Search Results (687)

Background: Aortic arch reconstruction in neonates is often challenging, owning its surgical complexity and postoperative complication risk. To assess intestinal damage, we compared selective anterograde cerebral perfusion (SACP) and SACP with additional distal perfusion (SACP + DP) used in aortic arch surgery in a neonatal piglet model. Methods: Piglets underwent cardiac arrest for 60 min with SACP (n = 9) or SACP + DP (n = 9), followed by a 120 min recovery. Hemodynamic parameters, blood gases and electrolytes were monitored. Biopsies of the small intestine and colon were analyzed for histopathological changes, intestinal barrier function, and oxidative stress. Results: Hemodynamic measurements and electrolyte concentrations were comparable between SACP and SACP + DP (p > 0.05), except for potassium levels during cardiac arrest (p = 0.03). Blood lactate (p < 0.01) and pH (p < 0.01) were higher in the SACP group during cardiac arrest. Morphometric analysis of the intestinal tissue revealed longer crypts (p = 0.02) and a thicker mucosal layer (p = 0.05) of colonic structures in the SACP group. Compared to SACP, the mRNA expression of cytoprotective Parkinson’s disease protein DJ-1 (p = 0.02) and hypoxia-inducible nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (p = 0.04) were higher in the small intestine of the SACP + DP group. The marker of epithelial barrier function, E-cadherin, showed lower mRNA expression in the colon of the SACP + DP group (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Our study results showed that SACP + DP revealed less intestinal tissue damage and loss of structural integrity, as well as an upregulation of cytoprotective molecules and anti-oxidative stress mechanisms. Therefore, SACP + DP is a reliable procedure in our model for aortic arch surgery that can contribute to better postoperative outcomes by reducing intestinal damage. Full article

The aim of the presented study was to compare changes in acid-base balance during high-intensity exercise preceded and not preceded by a warm-up that ended with breathing using additional respiratory dead space volume (ARDSv). The study involved 24 cyclists. Each participant completed two 3 min exercise tests performed at 110% of maximal power from a graded exercise test. A standardized warm-up preceded each 3 min test. Between the warm-up and the test was an 8 min passive rest, during which, in one test, participants breathed using ARDSv increased by 1000 mL, in the second test, ARDSv was not used. After the warm-up and after the 3 min test, a sample of arterialized blood was taken to measure changes in hydrogen ion concentration (ΔH⁺), lactate (ΔLa⁻), blood gas parameters, and morphological parameters, and changes in plasma volume (ΔPV) were calculated. Additionally, after the 3 min tests, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed. It was demonstrated that ΔH⁺ (20.4 ± 6.3 and 17.5 ± 6.3, respectively; p = 0.016) and ΔPV (−8.25 ± 4.81 and −4.86 ± 5.58, respectively; p = 0.029) were greater in the test not preceded by breathing restrictions compared with the test preceded by breathing using ARDSv. Simultaneously, no significant differences in ΔH+ were found between tests when post-exercise values were corrected for changes in plasma volume. Furthermore, lower RPE was observed after ARDSv use (Z = 1.97, p = 0.048). Breathing using ARDSv between a warm-up and a high-intensity 3 min exercise induces mild respiratory acidosis, limits the exercise-induced increase in H⁺ concentration and changes in plasma volume, while affecting lower RPE. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the linoleic–α-linolenic acid ratio (LA:ALA) on cyclicity, oocyte quality, early pregnancy parameters, milk yield, and composition. Holstein cows were randomized to a 6:1-LA:ALA diet (Low-OMG3: n = 3 pens; 11 primiparous, 14 multiparous) or a 2:1-LA:ALA diet (High-OMG3: n = 3 pens; 10 primiparous, 14 multiparous). Diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and fed between 15 and 140 days in milk (DIM). Data were compared using linear mixed models. As expected, omega-3 concentrations in milk and blood increased in the High- compared to Low-OMG3 cows. No effect of diet was observed on cyclicity by 45DIM or oocyte quality at 50DIM. High-OMG3 cows had larger corpus luteum size (11–32 d post-timed artificial insemination [TAI]) and greater blood flow (32–60 d post-TAI) than Low-OMG3 cows. However, there was no effect of diet on progesterone, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins, or conceptus size. High-OMG3 cows produced more milk throughout the study, had greater lactose, and tended to have greater protein yield at 50DIM. In conclusion, decreasing the LA:ALA dietary ratio in lactating dairy cows did not provide evidence of effects on cyclicity, oocyte quality, or other early pregnancy-related parameters, but affected corpus luteum size and blood flow, enhanced milk production, and partially increased protein and lactose yields. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a 12-week blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance training (BFRRT) program in enhancing anaerobic power. Changes in anaerobic power were compared following 12 weeks of resistance training using three approaches: low-load resistance training with BFRRT at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), traditional high-load resistance training (HRT) at 80% of 1RM, and traditional low-load resistance training (LRT) at 30% of 1RM. Twenty-one male college students were randomly assigned to the BFRRT (n = 7), HRT (n = 7), or LRT (n = 7) groups. The BFR for BFRRT was applied to the proximal femur at 100–130 mmHg. Each group exercised three times per week for 12 weeks. Anaerobic power and metabolic fatigue levels were evaluated using the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) every 3 weeks, with blood lactate concentrations measured before and after each session. Outcomes included peak power, mean power, fatigue rate, and time to peak power, analyzed via two-way mixed-model analysis of variance. The results revealed a significant group × time interaction for anaerobic peak power, with the blood flow restriction training group demonstrating earlier improvements compared with traditional high-load resistance training, while no significant between-group differences were observed for mean power. Post hoc analysis revealed that BFRRT improved peak power by Week 6, HRT by Week 9, and LRT showed no improvements. BFRRT significantly enhanced anaerobic power in a shorter duration compared with HRT, despite utilizing lower loads and normal-speed exercises. These findings suggest that BFRRT is an effective method for improving anaerobic power while utilizing lower external loads than HRT. Full article

