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Introduction: The most widespread treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The addition of inspiratory support is a potential alternative. This is a physiological study to determine the effect of CPAP and inspiratory support pressure on respiratory effort measured by diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) in healthy volunteers. Methods: DTF was measured in spontaneously breathing, healthy volunteers during 4 phases: (I) without connection to a ventilator, (II) on a ventilator without any applied pressures, (III) with a CPAP of 5 cmH2O, and (IV) with an additional inspiratory support pressure of 5 cmH2O. Results: Twenty-nine individuals agreed to participate. DTF was similar during the first two phases (32 ± 13% and 35 ± 22%). A considerable increase in DTF to 51 ± 21% was noted in phase III. The introduction of inspiratory support pressure during phase IV led to a reduction in DTF back to 36 ± 23% (p < 0.001). Tidal volume and minute ventilation were both slightly higher in phase IV compared to phase III. Conclusion: CPAP without inspiratory support pressure increases respiratory effort measured by DTF in healthy subjects. Further research is required to investigate this phenomenon in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) titration strategies have been proposed to optimize ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to compare PEEP titration strategies based on electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to methods derived from respiratory system mechanics with or without esophageal pressure measurements, in terms of PEEP levels and association with recruitability. Methods: Nineteen patients with ARDS were enrolled. Recruitability was assessed by the estimated Recruitment-to-Inflation ratio (R/Iest) between PEEP 15 and 5 cmH2O. Then, a decremental PEEP trial from PEEP 20 to 5 cmH2O was performed. PEEP levels determined by the following strategies were studied: (1) plateau pressure 28–30 cmH2O (Express), (2) minimal positive expiratory transpulmonary pressure (Positive PLe), (3) center of ventilation closest to 0.5 (CoV) and (4) intersection of the EIT-based overdistension and lung collapse curves (Crossing Point). In addition, the PEEP levels determined by the Crossing Point strategy were assessed using different PEEP ranges during the decremental PEEP trial. Results: Express and CoV strategies led to higher PEEP levels than the Positive PLe and Crossing Point ones (17 [14–17], 20 [17–20], 8 [5–11], 10 [8–11] respectively, p < 0.001). For each strategy, there was no significant association between the optimal PEEP level and R/Iest (Crossing Point: r2 = 0.073, p = 0.263; CoV: r2 < 0.001, p = 0.941; Express: r2 < 0.001, p = 0.920; Positive PLe: r2 = 0.037, p = 0.461). The PEEP level obtained with the Crossing Point strategy was impacted by the PEEP range used during the decremental PEEP trial. Conclusions: CoV and Express strategies led to higher PEEP levels than the Crossing Point and Positive PLe strategies. Optimal PEEP levels proposed by these four methods were not associated with recruitability. Recruitability should be specifically assessed in ARDS patients to optimize PEEP titration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the last decades, the use of the helmet interface to deliver noninvasive respiratory support has steadily increased. When delivering oxygen therapy, conditioning of inspired gas is mandatory, as the water content of medical gas is neglectable. To minimize the risk of airway damage, it is recommended to achieve an absolute humidity greater than 10 mg H2O/L. The primary aim of the study was to assess the performance of 3 different heated humidifiers to condition gas during helmet continuous positive airway pressure and to compare them with a setting without active humidification. Methods: We performed a crossover randomized physiological study in healthy volunteers. Absolute humidity, relative humidity, and temperature were measured during 4 steps (no humidification and the 3 heated humidifiers, performed in a randomized order) and at 3 time points (after 1, 5, and 10 minutes). Results: Eight subjects participated to the study. Without active humidification, absolute humidity was constantly below the recommended level. All humidifiers conditioned the inspired gases to an average absolute humidity greater than 10 mg H2O/L. Overall, the best performance, in terms of absolute humidity, was obtained with H900 (19.74 ± 0.50 mg H2O/L), followed by TurbH2O (−6.82 mg H2O/L vs H900; 95% confidence interval, −8.49 to −5.14; P <.05) and F&P 810 (−9.03 mg H2O/L vs H900; 95% confidence interval, −10.70 to −7.35; P <.05). Conclusions: Active humidification is required to achieve adequate conditioning of inspired gas during helmet continuous positive airway pressure. The choice between different humidifiers available on the market should be made according to the local needs and expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep on the first night in a sleep laboratory is characterized by a lower sleep quality and frequency of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) than that on the second night in moderate to severe sleep bruxism (SB) patients. Objective: The aims of this study was to clarify the physiological factors contributing to the first night effect on oromotor activity during sleep and investigate whether physiological factors involved in the first night effect differed between rhythmic and non‐rhythmic oromotor activities. Methods: Polysomnographic data collected on two consecutive nights from 15 moderate to severe SB subjects (F 7: M 8; age: 23.2 ± 1.3 [mean ± SD] years) were retrospectively analysed. Sleep variables, RMMA and non‐specific masticatory muscle activity (NSMA) were scored in relation to episode types (i.e. phasic or tonic and cluster or isolated), sleep architecture and transient arousals. The relationships between nightly differences in oromotor and sleep variables were assessed. The distribution of oromotor events, arousals, cortical electroencephalographic power, RR intervals and heart rate variability were examined in relation to sleep cycle changes. These variables were compared between the first and second nights and between RMMA and NSMA. Results: Sleep variables showed a lower sleep quality on Night 1 than on Night 2. In comparisons with Night 1, the RMMA index increased by 18.8% (p <.001, the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test) on Night 2, while the NSMA index decreased by 17.9% (p =.041). Changes in the RMMA index did not correlate with those in sleep variables, while changes in the NSMA index correlated with those in arousal‐related variables (p <.001, Spearman's rank correlation). An increase in the RMMA index on Night 2 was found for the cluster type and stage N1 related to sleep cyclic fluctuations in cortical and cardiac activities. In contrast, the decrease in the NSMA index was associated with increases in the isolated type and the occurrence of stage N2 and wakefulness regardless of the sleep cycle. Conclusion: Discrepancies in first night effect on the occurrence of RMMA and NSMA represent unique sleep‐related processes in the genesis of oromotor phenotypes in SB subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low energy availability (LEA) is a complex health condition that most commonly affects female athletes. Research on LEA is weighted to quantitative approaches, and few studies have employed qualitative methods to understand the development of LEA. Current research fails to understand the complexity of LEA by largely operating within isolated research paradigms. This paper aims to demonstrate the value of integrating a mixed-methods research approach to understand the influence of sporting cultures on the physiological experiences of female athletes with LEA. The mixed-methods approach implemented the use of physiological (quantitative) and socio-psychological (qualitative) data obtained from elite female athletes in three sports: triathlons and running, (n = 11), rugby sevens (n = 9), and track cycling (n = 10). The physiological data consisted of energy availability, haematological analysis, bone health, and body composition. The socio-psychological data consisted of individual semi-structured interviews with topics covering nutrition, body image, the impact of the sporting environment, and experience with LEA. The interview data were thematically analysed. By bringing qualitative and quantitative data together, this paper illustrates the complex relationship between sporting culture and the physiology of LEA. First, endurance athletes categorised as having an LEA showed a positive correlation between the relative energy intake (EI) and serum ferritin, with the interviews revealing a focus on a low body weight and reducing the