Search Results (389)

Suspended solids are small particles transported in the water column, which can damage marine ecosystems and impair the health of aquatic organisms. This study evaluated the physiological responses of clams (Venerupis philippinarum) and Atlantic Bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) to suspended solid exposure. Four concentrations (100–1000 mg/L) were tested, with a control group maintained at 0 mg/L. At each time point (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 days), hemolymph samples were collected from five individuals per group to measure GOT, GPT, ALP, and cortisol. Exposure to suspended solids significantly increased these biochemical indicators compared with the control. Quantitative survival analysis showed that Venerupis philippinarum survival declined to 83.3% (25/30) at 500 mg/L and 76.7% (23/30) at 1000 mg/L after 5 days, while the control maintained 100% survival. In Argopecten irradians, survival remained close to 100% in most treatments, with a slight reduction to 83.3% (25/30) at 1000 mg/L. No mortality occurred in the control group without suspended solids, whereas mortality was evident under combined temperature stress and suspended solid exposure. These findings demonstrate that suspended solids induce stress responses in both species, with early mortality in Venerupis philippinarum likely caused by particle adhesion to the gills, leading to reduced respiratory efficiency. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent yet underdiagnosed condition that significantly increases perioperative morbidity and mortality in both adult and pediatric populations. Its pathophysiology, involving intermittent upper airway obstruction during sleep, poses unique challenges for anesthesiologists due to altered airway anatomy, increased sensitivity to sedatives, and unpredictable ventilatory responses. This comprehensive review summarizes current evidence on the anesthesiologic management of OSA patients, focusing on preoperative screening, risk stratification, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative care. Effective management of OSA requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach. Preoperative assessment should include validated tools such as STOP-Bang or polysomnography when available. Intraoperative strategies include careful titration of sedatives and opioids, airway protection techniques, and use of short-acting agents. Pediatric patients present specific anatomical and physiological risks, particularly in adenotonsillectomy cases. Postoperative monitoring, especially in the first 24 h, is critical to detect respiratory depression, with CPAP therapy often beneficial in selected patients. Recognizing and appropriately managing OSA in surgical candidates is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing complications. Anesthesiologists should tailor perioperative strategies to the severity of OSA, age group, and type of surgery. Future research should aim to refine predictive tools and establish standardized protocols, particularly in pediatric populations. Full article

Introduction: People who exercise outdoors in urban environments may inhale increased amounts of polluted air due to temporary respiratory changes induced by physical activity. The objective of this scoping review was to map the physiological, morphological, and/or functional responses of the respiratory system to air pollution in healthy adults who exercise outdoors in urban environments. Methods: This review was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive search of Medline (PubMed), Redalyc, Scielo, and Web of Science was conducted to identify clinical trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cross-sectional studies published in the last 10 years in English. Studies with healthy adult participants engaged in outdoor physical activity in urban environments were included. Texts with participants with preexisting respiratory diseases, elite athletes, animal models, and computer simulations were excluded. Results: The most frequently reported air pollutants were PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and ozone (O₃); the most common forms of exercise were walking, running, and cycling. Exposure to air pollutants during physical activity was associated with reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), as well as increases in the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and proinflammatory biomarkers. Conclusion: The findings indicated that there are modifications in lung function in those who exercise outdoors. However, the association between these respiratory responses and air pollution was not statistically significant in most cases. Some authors suggested that the health benefits of physical activity could mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution. Full article

Iron represents an essential element required for normal physiologic processes throughout organ systems. A vast network of transporters is involved not only in uptake of this element but in processing, oxidation, and recycling to maintain it in a tight balance to avoid excess storage. This complex network of transporters, including heme and ferroportin, among many others, are responsible for facilitating inter-organ tissue iron exchange and availability, contributing to overall heme homeostasis. However, exposure to high levels of iron can overwhelm compensatory mechanisms that result in its accumulation and toxicity. This is the case of patients with genetic diseases such as hemoglobinopathies who suffer from chronic anemia and require, in most instances, a lifetime of red blood cell transfusions to overcome disease crises. Thus, in light of the extensive role of iron in the body, the aim of this review is to present important metabolic pathways involved in iron homeostasis across the cardiovascular, reproductive, hematopoietic, urinary, respiratory, endocrine, and central nervous systems while contrasting these against negative effects caused by iron excess. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different water restrictions on the thermoregulation and blood hematological and metabolite parameters of crossbred Santa Inês ewes in a semi-arid climate. Thirty-two ewes were subjected to four water supply levels (100%, 80%, 60%, and 40%), in a completely randomized design with eight replications. The confinement period lasted 77 days, with 14 days allocated for adaptation. Respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature exhibited a quadratic response. There was an increase in red blood cells and urea. The enzyme alanine aminotransferase decreased linearly with water restriction. Urinary creatinine decreased along with water supply. Regarding urine color characteristics, all groups showed different colors, ranging from clear to cloudy. For the chemical characteristics of urine, a quadratic effect was observed for pH, with the highest value (8.75) at 60%. An increase was observed in total urine proteins and urobilinogen. Crossbred Santa Inês ewes in a semi-arid climate exhibit physiological adaptations to water supply reduction up to 40%. Following an 80% reduction in water supply, animals exhibit mild dehydration, characterized by increased serum urea levels and decreased alanine aminotransferase activity. Full article

