Physiological Adaptations Research Articles

Principios de medicina clínica para vuelos espaciales: el estudio de los gemelos de la nasa y más evidencias

Background: A vision of space medicine as applied to deep space travel is challenging. As space missions increase in duration in space and extend beyond Earth's orbit, the risks involved in working in these extreme and isolated conditions will also increase. The effects suffered by astronauts in space can be related to two variables: radiation and microgravity. The health hazards range from increased exposure to radiation, decreased body mass, telomere lengthening, genome instability, carotid artery distension, increased intima-media thickness, and changes in the skin microbiome. If an astronaut overcomes a flight in microgravity for 3 to 6 months, he will develop physiological adaptations that lead to orthostatic intolerance. All of the above is necessary to interpret and recognize that zero gravity and a prolonged trip can cause problems in the body of an astronaut yet to be identified. Objective: To demonstrate the conditions of astronauts in low orbit described by scientific studies in aerospace medicine. Methods: A literature review was performed, and 58 articles were found from NASA, Pubmed, and Nature Reviews databases. The open-access Mendeley program was used to manage and organize information.

Inflammation severity, rather than respiratory failure, is strongly associated with mortality of ARDS patients in high-altitude ICUs

IntroductionIn high-altitude cities located above 2,500 m, hospitals face a concerning mortality rate of over 50% among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This elevated mortality rate is largely due to the absence of altitude-specific medical protocols that consider the unique physiological adaptations of high-altitude residents to hypoxic conditions. This study addresses this critical gap by analyzing demographic, clinical, sex-specific, and preclinical data from ICUs in Bogotá, Colombia (2,650 m) and El Alto, Bolivia (4,150 m).MethodsA cohort of seventy ARDS patients, aged 18 and older, was evaluated within 24 h of ICU admission. Data collected included demographic information (age, sex), clinical characteristics (primary pathology, weight, height), vital signs, respiratory variables, cardiorespiratory parameters, blood count results, inflammatory markers, severity assessment scores, and comorbidities. Advanced statistical analyses, such as multivariate logistic regression and principal component analysis, were utilized to identify key clinical predictors of ARDS-related mortality.ResultsOur findings indicate that in high-altitude ICUs, monitoring inflammatory markers may be more beneficial for improving ARDS survival rates than emphasizing respiratory failure markers. Unexpectedly, we found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between altitudes of 2,650 and 4,150 m or between male and female patients.ConclusionThe study concludes that, in high-altitude settings, ARDS patient survival in ICUs is more closely associated with managing inflammatory responses than with focusing solely on respiratory parameters. Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate the impact of inflammatory marker monitoring on survival outcomes in high-altitude ICUs.

Eight weeks of aerobic exercise, but not four, improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular performance in young women

Regular aerobic exercise has a significant impact on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, contributing to overall health improvement. However, evidence for optimal exercise duration to achieve these effects is limited. This study aims to explore the effects of 4 and 8 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and associated metabolic changes in young female students with insulin resistance and varying body mass, seeking to determine the optimal duration for physiological adaptations. Twenty-eight physically semi-active female students were randomly assigned to 4-week (G4, n = 13, age = 23.31 ± 5.19, BMI = 24.78 ± 5.87) and 8-week (G8, n = 15, age = 21.8 ± 2.56, BMI = 24.95 ± 4.81) training groups. The aerobic intervention maintained an intensity of 40–70% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). 6-min-walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength tests, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, and metabolic profiles were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Following the intervention, G8, but not G4, exhibited a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (-14.59%, p = 0.047). The improvement in HOMA-IR was accompanied by notable improvements in 6-MWT (+ 38.18%, p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (+ 11.62, p = 0.027 and + 17.59%, p = 0.013), and increased levels of bilirubin degradation products, ribose, and glutarate. The elevated levels of bilirubin degradation products, known for their antioxidant properties, suggested a potential antioxidative response triggered by prolonged aerobic exercise. Additionally, an increase in ribose and glutarate indicated improved metabolic flexibility and enhanced utilization of alternative energy substrates. The 8-week aerobic exercise regimen demonstrated enhanced insulin sensitivity, upper body strength, and cardiovascular performance in young females compared to a 4-week regimen by triggering specific metabolic adaptations. These findings emphasize the complex relationship between exercise duration, metabolic adaptations, and overall well-being in young women, providing valuable insights for optimizing exercise prescriptions in promoting metabolic health.

