Physiological Systems Research Articles

Verification of the analytical performance of the serum magnesium assay on Abbott Architect ci8200

Magnesium is recognized as the fourth most important cation in the body and the second most abundant intracellular cation, following potassium. Its physiological significance lies in its capacity to form complexes with crucial intracellular anionic ligands, notably ATP, and its ability to compete with calcium for specific binding sites on proteins and cell membranes. Over 300 enzyme reactions rely on magnesium. The concentration of free magnesium within cells determines the magnesium content of these enzymes. Magnesium influences myocardial contraction and the electrical activity of myocardial cells, as well as the specialized conduction systems of the fetus, by modulating the transmembrane movements of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Furthermore, magnesium can affect the contractility of vascular smooth muscle, and alterations in intracellular magnesium levels may impact cell proliferation or contraction. Magnesium is involved in nucleic acid and protein metabolism, intermediary metabolism, energy production, and consumption reactions, and it plays specific roles in various physiological systems such as the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. Our research aims to assess the analytical accuracy of the serum magnesium assay method utilizing an Abbott kit on the Architect ci8200 automated system in the biochemistry laboratory of Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda. The evaluation of the kit's analytical accuracy was conducted within the flexible scope A by conducting a performance analysis on the Architect ci8200. We examined repeatability, reproducibility, measurement imprecision, and compared results between two Architect ci8200 instruments. All findings align with the acceptability criteria recommended by the supplier and the Valtec protocol of the Société Française de Biologie Clinique (SFBC), indicating overall satisfactory outcomes for the study. The Architect ci8200 automated system demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance for reliably determining serum magnesium levels. Method verification in medical laboratories is essential to guarantee the accuracy, precision, and reliability of test results. Verification entails confirming that the test method used is suitable for its intended purpose, yields result consistent with the claimed performance characteristics, and meets the laboratory's quality control and quality assurance standards.

Evolution of Litter Size: Proximate and Ultimate Mechanisms.

Relative reproductive success and failure are the ultimate determinants of Darwinian fitness. As such, reproductive traits and variation therein have an immediate and considerable impact on the evolutionary trajectory of lineages. Historically, significant attention has been paid to the ecological and evolutionary processes (ultimate factors) that shape the diversity and canalization of reproductive traits within groups to better our understanding of organismal diversity and population or species resilience. In contrast, the physiological systems that mediate variation within and among species (i.e., the proximate factors) in reproductive traits remain a significant black box. To-date, there is comparatively little information about how proximate mechanisms constrain or promote evolutionary potential in reproductive traits. In this mini-review, we focus on litter size in Eutherian mammals as a trait with relatively well-defined diversity (litter sizes are well-described both within and across species) and for which some genetic determinants have been identified. We discuss both the ultimate and potential proximate determinants of litter size with special attention to the breadth of physiological traits that may act as "toggle" switches for evolution of litter size. We close with a brief discussion of the role that physiological plasticity may play in the evolution of litter size and lay out several forward-looking areas for future research.

Emerging Insights into Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorders: The Role of Signaling Across the Gut-Brain Axis.

The pathophysiological regulatory mechanisms in postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PNCDs) are intricately complex. Currently, the pathogenesis of PNCDs has not been fully elucidated. The mechanism involved may include a variety of factors, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine dysregulation. Research into the gut microbiota-induced regulations on brain functions is increasingly becoming a focal point of exploration. Emerging evidence has shown that intestinal bacteria may play an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of various physiological systems and regulating disease occurrence. Recent studies have confirmed the association of the gut-brain axis with central nervous system diseases. However, the regulatory effects of this axis in the pathogenesis of PNCDs remain unclear. Therefore, this paper intends to review the bidirectional signaling and mechanism of the gut-brain axis in PNCDs, summarize the latest research progress, and discuss the possible mechanism of intestinal bacteria affecting nervous system diseases. This review is aimed at providing a scientific reference for predicting the clinical risk of PNCD patients and identifying early diagnostic markers and prevention targets.

