Activation of macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy in human skeletal muscle by high-intensity exercise in normoxia and hypoxia and after recovery with or without post-exercise ischemia.

Autophagy is essential for the adaptive response to exercise and physiological skeletal muscle functionality. However, the mechanisms leading to the activation of macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy in human skeletal muscle in response to high-intensity exercise remain elusive. Our findings demonstrate that macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy are stimulated by high-intensity exercise in normoxia (PIO2: 143 mmHg) and severe acute hypoxia (PIO2: 73 mmHg) in healthy humans. High-intensity exercise induces macroautophagy initiation through AMPKα phosphorylation, which phosphorylates and activates ULK1. ULK1 phosphorylates BECN1 at Ser15, eliciting the dissociation of BECN1-BCL2 crucial for phagophore formation. Besides, high-intensity exercise elevates the LC3B-II:LC3B-I ratio, reduces total SQSTM1/p62 levels, and induces p-Ser349 SQSTM1/p62 phosphorylation, suggesting heightened autophagosome degradation. PHAF1/MYTHO, a novel macroautophagy biomarker, is highly upregulated in response to high-intensity exercise. The latter is accompanied by elevated LAMP2A expression, indicating chaperone-mediated autophagy activation despite post-exercise HSPA8/HSC70 downregulation. Despite increased glycolytic metabolism, severe acute hypoxia does not exacerbate the autophagy signaling response. Signaling changes revert within 1 minute of recovery with free circulation, while the application of immediate post-exercise ischemia impedes recovery. Our study concludes that macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy pathways are strongly activated by high-intensity exercise, regardless of PO2, and that oxygenation is necessary to revert these signals to pre-exercise values. PHAF1/MYTHO emerges as a pivotal exercise-responsive autophagy marker positively associated with the LC3B-II:LC3B-I ratio.

Interplay of Muscle Architecture, Morphology, and Quality in Influencing Human Sprint Cycling Performance: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed to discern the relationships between muscle morphology, architecture, and quality with sprint cycling performance while considering the multifaceted nature of these relationships across diverse studies. METHODS: Employing the PRISMA guidelines, an exhaustive search was performed across four primary databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, and SPORTDiscus. The Methodological Index For Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Out of 3971 initially identified records, only 10 studies met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: These investigations underscored the robust relationship of quadriceps muscle volume with peak power output (R2 from 0.65 to 0.82), suggesting its pivotal role in force production. In muscle architecture, the pennation angle and fascicle length showed varied associations with performance. Furthermore, muscle quality, as denoted by echo intensity, showed preliminary evidence of a potential inverse relationship with performance. The methodological quality assessment revealed varied scores, with the most consistent reporting on the aim, endpoints, and inclusion of consecutive patients. However, limitations were observed in the prospective calculation of study size and unbiased assessment of study endpoints. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that muscle volume is a major determinant of sprint cycling performance. Muscle architecture and quality also impact performance, although in a more intricate way. The review calls for standardised methodologies in future research for a more comprehensive understanding and comparability of results. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023432824 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=432824 ).

The relationship between muscle thickness and pennation angle is mediated by fascicle length in the muscles of the lower extremities.

Muscle morphological architecture, a crucial determinant of muscle function, has fascinated researchers since the Renaissance. Imaging techniques enable the assessment of parameters such as muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL), which may vary with growth, sex, and physical activity. Despite known interrelationships, robust mathematical models like causal mediation analysis have not been extensively applied to large population samples. We recruited 109 males and females, measuring knee flexor and extensor, and plantar flexor MT, PA, and FL using real-time ultrasound imaging at rest. A mixed-effects model explored sex, leg (dominant vs. non-dominant), and muscle region differences. Males exhibited greater MT in all muscles (0.1 to 2.1 cm, p < 0.01), with no sex differences in FL. Dominant legs showed greater rectus femoris (RF) MT (0.1 cm, p = 0.01) and PA (1.5°, p = 0.01), while vastus lateralis (VL) had greater FL (1.2 cm, p < 0.001) and PA (0.6°, p = 0.02). Regional differences were observed in VL, RF, and biceps femoris long head (BFlh). Causal mediation analyses highlighted MT's influence on PA, mediated by FL. Moderated mediation occurred in BFlh, with FL differences. Gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis exhibited FL-mediated MT and PA relationships. This study unveils the intricate interplay of MT, FL, and PA in muscle architecture.