Response mechanism of water status and photosynthetic characteristics of Cotoneaster multiflorus under drought stress and rehydrated conditions

IntroductionPlant physiology response and adaptation to drought stress has become a hotspot in plant ecology and evolution. Cotoneaster multiflorus possesses high ecological, ornamental and economic benefits. It has large root system and tolerance to cold, drought and poor soil. Therefore, C. multiflorus is considered as one of the most important tree species for ecological restoration in arid and semi-arid areas. However, little is known about the physiological mechanisms, molecular mechanisms and drought strategies of how C. multiflorus responds to drought stress. Therefore, exploring the physiological response mechanisms, molecular mechanisms and adaptive strategies of C. multiflorus in response to drought is important for its growth in arid and semi-arid regions.MethodsWe investigated the response and coupling mechanisms of water status, photosynthetic properties and chloroplast fluorescence parameters in C. multiflorus in response to drought and rehydrated after drought, especially the importance of nocturnal sap flow and nocturnal water refilling to maintain its own water balance in response to drought stress. In addition, we studied the stress response of C. multiflorus transcriptome factors, and we also discussed drought adaptation strategies of C. multiflorus.ResultsC. multiflorus adapted to drought stress by a series of structural and physiological mechanisms, such as promoting closing stomata, increasing nocturnal sap flow. When rehydrated after undergoing severe drought stress, its physiological activities such as photosynthesis, water status, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and other physiological activities have rapidly resumed. This showed C. multiflorus had strong tolerance to drought. In addition, water status, photosynthetic characteristics, and chloroplast fluorescence parameters of C. multiflorus were highly coupled. Nocturnal sap flow and nocturnal water refilling were very important for C. multiflorus to maintain its own water balance in response to drought stress. Finally, C. multiflorus will strengthen the drought defense mechanism by gene regulation of various metabolisms, such as promoting stomatal closure, reducing transpiration water loss, and vigorously regulating water balance. C. multiflorus responded to drought stress by avoiding or reducing water deficit in plant organs and tissues. Therefore, the shrub C. multiflorus is a drought-tolerant plant.DiscussionWe explored the response mechanisms of water status, photosynthetic characteristics, and chloroplast fluorescence parameters of C. multiflorus in drought and rehydrated after drought stress, especially the response mechanisms of nocturnal sap flow and nocturnal water refilling in response to drought stress, and identified the physiological coupling mechanisms, molecular mechanisms and drought types of C. multiflorus in response to drought.

Development of a non-invasive heart rate measurement method for sea turtles with dense keratinous scutes through effective electrode placement

Measuring the heart rate of sea turtles is important for understanding their physiological adaptations to the environment. Non-invasive methods to measure the electrocardiogram (ECG) of sea turtles have been developed by attaching electrodes to their carapace. However, this method has only been applicable to sea turtles with sparse keratin on their shell surfaces, such as loggerhead turtles, and it is difficult to detect heartbeats in sea turtles with dense keratinous scutes, including green sea turtles. Here, we explored the electrode placements on the plastron that can be applied to ECG measurement in green turtles. ECG signals were checked using a handheld ECG monitor at three sets of electrode placement on the plastron. When ECG signals could be detected, they were measured in the water tanks for several days to confirm the clarity of the ECG signals. Of the 29 green turtles, when the negative electrode was placed near the neck area of the plastron, clear ECG signals were obtained in nine individuals (39.1%), whereas ECG signals were not detected at any placements in four individuals (17.4%). Furthermore, in the water tank experiments, continuous ECG signals were successfully recorded by attaching a negative electrode near the neck: almost noiseless clear ECG signals even during moving in seven out of ten individuals and slightly weak and noisy signals in other individuals. The measured heart rate of ten individuals during resting was 8.6 ± 2.9 (means ± s.d.) beats min−1 and that during moving was 12.2 ± 4.7 beats min−1, similar to those reported in a previous study involving the insertion of electrodes inside the body. Therefore, for measuring the ECG of green turtles, the negative electrode should be placed closer to the neck, and the positive and earth electrodes should be placed to the lower left of the plastron. Although the selection of suitable individuals for measurements is required, this heart rate measurement method will contribute to a better understanding of the physiological status of sea turtles with dense keratinous scutes, including green turtles.