Integrated analysis of electroosmotic and magnetohydrodynamic peristaltic pumping in physiological systems: Implications for biomedical applications

AbstractThe study of rheological properties in biological fluids, influenced by electroosmosis and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) peristaltic mechanisms, plays a vital role in designing micro‐scale biomimetic pumping systems for targeted drug delivery. Considering these significant applications, the current study focuses on the integrated analysis of electroosmotic and magnetohydrodynamic peristaltic pumping of Williamson fluid within physiological systems with variable viscosity and thermal conductivity. The dimensional momentum equations are linearized under the approximation of lubrication theory. The current study deals with the impact of various physical parameters on flow, heat transfer, and pumping characteristics. These parameters include the magnetic parameter, variable viscosity, variable thermal conductivity, Helmholtz‐Smoluchowski velocity, and so on. It is noted from the current analysis that, Helmholtz‐Smoluchowski velocity and velocity slip parameters have decreasing effect on skin friction and Sherwood number. The electroosmotic and magnetic parameters contribute to larger trapped bolus sizes. These findings contribute significantly to advancing the development of efficient micro‐scale biomimetic pumping systems tailored for precise target drug delivery applications.

A Scoping Review of Alzheimers Disease Hypotheses: An Array of Uni- and Multi-Factorial Theories.

There is a common agreement that Alzheimers disease (AD) is inherently complex; otherwise, a general disagreement remains on its etiological underpinning, with numerous alternative hypotheses having been proposed. To perform a scoping review of original manuscripts describing hypotheses and theories of AD published in the past decades. We reviewed 131 original manuscripts that fulfilled our inclusion criteria out of more than 13,807 references extracted from open databases. Each entry was characterized as having a single or multifactorial focus and assigned to one of 15 theoretical groupings. Impact was tracked using open citation tools. Three stages can be discerned in terms of hypotheses generation, with three quarter of studies proposing a hypothesis characterized as being single-focus. The most important theoretical groupings were the Amyloid group, followed by Metabolism and Mitochondrial dysfunction, then Infections and Cerebrovascular. Lately, evidence towards Genetics and especially Gut/Brain interactions came to the fore. When viewed together, these multi-faceted reports reinforce the notion that AD affects multiple sub-cellular, cellular, anatomical, and physiological systems at the same time but at varying degree between individuals. The challenge of providing a comprehensive view of all systems and their interactions remains, alongside ways to manage this inherent complexity.

Hidden Dangers of Frailty: Higher Mortality, Complications and Costs in Acute Pancreatitis.

