Search Results (38)

Background/Objectives: The most commonly used method for determining tolerance to oxygen deficiency is applying a sublethal hypoxic load (SHL) in a decompression chamber at an altitude of 11,500 m. The aim of this study was to identify the morphofunctional characteristics of the immune system’s response to SHL in animals with different tolerances to oxygen deficiency. Methods: This study was conducted on male Wistar rats. Resistance to SHL was determined at a critical altitude (11,500 m) once in a decompression chamber. To study the features of the reaction to SHL, morphological and morphometric methods, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR were used. Results: One month after SHL, rats susceptible to hypoxia, in comparison with tolerant ones, demonstrated higher numbers of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and NK cells in the peripheral blood, thymic bodies in the cyst-like cavities formed in the thymus, and wide germinal centers of lymphoid nodules in the spleen. At the same time, rats tolerant to hypoxia demonstrated higher numbers of B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and a narrow marginal zone of lymphoid nodules in the spleen. In addition, animals susceptible to hypoxia demonstrated higher expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines Il1b and Tnfa in peripheral blood leukocytes in comparison with tolerant animals. Conclusions: This indicates that the immune systems of tolerant and susceptible animals respond differently to oxygen deprivation during SHL, and that the manifestations of this effect persist for at least a month afterward. The obtained data should be taken into account when conducting experiments with reference to organisms’ initial hypoxia tolerance. Full article

Early postnatal stress is a critical factor in metabolic programming. Maternal separation (MS) in rodents, a widely validated model, has been linked to pancreatic alterations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of MS on pancreatic morphology and function in rodents. This review followed the PRISMA and SYRCLE guidelines, with a protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251004633). Experimental studies in rodents comparing MS with standard rearing, which reported pancreatic morphofunctional and metabolic parameters, were included. A comprehensive search was performed in the Web of Science, Embase, Medline, Scopus, BIREME-BVS, and SciELO databases until March 2025, without language restrictions. Extracted data included glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity indices (QUICKI, HOMA), and glucose tolerance tests (GTTs). Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, and subgroup analyses were applied to explore sources of heterogeneity. Of 491 references, 25 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which showed that MS was associated with significantly higher glucose levels (SMD −0.41; 95% CI: −0.71 to −0.11) and worse GTT response (SMD −1.02; 95% CI: −1.23 to −0.82). Furthermore, the QUICKI index was significantly decreased (SMD 0.75; 95% CI: 0.14 to 1.35), indicating insulin resistance. MS in rodents induces pancreatic alterations associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, suggesting that early stress could program long-term metabolic vulnerability. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia and low muscle mass are prevalent and prognostically relevant in patients with lung cancer, yet their diagnosis remains challenging in routine clinical practice. Opportunistic assessment using computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a valuable tool for body composition evaluation. We aimed to assess the utility of thoracic CT at T12 and T4 levels in identifying sarcopenia and low muscle mass and explore their correlation with morphofunctional tools such as bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA), nutritional ultrasound (NU), and functional performance tests. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 80 patients with lung cancer were evaluated at diagnosis. Body composition was assessed using BIVA-, NU-, and CT-derived parameters at T12 and T4 levels. Functional status was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 30-Second Chair Stand Test. Sarcopenia was defined according to EWGSOP2 criteria. Results: Sarcopenia was identified in 20% of patients. CT-derived indices at T12CT demonstrated better diagnostic performance than T4CT. For detecting low muscle mass, the optimal SMI cut-off values were SMI_T12CT < 31.98 cm²/m² and SMI_T4CT < 59.05 cm²/m² in men and SMI_T12CT < 28.23 cm²/m² and SMI_T4CT < 41.69 cm²/m² in women. For sarcopenia diagnosis, the values were SMI_T12CT < 24.78 cm²/m² and SMI_T4CT < 57.23 cm²/m² in men and SMI_T12CT < 21.24 cm²/m² and SMI_T4CT < 49.35 cm²/m² in women. A combined model including SMI_T12CT, RF_CSA, and the 30 s squat test showed high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.826). In multivariable analysis, lower SMA_T12CT was independently associated with risk of sarcopenia (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–0.99, p = 0.022), as were older age (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.47, p = 0.010) and fewer repetitions in the 30 s squat test (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63–0.91, p = 0.007). Conclusions: CT-derived body composition assessment, particularly at the T12 level, shows good correlation with morphofunctional tools and may offer a reliable and timely alternative for identifying sarcopenia and low muscle mass in patients with lung cancer. Full article