Spiny mice (Acomys) have evolved cellular features to support regenerative healing.

Spiny mice (Acomys spp.) are warm-blooded (homeothermic) vertebrates whose ability to restore missing tissue through regenerative healing has coincided with the evolution of unique cellular and physiological adaptations across different tissue types. This review seeks to explore how these bizarre rodents deploy unique or altered injury response mechanisms to either enhance tissue repair or fully regenerate excised tissue compared to closely related, scar-forming mammals. First, we examine overall trends in healing Acomys tissues, including the cellular stress response, the ability to activate and maintain cell cycle progression, and the expression of certain features in reproductive adults that are normally associated with embryos. Second, we focus on specific cell types that exhibit precisely regulated proliferation to restore missing tissue. While Acomys utilize many of the same cell types involved in scar formation, these cells exhibit divergent activation profiles during regenerative healing. Considered together, current lines of evidence support sustained deployment of proregenerative pathways in conjunction with transient activation of fibrotic pathways to facilitate regeneration and improve tissue repair in Acomys.

Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance

Exercise physiology is a crucial scientific discipline that explores the complex manner in which physical activity influences the physiological responses and adaptations of the human body [...]

Exploring Dietary Composition in an Invasive Apple Snail From Different Habitats Combining With Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolomics.

Pomacea canaliculata is recognized as a globally invasive aquatic species. Analyses of intestinal microbiota, dietary composition, and metabolism of invasive species can enhance our understanding of their feeding strategies and physiological adaptation strategies to the environment. Intestinal content samples were collected from P. canaliculata inhabiting three distinct environments including a pond, a river, and a ditch. These samples were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis and multiple metabarcoding analyses, including eukaryotic 18S rRNA, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), and chloroplast rbcL genes. In addition, metabolomics analysis was conducted on the intestinal content samples to investigate metabolic change. The highest dietary diversity in P. canaliculata was observed in the ditch, and females exhibited a higher dietary diversity than males in the pond. The 18S rRNA gene has a high potential for identifying the dietary components of omnivorous species. The intestinal microbiota of P. canaliculata from different habitats displayed significant variations, attributed to differences in food resources and other environmental factors. Bacteria in the aquatic environment had minimal impact on the intestinal microbiota of P. canaliculata. Overall, P. canaliculata exhibited adaptive changes in physiological characteristics across different habitats, including alterations in diet, which, in turn, influence microbiota and metabolic pathways such as amino acid biosynthesis in the intestine. The present study investigated the physiological mechanisms that enable P. canaliculata to adapt to diverse habitats, considering various factors including diet, which is important for comprehending its invasive potential and the subsequent threats it poses to aquatic ecosystems.

Previous short-term disuse dictates muscle gene expression and physiological adaptations to subsequent resistance exercise.

