 100 male subjects were divided into groups with active H. pylori infection and H. pylori CagA Ab coupled with chronic alcohol ingestion (group A, n = 38), latent H. pylori infection with H. pylori CagA Ab coupled with chronic alcohol ingestion (group B, n = 30), and latent H. pylori infection with H. pylori CagA Ab without chronic alcohol ingestion (group C, n = 32).No differences in serum levels of CRP, IL-10, ADP, E-selectin, MDA, or SOD were detected between the 3 groups or between any 2 groups (all P > .05). The serum IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations in groups A and B were significantly lower than those in group C (P = .004, P = .005, P = .009, and P = .023). However, there were no differences in serum IL-6 and TNF-α between group A and group B (all P > .05).In conclusion, active or latent H. pylori infection coupled with chronic alcohol ingestion may decrease certain cytokines, that is, IL-6 and TNF-α, in men with H. pylori CagA Ab seropositivity. However, there was no difference in the detected cytokine profile between active and latent H. pylori infection coupled with chronic alcohol ingestion, and no changes were detected in markers of oxidative balance in men with H. pylori CagA Ab.

Efficacy of ketogenic diet on body composition during resistance training in trained men: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundKetogenic diets (KD) have become a popular method of promoting weight loss. More recently, some have recommended that athletes adhere to ketogenic diets in order to optimize changes in body composition during training. This study evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week ketogenic diet (KD) during energy surplus and resistance training (RT) protocol on body composition in trained men.MethodsTwenty-four healthy men (age 30 ± 4.7 years; weight 76.7 ± 8.2 kg; height 174.3 ± 19.7 cm) performed an 8-week RT program. Participants were randomly assigned to a KD group (n = 9), non-KD group (n = 10, NKD), and control group (n = 5, CG) in hyperenergetic condition. Body composition changes were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Compliance with the ketosis state was monitored by measuring urinary ketones weekly. Data were analyzed using a univariate, multivariate and repeated measures general linear model (GLM) statistics.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in fat mass (mean change, 95% CI; p-value; Cohen’s d effect size [ES]; − 0.8 [− 1.6, − 0.1] kg; p < 0.05; ES = − 0.46) and visceral adipose tissue (− 96.5 [− 159.0, − 34.0] g; p < 0.05; ES = − 0.84), while no significant changes were observed in the NKD and CG in fat mass (− 0,5 [− 1.2, 0.3] kg; p > 0.05; ES = − 0.17 and − 0,5 [− 2.4, 1.3] kg; p > 0.05; ES = − 0.12, respectively) or visceral adipose tissue (− 33.8 [− 90.4, 22.8]; p > 0.5; ES = − 0.17 and 1.7 [− 133.3, 136.7]; p > 0.05; ES = 0.01, respectively). No significant increases were observed in total body weight (− 0.9 [− 2.3, 0.6]; p > 0.05; ES = [− 0.18]) and muscle mass (− 0.1 [− 1.1,1.0]; p > 0,05; ES = − 0.04) in the KD group, but the NKD group showed increases in these parameters (0.9 [0.3, 1.5] kg; p < 0.05; ES = 0.18 and (1.3[0.5, 2.2] kg; p < 0,05; ES = 0.31, respectively). There were no changes neither in total body weight nor lean body mass (0.3 [− 1.2, 1.9]; p > 0.05; ES = 0.05 and 0.8 [− 0.4, 2.1]; p > 0.05; ES = 0.26, respectively) in the CG.ConclusionOur results suggest that a KD might be an alternative dietary approach to decrease fat mass and visceral adipose tissue without decreasing lean body mass; however, it might not be useful to increase muscle mass during positive energy balance in men undergoing RT for 8 weeks.

