Anthropometric Characteristics, Body Composition and Somatotype in Elite Junior ITF Tennis Players from South America

Indexación: Scopus; Scielo.El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las características antropométricas, composición corporal y somatotipo en tenistas varones elite juniors sudamericanos de la Federación Internacional de Tenis. Participaron 25 jugadores de 17,04 ± 1,05 años. La composición corporal se evaluó con el perfil restringido de 25 variables propuesto por Kerr en base al método pentacompartimental, el cual fracciona el cuerpo en 5 componentes (tejidos: muscular, adiposo, óseo, residual, y piel). El somatotipo se identificó con el método de Heath y Carter. Para la evaluación se utilizaron las normas propuestas por La Sociedad Internacional para el Avance de la Cineantropometría (ISAK) y el Grupo Español de Cineantropometría (GREC). El porcentaje de tejido muscular fue de 47,65 ± 2,83 %, tejido adiposo de 23,23 ± 3,56 %, y tejido óseo de 11,79 ± 1,56 % con un índice músculoóseo(IMO) de 4,09 ± 0,50. En cuanto al somatotipo se apreció una clasificación de tipo mesomorfo balanceado con valores de 2,5 ± 0,81 de endomorfia, 4,9 ± 0,66 de mesomorfia, y 2,7 ± 0,96 de ectomorfia. El grupo de tenistas presentó un predominio del componente mesomorfia con un equilibrio entre los componentes endomorfia y ectomorfia con características de composición corporal similares a las encontradas en la literatura. El presente estudio entrega datos referenciales sobre las características antropométricas en tenistas sudamericanos nivel elite categoría junior.The objective of the study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype in male elite junior tennis players from the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Twenty five players of 17.04 ± 1.05 years participated. The body composition was evaluated with the restricted profile of 25 variables proposed by Kerr based on the pent compartmental method, which divided the body into 5 components (tissues: muscle, adipose, bone, residual, and skin). The somatotype was identified with the Heath and Carter method. For the evaluation, the norms proposed by the International Society for the Advancement of Cineanthropometry (ISAK) and the Spanish Group of Cineanthropometry (GREC) were used. The percentage of muscle tissue was 47.65 ± 2.83 %, adipose tissue of 23.23 ± 3.56 %, and bone tissue of 11.79 ± 1.56 % with a muscle-osseous index (IMO) of 4.09 ± 0.50. Regarding somatotype, a balanced mesomorphic classification was observed with values of 2.5 ± 0.81 of endomorphy, 4.9 ± 0.66 of mesomorphy, and 2.7 ± 0.96 of ectomorphy. The group of tennis players presented a predominance of the mesomorphy component with a balance between the components endomorphy and ectomorphy with characteristics of body composition similar to those found in the literature. The present study provides referential data on the anthropometric characteristics in South American tennis players elite junior category.https://scielo.conicyt.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-95022018000301095&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=e

Assessment of DNA Damage by Comet Assay in Buccal Epithelial Cells: Problems, Achievement, Perspectives

DNA damage risk assessment in comet assay by the use of buccal mucosa cells has great advantages in comparison with other cell type sample due to more safely, easier, cheaper, and non-invasive method for in vivo studies. According to the OECD Guidelines, the in vivo mammalian alkaline comet assay is well-established and validated method for measuring DNA strand breaks in single eukaryotic cells. Considering exposure to xenobiotics and endogenous damage inductors, buccal mucosa cells are the first to be in direct contact after exposure and this makes them an ideal biomatrices in evaluation of the level of individual genotoxicity to several compounds already mentioned. Their clinical diagnostic applicability confers a potential use in patients across time. However, the number of publications referring to the human buccal comet assay is low in the last two decades. This low growing interest may be explained by several factors, including its relative technical problems. Different procedures have been used in collecting and processing the samples. In order to have widespread acceptance and credibility in human population studies, the comet assay in buccal cells requires standardization of the protocol, of parameters analyzed, and a better knowledge of critical features affecting the assay outcomes, including the definition of the values of spontaneous DNA damage. There is a need for further collaborative work as in the HUMN (micronucleus assay on lymphocytes) and HUMNxL (micronucleus assay on buccal cells) collaborative projects. The creation of a network of laboratories will allow more focused validation studies, including the design of a classic, historic, prospective cohort study in order to explore the link between measures of genetic instability in the buccal mucosa and the risk of cancer and other chronic-degenerative diseases. One such network connection will start in 2016 as a COST project under the name “hCOMET—The comet assay as a human biomonitoring tool” launched by Prof. Andrew Collins

