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When is the right time to initiate rehabilitation? Time will tell… Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-17 Sarah M. Greising, Jarrod A. Call
INTRODUCTION Connections link a sequence of three related research papers. The central article which links the other two papers has been published in Experimental Physiology. In a Connections article, an author (or authors) of the central article out lines its principal novel findings, tracing how they were influenced by the first article and how the central article has contributed to the developments
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Adaptive gait responses to varying weight-bearing conditions: Inferences from gait dynamics and H-reflex magnitude Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Yong Kuk Kim, Michelle Gwerder, William R. Taylor, Heiner Baur, Navrag B. Singh
This study investigates the effects of varying loading conditions on excitability in neural pathways and gait dynamics. We focussed on evaluating the magnitude of the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex), a neurophysiological measure representing the capability to activate motor neurons and the timing and placement of the foot during walking. We hypothesized that weight manipulation would alter H-reflex magnitude
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Intrinsic ankle stiffness is associated with paradoxical calf muscle movement but not postural sway or age Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Raymond F. Reynolds, Anna M. Liedtke, Martin Lakie
Due to Achilles tendon compliance, passive ankle stiffness is insufficient to stabilise the body when standing. This results in ‘paradoxical’ muscle movement, whereby calf muscles tend to shorten during forward body sway. Natural variation in stiffness may affect this movement. This may have consequences for postural control, with compliant ankles placing greater reliance upon active neural control
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Experimental bed rest as a model to investigate mechanisms of, and countermeasures against, microgravity and disease-free inactivity Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalo, Colleen S. Deane, Damian Bailey
More humans are now entering space than ever before, owing to significant investment from governmental and commercial agencies looking ambitiously to expand the reach of humanity beyond low Earth orbit, involving habitation of a permanent base on the surface of the Moon ahead of the horizon goal, a crewed mission to the red planet, Mars. With the advent of long-duration interstellar travel, there is
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Mitochondrial transplantation combined with coenzyme Q10 induces cardioprotection and mitochondrial improvement in aged male rats with reperfusion injury Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 Soleyman Bafadam, Behnaz Mokhtari, Manoucheher Seyedi Vafaee, Zohreh Zavvari Oscuyi, Samira Nemati, Reza Badalzadeh
Ischaemic heart diseases (IHD) are among the major causes of mortality in the elderly population. Although timely reperfusion is a common treatment for IHD, it causes additional damage to the ischaemic myocardium known as ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Considering the importance of preventing reperfusion injuries, we aimed to examine the combination effect of mitochondrial transplantation (MT)
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Characterization of differences in immune responses during bolus and continuous infusion endotoxin challenges using mathematical modelling Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-11 Kristen A. Windoloski, Susanne Janum, Ronan M. G. Berg, Mette S. Olufsen
Endotoxin administration is commonly used to study the inflammatory response, and though traditionally given as a bolus injection, it can be administered as a continuous infusion over multiple hours. Several studies hypothesize that the latter better represents the prolonged and pronounced inflammation observed in conditions like sepsis. Yet very few experimental studies have administered endotoxin
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Muscle fibre size and myonuclear positioning in trained and aged humans Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-10 Edmund Battey, Yotam Levy, Ross D. Pollock, Jamie N. Pugh, Graeme L. Close, Michaeljohn Kalakoutis, Norman R. Lazarus, Stephen D. R. Harridge, Julien Ochala, Matthew J. Stroud
Changes in myonuclear architecture and positioning are associated with exercise adaptations and ageing. However, data on the positioning and number of myonuclei following exercise are inconsistent. Additionally, whether myonuclear domains (MNDs; i.e., the theoretical volume of cytoplasm within which a myonucleus is responsible for transcribing DNA) and myonuclear positioning are altered with age remains
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Mechanisms mediating muscle metaboreflex control of cardiac output during exercise: Impaired regulation in heart failure Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-09 Donal S. O'Leary, Joseph Mannozzi
The ability to increase cardiac output during dynamic exercise is paramount for the ability to maintain workload performance. Reflex control of the cardiovascular system during exercise is complex and multifaceted involving multiple feedforward and feedback systems. One major reflex thought to mediate the autonomic adjustments to exercise is termed the muscle metaboreflex and is activated via afferent