Frailty is a clinically recognizable state of increased vulnerability due to age-related decline in reserve and function across multiple physiologic systems that compromises the ability to cope with acute stress. As frailty is being identified as an important risk factor in outcomes of gastrointestinal pathologies, we aimed to assess outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis within this cohort. We conducted a retrospective study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. ICD-10 codes were used to inquire for patients admitted with acute pancreatitis between September 2015 through 2017. ICD-10 codes corresponding to the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) were used to divide the study sample into 2 cohorts: low risk (< 5 points) and intermediate or high risk (> 5 points). To calculate the points, we fitted a logistic regression model that included membership of the frail group as the binary dependent variable (frail vs. non-frail) and the set of ICD-10 codes as binary predictor variables (1 = present, 0 = absent for each code). To simplify the calculation and interpretation, we multiplied regression coefficients by five to create a points system, so that a certain number of points are awarded for each ICD-10 code and added together to create the final frailty risk score. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to find adjusted mortality. Out of a total of 1,267,744 patients admitted with acute pancreatitis, 728,953 (57.5%) were identified as intermediate and high risk (> 5 points) (study cohort) and 538,781 (42.5%) as low risk (< 5 points). The mean age in the study cohort was 64.8 ± 12.6 and that in the low-risk group was 58.6 ± 9.5. Most of the patients in both groups were males and Caucasians; Medicare was the predominant insurance provider. A majority of the admissions in both groups were in an urban teaching hospital and were emergency. (Table1). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality which was significantly higher in the study cohort as compared to the low-risk group (4.3% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.0001). The age-adjusted Odds ratio of mortality was 1.72(95% CI (Confidence Interval) 1.65-1.80, p < 0.05). When compared between the two groups; median length of stay (6 vs. 4); hospitalization cost ($14,412 vs. $10,193), disposition to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) (17.1% vs. 8.6%) and need for home health care (HHC) was significantly higher in the study cohort. Complications like septicemia, septic shock, and acute kidney injury were also higher in the study group (Table2). Table1 Baseline demographics of the cohort Characteristics Acute pancreatitis with High HES Frailty score (> 5, intermediate + high) Acute pancreatitis with low HES Frailty score (< 5) P-value N = 1,267,744 N = 728,953 (57.5%) N = 538,781 (42.5%) Age Mean years (Mean ± SD) 64.8 ± 12.6 58.6 ± 9.5 < 0.001 Gender < 0.001 Male 59.1% 52.3% Female 40.9% 47.7% *Missing-475 Age groups < 0.001 18-44 3.7% 14.3% 45-64 48% 52.9% 65-84 32.2% 28.7% ≥ 85 16.1% 4.1% Race < 0.001 Caucasians 67.4% 61.9% African Americans 9.6% 16.8% Others 23% 21.3% *Missing-10 Insurance type < 0.001 Medicare 40.9% 36.3% Medicaid 17.2% 24.3% Private 31.8% 27.9% Other 9.9% 11.4% *Missing-75 Active smoking 32.7% 37.9% 0.005 Biliary Stone 36.2% 16.7% < 0.001 Admission Type < 0.001 Emergent 93.7% 94.3% Elective 6.3% 5.7% *Missing-2880 Hospital ownership/control < 0.001 Rural 7.8% 10% Urban nonteaching 26.3% 26.6% Urban teaching 65.9% 63.4% Table2 Outcomes Outcomes Acute pancreatitis with High HES Frailty score (> 5, intermediate + high) Acute pancreatitis with low HES Frailty score (< 5) P-value In-hospital mortality *Missing-920 4.3% 2.5% < .0001 1.72(1.65-1.80) < .0001 Length of stay, days (Median,IQR) 6(3-8) 4(2-6) < .0001 Total hospitalization cost, $ (Median,IQR) 14,412(8843-20,216) 10,193(6840-13,842) < .0001 In-Hospital Complications ARDS 0.4% 0.3% 0.08 Ventilator dependence respiratory failure 0.23% 0.29% 0.25 Septicemia 15.2% 9.6% < .0001 Septic Shock 6.1% 2.9% < .0001 AKI 24.8% 14.9% < .0001 Disposition < .0001 Discharge to home 58.9% 74.9% Transfer other: includes Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), and another type of facility 17.1% 8.6% Home health care 11.5% 8.1% Against medical advice (AMA) 1.6% 3.4% *Missing-920 CONCLUSION: Using frailty as a construct to identify those who are at greater risk for adverse outcomes, can help formulate interventions to target individualized reversible factors to improve outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis. Future large-scale prospective studies are warranted to understand the dynamic and longitudinal relationship between pancreatitis and frailty.

Supported nano-sized precious metal catalysts for oxidation of catalytic volatile organic compounds.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common contaminants found as indoor as well as outdoor pollutants, which can induce acute or chronic health hazards to the human physiological system. The catalytic oxidation method is widely considered as one of the effective methods for removing VOCs, and the development of highly effective catalysts is highly urgent for booming this interesting field. This review focuses on the recent progress of VOC oxidation catalyzed by supported nano-sized precious metal catalysts, and discusses the effects of metal composition, supports, size, and morphology on the catalytic activity. In addition, the roles played by both nano-sized precious metals and supports in enhancing the performance of catalytic VOCs are also systematically discussed, which will guide the further development of more advanced VOC catalysts.

The pig as an optimal animal model for cardiovascular research.

Cardiovascular disease is a worldwide health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Preclinical cardiovascular research using animals is needed to explore potential targets and therapeutic options. Compared with rodents, pigs have many advantages, with their anatomy, physiology, metabolism and immune system being more similar to humans. Here we present an overview of the available pig models for cardiovascular diseases, discuss their advantages over other models and propose the concept of standardized models to improve translation to the clinical setting and control research costs.

A Critical View on Virudha Aahar: Dietic Incompatibility

The three Upstambha (Aahar, Swapna, and Brahmchraya) that describe in the Ayurvedic Samhitas. These three Upstambha hold the body. The body gains strength, firmness, and Varna by carefully using these three pillars. Aahar, the first Upstambha, is helpful for keeping the body in a healthy state. However, people are now consuming improper foods in the wrong combinations. Certain drugs and dietary combinations that have traits in opposition to body elements may decrease the body's immunity. Such types of foods are referred to as Virudha Aahar in old Ayurvedic texts. This article describes how individuals nowadays consume Virudha Aahar and how it has adverse effects on the human health. What impacts do they have on each physiological system of human body?