The Big East Breakup: Effects on Competitive Balance

Whereas much of the research on competitive balance deals with the addition of one or more members to a conference and compares the competitive balance before and after the addition(s), the authors of this study investigated competitive balance in men’s basketball, using the extreme case of the breakup of the Big East Conference, which led to a reconstituted Big East Conference and the formation of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Given that the reconstituted Big East Conference had basically chosen its members, whereas the AAC need to scramble around to replace its departing members, it was hypothesized that the reconstituted Big East Conference would have a more competitively balance conference than the newly formed AAC. Using the standard deviation, it was discovered that competition among men’s basketball teams displayed more competitive balance in the reconstituted Big East conference than in the AAC.

Effects of Professional Body Massage on Forward Head Posture, Neck Pain, and Plantar Foot Pressure Balance in Men in their 20s

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week professional body massage program (PMP) on forward head posture, neck pain, and plantar foot pressure balance in men in their 20s. Method: A total of 20 men with musculoskeletal diseases were recruited for this study. The participants were asked to take part in a PMP twice a week for 12 weeks. The cranial vertical angle (CVA) for forward head posture and visual analogue scale (VSC) for neck pain and right/left foot plantar pressure balances were extracted to compare between pre- and post-program differences. Results: CVAs before ($56.86{\pm}4.55^{\circ}$) and after ($62.72{\pm}4.57^{\circ}$) and VSCs before ($6.95{\pm}1.70$) and after ($1.70{\pm}1.56$) PMP revealed statistically significant differences. The right foot, after PMP, showed a significant increase in the plantar pressure balance from $46.17{\pm}2.95$ to $49.44{\pm}1.29%$, while the left foot decreased significantly from $53.83{\pm}2.95%$ to $50.56{\pm}1.29%$. Therefore, based on these results, it may be said that the foot pressure balance abilities were improved after PMP because the ideal foot pressure ratio is 50%. Conclusion: Consequently, it was suggested that a 12-week PMP could be utilized for improvement of forward head posture, neck pain, and foot plantar pressure balance in men in the 20s with musculoskeletal diseases.

Acute effects of exercise intensity on subsequent substrate utilisation, appetite, and energy balance in men and women.

Exercise is capable of influencing the regulation of energy balance by acutely modulating appetite and energy intake coupled to effects on substrate utilization. Yet, few studies have examined acute effects of exercise intensity on aspects of both energy intake and energy metabolism, independently of energy cost of exercise. Furthermore, little is known as to the gender differences of these effects. One hour after a standardised breakfast, 40 (19 female), healthy participants (BMI 23.6 ± 3.6 kg·m-2, V̇O2peak 34.4 ± 6.8 mL·kg-1·min-1) undertook either high-intensity intermittent cycling (HIIC) consisting of 8 repeated 60 s bouts of cycling at 95% V̇O2peak or low-intensity continuous cycling (LICC), equivalent to 50% V̇O2peak, matched for energy cost (∼950 kJ) followed by 90 mins of rest, in a randomised crossover design. Throughout each study visit, satiety was assessed subjectively using visual analogue scales alongside blood metabolites and GLP-1. Energy expenditure and substrate utilization were measured over 75 min postexercise via indirect calorimetry. Energy intake was assessed for 48 h postintervention. No differences in appetite, GLP-1, or energy intakes were observed between HIIC and LICC, with or without stratifying for gender. Significant differences in postexercise nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were observed between intensities in both genders, coupled to a significantly lower respiratory exchange ratio following HIIC (P = 0.0028), with a trend towards greater reductions in respiratory exchange ratioin males (P = 0.079). In conclusion, high-intensity exercise, if energy matched, does not lead to greater appetite or energy intake, but may exert additional beneficial metabolic effects that may be more pronounced in males.