EI. Second, the interviews with the rugby players showed a strong but hierarchical team culture, with the experienced players monitoring and controlling the EI of novice players. Third, among the cyclists, the EI was reduced in those categorised as having an LEA, with the interviews revealing a coach–athlete power relationship impacting dietary behaviours. To conclude, this paper demonstrates how mixed methods are important for capturing how different sporting cultures impact athletes' socio-psychological and physiological experiences of LEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early mobilization is regarded as important in patients with severe acquired brain injury. To explore the feasibility, physical and physiological responses of using a new assistive, electric standing device, Innowalk Pro (IP), that passively moves the legs in an upright position. A single-subject experimental design. A three-phase model (A1-B-A2) was chosen; A1: baseline using a standing frame, B: an intervention using IP and A2: withdrawal using a standing frame. Outcome measures: Patient's and assistive personnel's experiences with Likert scales, Modified Trunk Impairment Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Lidcombe Template (passive ankle dorsiflexion), duration of the training, blood pressure and heart rate. A 40-year-old female, with subarachnoid haemorrhage, perceived training in the IP as more physically exhausting than training in a standing frame, influencing the training time. However, she preferred the IP over the standing frame. Trunk control did not improve, until the withdrawal phase. A small MAS reduction in ankle plantar flexors was maintained in the A2-phase. The heart rate showed an ascending trend in A1, and a non-significant descending trend in B- and A2-phases. Blood pressure showed a flat trend line in A1 and B-phases, and a descending trend in A2. The new IP was considered a feasible and motivating intervention. Heart rate tended to decrease during IP training, while the blood pressure remained stable. Further research is needed to evaluate whether the IP should be a preferable or a supplementary assistive device for early mobilization. A new electrical standing device, Innowalk Pro, which moves the legs in upright position, was found to be feasible in early mobilisation of a patient with severe brain injury. Trained physiotherapist and assistive personnel are recommended for safe training. Physiological responses like heart rate and blood pressure remained relatively stable when training in Innowalk Pro. We question whether the leg movements when standing in Innowalk Pro, may contribute to improvement in trunk control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objectives of this study were to evaluate neuromuscular recruitment and efficiency in participants who recovered from COVID-19 and assess the association between neuromuscular efficiency and symptom-limited aerobic exercise capacity. Methods Participants who recovered from mild (n = 31) and severe (n = 17) COVID-19 were evaluated and compared with a reference group (n = 15). Participants underwent symptom-limited ergometer exercise testing with simultaneous electromyography evaluation after a 4-week recovery period. Activation of muscle fiber types IIa and IIb and neuromuscular efficiency (watts/percentage of root-mean-square obtained at the maximum effort) were determined from electromyography of the right vastus lateralis. Results Participants who had recovered from severe COVID-19 had lower power output and higher neuromuscular activity than the reference group and those who had recovered from mild COVID-19. Type IIa and IIb fibers were activated at a lower power output in participants who had recovered from severe COVID-19 than in the reference group and those who had recovered from mild COVID-19, with large effect sizes (0.40 for type IIa and 0.48 for type IIb). Neuromuscular efficiency was lower in participants who had recovered from severe COVID-19 than in the reference group and those who had recovered from mild COVID-19, with a large effect size (0.45). Neuromuscular efficiency showed a correlation with symptom-limited aerobic exercise capacity (r  = 0.83). No differences were observed between participants who had recovered from mild COVID-19 and the reference group for any variables. Conclusion This physiological observational study supports the notion that more severe COVID-19 symptoms at disease onset appear to correspondingly impair neuromuscular efficiency in survivors over a short time frame of 4 weeks after recovery, potentially contributing to reduced cardiorespiratory capacity. Further studies are needed to replicate and extend these findings with respect to their clinical implications for assessment/evaluation and interventions. Impact After 4 weeks of recovery, neuromuscular impairment is particularly evident in severe cases; this problem may contribute to reduced cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to research the cortical-spinal excitability and conducting ability of the motor system using muscle potentials caused by magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex of the brain and spinal segments at the level of the C6–C7 and T12–L1 vertebrae in athletes of different specializations, and to correlate these parameters with psychophysiological characteristics. The research revealed: (1) the distance runners had the highest level of excitability of cortical neurons and motor neurons of the cervical and lumbar thickenings of the spinal cord, controlling the activity of the shoulder, forearm, hip, and shin muscles; the sprinters had the lowest level, while that of the basketball players was in between; (2) the sprinters and the basketball players displayed the highest conductive capacity of the corticospinal tract (CST), the distance runners had the lowest; (3) sprinters and basketball players had a higher rate of simple and complex sensorimotor reactions as an indicator of neuromotor (lability and mobility of the nervous system) and cognitive processes than distance runners; (4) basketball players had the highest accuracy of complex sensorimotor reactions and the ability to anticipate the course of events as a sign of cognitive success than other athletes; and (5) cortical-spinal excitability positively correlated with the accuracy of movements (in basketball players) and negatively with the conductive ability of the CST and the speed of simple and complex sensorimotor reactions (in sprinters and distance runners). Athletes who train speed, endurance, and coordination of movement have distinctive features and the relationship between the functional state of the CST and motor-cognitive reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: E2F1 and E2F2 are highly expressed in many cancer types, but their contribution to malignancy is not well understood. Here we aimed to define the impact of E2F1/E2F2 deregulation in prostate cancer. We show that inhibition of E2F sensitizes prostate cancer cells to drug-induced replication stress and cell death. We found that E2F target genes involved in nucleotide biosynthesis contribute to maintaining genome stability in prostate cancer cells, but their enzymatic activity is insufficient to prevent replication stress after E2F1/E2F2 depletion. Instead, E2F1/E2F2 hinder premature CDK1 activation during S phase, which is key to ensure genome stability and viability of prostate cancer cells. From a therapeutic perspective, inhibiting E2F activity provokes catastrophic levels of replication stress and blunts xenograft growth in combination with drugs targeting nucleotide biosynthesis or DNA repair. Our results highlight the suitability of targeting E2F for the treatment of prostate cancer. E2F1/E2F2 expression correlates with malignancy in prostate cancer (PCa), but its functional significance remains unresolved. To define the mechanisms governed by E2F in PCa, we analyzed the contribution of E2F target genes to the control of genome integrity, and the impact of modulating E2F activity on PCa progression. We show that silencing or inhibiting E2F1/E2F2 induces DNA damage during S phase and potentiates 5-FU-induced replication stress and cellular toxicity. Inhibition of E2F downregulates the expression of E2F targets involved in nucleotide biosynthesis (TK1, DCK, TYMS), whose expression is upregulated by 5-FU. However, their enzymatic products failed to rescue DNA damage of E2F1/E2F2 knockdown cells, suggesting additional mechanisms for E2F function. Interestingly, targeting E2F1/E2F2 in PCa cells reduced WEE1 expression and resulted in premature CDK1 activation during S phase. Inhibition of CDK1/CDK2 prevented DNA damage induced by E2F loss, suggesting that E2F1/E2F2 safeguard genome integrity by restraining CDK1/CDK2 activity. Importantly, combined inhibition of E2F and ATR boosted replication