Resonating with the World: Thinking Critically about Brain Criticality in Consciousness and Cognition

Aim: Biofields combine many physiological levels, both spatially and temporally. These biofields reflect naturally resonant forms of synaptic energy reflected in growing and spreading waves of brain activity. This study aims to theoretically understand better how resonant continuum waves may be reflective of consciousness, cognition, memory, and thought. Background: The metabolic processes that maintain animal cellular and physiological functions are enhanced by physiological coherence. Internal biological-system coordination and sensitivity to particular stimuli and signal frequencies are two aspects of coherent physiology. There exists significant support for the notion that exogenous biologically and non-biologically generated energy entrains human physiological systems. All living things have resonant frequencies that are either comparable or coherent; therefore, eventually, all species will have a shared resonance. An organism’s biofield activity and resonance are what support its life and allow it to react to stimuli. Methods: As the naturally resonant forms of synaptic energy grow and spread waves of brain activity, the temporal and spatial frequency of the waves are effectively regulated by a time delay (T) in inter-layer signals in a layered structure that mimics the structure of the mammalian cortex. From ubiquitous noise, two different types of waves can arise as a function of T. One is coherent, and as T rises, so does its resonant spatial frequency. Results: Continued growth eventually causes both the wavelength and the temporal frequency to abruptly increase. Two waves expand simultaneously and randomly interfere in an area of T values as a result. Conclusion: We suggest that because of this extraordinary dualism, which has its roots in the phase relationships of amplified waves, coherent waves are essential for memory retrieval, whereas random waves represent original cognition.

Menstrual cycle and strength levels in women: a pilot study

It is speculated that hormonal fluctuations during the different menstrual cycle (MC) phases can influence physiological systems, such as musculoskeletal, and can also impact physical performance and quality of life. The aimed to check and compare the effects of MC on women's strength levels. The sample was made up of 18-30 years old women, who were using (G1) or not (G2) Oral Contraceptives (OC). Hormonal concentrations were determined using blood extraction, while muscle strength (FM) was assessed through the maximal dynamic strength (1RM) and muscle power tests at 40%, 60%, and 80%. The data were processed using two-factor ANCOVA (group and time), at a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Hormonal values showed greater significant differences in almost all hormones and G1 phases. The results of the FM tests showed a significant reduction of 1 RM (day 21) in G1, with a moderate effect size on days 21 and 11. In the G1 muscle power (MP) test, on day 01 there was a significant increase in 60% concerning day 11 and day 21. It can be considered that the hormonal behavior of both groups was maintained throughout the evaluations. Regarding FM manifestations, it is suggested that regular MC, without the use of OC, induces a reduction in FM levels during days 11 and 21 in women. However, the group that used OC had a larger effect size on 40% on day 01 and 40% on day 21.

ECR Spotlight – Adèle Léger

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Adèle Léger is an author on ‘ Investigating the thermal sensitivity of key enzymes involved in the energetic metabolism of three insect species’, published in JEB. Adèle is a graduate student in the lab of Nicolas Pichaud at Université de Moncton, Canada, investigating how insect metabolism is affected by environmental changes such as temperature.

ECR Spotlight – Mohammad Ojaghi

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Mohammad Ojaghi is an author on ‘ Hypoxia impairs blood glucose homeostasis in naked mole-rat adult subordinates but not queens’, published in JEB. Mohammad is a PhD student in the lab of Matthew Pamenter at Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada, investigating metabolic adaptations to environmental stressors, particularly in hypoxia-tolerant species.

ECR Spotlight – Fredrik Markussen

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Fredrik Markussen is an author on ‘ c-fos induction in the choroid plexus, tanycytes and pars tuberalis is an early indicator of spontaneous arousal from torpor in a deep hibernator’, published in JEB. Fredrik is a PhD student in the lab of Shona Wood at UiT – Arctic University of Norway, investigating hibernation timer mechanisms in golden hamsters.

Post-milking application of a Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain impacts bovine teat microbiota while preserving the mammary gland physiology and immunity.