THE PLANETARY GARDEN. WHERE NATURAL AND HUMAN INTERTWINE

Spring 1935. After twenty-five years of fascination for heights and six of flying, stimulating experiences, Le Corbusier published Aircraft, a real “Manifesto for a New Era”, according to his own words. Even though Vers une architecture had limited the aeronaoutic model validity to the framework of housing and easthetics ten years before, the reference then was expanded to the city and its fitting within the natural framework, to the definition of a new global habitat in which public space became the focus.The flying experience allowed him to look into the past and find the subtle balance of man and nature. Revelation and rebellion at the same time. Thanks to the new visual as well as mental perspective provided by height, he would drive his reflec-tions towards “geoarchitecture”, a definitive, Humboldtian approach to Earth.His aerial observation of the Algerian M’Zab valley or the layout of the settlements along the Paraná crystallised both into texts such as Sur les quattro routes, Aircraft or Les trois établissements humains, and a series of proposals for Rio, São Paulo, Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Algiers. Epic adventures through which, and connecting with the interest of those geographers worried about reclaiming human action on the writing on the Earth through his “establishments”, Le Corbusier tackled the configuration of a new public space beyond the limits of the traditional city, claiming for a new planetary order.

Evaluation of hormonal balance indicators in men with arterial hypertension in various types of left ventricular remodeling

Aim. To evaluate features of the hormonal balance in men with hypertension with different types of left ventricular geometry.Methods. The study included 63 men (mean age 49.74±4.91 years) with II degree hypertension (the disease duration 6.03±3.64 years). In all patients the level of testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone in blood serum were determined and echocardiography was performed, which was done on the expert class machine PHILIPS iE33 (Netherlands).Results.. According to echocardiographic examination data concentric hypertrophy prevailed in the left ventricular hypertrophy structure - 33 (52.38%) patients, eccentric hypertrophy occured in 18 (28.57%), concentric remodeling - in 12 (19.04%) patients. When analyzing the hormonal profile of patients a significant difference in testosterone levels in patients with various types of the left ventricular remodeling was revealed. In the concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, testosterone levels were lowest, and in some patients were beyond the lower limit of the normal range. Estradiol level exceeded the reference range values in men with concentric type of hypertrophy. The estradiol content in the group of men with concentric left ventricular remodeling was significantly higher than in patients with eccentric hypertrophy (pConclusion. In patients with hypertension, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (as compared with eccentric hypertrophy and concentric remodeling) occurs more often, it is accompanied by a decrease in total testosterone level in blood serum; timely correction of early androgen deficiency will allow to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Football training in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: activity profile and short-term skeletal and postural balance adaptations.

To investigate the activity profile of football training and its short-term effects on bone mass, bone turnover markers (BTMs) and postural balance in men with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This was a randomised 12-week study in which men with PCa undergoing ADT were assigned to a football intervention group [FTG, n = 29, 67 ± 7 (±SD) years] training 2‒3 times per week for 45‒60 min or to a control group (n = 28, 66 ± 5 years). The activity profile was measured using a 5-Hz GPS. The outcomes were total body and leg bone mineral content (BMC) and density, BTMs and postural balance. In the last part of the 12 weeks, FTG performed 194 ± 41 accelerations and 296 ± 65 decelerations at >0.6 m/s/s and covered a distance of 905 ± 297 m at speeds >6 km/h and 2646 ± 705 m per training session. Analysis of baseline-to-12-week change scores showed between-group differences in favour of FTG in total body BMC [26.4 g, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 5.8-46.9 g, p = 0.013], leg BMC (13.8 g, 95 % CI: 7.0‒20.5 g, p < 0.001) and markers of bone formation: P1NP (36.6 µg/L, 95 % CI: 10.4‒62.8 µg/L, p = 0.008) and osteocalcin (8.6 µg/L, 95 % CI: 3.3‒13.8 µg/L, p < 0.01). The number of decelerations correlated to the increase in leg BMC (r = 0.65, p = 0.012). No between-group differences were observed for the remaining outcomes. Football training involves numerous runs, accelerations and decelerations, which may be linked to marked increases in bone formation markers and preserved bone mass in middle-aged and elderly men with PCa undergoing ADT. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01711892.

Can thermogenic adipocytes protect from obesity?

