Changes in immunological characteristics of summer crew during a short term expedition to Antarctica

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of extreme climatic conditions and isolation on levels of pre-selected immunological parameters in humans. This article describes changes in immunological parameters measured in members of the 9th Czech Antarctic Scientific Expedition during their field work in Antarctica in summer time. The total of 15 sera samples were collected in the morning shortly before the expedition, the second collection was proved in the middle and the third in the end of stay at the Czech Polar station (Mendel station). The statistically significant difference appeared in eight of 11 parameters, from which the value of C3, C4, IgA, and number of monocytes decreased; level of IgG and number of non segmented neutrophils increased. The difference was showed also in the middle of stay, when the level of IgM, number of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the first part of stay decreased, in the second increased. The way of life in the station, physical performance and extreme climatic condition, probably positively affected the results of some studied immunological parameters

Changes in haematological parameters during a summer expedition in Antarctica

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of extreme climatic conditions and a long stay in isolation on levels of three haematological parameters in the polar expedition participants. This article describes changes in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin and transferrin levels measured on the 9th Czech Antarctic Scientific Expedition during the period of the Antarctic summer. A total of 15 sera samples were collected shortly before the expedition, the second sampling was performed halfway through the stay and the third at the very end of the expedition stationed at the Czech Research Station of J. G. Mendel. The erythrocyte count and the levels of transferrin were significantly increased in between all three sample collections (with p-value < 0.01). A statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels was only detected between the first and the final sampling (

Some of the metabolic changes in expedition members caused by diet and activities performed during a stay at the Czech Antarc-tic base (Short Communication)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of food intake, extreme climatic and other environmental conditions on metabolic parameters in serum in participants of the 9th Czech Antarctic Scientific Expedition, January – February 2015 (8 weeks). The studied parameters included the level of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and type of diet. The energy intake, amount of protein in food during the stay were analysed. The values of the above-specified parame-ters were compared with the answers of respondents to questions about food intake served during the expedition and analysed by the (ANOVA) Hartley F, Cochran C, Barttlet Chi test. A total of 45 sera samples were collected during 3 series of sampling. The first one was a pre-departure sampling, the second was taken after the first 2 weeks of the stay in Antarctica, and the third one during the last 2 weeks of the stay). Statisti-cally significant decrease in uric acid and HDL cholesterol in sera was observed during the stay. For this purpose, Student´s paired t-test was used. Scheffe test revealed significant differences in levels of HDL between categories of expeditioners who ate significantly larger amount of protein and equal amount of proteins after 44 days of expedition. In this paper, we discuss the total cholesterol (HDL, LDL), which can lead to dietary problems under stress condition in the Czech Antarctic base

Changes in immunological and physiological parameters in urine duringAntarctic Scientific Expedition( Short Communication )

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of extreme climatic conditions on certain immunological and physiological parameters in urine in participants of the 9th Czech Antarctic Scientific Expedition, January – February 2015. The studied parameters were pH, number of leukocytes in 1 µl urine and the amount of proteins, nitrites, blood and haemoglobin in urine. A total of 45 urine samples were collected during 3 series of sampling (first pre-departure, second during the first 2 weeks of the stay in Antarctica, and third in the last 2 weeks of the stay). Paired t-test was used for comparison of the data from the Czech Republic and the Antarctica. We have found statistically significant decreases in pH and in the number of leukocytes in urine during the stay in Antarctica. The other parameters showed no changes. We conclude that several factors of the Antarctic environment (with lack of stress, pathogenic microorganisms and pollutants) may have positive effects on certain aspects of human health, and discuss the likely causes and mechanisms

Complex Approach To Monitoring Athletes In The Scope Of Overtraining Prevention

This article introduces the issue of monitoring intensively trained athletes who wish to avoid overtraining and want their training to be as effective as possible. The current definitions of overreaching and overtraining are addressed together with the summary of causes, development and prevention of such conditions. The focus of the article is on the overview of relevant diagnostic methods including the latest non-invasive biochemical methods. The complex approach to the selection of psychological and physiological methods to establish the degree of the internal load of athletes is emphasised. A three-degree concept of athlete monitoring according to the demanding and periodicity of diagnostic methods usage is presented

Might Salivary Lysozyme Be An Indicator Of Prolonged Intense Training Load In Athletes? A Preliminary Study In Adolescent Male Gymnasts