Hospital Environmental Factors That Influence Peripheral Oxygen Saturation Measurements: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and generally reliable instrument measuring pulse rate and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). However, these measurements can be affected by the patient's internal or external factors, including the type of pulse oximeter device (POD). (1) This study's objective was to identify potential environmental factors that may impact the measurements taken by three PODs. (2) Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was designed. The patients' SpO2 levels were measured using a standard monitor and two PODs owned by the professionals. The measurements were taken on the patients' fingers. Concurrently, we evaluated the surrounding environmental conditions, encompassing temperature, humidity, illuminance, and noise. (3) Results: This study involved 288 adult participants in the sample. For each 20-decibel increment in noise, there was a reduction in SpO2 by an average of 1%, whereas for every additional degree of ambient temperature, SpO2 decreased by an average of 2% (4) Conclusions: Significant correlations between SpO2 and age, as well as with noise and ambient temperature, were observed. No significant differences between oxygen saturation and lighting or humidity were observed. This study was prospectively registered with the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Gran Canaria at the Dr. Negrín University Hospital, with protocol code 2019-247-1, and approved on 24 May 2019.

Sublethal neurotoxicity of saxitoxin in early zebrafish development: Impact on sensorimotor function and neurotransmission systems.

Saxitoxin (STX) represents a marine toxin of significant concern due to its deleterious implications for aquatic ecosystems and public food safety. As a potent paralytic agent, the role of STX in obstructing voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) is well-characterized. Yet, the mechanistic details underlying its low-dose toxicity remain largely enigmatic. In the current study, zebrafish embryos and larvae were subjected to subchronic exposure of graded STX concentrations (0, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L) until the 7th day post-fertilization. A tactile stimulus-based assay was employed to evaluate potential behavioral perturbations resulting from STX exposure. Both behavioral and transcription level analyses unveiled a compromised tactile response, which was found to be associated with a notable upregulation in the mRNA of two distinct VGSC isoforms, specifically the scn8aa/ab and scn1Laa/ab transcripts, even at the minimal STX dose. Notably, exposure to this lowest STX concentration also resulted in alterations in the transcriptional patterns of pivotal genes for cholinergic and GABAergic pathways, including ache and gabra1. Furthermore, STX induced a marked decrease in the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA. Our findings underscore that prolonged low-dose STX exposure during early development can significantly compromise the tactile response behavior in zebrafish. This study reveals that chronic low-dose STX exposure of developing zebrafish alters neurotransmission pathways that converge on altered tactile behavior.

Microencapsulation of Theobroma cacao L polyphenols: A high-value approach with in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities.

Chagas disease (CHD) is the highest economic burden parasitosis worldwide and the most important cardiac infection, without therapeutic alternatives to halt or reverse its progression. In CHD-experimental models, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds have demonstrated therapeutic potential in cardiac dysfunction. Theobroma cacao polyphenols are potent natural antioxidants with cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory action, which are susceptible to degradation, requiring technological approaches to guarantee their protection, stability, and controlled release. Here, 21 cocoa polyphenol-rich microencapsulates were produced by spray-drying and freeze-drying techniques using two wall materials (maltodextrin and gum arabic). Chemical (total and individual phenolic content and antioxidant activity), structural (morphology), and biological parameters (cytotoxicity, trypanocidal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities) were assessed to determine the most efficient microencapsulation conditions on Trypanosoma cruzi-infected myocardioblast and macrophage cells. Significant antiproliferative properties against infected cells (superior to benznidazole) were found in two microencapsulates which also exhibited cardioprotective properties against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.

Hypoxic peripheral chemoreflex stimulation-dependent cardiorespiratory coupling is decreased in swimmer athletes.