Bovine mastitis (BM) is a major disease in dairy industry. The current approaches- mainly antibiotic treatments- are not entirely effective and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance dissemination, rising the need for alternative treatment. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of post-milking application of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CIRM BIA 1542 (Lp1542) on the teat skin (TS) of 20 Holstein cows in mid lactation, in order to reinforce the barrier effect of the microbiota naturally present on the teat. Treatment (Lp1542, iodine or no treatment) was applied post-milking twice a day on the 4 teats of healthy animals for 15 days. Blood and milk samples, and TS swabs were collected at day (D)1, D8, D15 and D26 before morning milking and at D15 before evening milking (D15E) to evaluate Lp1542 impact at the microbial, immune and physiological levels. Lp1542 treatment resulted in a higher lactic acid bacteria and total microbial populations on TS and in foremilk (FM) at D15(E) compared with iodine treatment. Metabarcoding analysis revealed changes in the composition of TS and FM microbiota, beyond a higher Lacticaseibacillus abundance. This included a higher abundance of Actinobacteriota, including Bifidobacterium, and a lower abundance of Pseudomonadota on TS of Lp1542 compared with iodine-treated quarters. In addition, Lp1542 treatment did not trigger any major inflammatory response in the mammary gland, except interleukin 8 production and expression which tended to be slightly higher in Lp1542-treated cows compared with the others. Finally, Lp1542 treatment had no impact on the mammary epithelium functionality (milk yield and composition) and integrity (epithelial cell exfoliation into milk and milk Na+/K+ ratio). Altogether, these results indicate that a topical treatment with Lp1542 is safe with regard to mammary gland physiology and immune system, while impacting its microbiota, inviting us to further explore its effectiveness for mastitis prevention.

Histological features of the gastrointestinal tract of elongate tigerfish, Hydrocynus forskahlii (Cuvier, 1819), from Lake Albert

BackgroundThe tigerfish (Hydrocynus forskahlii) is an important food fish in different regions of Africa. As such, interest in its performance and nutritional requirements as a potential candidate for aquaculture is increasing. Characterization of the morpho-histological features and functions of the gut provides valuable insights into the feeding physiology and digestive system of fish species.ResultAn investigation of the morpho-histological features of the gastrointestinal tract of H. forskahlii captured from Lake Albert was conducted over an eight-month period. The digestive tract of H. forskahlii is characterised by a short oesophagus, well-developed and distensible stomach and moderately long intestine. The oesophagus had a higher abundance of mucous-secreting goblet cells compared to other digestive tract tissues. The stomach had a bag-like shape for swallowing large prey and was distinguishable into the cardiac, fundic and pyloric regions. Both the cardiac and fundic regions of the stomach had numerous gastric glands, whereas the pyloric region had large compound folds consisting of pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium. Many goblet cells were also observed in the mid and posterior regions of the intestine. The relative length of the gut of the H. forskahlii was 1.27 ± 0.03 cm, and it had a total of 20–22 pyloric caeca. The liver was observed to be divided in lobules by a central vein contained within connective sheets. Irregular cords of hepatocytes were also visible throughout the parenchyma.ConclusionsThe histological features of the H. forskahlii gut observed in the present study are consistent with those of carnivorous and omnivorous fish.

Effects of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) on Biological Systems

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) is a natural phenomenon; however, anthropogenic activities have significantly shifted its equilibrium, leading to potential deleterious effects on biological systems. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, the increased use of electronic devices has contributed to a rise in man-made EMF exposure. This exposure can affect biological systems on physiological and molecular levels, raising concerns about its potential effects on animal development, reproductive systems, and overall ecosystem health. The review explores the physiological effects of exposure to static, extremely low-frequency (ELF), and radiofrequency (RF) fields, analyzing how EMF impacts oxidative stress, reproductive physiology, cardiovascular function, brain and nervous system activity, and DNA/RNA integrity. It also acknowledges the emerging concern of EMF in aquatic environments, where underwater power supplies and extensive underwater cable networks are sources of EMF exposure that may affect marine and freshwater species. The potential effects on marine life include disruptions to migratory patterns, altered reproductive cycles, and changes in aquatic biodiversity. The review acknowledges that research on EMF has improved over time, but significant gaps and information remain. It emphasizes the need for immediate attention to address the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Betrayal trauma and somatic symptoms among patients in a medically underserved primary care clinic.

