Chronic Effects Research Articles

Uloga dehidratacije u sportskim performansama i preporuke za rehidrataciju

The acute and chronic effects of dehydration on athletes' health are well known, but it is less known about the relationship between dehydration and sports performance. There is an overall consensus in the literature that dehydration ≥ 2% body mass represents a threshold at which endurance, as aerobic performance, becomes impaired. Dehydration degrades aerobic performance by various mechanisms, such as a decrease in VO2 max, a decrease in circulatory volume and consequent decrease in cardiac stroke volume. At higher levels of dehydration, there is an increase in heart rate, body temperature, carbohydrate oxidation and muscle glycogenolysis. The effect of dehydration on anaerobic sports performance, such as muscle strength and power, is less known. The high osmotic stress that usually accompanies high levels of intracellular dehydration can modulate the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, alter the neuronal firing of osmoreceptor cells in the hypothalamus, and potentially affect the excitability of motor output pathways. Studies have shown that acute dehydration impairs muscle strength and endurance and increases the perception of fatigue but without changes in markers of central and peripheral neuromuscular function. In addition to the physical, dehydration also affects the mental performance of athletes. Symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, headache, fatigue) affect the athletes' cognitive functions and their cognitive resilience. Therefore, personalized rehydration strategies play a key role in athletes' safety during sporting activities, as well as in optimizing sports performance. In this paper, the role of dehydration on physical and mental athletes' performance will be reviewed, as well as the latest recommendations for adequate rehydration.

Unaltered Long-Term Maternal Endothelin System in a Gestational Hypertensive Rat Model

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are two to four times more likely to affect women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs). One of the etiologies of CVDs is endothelial dysfunction, which results from an imbalance in the production of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO). Although blood pressure (BP) is normalized postpartum, we hypothesize that a transient increase in BP during HDPs may cause ongoing endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to discover the impact of HDPs in the development of cardiovascular diseases after long-term postpartum changes in endothelin-A receptor (ETAR) and endothelin-B receptor (ETBR) expression and the concentration of ET-1 and NO. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned into four groups (n = 6), including two treatment and two control groups. All rats were sacrificed on Day 30 postpartum. The NO and ET-1 concentrations were determined by ELISA and the ETAR and ETBR expression of the mesenteric arteries were measured by immunohistochemistry studies. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of ET-1 and NO were not significantly different in all groups. There was no significant difference in the mean immunoreactivity of ETAR and ETBR percentages area in the tunica intima and media in all groups. CONCLUSION: No evidence demonstrates significant changes in the endothelin system of the resistance arteries at the proteomic level in the long-term duration following HDP. Further investigation of its potential chronic effect warrants a deeper analysis at the molecular and ultrastructural levels.

Monitoring walking asymmetries and endpoint control in persons living with chronic stroke: Implications for remote diagnosis and telerehabilitation.

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of monitoring and diagnosing compromised walking motion in the frontal plane, particularly in persons living with the chronic effects of stroke (PwCS). The study aimed to determine whether active control of walking in the frontal plane could be monitored and provide diagnostic insights into compensations made by PwCS during community living. The study recruited PwCS with noticeable walking asymmetries and employed a monitoring method to assess frontal plane motion. Monitoring was conducted both within a single assessment and between assessments. The study aimed to uncover baseline data and diagnostic information about active control in chronic stroke survivors. Data were collected using sensors during 6 minutes of walking and compared between the paretic and non-paretic legs. The study demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring frontal plane motion and diagnosing disturbed endpoint control (p < 0.0125) in chronic stroke survivors when comparing the paretic leg to the non-paretic leg. A greater variability was observed in the paretic leg (p < 0.0125), and sensors were able to diagnose a stronger coupling of the body with its endpoint on the paretic side (p < 0.0125). Similar results were obtained when monitoring was conducted over a six-minute walking period, and no significant diagnostic differences were found between the two monitoring assessments. Monitoring did not reveal performance fatigue or debilitation over time. This study's findings indicate that monitoring frontal plane motion is a feasible approach for diagnosing compromised walking motion. The results suggest that individuals with walking asymmetries, exhibit differences in endpoint control and variability between their paretic and non-paretic legs. These insights could contribute to more effective rehabilitation strategies and highlight the potential for monitoring compensations during various activities of daily living.