Swimmer athletes showed a decreased ventilatory response and reduced sympathetic activation during peripheral hypoxic chemoreflex stimulation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that swimmers develop a diminished cardiorespiratory coupling due to their decreased hypoxic peripheral response. To resolve this hypothesis, we conducted a study using coherence time-varying analysis to assess the cardiorespiratory coupling in swimmer athletes. We recruited 12 trained swimmers and 12 control subjects for our research. We employed wavelet time-varying spectral coherence analysis to examine the relationship between the respiratory frequency (Rf ) and the heart rate (HR) time series during normoxia and acute chemoreflex activation induced by five consecutive inhalations of 100% N2 . Comparing swimmers to control subjects, we observed a significant reduction in the hypoxic ventilatory responses to N2 in swimmers (0.012 ± 0.001 vs. 0.015 ± 0.001 ΔVE /ΔVO2 , and 0.365 ± 0.266 vs. 1.430 ± 0.961 ΔVE /ΔVCO2 /ΔSpO2 , both p < 0.001, swimmers vs. control, respectively). Furthermore, the coherence at the LF cutoff during hypoxia was significantly lower in swimmers compared to control subjects (20.118 ± 3.502 vs. 24.935 ± 3.832 area under curve [AUC], p < 0.012, respectively). Our findings strongly indicate that due to their diminished chemoreflex control, swimmers exhibited a substantial decrease in cardiorespiratory coupling during hypoxic stimulation.

Effects of dominance and vision on unipedal balance tests in futsal players using a triaxial accelerometer.

Optimal postural control improves performance and reduces the risk of injury in futsal. In this context, wearable accelerometers may detect velocity changes of the centre of mass during a task, enabling the analysis of postural control in different environments. This work aimed to determine the influence of vision and dominance on unipodal static postural balance in non-professional athletes. Twenty-four university male futsal players performed a unipodal balance test to assess their body sway using a triaxial accelerometer. To assess dominance, the preferred limb for kicking the ball was considered, while vision was manipulated by asking participants to close their eyes during the test. Root mean square (RMS) and sample entropy (SaEn) of centre of mass variables were analysed. For statistical analysis, a multivariate analysis of variance model was used. Our results suggest an effect of vision, but not of dominance nor the interaction between vision and limb dominance. Specifically, a higher-acceleration RMS in the mediolateral axis was observed, as well as an increased SaEn in the three axes. To conclude, unipodal postural demand in futsal players under visual input suppression was not influenced by their limb dominancy.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability in ultrasonographic measurements of coracohumeral distance.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography (US) is a widely used diagnostic tool in physical therapy. One of the US variables often utilized to quantify the dimensions of the subacromial space and its association with shoulder pathology is the coracohumeral distance (CHD), however, this measurement presents diverse evidence in terms of reliability. OBJECTIVES: To assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability of both expert and non-expert raters when measuring CHD through US in asymptomatic subjects. Additionally, we determined the effect of rater experience and measurement conditions on the recording of CHD. METHODS: CHD of 15 individuals were recorded from US images of the glenohumeral joint of both upper extremities in three different positions. An expert and a non-expert rater in US usage recorded three CHD measurements, after a randomization procedure. To determine intra- and inter-rater reliability, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and a multivariate variance model for the effects of rater experience, joint position and time of measure were used. Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change was also estimated for CHD measurements. RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability ranged 0.970 to 0.998) and Inter-rater reliability ranged 0.48 to 0.876). Joint position (F2;55 = 38.308; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.582) and measurement time (F2;55 = 6.019; p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.180) effect was observed on CHD. CONCLUSION: Excellent intra- and poor to moderate inter-rater reliability between expert and non-expert clinicians was determined, the latter being influenced by the position of the glenohumeral joint position at the time of US recording and the time of recording the measurement.

Enseñanza de deportes de colaboración y oposición: análisis comparativo entre metodologías comprensivas y modelo tradicional / Collaborative and opposition sports teaching: comparative analysis between comprehensive methodologies and the traditional model / Ensino colaborativo e de oposição do esporte: análise comparativa entre metodologias integrais e o modelo tradicional