Differences in metabolic traits between traditional and modern pig breeds may influence their physiological responses to stress hormones. This study evaluated the in vivo metabolic effects of an acute adrenaline challenge in Iberian (obese, slow-growing) and Landrace (lean, fast-growing) pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). Four Iberian and five Landrace barrows (≈50 kg body weight; BW) fitted with a carotid catheter received an injection of adrenaline (3 µg/kg BW), and serial blood samples were collected for 105 min. Adrenaline transiently increased plasma glucose (p < 0.001) and lactate (p < 0.001) concentrations, both peaking at 5 min post-injection. Iberian pigs showed higher plasma lactate (1.26 vs. 1.03 mM; p = 0.002), triglycerides (0.34 vs. 0.27 mM; p < 0.001), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; 0.38 vs. 0.29 mM; p = 0.021), but lower glucose (4.80 vs. 5.03 mM; p = 0.010) than Landrace pigs, while cholesterol remained unaffected (p > 0.10). No breed × time interaction was detected for any metabolite. The relative increase in glucose reached +47% in Iberian and +27% in Landrace pigs, whereas lactate rose +140% and +113%, respectively, indicating stronger glycolytic activation in Iberian pigs. Despite the limited sample size, the results provide physiologically relevant evidence supporting increased metabolic flexibility in Iberian pigs, characterized by a heightened sensitivity to adrenergic stimulation and associated with enhanced lipolytic and glycolytic responses; however, these conclusions should be interpreted within the specific experimental conditions under which the study was conducted. These findings demonstrate that Iberian pigs have higher metabolic sensitivity to adrenergic stimulation, with enhanced lipolytic and glycolytic activity. In conclusion, breed-dependent differences in stress-related metabolism suggest that Iberian pigs are furnished with increased metabolic flexibility to face short-term stress. Full article

Nitrite pollution in aquatic environments, often driven by human activity, can disrupt fish physiology. Nitrite is absorbed by freshwater fish through their gills, leading to internal accumulation and interference with nitric oxide (NO) signaling, redox state, and the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. The effects of nitrite are concentration-dependent. Although moderate environmental nitrite levels have little impact on oxygen transport, they may still interfere with NO homeostasis and cellular metabolism. We report the effects of 72 h of exposure to 10 μM nitrite on adult zebrafish blood’s O₂-carrying capacity and on muscle mitochondrial activity, metabolism, and redox state. The results show that this environmentally relevant but moderate concentration of nitrite leads to decreases in fish routine oxygen consumption (rMO₂) and spontaneous activity, an increase in blood nitrosyl hemoglobin (HbNO), indicating increased NO production in the blood, accumulation of nitrite in muscle tissue, oxidative stress, and changes in muscle aerobic capacity linked to a rise in mitochondrial efficiency. Parallel to these effects, increases in antioxidant capacity, arginase activity, and urea and lactate levels were observed. Globally, these results are consistent with altered NO homeostasis in the fish body induced by nitrite stress. Full article