Background: Emotion regulation (ER) plays a vital role in mental health, spanning mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. Cognitive reappraisal (CR) is one of the most common ER strategies and depends on prefrontal brain areas, but its success varies, and its neural basis is not fully clear. Interest is growing in using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to support ER, yet most studies have focused only on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and used simple tasks. Objective: This study explored whether tDCS applied to either the dlPFC or the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) could shape autonomic responses during CR while people watched emotionally engaging film clips. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either active or sham tDCS over the dlPFC or vmPFC. While stimulated, they used CR strategies (positive reappraisal, fictional reappraisal, or distancing) to manage their reactions to negative film scenes. Heart rate (HR), skin conductance (SC), and respiratory rate (RR) were tracked throughout as physiological indicators. Results: Active dlPFC tDCS combined with CR led to significantly greater reductions in HR toward the end of emotional exposure, compared to sham or non-CR conditions. dlPFC stimulation also lowered HR even without explicit CR, pointing to possible effects on automatic regulation. vmPFC effects were inconsistent, and no reliable effects were observed for SC or RR. Conclusions: These results suggest that tDCS effects on autonomic ER depend on the brain region and timing. dlPFC stimulation may strengthen both intentional and automatic emotion regulation, especially when combined with reappraisal, highlighting the value of realistic emotional tasks in neuromodulation studies. Full article

One of the most popular currently available tobacco products is the heated tobacco product (HTP), which heats nicotine and other chemical substances into a vapor for inhalation. The aim of the present review was to clarify the effects of exposure to HTP, which currently remain unclear. A literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalKey, and PubMed was conducted. The search identified 55 studies on humans and human cells in vitro (mostly independent, i.e., not funded by the tobacco sector) published from February 2021 to May 2025. Studies evaluating the effects of HTP use on the cardiovascular system indicate an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, platelet clot formation, and an enhanced inflammatory response, which is often followed by endothelial dysfunction. Increases in white blood cell counts, pro-inflammatory cytokines, leukocytes, eosinophils, platelets, IL-6, IL-2, IL-8, total NNAL, and 2,3-d-TXB2 were also observed. The studies suggest a positive correlation between HTP use and the occurrence of respiratory diseases, with particular negative effects observed on lung physiology, human bronchial epithelial cells, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, allergies, and asthma. Our findings indicate that the use of HTP is associated with possible adverse effects on the reproductive system. The review also identified new studies on the health effects of HTP use during pregnancy on the fetus, newborn, and mothers. Further research is needed to determine the short-term and long-term health effects of using HTP products. Full article

Flexible hydrogel sensors demonstrate emerging applications, such as wearable electronics, soft robots, and humidity smart devices, but their further application is limited due to their single-responsive behavior and unstable, low-sensitivity signal output. This study develops a dual-responsive starch-based conductive hydrogel via a facile “one-pot” strategy, achieving mechanically robust pressure sensing and ultra-sensitive humidity detection. The starch-Poly (2,3-dihydrothieno-1,4-dioxin)-poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-glutaraldehyde (SPG) hydrogel integrates physical entanglement and covalent crosslinking to form a porous dual-network architecture, exhibiting high compressive fracture stress (266 kPa), and stable electromechanical sensitivity (ΔI/I₀, ~2.3) with rapid response (0.1 s). In its dried state (D-SPG), the film leverages the starch’s hygroscopicity for humidity sensing, detecting minute moisture changes (ΔRH = 6.6%) within 120 ms and outputting 0.4~0.5 (ΔI/I₀) signal amplitudes. The distinct state-dependent responsiveness enables tailored applications: SPG monitors physiological motions (e.g., pulse waves and joint movements) via conformal skin attachment, while D-SPG integrated into masks quantifies respiratory intensity with 3× signal enhancement during exercise. This work pioneers a sustainable candidate for biodegradable flexible electronics, overcoming trade-off limitations between mechanical integrity, signal stability, and dual responsiveness in starch hydrogels through synergistic network design. Full article