Short-term unloading experienced following injury or hospitalisation induces muscle atrophy and weakness. The effects of exercise following unloading have been scarcely investigated. We investigated the functional and molecular adaptations to a resistance training (RT) programme following short-term unloading. Eleven males (22.09±2.91years) underwent 10days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) followed by 21days of knee extensor RT (three times/week). Data collection occurred at Baseline (LS0), after ULLS (LS10) and at active recovery (AR21). Knee extensor maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was evaluated. Quadriceps volume was estimated by ultrasonography. Muscle fibre cross-sectional area, fibre type distribution, glycogen content and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity were measured from vastus lateralis biopsies. Mitochondrial-related proteins were quantified by western blot and transcriptional responses were assessed by RNA sequencing. Following ULLS, quadriceps volume and MVC decreased significantly (3.7%, P<0.05; 29.3%, P<0.001). At AR21 (vs. LS10), MVC was fully restored (42%) and quadriceps volume increased markedly (18.6%, P<0.001). Glycogen content and whole-body water increased at AR21 (14%, P<0.001; 3.1%, P<0.05). We observed a marked increase in fibre type I at AR21 (38%, P<0.05). SDH immunoreactivity increased significantly after exercise (20%, P<0.001). Mitochondrial fusion (MFN1, MFN2 and OPA1) and fission (DRP1) proteins were markedly increased by RT, and the most differentially expressed genes belonged to oxidative phosphorylation pathways. In contrast with what is usually observed after RT, oxidative metabolism, slow fibre type and mitochondrial dynamics were enhanced beyond expected. We propose that prior exposure to short-term muscle unloading may drive the nature of molecular adaptations to subsequent RT. KEY POINTS: Short-term unloading is often experienced during recovery from injuries and hospitalisation, leading to loss of muscle mass and strength. Although exercise can be beneficial in mitigating/reversing such alterations during disuse, only a few studies have focused on the effects of exercise following muscle unloading. With an integrative physiological approach, we aimed to elucidate the basic mechanisms of muscle function recovery in response to 21days of resistance exercise that followed 10days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), assessing whether the mechanisms underlying recovery are defined by a specific reversal of those that occurred during disuse. Resistance training was successful in recovering functional and structural muscle properties after 10days of ULLS, but in contrast with what is usually observed in response to this training modality, oxidative metabolism and slow fibre type were mostly enhanced. We propose that prior exposure to short-term muscle unloading may drive the adaptations to subsequent exercise.

Alcohol dehydrogenase 1 acts as a scaffold protein in mitophagy essential for fungal pathogen adaptation to hypoxic niches within hosts.

Fungi have evolved diverse physiological adaptations to hypoxic environments. However, the mechanisms mediating such adaptations remain obscure for many filamentous pathogenic fungi. Here, we show that autophagy mediated mitophagy occurs in the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana under hypoxic conditions induced by host cellular immune responses. Mitophagy was essential for fungal evasion from insect hemocyte encapsulation, allowing for fungal proliferation and colonization in the host hemocoel. Our data showed that B. bassiana autophagy-related protein 11 (Atg11) interacts with Atg8 as a scaffold mediating mitophagy. The mitochondrial protein Atg43 was demonstrated to act as a receptor for the selective mitophagy, directly interacting with Atg8 for the autophagosomal targeting. Alcohol dehydrogenase BbAdh1, as a novel scaffold protein, participates in mitophagy through interacting with Atg8 and Atg11 under hypoxic stress. BbAdh1 was critical for fungal intracellular redox homeostasis and energy metabolism under hypoxic conditions. These data provide a pathway for mitochondrial degradation via metabolism linked autophagosome- to-vacuole targeting during hypoxic stress. This mitophagy results in depletion of oxidative mitochondrial dependent functions as a cellular adaptation to the low oxygen levels.

Genomic and physiological mechanisms of high-altitude adaptation in Ethiopian highlanders: a comparative perspective

High-altitude adaptation is a remarkable example of natural selection, yet the genomic and physiological adaptation mechanisms of Ethiopian highlanders remain poorly understood compared to their Andean and Tibetan counterparts. Ethiopian populations, such as the Amhara and Oromo, exhibit unique adaptive strategies characterized by moderate hemoglobin levels and enhanced arterial oxygen saturation, indicating distinct mechanisms of coping with chronic hypoxia. This review synthesizes current genomic insights into Ethiopian high-altitude adaptation, identifying key candidate genes involved in hypoxia tolerance and examining the influence of genetic diversity and historical admixture on adaptive responses. Furthermore, the review highlights significant research gaps, particularly the underrepresentation of Ethiopian populations in global genomic studies, the lack of comprehensive genotype-phenotype analyses, and inconsistencies in research methodologies. Addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing our understanding of the genetic basis of human adaptation to extreme environments and for developing a more complete picture of human physiological resilience. This review offers a comparative perspective with Tibetan and Andean highlanders, emphasizing the need for expanding genomic representation and refining methodologies to uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation in Ethiopian populations.