Acute and chronic effect of resistance training on pelvic floor muscle morphology and function in older women: a clinical trial

We aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training with and without pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction on pelvic floor morphology and muscle function in older women. Seventeen older women without pelvic floor disorders participated in this clinical feasibility trial. The women were divided into three groups: resistance training without PFM contraction (RT); resistance training with simultaneous PFM contraction (RT+PFMC); and control. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and the endurance of PFM contraction were measured by perineometer, and bladder neck angle and Hiatal area by translabial ultrasound. As an acute effect, MVC increased in the RT group (effect size r = −0.51). After 12 weeks, worsening was observed in the duration of contraction in RT (effect size r = −0.55) and RT+PFMC (effect size r = −0.52). Bladder neck angle improved in the RT+PFMC group (effect size r = −0.51). Resistance training acutely improves MVC and chronically worsens the duration of contraction. Resistance training with simultaneous PFM contraction improves the bladder neck angle after 12 weeks.

Mitigating the Harmful Impacts of Industrial Effluents; The Potential of Biological Treatment Techniques

The leather and chemical industries produce a large volume of effluents that contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and nutrients. These effluents contribute to pollution and have adverse effects on the environment, aquatic life, animals, and humans. To mitigate these effects, biological techniques such as degradation via algae, fungi, and bacteria have been implemented for the treatment of these effluents. The article discusses the harmful impacts of these industrial effluents and the potential of biological treatment methods to address them. The chemical industry generates effluent containing toxic, carcinogenic, and mostly non-biodegradable chemicals, leading to acute and chronic health effects. Similarly, leather industry generates heavy metals and toxic compounds in effluents that are discharged into aquatic life such as rivers, ponds and streams without further treatment. They have massive chronic effect on primarily them and ultimately up in the food chain. Various bioremediation techniques such as bio augmentation involving multiple microbes like bacteria, fungi and algae have and can be used to treat such effluents biologically and eco-friendly. Chromium (III) and chromium (VI) can be treated effectively only by such techniques. Furthermore, SBR technique and its multiple variants are applied for treatment of potentially toxic chemicals present in chemical industrial effluent. All such techniques provide strong biological substitution to prevalent physical or chemical methods of remediation.

Prodrug Approach: NSAID Conjugates of Platinum Compounds as Anti-Cancer Agents

Prodrug based synthetic approach is a very promising area of research to enhance the pharmaco–kinetic and pharmaco-dynamic properties of the drugs with the remarkable reduction of the side effects. Prodrug can be used for drugs which are having poor solubility, poor transport properties, production of chronic side effects thus this approach provides a powerful tool for novel drug conjugate with improved therapeutic value. Platinum based anti-neoplastic agents are widely used in chemotherapeutic regimen but the side effects like hepatotoxicity, ototoxicity, cardiotoxicity, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, stomatitis, pain, alopecia, anorexia, cachexia, cytopenias and asthenia were reported. So the development of prodrugs by using platinum compounds and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed better therapeutic value with the reduction of side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are broad class of drugs showed Analgesic, Anti–inflammatory and Anti-pyretic activities based on the mechanism of cyclooxygenase (cox-1 and cox-2) enzyme inhibition and formation of prostaglandins. Also Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have different targets to elicit various pharmacological actions and are beneficial for many other diseases. The different targets are nuclear factor kappa B(NF-Κb), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPAR), Mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), Autophagy, Cytochrome c, NSAID activated gene (NAG-1), Angiogenesis, Resolvins, Protectins, Maresins. This review focused on the development of platinum prodrugs by conjugating with different NSAIDs and the therapeutic applications of the developed novel molecules including dual action and triple action prodrugs. This review discussed the different aspects of prodrug based approach, Detail mechanism and other molecular targets of NSAIDs and the development of the platinum compounds –NSAID prodrugs.