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is traditionally regarded as a metabolic by-product; however, growing evidence indicates that it plays an active regulatory role across multiple physiological systems. Acute hypercapnia elicits respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neurocognitive responses, some of which may transiently influence exercise performance. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on CO₂ inhalation in healthy individuals and critically evaluates whether controlled hypercapnia may serve as a targeted stimulus in sport and exercise contexts. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed English-language articles indexed in PubMed and Web of Science was conducted. A narrative approach was chosen due to the marked heterogeneity of study designs, hypercapnia-induction methods (e.g., CO₂ inhalation, voluntary hypoventilation, increased respiratory dead space), participant characteristics, and outcome measures, which precluded systematic synthesis. The review focused on studies involving healthy or physically active individuals and examined acute or short-term hypercapnic exposure. No strict publication date limits were applied. Studies conducted exclusively in clinical populations were excluded. Results: Short-term, controlled hypercapnia reliably increases ventilation, sympathetic activation, cerebral and muscular blood flow, and metabolic stress. Certain hypercapnia-based interventions—such as voluntary hypoventilation or added respiratory dead space—may enhance buffering capacity, reduce lactate accumulation and improve maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) during submaximal efforts and repeated-sprint performance during high-intensity, short-duration exercise. However, CO₂ inhalation frequently induces dyspnea, anxiety, and cognitive disruption, and higher concentrations pose clear safety risks. Current evidence does not support long-term improvements in VO₂max or long-duration endurance performance following hypercapnia-based interventions. Conclusions: Controlled, intermittent hypercapnia may provide a targeted metabolic and ventilatory stimulus that enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise, yet its application remains experimental and context-dependent. The risks associated with CO₂ inhalation in healthy individuals currently outweigh its potential benefits, and safe, effective training protocols have not been fully established. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms, long-term adaptations, and practical utility of hypercapnia-based training strategies. Full article

This research determined the milk performance and milk and blood biochemical indicators of dairy goats fed with black oat supplements. The experiment was conducted on 20 French Alpine goats on the 48th day of lactation, divided into two groups of 10 goats each (initial body weights (BW) of 53.90 and 52.15 kg). The research lasted for 30 days, and the monitoring of production properties and blood sampling were carried out on the 1st, 15th, and 30th days of the research. Goats in the BOG group were fed a diet in which yellow oats were gradually replaced with black oats, whereas goats in the COG group received a diet containing yellow oats (CP: 143.64 vs. 150.40 g/kg DM; EE: 48.60 vs. 48.80 g/kg DM; NEL: 7.18 vs. 7.19 MJ/kg DM). These values were subjected to repeated-measures analysis using the PROC MIXED procedure and were further analyzed using Tukey’s post hoc test. Compared with the COG group, no significant differences were observed in the BOG group for the production performance of the goats, except for a slightly increased milk yield (1264.94 vs. 1542.10 g/day, p = 0.098) and reduced concentrations of urea and globulin in the milk of the BOG group (7.90 vs. 7.05 mmol/L, p = 0.081; 5.16 vs. 3.96 g/L, p = 0.091). In the blood of BOG goats, a significantly lower urea concentration was detected (8.75 vs. 7.05 mmol/L, p = 0.020). However, compared with the COG group, goats in the BOG group showed a slight increase (p > 0.05) in protein fractions and a decrease in lipid-related indicators in the blood. These findings confirm the moderate benefit of black oats as a dietary supplement in feed for lactating goats. Full article