Genetic Evidence Supports the Multiethnic Character of Teopancazco, a Neighborhood Center of Teotihuacan, Mexico (AD 200-600)

Multiethnicity in Teopancazco, Teotihuacan, is supported by foreign individuals found in the neighborhood center as well as by the diversity observed in funerary rituals at the site. Studies of both stable and strontium isotopes as well as paleodietary analysis, suggest that the population of Teopancazco was composed by three population groups: people from Teotihuacan, people from nearby sites (Tlaxcala-Hidalgo-Puebla), and people from afar, including the coastal plains. In an attempt to understand the genetic dynamics in Teopancazco we conducted an ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis based on mtDNA. Our results show that the level of genetic diversity is consistent with the multiethnicity phenomenon at the neighborhood center. Levels of genetic diversity at different time periods of Teopancazco's history show that multiethnicity was evident since the beginning and lasted until the collapse of the neighborhood center. However, a PCA and a Neighbor-Joining tree suggested the presence of a genetically differentiated group (buried at the Transitional phase) compared to the population from the initial phase (Tlamimilolpa) as well as the population from the final phase (Xolalpan) of the history of Teopancazco. Genetic studies showed no differences in genetic diversity between males and females in the adult population of Teopancazco, this data along with ample archaeological evidence, suggest a neolocal post-marital pattern of residence in Teopancazco. Nevertheless, genetic analyses on the infant population showed that the males are significantly more heterogeneous than the females suggesting a possible differential role in cultural practices by sex in the infant sector. Regarding interpopulation analysis, we found similar indices of genetic diversity between Teopancazco and heterogeneous native groups, which support the multiethnic character of Teopancazco. Finally, our data showed a close genetic relationship between Teopancazco and populations from the "Teotihuacan corridor" and from Oaxaca and the Maya region, in agreement with previous archaeological evidence

Structural stabilization of botulinum neurotoxins by tyrosine phosphorylation

AbstractTyrosine phosphorylation of botulinum neurotoxins augments their proteolytic activity and thermal stability, suggesting a substantial modification of the global protein conformation. We used Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to study changes of secondary structure and thermostability of tyrosine phosphorylated botulinum neurotoxins A (BoNT A) and E (BoNT E). Changes in the conformationally-sensitive amide I band upon phosphorylation indicated an increase of the α-helical content with a concomitant decrease of less ordered structures such as turns and random coils, and without changes in β-sheet content. These changes in secondary structure were accompanied by an increase in the residual amide II absorbance band remaining upon H-D exchange, consistent with a tighter packing of the phosphorylated proteins. FTIR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses of the denaturation process show that phosphorylated neurotoxins denature at temperatures higher than those required by non-phosphorylated species. These findings indicate that tyrosine phosphorylation induced a transition to higher order and that the more compact structure presumably imparts to the phosphorylated neurotoxins the higher catalytic activity and thermostability

The TRPM8 antagonist RGM8-51 displays analgesic activity in different pain models

TRPM8 channels are overexpressed in sensory neurons after nerve injury or inflammation, resulting in enhanced sensitivity (allodynia and hyperalgesia) to physical stimulation, and have been implicated in migraine, but the interest of TRPM8 antagonists is still a matter of controversy (1,2). The aim of our work was to evaluate the analgesic activity of a TRPM8 antagonist, RGM8-51, in different pain models, looking for similarities and differences with other antagonists. To this end, we used the mouse oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, the chronic constriction injury of the rat sciatic nerve (CCI) and mouse NTG-induced migraine-like models. Compound RGM8- 51 reduces the cold allodynia induced by oxaliplatin, from 15 to 60 min after administration (0.1-1 μg, i.pl.), decreases the nocifensive responses to cold, heat and mechanical stimuli in the CCI model (10 μg, i.pl., 30 mg/Kg, i.p.), and relief chronic pain associated to migraine in mouse, in a sex-dependent manner (10 or 30 mg/Kg, i.v.). The β–lactam derivative RGM8-51 not only has analgesic activity in all assayed animal models, but also seems to have a different mode of interaction with the TRPM8 channel than other antagonists, as suggested by docking studies