TransLeish: Identification of membrane transporters essential for survival of intracellular Leishmania parasites in a systematic gene deletion screen

For the protozoan parasite Leishmania, completion of its life cycle requires sequential adaptation of cellular physiology and nutrient scavenging mechanisms to the different environments of a sand fly alimentary tract and the acidic mammalian host cell phagolysosome. Transmembrane transporters are the gatekeepers of intracellular environments, controlling the flux of solutes and ions across membranes. To discover which transporters are vital for survival as intracellular amastigote forms, we carried out a systematic loss-of-function screen of the L. mexicana transportome. A total of 312 protein components of small molecule carriers, ion channels and pumps were identified and targeted in a CRISPR-Cas9 gene deletion screen in the promastigote form, yielding 188 viable null mutants. Forty transporter deletions caused significant loss of fitness in macrophage and mouse infections. A striking example is the Vacuolar H+ ATPase (V-ATPase), which, unexpectedly, was dispensable for promastigote growth in vitro but essential for survival of the disease-causing amastigotes.

Polystyrene nanoplastics impact the bioenergetics of developing zebrafish and limit molecular and physiological adaptive responses to acute temperature stress.

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern due to its ubiquitous impact on aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics can be generated from the breakdown of plastic waste and interact with organisms at the cellular level, potentially disrupting cellular physiology. We investigated the effects of 44nm polystyrene nanoparticles (44nm NanoPS) on the development and physiology of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in the presence of sublethal heat stress (32°C vs control, 28°C). We hypothesized that the simultaneous exposure to nanoplastics and rising temperatures seriously threaten developing fish. This combination could create a critical imbalance: rising temperatures may lead to heightened energy demands, while nanoplastic exposure reduces energy production, threatening animal survival. As expected, 32°C increased markers associated with animal metabolism and developmental timing, such as growth, hatching, heart rate, and feeding. Changes in apoptosis dynamics, oxygen consumption rates, and a decrease in mitochondrial content were detected as adaptive processes to temperature. 44nm NanoPS alone did not alter development but decreased mitochondrial efficiency in ATP production and increased apoptosis in the heart. Surprisingly, exposure to 44nm NanoPS at 32°C did not cause major implications to survival, developmental success, or morphology. Still, 44nm NanoPS mitigated the temperature-driven change in heart rate, increased oxidative stress, and decreased the coupling efficiency of the less abundant and highly active mitochondria under heat stress. We highlight the interplay between temperature and nanoplastics exposure and suggest that the combined impact of nanoplastics and temperature stress results in a scenario where physiological adaptations are strained, potentially leading to compromised development. This research underscores the need for further investigation into the metabolic costs of plastic pollution, particularly in the context of global warming, to better understand its long-term implications for aquatic life.

Fish models to explore epigenetic determinants of hypoxia-tolerance.

The occurrence of environmental hypoxia in freshwater and marine aquatic systems has increased over the last century and is predicted to further increase with climate change. As members of the largest extant vertebrate group, freshwater fishes, and to a much lesser extent marine fishes, are vulnerable to increased occurrence of hypoxia. This is important as fishes render important ecosystem services and have important cultural and economic roles. Evolutionarily successful, fishes have adapted to diverse aquatic freshwater and marine habitats with different oxygen conditions. While some fishes exhibit genetic adaptions to tolerate hypoxia and even anoxia, others are limited to oxygen-rich habitats. Recent advances in molecular epigenetics have shown that some epigenetic machinery, especially histone- and DNA demethylases, is directly dependent on oxygen and modulates important transcription-regulating epigenetic marks in the process. At the post-transcriptional level, hypoxia has been shown to affect non-coding microRNA abundance. Together, this evidence adds a new molecular epigenetic basis to study hypoxia tolerance in fishes. Here, we review the documented and predicted changes in environmental hypoxia in aquatic systems and discuss the diversity and comparative physiology of hypoxia tolerance in fishes, including molecular and physiological adaptations. We then discuss how recent mechanistic advances in environmental epigenetics can inform future work probing the role of oxygen-dependent epigenetic marks in shaping organismal hypoxia-tolerance in fishes with a focus on within- and between-species variation, acclimation, inter- and multigenerational plasticity, and multiple climate-change stressors. We conclude by describing the translational potential of this approach for conservation physiology, ecotoxicology, and aquaculture.

