THC [BSA]

As a consequence of global warming, extreme events, such as marine heatwaves (MHW), have been increasing in frequency and intensity with negative effects on aquatic organisms. This innovative study evaluated for the first time, the immunological and physiological response of the estuarine edible bivalve Scrobicularia plana to different heatwaves, with distinct duration and recovery periods. So, extensive immune (total haemocyte count - THC, haemocyte viability, phagocytosis rate, respiratory oxidative burst of haemocytes, total protein, protease activity, nitric oxide and bactericidal activity of plasma) and oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation - LPO, superoxide dismutase - SOD, catalase - CAT and glutathione-S-Transferase - GST) analyses were performed in an experimental study that tested the impact of heatwaves during 25 days. The survival and condition of S. plana were not affected by the exposure to the extreme events. However, our data suggested that longer heatwaves with shorter recovery periods can be more challenging for the species, since THC and phagocytic activity were most affected under the temperature increase conditions. Regarding the oxidative status, the species increased its SOD activity while MDA production slightly declined to the increase of temperature, protecting the organism from cellular damage. These results indicate that S. plana has a great capacity to adapt to environmental temperature changes, however, the expected higher frequency/duration of heatwaves with climate change trends can cause some debility of the species face to other stressors, which can compromise its success in the future.

Alongside the epidemic use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) across the country, evidence of multiple pulmonary complications has emerged, with the most immediately life-threatening being the new clinical condition of e-cigarette/vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI), with investigation actively underway to further define this entity and determine the cause or causes. We present a series of cases of respiratory illnesses associated with e-cigarette use, many of which meet criteria for suspected or confirmed EVALI, managed at a pediatric tertiary care center, demonstrating notable variation in presenting symptoms and severity. Most cases improved with supportive respiratory care and the administration of corticosteroids and antibiotics, although generally no infection was found. The cases also tend to show improvement with discontinuation of the use of e-cigarettes. We discuss challenges in determining the contribution of e-cigarettes to the case pathology and review possible diagnostic and treatment options. In patients suffering from e-cigarette-related respiratory illness including EVALI, the primary treatment goal should be the cessation of e-cigarette use and avoidance of other possible pulmonary toxins, including conventional cigarettes. Prevention of e-cigarette use is critical in the youth population, as these patients are typically nicotine naive and do not engage in smoking conventional cigarettes before initiation of vaping.