Hyperketonemia (HYK), defined by blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ≥ 1.2 mmol/L, is described as a significant risk factor for cows developing postpartum (pp) diseases and impaired reproductive performance. The goal of the present study was to observe metabolic challenges in transition cows and to identify systemic markers reflecting HYK associated with lessened reproductivity. Fifty-four Simmental cows were monitored, revealing approximately 30% prevalence of HYK at the early pp period on 7, 14, or 28 days in milk (DIM). We assessed the dry matter intake, rumination time (RT), serum liver activity index, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), acute phase proteins, and uterine and oviductal health. Elevated NEFA and reduced RT 14 days antepartum were a good predictor for HYK at 7 DIM. Hyperketonemia at 14 DIM resulted in higher milk yield compared with controls. We could neither detect differences in uterine health nor in reproductive key performance parameters between hyperketonemic and control cows, whereby the proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in oviductal epithelia was significantly lower in hyperketonemic cows 14 DIM. We conclude that elevated concentrations of BHB in HYK 7, 14, or 28 DIM indicated energy supply to support physiological metabolic adaptations and lactation and that, in the absence of excessive inflammation during the transition period, HYK was not a risk factor for impaired fertility. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of the reproductive performance, milk composition, and blood profile of sows, as well as the performance of their offspring when their dietary soybean meal is partially replaced by black soldier fly Hermetia illucens larva meal (BSFLM). A total of 18 multiparous (Landrace × Yorkshire) Duroc mated sows were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments based on parity from gestation to lactation on day 21. Each treatment has six replications. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet based on corn-soybean meal; BSFLM1, basal diet soybean meal partially replaced with BSFLM (0.5% of diet); BSFLM2, basal diet soybean meal partially replaced with BSFLM (1.0% of diet). Our results revealed that sows fed with 0.5% of BSFLM had significantly increased (p < 0.05) BW at the initial and weaning period. Also, the BSFLM2 group sows showed significantly increased (p < 0.05) backfat thickness at weaning. Compared to CON, piglets born from the BSFLM group sows showed a tendency (p > 0.1) of having increased BW (at initial and at weaning) and ADG. Furthermore, sows fed with 0.5% BSFLM showed a tendency (p > 0.1) of having increased protein and fat % in milk at week 1. The serum concentration of IGF-1 was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the BSFLM1 group sows compared to the BSFLM 2 group sows initially and it was equalized at weaning. In summary, partial replacement of soybean meals with 0.5% and 1% BSFLM could be beneficial for improving the reproductive traits, milk composition, and health status of sows and their offsprings. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate how parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) influences metabolic profile, performance, and offspring growth in grazing Nellore cows, and to explore potential associations among key metabolic traits, milk yield, and performance indicators. Thirty-four pregnant Nellore cows at approximately 230 ± 20 days of gestation were sorted by parity group and randomly allocated into one of six Uruchloa decumbens pastures, totaling 17 multiparous cows (597.8 ± 39 kg; age = 4 to 6 yrs) and 17 primiparous cows (407 ± 33 kg, age = 2 to 3 yrs). Considering calving day as day 0, cow full BW and BCS were collected on days −63, −21, −7, 0, 7, 21, 63, 91, 140 and 203. Cow blood samples were collected on days −21, −14, −7, 0, 7, 14, 21, 42, 63, 91, 140 and 203. Milk yield was measured in the following day after all blood collections. Primiparous cows had higher glucose on days −7 and 0 (p = 0.04), greater NEFA concentration from −14 to 63 days (p < 0.001), and lower IGF-1 concentration from days 7 to 42 but higher on days 140 and 203 (p < 0.001). They also exhibited lower total proteins, albumin, and globulins, but higher serum urea N concentration (p < 0.001). Primiparous cows also had lower milk yield (p = 0.02), calf birth (p = 0.02) and weaning weights (p = 0.01) compared with multiparous cows. Pearson correlation analysis revealed distinct metabolic and physiological interrelationships across gestational and lactational stages in multiparous and primiparous cows. Overall, multiparous cows showed a less catabolic metabolic profile during the periparturient period to lactation. Primiparous cows experienced a more intense mobilization of body reserves during the early lactation period, but a more positive nutritional status towards late lactation, evidenced by recovery of IGF-1 levels and body weight gain. Full article