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The renal vasodilatation from β-adrenergic activation in vivo in rats is not driven by KV7 and BKCa channels Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-09 Charlotte Mehlin Sorensen, Max Salomonsson, Anniek Frederike Lubberding, Niels-Henrik Holstein-Rathlou
The mechanisms behind renal vasodilatation elicited by stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors are not clarified. As several classes of K channels are potentially activated, we tested the hypothesis that KV7 and BKCa channels contribute to the decreased renal vascular tone in vivo and in vitro. Changes in renal blood flow (RBF) during β-adrenergic stimulation were measured in anaesthetized rats using
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Hyperaemia during dynamic handgrip exercise is preserved in healthy young subjects after recovery from COVID-19 Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-09 Eliza Prodel, Roberto Souza, Beatriz Divino, Helena N. M. Rocha, Natalia G. Rocha, Antonio C. L. Nobrega
We sought to investigate possible impaired hyperaemia during dynamic handgrip exercise (HGE) in young healthy individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. We tested the vascular function in individuals recovered from COVID-19 using a nitric oxide donor (i.e., sodium nitroprusside; SNP), which could revert a possible impaired endothelial function during HGE. Further, we tested whether individuals who
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Female thermal sensitivity and behaviour across the lifespan: A unique journey Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-07 Davide Filingeri, Hannah Blount, Alessandro Valenza
Women are a group of individuals that undergo unique anatomical, physiological and hormonal changes across the lifespan. For example, consider the impact of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, all of which are accompanied by both short- and long-term effects on female body morphology (e.g., changes in breast size) and temperature regulation, heat tolerance, thermal sensitivity and comfort
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The role of T-type calcium channels in elderly human vascular function: A pilot randomized controlled trial Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-06 Ulrik Winning Iepsen, Andreas R. Hjortdal, Anne D. Thuesen, Stine H. Finsen, Pernille B. L. Hansen, Stefan P. Mortensen
Endothelial dysfunction develops with age and may precede cardiovascular disease. Animal data suggest that T-type calcium channels play an important role in endothelial function, but data from humans are lacking. This study included 15 healthy, sedentary, elderly males for a double blinded, randomized controlled trial. For 8 weeks, they were given 40 mg/day of either efonidipine (L- and T-type calcium
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Exercise-induced potentiation of the acute hypoxic ventilatory response: Neural mechanisms and implications for cerebral blood flow Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-03-05 Diogo M. Oliveira, Anas Rashid, Patrice Brassard, Bruno M. Silva
A given dose of hypoxia causes a greater increase in pulmonary ventilation during physical exercise than during rest, representing an exercise-induced potentiation of the acute hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). This phenomenon occurs independently from hypoxic blood entering the contracting skeletal muscle circulation or metabolic byproducts leaving skeletal muscles, supporting the contention that
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The effect of protein or amino acid provision on immobilization-induced muscle atrophy in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-29 Alix K. Hughes, Thomas Francis, Jessica Rooney, Ross Pollock, Oliver C. Witard
Bed rest and limb immobilization are models of muscle disuse associated with skeletal muscle atrophy and reduced strength. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the impact of protein or amino acid provision before and/or during a period of muscle disuse on muscle atrophy (primary outcome), strength and muscle protein synthesis (secondary outcomes) following a disuse period. We performed
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Letter about the recently published Viewpoint by H. B. Rossiter and D. C. Poole Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-28 Maria Pia Francescato, Valentina Cettolo
We thank Experimental Physiology for publishing the Viewpoint (Rossiter & Poole, 2024) linked to our recently accepted paper (Francescato & Cettolo, 2024) suggesting that the issues illustrated therein deserve discussion. We want, however, to point out that the Viewpoint describes the ‘Independent-breath’ (IND) algorithm with the following inaccuracies: The ‘Independent-breath’ algorithm is based on
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Running on empty: Factors underpinning impaired cardiac output reserve in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-29 Paula Sagmeister, Sebastian Rosch, Karl Fengler, Karl-Patrik Kresoja, Tommaso Gori, Holger Thiele, Philipp Lurz, Daniel Burkhoff, Karl-Philipp Rommel
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is frequently attributed etiologically to an underlying left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, although its pathophysiology is far more complex and can exhibit significant variations among patients. This review endeavours to systematically unravel the pathophysiological heterogeneity by illustrating diverse mechanisms leading to an impaired
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Further perspectives on measuring pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-26 Harry B. Rossiter, David C. Poole