Mechanisms underlying changes in intestinal permeability during pregnancy and their implications for maternal and infant health.

Proper regulation of intestinal permeability is essential for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. An abnormal increase in permeability can significantly contribute to the onset and progression of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic conditions, allergies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The potential connection between intestinal permeability and maternal health during pregnancy is increasingly recognized, yet a comprehensive review remains lacking. Pregnancy triggers a series of physiological structural adaptations and significant hormonal fluctuations that collectively contribute to an increase in intestinal permeability. Although an increase in intestinal permeability is typically a normal physiological response during pregnancy, an abnormal rise is associated with immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and various pregnancy-related complications, such as recurrent pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes mellitus, overweight and obesity during pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and preeclampsia. This paper discusses the components of the intestinal mucosal barrier, the concept of intestinal permeability and its measurement methods, and the mechanisms and physiological significance of increased intestinal permeability during pregnancy. It thoroughly explores the association between abnormal intestinal permeability during pregnancy and maternal diseases, aiming to provide evidence for the pathophysiology of disease development in pregnant women. Additionally, the paper examines intervention methods, such as gut microbiota modulation and nutritional interventions, to regulate intestinal permeability during pregnancy, improve immune and metabolic states, and offer feasible strategies for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of clinical pregnancy complications.

Selected Immunoendocrine and Physiological Performance Adaptations to Different Volume of Upper-Body Plyometric Training in National-Level Male Volleyball Players.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 6-week upper-body plyometric-training (PT) program with varying volumes on the immunoendocrine, physiological parameters, and physical performance adaptations in male volleyball players. Twenty-four trained college players were randomly allocated into 3 groups with 8 participants. Each group performed 5 exercises at maximal effort with differences in volume: low (3 sets of 7 repetitions), moderate (3 sets of 10 repetitions), and high (3 sets of 13 repetitions). The training program lasted 6weeks with participants undertaking 3 sessions of PT per week. Following the intervention, all groups exhibited significant (P = .001) improvements in physical and physiological parameters, as well as skill-based performances, with effect sizes ranging from small to very large. Comparative analysis of individual changes indicated that the high-volume group resulted in greater adaptive responses in the medicine-ball throw (P = .004), peak (P = .001) and average (P = .022) power output, push-ups (P = .001), and strength (P = .032) compared with the low-volume group. No significant between-groups difference (P > .05) was observed regarding immunoendocrine measures, reaction time, attacking, and serving skills. The findings indicate that short-term upper-body PT positively influenced performance adaptations, emphasizing that the adaptive response to PT depends on the varying volumes. The study proposes that integrating higher volumes of PT results in more significant adaptive responses among volleyball players with the same immunoendocrine responses as the other training volumes.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Plants to Rooftop and Ground-level Conditions in Urban Green Spaces