Exposure and Toxicity of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers: A Mini Review

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), recognized as persistent organic pollutants by the United Nations Environment Programme, are a class of brominated flame retardants that pose significant environmental and health risks. These compounds, consisting of two aromatic rings with up to 10 bromine atom substitutions, are categorized into penta-BDE, octa-BDE, and deca-BDE based on their bromine content, each exhibiting distinct environmental behaviors. PBDEs with fewer bromine atoms are more volatile and prone to bioaccumulation, raising significant health concerns. These compounds, often added physically to products, can leach into the environment, leading to pollution during production and after the parent polymer degrades. The transformation of higher brominated diphenyl ethers into less brominated forms in the environment further complicates their impact, with mono-brominated BDE-3 being particularly concerning due to its extended atmospheric photolysis lifetime and increased bioavailability. The management of PBDEs is challenging due to their persistence and transformation in the environment. As endocrine disruptors, they are linked to various acute and chronic toxicological effects, including neurodevelopmental toxicity, teratogenicity, and potential carcinogenicity. Their structural similarity to thyroid hormones allows them to disrupt thyroid hormone balance, leading to further health complications. The subject of this review is to summarize the current body of knowledge that is essential to understand their long-term effects on ecosystems and human health and to develop strategies to mitigate their adverse impacts.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECT OF LEAD CHLORIDE ON KIDNEY OF GAMBUSIA AFFINIS

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of lead chloride on physiological and histopathological studies in Gambusia affinis . A total of 500 fish were collected from the bank of the river east of Mosul city. The fish in the aquarium were divided into five groups (control, acute exposure(20,25mg/l) and chronic exposure(5,10mg/l)). The bioaccumulation of lead in acute and chronic periods of exposure showed a significant difference in values between control and treatment. The greatest level was seen in the kidney of fish treated with lead dichloride at 10 mg/l for 30 days. The level of antioxidant Glutathione has a significant decrease in different kidneys of fish treated with pbcl2 exposed to acute and chronic concentrations. The lowest decrease was seen in kidneys of fish treated with Pbcl2 at 10 mg/l for a month. At the same time, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) level was seen in all kidney treated with PbCl2. Histological study of the kidney showed varying degrees of pathological lesions. The glomeruli in the kidney shrank, and degeneration of Bowman's capsule. The Pb accumulation increases with increasing concentration and period of exposure. Both acute and chronic effects caused a change in the level of antioxidants and histopathological changes in kidney of the fish. Histopathological study may be a useful indicator for determining the extent of aquatic contamination. It could be concluded that the kidney changes caused by lead exposures in fish may serve as a biomarker for the contamination of sub-lethal levels of heavy metals and other anthropogenic contaminants.

Impact of Pesticides on Food Quality and Human Health

This research explores the impact of pesticides on crop quality and food safety. The widespread use of pesticides is a fundamental practice in modern agriculture, aimed at protecting crops from the perils of pests and diseases. However, pesticide usage goes beyond pest control, affecting both crop quality and food safety. Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to specific pesticides, such as organophosphates, can lead to adverse changes in the aroma, taste, and nutrient content of crops, raising concerns about the nutritional value of pesticide-treated produce. Factors influencing pesticide residues, including application timing and soil characteristics, add complexity to managing residue levels in crops. Public awareness and education initiatives are crucial in addressing the potential risks associated with pesticide residues, emphasizing safe food handling practices. A critical worry is how pesticides affect people's health, with chronic health effects including neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive issues. Acute pesticide poisoning remains a pressing global issue, especially in regions with intensive pesticide use. Children, due to their vulnerability, are at higher risk of cognitive development issues linked to pesticide exposure. Regulatory measures play a crucial role in minimizing health impacts. Protecting vulnerable populations, monitoring long-term health effects, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are essential steps in mitigating the adverse effects of pesticide use.