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare occlusal and articular characteristics between young adults with and without a confirmed diagnosis of sleep bruxism, through a case-control study based on polysomnography. Methods: We conducted a case–control study with probabilistic sampling, including 20 participants with a polysomnography-confirmed diagnosis of sleep bruxism and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. A clinical oral examination was conducted to identify wear facets, joint sounds, and soft tissue indentations. Occlusal relationships were analyzed using mounted models on a semi-adjustable articulator, evaluating interferences during working, balancing, and protrusive movements, premature contacts, attrition, and dental inclinations. Results: Sleep bruxism showed a higher frequency of temporomandibular joint sounds (35% vs. 5%; p = 0.017; w = 0.375) and left-side balancing interferences (p = 0.04; d = 0.723). Multivariate analysis revealed a moderate correlation between bruxism and the combination of joint sound and occlusal inclination (COR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19–0.57; I² = 0.0%). Joint sound showed a weak association with REM-related bruxism (COR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.05–0.51; I² = 21.7%) and a moderate association with non-REM bruxism (COR = 0.41). The correlation with occlusal inclination was stronger during REM sleep (COR = 0.41) than during non-REM sleep (COR = 0.35; I² = 0.0%), indicating consistent and clinically relevant associations. Conclusions: Occlusal and functional characteristics associated with sleep bruxism were identified, particularly joint sounds and dental inclinations, although no direct causal relationship was established. These findings suggest the presence of specific morphofunctional patterns that may play a role in the clinical expression of sleep bruxism. Full article

The astragalus is a key biomechanical link between the autopodium and limb in mammals, modulating stability and mobility during stance. Its morphology provides reliable proxies for inferring posture, body mass, and locomotor behavior in extinct taxa. Mesotheriids (Notoungulata, Mesotheriidae) have traditionally been regarded as fossorial generalists, yet their functional diversity remains poorly tested. The astragali of Caraguatypotherium munozi (Miocene, Chile) and Trachytherus spegazzinianus (early Miocene, Argentina) were analyzed, integrating osteological measurements and functional indices to explore their locomotor ecology. Principal component analyses were performed to compare their morphofunctional spaces with those of 38 extant terrestrial mammals grouped by posture, body mass, top speed, and locomotor habit. Total Angular Excursion (TAE) and Angular Efficiency Index (AEI) were estimated using a comparative dataset of 182 terrestrial mammals spanning 15 taxonomic orders, focused on stance-phase mechanics during comfortable locomotion. C. munozi shows a deeper trochlea and moderately expanded navicular facets, whereas T. spegazzinianus presents a shallower trochlea and narrower articular proportions. Despite these morphological differences, both species share broadly overlapping stance-phase kinematic ranges, reflecting a conserved plantigrade locomotor module optimized for stability and energy-efficient weight support. These findings challenge the view of mesotheriids as functionally uniform and highlight ecological diversification through subtle morphological adjustments within a constrained locomotor framework. Full article

Mediterranean rocky reef habitats are ecologically valuable yet increasingly degraded due to cumulative human pressures, necessitating efficient, large-scale ecological status assessments to inform management. Macroalgal communities are widely used as indicators of rocky reef conditions and are typically assessed via photoquadrat sampling. However, the manual annotation of benthic images remains time-consuming and costly. This study evaluates the performance of CoralNet (version 1.0), an AI-assisted image annotation platform, using a pre-annotated dataset of 2537 photoquadrat images from 89 rocky reef sites in the Aegean Sea, Greece, classified into 23 taxonomic and morphofunctional groups. Half of the dataset was used to iteratively train CoralNet classifiers, while the remainder was used to compute the reef-EBQI index and compare ecological status estimates with those derived from manual annotations. The classifier accuracy improved with training volume, reaching 67% using the entire dataset. Reef-EBQI scores derived from CoralNet showed 87% agreement with the manual classifications. Despite challenges and limitations, AI-assisted annotation proved effective in regional-scale ecological assessments based on broad taxonomic and morphofunctional categories. Automated tools like CoralNet can reduce post-processing bottlenecks and enable scalable, cost-effective monitoring, especially when integrated with standardized protocols and citizen science initiatives. Full article

