Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 7060

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Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: CKD; hemodialysis; oxidative stress; vitamin K; diabetic nephropathy; vascular calcification; CVD; matrix GLA protein
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1. Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
2. Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
Interests: CKD; acute kidney injury (AKI); glomerulonephritis; IgA nephropathy; FSGS

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will be a collection of high-quality papers in the fields of physiology and pathology from Editorial Board members, Guest Editors, and leading researchers who were invited by the Editorial Office, Guest Editors and Editorial Board members. Both original research articles and review papers are welcome.

Given that the first edition of this Special Issue was a great success, we now invite you to publish in the second edition (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/special_issues/NMP2LMT8U1).

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Applied physiology;
  • Biomechanics;
  • Cardiovascular pathobiology;
  • Cell physiology;
  • Comparative pathology;
  • Comparative physiology;
  • Computational physiology and medicine;
  • Defense physiology;
  • Environmental pathology;
  • Exercise physiology;
  • Human behavior;
  • Integrative physiology;
  • Molecular physiology;
  • Motor control;
  • Neurophysiology;
  • Organismal physiology;
  • Pediatric pathology;
  • Pathobiology;
  • Pathophysiology;
  • Physiome;
  • Systems physiology;
  • Vascular pathophysiology.

Dr. Stefanos Roumeliotis
Dr. Eleni Stamellou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • applied physiology
  • biomechanics
  • cardiovascular pathobiology
  • cell physiology
  • comparative pathology
  • comparative physiology

