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Zhao M, Wu Q, Duanmu W, Shen J, Yuan W, Sun Y, Zhang X, Zhang J, He S. Clinical Analysis of Myocardial Injury in Highlanders with Pulmonary Hypertension. High Alt Med Biol 2024. [PMID: 38900692 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2023.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent adverse cardiovascular event at high-altitude environments. Prolonged exposure to high altitudes may result in myocardial injury, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics of myocardial injury in patients with PH at high altitude. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to a general tertiary hospital at the altitude of 3,650 m were selected into this retrospective study. Clinical and biochemical data were collected, as well as based on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and echocardiography, patients were divided into myocardial injury group and non-myocardial injury group. Results: A total of 231 patients were enrolled, among whom 29 (12.6%) had myocardial injury. We found that body mass index, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and serum level of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in myocardial injury group were significantly higher than non-myocardial injury group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that cTnI has a significant positive correlation with CK-MB and lactic dehydrogenase instead of aspartate aminotransferase. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to demonstrate that CK-MB could significantly predict the occurrence of myocardial injury with an area under the curve of 0.749, and a level of 3.035 (sensitivity = 59.3%, specificity = 90.5%) was optimal cutoff value. Conclusion: The incidence of myocardial injury in highlanders with PH is significant. CK-MB, as a convenient and efficient marker, has been found to be closely associated with cTnI and plays a predictive role in the occurrence of myocardial injury with PH in individuals exposed to high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolin Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianjin Wu
- Department of Health Service, Tibetan Military General Hospital, Lhasa, China
| | - Wangsheng Duanmu
- Department of Neurology, Tibetan Military General Hospital, Lhasa, China
| | - Junxian Shen
- Department of Neurology, Tibetan Military General Hospital, Lhasa, China
| | - Weixin Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Tibetan Military General Hospital, Lhasa, China
| | - Yingbin Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Tibetan Military General Hospital, Lhasa, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Tibetan Military General Hospital, Lhasa, China
| | - Jinbao Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyi He
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
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2
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Gatterer H, Villafuerte FC, Ulrich S, Bhandari SS, Keyes LE, Burtscher M. Altitude illnesses. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:43. [PMID: 38902312 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people visit high-altitude regions annually and more than 80 million live permanently above 2,500 m. Acute high-altitude exposure can trigger high-altitude illnesses (HAIs), including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) can affect high-altitude resident populations worldwide. The prevalence of acute HAIs varies according to acclimatization status, rate of ascent and individual susceptibility. AMS, characterized by headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, is usually benign and self-limiting, and has been linked to hypoxia-induced cerebral blood volume increases, inflammation and related trigeminovascular system activation. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier leads to HACE, characterized by altered mental status and ataxia, and increased pulmonary capillary pressure, and related stress failure induces HAPE, characterized by dyspnoea, cough and exercise intolerance. Both conditions are progressive and life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention. Treatment includes supplemental oxygen and descent with appropriate pharmacological therapy. Preventive measures include slow ascent, pre-acclimatization and, in some instances, medications. CMS is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis and related clinical symptoms. In severe CMS, temporary or permanent relocation to low altitude is recommended. Future research should focus on more objective diagnostic tools to enable prompt treatment, improved identification of individual susceptibilities and effective acclimatization and prevention options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Gatterer
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.
- Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine and Health Tourism (ISAG), UMIT TIROL-Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria.