High-Andean Creole cattle represent a genetic resource with significant adaptive value in high-altitude ecosystems. In this study, 151 Creole cows from the provinces of Canas and Quispicanchis (Cusco, Peru) were evaluated to characterize their morphometry, calculate zoometric indices, and establish functional biotypes. Ten morphometric parameters were measured, and eight structural indices were calculated. Four differentiated biotypes were identified through the multivariate analysis and hierarchical clustering of quantitative variables (BI, BII, BIII, and BIV). Morphological differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and associated with different productive orientations. Biotype I showed greater thoracic development and a compact structure, which is compatible with intermediate beefaptitude; Biotype II exhibited more elongated proportions and a lower weight, indicating a dairy tendency; Biotype III stood out for its muscle mass, thoracic depth, and pelvic width, evidencing a clear beef orientation; and Biotype IV combined a higher weight, rectangular conformation, and wide pelvis, showing potential for beef production and ease of calving. Functional differentiation was supported by Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and PERMANOVA tests. Correlations between morphometric variables and zoometric indices revealed anatomical patterns consistent with the productive functions proposed. The results highlight the morpho-functional diversity of Andean Creole cattle and their potential for conservation and improvement programs in extensive highland systems. Full article

Cellular senescence can occur with similar phenotypes in normal cells, during aging, and in tumor cells, spontaneously or after cytostasis. The fall or increase in proliferative activity are key aspects of the respective conditions, in which the levels of reactive oxygen species can vary, affecting the cellular redox homeostasis. This work aimed to study the relationships between senescence and transformation by comparing cells with different proliferative activities and phenotypes attributable to transformation (NIHs cultures) or senescence (NIHv cultures), before and after incubation with hydrogen peroxide. Both cultures were derived from the NIH/3T3 cell line, which was used here as a reference (NIHb), after the serum starvation. Our experimental model can be representative of the heterogeneity of cell subpopulations, with different degrees of transformation and senescence, found in some tumors. The characterization of the functional properties of NIHb, NIHs, and NIHv cells was performed by a morphocytometric analysis of the cell cycle progression, mitochondrial and lysosomal content/activity, and superoxide anion production. The efficiency of the lysosomal compartment was also assessed by estimating the autophagic activity and measuring lipofuscin autofluorescence. Comparisons of nuclear and cytoplasmic parameters before and after the incubation with hydrogen peroxide revealed differences in the expression and modulation of cellular senescence patterns. The treatment effects were very limited in the NIHb culture; the senescence condition was essentially maintained in the NIHv cells, while the most relevant changes were found in the NIHs cells. In the latter, the acquisition of the senescent phenotype, also demonstrated by the positivity of SA-β-galactosidase, was correlated with a decrease in proliferative activity and a change in the content/activity of the mitochondria and lysosomes, which showed similarities with the basal senescence conditions of NIHv cells. In NIHs cells, increased autophagy events and lipofuscin accumulation also indicate the establishment of cytoplasmic dynamics typical of senescence. The variable responses to hydrogen peroxide, besides depending on the different basal cytokinetic activity of the cultures examined, appeared to be related to the specific cell redox state resulting from the balance between endogenous ROS and those produced after treatment. Especially in NIHs cells, the slowing down of the cell cycle was linked to dynamic interconnections between the mitochondrial and lysosomal compartments. This would indicate that transformed cells, such as NIHs, may express morpho-functional aspects and markers typical of cellular senescence, as a consequence of the modulation of their redox state. Full article