We thank Drs Francescato and Cettolo for stimulating further discussion on the ‘Independent breath’ (IND) algorithm for breath-by-breath gas exchange measurement. In Rossiter & Poole (2024) we mistakenly referred the reader to the work of Grønlund (1984) in relation to the basis for the ‘latter’ expiration-only algorithm, rather than the intended ‘former’ IND algorithm. Thank you for correcting the
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Unveiling the enigma from sick to beauty: Hungry to standardize metrics for dynamic cerebral autoregulation Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-25 Michael M. Tymko
In this issue of Experimental Physiology, Olsen et al. (2024) present a pivotal article addressing a pervasive challenge in both basic and clinical physiology. Their review paper, titled ‘Myths and methodologies: Evaluation of dynamic cerebral autoregulation via the mean flow index’, sends a cautionary note challenging the long-term decadence of mean velocity index-based measures in evaluating dynamic
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Myths and methodologies: Assessment of dynamic cerebral autoregulation by the mean flow index Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-20 Markus Harboe Olsen, Christian Gunge Riberholt, Ronan M. G. Berg, Kirsten Møller
The mean flow index—usually referred to as Mx—has been used for assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) for almost 30 years. However, concerns have arisen regarding methodological consistency, construct and criterion validity, and test–retest reliability. Methodological nuances, such as choice of input (cerebral perfusion pressure, invasive or non-invasive arterial pressure), pre-processing
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Myths and Methodologies: Understanding the health impact of head down bedrest for the benefit of older adults and astronauts. Study protocol of the Canadian Bedrest Study Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-19 Guy Hajj-Boutros, Vita Sonjak, Andréa Faust, Sharmila Balram, Jean-Christophe Lagacé, Philippe St-Martin, Donya Naz Divsalar, Farshid Sadeghian, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Andrew P. Blaber, Isabelle J. Dionne, Simon Duchesne, Saija Kontulainen, Olga Theou, José A. Morais
Weightlessness during spaceflight can harm various bodily systems, including bone density, muscle mass, strength and cognitive functions. Exercise appears to somewhat counteract these effects. A terrestrial model for this is head-down bedrest (HDBR), simulating gravity loss. This mirrors challenges faced by older adults in extended bedrest and space environments. The first Canadian study, backed by
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Cognition is selectively impaired in males with spinal pain: A retrospective analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Ageing Danish Twins Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-17 David C. Byfield, Benjamin S. Stacey, Damian M. Bailey
Cognitive decline and spinal pain (back pain [BP] and neck pain [NP]) represent a major public health challenge, yet the potential relationship between them remains elusive. A retrospective analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Ageing Danish Twins was performed to determine any potential relationships between BP/NP and cognitive function adjusting for age, sex, educational and socioeconomic status
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Correcting an overactive exercise pressor reflex: A new role for purinergic signalling? Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-15 Fiona D. McBryde
The exercise pressor reflex is a fundamental physiological mechanism that evokes increases in blood pressure, heart rate and total peripheral resistance by adjusting autonomic tone to the heart and blood vessels. An exaggerated or overactive exercise pressor reflex is a common feature of peripheral artery disease (PAD)—patients with this condition show heightened reflex sensitivity, exaggerated blood
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An exercise physiologist's guide to metabolomics Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-15 Daniel J. Owens, Samuel Bennett
The field of exercise physiology has undergone significant technological advancements since the pioneering works of exercise physiologists in the early to mid-20th century. Historically, the ability to detect metabolites in biofluids from exercising participants was limited to single-metabolite analyses. However, the rise of metabolomics, a discipline focused on the comprehensive analysis of metabolites
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A single sequence of intermittent hypoxia does not alter stretch reflex excitability in able-bodied individuals Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-14 Andrew Q. Tan, Christopher Tuthill, Anthony N. Corsten, Stella Barth, Randy D. Trumbower
Spasticity attributable to exaggerated stretch reflex pathways, particularly affecting the ankle plantar flexors, often impairs overground walking in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury. Compelling evidence from rodent models underscores how exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) can provide a unique medium to induce spinal plasticity in key inhibitory pathways mediating stretch reflex
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Principles of synaptic encoding of brainstem circadian rhythms Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-02-03 Forrest J. Ragozzino, Ilia N. Karatsoreos, James H. Peters