A comprehensive and detailed review on Mercury Toxicity

Introduction: Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is also known as quicksilver and was formerly named hydrargyrum. In Ayurveda, use of Mercury in Rasa-Aushadhis has been known to all of us since the era of Nagarjuna who experimented with mercury with intention to eliminate poverty from world. With proper use of mercury in medicinal formulations diseases can be cured but their improper use can lead to various diseases such as Nasabhanga, Mukhroga, Pakshaghat, Twacha Vaivarnya, Unmad and other psychic disorders and can lead to Toxicity. Mercury is an Irritant Inorganic Metal Poison. Metallic mercury is not poisonous when taken by mouth. Poisoning occurs if the finely divided particles or vaporized mercury is swallowed, inhaled or rubbed on the skin. Material &amp; Methods: Various Samhita Granthas, Articles, Textbooks related to Mercury Toxicity were studied. Results &amp; Conclusion: Wide use of Mercury in Ayurvedic &amp; Siddha medicines is evident since many years. As mercury gets deposited in tissues, it can lead to toxicity as a chronic effect. Also, occupational exposure by means of inhalation of vapors can cause many symptoms such as conjunctivitis, stomatitis, cough, dyspnoea, etc. Case studies also reported how Mercury toxicity can affect CVS, Respiratory &amp; CNS systems. PM Appearances, Medicolegal aspect, Treatment, of Mercury Toxicity and Ayurvedic description were discussed.

Concentration, speciation and risk effects of multiple environmentally sensitive trace elements in respirable fine-grained fly ash

Respirable fine-grained fly ash (RFA) is captured very inefficiently by existing air purification devices of power plant, leading to increasing concerns regarding their migration and subsequent interaction with body due to fine particle size and its complex toxic composition. Trace elements of RFA in three groups with five different sizes between 8–13 µm were analyzed in terms of available concentration, speciation and risk effects. The concentration, pollution level and ecological risk level of elements in RFA were related to particle sizes. Chronic non-carcinogenic effect risk (NER) and carcinogenic effect risk (CER) were negatively correlated with particle size. The individual weight of exposed subjects, corresponding trace elements concentration and ingestion rate in RFA were three significant variables influencing CER. NER and CER had a tenfold exaggerated effect when calculated using total element concentration of RFA. In addition to individual differences and exposure conditions, trace element properties, speciation and available concentration were the dominant factor responsible for ecological and environmental effects of trace elements in RFA, following the order As>Ni, Mn>Cr>Pb>Cu>Zn. Results of this work highlight the effects and differences of trace elements in RFA on ecology and health, and provide a basis for further pollution control and human health warning.

ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION: A REVIEW

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of a global health problem. One of the comorbidities that often occurs in patients with type 2 DM is hypertension. Hypertension can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. One of the causes of type 2 DM and hypertension is gut dysbiosis. An imbalance of gastrointestinal microbiota contributes to chronic inflammation and effects on the insulin action, increases insulin resistance, and leads to endothelial dysfunction. The role of this inflammatory mediator is a new therapeutic target in type 2 DM patients with hypertension. Objective: to describe how probiotic effect in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension. Methods: All articles were obtained by conducting an electronic search through Pubmed and Google Scholar. Results: Probiotics help to restore the balance of the gastrointestinal microbiota, produce anti-inflammatory mediators, and suppress the pro-inflammatory mediators to control the glycemic profile and blood pressure of patients with type 2 DM with hypertension. All the clinical trial showed that probiotic help to maintaining clinical outcome in diabetic patients with hypertension. Conclusion: Probiotic effective for glycemic control and blood pressure in type 2 DM with hypertension.&#x0D; Keywords: Diabetes; Hypertension; Gut dysbiosis; Probiotics; Inflammation mediators

Association between physical activity and taste-The advantage of increased intensity for some but not all individuals.