Thermal stress poses escalating threats to aquatic ecosystems, yet current biomonitoring tools lack real-time integration of multidimensional physiological responses. To address this gap, we developed the Physiological and Ecological Comprehensive Analyzer (PECA), an integrated platform combining non-contact impedance sensors for behavior analysis, dissolved gas probes for metabolic monitoring, and wearable devices for cardiac signal acquisition in freely swimming fish. Using koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) under controlled thermal regimes (22 °C, 26 °C, 32 °C) with ethical compliance, the PECA calculated a novel Physiological Stress Index (PSI) integrating behavioral strength, the respiratory quotient, and electrocardiographic parameters. The results demonstrated significant PSI reductions under acute thermal stress, correlating with suppressed metabolism and altered cardiac function. This system provides a real-time solution for detecting thermal anomalies in aquatic environments, enabling proactive water resource management in climate-vulnerable ecosystems. Full article

The increasing prevalence of chronic metabolic diseases poses a significant challenge in the modern world, impacting healthcare systems and individual life expectancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that older adults (65+ years) engage in 150–300 min of moderate-intensity or 75–150 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity, alongside muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises at least twice a week. However, nearly one-third of the adult population (31%) is physically inactive, which increases the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and psychological issues. Physical activity in the form of aerobic exercise, resistance training, or a combination of both is effective in preventing and managing these metabolic diseases. In this review, we explored the effects of exercise training, especially on respiratory and pulmonary factors, including oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation, and blood gas analyses among adults. During exercise, oxygen consumption can increase up to 15-fold (from a resting rate of ~250 mL/min) to meet heightened metabolic demands, enhancing tidal volume and pulmonary efficiency. During exercise, the increased energy demand of skeletal muscle leads to increases in tidal volume and pulmonary function, while blood gases play a key role in maintaining the pH of the blood. In this review, we explored the influence of age, body composition (BMI and obesity), lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol use), and comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, neurodegenerative disorders) in the modulation of these physiological responses. We underscored exercise as a potent non-pharmacological intervention for improving cardiopulmonary health and mitigating the progression of metabolic diseases in aging populations. Full article

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a leading cause of mortality among individuals with epilepsy, particularly those with drug-resistant forms. This review explores the complex multisystem mechanisms underpinning SUDEP, integrating recent findings on brain, cardiac, and pulmonary dysfunctions. Background/Objectives: The main objective of this review is to elucidate how seizures disrupt critical physiological systems, especially the brainstem, heart, and lungs, contributing to SUDEP, with emphasis on respiratory control failure and autonomic instability. Methods: The literature from experimental models, clinical observations, neuroimaging studies, and genetic analyses was systematically examined. Results: SUDEP is frequently preceded by generalized tonic–clonic seizures, which trigger central and obstructive apnea, hypoventilation, and cardiac arrhythmias. Brainstem dysfunction, particularly in areas such as the pre-Bötzinger complex and nucleus tractus solitarius, plays a central role. Genetic mutations affecting ion channels (e.g., SCN1A, KCNQ1) and neurotransmitter imbalances (notably serotonin and GABA) exacerbate autonomic dysregulation. Risk is compounded by a prone sleeping position, reduced arousal capacity, and impaired ventilatory responses. Conclusions: SUDEP arises from a cascade of interrelated failures in respiratory and cardiac regulation initiated by seizure activity. The recognition of modifiable risk factors, implementation of monitoring technologies, and targeted therapies such as serotonergic agents may reduce mortality. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating neurology, cardiology, and respiratory medicine are essential for effective prevention strategies. Full article

Despite the current level of public immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the early inflammatory events associated with respiratory distress in COVID-19 patients are not fully elucidated. Syrian golden hamsters, facultative hibernators, recapitulate the phenotype of SARS-CoV-2-induced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—induced severe acute lung injury seen in patients. In this study, we describe the predominance of the innate immune response in hamsters inoculated with four different SARS-CoV-2 variants, underscoring phenotypic differences among them. Severe inflammatory lung injury was chronologically associated with acute and significant weight loss, mainly in animals inoculated with A.2 and Delta variants. Omicron-infected animals had lower overall histopathology scores compared to other variants. We highlight the central role of endothelial injury and activation in the pathogenesis of experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters, characterised by the presence of proliferative type I and type II pneumocytes with abundant surfactant expression, thereby maintaining hyperinflated alveolar fields. Additionally, there was evidence of intrapulmonary lymphatic vessel proliferation, which was accompanied by a lack of detectable microthrombosis in the lung parenchyma. However, white microthrombi were observed in lymphatic vessels. Our findings suggest that the physiological compensatory mechanisms that maintain respiratory homeostasis in Golden Syrian hamsters prevent severe respiratory distress and death after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article