| | - Francisco C Villafuerte
- Laboratorio de Fisiología del Transporte de Oxígeno y Adaptación a la Altura - LID, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sanjeeb S Bhandari
- Mountain Medicine Society of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Emergency Department, UPMC Western Maryland Health, Cumberland, MD, USA
| | - Linda E Keyes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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3
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Horiuchi M, Mitsui S, Uno T. Influence of Smoking and Alcohol Habits on Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness on Mount Fuji: A Questionnaire Survey-Based Pilot Study. High Alt Med Biol 2024; 25:140-148. [PMID: 38416507 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2023.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Horiuchi, Masahiro, Satomi Mitsui, and Tadashi Uno. Influence of smoking and alcohol habits on symptoms of acute mountain sickness on Mount Fuji: a questionnaire survey-based pilot study. High Alt Med Biol 00:000-000, 2024. Background: Acute cigarette smoking or alcohol intake would cause opposing vasculature effects that may influence acute mountain sickness (AMS). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking and alcohol consumption behaviors, and acute smoking and consuming alcohol during ascent on AMS on Mount Fuji. Methods: This questionnaire survey study included 887 participants who climbed Mount Fuji and obtained information regarding sex, age, and smoking and alcohol habits, including behavior during ascent. Results: AMS prevalence was 45% for all participants. A univariate analysis revealed that younger participants (20-29 years) were associated with increased AMS prevalence (effect size [ES] = 0.102, p = 0.057) and severity (ES = 0.18, p = 0.01). A prediction model using multiple logistic regression indicated that several factors influenced AMS risk: younger age (p = 0.001), daily smoking habits (p = 0.021), no smoking (p = 0.033), or alcohol consumption during ascent (p = 0.096). Alcohol consumption during ascent had no effect on the increased AMS risk in younger participants (20-29 years), while alcohol consumption during ascent increased AMS risk for middle-age participants (50-59 years). Conclusion: Younger individuals are more likely to experience AMS. Smoking habits are associated with an increased AMS risk. It may be recommended that middle-aged climbers should ascend without consuming alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Horiuchi
- Faculty of Sports and Life Science, National Institute of Fitness and Sports in KANOYA, Kanoya-City, Japan
- Division of Human Environmental Science, Mount Fuji Research Institute, Fujiyoshida City, Japan
| | - Satomi Mitsui
- Division of Human Environmental Science, Mount Fuji Research Institute, Fujiyoshida City, Japan
| | - Tadashi Uno
- Division of Human Environmental Science, Mount Fuji Research Institute, Fujiyoshida City, Japan
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Allel K, Cabada MM, Lau C, Mills D, Franklin RC, Zhu Y, Furuya-Kanamori L. Causes of death among international travellers in Peru, 2017 to 2021. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taad163. [PMID: 38127642 PMCID: PMC10823482 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wellbeing and safety of international tourists is a paramount concern for governments and stakeholders. Mortality among travellers and the causes of death serve as a significant metric of destination safety. We describe the epidemiology and causes of death among international travellers in Peru. METHODS Data retrieved from the Peruvian government's deaths certificates registry included all non-residents who died between January 2017 and December 2021. We analysed the national incidence and causes of death among international travellers in Peru. Causes of death were classified into non-communicable diseases (NCD), communicable diseases and injuries. We classified fatalities according to the existence of preventive measures that could be provided during the travel medicine consultation to decrease the risk. RESULTS We obtained records from 1514 deaths among international travellers (973 males, 64%). The incidence increased from 0.2 deaths per 10 000 travellers in 2017 to 9.9 in 2021. NCDs were the most common causes of death (n = 560, 37%), followed by communicable diseases (n = 487, 32%), and injuries (n = 321, 21%). Causes of death were unknown in 9.7% of the records. The leading causes of death in these categories were cancer, cardiovascular disease, COVID-19 and trauma. We found similar sex distribution of NCDs in travellers aged >50 years and higher rates of communicable diseases among males across all ages. Injury-associated deaths were significantly higher among males aged 18-29 years (P < 0.001) compared with other sex-age groups. We estimated that for 57.7% of deaths risk could have been decreased through pre-travel advice. CONCLUSION Rates of deaths among travellers to Peru increased over time. Most deaths were due to NCDs, followed by communicable diseases and injuries. Pre-travel medical optimization and effective advice focused on age-sex and destination specific risks could reduce risk among travellers. Increased awareness among travel medicine practitioners and improvement of emergency medical response systems in Peru could decrease mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasim Allel
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - Miguel M Cabada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Cusco Branch – Alexander von Humboldt Tropical Medicine Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru
| | - Collen Lau
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - Deborah Mills
- Dr Deb The Travel Doctor, Travel Medicine Alliance, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Richard C Franklin
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Yan Zhu