stress and dramatically reduced tumorigenic capacity of PCa cells in xenografts. Collectively, inhibition of E2F in combination with drugs targeting nucleotide biosynthesis or DNA repair is a promising strategy to provoke catastrophic levels of replication stress that could be applied to PCa treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The respiratory consequences of daily nursing care interventions in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are not clearly established. Aims and objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of alveolar collapse analysis by the measurement of lung impedance distribution technique during nursing care in patients with ARDS. Design: Prospective observational pilot physiologic study in a surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital including adult intubated patients with moderate‐to‐severe ARDS. Methods: Each patient was monitored for 12 hours using a chest impedance device. Daily care interventions studied were as follows: endotracheal suctioning, mouth care, bed‐bathing, and blood sampling. The primary endpoint was the variation in end‐expiratory lung impedance (reflecting functional residual capacity) before and 1, 5, 15, and 30 minutes after nursing care interventions. Data are presented as median (interquartile‐range). Results: One hundred and eight events were collected in 18 patients. Endotracheal suctioning (n = 42), mouth care (n = 26), and bed‐bathing (n = 23) induced a significant decrease in lung impedance after care: endotracheal suctioning (−40.0 [−53.8; −28.6]% at 1 minute [P <.001], −10.4 [−27.9; 1.8]% at 30 minutes [P =.03]; mouth care −17.9 [−45.4; −14.6]% at 1 minute [P <.001], −10.4 [−21.3; 3.4]% at 30 minutes [P =.01]; bed‐bathing −40.2 [−53.5; −14.3]% at 1 minute [P <.001], −10.6 [−36.4; 1.6]% at 30 minutes [P =.01]). Blood sampling (n = 17) did not induce significant changes in lung impedance. Conclusions: The lung impedance distribution technique during nursing care appears feasible in the majority of patients with ARDS. Some daily nursing care in ARDS patients (including bed‐bathing and mouth care) resulted in a prolonged decrease in lung functional residual capacity and therefore could be associated with pulmonary de‐recruitment. Relevance to clinical practice: A caregiver who has to assess the functional residual capacity of these patients should probably be informed of the schedules of the nursing care interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Dorothea Debus (2007), all emotional aspects related to an act of remembering are present and new emotional responses to the remembered past event. This is a common conception of the nature of the emotional aspect of personal memories, if not explicitly defended then at least implicitly accepted in the literature. In this article, I first criticize Debus’ arguments and demonstrate that she does not give us valid reasons to believe that all the emotional aspects related to a memory are present and new emotional responses to that past event. I then criticize Debus’ thesis tout court for being a direct consequence of assuming a particular conceptualization of the nature of emotions: emotions as physiological changes. Finally, based on a different conceptualization of emotions that focuses on their relational nature, I propose an alternative framework for analyzing the different possible emotional aspects of our personal memories. This leads me to conclude, contrary to Debus, that some emotional aspects of our memories are not occurrent emotions but are better conceived as a sort of quasi-emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathieu Joseph Bonaventure Orfila (1787-1853) was a Spanish physician and scientist, naturalized French, considered by many to be the father of toxicology. He carried basic and practical studies on many theoretical and experimental aspects of physiology, toxicology, and forensic science, and developed appropriate detection methods for small quantities of the most common poisons (mercuric chloride, arsenic, phosphorus, morphine, and hydrogen cyanide), including the particular situation of corpses buried short or long times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIPs) are membrane channels that permeate water and other small solutes. Some trypanosomatid MIPs mediate the uptake of antiparasitic compounds, placing them as potential drug targets. However, a thorough study of the diversity of these channels is still missing. Here we place trypanosomatid channels in the sequence-function space of the large MIP superfamily through a sequence similarity network. This analysis exposes that trypanosomatid aquaporins integrate a distant cluster from the currently defined MIP families, here named aquaporin X (AQPX). Our phylogenetic analyses reveal that trypanosomatid MIPs distribute exclusively between aquaglyceroporin (GLP) and AQPX, being the AQPX family expanded in the Metakinetoplastina common ancestor before the origin of the parasitic order Trypanosomatida. Synteny analysis shows how African trypanosomes specifically lost AQPXs, whereas American trypanosomes specifically lost GLPs. AQPXs diverge from already described MIPs on crucial residues. Together, our results expose the diversity of trypanosomatid MIPs and will aid further functional, structural, and physiological research needed to face the potentiality of the AQPXs as gateways for trypanocidal drugs. Tesan et al. describe a large number of aquaporin protein sequences of the kinetoplastids using sequence similarity networks and phylogenetic trees. The authors conclude that trypanosomatid aquaporins integrate a distant cluster from the currently defined MIP families, which they term aquaporin X (AQPX). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The impact of mild hypohydration on physiological responses and cognitive performance following exercise-heat stress (EHS) were examined compared with conditions when fluids were ingested ad libitum (AL) or replaced to match sweat losses (FR). Methods: Twelve unacclimatized, recreationally-active men (22.2 ± 2.4 y) completed 50 min cycling (60% VO2peak) in the heat (32°C; 65% RH) under three conditions: no fluid (NF), AL, and FR. Before and after EHS, a cognitive battery was completed: Trail making, perceptual vigilance, pattern comparison, match-to-sample, and letter-digit recognition tests. Results: Hypohydration during NF was greater compared with AL and FR (NF: -1.5 ± 0.6; AL: -0.3 ± 0.8; FR: -0.1 ± 0.3% body mass loss) resulting in higher core temperature (by 0.4, 0.5 °C), heart rate (by 13 and 15 b⋅min-1), and physiological strain (by 1.3, 1.5) at the end of EHS compared with AL and FR, respectively. Cognitive performance (response time and accuracy) was not altered by fluid condition; however, mean response time improved (p < .05) for letter-digit recognition (by 56.7 ± 85.8 ms or 3.8%; p < .05) and pattern comparison (by 80.6 ± 57.4 ms or 7.1%; p < .001), but mean accuracy decreased in trail making (by 1.2 ± 1.4%; p = .01) after EHS (across all conditions). Conclusions: For recreational athletes, fluid intake effectively mitigated physiological strain induced by mild hypohydration; however, mild hypohydration resulting from EHS elicited no adverse changes in cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic exercise is characterized by workloads decrements. Because exercise and high altitude independently elicit redox perturbations, the study purpose was to examine hypoxic and normoxic steady-state exercise on blood oxidative stress. Active males (n = 11) completed graded cycle ergometry in normoxic (975 m) and hypoxic (3,000 m) simulated environments before programing subsequent matched intensity or workload steady-state trials. In a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, participants completed three 60-min exercise bouts to investigate the effects of hypoxia and exercise intensity on blood oxidative stress. Exercise conditions were paired as such; 60% normoxic VO2peak performed in a normoxic environment (normoxic intensity-normoxic environment, NI-NE), 60% hypoxic VO2peak performed in a normoxic environment (HI-NE), and 60% hypoxic VO2peak performed in a hypoxic environment (HI-HE). Blood plasma samples drawn pre (Pre), 0 (Post), 2 (2HR) and 4 (4HR) hr post exercise were analyzed for oxidative stress biomark-ers including ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and protein carbonyls (PCs). Repeated-measures ANOVA were performed, a priori significance of p < .05. Oxygen saturation during the HI-HE trial was lower than NI-NE and HI-NE (p < .05). A Time x Trial interaction was present for LOOH (p = .013). In the HI-HE trial, LOOH were elevated for all time points post while PC (time; p = .001) decreased post exercise. As evidenced by the decrease in absolute workload during hypoxic VO2peak and LOOH increased during HI-HE