El propósito del estudio fue determinar el efecto que produce la aplicación de una unidad de enseñanza de los deportes de colaboración y oposición diseñada en base a dos propuestas del modelo pedagógico comprensivo: el Teaching Games for Understanding y la Didáctica Cognitiva, en comparación a un modelo tradicional de enseñanza. La muestra estuvo conformada por alumnos(as) de 5° a 8° básicos (12 a 14 años). Mediante metodología observacional, fueron evaluadas las principales acciones de juego eficientes en las dimensiones de ataque y defensa, en momentos de test y retest, a un grupo control (GC) y otro experimental (GE). El análisis de varianza (MANOVA) y las comparaciones por pares con corrección de Bonferroni aplicadas con un alfa de 0.05, evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos, de las acciones motoras de lanzamiento en zona eficaz (GE: 74,3% GC: -16,7%) y Pase simple (GE: -27,1% - GC: -3,1%). Mientras que, mediante el análisis descriptivo de las tasas de ocurrencia, se encontraron diferencias de las acciones motoras de Anticipación (GE:211,1% - GC:20%), marcación eficiente (GE: 330,8% - GC: -7,1%) y desmarcación (GE: 400% - GC: 0%). Los hallazgos de ambos análisis muestran que la aplicación de metodologías comprensivas en la enseñanza de los deportes de colaboración y oposición en el contexto de educación física escolar, mejoran la calidad de las acciones de juego, en comparación a un modelo tradicional de enseñanza.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect produced by the application of a teaching unit for collaborative and oppositional sports designed on the basis of two proposals of the comprehensive pedagogical model: Teaching Games for Understanding and Cognitive Didactics, compared to a traditional teaching model. The sample consisted of students from 5th to 8th grade (12 to 14 years old). By means of observational methodology, the main efficient game actions in the dimensions of attack and defense were evaluated, in test and retest moments, to a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). The analysis of variance (MANOVA) and pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction applied with an alpha of 0. 05, showed significant differences between both groups in the motor actions of throwing in the effective zone (EG: 74.3% - CG: -16.7%) and simple passing (EG: -27.1% - CG: -3.1%), while descriptive analysis of the occurrence rates showed differences in the anticipation motor actions (EG: 211.1% - CG: 20%), efficient tackling (EG: 330.8% - CG: -7.1%) and untacking (EG: 400% - CG: 0%). The findings of both analyses show that the application of comprehensive methodologies in the teaching of collaborative and oppositional sports in the context of school physical education improves the quality of the game actions, compared to a traditional teaching model.

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o efeito produzido pela aplicação de uma unidade de ensino de esportes colaborativos e opostos projetada com base em 2 propostas do modelo pedagógico integral: Jogos de ensino para a compreensão e didática cognitiva, em comparação com um modelo de ensino tradicional. A amostra foi composta por alunos da 5ª à 8ª série (12 a 14 anos). Por meio de metodologia observacional, foram avaliadas as principais ações de jogo eficientes nas dimensões de ataque e defesa, nos momentos de teste e reteste, em um grupo controle (GC) e um grupo experimental (GE). A análise de variância (MANOVA) e as comparações por pares com correção de Bonferroni aplicada com alfa de 0,05, mostraram diferenças significativas entre ambos os grupos, das ações motoras de lançamento na zona efetiva (GE: 74,3% GC: -16,7% ) e passe simples (GE: -27,1% - GC: -3,1%). Já pela análise descritiva das taxas de ocorrência, foram encontradas diferenças nas ações motoras de Antecipação (GE: 211,1% - GC: 20%), marcação eficiente (GE: 330,8% - GC: -7,1%) e desmarcação (GE: 400% - GC: 0%). Os resultados de ambas as análises mostram que a aplicação de metodologias abrangentes no ensino de esportes colaborativos e de oposição no contexto da educação física escolar melhora a qualidade das ações de jogo, em comparação com um modelo de ensino tradicional.