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia
- Zhuhai International Travel Healthcare Center of China Customs, Zhuhai 519020, China
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia
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Warthon J, Alvarez M, Olarte A, Quispe Y, Jalixto V, Valencia N, Mio-Diaz M, Zamalloa A, Warthon B. Reduction of the concentration of particulate material at a sampling point in Cusco city at the beginning of the pandemic. Sci Rep 2024; 14:849. [PMID: 38191800 PMCID: PMC10774446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 generated various impacts on public health, the environment and other anthropogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reduction of air pollution due to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] particulate matter in Cusco city at the beginning of the pandemic. Social confinement in Peru began on March 16, 2020, until the end of June. These health measures caused strict isolation that resulted in a significant decrease in vehicle flow on the streets and avenues of the city of Cusco. In the first days of May, even during the time of confinement, we managed to measure air quality at a sampling point located on the campus of the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad de Cusco; a reduction in air pollution due to particulate matter was observed. The evaluation was carried out using an high-volume (HiVol) 3000 particulate matter sampler and the mass of particulate matter adhered to the filters was determined by gravimetry. The concentrations of particulate matter [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] obtained pre-pandemic were compared with those recorded at the beginning of the pandemic. The results revealed a significant average reduction in the concentration of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], reaching - 57.43% and - 59.52%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic values. At the same time, its relationship with meteorological parameters and Google mobility data was evaluated and it was concluded that these parameters did not significantly affect the reduction of particulate matter. This study reveals the positive effects of the pandemic in reducing air pollution and the confinement measures had as a secondary effect on the decrease in air pollution in Cusco City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Warthon
- Departamento Académico de Física, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru.
| | - Modesta Alvarez
- Departamento Académico de Biología, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru
| | - Amanda Olarte
- Departamento Académico de Química, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru
| | - Yanett Quispe
- Departamento Académico de Física, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru
| | - Victor Jalixto
- Departamento Académico de Física, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru
| | - Nazaria Valencia
- Departamento Académico de Química, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru
| | - Mirian Mio-Diaz
- Departamento Académico de Biología, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru
| | - Ariatna Zamalloa
- Departamento Académico de Física, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru
| | - Bruce Warthon
- Departamento Académico de Física, Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Av. De La Cultura 733, Cusco, 08003, Peru.
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Burtscher J, Swenson ER, Hackett PH, Millet GP, Burtscher M. Flying to high-altitude destinations: Is the risk of acute mountain sickness greater? J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad011. [PMID: 36694981 PMCID: PMC10289512 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altitude sojourns increasingly attract individuals of all ages and different health statuses due to the appeal of high-altitude destinations worldwide and easy access to air travel. The risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) when flying to high-altitude destinations remains underemphasized. Thus, this review aims to evaluate the altitude-dependent AMS incidence depending on the mode of ascending, e.g. by air vs terrestrial travel. METHODS A literature search was performed to identify the observational studies assessing AMS incidence after acute ascent of primarily healthy adults to real high altitude. In addition, placebo arms of interventional trials evaluating the prophylactic efficacy of various drugs have been separately analysed to confirm or refute the findings from the observational studies. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the altitude-dependent AMS incidence. RESULTS Findings of 12 observational studies, in which the AMS incidence in 11 021 individuals ascending to 19 different altitudes (2200-4559 m) was evaluated, revealed an impressive 4.5-fold steeper increase in the AMS incidence for air travel as compared with slower ascent modes, i.e. hiking or combined car and/or air travel and hiking. The higher AMS incidence following transportation by flight vs slower means was also confirmed in placebo-treated participants in 10 studies of drug prophylaxis against AMS. CONCLUSIONS Due to the short time span in going from low to high altitude, reduced acclimatization likely is the main reason for a higher AMS risk when travelling to high-altitude destinations by flight. To avoid frustrating travel experiences and health risks, appropriate and timely medical advice on how to prepare for air travel to high altitude is of vital importance. Effective preparation options include the use of modern pre-acclimatization strategies and pharmacological prophylaxis by acetazolamide or dexamethasone, or even considering alternate itineraries with more gradual ascent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Burtscher
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Erik R Swenson
- VA Puget Health Care System, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter H Hackett