The role of brown adipocytes and adipocytes of a new beige type in the energy metabolism of a healthy person and in the pathogenesis of obesity has extensively been discussed in recent years. The interest to these cells has been stimulated owing to the application of new noninvasive methods for studying the metabolic activity of tissues. Using these methods, the presence of thermogenically active adipocytes in adults and their reactivity to cold stimuli have been proved. These data, together with the results of animal experiments support the idea of thermogenic fat being a direct regulator of the energy balance of man. However, for several reasons there are some objections to this viewpoint. The main objection is that the total activity of the human thermogenic adipocytes is about 100 kJ/day, i.e., it is negligible. In addition, the burn of excessive nutrients is biologically inappropriate for an organism. Therefore, the idea that obesity is caused by the decreased activity of thermogenic adipocytes is erroneous. The statement that the causes of obesity are associated with the increased efficiency of energy-dependent processes seems more reasonable. The consequence is a reduction in energy expenditure to perform a unit of biological work. This results in excess of nutrients deposited in the form of fat.

Serum Levels of Human MIC-1/GDF15 Vary in a Diurnal Pattern, Do Not Display a Profile Suggestive of a Satiety Factor and Are Related to BMI.

The TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1/GDF15 circulates in the blood of healthy humans. Its levels rise substantially in cancer and other diseases and this may sometimes lead to development of an anorexia/cachexia syndrome. This is mediated by a direct action of MIC-1/GDF15 on feeding centres in the hypothalamus and brainstem. More recent studies in germline gene deleted mice also suggest that this cytokine may play a role in physiological regulation of energy homeostasis. To further characterize the role of MIC-1/GDF15 in physiological regulation of energy homeostasis in man, we have examined diurnal and food associated variation in serum levels and whether variation in circulating levels relate to BMI in human monozygotic twin pairs. We found that the within twin pair differences in serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels were significantly correlated with within twin pair differences in BMI, suggesting a role for MIC-1/GDF15 in the regulation of energy balance in man. MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels altered slightly in response to a meal, but comparison with variation its serum levels over a 24hour period suggested that these changes are likely to be due to bimodal diurnal variation which can alter serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels by about plus or minus 10% from the mesor. The lack of a rapid and substantial postprandial increase in MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels suggests that MIC1/GDF15 is unlikely to act as a satiety factor. Taken together, our findings suggest that MIC-1/GDF15 may be a physiological regulator of energy homeostasis in man, most probably due to actions on long-term regulation of energy homeostasis.

Changes in oxidative stress and acid-base balance in men and women following maximal-intensity physical exercise.

Oxidative stress may be caused by an increased rate of ATP resynthesis during physical exercise. The aim of this study was to compare changes in the prooxidant-antioxidant state of blood plasma between men and women after maximal-intensity exercise, and to assess the relationship between these changes and the value of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) as well as between these changes and the value of post-exercise disruptions in acid-base balance. Study participants comprised 10 women (20.7 ± 0.5 years) and 10 men (22.3 ± 0.5 years) who were physically active but did not engage in competitive sports training. VO(2max) was determined via treadmill incremental test (VO(2max) relative to body mass: 44.48 ± 1.21 ml/kg/min and 59.16 ± 1.55 ml/kg/min for women and men, respectively). The level of acid-base balance indicators (ABB), lactate concentration (La⁻), the level of total oxidative status (TOS), the level of total antioxidative capacity (TAC), and uric acid (UA) concentration were measured before and after the test. An oxidative stress indicator (OSI) was also calculated. Men showed a significant post-exercise increase in the level of TOS and OSI, while women showed a significant post-exercise increase in the level of TAC. Post-exercise changes in UA concentration were insignificant. Post-exercise changes in TOC in men depended on the absolute values of VO(2max), on VO(2max)/LBM, and on post-exercise changes in La⁻ concentration.

Effect of cycling in the heat for 164km on procoagulant and fibrinolytic parameters.