Circadian regulation of autonomic tone and reflex pathways pairs physiological processes with the daily light cycle. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating these changes on autonomic neurocircuitry are only beginning to be understood. The brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and adjacent nuclei, including the area postrema and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, are key candidates for
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Prolonged tamoxifen-enriched diet is associated with cardiomyopathy and nutritional frailty in mice Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-30 Janith Halpage, Patricia DaSilva Pantoja, Salvatore Mancarella
Tamoxifen (TAM) is required for gene recombination in the inducible Cre/lox system. The TAM-enriched diet is considered safe, with negligible impact on animal wellbeing. However, studies reporting the long-term effects of the TAM diet and its potential impact on experimental outcomes are scarce. We conducted a longitudinal study on mice exposed to a 4-week dietary TAM citrate supplementation. Several
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Beyond drug discovery: Exploring the physiological and methodological dimensions of zebrafish in diabetes research Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-27 Tamsheel Fatima Roohi, Syed Faizan, Mohd. Farooq Shaikh, Kamsagara Linganna Krishna, Seema Mehdi, Nabeel Kinattingal, Alina Arulsamy
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is now considered a global epidemic. Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both of which are normally irreversible. As a result of long-term uncontrolled high levels of glucose, diabetes can progress to hyperglycaemic pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, among many other complications
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Neutrophil depletion attenuates acute renal injury after exhaustive exercise in mice Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-19 Tsubasa Mizokami, Michiko Shimada, Katsuhiko Suzuki
Prolonged intense exercise induces acute renal injury; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effects of neutrophil depletion in male C57BL/6J mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: sedentary with control antibody; sedentary with antineutrophil antibody; exhaustive exercise with control antibody; and exhaustive exercise with antineutrophil antibody. Antineutrophil
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Thermo-haemodynamic coupling during regional thigh heating: Insight into the importance of local thermosensitive mechanisms in blood circulation Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-17 Nuno Koch Esteves, Jeneil McDonald, José González-Alonso
A positive relationship between local tissue temperature and perfusion exists, with isolated limb-segment hyperthermia stimulating hyperaemia in the heated region without affecting the adjacent, non-heated limb segment. However, whether partial-limb segment heating evokes a heightened tissue perfusion in the heated region without directly or reflexly affecting the non-heated tissues of the same limb
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MyoLoop: Redefining cardiac research with advanced tissue simulation Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-18 Matthew Reily-Bell, Rajesh Katare
A key challenge in the translation of cardiovascular disease therapies to the clinic is the lack of models that closely replicate the complexity of the human heart. Although large animal models resemble the human heart, they are impractical owing to high costs and time requirements. Although more affordable two- and three-dimensional cell culture models are being developed, they often lack key properties
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Reflections on physiology and modelling Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-15 Michael J. Joyner
1 INTRODUCTION In this issue of Experimental Physiology, Furst and Gonźalez-Alonzo detail an unconventional or alternative model of the circulation (Furst & González-Alonso, 2024). Their model challenges the centrality of the heart as a pressure-generating pump and the cardiocentric perspective that dominates what might be called the standard model of the circulation. The main idea behind this alternative
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Amplified P2X3 pathway activity in muscle afferent dorsal root ganglion neurons and exercise pressor reflex regulation in hindlimb ischaemia–reperfusion Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-11 Lu Qin, Qin Li, Jianhua Li
Hindlimb ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) is among the most prominent pathophysiological conditions observed in peripheral artery disease (PAD). An exaggerated arterial blood pressure (BP) response during exercise is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with PAD. However, the precise mechanisms leading to this exaggerated BP response are poorly elucidated. The P2X3 signalling
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A high-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides ameliorates hepatic steatosis by reducing ceramide and diacylglycerol accumulation in mice Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-09 Stephanie Mourad, Abdualrahman Mohammed Abdualkader, Xiaobei Li, Shailee Jani, Rolando B. Ceddia, Rami Al Batran
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is projected to be the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Currently, no pharmacological treatments are available to treat NAFLD, and lifestyle modification, including dietary interventions, is the only remedy. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine whether supplementation