Nivel de actividad física y estado de ánimo en universitarios durante el confinamiento por la COVID-19

Introducción: La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha generado problemas de salud física y mental en los universitarios. Objetivos: Determinar la relación entre nivel de actividad física y estado de ánimo en estudiantes universitarios durante el confinamiento por la COVID-19. Métodos: Participaron 215 estudiantes universitarios, edad 22,09 ± 2,61 (108 mujeres y 107 hombres) durante el confinamiento por la COVID-19. Fueron aplicados instrumentos en formato digital durante el mes de junio del año 2020. El nivel de actividad física se evaluó utilizando el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ), forma corta, y el estado de ánimo se evaluó con la Escala de Valoración del Estado de Ánimo (EVEA). Resultados: Estado de ánimo alegría presentó una correlación positiva significativa con todas las variables de actividad física, excepto con tiempo sentado. Estado de ánimo tristeza-depresión presentó una correlación negativa con equivalente metabólico de actividad física vigorosa (r -0,201; p= 0,003) y equivalente metabólico total (r -0,172; p= 0,011). Estado de ánimo ansiedad se correlacionó negativamente con equivalente metabólico de actividad física vigorosa (r -0,163; p= 0,017) y equivalente metabólico total (r -0,162; p= 0,018). Conclusiones: El nivel de actividad física se relaciona positivamente con el estado de ánimo, principalmente con el nivel de alegría, sin embargo, estas correlaciones presentan un tamaño del efecto pequeño.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated physical and mental health problems in university students. Objectives: To determine the relationship between physical activity level and mood in university students during COVID-19 confinement. Methods: 215 university students aged 22.09 ± 2.61 (108 women and 107 men) participated during the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instruments in digital format were applied during the month of June 2020. Physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form and mood was assessed using the Mood Rating Scale (EVEA). Results: Mood joy presents a significant positive correlation with all variables of physical activity, except with sitting time. Sadness-depression mood showed a negative correlation with metabolic equivalent of vigorous physical activity (r -0.201; p= 0.003) and total metabolic equivalent (r -0.172; p= 0.011). Mood anxiety was negatively correlated with metabolic equivalent of vigorous physical activity (r -0.163; p= 0.017) and total metabolic equivalent (r -0.162; p= 0.018). Conclusions: The level of physical activity is positively related to mood, mainly with the level of joy, however, these correlations have a small effect size.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Salvia aratocensis (Lamiaceae) Essential Oils and Extracts.

Salvia aratocensis (Lamiaceae) is an endemic shrub from the Chicamocha River Canyon in Santander (Colombia). Its essential oil (EO) was distilled from the aerial parts of the plant via steam distillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC/MS and GC/FID. Hydroethanolic extracts were isolated from dry plants before distillation and from the residual plant material after distillation. The extracts were characterized via UHPLC-ESI(+/-)-Orbitrap-HRMS. The S. aratocensis essential oil was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (60-69%) and presented τ-cadinol (44-48%) and 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (21-24%) as its major components. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the EOs, measured via an ABTS+• assay, was 32-49 µmol Trolox® g-1 and that measured using the ORAC assay was 1520-1610 µmol Trolox® g-1. Ursolic acid (28.9-39.8 mg g-1) and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide (1.16-25.3 mg g-1) were the major S. aratocensis extract constituents. The antioxidant activity of the S. aratocensis extract, obtained from undistilled plant material, was higher (82 ± 4 µmol Trolox® g-1, ABTS+•; 1300 ± 14 µmol Trolox® g-1, ORAC) than that of the extracts obtained from the residual plant material (51-73 µmol Trolox® g-1, ABTS+•; 752-1205 µmol Trolox® g-1, ORAC). S. aratocensis EO and extract had higher ORAC antioxidant capacity than the reference substances butyl hydroxy toluene (98 µmol Trolox® g-1) and α-tocopherol (450 µmol Trolox® g-1). S. aratocensis EOs and extracts have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants for cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

Architectural anatomy of the human tibialis anterior presents morphological asymmetries between superficial and deep unipennate regions.