We assessed the impact of completing the Hotter'n Hell Hundred (HHH), an annual 164km road cycling event performed in a hot environment, on hemostatic balance in men. Sixteen men who completed the ride in <6h were included in this study. Plasma samples were collected on that morning of the ride (PRE) and immediately on the completion of the ride (IP). Primary hemostasis was assessed by platelet count and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag). Coagulation was assessed by measuring prothrombin fragment 1+2 (PTF 1+2) and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), whereas fibrinolysis was assessed by plasminogen activator inhibitor antigen (PAI-1 Ag), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA Ag), and D-Dimer analyses. Compared to PRE, increases (p<0.001) were observed at IP for platelets (39%), vWF:Ag (65%), PTF 1+2 (47%), TAT (81%), tPA Ag (231%), PAI-1 Ag (148%), and D-Dimer (54%). PRE PAI-1 Ag concentrations were directly related to BMI and waist circumference (p<0.05). D-Dimer concentrations at IP correlated positively with age (p<0.05). Completing the HHH activated the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems in balance. Age was positively correlated with IP D-Dimer concentrations. Additionally, participants displaying a larger BMI and waist circumference exhibited a positive correlation with PRE PAI-1 Ag concentrations.

AN EVENT DRIVEN SIMULATION FOR ADAPTIVE GENTLE RANDOM EARLY DETECTION (AGRED) ALGORITHM

Simulations are used to find optimum answers for pr oblems in wide areas. Active queue management algorithms such as RED, GRED, typically use simulators like ns2 which is an open source simulator or OPNET, OMNET which are commercial simulators. However, beside the benefits of using simulators like having defined modules, parameters. There are probl ems such as complexity, large integrated components and licensing cost. To have an ideal balance in men tioned benefits and problems and to further complement the repository of simulators, this study presents t he description of a general-purpose programming language based discrete event simulation for active queue ma nagement. This research has focused at developing a discrete event simulator to implement one of active queue management algorithms which is called AGRED. The results showed that the developed simulator has successfully produced the same results with an ave rage deviation of 1.5% as previous simulator in AGRED.

Gender Equality in Sweden

We focus in this article on contexts within which religiosity (the intensity of religious commitment) reinforces more patriarchal family values and those in which it does not, and perhaps even strengthens egalitarian family values. Using data for 1999 and 2003 from the Swedish longitudinal study, Young Adult Panel Survey, we examine the relationship between religiosity and several measures of attitudes and behaviors related to gender equality in the public and private spheres. We find for most religious denominations, greater religiosity is linked with more patriarchal views about the balance of men’s and women’s roles in the home. Among members of the Church of Sweden (formerly the Swedish State Church), however, this is not the case. No differences by religiosity were found in attitudes for gender equality in the public sphere of work.

Obesidad sarcopénica y condición física en octogenarios: proyecto multicéntrico EXERNET

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of different fitness test to detect the risk of sarcopenic obesity (SO) in octogenarian people. Methods: 306 subjects (76 men, 230 women) with a mean age of 82.5 ± 2.3 years from the Multi-center EXERNET Project sample fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Body composition was assessed in all subjects by bioelectrical impedance. Four groups were created based on the percentage of fat mass and muscle mass: 1) normal, 2) high fat mass, 3) low muscle mass and 4) SO. Physical fitness was assessed using 8 different tests modified from the batteries “Senior Fitness Test” and Eurofit (EXERNET battery). The risk of suffering SO depending on the fitness level was studied by logistic regression. Results: Among the studied physical fitness tests, those that better predicted the risk of SO were leg strength, arm strength, agility, walking speed and balance in men; 95% CI [(0.606-0.957) (0.496-0.882), (0.020-2.014), (0.17-1.39), (0.913-1.002), all p < 0.05, except balance test (p = 0.07)] and balance test and agility in women; (95% CI [(0.9281.002) (0.983-1.408), (both p = 0.07)]. Conclusion: Adequate levels of physical fitness are associated with a lower risk of SO. Some easy fitness tests seem to be useful for the detection of SO in those cases where the body-composition required methods for diagnosis are not available.

