Non-Markovian effects on protein sequence evolution due to site dependent substitution rates

Many models of protein sequence evolution, in particular those based on Point Accepted Mutation (PAM) matrices, assume that its dynamics is Markovian. Nevertheless, it has been observed that evolution seems to proceed differently at different time scales, questioning this assumption. In 2011 Kosiol and Goldman proved that, if evolution is Markovian at the codon level, it can not be Markovian at the amino acid level. However, it remains unclear up to which point the Markov assumption is verified at the codon level

Therapeutic Mechanisms of Action for Hyperbaric Oxygen on Femoral Head Necrosis

Femoral head necrosis (FHN) is a disease process resulting from inadequate blood perfusion of subchondral bone. While the etiology of this disease is still not fully understood, there are multiple traumatic and atraumatic factors that are associated with the disease. Pathophysiology of the disease is characterized by the death of bone marrow and osteocytes. If left untreated, the disease may progress to joint collapse. While initial stages of the disease are asymptomatic, painful limitation of active and passive motion of the hip is eventually present. The current body of literature cannot identify an optimal treatment protocol for FHN. Postcollapse cases require surgical intervention, core decompression, or total hip arthroplasty. However, current strides in conservative management are being made. One of the possible conservative modalities that may effectively delay hip arthroplasty or even prevent the need for a surgical approach is hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. HBO2 increases extracellular oxygen concentration and reduces cellular ischemia and edema by inducing vasoconstriction. Studies have reported radiographic improvement, reduction in pain, and increases in range of motion for early stages of the disease. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been shown to stimulate angiogenesis and enhance osteoclast and osteoblast function for remodeling and repair

Sport-specific balance tests account for youth alpine skiers’ ranking

Objective: Alpine skiing requires complex motor skills and fine adjustments to maintain balance in dynamic and challenging conditions. This study aimed to understand whether the balance ability in unspecific (UST) and sport-specific (SST) tasks could depend on the skiers’ ranking level. The balance performance of the dominant and non-dominant limbs in the SST was also investigated.Methods: Twenty-five skiers (14.96 ± 1.61 yrs; 1.69 ± 0.69 m; 59.9 ± 9.52 kg) were divided into high-ranking (position < 50) and low-ranking (position > 50) groups. Subjects performed three balance conditions: static (ST), dynamic UST, and dynamic SST. Subjects stood on an unstable board over a force platform during UST. During SST, subjects wore ski boots, grasped ski poles, and each foot was clipped to an unstable board over two force plates. From the center-of-pressure (CoP) trajectory the area of the 95th percentile ellipse and the CoP mean velocity were calculated. Angular displacements were recorded by a 12-camera system, to calculate the full balance (FB), fine (FiB), and gross (GB) balance in UST and SST.Results: Balance control was higher (p < 0.01) in high-ranking than low-ranking skiers only in the SST. Kinematic parameters (i.e., FB, FiB, and GB) showed a higher (p < 0.001) balance performance in SST than UST independently from the group. Dominant and non-dominant limbs motion was similar (Pearson correlation, r = 0.97) in SST independently from the skiers’ ranking.Conclusion: High-ranking skiers showed better balance control and performance than low-ranking skiers only when the task was sport-specific. Therefore, we suggest testing balance under sport-specific conditions to discriminate the youth skiers’ abilities