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Physiological assessment of a 16 day, 4385 km ultra-endurance mountain bike race: A case study Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-08 Robert D. Hyldahl, Jayson R. Gifford, Lance E. Davidson, Chad R. Hancock, Paul S. Hafen, Allen C. Parcell, Gary W. Mack
The Tour Divide (TD) is a 4385 km ultra-endurance bicycle race that follows the continental divide from Canada to Mexico. In this case study, we performed a comprehensive molecular and physiological profile before and after the completion of the TD. Assessments were performed 35 days before the start (Pre-TD) and ∼36 h after the finish (Post-TD). Total energy expenditure was assessed during the first
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Postnatal growth restriction alters myocardial mitochondrial energetics in mice Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Joseph R. Visker, Eric C. Leszczynski, Austin G. Wellette-Hunsucker, Ashley C. McPeek, Melissa A. Quinn, Seong Hyun Kim, Jason N. Bazil, David P. Ferguson
Postnatal growth restriction (PGR) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) potentially due to impairments in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) within cardiomyocyte mitochondria. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if PGR impairs cardiac metabolism, specifically OxPhos. FVB (Friend Virus B-type) mice were fed a normal-protein (NP: 20% protein), or low-protein (LP: 8% protein)
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Differential splenic responses to hyperoxic breathing at high altitude in Sherpa and lowlanders Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Pontus K. Holmström, Taylor S. Harman, Anne Kalker, Bethany Steiner, Ella Hawkins, Kelsey C. Jorgensen, Kimberly T. Zhu, Ajaya J. Kunwar, Nilam Thakur, Sunil Dhungel, Nima Sherpa, Trevor A. Day, Erika K. Schagatay, Abigail W. Bigham, Tom D. Brutsaert
The human spleen contracts in response to stress-induced catecholamine secretion, resulting in a temporary rise in haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]). Recent findings highlighted enhanced splenic response to exercise at high altitude in Sherpa, possibly due to a blunted splenic response to hypoxia. To explore the potential blunted splenic contraction in Sherpas at high altitude, we examined changes in
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Low-dose X-ray radiation induces an adaptive response: A potential countermeasure to galactic cosmic radiation exposure Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2024-01-05 Siena Edwards, Jessica Adams, Anastasia Tchernikov, John G. Edwards
Space exploration involves many dangers including galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). This class of radiation includes high-energy protons and heavy ionizing ions. NASA has defined GCR as a carcinogenic risk for long-duration space missions. To date, no clear strategy has been developed to counter chronic GCR exposure. We hypothesize that preconditioning cells with low levels of radiation will be protective
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Gut microbiota in regulation of childhood bone growth Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-29 Julian C. Lui
Childhood stunting and wasting, or decreased linear and ponderal growth associated with undernutrition, continue to be a major global public health challenge. Although many of the current therapeutic and dietary interventions have significantly reduced childhood mortality caused by undernutrition, there remain great inefficacies in improving childhood stunting. Longitudinal bone growth in children
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Experimental Physiology special issue: ‘Mechanotransduction, muscle spindles and proprioception’ Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-31 Stephan Kröger
This special issue of Experimental Physiology contains a collection of 13 manuscripts based on oral presentations presented at the meeting on ‘Mechanotransduction, Muscle Spindles and Proprioception’, which took place at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich in July 2022. The participants included >30 speakers from Taiwan, Canada, Australia, the USA, Israel and from all over Europe and the UK
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Update on vascular control of central chemoreceptor Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-28 Thiago S. Moreira, Daniel K. Mulkey, Ana C. Takakura
At least four mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate how neurons in the retrotrapezoid (RTN) region sense changes in CO2/H+ to regulate breathing (i.e., function as respiratory chemosensors). These mechanisms include: (1) intrinsic neuronal sensitivity to H+ mediated by TASK-2 and GPR4; (2) paracrine activation of RTN neurons by CO2-responsive astrocytes (via a purinergic mechanism); (3) enhanced
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Measuring pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics: Contemporary perspectives Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-29 Harry B. Rossiter, David C. Poole
As championed by Brian J. Whipp, resolution of pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇O2${\dot{V}}_{{{\mathrm{O}}}_{\mathrm{2}}}$) kinetics following exercise onset provides a unique and non-invasive window into muscle energetics, mitochondrial function and the mechanistic bases for exercise tolerance (reviewed by Poole & Jones, 2012; Rossiter, 2011). In theory and practice, beyond that time taken for blood transit
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Insights into pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies for heat stroke: Lessons from a baboon model Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-20 Mashan Abdullah, Salleh Ehaideb, George Roberts, Abderrezak Bouchama