Betrayal Trauma Theory posits that victims of trauma are more prone to developing psychological and physical problems if the traumatic event includes the element of betrayal. We sought to evaluate the impact of betrayal trauma versus nonbetrayal trauma and no trauma exposure on the risk of patients' reporting somatic symptoms in six domains (gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, pseudoneurological, gynecological, or any symptom). Medically underserved patients (N = 1,350) who presented to a primary care clinic in California completed a structured standardized interview that assessed trauma history (Diagnostic Interview Schedule) and somatization symptoms (Composite International Diagnostic Interview). Using Betrayal Trauma Theory as a guide, respondents were classified into "no trauma," "nonbetrayal trauma," and "betrayal trauma" groups. Compared to "no trauma" patients, patients who experienced nonbetrayal trauma were more likely to endorse all symptom domains (ORs = 1.30-1.50) except gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal; compared to "no trauma" patients, patients who experienced betrayal trauma were more likely to endorse all symptom domains (ORs = 1.61-3.12) except gynecological. Compared to patients who experienced nonbetrayal trauma, exposure to betrayal trauma increased the likelihood of reporting any (OR = 2.25), gastrointestinal (OR = 1.56), and pseudoneurological symptoms (OR = 1.71), as well as symptoms spanning multiple physiological systems (incidence rate ratio = 1.27). Each nonbetrayal trauma increased the likelihood of symptom reporting across all domains (ORs = 1.18-1.40); each betrayal trauma increased the likelihood across all domains (ORs = 1.41-2.31) except gynecological. Both nonbetrayal and betrayal trauma may predispose victims to somatization. Compared to nonbetrayal trauma, betrayal trauma confers a greater magnitude of risk for having a somatic symptom across each symptom domain except gynecological. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Continuous-time model identification of the subglottal system

Mathematical models that accurately simulate the physiological systems of the human body serve as cornerstone instruments for advancing medical science and facilitating innovative clinical interventions. One application is the modeling of the subglottal tract and neck skin properties for its use in the ambulatory assessment of vocal function, by enabling non-invasive monitoring of glottal airflow via a neck surface accelerometer. For the technique to be effective, the development of an accurate building block model for the subglottal tract is required. Such a model is expected to utilize glottal volume velocity as the input parameter and yield neck skin acceleration as the corresponding output. In contrast to preceding efforts that employed frequency-domain methods, the present paper leverages system identification techniques to derive a parsimonious continuous-time model of the subglottal tract using time-domain data samples. Additionally, an examination of the model order is conducted through the application of various information criteria. Once a low-order model is successfully fitted, an inverse filter based on a Kalman smoother is utilized for the estimation of glottal volume velocity and related aerodynamic metrics, thereby constituting the most efficient execution of these estimates thus far. Anticipated reductions in computational time and complexity due to the lower order of the subglottal model hold particular relevance for real-time monitoring. Simultaneously, the methodology proves efficient in generating a spectrum of aerodynamic features essential for ambulatory vocal function assessment.

Uncovering the link between inflammatory rheumatic diseases and male reproductive health: a perspective on male infertility and sexual dysfunction.

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) refer to a range of persistent disorders that have a major influence on several physiological systems. Although there is much evidence connecting IRDs to sexual dysfunction and fertility problems, research specifically focusing on male infertility in relation to these diseases is sparse. This review addresses the complicated connection between IRDs and male infertility, emphasising the physiological, psychological, and pharmacological aspects that influence reproductive health outcomes in men with rheumatic conditions. We explore the effects of IRDs and their treatments on many facets of male reproductive well-being, encompassing sexual functionality, semen characteristics, and hormonal balance. Additionally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the present knowledge on the impact of several categories of anti-rheumatic drugs on male reproductive function. Although there is an increasing awareness of the need of addressing reproductive concerns in individuals IRDs, there is a noticeable lack of research especially dedicated to male infertility. Moving forward, more comprehensive research is needed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms driving reproductive difficulties in males with IRDs. We can better assist the reproductive health requirements of male IRD patients by expanding our understanding of male infertility in the setting of rheumatic disorders and implementing holistic methods to care.