The tibialis anterior muscle plays a critical role in human ambulation and contributes to maintaining the upright posture. However, little is known about its muscle architecture in males and females. One hundred and nine physically active males and females were recruited. Tibialis anterior muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length were measured at rest in both unipennate regions of both legs using real-time ultrasound imaging. A linear mixed model was used with muscle thickness, pennation angle, or fascicle length as the dependent variables. All models were carried out with and without total leg lean mass and shank length as covariates. Causal mediation analysis was computed to explore the effect of muscle thickness on the relationship between fascicle length and pennation angle. There were no significant differences between dominant and nondominant legs regarding muscle architecture. Muscle thickness and pennation angle were greater in the deep than the superficial unipennate region in males (1.9 mm and 1.1°, p < 0.001) and women (3.4 mm and 2.2°, p < 0.001). However, the fascicle length was similar in both regions for both sexes. The differences remained significant after accounting for differences in leg lean mass and shank length. In both regions, muscle thickness was 1-3 mm greater in males and superficial pennation angle 2° smaller in females (both, p < 0.001). After accounting for leg lean mass and shank length, sex differences remained for muscle thickness (1.6 mm, p < 0.05) and pennation angle (3.4°, p < 0.001) but only in the superficial region. In both regions, leg lean mass and shank-adjusted fascicle length were 1.4 mm longer in females than males (p < 0.05). The causal mediation analysis revealed that the estimation of fascicle length was positive, suggesting that a 10% increase in muscle thickness would augment the fascicle length, allowing a 0.38° pennation angle decrease. Moreover, the pennation angle increases in total by 0.54° due to the suppressive effect of the increase in fascicle length. The estimated mediation, direct, and total effects were all significantly different from zero (p < 0.001). Overall, our results indicate that the architectural anatomy of the tibialis anterior shows sexual dimorphism in humans. Tibialis anterior presents morphological asymmetries between superficial and deep unipennate regions in both sexes. Lastly, our causal mediation model identified a suppressive effect of fascicle length on the pennation angle, suggesting that increments in muscle thickness are not always aligned with increments in fascicle length or the pennation angle.

Activation of ß-catenin in mesenchymal progenitors leads to muscle mass loss.

Loss of muscle mass is a common manifestation of chronic disease. We find the canonical Wnt pathway to be activated in mesenchymal progenitors (MPs) from cancer-induced cachectic mouse muscle. Next, we induce ß-catenin transcriptional activity in murine MPs. As a result, we observe expansion of MPs in the absence of tissue damage, as well as rapid loss of muscle mass. Because MPs are present throughout the organism, we use spatially restricted CRE activation and show that the induction of tissue-resident MP activation is sufficient to induce muscle atrophy. We further identify increased expression of stromal NOGGIN and ACTIVIN-A as key drivers of atrophic processes in myofibers, and we verify their expression by MPs in cachectic muscle. Finally, we show that blocking ACTIVIN-A rescues the mass loss phenotype triggered by ß-catenin activation in MPs, confirming its key functional role and strengthening the rationale for targeting this pathway in chronic disease.

Postural performance assessment in aging people with diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy using a Wii balance board.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of sensory perturbations on static postural control in older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus by comparing postural outcomes of people with and without diabetic neuropathy using a Wii Balance Board (WBB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Static postural balance assessments were performed in 31 participants: nine with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 12 with diabetic neuropathy; and 10 non-diabetic controls. Participants stood on the WBB under sensory perturbations (visual and proprioceptive). Body balance was analysed using centre of pressure ellipse area, mean velocity, and sample entropy. The effects of within-participant factors, sensory perturbations and the between-participants factor 'group' on outcomes were analysed using a multivariate analysis of variance model. RESULTS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus participants with and without neuropathy showed altered postural performance under sensory perturbations compared to non-diabetic participants. Moreover, participants with diabetic neuropathy showed impaired postural performance when one perceptual system was disturbed. Finally, participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus without neuropathy decreased their postural performance when both sensory disturbances were present. CONCLUSIONS: The Wii Balance Board can be a useful alternative for balance impairment screening related to diabetic neuropathy and contribute as an affordable source of insight in early interventions in integral diabetes care.Implications to rehabilitationOlder people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy depend on visual and somatosensory cues to keep their static postural balance.Static balance assessment using the Wii Balance Board allows the identification of alterations in postural performance in participants with diabetes.This low-cost method used can be considered as a complement to integral diabetes care.

Identifying neuropathies through time series analysis of postural tests.