versus normoxic exercise of equal absolute (HI-NE) and relative (NI-NE) intensities. Results suggest acute hypoxia elicits work decrements associated with post exercise oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noninvasive imaging methods of internal body temperature are in high demand in both clinical medicine and physiological research. Thermography and thermometry can be used to assess tissue temperature during thermal therapies: ablative and hyperthermia treatments to ensure adequate temperature rise in target tissues but also to avoid collateral damage by heating healthy tissues. In research use, measurement of internal body temperature enables us the production of thermal maps on muscles, internal organs, and other tissues of interest. The most used methods for noninvasive imaging of internal body temperature are based on different parameters acquired with magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, microwave radiometry, photoacoustic imaging, and near-infrared spectroscopy. In the current review, we examine the aforementioned imaging methods, their use in estimating internal body temperature in vivo with their advantages and disadvantages, and the physical phenomena the thermography or thermometry modalities are based on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhalation and the deposition of welding-generated ultrafine particles in welders' respiratory tracts have been linked to severe pulmonary impairments. In the present study, a mobile aerosol lung deposition apparatus (MALDA) was developed and applied to study the respiratory deposition of ultrafine welding fume particles. The MALDA was constructed with a set of physiologically representative human tracheobronchial airway replicas made with high-resolution 3D printers. Ultrafine welding fume particles were generated in a welding fume chamber and delivered to the MALDA. A series of respiratory deposition experiments were carried out using the MALDA to investigate the deposition of ultrafine welding fume particles in different airway generations of the tracheobronchial airways. The results showed that the fractional deposition of ultrafine welding fume particle in the human tracheobronchial airways down to the 9th airway generation could be readily and systematically measured by the MALDA. The estimated cumulative respiratory deposition ranged from approximately 9–31% for ultrafine welding fume particles between 10 and 100 nm in diameter. The results acquired demonstrated that the MALDA developed has the potential to become a useful apparatus in the future to estimate the respiratory deposition of ultrafine particles in real workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the anterior shift of the body's center of gravity (CG) and the associated inertial forces produced by 2 styles of a partial forward lunge. Setting: Gait-analysis laboratory of a research institution. Participants: 10 healthy volunteers. Intervention: 3 trials of each lunge. Main Outcome Measures: Kinematic data were collected, and inertial reaction forces were resolved into net compressive and shear forces using an inverse dynamic model. Results: Significantly (P < .001) greater anterior translation of the CG was found with an arms-in-front v arms-across-chest lunge style. No significant differences were found between the average peak inertial compressive and shear forces of the 2 styles (427 ± 184 N v 426 ± 187 N, -536 ± 113 N v -538 ± 127 N). Conclusion: Anterior translation of the CG was larger with the arms-forward partial-lunge position, creating increased balance demands. Both styles produced clinically safe (posteriorly directed) inertial shear forces, with greater anterior CG shift with the arms-forward style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickle cell trait can pose a grave risk for some athletes. In the past few years, exertional sickling has killed nine athletes, including five college football players in training. Exercise-physiology research shows how and why sickle red cells can accumulate in the bloodstream during intense exercise bouts. Sickle cells can "logjam" blood vessels and lead to collapse from ischemic rhabdomyolysis. Diverse clinical and metabolic problems from explosive rhabdomyolysis can threaten life. Sickling can begin in 2-3 minutes of any all-out exertion, or during sustained intense exertion -- and can reach grave levels very soon thereafter if the athlete struggles on or is urged on by coaches despite warning signs. Heat, dehydration, altitude, and asthma can increase the risk for and worsen sickling. This exertional sickling syndrome, however, is unique and in the field can be distinguished from heat illnesses. Sickling collapse is a medical emergency. Fortunately, screening and precautions can prevent sickling collapse and enable sickle-trait athletes to thrive in their sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to reveal the physiological mechanism in subjectswith mild cognitive impairment based on effective connectivity method. Methods: Effective connectivity was assessed by dynamic Bayesian inference of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration signals measured through functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The oxygenated hemoglobin concentration signalswere recorded from the left prefrontal cortex, right prefrontal cortex, leftmotor cortex, rightmotor cortex, left occipital lobe, and right occipital lobe of 26 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment group) and 28 healthy elderly subjects (control group) at resting state. Results: The coupling strength of right prefrontal cortex to left prefrontal cortex (F = 7.964, P = 0.007) and left prefrontal cortex to right occipital lobe (F = 4.278, P = 0.044) in interval III as well as left prefrontal cortex to left occipital lobe (F = 5.637, P = 0.021), right occipital lobe to left prefrontal cortex (F = 4.762, P = 0.034), and right prefrontal cortex to left occipital lobe (F = 4.06, P = 0.049) in interval IV in the mild cognitive impairment group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusions: The decreased effective connectivity levels among brain regionsmay be amarker of impaired cognitive function in themild cognitive impairment group. The constructed effective connectivity network based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy provide a noninvasive method to assess mild cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • In Western societies, coffee is associated with greater arousal than tea. • Thus, exposure to coffee- (vs. tea-) related cues should increase arousal and lower mental construal level. • We conducted four experiments to test this hypothesis, presenting participants with cues related to either coffee or tea. • The results suggest that exposure to coffee cues can lead to a concrete construal via greater arousal. • The effects arise even without actually drinking coffee or tea. Abstract Coffee and tea are two beverages commonly-consumed around the world. Therefore, there is much research regarding their physiological effects. However, less is known about their psychological meanings. Derived from a predicted lay association between coffee and arousal, we posit that exposure to coffee-related cues should increase arousal, even in the absence of actual ingestion, relative to exposure to tea-related cues. We further suggest that higher arousal levels should facilitate a concrete level of mental construal as conceptualized by Construal Level Theory. In four experiments, we find that coffee cues prompted participants to see temporal distances as shorter and to think in more concrete, precise terms. Both subjective and physiological arousal explain the effects. We situate our work in the literature that connects food and beverage to cognition or decision-making. We also discuss the applied relevance of our results as coffee and tea are among the most prevalent beverages globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joint mechanical impedance is commonly measured by applying dynamic perturbations about a joint at a fixed operating point/background torque, and quantifying torque change vs. angle change. Impedance characterization in functional tasks, therefore, requires multiple experimental trials over a range of operating points-a cumbersome, invasive, time-consuming and impractical task. As an alternative, studies have related EMG to impedance, after which EMG can estimate impedance without applying joint perturbations. But, the cumbersome calibration trials are still required. We describe a method of single contraction perturbations in which the background torque slowly ramps over the operating range, with EMG simultaneously acquired. Using one such "quasi-static" contraction for model training and another for testing, we show this method to be a reasonable surrogate for traditional second-order, linear impedance modeling. A simple, short-duration calibration results. We compared our single-trial ramp method to multiple constant background torque trials at 10, 20, 30, and 40% maximum effort (extension and flexion), finding only limited differences in traditional vs. EMG-based ramp impedance estimates (12-22%, most prominent at the two lower contraction levels). Such constant force and slowly-variable force contractions are relevant to many practical applications, including ergonomics assessment, prosthetic control and clinical biomechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  To measure sound and vibration in rotary wing air transport (RWAT) and ground ambulance transport (GAT), comparing them to current recommendations, and correlating them with physiological stability measures in transported neonates. Study Design  This is a prospective cohort observational study including infants ≤ 7 days of age transported over an 8-month period. Infants with neurologic conditions were excluded. Sound and vibration was continuously measured during transport. Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) scores were calculated from vital signs as a proxy for physiological stability. Results  In total, 118 newborns were enrolled, of whom 109 were analyzed: 67 in RWAT and 42 in GAT. Peak sound levels ranged from 80.4 to 86.4 dBA in RWAT and from 70.3 to 71.6 dBA in GAT. Whole-body vibration ranged from 1.68 to 5.09 m/s 2 in RWAT and from 1.82 to 3.96 m/s 2 in GAT. Interval TRIPS scores for each infant were not significantly different despite excessive sound and vibration. Conclusion  Noise levels during neonatal transport exceed published recommendations for both RWAT and GAT and are higher in RWAT. Transported infants are exposed to vibration levels exceeding acceptable adult standards. Despite excessive noise and vibration, levels of physiological stability remained stable after transport in both RWAT and GAT groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine is a constituent of many molecules of life; increased free extracellular adenosine indicates cell damage or metabolic stress. The importance of adenosine signaling in basal physiology, as opposed to adaptive responses to danger/damage situations, is unclear. We generated mice lacking all four adenosine receptors (ARs), Adora1−/−;Adora2a−/−;Adora2b−/−;Adora3−/− (quad knockout [QKO]), to enable investigation of the AR dependence of physiologic processes, focusing on body temperature. The QKO mice demonstrate that ARs are not required for growth, metabolism, breeding, and body temperature regulation (diurnal variation, response to stress, and torpor). However, the mice showed decreased survival starting at about 15 weeks of age. While adenosine agonists cause profound hypothermia via each AR, adenosine did not cause hypothermia (or bradycardia or hypotension) in QKO mice, indicating that AR-independent signals do not contribute to adenosine-induced hypothermia. The hypothermia elicited by adenosine kinase inhibition (with A134974), inosine, or uridine also required ARs, as each was abolished in the QKO mice. The proposed mechanism for uridine-induced hypothermia is inhibition of adenosine transport by uridine, increasing local extracellular adenosine levels. In contrast, adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)–induced hypothermia was attenuated in QKO mice, demonstrating roles for both AR-dependent and AR-independent mechanisms in this process. The physiology of the QKO mice appears to be the sum of the individual knockout mice, without clear evidence for synergy, indicating that the actions of the four ARs are generally complementary. The phenotype of the QKO mice suggests that, while extracellular adenosine is a signal of stress, damage, and/or danger, it is less important for baseline regulation of body temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep remains a major mystery of biology. In particular, little is known about the mechanisms that account for the drive to sleep. In an unbiased screen of more than 12,000 Drosophila lines, we identified a single gene, nemuri, that induces sleep. The NEMURI protein is an antimicrobial peptide that can be secreted ectopically to drive prolonged sleep (with resistance to arousal) and to promote survival after infection. Loss of nemuri increased arousability during daily sleep and attenuated the acute increase in sleep induced by sleep deprivation or bacterial infection. Conditions that increase sleep drive induced expression of nemuri in a small number of fly brain neurons and targeted it to the sleep-promoting, dorsal fan-shaped body. We propose that NEMURI is a bona fide sleep homeostasis factor that is particularly important under conditions of high sleep need; because these conditions include sickness, our findings provide a link between sleep and immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pregnancy is considered a pro-inflammatory state that requires physiologic adaptation of the immune system of the mother. The aim of the present study was to study inflammatory and hormonal changes during canine pregnancy. Studies included analyses of peripheral concentrations of the acute phase proteins fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP), the hormones progesterone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), hemoglobin, and analyses of the total leukocyte numbers and expression of cell surface antigens. Twenty bitches were included in the present study; 12 pregnant bitches and eight non-pregnant control bitches that were followed during the corresponding phase of the oestrous cycle. Blood samples were collected at the day of optimal mating (day 0) and then on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42. Progesterone, IGF-I and CRP were analysed in serum and fibrinogen in EDTA plasma. Haematology and leukocyte expression of a panel of inflammation-associated adhesion molecules (CD 11a, CD 18 and CD 49d) were evaluated from EDTA blood. The data were analyzed as repeated-measures data, using a mixed model approach. Progesterone varied with time in both pregnant and control bitches, and IGF-I varied with time in pregnant bitches. Both fibrinogen and CRP increased significantly with time for the pregnant bitches, but no significant change was detected for the control bitches. Increases were seen from day 21. The hemoglobin concentration decreased significantly with time in both pregnant and non-pregnant bitches. The neutrophil and monocyte numbers increased significantly in pregnant but not in control bitches. Pregnancy induced increased granulocyte expression of cell surface marker CD 18, increased monocyte expression of CD 18 and CD 49d, and increased lymphocyte expression of CD 49d. In conclusion, we describe inflammatory changes during canine pregnancy that are manifested as increases in concentrations of CRP and fibrinogen, an increase in neutrophils and monocytes, and in activation of granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes. The changes should be taken into account when evaluating concentrations of APPs and WBC in bitches during pregnancy. A variation in IGF-I concentrations was detected during pregnancy. Highlights • Canine pregnancy is associated with inflammatory changes. • Fibrinogen and CRP increased from day 21 in pregnant bitches. • Neutrophil and monocyte numbers increased in pregnant bitches. • Granulocyte expression of cell surface marker CD 18 increased during pregnancy. • Monocyte expression of CD 18 and CD 49d, and lymphocyte expression of CD 49d increased in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The purpose of the present study was to determine if intracerebroventricular (ICV) and intraperitoneal (IP) injection of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a viral mimetic that binds to toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3), affects food intake, voluntary activity, cloacal temperature, plasma corticosterone (CORT) and glucose concentrations, and crop emptying rate in chicks (Gallus gallus). 2. Both ICV and IP injection of poly I:C significantly decreased food intake. 3. IP but not ICV injection of poly I:C significantly suppressed voluntary activity, whereas ICV injection decreased time spent sitting. Both ICV and IP injection of poly I:C significantly increased plasma CORT and glucose concentration. Neither ICV nor IP injection of poly I:C significantly affected cloacal temperature. 4. In addition, ICV injection of poly I:C significantly reduced crop emptying rate, whereas IP injection had no effect. 