Alcohol abuse and dependence in adults in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Descrever as prevalências de consumo abusivo e dependência de álcool em população adulta de 20 a 59 anos no Estado de São Paulo, e suas associações com variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. MÉTODOS: Inquérito domiciliar do tipo transversal (ISA-SP), em quatro áreas do Estado de São Paulo: a) Região Sudoeste da Grande São Paulo, constituída pelos Municípios de Taboão da Serra, Itapecerica da Serra e Embu; b) Distrito do Butantã, no Município de São Paulo; c) Município de Campinas e; d) Município de Botucatu. Foi considerado consumo abusivo de álcool a ingestão em dia típico de 30 gramas ou mais de etanol para os homens, e 24 gramas ou mais para as mulheres. A dependência de álcool foi caracterizada pelo questionário CAGE. Análises bivariadas e multivariadas dos dados foram realizadas a partir de Modelos de Regressão de Poisson. Todas as análises foram estratificadas por sexo. RESULTADOS: Em 1.646 adultos entrevistados, a prevalência de consumo abusivo de álcool foi de 52,9% no sexo masculino e 26,8% no sexo feminino. Quanto à dependência de álcool, foram observadas duas ou mais respostas positivas no teste CAGE em 14,8% dos homens e em 5,4% das mulheres que relataram consumir álcool. Isto corresponde a uma prevalência populacional de dependência de 10,4% nos homens e 2,6% nas mulheres. O consumo abusivo de álcool no sexo masculino apresentou associação inversa à faixa etária e associação direta à escolaridade e ao tabagismo. No sexo feminino, observou-se associação direta do consumo abusivo de álcool com a escolaridade e o tabagismo, e com as situações conjugais sem companheiro. A dependência de álcool no sexo masculino associou-se a não exercer atividade de trabalho e à baixa escolaridade. No sexo feminino não houve associação do CAGE com nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. CONCLUSÕES: Pela alta prevalência de consumidores e dependentes, é essencial a identificação dos segmentos sociodemográficos mais vulneráveis ao consumo abusivo e dependência de álcool. As associações entre a dependência/abuso e não estar exercendo atividade de trabalho, no sexo masculino, e a maior prevalência em mulheres de escolaridade universitária, sugerem componentes para programas de intervenção e controle.OBJETIVE: To investigate alcohol abuse and dependence in adults aged 20-59 years, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, according to demographic and socio-economic characteristics. METHODS: Cross-sectional household survey carried out in four areas of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The CAGE questionnaire was used to investigate alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse was defined as daily consumption of at least 30 grams of alcohol for men and 24 grams for women. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed to detect associations and high-risk groups. All analyses were stratified by gender. RESULTS: 1,646 adults were interviewed. The prevalence of alcohol abuse was 52.9% among men and 26.8% in women. With a CAGE cutoff point > 2, alcohol dependence was found in 14.8% of male drinkers and 5.4% of female drinkers. These proportions correspond to a population prevalence of alcohol addiction of 10.4% in men and 2.6% in women. With regard to alcohol abuse, in men, it was negatively associated with age and directly associated with schooling and smoking. In women, alcohol abuse was also associated with schooling and smoking, and with living without a partner. In men, a significant association was found between alcohol dependence and lower schooling levels. Unemployment was also significantly associated with alcohol dependence in men. No overall association was found in alcohol dependence in women. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed high prevalences of alcohol abuse and dependence. The association of alcohol abuse with higher schooling and the finding of alcohol dependence among unemployed men suggest elements for intervention and control policies.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo - FAPESP 98/14099-7 e Secretaria da Saúde do Estado de São Paul

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ameliorates osteonecrosis in patients by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress

Early stages of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) can be conservatively treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This study investigated how HBOT modulates inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in patients with AVNFH. Twenty-three male patients were treated with two cycles of HBOT, 30 sessions each with a 30 days break between cycles. Each session consisted of 90 minutes of 100% inspired oxygen at 2.5 absolute atmospheres of pressure. Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and ROS production were measured before treatment (T0), after 15 and 30 HBOT sessions (T1 and T2), after the 30-day break (T3), and after 60 sessions (T4). Results showed a significant reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 plasma levels over time. This decrease in inflammatory markers mirrored observed reductions in bone marrow edema and reductions in patient self-reported pain