An understanding of plant adaptation to rooftop environments is essential for improvising urban greening strategies; however, limited research has systematically examined the physiological and biochemical responses of plants at urban rooftops. This study addressed this gap by evaluating physiological and biochemical alterations of six herbaceous perennial species, Rosa hybrids, Murraya paniculata, Cestrum nocturnum, Pittosporum tenuifolium, Duranta, and Hibiscus rosa sinensis, cultivated in an intensive rooftop garden environment vs. optimal ground conditions. These species, acclimatized to the local climate of Pakistan, were assessed to determine the transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll contents, and respiration rate using on-site measurements and standardized leaf tissue analyses. The results demonstrated significant differences in physiological and biochemical parameters between rooftop and ground-level plants. Seasonal variations and elevation profoundly influenced plant physiology and significant biochemical alterations observed in response to rooftop conditions. Photosynthetic and transpiration rates were reduced by up to 30% in winter under low light conditions, while summer conditions led to a 25% increase in transpiration rates for rooftop plants. Ground-level plants exhibited the highest respiration rates during the summer season. A leaf analysis revealed that rooftop-grown plants exhibited higher pH levels and 15% increased chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents but 20% lower water use efficiency compared with their ground-level counterparts. Despite this, rooftop plants showed a 10% higher air pollution tolerance index. Pearson’s correlation analysis confirmed a strong positive relationship between most biochemical parameters and physiological activities with increased elevation, except for relative water content, which exhibited a negative correlation under rooftop conditions. The results indicated that those plants on rooftops exhibited reduced water use efficiency compared with that of ground-level plants undergoing distinct physiological and biochemical adaptations and showed more resilience to the pollution index in response to urban rooftop conditions. These findings provide new insights into plant adaptability in urban environments and can transform future strategies for sustainable urban greening and species selection in roof garden systems.

Short- and long-term effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation on autonomic cardiovascular control and arm-crank exercise capacity in individuals with a spinal cord injury (STIMEX-SCI): study protocol

IntroductionIndividuals with higher neurological levels of spinal cord injury (SCI) at or above the sixth thoracic segment (≥T6), exhibit impaired resting cardiovascular control and responses during upper-body exercise. Over time,...

Protective effects of Lactobacillus plantarum strain against protein malnutrition-induced muscle atrophy and bone loss in juvenile mice.

Early-life malnutrition adversely affects nearly all organ systems, resulting in multiple physiological adaptations, including growth restriction and muscle and bone loss. Although there is growing evidence that probiotics effectively improve systemic growth under malnourished conditions in different animal models, our knowledge of the beneficial effects of probiotics on various organs is limited. Here, we show that Lactobacillus plantarum strain WJL (LpWJL) can mitigate skeletal muscle and bone loss in protein-malnourished juvenile mice. Mice on prenatal day 21 were fed a protein-malnourished (P-MAL) diet with or without LpWJL supplementation for six weeks. Compared to mice on the P-MAL diet alone, LpWJL supplementation significantly increased muscle mass and size, resulting in enhanced muscle strength and endurance capacity. Furthermore, LpWJL supplementation induced the expression of the key growth factor IGF-1 while decreasing muscle atrophy markers such as Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1, indicating potential mechanisms by which protein malnutrition-induced muscle wasting is counteracted. Additionally, LpWJL supplementation alleviated the reduction in cortical bone thickness and the deterioration of trabecular bone microstructure in the femur. Taken together, these results indicate that LpWJL can protect against skeletal muscle atrophy and compromised bone microarchitecture caused by protein malnutrition, providing novel insights into the potential therapeutic applications of probiotics for treating malnutrition-related disorders.

Interpretation and management of T wave inversion in athletes: An expert opinion statement of the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology (SICSPORT).

T wave inversion (TWI) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) is a relatively common finding in athletes. It poses a diagnostic challenge, as it can indicate either a benign physiological pattern or an early sign of serious cardiac pathology. This expert opinion statement provides a comprehensive review of the current understanding of TWI in athletes, emphasizing the importance of its localization, associated clinical features, and demographic factors in guiding its interpretation and management. We explore the potential causes of TWI, including physiological adaptations such as the juvenile pattern and training-induced repolarization variants, as well as pathological conditions like cardiomyopathies, ion channel diseases, and other cardiac abnormalities. Additionally, we discuss the implications of TWI in different ECG leads-anterior, inferior, and lateral-and the diagnostic work-up needed to exclude underlying disease. The importance of follow-up in athletes with TWI is highlighted, particularly for young athletes, to monitor the potential development of cardiomyopathy. Finally, we address considerations for sports eligibility in athletes with TWI, stressing the need for a balanced approach that ensures athlete safety without imposing unnecessary restrictions and investigations.