DD04107-Derived neuronal exocytosis inhibitor peptides: Evidences for synaptotagmin-1 as a putative target

The analgesic peptide DD04107 (Pal-EEMQRR-NH2) and its acetylated analogue inhibit a-calcitonin gene-related peptide (a-CGRP) exocytotic release from primary sensory neurons. Examining the crystal structure of the SNARE-Synaptotagmin-1(Syt1) complex, we hypothesized that these peptides could inhibit neuronal exocytosis by binding to Syt1, hampering at least partially its interaction with the SNARE complex. To address this hypothesis, we first interrogate the role of individual side-chains on the inhibition of a-CGRP release, finding that E1, M3, Q4 and R6 residues were crucial for activity. CD and NMR conformational analysis showed that linear peptides have tendency to adopt a-helical conformations, but the results with cyclic analogues indicated that this secondary structure is not needed for activity. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements demonstrate a direct interaction of some of these peptides with Syt1-C2B domain, but not with Syt7-C2B region, indicating selectivity. As expected for a compound able to inhibit a-CGRP release, cyclic peptide derivative Pal-E-cyclo[EMQK]R-NH2 showed potent in vivo analgesic activity, in a model of inflammatory pain. Molecular dynamics simulations provided a model consistent with KD values for the interaction of peptides with Syt1-C2B domain, and with their biological activity. Altogether, these results identify Syt1 as a potential new analgesic target. © 202

Caracterización nutricional de salsas a base de Xoconostle (Opuntia oligacantha C. F. Först)

Se elaboraron salsas a base de Xoconostle Ulapa, de la variedad Opuntia oligacantha C. F. Först, de un huerto comercial establecido en el municipio de Tezontepec de Aldama, Hidalgo, utilizando ingredientes como chile seco cascabel y, ajos, se obtuvieron en plantaciones establecidas en Zacatecas, Zac., México. Las salsas fueron elaboradas bajo la norma NMX-F-377-1986. Se obtuvieron cuatro tratamientos; con dos formulaciones (asada y cosida) y dos tratamientos térmicos (marmita: 80°C durante 20 min y autoclave: 121°C durante 15 min); T1: Xoconostle cocido y tratamiento térmico en autoclave, T2: Xoconostle asado y tratamiento térmico en autoclave, T3: Xoconostle cocido y tratamiento térmico en marmita, T4: Xoconostle asado y tratamiento térmico en marmita. Las variables evaluaron fueron: pH, acidez titulable, color, grasas, carbohidratos, valor energético, cenizas humedad, proteína y fibra cruda. Para el análisis de resultados se utilizó el programa estadístico SAS, el diseño completamente al azar. Se realizó el análisis de varianza y la prueba de comparaciones múltiples de Tukey con una p≤0.05. El mayor contenido de sólidos solubles totales o °Bx, se encontró en la salsa de Xoconostle asada (A/m) y con tratamiento térmico en marmita y tratamiento térmico en autoclave (A/a), cenizas: en salsa de Xoconostle cocido y tratamiento térmico en autoclave (C/a); el mayor contenido de humedad en salsa cocida y tratamiento térmico en autoclave C/a y cocida y con tratamiento térmico en marmita (C/m), proteína en A/m y C/a; y el mayor contenido de fibra cruda lo presento C/a

Optimization of the efficiency in an induction machine drive by algorithm based on the interior point method