Different treatments have been proposed for morphofunctional bone repair; however, they are not always efficient and have limitations. In this experimental study, we present matrix composites with a possible synergistic effect acting with scaffolds for bone growth and use of photobiomodulation (PBM) to accelerate this tissue repair. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effect of PBM in the repair of a long bone (tibia) of rats filled with biomimetic collagen matrices with nanohydroxyapatite and heterologous fibrin biopolymer (FB). Forty-eight rats were distributed into eight groups (n = six each): Blood Clot (BC), Blood Clot + PBM (BCP), Matrix (M), Matrix + PBM (MP), Fibrin Biopolymer (FB), Fibrin Biopolymer + PBM (FBP), Matrix + FB (MFB), Matrix + FB + PBM (MFBP). A 2.0 mm bone defect was created in the proximal third of the left tibia. The BCP, MP, FBP, and MFBP groups underwent PBM during surgery and maintained twice a week until euthanasia at 42 days. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histomorphological and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Micro-CT analysis revealed that PBM influenced cortical interposition between the remnant and newly formed bone. Histologically, no exacerbated inflammatory focus or foreign body-type granulomatous reaction was observed in any group; however, a vast collagenous matrix with a more oriented and thicker spatial conformation was observed in the PBM-treated groups. Histomorphometrically, the BCP, MP, and MFBP groups showed significantly higher values compared to the other groups. Specifically, the BC group presented a mean bone tissue density of 68.33 ± 7.394, while the BCP and MP groups showed 99.83 ± 11.87 and 99.67 ± 20.58, respectively (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis of collagen fibers indicated enhanced organization and maturation in PBM-treated groups. This study concluded that the association of PBM in the repair of long bones in rats, filled with biomimetic collagen matrices with nanohydroxyapatite and fibrin biopolymer, presented results that contribute to the improvement of bone growth, together with the association of scaffolds. Full article

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of intertidal Cystoseira sensu lato (s.l.) species across different protection zones within the “Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine” Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the central Mediterranean Sea. Five Cystoseira s.l. species (Cystoseira compressa, C. foeniculacea, Ericaria amentacea, E. brachycarpa and E. crinita) were observed on the intertidal rocky shores, with varied abundances across the MPA’s protection zones. Ericaria amentacea was the only species found in all zones, with a much higher cover percentage in the most protected area (zone A). However, its morpho-functional traits showed an inverse trend, with the largest thalli found in the moderately protected zone B and C. The remaining Cystoseira s.l. species were only found in zones B and C probably due to their wider area and greater habitat diversity compared to zone A. The presence of two non-indigenous species, Asparagopsis taxiformis and Caulerpa cylindracea, was observed exclusively in the less protected zones B and C. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between MPA protection levels and Cystoseira s.l. species conservation, with protection having, in some respects, a positive influence on selected Cystoseira s.l. species, indicating the importance of careful consideration in MPA design and management. Furthermore, this study provides a baseline for future monitoring of Cystoseira s.l. populations in light of ongoing environmental changes in the Mediterranean Sea. Full article

The effect of dark deprivation on the morphofunctional state and rhythmostasis of the liver under CCl₄ toxic exposure has been studied. The relevance of this study is due to the fact that the hepatotoxic effect of carbon tetrachloride on the liver is well studied, but there are very few data on the relationship between CCl₄ intoxication and circadian biorhythms, and most of the studies consider the susceptibility of the organism in general and of the liver in particular to the influence of CCl₄ in some separate periods of the rhythm, but not the influence of this chemical agent on the structure of the whole rhythm. In addition, earlier studies indicate that light disturbance causes certain changes in the morphofunctional state of the liver and the structure of the circadian rhythm of a number of parameters. As a result of this study, we found that the effect of CCl₄ in conditions of prolonged dark deprivation causes more significant structural and functional changes in hepatocytes, as well as leading to significant changes in the circadian rhythms of a number of parameters, which was not observed in the action of CCl₄ as a monofactor. We assume that the severity of structural and functional changes is due to the light-induced deficiency of melatonin, which has hepatoprotective properties. Thus, the mechanisms of CCl₄ action on CRs under conditions of light regime violations leave a large number of questions requiring further study, including the role of melatonin in these processes. Full article