Taste is a key sensory modulator of energy intake, and while the effects of acute physical activity (PA) on taste have been recently confirmed, its chronic effects remain poorly documented. Data were extracted from the NHANES database, including salty and bitter taste tests, moderate PA (MPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) levels, and anthropometric data. Binary logistic regressions were conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) represent the association between physical activity level and successful taste tests. 3,114 participants (51.5% women, mean age 58.5±11.9 years, mean BMI 29.5±7.0 kg/m2) were analyzed. For the tongue tip test, the frequency of VPA was associated with a better score for the bitter and total taste test, while duration of VPA was associated with a better score for the bitter, salty, and total taste test (OR [1.01-1.06], p<0.05). For the whole mouth test, MPA frequency improved the bitter taste score (OR = 1.06, p = 0.01) while VPA frequency and duration were associated with better scores for bitter, salty, and total taste tests (OR [1.01-1.15], p<0.05). These findings were distinctively influenced by weight status and gender, with males and individuals without obesity mainly beneficiating from an active lifestyle. This study underlines the link between PA, particularly its frequency and intensity, and improved taste preservation. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of regular VPA for optimizing taste perception, although questions remain regarding the advantages for individuals with obesity and the lack of association observed in women who might already have a preserved profile.

Investigating the Effect of Serotonin II and III Receptor Inhibitors on the Chronotropic Changes of the Heart to Isoproterenol in Rat Models of Biliary Cirrhosis

Cirrhotic patients have hyperdynamic circulation and at-rest tachycardia, and agents that activate the sympathetic pathway, such as physical practice and pharmacologic stimulations, compared with the normal population, cannot cause enough increase in heartbeat, a condition known as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Concerning the presentation of 5-HT2 &amp; 5-HT3 receptors in rat hearts, we used Ketanserin as a 5-HT2 receptor inhibitor &amp; Tropisetron as a 5-HT3 receptor inhibitor to evaluate chronic therapeutic effects of 5-HT2 &amp; 5-HT3 antagonists on the cardiac chronotropic response of cirrhotic rats to adrenergics. Cirrhosis was induced by surgical ligation of the bile duct in Male Wistar rats, and another group remained sham. A week after bile duct ligation or sham surgery, the subjects were given an intraperitoneal injection of either saline or Tropisetron (2 mg/kg). In other BDL &amp; Sharm groups, the subjects were given an intraperitoneal injection of either saline or Ketanserin (6 mg/kg) every other 3 days in the last 3 weeks. Four weeks after bile duct ligation or sham surgery, the atria were isolated and chronotropic responsiveness to Isoproterenol was assessed using a standard organ bath. Our data showed that chronic treatment with Tropisetron (5-HT3 antagonist) in cirrhotic rats could decrease the cardiac chronotropic response. Chronic treatment with Tropisetron can cause a significant decrease in cardiac chronotropic response to Isoproterenol in healthy and cirrhotic rats, even lower than that in cirrhotic rats (without any special treatment). Chronic treatment with Ketanserin cannot change their impaired chronotropic response to Isoproterenol.&#x0D;

Cognition as a part of mental health in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: impacts on the elderly

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, and one of the most critical aspects of this global crisis is its impact on the mental and cognitive health of people, particularly the elderly. This analysis delves into the intricate relationship between the pandemic and mental and cognitive health, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing these effects in a demographic group often more vulnerable to the consequences of the disease and social distancing measures. Throughout the exposition, various key aspects of mental health are addressed, from its definition as a state of holistic well-being to its connection with social, economic, and cultural factors. It is stressed that mental health extends beyond the mere absence of mental disorders and influences not only the individual but also the community as a whole. The article presents evidence on the impact of social distancing, particularly confinement, as an essential measure to control the virus's spread. While effective in terms of physical health, it has also been shown to be a source of concern for the mental health of the population, especially among the elderly. The analysis suggests that confinement has led to increased sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, which can have negative effects on both physical and mental health, particularly in vulnerable groups. Additionally, concerns and anxieties related to one's own health and that of loved ones in the context of a pandemic are highlighted. Excessive focus on bodily vigilance and constant worry about possible symptoms have contributed to widespread psychological distress, further underscoring the need to address mental health during a pandemic. The article takes a pedagogical and didactic approach by dividing human development into physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects, with a focus on cognitive aspects as the core of the analysis. It explores cognition and its relation to information processing and knowledge acquisition, leading to an understanding of the human mind and the importance of its adaptability. Research on memory loss in the elderly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, sheds light on the complexity of cognition and how factors like attention, motivation, emotional load, and lifestyle can influence memory. While changes in short-term memory are observed, it is emphasized that semantic memory tends to remain stable, highlighting the multifaceted nature of cognition. The analysis also explores gender differences in mental and cognitive health, noting that elderly women may be more prone to experiencing mental disorders, while mortality-related impacts are more severe in elderly men. However, it is emphasized that these patterns vary by country and other social contexts, highlighting the need to address mental health in a contextualized manner. Finally, the article addresses the relationship between chronic diseases and cognitive effects, with current evidence being diverse. Some studies suggest a positive association, while others do not find a significant relationship. Additionally, the importance of physical activity in maintaining the mental and cognitive health of the elderly is emphasized. In conclusion, the analysis provides a comprehensive view of mental and cognitive health during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its importance and the various factors that influence it. Furthermore, it underscores the need to address these aspects holistically to ensure better well-being for the elderly, both during and after the pandemic.