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3981 KiB  
Article
Fresh Hemorrhages in Intestinal Resection Margins Are Associated with Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes in Preterm Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis with Surgical Intervention
by Ole Schickedanz, Florian Friedmacher, Steffen Gretser, Yannick Braun, Peter Johanes Wild, Udo Rolle and Elise Gradhand
Life 2024, 14(11), 1510; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111510 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common disease in premature infants. If conservative treatment does not respond, surgical removal of the necrotic section of bowel is common practice. This study investigates whether there is a correlation between the histopathological findings and the postoperative [...] Read more.
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common disease in premature infants. If conservative treatment does not respond, surgical removal of the necrotic section of bowel is common practice. This study investigates whether there is a correlation between the histopathological findings and the postoperative clinical course of the children who have undergone surgery. To date, only a few detailed studies on a possible correlation have been published. Methods: The surgical specimens of 49 infants diagnosed with NEC in the years 2010–2019 were re-evaluated. The histologic specimens were examined for tissue viability and hemorrhage of the resection margins, peritonitis or perforation of the central resection segment. The groups were divided according to the clinical outcome: death, postoperative complications and patients without complications. Results: 5 of 49 (10.2%) children died, 22 children (44.9%) required reoperation, while 22 (44.9%) had no complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant association between fresh hemorrhage in the resection margins and postoperative outcome. In our data, correlation between the vitality of the resection margins or the extent of necrosis and the postoperative course was not seen. Conclusion: This retrospective study shows a significant correlation between a fresh hematoma in the tissue of the resection margin and the clinical prognosis. Fresh bleeding in the resection margins was associated with increased morbidity with stenosis and possibly another surgical intervention. In contrast, no further correlation was found between the vitality of the tunica mucosae, the tunica muscularis or peritonitis in the resection margin or central part of the NEC specimen and the clinical course. In summary, it can be said that the presence of a fresh hematoma at the resection margin is significantly linked to a poorer clinical outcome for the infants with NEC surgery. Other histopathological findings of the surgical specimen with regard to the clinical course show now significant correlation and, therefore, the histological examination mainly serves the medico-legal documentation and quality assurance of the NEC operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 223 KiB  
Article
Perioperative Anti-Fibrotic Treatment Prevents Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis After Lung Cancer Surgery
by Stefano Bongiolatti, Alberto Salvicchi, Elisabetta Rosi, Elena Bargagli, Giovanni Mugnaini, Alessandro Gonfiotti, Federico Lavorini, Paolo Spagnolo, Andrea Dell’Amore, Federico Rea and Luca Voltolini
Life 2024, 14(11), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111506 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 322
Abstract
Background: The surgical treatment of concomitant lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is challenging due to the risk of life-threatening complications such as acute exacerbation development in the perioperative period. Few studies have investigated the role of anti-fibrotic drugs in this [...] Read more.
Background: The surgical treatment of concomitant lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is challenging due to the risk of life-threatening complications such as acute exacerbation development in the perioperative period. Few studies have investigated the role of anti-fibrotic drugs in this setting. The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of acute exacerbation, according to Collard, after lung resection in patients affected by concomitant idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer who were or were not on antifibrotic treatment. Secondary outcomes included: 30 and 90-day mortality and an estimation of overall and disease-free survival. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of patients affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who received curative-intent lung surgery in three Italian academic centers between 2015 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were on perioperative treatment with anti-fibrotic drugs (chronical or prophylactic use) or not. To define predictors of acute exacerbation, univariate and multivariable exact logistic regression analysis were performed. The Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test was used to estimate survival. Results: During the study period, n = 55 patients underwent lung resection for lung cancer, including 29 patients who were treated with antifibrotic agents. Although the sample size was small and few events were studied, the incidence of acute exacerbation was significantly lower among patient on anti-fibrotic therapy (3.4% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.044); in addition, anti-fibrotic treatment was the strong factor preventing acute exacerbation at the multivariable analysis (OR 0.089, p = 0.038). Post-operative 30- and 90-day mortality rates were not significantly lower in the anti-fibrotic treatment group (0% and 0% vs. 7.7% and 11.5%, p = 0.21 and p = 0.099, respectively). Overall and disease-free survival rates were similar. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of this retrospective study with a small sample size, anti-fibrotic perioperative treatment was associated with reduced incidence of acute exacerbation. Based on these real-world data, this pathway could be proposed as a prophylactic treatment in patients with concomitant idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer undergoing lung resection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
25 pages, 2871 KiB  
Article
Immunological Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of TNF-Alpha and Dependent Trends in Serum IL-6 and CXCL8
by Catalina Mihaela Anastasescu, Veronica Gheorman, Eugen-Cristi Stoicanescu, Florica Popescu, Victor Gheorman and Ion Udriștoiu
Life 2024, 14(9), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091201 - 22 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 988
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen a rise in prevalence, and the immune system’s role in brain development is increasingly recognized. This study investigates the relationship between immune dysregulation and ASD by examining serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), [...] Read more.
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen a rise in prevalence, and the immune system’s role in brain development is increasingly recognized. This study investigates the relationship between immune dysregulation and ASD by examining serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in children. Methods: Serum samples from 45 children with ASD and 30 controls, aged 2 to 12 years, were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and chemiluminescent immunoassay. ASD symptoms were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). Results: No significant correlation was observed between CXCL8 levels and ASD. IL-6 levels showed a trend toward elevation in boys with ASD. TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in children with ASD under 5 years compared to older children and controls, though no correlation with symptom severity was found. Conclusions: TNF-alpha may be a potential biomarker for early ASD detection, especially in younger children. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to understand the role of immune dysregulation in ASD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 349 KiB  
Article
Improvement in Body’s Dynamic Adaptation during Walking with Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in Patients with Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Resection
by Natasa Kos, Tomaz Velnar, Marusa Brcar and Marko Brcar
Life 2024, 14(9), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091100 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 778
Abstract
Background: Our study aimed to investigate the effects of vestibular rehabilitation therapy on functional gait performance in patients with balance disorders. Methods: A total of 40 post-operative patients with balance disorders were included in the study. They were divided into two groups and [...] Read more.
Background: Our study aimed to investigate the effects of vestibular rehabilitation therapy on functional gait performance in patients with balance disorders. Methods: A total of 40 post-operative patients with balance disorders were included in the study. They were divided into two groups and participated in a vestibular rehabilitation program during their hospital stay. After discharge, the intervention group performed vestibular exercises at home, while the control group did not. Balance was assessed using the Functional Gait Assessment Scale at discharge and three months after surgery. Results: The intervention group included 15 women and 5 men with an average age of 45 years, while the control group included 7 women and 13 men with an average age of 50 years. Three months after surgery, the change in Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) scores exceeded the clinically significant threshold of 5 points in 17 patients in the intervention group and 14 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in FGA progression between the groups (p = 0.034). After three months post-surgery, 7 patients in the intervention group experienced falls compared to 12 in the control group. Conclusion: Three months after surgery, we observed a significant improvement in the performance of balance tasks while walking and a lower risk of falls in the intervention group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 830 KiB  