5. These results suggested that central TLR3 is related to anorexia, stress response and retardation of crop emptying while peripheral TLR3 is related to anorexia, change in behaviour and stress responses during viral infection in chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of starvation and transportation on hematological parameters and serum concentrations of galanin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL-cholesterol in goats. On the first day, first and second blood samples from ten Cashmere (Raini) goats (5 males and 5 non-lactating and non-pregnant females) were prepared before food and water deprivation at 8:00 a.m. (T1) and 3 h after food and water deprivation (T2) at 11:00 a.m., respectively. On the second day, third and fourth blood samples were collected before transportation at 8:00 a.m. (T3) and 3 h after transportation (T4) at 11:00 a.m., respectively. Final blood samples were taken 24 h after arrival (T5). No significant difference was found between the male and female goats in the measured serum parameters, except galanin. Serum concentration of galanin showed a significant increment due to the starvation followed by a decrement in males and an increment in females. Food and water deprivation caused a significant increment in neutrophil and band cell counts besides a significant decrement in lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. Transport stress caused a significant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts as well as a significant increment in neutrophils and band cells counts. It seems that besides interspecies difference, the condition of transportation was the main cause for the controversial findings about its effects on physiology and health of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors that contribute to water loss in tropical animals are complex and constantly changing. To evaluate the haemato-biochemical parameters of dogs with haemorrhage-induced dehydration. A total of 12 dogs were used; haemorrhage was induced by daily removal of 10 ml of blood over a period of 28 days and analysed at the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.), Zaria, Nigeria. Dehydration was clinically assessed. Age, sex, body weight and generalised body condition of the animals were determined. Whole blood was collected for determination of haematological parameters. Serum was prepared from whole blood to determine the concentrations of urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, glucose, sodium, calcium, chloride, phosphorus, potassium, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio and anion gap (AG) as well as serum activities of liver enzymes. Reductions in body weight (1.67 kg, 2.17 kg and 3.17 kg) due to degrees of dehydration were observed on days 14, 21 and 28. Significantly higher values of packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.01) due to dehydration was observed between days 0 and 14, also between days 0 and 28. Higher concentrations of urea, creatinine (P < 0.01), BUN/creatinine, total protein, albumin and urine specific gravity (P < 0.05) were observed between day 0 and days 14, 21 and 28. This study is the first to report the haemato-biochemical changes of Nigerian local dogs with haemorrhage-induced dehydration. The study did not investigate the role of type of diet on dehydration, and it is recommended that future studies should be carried out to elucidate this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosemary is one of the most important medicinal plants. In order to study the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Azolla compost and Azolla biochar on dry matter, nutrient uptake, physiological parameters and essential oil of rosemary, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 6 replications. Treatments consisted of T1 (control), T2 (1% (1 g 100 g-1 dry soil) Azolla compost), T3 (1% Azolla biochar), T4 (PGPR (P. fluorescens)), T5 (1% compost + PGPR) and T6 (1% biochar + PGPR). Results indicated a significant enhancement of dry matter, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate, flavonoid and essential oil contents of rosemary influenced by organic fertilizers compared to control, particularly with co-application of PGPR + compost or biochar. Proline content decreased in all treatments in comparison with control. Results indicated positive impacts of PGPR, compost and boichar of Azolla on rosemary production by increasing nutrient uptake and protecting chlorophyll from degradation and enhancing its content in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexion-extension based on the system's robotic arm has the potential to increase the patient's elbow joint movement. The force sensor and electromyography signals can support the biomechanical system to detect electrical signals generated by the muscles of the biological. The purpose of this study is to implement the design of force sensor and EMG signals application on the elbow flexion motion of the upper arm. In this experiments, the movements of flexion at an angle of 45°, 90° and 135° is applied to identify the relationship between the amplitude of the EMG and force signals on every angle. The contribution of this research is for supporting the development of the Robot-Assisted Arm Training. The correlation between the force signal and the EMG signal from the subject studied in the elbow joint motion tests. The application of sensors tested by an experimental on healthy subjects to simulating arm movement. The experimental results show the relationship between the amplitude of the EMG and force signals on flexion angle of the joint mechanism for monitoring the angular displacement of the robotic arm. Further developments in the design of force sensor and EMG signals are potentially for open the way for the next researches based on the physiological condition of each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiology education research aims to investigate teaching-learning aspects and methods specifically applied to physiology teaching and learning. In this paper exploring Brazilian research public data and information from the Brazilian Physiological Society Teaching Committee, we investigated the status of this research topic (physiology education) in Brazil. The data showed that physiology education research needs to be more recognized and supported in Brazil, and more physiologists may become interested in research in this field. Thus this field will become more developed during the physiologists' education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing plays an important role in various biomedical research applications including, but not limited to, culture systems and implantable devices. In this review, we discuss recent development in the applications of 3D printing technologies for clinically motivated research, particularly focusing on the fabrication of constructs subsequently incorporated with cells. Applications of this technology include pharmaceutical delivery, bioreactor culture platforms, acellular scaffolds, imaging modalities, and organ-on-a chip systems. Emphasis is placed on technological developments not possible without 3D printing technologies: where traditional manufacturing approaches would be cumbersome to demonstrate research objectives. The clinical applications of 3D printing are rapidly moving from the research to production phases and will certainly continue to grow, with ever increasing numbers of therapies becoming commercialized. The work discussed here holds promise for various applications in structural improvements, drug delivery, and physiology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-talk between the nervous and immune systems has been well described in the context of adult physiology and disease. Recent advances in our understanding of immune cell ontogeny have revealed a notable interplay between neurons and microglia during the prenatal and postnatal emergence of functional circuits. This Review focuses on the brain, where the early symbiotic relationship between microglia and neuronal cells critically regulates wiring, contributes to sex-specific differences in neural circuits, and relays crucial information from the periphery, including signals derived from the microbiota. These observations underscore the importance of studying neurodevelopment as part of a broader framework that considers nervous system interactions with microglia in a whole-body context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shows that the academic and research careers of Henry Herbert Donaldson (1857-1938) were directed to provide basic information about the growth of the vertebrate nervous system and to provide standards and the means to make such research efficient. He earned the reputation of making the albino rat a standard laboratory animal. His academic career began when he was an undergraduate at Yale University in 1875 and concluded with his death as Professor and Head of the Department of Neurology at the Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology of the University of Pennsylvania in 1938. During that period, pivotal experiences