Heat stroke is a perilous condition marked by severe hyperthermia and extensive multiorgan dysfunction, posing a considerable risk of mortality if not promptly identified and treated. Furthermore, the complex biological mechanisms underlying heat stroke-induced tissue and cell damage across organ systems remain incompletely understood. This knowledge gap has hindered the advancement of effective preventive
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The heart, a secondary organ in the control of blood circulation Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-21 Branko Furst, José González-Alonso
Circulation of the blood is a fundamental physiological function traditionally ascribed to the pressure-generating function of the heart. However, over the past century the ‘cardiocentric’ view has been challenged by August Krogh, Ernst Starling, Arthur Guyton and others, based on haemodynamic data obtained from isolated heart preparations and organ perfusion. Their research brought forth experimental
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Neuromuscular behaviour in the first dorsal interosseus following mental fatigue Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-21 Michael J. Marsala, Anita D. Christie
We examined sex-specific changes to neuromuscular function in response to mental fatigue. Twenty-five young, healthy adults (13 F, 12 M) performed a mentally fatiguing task and control condition for 30 min on two separate days. Neuromuscular function was assessed in the first dorsal interosseous before and after each condition. Reaction time decreased after the mentally fatiguing task (P < 0.001, η2 = 0
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Hyperexcitability of muscle spindle afferents in jaw-closing muscles in experimental myalgia: Evidence for large primary afferents involvement in chronic pain Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-16 Dar'ya Sas, Fanny Gaudel, Dorly Verdier, Arlette Kolta
The goals of this review are to improve understanding of the aetiology of chronic muscle pain and identify new targets for treatments. Muscle pain is usually associated with trigger points in syndromes such as fibromyalgia and myofascial syndrome, and with small spots associated with spontaneous electrical activity that seems to emanate from fibers inside muscle spindles in EMG studies. These observations
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Targeted genetic therapies for inherited disorders that affect both cardiac and skeletal muscle Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-14 Yiangos Psaras, Christopher N. Toepfer
Skeletal myopathies and ataxias with secondary cardiac involvement are complex, progressive and debilitating conditions. As life expectancy increases across these conditions, cardiac involvement often becomes more prominent. This highlights the need for targeted therapies that address these evolving cardiac pathologies. Musculopathies by and large lack cures that directly target the genetic basis of
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Exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Causes, consequences and the journey towards a cure Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-08 Kanokwan Bunsawat, Michael D. Nelson, Christopher M. Hearon, D. Walter Wray
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for over 50% of all heart failure cases nationwide and continues to rise in its prevalence. The complex, multi-organ involvement of the HFpEF clinical syndrome requires clinicians and investigators to adopt an integrative approach that considers the contribution of both cardiac and non-cardiac function to HFpEF pathophysiology. Thus, this
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Myocardial steatosis across the spectrum of human health and disease Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-08 Andrew P. Oneglia, Lidia S. Szczepaniak, Vlad G. Zaha, Michael D. Nelson
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The differential sensitivity of the hypothalamic–hypophysial–ovarian axis to 5-hydroxytryptophan alters the secretion of estradiol Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-08 Juana Monroy, Omar D. Cortés, Roberto Domínguez, María Eugenia Mendoza-Garrido, Eloir Gallegos, Mario Cárdenas, Andrés Aragón, María E. Ayala
Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] modulates ovarian function. The precursor of 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), has been used to treat depression. However, the effects of 5-HTP on ovarian and reproductive physiology remain unknown. In this research, we analysed the impact of 5-HTP on the monoaminergic system and its interactions with the reproductive axis and ovarian estradiol secretion when
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The reproducibility of dendritic cell and T cell counts to a 30-min high-intensity cycling protocol as a tool to highlight overtraining Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-08 Carla Baker, Jessica Piasecki, John A. Hunt, John Hough
Heavy training has been reported to be immunosuppressive in athletes and lead to blunted cortisol responses to exercise. Cortisol elevates the number of dendritic cells (DCs), key antigen-presenting cells that interact with T cells to initiate an immune response. Reproducible cortisol responses to a 30-min cycle test have been identified but were based on percentage of work rate maximum. To ensure