Article
Single Center Characterization of a Cohort of Salivary Gland Carcinomas
by Ria Winkelmann, Maja Weißgerber, Peter J. Wild, Julia Bein, Maximilian Fleischmann, Melanie Demes, Panagiotis Balermpas, Andreas Loth, Katrin Bankov and Jens von der Grün
Life 2024, 14(9), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091089 - 29 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is a rare cancer that can present a diagnostic challenge to pathologists, with emerging, but still limited options for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic disease. We aimed to characterize the cohort of salivary gland cancers in our institute and generate [...] Read more.
Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is a rare cancer that can present a diagnostic challenge to pathologists, with emerging, but still limited options for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic disease. We aimed to characterize the cohort of salivary gland cancers in our institute and generate a tissue microarray (TMA) with clinical data available for immunohistochemical analysis. We extracted the cases of salivary gland cancers in our institute and generated a TMA with 72 patients between 2002 and 2017 with sufficient paraffin block material. Follow-up data were present for all cases. The TMA was stained with three p53 antibodies as well as MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and MLH1 antibodies. Additionally, we applied fragment analysis based on the Bethesda panel, and the IdyllaTM MSI test to cases with expression loss of any of the mismatch repair proteins (MMR-P) according to our immunohistochemistry (IHC). The investigated cohort shows that pT and pN stage are the only factors independently associated with survival, according to our multivariate analysis (p = 0.037 and p = 0.014). In univariate analysis, risk factors identified in our cohort were also age (p = 0.015), (lympho-) vascular invasion (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003) and risk stratification (p = 0.037). The p53 protein investigated by three antibodies showed no statistically significant association with survival or other tumor characteristics in the investigated cohort. According to MMR-P IHC, six cases of SGC showed an aberrant IHC phenotype. Additional IdyllaTM MSI test and fragment length analysis failed to confirm microsatellite instability. The pT and pN stage are the most important factors for survival in our cohort. In our cohort, antibodies directed against the protein p53 did not contribute to clinical decision-making and were not correlated with any known clinical characteristics. MSI appears to be insignificant in SGCs. Larger cohorts are needed for verification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 1500 KiB  
Article
Salivary Gland Sonography in Patients with Primary Fibromyalgia—A Pilot Study
by Ching-Tsai Lin, Der-Yuan Chen, Yi-Hsing Chen, Chien-Chen Lai and Kuo-Tung Tang
Life 2024, 14(8), 1043; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14081043 - 22 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is often concomitant with fibromyalgia (FM). Salivary gland sonography aids in the diagnosis of pSS. We aimed to discover, in primary FM patients, the presence of pSS in undiagnosed patients through salivary gland sonography. We prospectively recruited 42 primary [...] Read more.
Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is often concomitant with fibromyalgia (FM). Salivary gland sonography aids in the diagnosis of pSS. We aimed to discover, in primary FM patients, the presence of pSS in undiagnosed patients through salivary gland sonography. We prospectively recruited 42 primary FM patients. FM symptoms were evaluated based on the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). Salivary gland sonography was performed. Patients with positive findings underwent salivary gland biopsy. Comparisons were undertaken using the Mann–Whitney U tests and Chi-squared test. In primary FM patients, the prevalence of dry eye was 83%, and dry mouth was 90%. The salivary gland sonographic score did not differ between patients with and without dry eye/mouth. One patient with a positive finding at salivary gland sonography had a positive result of salivary gland biopsy. In the other four patients who received salivary gland biopsy, despite negative findings in salivary gland sonography, only one had a positive result of salivary gland biopsy. To be noted, scores evaluated by salivary gland sonography were negatively associated with levels of pain (rho = −0.360, p= 0.023) and levels of sleep quality (rho = −0.447, p = 0.004). Our pilot study demonstrated the potential of salivary gland biopsy in detecting undiagnosed pSS in primary FM patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1317 KiB  
Article
Comparative Effects of Fatiguing Exercise on Anticipatory and Compensatory Postural Adjustments between Trained and Untrained Individuals
by Hui Lyu, Xueying Cao and Jian Wang
Life 2024, 14(8), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080943 - 28 Jul 2024
Viewed by 761
Abstract
This study evaluates the effects of general fatiguing exercises on anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), compensatory postural adjustments (CPAs), and standing stability between 18 individuals with comprehensive training experience (TR) and 18 untrained individuals (UT). Assessments were conducted before and after a 20-min fatiguing [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the effects of general fatiguing exercises on anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), compensatory postural adjustments (CPAs), and standing stability between 18 individuals with comprehensive training experience (TR) and 18 untrained individuals (UT). Assessments were conducted before and after a 20-min fatiguing exercise using surface electromyography and a force platform during self-initiated perturbation and postural stability tests. Key findings include that, irrespective of fatigue, the APAs onsets in the TrA/IO (p = 0.004), LMF (PRE p = 0.003, POST p < 0.001), and ST (PRE p = 0.001, POST p = 0.006) muscles activated earlier in the TR group than in the UT group. Additionally, the APA co-contraction indices of the TrA/IO-LMF (PRE p = 0.011, POST p = 0.029), TrA/IO-ST (p = 0.014), and LMF-ST (PRE p = 0.002, POST p = 0.005) muscle pairs were higher in the TR group. After fatigue, the UT group significantly increased CPA co-contraction indices for the TrA/IO-LMF (p = 0.035) and LMF-ST (p = 0.005) muscle pairs. This research highlights the importance of comprehensive training in facilitating feedforward control strategies, particularly for individuals facing challenging postural conditions, such as fatigue or disturbances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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13 pages, 542 KiB  
Review
Mental Manifestations and Biomarkers of Alcohol Consumption
by Ana-Maria Sarpe (Paduraru), Cristina Dodul, Emil-Andrei Vlase, Cristian Onișor, Elena Niculet, Octavian Catalin Ciobotaru and Eduard Polea Drima
Life 2024, 14(7), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070873 - 12 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1021
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine healthcare usage, morbidities, and alcohol consumption monitoring in patients before a diagnosis of mental manifestations to assist in the early identification of individuals at risk. Biological markers of alcoholism are separated into two groups: those [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to examine healthcare usage, morbidities, and alcohol consumption monitoring in patients before a diagnosis of mental manifestations to assist in the early identification of individuals at risk. Biological markers of alcoholism are separated into two groups: those biological variables that highlight with great confidence and validate the presence of a predisposition to alcoholism, also called trait markers, or those that highlight alcohol consumption, called markers of alcoholism (“status markers”). Biomarkers are the true “gold standard” for the diagnosis of alcoholism. They are valuable for tracking evolution and progress during biological and psychological therapy and for highlighting relapse. This review compiles the existing data from research on healthcare utilization, comorbidities, and alcohol consumption monitoring in patients before a diagnosis of mental manifestations to aid in the early identification of individuals at risk. This documentary study took place over three to four months by searching for terms on the Science Direct platform, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar such as alcoholism, alcohol use disorders, alcohol abuse, and biomarkers. Studies reporting on the development, characteristics, and utilization of blood biomarkers for alcohol consumption were included in the search. The initial search included a number of 11.019 articles that contained the keywords biomarkers and alcohol. Finally, a total of 50 research articles were considered. I am involved in clinical studies, meta-analyses, reviews, and case studies regarding alcohol consumption detection, as well as potential alcohol markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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Other

