Diaphragm dysfunction: how to diagnose and how to treat?

The diaphragm, crucial for respiratory function, is susceptible to dysfunction due to various pathologies that can affect the nervous system, neuromuscular junction or the muscle itself. Diaphragmatic dysfunction presents with symptoms ranging from exertional dyspnoea to respiratory failure, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation complemented by imaging and pulmonary function tests.

Effects of wildfire ash on the fatty acid and sugar profiles of bivalves - A comparative study of a freshwater and a marine species.

Wildfires can impact both freshwater and marine ecosystems through post-fire runoff, but its effects on bivalves, particularly those living in marine habitats, remain largely overlooked. While evidence exists that wildfire ash can alter the fatty acid (FA) and sugar profiles of aquatic biota, its influence on the biochemical profiles of bivalves have not been addressed to date. This study aimed to assess the effects of ash exposure on the FA and sugar profiles of two bivalve species used for human consumption: a freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) and a marine bivalve (Cerastoderma edule), additionally evaluating potential effects on their nutritional value.

Water intake in athletes: Agreement between food records and isotope-dilution methods.

Background: Although water intake (WI) is commonly estimated through self-reporting, its inaccuracy is reported. Water turnover (rHO)-derived WI is the reference method; however, it is costly. The study aimed to validate alternative methods for determining WI in a group of athletes.

The burden of HIV-1 and HIV-2 epidemics in Ivory Coast.

Simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) infecting chimpanzees (SIVcpz) and sooty mangabeys (SIVsm) are, respectively, the biological precursors of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) Types 1 and 2. Former French colonies in West Africa are the regions where retroviruses first jumped from primates to humans. Ivory Coast is nowadays a country of over 29 million people, being 2% (580,000) persons living with HIV (PLWH).