Enhanced responses to inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 in micropatterned networks of cultured cortical neurons

Cortical neurons in dissociated cultures are an indispensable model system for pharmacological research that provides insights into chemical responses in well-defined environments. However, cortical neurons plated on homogeneous substrates develop an unstructured network that exhibits excessively synchronized activity, which occasionally masks the consequences induced by external substances. Here, we show that hyperactivity and excessive synchrony in cultured cortical networks can be effectively suppressed by growing neurons in microfluidic devices. These devices feature a hierarchically modular design that resembles the in vivo network. We focused on interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and assessed its acute and chronic effects. Fluorescence calcium imaging of spontaneous neural activity for up to 20 days of culture showed detectable modulation of collective activity events and neural correlation in micropatterned neurons, which was not apparent in neurons cultured on homogeneous substrates. Our results indicate that engineered neuronal networks provide a unique platform for detecting and understanding the fundamental effects of biochemical compounds on neuronal networks.

β-Arrestin pathway activation by selective ATR1 agonism promotes calcium influx in podocytes, leading to glomerular damage.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are the first-line treatment for hypertension; they act by inhibiting signaling through the angiotensin 1 receptor (AT1R). Recently, a novel biased AT1R agonist, TRV120027 (TRV), which selectively activates the β-arrestin cascade and blocks the G-protein-coupled receptor pathway has been proposed as a potential blood pressure medication. Here, we explored the effects of TRV and associated β-arrestin signaling in podocytes, essential cells of the kidney filter. We used human podocyte cell lines to determine β-arrestin's involvement in calcium signaling and cytoskeletal reorganization and Dahl SS rats to investigate the chronic effects of TRV administration on glomerular health. Our experiments indicate that the TRV-activated β-arrestin pathway promotes the rapid elevation of intracellular Ca2+ in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the amplitude of β-arrestin-mediated Ca2+ influx was significantly higher than the response to similar Ang II concentrations. Single-channel analyses show rapid activation of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels following acute TRV application. Furthermore, the pharmacological blockade of TRPC6 significantly attenuated the β-arrestin-mediated Ca2+ influx. Additionally, prolonged activation of the β-arrestin pathway in podocytes resulted in pathological actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, higher apoptotic cell markers, and augmented glomerular damage. TRV-activated β-arrestin signaling in podocytes may promote TRPC6 channel-mediated Ca2+ influx, foot process effacement, and apoptosis, possibly leading to severe defects in glomerular filtration barrier integrity and kidney health. Under these circumstances, the potential therapeutic application of TRV for hypertension treatment requires further investigation to assess the balance of the benefits versus possible deleterious effects and off-target damage.