REMOVING OF SUBSTANCES THAT INFLUENCE THE HORMONAL SYSTEM OF LIVING ORGANISMS FROM THE WASTE WATERS USING TRADITIONAL WATER-TREATMENT METHODS

The article obtains a broad literature review on issue of drinking and industrial waste waters treatment. Substances that strongly impact on the hormonal system of living organisms (Endocrine Disrupting Compounds or EDC-type substances) are mostly in a focus. Composition/structure of the most typical substances, affecting hormonal balance of man and their classification are given. The paths of getting the indicated matters into environment are described. The short analysis of difficulties of analytical determination of EDC-substances are given. The basic methods of this kind pollutants removing from different types of water are critically considered: coagulation, adsorption on activated carbon, oxidization, biological and membrane methods, ozone and chlorine. The article contains 25 references.

Laundry and Lab Time: Do Family-Friendly Policies Affect Academic Work Outcomes?

Some scholars and policy makers argue that the dearth of women in academic science positions is related to the demands of family life. While the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) aims to help women and men balance work and family life, universities throughout the United States have adopted family-friendly policies as a means of enabling faculty to balance family life and career. Because universities are somewhat flat organizations, academic departments play a critical role in enabling work-life balance through both formal and informal policies about leave. While family-leave policies are designed to provide job protection for parents and also ensure that faculty can remain successful and productive scholars, it is unclear whether or not formal family-leave policies and informal department cultures have played a positive role on outcomes such as, productivity (e.g. publications), teaching responsibilities, and advancement to leadership positions. This research uses survey responses from 1598 faculty at 150 Carnegie Research Intensive I universities and data from university Status of Women reports and Faculty Handbooks to investigate the relationships between university policies, university level support for work-life balance, and outcomes among men and women faculty in six fields of science.

Working-class fathers and childcare: the economic and family contexts of fathering in the UK

This paper reports on a UK-based study that explored the ways in which working-class families living in the inner city negotiate and resolve childcare and domestic responsibilities between mothers and fathers and how men balance employment and family demands. Drawing on interviews with 70 families with pre-school children, including interviews with 16 men, we explore how the respondents practice fathering roles in their particular economic, social and family contexts, contrasting a group of ‘active fathers’ with those we have termed ‘background fathers’. The domestic arrangements for caring for young children identified in this study and an earlier study of middle-class families overwhelmingly follow traditional gendered divisions, irrespective of social class background. The pervasiveness of discourses that construe a ‘good’ family man as financially successful means that the men in this study, whose link to the labour market can be tenuous, are vulnerable to charges – by themselves and others – of not being a ‘good’ father. We suggest that beyond the provider discourse, there is a lack of alternatives to conceptualise possible understandings of being and doing fatherhood, which renders fathering an individualised practice, highly dependent on contextual factors.

Genetic variations in the regulation of energetic balance

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) near certain genes revealed association of FAT (fat mass and obesity-associated gene), MC4R (melanocortin 4 receptor gene), and other genes with obesity. Participation of the FAT expression products in the regulation of energy balance remains to be clarified. The function of MC4R encoding melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is somewhat better understood. α-, β-, and γ-MSH encoded by the POMC gene bind to MC4R, reduce food intake, and slow down fat accumulation. Expression of POMC that codes MSH is enhanced by leptin binding to the receptor (LepRb) in hypothalamic neurons. Mutations in human and animal MC4R, POMC, and LEP genes are known to be associated with obesity. More than 60 mutations in MC4R, more than 20 mutations in POMC and fewer LEP mutations have been reported. Nonsense mutations and reading frame shifts block gene expression and thereby disrupt protein synthesis. Missense mutations frequently affect protein folding in endoplasmic reticulum; unfolded or misfolded proteins remain in the cytoplasm and undergo degradation. Certain missence mutations do not interfere with gene expression and folding of proteins but impair their functioning at the periphery. P.S127L mutation in MC4R, p.E206X and p.F144L mutations in POMC as well as other mutations in homozygous and heterozygous forms account for disturbed energy balance in man. The LEP gene has been reported to contain G133fsX15, p.R105X, p.R105W, and p.S141C mutations. As a rule, they are associated with obesity and other pathological conditions only in homozygous forms.

Effect of Preexercise Electrolyte Ingestion on Fluid Balance in Men and Women

Effect of Preexercise Electrolyte Ingestion on Fluid Balance in Men and Women