Hypoxia represents a critical environmental stressor in aquaculture, significantly disrupting aquatic organisms’ physiological homeostasis and thereby constraining the sustainable development of aquaculture industries. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced metabolic regulation in aquatic species, this study employed hybrid yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus vachelli ♀ × Leiocassis longirostris ♂) as a model organism to systematically investigate the multidimensional physiological responses in brain, liver, and muscle tissues under hypoxia (0.7 mg/L) and reoxygenation (7.0 mg/L) conditions. Through qRT-PCR and enzymatic activity analyses, we comprehensively assessed molecular alterations associated with oxygen sensing (HIF-1α gene), respiratory metabolism (PFKL, HK1, PK, CS, and LDHA genes and corresponding enzyme activities), oxidative stress (SOD1, SOD2, GSH-PX, and CAT genes, along with LPO, MDA, PCO, T-SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT levels), apoptosis (Caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2), inflammatory response (IL-1β, IKKβ), and mitochondrial function (COXIV, PGC-1α, ATP5A1). Key findings demonstrated pronounced HIF-1α activation across all examined tissues. Hepatic tissues exhibited adaptive metabolic reprogramming from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, whereas cerebral tissues displayed suppressed anaerobic glycolysis during prolonged hypoxia, and muscular tissues manifested concurrent inhibition of both glycolytic and aerobic metabolic pathways. Notably, skeletal muscle exhibited marked oxidative stress accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction, exacerbated inflammation, and apoptosis activation during hypoxia/reoxygenation cycles. This study delineates tissue-specific adaptive mechanisms to hypoxia in yellow catfish, providing theoretical foundations for both piscine hypoxia physiology research and aquaculture practices. Full article

Increased epithelial and endothelial permeability, along with dysregulated inflammatory responses, are key aspects of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathophysiology, which not only impact the lungs but also contribute to detrimental organ crosstalk with distant organs, ultimately leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)—the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with lung injury (LI) and ARDS. It is predominantly manifested by hypoxemic respiratory failure and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, which cannot be fully attributed to cardiac failure or hypervolemia, but rather to alveolo-capillary barrier dysfunction, dysregulated systemic and pulmonary inflammation, immune system abnormalities, and mechanical stimuli-related responses. However, these pathological features are not uniform among patients with ARDS, as distinct subphenotypes with unique biological, clinical, physiological, and radiographic characteristics have been increasingly recognized in recent decades. The severity of ARDS, clinical outcomes, mortality, and efficacy of applied therapeutic measures appear significant depending on the respective phenotype. Acknowledging the heterogeneity of ARDS and defining distinct subphenotypes could significantly modify therapeutic strategies, enabling more precise and targeted treatments. To address these issues, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed using predefined keywords related to ARDS pathophysiology, subphenotypes, and personalized therapeutic approaches. Optimizing the identification and characterization of discrete ARDS subphenotypes—based on clinical, biological, physiological, and radiographic criteria—will deepen our understanding of ARDS pathophysiology, promote targeted recruitment in prospective clinical studies to define patient clusters with heterogeneous therapeutic responses, and support the shift toward individualized treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Polluted soils represent a major problem in many industrialized countries that urgently requires appropriate health risk assessment. The One Health concept that considers a close relationship between human and animal health and ecosystems relies, among other techniques, on continuous monitoring through the use of animal species as bioindicators. In this context, terrestrial gastropods, already recognized as relevant indicators due to their anatomo-physiology, provide a reliable model to study the pneumotoxic effects of pollutants. On the other hand, risk assessment is based on multi-biomarker studies. Therefore, omic approaches seem particularly useful since they can simultaneously detect numerous early biological changes. Methods: In this study, Helix aspersa maxima was exposed to naphthalene, a highly volatile aromatic hydrocarbon responsible for numerous respiratory disorders. Pulmonary membrane extracts and hemolymph samples were analyzed by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy after single or repeated exposures to naphthalene. Results: Numerous metabolic changes were observed, which could be related to membrane lesions, energy, anti-inflammatory, and tumorigenesis pathways. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential of combining animal indicator and omics techniques to predict respiratory health risks in cases of exposure to polluted soils. Full article