Showing papers by "Barbara Griefahn published in 2003"
TL;DR: Cross‐sectional data on urinary 6‐hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6‐OHMS) excretion in children suggest a constant melatonin secretion during growth, and clearly revealed that, despite huge inter‐individual differences, melatonin production remains constant in one and the same individual during childhood and adolescence.
Abstract: Cross-sectional data on urinary 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) excretion in children suggest a constant melatonin secretion during growth The present longitudinal study concerned, accordingly, the intra-individual stability of melatonin production during childhood and adolescence Urine samples collected during a longitudinal investigation of healthy white children and adolescents were analyzed Forty-six boys and 38 girls were chosen for the present study They had passed 3-15 annual examinations between their 3rd and 18th yr of age Each examination included the collection of urine over 24 hr The daily urinary output of 6-OHMS of the overall 621 samples was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay The analyses clearly revealed for the first time that, despite huge inter-individual differences, melatonin production remains constant in one and the same individual during childhood and adolescence Additionally, neither a significant sex difference was observed nor was the 6-OHMS output affected by season The dramatic decrease of plasma melatonin levels as described in the literature is mainly related to an increase in body size rather than to decreasing pineal secretion
56 citations
TL;DR: The weight of the SCBA was shown to be less important than its distribution and was executed faster with the rucksack device, heart rates were then lower and the carrying features were evaluated as better.
42 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that 6-OHMS excretion was significantly correlated in siblings, suggesting a possible genetic background of melatonin production, however, prospective studies controlling also lifestyle factors such as diet are required to further confirm the hypothesis.
Abstract: The analysis was performed to support the assumption that in inter-individual variations melatonin production is determined genetically Sixty-six siblings from 31 families (27 girls, 39 boys, 3–18 ye
26 citations
TL;DR: In both studies, melatonin profiles occurred earlier in the morning than in the evening types, the difference was smaller in soldiers, thus conditioning contributes to the actual phase position but does not mask morningness.
Abstract: Melatonin synthesis occurs earlier in the morning than in the evening types who strictly adhere to their individual time schedule. This study tested whether melatonin profiles still separate between diurnal types who vary their individual rhythm or who are submitted to prescribed time schedules. Male and female students were observed during a constant routine in the laboratory (24-26 hours bed rest, 20 degrees C, <30 lux, hourly isocaloric diet) and soldiers who spent several days in a military hospital were observed during 12 hours (bed rest, <30 lux, normal meals). Salivary melatonin levels were determined hourly. In both studies, melatonin profiles occurred earlier in the morning than in the evening types. The difference was smaller in soldiers, thus conditioning contributes to the actual phase position but does not mask morningness. As morningness is related to the ability to cope with shift work, the melatonin onset can be used as a criterion when assigning a person to shift work.
15 citations