There have been few advances in understanding the organization and dynamics of ants in tropical dry forests. The latter are a seriously threatened ecosystem, and ants are important indicators of diversity, disturbance, and restoration in forest ecosystems. Using diversity data and morphofunctional traits, we evaluated the spatial and temporal variation of taxonomic and functional ant groups; in addition, we explored the variation in functional traits and diversity among communities. Ants were sampled during the dry and rainy seasons using mini-Winkler bags. A total of 9 subfamilies, 57 genera, and 146 species were collected. Ant species composition and richness varied both spatially (75 to 119 species) and temporally (121 and 127 species). The fragments from N2 and N3 showed higher diversity than those from N1. The dissimilarity among all areas was moderate (50–60%), mainly attributable to species turnover processes (77%). Twenty functional groups were identified. The N3 fragments had the highest functional diversity, with lower resistance to species loss, while the N1 and N2 fragments reduced functional diversity and increased similarity among species. Our results highlight the importance of integrating a functional analysis with the taxonomic assessment of ants as an important contribution to understanding the organization and dynamics of this community of insects that inhabit the tropical dry forest. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the morphofunctional alterations in the foot and their association with functionality, considering aspects such as disability, pain, and limitations in daily activities in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods: A case–control study was conducted in patients with FMS (case group) and without FMS (control group), matched by age and sex. Foot posture was assessed using the foot posture index (FPI), along with the presence of hallux valgus (HV), trigger points, hyperkeratosis, and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and ankle. Foot functionality was evaluated using the foot function index (FFI) questionnaire. Results: A total of 100 women with FMS and 100 women without FMS, with a mean age of 61.97 ± 9.26 years, were recruited. HV (p < 0.001), hyperkeratosis (p < 0.001), pronated and supinated foot (p < 0.001), as well as limitations in dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (p < 0.001) and the ankle with the knee flexed (p < 0.001) and extended (p < 0.001), along with the activity of the flexor hallucis brevis (p = 0.006), adductor hallucis (p = 0.006), and dorsal interosseous (p = 0.002) muscles, were significantly associated with the FFI, being higher in individuals with FMS, indicating greater impairment of foot functionality in these patients. Multivariate analysis revealed a statistical association between FMS and low educational level (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.05–5.72), the presence of another rheumatic disease (OR = 5.07, 95% CI 2.34–11), and the presence of any active trigger point (OR = 11.15, 95% CI 3.97–31.31). Conclusions: The study highlights the relationship between morphofunctional foot alterations, specifically the presence of active myofascial trigger points, and functionality in patients with FMS. Full article

Background: The combination of elexacaftor–tezacaftor–ivacaftor modulators (ETI) has improved clinical outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate changes in nutritional and morphofunctional assessments, as well as anxiety, depression symptoms, and quality of life, in pwCF after starting ETI therapy. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. We measured body composition (fat mass [FM] and fat-free mass [FFM]) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness measurements (SMs). We also assessed hand grip strength, dietary intake via surveys, blood and stool biomarkers, symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], and quality of life through the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire—Revised (CFQR). Results: A total of 31 pwCF were evaluated. Significant improvements were observed in respiratory function and quality of life, alongside an average weight increase of approximately 5 kg (60% FM and 40% FFM). The prevalence of malnutrition, based on BMI and the FFM index, decreased significantly, while the rate of overweight/obesity increased. Biomarker analysis indicated better nutrient absorption and reduced intestinal inflammation, as evidenced by significant changes in faecal calprotectin, nitrogen, and fat levels, as well as blood lipid and vitamin profiles. Conclusions: Despite a reduction in caloric intake, an increase in weight was observed one year after initiating ETI. This increase was attributed to gains in both FM and FFM, suggesting improved metabolic efficiency and nutrient absorption. Both SM and BIA were found to be useful assessment tools. These findings indicate the need to modify the nutritional approach, focusing on the quality rather than the quantity of intake, and aiming for an appropriate body composition (FFM) rather than solely focusing on BMI. Full article

Seasonal forests are characterized by seasonal dynamics that influence the growth and ecophysiology of forest species. Erythroxylum pauferrense is an understory species endemic to the Northeastern region of Brazil, with a distribution limited to Paraíba, Brazil. In this study, how the physiological characteristics of E. pauferrense vary in response to seasonal changes in an open ombrophilous forest of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest was investigated. Precipitation, air and soil temperature, and leaf area index were monitored and correlated with gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll indices, and leaf morphofunctional attributes. The results show that E. pauferrense exhibits ecophysiological plasticity, adjusting its photosynthesis rates, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency according to seasonal changes. During the rainy season, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were higher than in the dry season, indicating more excellent photosynthetic activity due to increased water availability. Water use efficiency varied, with more efficient use in the dry season, which is crucial for survival in conditions of low water availability. Thus, this study contributes to understanding the ecology of endemic understory species in seasonal tropical forests, such as Erythroxylum pauferrense. Full article