occurred, including research in physiological chemistry with Chittenden at the Sheffield School at Yale, graduate study at Johns Hopkins University, postgraduate study in Europe, and professorial positions at Clark University and the University of Chicago. It was at Johns Hopkins University that Donaldson learned about the need for physiological, anatomical, and psychophysical research and about the techniques to allow such research. It was at Clark University that he had first-hand and detailed experience with the anatomy of the brain of a deaf-blind-mute woman, as he attempted to correlate her sensory deficits with her brain development. It was at Clark University that he clearly recognized the need for standardization in neurological research. At the University of Chicago, he developed administrative skills and began a coordinated research effort to delimit the growth of the nervous system. It was at Chicago that he learned that the albino rat could be a reasonable subject for such research. It was also at Chicago that he was able to formulate ideas about the future organizational needs of human neuroanatomy. It was at the Wistar Institute that his research program and his professional career matured. He organized a research effort to elucidate the growth of the nervous system. He contributed to the coordination of neurological research in the United States and Europe. It was while at the Wistar Institute that he became well-known for making the albino rat a standard laboratory mammal—a convenient living material for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is a very important signal for fungi since it influences many different physiological responses. The effects of dark or light at different wavelengths on growth, reproduction and hypocrellins of Shiraia sp. SUPER-H168 were studied: dark, white, red, yellow, green, blue and purple. All incubations under different light conditions had significant stimulating effects on aerial hyphae and suppressing effects on hypocrellin biosynthesis compared with dark incubation. Under blue and purple light especially blue light, the colonies with profuse growth of aerial mycelium were formed. Hypocrellin production reached 13.73 mg per dish under dark condition, and decreased to 4.01 mg and 2.83 mg per dish under white and blue light, respectively. Light condition not only influenced hypocrellin production but also influenced the composition of hypocrellins. Four types of hyphae, namely surface, aerial, biofilm and penetrative hyphae, were observed by light microscopy and SEM. This study found that biofilm hyphae was so closely connected with production of secondary metabolites, and hypocrellins were only produced by biofilm hyphae. Light promoted sexual development and inhibited asexual reproduction, especially blue light strongly inhibited asexual development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficient and safe oral feeding of preterm infants, an essential criterion for hospital discharge, is affected by neurodevelopmental maturation. However, the timing of initiating oral feeding and its relation to maturation, feeding performance, and physiological responses are unclear. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a 1-week delay in the initiation of oral feeding on feeding performance, transition time, weight gain, and cardiorespiratory responses in preterm infants. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 40 infants with a gestational age at birth of less than 32 weeks were recruited. The control group (n = 18) began oral feeding when the infants were physiologically stable, whereas the experimental group (n = 22) began oral feeding 1 week later. Infant feeding performance, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured before, during, and after feeding on the first day of oral feeding and 3 days later. Daily weight gain was calculated by measuring body weight every morning, and transition time was calculated by counting the number of days from the initiation of oral feeding to the termination of tube feeding. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of feeding performance, weight gain, or postmenstrual age at the completion of full oral feeding. The transition time was significantly shorter in the experimental group than in the control group. More infants in the control group experienced episodes of oxygen desaturation during feeding than in the experimental group. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: For infants with a postmenstrual age of greater than 32 weeks who are ready to initiate oral feeding, postponing oral bottle feeding for 1 week may be considered as an intervention to reduce physiological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleomaceae is a diverse group well-suited to addressing fundamental genomic and evolutionary questions as the sister group to Brassicaceae, facilitating transfer of knowledge from the model Arabidopsis thaliana . Phylogenetic and taxonomic revisions provide a framework for examining the evolution of substantive morphological and physiology diversity in Cleomaceae, but not necessarily in Brassicaceae. The investigation of both nested and contrasting whole-genome duplications (WGDs) between Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae allows comparisons of independently duplicated genes and investigation of whether they may be drivers of the observed innovations. Further, a wealth of outstanding genetic research has provided insight into how the important alternative carbon fixation pathway, C 4 photosynthesis, has evolved via differential expression of a suite of genes, of which the underlying mechanisms are being elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The gastrointestinal tract is a highly complex organ in which multiple dynamic physiological processes are tightly coordinated while interacting with a dense and extremely diverse microbial population. From establishment in early life, through to host‐microbe symbiosis in adulthood, the gut microbiota plays a vital role in our development and health. The effect of the microbiota on gut development and physiology is highlighted by anatomical and functional changes in germ‐free mice, affecting the gut epithelium, immune system and enteric nervous system. Microbial colonisation promotes competent innate and acquired mucosal immune systems, epithelial renewal, barrier integrity, and mucosal vascularisation and innervation. Interacting or shared signalling pathways across different physiological systems of the gut could explain how all these changes are coordinated during postnatal colonisation, or after the introduction of microbiota into germ‐free models. The application of cell‐based in‐vitro experimental systems and mathematical modelling can shed light on the molecular and signalling pathways which regulate the development and maintenance of homeostasis in the gut and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of pupil size (pupillometry) has recently gained renewed interest from psychologists, but there is little agreement on how pupil-size data is best analyzed. Here we focus on one aspect of pupillometric analyses: baseline correction, i.e., analyzing changes in pupil size relative to a baseline period. Baseline correction is useful in experiments that investigate the effect of some experimental manipulation on pupil size. In such experiments, baseline correction improves statistical power by taking into account random fluctuations in pupil size over time. However, we show that baseline correction can also distort data if unrealistically small pupil sizes are recorded during the baseline period, which can easily occur due to eye blinks, data loss, or other distortions. Divisive baseline correction (corrected pupil size = pupil size/baseline) is affected more strongly by such distortions than subtractive baseline correction (corrected pupil size = pupil size − baseline). We discuss the role of baseline correction as a part of preprocessing of pupillometric data, and make five recommendations: (1) before baseline correction, perform data preprocessing to mark missing and invalid data, but assume that some distortions will remain in the data; (2) use subtractive baseline correction; (3) visually compare your corrected and uncorrected data; (4) be wary of pupil-size effects that emerge faster than the latency of the pupillary response allows (within ±220 ms after the manipulation that induces the effect); and (5) remove trials on which baseline pupil size is unrealistically small (indicative of blinks and other distortions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses intergenerational effect of Send Down Movement on marital instability. Topics discussed include Send Down Experiences on delay in marriage, marriage instability, and changes in individual welfare; creating long term impact on marital instability through intergenerational transmission; distortion in life and obstacle in rural environments cause of physiological changes and changing of marriage outlook.