Alcohol abuse and dependence in adults in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Descrever as prevalências de consumo abusivo e dependência de álcool em população adulta de 20 a 59 anos no Estado de São Paulo, e suas associações com variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas. Inquérito domiciliar do tipo transversal (ISA-SP), em quatro áreas do Estado de São Paulo: a) Região Sudoeste da Grande São Paulo, constituída pelos Municípios de Taboão da Serra, Itapecerica da Serra e Embu; b) Distrito do Butantã, no Município de São Paulo; c) Município de Campinas e; d) Município de Botucatu. Foi considerado consumo abusivo de álcool a ingestão em dia típico de 30 gramas ou mais de etanol para os homens, e 24 gramas ou mais para as mulheres. A dependência de álcool foi caracterizada pelo questionário CAGE. Análises bivariadas e multivariadas dos dados foram realizadas a partir de Modelos de Regressão de Poisson. Todas as análises foram estratificadas por sexo. Em 1.646 adultos entrevistados, a prevalência de consumo abusivo de álcool foi de 52,9% no sexo masculino e 26,8% no sexo feminino. Quanto à dependência de álcool, foram observadas duas ou mais respostas positivas no teste CAGE em 14,8% dos homens e em 5,4% das mulheres que relataram consumir álcool. Isto corresponde a uma prevalência populacional de dependência de 10,4% nos homens e 2,6% nas mulheres. O consumo abusivo de álcool no sexo masculino apresentou associação inversa à faixa etária e associação direta à escolaridade e ao tabagismo. No sexo feminino, observou-se associação direta do consumo abusivo de álcool com a escolaridade e o tabagismo, e com as situações conjugais sem companheiro. A dependência de álcool no sexo masculino associou-se a não exercer atividade de trabalho e à baixa escolaridade. No sexo feminino não houve associação do CAGE com nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. Pela alta prevalência de consumidores e dependentes, é essencial a identificação dos segmentos sociodemográficos mais vulneráveis ao consumo abusivo e dependência de álcool. As associações entre a dependência/abuso e não estar exercendo atividade de trabalho, no sexo masculino, e a maior prevalência em mulheres de escolaridade universitária, sugerem componentes para programas de intervenção e controle1323314325FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP98/14099-7To investigate alcohol abuse and dependence in adults aged 20-59 years, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, according to demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Cross-sectional household survey carried out in four areas of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The CAGE questionnaire was used to investigate alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse was defined as daily consumption of at least 30 grams of alcohol for men and 24 grams for women. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed to detect associations and high-risk groups. All analyses were stratified by gender. 1,646 adults were interviewed. The prevalence of alcohol abuse was 52.9% among men and 26.8% in women. With a CAGE cutoff point > 2, alcohol dependence was found in 14.8% of male drinkers and 5.4% of female drinkers. These proportions correspond to a population prevalence of alcohol addiction of 10.4% in men and 2.6% in women. With regard to alcohol abuse, in men, it was negatively associated with age and directly associated with schooling and smoking. In women, alcohol abuse was also associated with schooling and smoking, and with living without a partner. In men, a significant association was found between alcohol dependence and lower schooling levels. Unemployment was also significantly associated with alcohol dependence in men. No overall association was found in alcohol dependence in women. Our data revealed high prevalences of alcohol abuse and dependence. The association of alcohol abuse with higher schooling and the finding of alcohol dependence among unemployed men suggest elements for intervention and control policie

Different Gymnastic Balls Affect Postural Balance Rather Than Core-Muscle Activation: A Preliminary Study

Background: In proprioceptive training, unstable devices produce multidirectional perturbations that must be counterbalanced by the postural control systems and core-muscle activation. We investigated whether different sizes and shapes of three gymnastic balls could affect core-muscle activation and postural balance when performing the same exercise. Methods: Eleven young healthy subjects were assessed on the balls, assuming two body postures (bipedal seated and unipedal seated) and performing a dynamic exercise. Two balls were spherical with different diameters, and one was ovoid. Postural balance and muscle activation were assessed through center of pressure (CoP)-related parameters and surface electromyography. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of the gymnastic balls (p < 0.001) and the body postures (p < 0.001) for the CoP-related parameters, with the ovoid shape and the bipedal sitting representing the easiest conditions. Core-muscle activation was affected only by body postures, with a higher activation in the unipedal sitting (p < 0.01). In the dynamic exercise, significant differences were only detected for the CoP-related parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The shapes and sizes of the gymnastic balls produced different degrees of destabilization under the same body posture but left the core-muscle activation unaltered. In the dynamic exercise, the conformation of the balls did not represent the main determinant in producing destabilizing effects

EXERCISE PROTOCOLS WITH UNSTABLE DEVICES TO ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF NEUROMUSCULAR MECHANISMS IN POSTURAL CONTROL