- Altitude Research Center, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
- Austrian Society for Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
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7
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Kim LJ, Pho H, Pham LV, Polotsky VY. Isocapnic CO2 administration stabilizes breathing and eliminates apneas during sleep in obese mice exposed to hypoxia. Sleep 2023; 46:zsac243. [PMID: 36183293 PMCID: PMC9905775 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lenise J Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Huy Pho
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luu V Pham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vsevolod Y Polotsky
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Sharma KP. Temporary hypoxemia at high altitude in an intensive care unit physician. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231153526. [PMID: 36776206 PMCID: PMC9909067 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231153526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A 42-year-old pediatric intensive care unit physician traveled to Nepal and took a helicopter trip to Everest Base Camp. The helicopter reached an altitude of 5500 m during flight and descended at different destinations with varying altitudes. At Hotel Everest View at 3820 m, his oxygen saturation was 79%. He had mild tachypnea and deep breathing but was able to walk around, jump, and take photographs. He returned to Kathmandu (altitude, 1324 m) without using any supplemental oxygen during the entire trip. Based on calculations with the alveolar gas equation, he observed that he and his fellow passengers probably had hypoxemia during the trip. In summary, temporary hypoxemia associated with high altitude in healthy individuals without cardiorespiratory compromise may not require oxygen therapy. In contrast, intensive care unit patients who have respiratory failure may have similar oxygen saturation levels but may require oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. The oxygen saturation level must be interpreted in consideration of the clinical scenario before deciding about the need for oxygen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal P Sharma
- Kamal P Sharma, Children & Women’s Hospital, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, 1700 Center Street, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
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9
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Balentine CM, Bolnick DA. Parallel evolution in human populations: A biocultural perspective. Evol Anthropol 2022; 31:302-316. [PMID: 36059181 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Parallel evolution-where different populations evolve similar traits in response to similar environments-has been a topic of growing interest to biologists and biological anthropologists for decades. Parallel evolution occurs in human populations thanks to myriad biological and cultural mechanisms that permit humans to survive and thrive in diverse environments worldwide. Because humans shape and are shaped by their environments, biocultural approaches that emphasize the interconnections between biology and culture are key to understanding parallel evolution in human populations as well as the nuances of human biological variation and adaptation. In this review, we discuss how biocultural theory has been and can be applied to studies of parallel evolution and adaptation more broadly. We illustrate this through four examples of parallel evolution in humans: malaria resistance, lactase persistence, cold tolerance, and high-altitude adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Balentine
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Deborah A Bolnick
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Furian M, Tannheimer M, Burtscher M. Effects of Acute Exposure and Acclimatization to High-Altitude on Oxygen Saturation and Related Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Health and Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226699. [PMID: 36431176 PMCID: PMC9697047 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maximal values of aerobic power (VO2max) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2max) decline in parallel with gain in altitude. Whereas this relationship has been well investigated when acutely exposed to high altitude, potential benefits of acclimatization on SpO2 and related VO2max in healthy and diseased individuals have been much less considered. Therefore, this narrative review was primarily aimed to identify relevant literature reporting altitude-dependent changes in determinants, in particular SpO2, of VO2max and effects of acclimatization in athletes, healthy non-athletes, and patients suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory and/or metabolic diseases. Moreover, focus was set on potential differences with regard to baseline exercise performance, age and sex. Main findings of this review emphasize the close association between individual SpO2 and VO2max, and demonstrate similar altitude effects (acute and during acclimatization) in healthy people and those suffering from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, in patients with ventilatory constrains, i.e., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, steep decline in SpO2 and V̇O2max and reduced potential to acclimatize stress the already low exercise performance. Finally, implications for prevention and therapy are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Furian
- Pulmonary Division, University Hospital Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Research Department, Swiss University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 5330 Bad Zurzach, Switzerland
| | - Markus Tannheimer
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Correspondence:
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