[EN] This work optimizes the efficiency of the squirrel cage type Inverter-Induction Machine (IM) system, using an algorithm based on the Interior Point Method (IPM), where the input variables are the electromagnetic torque and the rotor speed at steady state,and as outputs the optimal efficiency and slip values are obtained. The optimum rotor flux value is calculated, which is used as a reference in the flux control loop, in the direct control vector method of the IM. Simulation results are obtained where the increase in efficiency is observed in low load states. The experimental installation used in the implementation of the vector control with maximum system efficiency is described, and the experimental results obtained are shown. A discussion is carried out on the results and the use of the Interior Point Optimization Method.[ES] En este trabajo se realiza la optimización de la eficiencia del sistema  Inversor-Máquina de Inducción (MI) del tipo jaula de ardilla, utilizando un algoritmo basado en el Método de Punto Interior (MPI), donde las variables de entrada son el par electromagnético y la velocidad del rotor en estado estacionario, y como salidas se obtienen los valores de la eficiencia óptima y del deslizamiento. Se calcula el valor del flujo óptimo del rotor que se utiliza como referencia en el lazo de control del flujo, en el control vectorial método directo de la MI. Se obtienen resultados de simulación donde se observa el incremento de la eficiencia en estados de baja carga. Se describe la instalación experimental usada en la implementación del control vectorial con máxima eficiencia del sistema, y se muestran los resultados experimentales obtenidos. Se realiza una discusión sobre los resultados y la utilización del Método de Optimización de Punto Interior.Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), proyecto multidisciplinario registro número 1995.Pacheco-Montiel, J.; Badaoui, M.; Rodríguez-Rivas, J.; Alvarado-Farías, JM.; Carranza-Castillo, O.; Ortega-González, R. (2021). Optimización de la eficiencia en el accionamiento de una máquina de inducción mediante algoritmo basado en el método de punto interior. Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática industrial. 18(4):336-346. https://doi.org/10.4995/riai.2020.13418OJS336346184Andréasson, N., Evgrafov, A., Patriksson, M, 2020. An Introduction to Continuous Optimization Fundations & Fundamental Algorithms. Dover Publications.Benson, H. Y., Shanno, D. F, 2014. Interior-point methods for nonconvex nonlinear programming: cubic regularization. Comput Optim Appl, 58:323-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10589-013-9626-8Borisevich, A., and Schullerus, G, 2016. Energy Efficient Control of an Induction Machine Under Torque Step Changes. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1295-1303, December. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2016.2561307Capitanescu, F., Wehenkel, L., 2013. Experiments with the interior-point method for solving large scale optimal power flow problems. Electric Power Systems Research, vol. 95, pp. 276-283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2012.10.001Casacio, L., Lyra, C., Oliveira, A.R.L, 2019. Interior point methods for power flow optimization with security constraints. Intl. Trans. in Op. Res. 26 (2019) 364-378. https://doi.org/10.1111/itor.12279Colín, E. A. O., González, I. H. G., Rivas, J. J. R., Castillo, O. C., González, R. O., Caporal, R. M., 2017. Implementación del Algoritmo Sünter-Clare en un Convertidor Matricial 3x3. Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática Industrial (RIAI), vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 446-454, Oct.-Dic. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riai.2017.06.002De Almeida, A. T., Ferreira, F. J. T. E., Duarte, A. Q, 2014. Technical and Economical Considerations on Super High-Efficiency Three-Phase Motors. IEEE Trans. on Ind. App., vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 1274-1285, March/April. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2013.2272548Eftekhari, S. R., Davari, S. A., Naderi, P., García C., Rodriguez, J, 2020. Robust Loss Minimization for Predictive Direct Torque and Flux Control of an Induction Motor With Electrical Circuit Model. IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 5417-5426, May. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2019.2944190Farhat, I. A., El-Hawary, M. E, 2009. Interior point methods application in optimum operational scheduling of electric power systems. IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 3, Iss. 11, pp. 1020-1029. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2008.0573IEA International Energy Agency. World Energy Outlook, 2018. IEA, Paris 2018. 01/2020. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2018.IEC 60034-30-1, 2014. Efficiency classes of line operated AC motors (IE-code), Edition 1.0.Mallik, S., Mallik, K., Barman, A., Maiti, D., Biswas, S. K., Deb, N. K., Basu, S, 2017. Efficiency and Cost Optimized Design of an Induction Motor Using Generic Algorithm. IEEE Trans. on Ind. Appl., vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 9854-9863, December. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2017.2703687McElveen, R., Melfi, M., McFarland, J, 2019. Improved Characterization of Polyphase Induction Motor Losses: Test Standards Must Be Modified to Improve Efficiency Optimization. IEEE Ind. Appl. Magazine., pp. 61-68, Nov./Dec. https://doi.org/10.1109/MIAS.2018.2875208Rao, N., and Chamund, D, 2014. Calculating Power Losses in an IGBT Module. Application Note. DYNEX Power Control through Innovation.Rathore, A. K., Holtz, J., Boller, T, 2013. Generalized Optimal Pulsewidth Modulation of Multilevel Inverters for Low-Switching-Frequency Control of Medium-Voltage High-Power Industrial AC Drives. IEEE Trans. on Ind. Electronics, vol. 60, no. 10, pp. 4215-4224, Oct. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2012.2217717Seung-Ki, S, 2011. Control of Electric Machine Drive Systems. IEEE Press & Wiley. Printed in the USA.Salomon, C. P., Sant'Ana, W. C., Borges da Silva, L. E., Torres, G. L., Bonaldi, E. L., Olveira, L. E. L., Borges da Silva, J. G, 2015. Induction Motor Efficiency Evaluation Using a New Concept of Stator Resistance. IEEE Trans. on Inst. and Meas., vol. 64, no. 11, pp. 2908-2917, November. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2015.2437632Santos, V. S., Felipe, P. R. V, Sarduy, J. R. G., Lemozy, N. A. L., Jurado, A., Quispe, E. C, 2015. Procedure for Determining Induction Motor Efficiency Working Under Distorted Grid Voltages. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 331-339, March. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2014.2335994Shukla, S., and Singh, B, 2017. Solar Powered Sensorless Induction Motor Drive with Improved Efficiency forWater Pumping. IET Power Electronics, vol. 11, issue 3, pp. 1-11, March. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-pel.2017.0452Stumper, J. F., Dötlinger, A., Kennel, R, 2013. Loss Minimization of Induction Machines in Dynamic Operation. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 726-735, September. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2013.2262048Sul, S. K., 2011. Control of Electric Machine Drive Systems. IEEE Press-Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470876541Taheri, A., Rahmati, A., Kaboli, S, 2012. Efficiency Improvement in DTC of Six-Phase Induction Machine by Adaptive Gradient Descent of Flux. IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 1552-1562, March. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2011.2163420Vanderbei, R. J., Shanno, D. F, 1999. Interior-point methods for nonconvex nonlinear programming. Computational Optimization and Applications, 13, 31-252. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008677427361Vural, A. M, 2015. Interior point-based slack-bus free-power flow solution for balanced islanded microgrids. 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Neonate Human Remains: A Window of Opportunity to the Molecular Study of Ancient Syphilis

Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis can be a useful tool in bacterial disease diagnosis in human remains. However, while the recovery of Mycobacterium spp. has been widely successful, several authors report unsuccessful results regarding ancient treponemal DNA, casting doubts on the usefulness of this technique for the diagnosis of ancient syphilis. Here, we present results from an analysis of four newborn specimens recovered from the crypt of “La Ermita de la Soledad” (XVI–XVII centuries), located in the province of Huelva in the southwest of Spain. We extracted and analyzed aDNA in three independent laboratories, following specific procedures generally practiced in the aDNA field, including cloning of the amplified DNA fragments and sequencing of several clones. This is the most ancient case, reported to date, from which detection of DNA from T. pallidum subspecies pallidum has been successful in more than one individual, and we put forward a hypothesis to explain this result, taking into account the course of the disease in neonate individuals

Functional upgrading in China’s export processing sector

Functional upgrading occurs when a firm acquires more sophisticated functions within an existing value chain. In this paper, we analyze if there is evidence of this type of upgrading in China’s export processing regime by investigating dynamics in the relative prevalence of Import & Assembly (IA) versus Pure Assembly (PA) processing trade over the period 2000-2013. Firms in both regimes provide similar manufacturing services to foreign companies, but IA firms also conduct the sophisticated tasks of quality control, searching, financing and storing imported materials. Consistent with a trend of functional upgrading, we show that the share of IA trade in total processing trade has increased rapidly during the period 2000-2006, both overall and within product categories. Furthermore, we find that this trend has gone hand in hand with improvements in a sector’s labor productivity and unit values. Against expectations, we find that this process has slowed down notably during the period 2006-2013.status: publishe