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18 pages, 1680 KiB  
Systematic Review
Glucagon, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Amino Acids in Humans and Animals without Diabetes Mellitus—An Evidence Map
by Katharina Maruszczak, Pia Koren, Konrad Radzikowski, Thomas Pixner, Malte Palm Suppli, Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen, Daniel Weghuber and Gabriel Torbahn
Life 2024, 14(10), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101292 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 993
Abstract
Introduction: Health systems are confronted with not only the growing worldwide childhood obesity epidemic but also associated comorbidities. These subsequently cause variations in distinct metabolic pathways, leading to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The aim of this evidence map is to systematically [...] Read more.
Introduction: Health systems are confronted with not only the growing worldwide childhood obesity epidemic but also associated comorbidities. These subsequently cause variations in distinct metabolic pathways, leading to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The aim of this evidence map is to systematically evaluate the evidence and to identify research gaps on glucagon-induced amino acid (AA) turnover and its metabolic interaction with MASLD. Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted up to April 2023 in three electronic databases. Studies were required to include at least two of the main research areas, glucagon, AA metabolism and MASLD. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts according to prespecified eligibility criteria, as well as full-text articles. Results are summarized in tables stratified by human and animal studies and study population age. Results: Thirty-four references were ultimately included. The publication years dated back to 1965 showed a great increase from 2012 to 2023. In total, there were 19 animal studies and 15 human studies. Among the human studies, except for two studies in adolescents, all the studies were conducted in adults. In human studies, the methods used to evaluate metabolic changes differed among hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and oral glucose tolerance tests. Thirteen studies focused on the metabolic effects of MASLD, while only two studies explored the interaction between MASLD, glucagon and AA metabolism in humans. The other 19 studies focused on metabolomics, beta cell function or just one topic of a research area and not on interactions between one another. Conclusion: Research on the interaction between MASLD, glucagon and AA metabolism in humans is sparse and complete lacking in pediatrics. Furthermore, longitudinal studies with a focus on hyperglucagonemia independent of diabetes but related to MASLD present an unambiguous research gap. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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