Breast Conserving Therapy for Patients With Prior Cosmetic Implant-Based Breast Augmentation: Outcomes and Comparison Against a Matched Cohort

IntroductionControversy exists regarding potential increased toxic effects in patients with cosmetic implant-based augmentation (CIBA) who receive radiation therapy. We evaluated acute and chronic toxic effects associated with radiation therapy in women with prior CIBA treated with whole-breast irradiation (WBI) as part of breast conserving therapy (BCT) and compared these results against a cohort of patients without prior breast augmentation who received similar therapy. MethodsA retrospective review was performed to identify patients with a prior history of CIBA who subsequently underwent BCT with WBI. The control group consisted of consecutively treated patients without prior CIBA who also underwent BCT with WBI. Analyses included a comparison of baseline and treatment-associated factors between the augmentation and control groups, evaluation of toxic effects between both groups, and multivariable analysis of factors associated with the receipt of additional surgery following radiation. ResultsThirty-six patients with prior CIBA and 135 consecutively treated patients without CIBA were identified. Patients with prior CIBA were treated from 2006 through 2019, and patients without CIBA were treated from 2016 through 2019, though treatment characteristics and median follow-up time were similar between the two groups. Patients with prior CIBA were significantly less likely to experience acute moist desquamation (0% vs. 18%; P = .005). There were otherwise no statistically significant differences in acute (≤ 6 months) or chronic (> 6 months) toxic effects between the two groups. Rates of excellent/good chronic cosmetic outcome were 89% for the CIBA group and 97% in the control group (P = .094). On multivariable analysis, patients without prior CIBA (OR = 0.04; CI = 0.01-0.13; P < .001) and patients treated with moderately hypofractionated irradiation (OR = 0.08; CI = 0.02-0.23; P < .001) were significantly less likely to undergo additional surgery following receipt of WBI. Two patients experienced implant loss following radiation therapy. ConclusionsWBI as part of BCT in patients with prior implant-based breast augmentation appears safe and is associated with favorable cosmetic outcomes. There was an increased need for additional surgery in patients with prior CIBA, but rates of acute and chronic toxic effects appeared similar to those in nonaugmented patients.

Review of the effects of chronic stress on human insomnia

While there are decent amounts of studies exploring the effects of chronic stress on sleep in animal models (e.g., rats), studies recruiting human subjects on this specific topic are rare in neuroscience and psychology. Thus, this paper aims to review the literature focusing on and mentioning chronic stress effects on human sleep, primarily based on experimental trials and clinical cases. Specifically, this review assesses the relationship between chronic stress (rather than acute stress and traumatic events) and insomnia in adult humans, the neurological and behavioral influence of chronic stress, and potential treatments for insomnia related to stress. The review was conducted using the PsycInfo database. Results from the reviewed literature show that chronic stress is associated with a decrease in neurogenesis and can be predicted by amygdala reactivity. Human subjects are likely to replicate results from rat models that show a decrease in REM sleep time under chronic stress and altered slow wave activities during sleep, and such deprivation of REM sleep can further alter hormonal levels in brain areas relating to stress and learning. Promisingly, there is evidence supporting the efficacy of cognitive and behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), conducted by professional therapists.

Unravelling the biochemical mysteries of mycotoxins: Nature's fungal toxins

Understanding the biochemical intricacies of mycotoxin toxicity is essential for effectively addressing these challenges. This comprehensive research delves into the multifaceted world of mycotoxins, beginning with an exploration of their origins, discussing the fungal species responsible for their production, the environmental conditions conducive to their development, and their ecological roles and adaptive significance. The research proceeds to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underpinning mycotoxin toxicity, describing how these toxins interact with essential biomolecules, disrupt cellular processes, and manifest specific biochemical effects. The research delves into key topics of mycotoxin metabolism and biotransformation in vivo, discussing detoxification processes in the liver, the role of enzymes, and genetic variants that influence susceptibility. The acute and chronic health effects of mycotoxins and the role of biochemical biomarkers in assessing exposure are explored in depth. Synergies and co-exposures are discussed, and the biochemical mechanisms behind interactions with other toxic substances and their implications for risk assessment and public health are discussed. This research underscores the necessity of continuous research in unravelling the biochemical complexities of mycotoxins, emphasizing their impact on agriculture, food safety, and human health, and the urgency of vigilance in addressing these challenges.