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Effects of paracetamol/acetaminophen on the expression of solute carriers (SLCs) in late-gestation fetal rat brain, choroid plexus and the placenta Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-07 Yifan Huang, Fiona Qiu, Katarzyna M. Dziegielewska, Liam M. Koehn, Mark D. Habgood, Norman R. Saunders
Solute carriers (SLCs) regulate transfer of a wide range of molecules across cell membranes using facilitative or secondary active transport. In pregnancy, these transporters, expressed at the placental barrier, are important for delivery of nutrients to the fetus, whilst also limiting entry of potentially harmful substances, such as drugs. In the present study, RNA-sequencing analysis was used to
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Exercise intolerance with ageing: Major role for vascular dysfunction? Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-06 David C. Poole, Glenn A. Gaesser
Our health, happiness and, to a certain extent, our lifespan link inextricably – but not inexplicably – to our capacity for exercise and physical activity. Hippocrates opined ‘If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise … we would have found the safest way to health’, and today cardiorespiratory fitness, defined as maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max${\dot V_{{{\math
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The corruption of power: On the use and abuse of a pre-trial concept Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-05 Ronan M. G. Berg, Robin Christensen, Mathias Ried-Larsen
In various types of study designs used within the field of physiology, so-called post hoc or retrospective power calculations are often provided for data that have already been collected, typically to substantiate claims that the lack of a statistically significant difference for a given outcome likely reflects a type II error, that is, implying that it is due to insufficient sample size. While this
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Glucose metabolism and autonomic function in healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at rest and during exercise Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-05 Takuto Hamaoka, Urs A. Leuenberger, Rachel C. Drew, Matthew Murray, Cheryl Blaha, Jonathan Carter Luck, Lawrence I. Sinoway, Jian Cui
Autonomic dysfunction is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the character of dysfunction varies in different reports. Differences in measurement methodology and complications might have influenced the inconsistent results. We sought to evaluate comprehensively the relationship between abnormal glucose metabolism and autonomic function at rest and the response to exercise
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Acute inflammation elicits decreased blood pressure but similar arterial stiffness in young African American adults Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-12-04 Lauren E. Eagan, Sara E. Mascone, Catalina A. Chesney, Sushant M. Ranadive
African Americans (AA) have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as compared to their White (W) counterparts. CVD is characterized by increased blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness and systemic inflammation. An acute inflammatory stimulus may explain physiological manifestations responsible for amplified CVD in AA that are not apparent at rest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
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Hypoxia sensing in the body: An update on the peripheral and central mechanisms Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-11-30 Daniel B. Zoccal, Beatriz N. Vieira, Letícia R. Mendes, Andressa B. Evangelista, Isabela P. Leirão
What is the topic of this review?
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Developmentally programmed obesity: Is there a role for anti-inflammatory nutritional strategies? Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-11-30 Michelle L. Kearns, Clare M. Reynolds
What is the topic of this review?
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Functional assays reflective of cancer hallmarks in BT-549 cells are not impacted by media supplemented with exercise-trained plasma Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-11-22 Ian A. J. Darragh, Sarai Martinez-Pacheco, Lorraine O'Driscoll, Brendan Egan
What is the central question of this study?
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The contribution of the tendon electrode to M-wave characteristics in the biceps brachii, vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-11-21 Javier Rodriguez-Falces, Saioa Etxaleku, Gabriel S. Trajano, Igor Setuain
In some compound muscle action potentials (M waves) recorded using the belly–tendon configuration, the tendon electrode makes a noticeable contribution to the M wave. However, this finding has only been demonstrated in some hand and foot muscles. Here, we assessed the contribution of the tendon potential to the amplitude of the vastus lateralis, biceps brachii and tibialis anterior M waves, and we
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The algorithm used for the calculation of gas exchange affects the estimation of O2 uptake kinetics at the onset of moderate-intensity exercise Exp. Physiol. (IF 2.7) Pub Date : 2023-11-20 Maria Pia Francescato, Valentina Cettolo
At the start of a moderate-intensity square-wave exercise, after a short delay, breath-by-breath O2 uptake at the mouth is approximated to a mono-exponential function, whose time constant is considered matched to that of the O2 uptake of the working muscles. We compared the kinetic parameters obtained from the breath-by-breath gas exchange data yielded by the ‘Independent-breath’ algorithm (IND), which