Search Results (8)
The integrated impact of artificial gravity and vibration exercise training on muscle structure and function
During space sojourns, astronauts experience musculoskeletal deconditioning caused by the lack of gravity. The adaptation of the musculoskeletal system to inactivity and unloading of the weight-bearing limbs may be countered by daily exercise. However, current exercise devices and strategies employed on the International Space Station (ISS) do not appear to …
Genetic variability and lead exposure biomarkers
The thesis investigates associations between the biomarkers of lead (Pb) exposure (and mercury (Hg), where applicable) and genetic variability in in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and their newborns from Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, as well as Slovenian men of reproductive age. The research utilizes data from the Public Health …
Thermal and non-thermal factors affecting regional blood flow regulation
Whilst the interaction of multiple vascular mechanisms under various stressors is a well-documented topic, how this interaction effects the regional regulation of blood flow is less well known. In order to assess this phenomenon, a series of successive studies were conducted: I. Assessing the regional blood flow and haemodynamic response …
The effect of spaceflight associated factors on the eye
The unexplained aetiology of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) jeopardises all planned future missions to the Moon and Mars. Various intrinsic and extrinsic potential risk factors have been proposed to contribute to its manifestation. Specifically, the present thesis compared the effect of static exercise (simulating the exercise performed by astronauts …
Targeted analysis of organic contaminants, exposure assessment, and vulnerability of populations to hazardous compounds
From the moment of conception until death, humans are exposed to chemicals at varying intensities and frequencies. While an individual’s level of resilience is commonly high enough to tolerate these kinds of stressors, specific exposures or genetic predispositions can lower it. Therefore, the assessment of chemical exposure, the development of …
Determination of steroid estrogens in environmental samples using chemical analysis (GC-MSD) and an in vitro estrogenicity assay (ER-Calux®)
The presence of steroid estrogens in the environment has been studied intensively for two decades because of their possible deleterious effects on living organisms at very low (ng/L) concentrations. To determine concentrations of steroid estrogens and the estrogenic potential of environmental samples, sophisticated and sensitive analytical techniques as well as …
Normobaric hyperoxia: haemodynamic responses to acute and long-term exposure
The aim of the present thesis was to examine the effect of acute and long-term normobaric hyperoxic exposure on selected haemodynamic and haematological responses during resting and exercise conditions in healthy aerobically well-trained males. This purpose was evaluated in four separate studies, and each of them had a specific aim …
Assessment of behavioural thermoregulation in humans: with particular reference to mild narcosis and prolonged bed rest
Behavioural responses are the most efficient thermoregulatory responses, since relatively simple actions can prevent the need to activate the more metabolically costly autonomic responses. Dependence on behavioural responses may increase in environmental conditions where the prevailing nonthermal factors (NTF) attenuate autonomic responses and alter thermal perception (Mekjavic et al., 2003; …