Il controllo della postura e dell’equilibrio sono fondamentali per svolgere in sicurezza le attività della vita quotidiana e, più in generale, tutte le attività motorie. Le gymnastic ball sono dispositivi instabili utilizzati per attuare strategie di allenamento e riabilitazione all’interno di programmi di allenamento funzionale e propriocettivo. Al giorno d’oggi, la presenza di gymnastic ball o altri dispositivi instabili durante la pratica di allenamento coinvolge ampie fasce della popolazione. Le gymnastic ball, infatti, vengono utilizzate per il miglioramento delle prestazioni atletiche, per scopi ricreativi e riabilitativi, nonché per migliorare la qualità della vita quotidiana in persone con specifiche necessità fisiche. I dispositivi instabili sono ampiamente applicati negli esercizi di riabilitazione e di forza per aumentare l’attività muscolare, la intensità dell’esercizio e la propriocezione articolare. Inoltre, diversi canali di informazione suggeriscono spesso la gymnastic ball come alternativa alla seduta classica. Le gymnastic ball, rispetto alle sedie convenzionali, non forniscono una base stabile di appoggio e quindi possono richiedere un maggiore impegno muscolare per mantenere la postura del corpo. Tuttavia, è difficile dedurre se un aumento della forza muscolare o un miglioramento possa derivare all’uso quotidiano della gymnastic ball come seduta o all’interno di protocolli di allenamento. In effetti, la ricerca a sostegno di queste ipotesi è scarsa e contraddittoria. Pertanto, considerando lo stato dell’arte e la varietà della ricerca relativa ai dispositivi instabili e al loro utilizzo all’interno dei programmi di allenamento, questo progetto mira a rispondere alle attuali domande e lacune nella ricerca attuale, nonché ad indicare aperture per continuare la futura indagine sul campo. In dettaglio, attraverso l’applicazione di tecniche quali l’elettromiografia di superfice, l’analisi cinematica e cinetica, questo progetto mira in primo luogo ad approfondire il ruolo dei dispositivi instabili in risposta all’esercizio considerando i principali parametri posturali e neuromuscolari.Posture and balance control are essential to safely achieve daily living activities and motor tasks in general. Unstable devices during training practice encompass large sections of the population. Currently, gymnastic balls are the most unstable devices used to implement training and rehabilitation strategies in functional and proprioceptive training programs. Gymnastic balls are used for improving athletic performance, recreational and rehabilitation purposes, and daily-living quality of life enhancement in people with specific necessities. Moreover, several information channels frequently suggest gymnastic ball sitting. However, it is hard to infer if an increase in muscle strength could be due to the daily use of the gymnastic ball. Research supporting and objectifying the use of gymnastic balls or other unstable devices (e.g., balance discs, wobble boars) in training practice is few and contradictory. Hence, considering state of the art and the variety of research regarding unstable devices and their use within the training programs, this three-year research project aimed to answer questions and gaps in the current research and point out openings for future investigation in the field. In detail, by applying surface electromyography, kinematic, and kinetic analysis techniques, this project aimed to deepen the role of unstable devices in response to exercise to enhance postural and neuro-muscular control mechanisms

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis in the workplace: The office is on fire

From the second half of the previous century, there has been a shift toward occupations largely composed of desk-based behaviors. This, inevitably, has led to a workload reduction and a consequent lower energy expenditure. On this point, small increments of the non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) could be the rationale to reach health benefits over a prolonged period. Different published researches suggest solutions to reverse sitting time and new alternative workstations have been thought to increase total physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current state of the research regarding the “NEAT approach” to weight-gain prevention in work environments. This review analyzes the main evidence regarding new alternative workstations such as standing, walking workstations, seated pedal, and gymnastic balls to replace a standard office chair

Different Gymnastic Balls Affect Postural Balance Rather Than Core-Muscle Activation: A Preliminary Study

Background: In proprioceptive training, unstable devices produce multidirectional perturbations that must be counterbalanced by the postural control systems and core-muscle activation. We investigated whether different sizes and shapes of three gymnastic balls could affect core-muscle activation and postural balance when performing the same exercise. Methods: Eleven young healthy subjects were assessed on the balls, assuming two body postures (bipedal seated and unipedal seated) and performing a dynamic exercise. Two balls were spherical with different diameters, and one was ovoid. Postural balance and muscle activation were assessed through center of pressure (CoP)-related parameters and surface electromyography. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of the gymnastic balls (p p p p Conclusions: The shapes and sizes of the gymnastic balls produced different degrees of destabilization under the same body posture but left the core-muscle activation unaltered. In the dynamic exercise, the conformation of the balls did not represent the main determinant in producing destabilizing effects