Lysozyme is one of the salivary antimicrobial proteins (AMP) which act as a defence at the mucosal surface. While in adult athletes, a decrease in salivary lysozyme (SLys) levels has been reported after prolonged intense training, to our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to study the relationship between SLys levels and long-term physical activity in children or teenagers. The aim of this preliminary study was mainly to evaluate in a group of adolescent male gymnasts undergoing prolonged intense training load whether - in accordance with studies in adult athletes - there will also be a decrease in SLys and if so, whether this phenomenon will be so common that we detect it in a small group of study participants. Twelve adolescent male gymnasts aged from 15.0 ± 1.6 years of national or international performance level were recruited to participate in this study. All participants of the study had a sample of saliva taken: I. Period) after the transitional period (rest), i.e. just before the beginning of the preparatory training period. II. Period) immediately after the end of the preparatory training period that was focused on maximal strength and power development. Preparatory training period lasting 6 weeks consisted of nine 2.5-hour training units (on average) over 6 days in every week. At the same time, three times per week twice-a-day training sessions were incorporated. Intensity of the physical exercise was not determined. We found a significant decrease in SLys levels after the preparatory training period (termed as II. period) compared to its level just before the start of the training (i.e. after the rest, termed as I. period). The results of this preliminary study suggest that SLys measurements may be an indicator of prolonged training load in adolescent athletes. Although the intensity of the training load has not been determined, the national and international performance level of the gymnasts enrolled in the study allows at least a rough estimate of its level. However, with respect to some limitations of our study, larger studies on male and female adolescent athletes, applying relevant training load with monitoring of variables such as specific sports performance, physical fitness, nutrition, sleep quality, social and psychological factors, are desirable

Description of three female 24-h ultra-endurance race winners in various weather conditions and disciplines

A The incidence of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is higher in women than in men. We present three cases of a very mild post-race EAH in female winners of three 24-h ultra races in various weather conditions and disciplines with post-race plasma sodium [Na⁺] levels of 134 mM (Case 1), 133 mM (Case 2) and 134 mM (Case 3). Moreover, Case 1 and Case 2 showed elevated creatine kinase concentrations of >10,000 U/l with an absence of renal function abnormality. The common characteristics were female sex, veteran recreational category, long race experience in the particular sports discipline, excellent race performance, similar total weekly training hours and the presence of luteal phase of the menstrual cycle during the race. Hematocrit and hemoglobin decreased and post-race K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in urine increased in all three cases. In addition, an increased body mass and a decreased urine specific gravity and urine osmolality suggested over-drinking in Case 1. A decrease in the glomerular filtration rate and creatine clearance accompanied by an increase in urine [Na⁺] may contribute to fluid overload in Cases 2 and 3. Furthermore, urine osmolality reached a level indicating antidiuretic hormone secretion in all the present cases. Therefore, we recommend that race medical personnel should not forget to look for EAH even in fast and experienced female athletes and during races in different environmental conditions

Body Composition Changes During a 24-h Winter Mountain Running Race Under Extremely Cold Conditions

Background: To date, no study has focused on body composition characteristics and on parameters associated with skeletal muscle damage and renal function in runners participating in a 24-h winter race held under extremely cold environmental conditions (average temperature of -14.3°C).Methods: Anthropometric characteristics, plasma urea (PU), plasma creatinine (Pcr), creatine kinase (CK), plasma volume (PV) and total body water (TBW) were assessed pre- and post-race in 20 finishers (14 men and 6 women).Results: In male runners, body mass (BM) (p = 0.003) and body fat (BF) (p = 0.001) decreased [-1.1 kg (-1.4%) and -1.1 kg (-13.4%), respectively]; skeletal muscle mass (SM) and TBW remained stable (p &gt; 0.05). In female runners, BF decreased (p = 0.036) [-1.3 kg (-7.8%)] while BM, SM and TBW remained stable (p &gt; 0.05). The change (Δ) in BM was not related to Δ BF; however, Δ BM was related to Δ SM [r = 0.58, p = 0.007] and Δ TBW (r = 0.59, p = 0.007). Δ SM correlated with Δ TBW (r = 0.51, p = 0.021). Moreover, Δ BF was negatively associated with Δ SM (r = -0.65, p = 0.002). PV (p &lt; 0.001), CK (p &lt; 0.001), Pcr (p = 0.004) and PU (p &lt; 0.001) increased and creatinine clearance (CrCl) decreased (p = 0.002). The decrease in BM was negatively related to the increase in CK (r = -0.71, p &lt; 0.001). Δ Pcr was positively related to Δ PU (r = 0.64, p = 0.002). The decrease in CrCl was negatively associated with the increase in both PU (r = -0.72, p &lt; 0.001) and CK (r = -0.48, p = 0.032).Conclusion: The 24-h running race under extremely cold conditions led to a significant BF decrease, whereas SM and TBW remained stable in both males and females. Nevertheless, the increase in CK, Pcr and PU was related to the damage of SM with transient impaired renal function

Life in Health 2019: Research and Practice

This proceedings contains a selection of papers from the internacional interdisciplinary conference Life in Health 2019, which took place from 5 to 6 September 2019 in the Czech Republic at the Faculty of Education, Masaryk University. The papers focus on general as well as specific approaches to public health protection and promotion. The findings presented are based on research data and are applicable in health education and general education of children and the whole population