The field of tissue engineering has not yet provided knowledge on which a consensus for the complex physiological relevance (CPR) of neuronal cultures could be established. The CPR of 3D neuronal cultures can have a profound impact on the drug discovery process through the validation of in vitro models for the study of neuropsychiatric and degenerative diseases, as well as screening for neurotoxicity during drug development. Herein, we assemble evidence in support of the potential of [Ca 2+ ] i oscillation frequency as a CPR outcome that can demonstrate the in vivo -like behavior of 3D cultures and differentiate them from 2D monolayers. We demonstrate that [Ca 2+ ] i oscillation frequencies in 2D cultures are significantly higher than those found in 3D cultures, and provide a possible molecular explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade, there has been a continuous rise in consumption and global marketing of fresh, easy-to-peel mandarins, with current annual production of nearly 29 million tons. Nevertheless, most of the existing knowledge on quality traits of citrus fruit comes from research conducted on oranges and grapefruit, which are the main products for the citrus juice manufacturing industry; relatively little is yet known regarding the unique fruit quality traits of mandarins, nor about the great diversity in these traits among the various natural sub-groups and varieties of mandarins. In the present review we discuss the physiological, biochemical, and molecular factors governing key fruit quality attributes of mandarins, including fruit colour, size and shape, ease of peeling, seedlessness, flavour, and nutritional quality. Fruit colour, size, and shape contribute to external appearance; peelability and seedlessness to ease of consumption; and flavour and nutritional quality to internal quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Variability in functional outcome after ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is to a large extent unexplained. The aim of this study was to perform multiple physiological and biochemical tests including an endoscopic examination with histology on IPAA patients with well and poorly functioning pouches to determine factors, or combinations thereof, contributing to functional outcome. Methods:All patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing restorative proctocolectomy between 2000 and 2013 (N = 108) were interviewed using a pouch functioning score. The best and worst functioning quartiles were invited to undergo examination with a barostat measuring pouch volume at preset variable distension pressures, and a pouch endoscopy. Results:Forty five of 58 eligible patients agreed to participate. The most significant physiological parameter differing between the well and poorly functioning pouches was pouch volume at first sensation, urge and discomfort (pvalue <.001). Urge volumes were 213 (CI 171–256) ml for poorly and 352 (CI 305–401) ml for well functioning pouches. Pouchitis episodes were negatively correlated to function. The poorly functioning patients had a higher prevalence of histological signs of inflammation and hand-sewn anastomosis, and a longer remaining rectal cuff, however, nonsignificant. The pouch pressure at sensation thresholds did not differ between the groups. Conclusions:Pouch volume is the most dominant predictor of pouch function in this study. The present comprehensive study of a multitude of different factors that possibly could be contributing to functional outcome, failed to shed much further light on the functional variability among pouch patients. The pouch physiology remains to a large extent unexplained. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Measures of endurance (time to exhaustion) have been used to address a wide range of questions in ecomorphological and physiological research, as well as being used as a proxy for survival and fitness. Swimming, stationary (circular) track running, and treadmill running are all commonly used methods for measuring endurance. Despite the use of these methods across a broad range of taxa, how comparable these methods are to one another, and whether they are biologically relevant, is rarely examined. We used Australian water dragons (Intellagama lesueurii), a species that is morphologically adept at climbing, swimming, and running, to compare these three methods of endurance and examined if there is repeatability within and between trial methods. We found that time to exhaustion was not highly repeatable within a method, suggesting that single measures or a mean time to exhaustion across trials are not appropriate. Furthermore, we compared mean maximal endurance times among the three methods, and found that the two running methods (i.e., stationary track and treadmill) were similar, but swimming was distinctly different, resulting in lower mean maximal endurance times. Finally, an individual's endurance rank was not repeatable across methods, suggesting that the three endurance trial methods are not providing similar information about an individual's performance capacity. Overall, these results highlight the need to carefully match a measure of performance capacity with the study species and the research questions being asked so that the methods being used are behaviorally, ecologically, and physiologically relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the acute effects of static stretching (SS) and cyclic stretching (CS) on muscle stiffness and hardness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG) by using ultrasonography, range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and ankle plantar flexor. Twenty healthy men participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to SS, CS and control conditions. Each session consisted of a standard 5- minute cycle warm-up, accompanied by one of the subsequent conditions in another day: (a) 2 minutes static stretching, (b) 2 minutes cyclic stretching, (c) control. Maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM max) and normalized peak torque (NPT) of ankle plantar flexor were measured in the pre- and post-stretching. To assess muscle stiffness, muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) displacement (the length changes in tendon and muscle) and MTJ angle (the angle made by the tendon of insertion and muscle fascicle) of MG were measured using ultrasonography at an ankle dorsiflexion angle of -10°, 0°, 10° and 20° before and after SS and CS for 2 minutes in the pre- and post-stretching. MG hardness was measured using ultrasound real-time tissue elastography (RTE). The results of this study indicate a significant effect of SS for ROM maximum, MTJ angle (0°, 10°, 20°) and RTE (10°, 20°) compared with CS (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in MTJ displacement between SS and CS. CS was associated with significantly higher NPT values than SS. This study suggests that SS of 2 minutes' hold duration significantly affected muscle stiffness and hardness compared with CS. In addition, CS may contribute to the elongation of muscle tissue and increased muscle strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between the brain and the immune system are bidirectional. Nevertheless, we have far greater understanding of how the immune system affects the brain than how the brain affects immunity. New technological developments such as optogenetics and chemogenetics (using DREADDs; Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) can bridge this gap in our understanding, as they enable an unprecedented mechanistic and systemic analysis of the communication between the brain and the immune system. In this review, we discuss new experimental approaches for revealing neuronal circuits that can participate in regulation of immunity. In addition, we discuss methods, specifically optogenetics and chemogenetics, that enable targeted neuronal manipulation to reveal how different brain regions affect immunity. We describe how these techniques can be used as an experimental platform to address fundamental questions in psychoneuroimmunology and to understand how neuronal circuits associate with different psychological states can affect physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at the integration of neuromechanics in the physics laboratory to explore how physiological systems work together to enable movement in animals and other organisms. Topics include the interaction of systems involved in animal movement, the interface of physics and organismal biology, and insect flight and aerodynamics. An overview of the field of neuromechanics is given, along with models for understanding emergent behaviors or physiological systems.