(1) Background: In arid regions, limited forage availability increases feeding costs for small ruminants. Sunflower hulls (SFH), a low-cost agro-industrial by-product, may serve as an alternative fiber source, yet their effects on pregnant Naemi ewes remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate how graded levels of SFH affect intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and metabolic responses during gestation and early lactation. (2) Methods: Eighty-four ewes were assigned to diets containing 0%, 12%, 20%, or 28% SFH in a total mixed ration and monitored across early gestation, late gestation, and lactation. (3) Results: Increasing SFH significantly increased dry matter intake, with the highest intake in the 28% SFH group (p < 0.05). Body weight remained unaffected, whereas body condition score varied by physiological stage. Digestibility of major nutrients was unchanged; however, acid detergent lignin digestibility increased at 28% SFH (p < 0.05). Higher SFH levels (20–28%) reduced total volatile fatty acids by approximately 12–18% and lowered acetate and propionate concentrations, especially in late gestation. Blood metabolites differed among treatments but remained within physiological reference ranges, confirming metabolic safety. (4) Conclusions: SFH can be safely included at up to 28% of diet dry matter; however, 12–20% SFH appears most practical, supporting adequate fiber intake without compromising rumen fermentation efficiency. This provides a cost-effective strategy for ewe feeding under forage-limited arid conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the most significant factors that impact arterial blood gas parameters: pH, pO₂, pCO_2, and concentration of lactates. Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of clinical data obtained from the patients’ records hospitalized at the Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Care. A total of 71 patients were enrolled in the study. A total of 479 measurements were performed for arterial blood, 41 were excluded. The analysis was performed for 438 results. The artificial neural network (ANN) regression models were applied, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used. ANNs were built considering the following activation functions: hyperbolic tangent, linear, exponential, and logistic. The following three sets were separated: training, testing, and validation. In the case of LASSO regression, the regularization was applied, excluding insignificant variables from the model. Besides the machine learning techniques, the correlation between the variables was calculated. Results: The correlation coefficients for regression ANN models exceeded the value for testing set of 0.92. According to the sensitivity analysis, the most significant variable for pH was cCl⁻, for pO₂ it was pO₂/FiO₂, for pCO₂ it was Fshunt, and for concentration of lactates it was pH. In the case of LASSO regression for pH, the most significant factor was pCO₂, for pO₂ it was pO₂/FiO₂, for pCO₂ it was cCl⁻, and for concentration of lactates it was pCO₂. Conclusions: The results show the usefulness of machine learning methods in analyzing complex physiological relationships. Such techniques can help improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize therapeutic management in pediatric patients. Full article

This study aimed to determine how anaerobic energy systems are activated during 350 m and 500 m running tests to identify which distance may more effectively develop special endurance for the 400 m run. Eleven elite male 400 m sprinters (6 in the 350 m group and 5 in the 500 m group) participated in the study. Plasma lactate levels were measured at several time points: before starting, after warm-up, immediately before the test, and 1, 3, 12, 20, and 40 min post-exercise. Blood lactate concentration ([La⁻]) was determined using the enzymatic Sentinel test (Italy). A difference in blood lactate concentration between groups was observed, reaching statistical significance at the 3 min post-exercise time point, although no significant changes were observed at other time points. The 350 m trial was associated with higher peak lactate levels, suggesting a greater acute anaerobic demand, while the 500 m trial required a longer recovery period for lactate clearance and return to homeostasis. Full article

Objective: This study aimed at detecting changes in redox balance (reactive oxygen species (ROS), serum antioxidant capacity (SAC) and oxidative stress index (OSi)) during the peripartum period in dairy goats and evaluating the relationship between oxidative biomarkers (ROS, SAC and OSi) and selected metabolic biomarkers (total cholesterol, triglycerides, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs)). Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 32 secondiparous Alpine dairy goats (average daily milk production: 3.93 ± 1.23 L) from the same commercial herd at dry-off, kidding and 30 days in milk (DIM). Results: Fatty acids at dry-off and BHB at kidding (rho: 0.56; p < 0.01) and 30 DIM (rho: 0.54; p < 0.01) were positively correlated, suggesting a potential role of pre-partum NEFA concentrations on the metabolic status of dairy goats during early lactation. Parturition was associated with the highest values of ROS (183.13 ± 6.99 Carr. U; p < 0.05) and OSi (0.50 ± 0.03 Carr. U/umol HCLO/mL; p < 0.05) probably due to the stress typical of this period. As expected, OSi exhibited a positive correlation with ROS (rho: 0.405, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with SAC (rho: −0.707, p < 0.01). Furthermore, NEFAs showed a tendency to be positively correlated with ROS (rho: 0.191 p < 0.06) and were positively correlated with OSi (rho: 0.219 p < 0.03), suggesting a potential role of this metabolic parameter on oxidant status. Conclusions: The knowledge of the interplay between oxidative stress and metabolic changes during the peripartum period could potentially facilitate the development of strategies for the early detection and management of metabolic disorders in dairy goats. Full article