BACKGROUND: In physical therapy, postural tests are frequently used to diagnose neuropathies, particularly in diabetic individuals. This study aims to develop a method based on the analysis of time series that allows discriminating between healthy and diabetic subjects with or without a neuropathic condition. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do features obtained from time series corresponding to postural tests allow us to reliably discriminate between healthy, diabetic and neuropathic patients? METHODS: In this study, 32 people participated in the healthy, diabetic, and neuropathic categories (11, 9, and 12, respectively). The data was collected by positioning each participant on a Wii Balanced Board platform, under 8 different conditions. The analyzed time series are sensed by devices that capture variations in the subject's center of pressure when subjected to a test on different conditions over a short period of time. The method proposed considers statistical techniques used for characterizing the time series combined with machine learning techniques to classify the individual's profile into one of the three categories mentioned. The classification is supported by an underlying probabilistic model, based on the characteristics of the time series, generating average curves for each class, which are then used by the classification methods. RESULTS: The empirical results include classification models for each class, obtaining a performance (F-score) over 98%. In addition, other models considering the particular conditions to which the subject is exposed during the test are developed, revealing that the conditions of eyes open and eyes closed show the highest levels of discrimination to classify participants into one of the three class categories. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest a test protocol simplification and, at the same time, that the proposed method based on the analysis of the time series associated with the test used is highly predictive and may reliably complement or substitute a questionnaire-based diagnosis.

Impaired communication at the neuromotor axis during Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive neurological condition characterized by structural alterations in the cervical spine, resulting in compression of the spinal cord. While clinical manifestations of DCM are well-documented, numerous unanswered questions persist at the molecular and cellular levels. In this study, we sought to investigate the neuromotor axis during DCM. We use a clinically relevant mouse model, where after 3 months of DCM induction, the sensorimotor tests revealed a significant reduction in both locomotor activity and muscle strength compared to the control group. Immunohistochemical analyses showed alterations in the gross anatomy of the cervical spinal cord segment after DCM. These changes were concomitant with the loss of motoneurons and a decrease in the number of excitatory synaptic inputs within the spinal cord. Additionally, the DCM group exhibited a reduction in the endplate surface, which correlated with diminished presynaptic axon endings in the supraspinous muscles. Furthermore, the biceps brachii (BB) muscle exhibited signs of atrophy and impaired regenerative capacity, which inversely correlated with the transversal area of remnants of muscle fibers. Additionally, metabolic assessments in BB muscle indicated an increased proportion of oxidative skeletal muscle fibers. In line with the link between neuromotor disorders and gut alterations, DCM mice displayed smaller mucin granules in the mucosa layer without damage to the epithelial barrier in the colon. Notably, a shift in the abundance of microbiota phylum profiles reveals an elevated Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio-a consistent hallmark of dysbiosis that correlates with alterations in gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Additionally, treatment with short-chain fatty acids stimulated the differentiation of the motoneuron-like NSC34 cell line. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of DCM, resembling a synaptopathy that disrupts cellular communication within the neuromotor axis while concurrently exerting influence on other systems. Notably, the colon emerges as a focal point, experiencing substantial perturbations in both mucosal barrier integrity and the delicate balance of intestinal microbiota.

Influence of Skin Phototype on the Level of Pain Perceived by Patients Receiving Enoxaparin: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) is commonly used as an antithrombotic in patients with reduced mobility. Its administration is performed by invasive technique (injections) that can cause pain: (1) Background: Pain and bruising are the most common side effects in patients treated with LMWH, but the skin phototype (PT) has never been included; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study, developed in the Hospital Unit of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery over one year. To classify all participants in the sample considering their skin PT and the different pain levels "during" and "after" the administration of enoxaparin. The STROBE checklist was used to evaluate the study. Data analyses were carried out: descriptive statistical analysis and analysis of Variance ANOVA of a non-parametric factor; (3) Results: The sample was 202 participants. The most frequent skin PTs were PT II 43.6% and PT III 33.2%. Mean pain after injection (1.96) was greater than pain during injection (1.4). Better natural protection against sunlight (high PT) would indicate greater post-injection pain; (4) Conclusions: Participants with a medium-high phototype (≥III) perceive a greater pain sensation than participants with a low phototype (≤II) after the administration of enoxaparin.

Unfolded protein response IRE1/XBP1 signaling is required for healthy mammalian brain aging.

Aging is a major risk factor to develop neurodegenerative diseases and is associated with decreased buffering capacity of the proteostasis network. We investigated the significance of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a major signaling pathway activated to cope with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, in the functional deterioration of the mammalian brain during aging. We report that genetic disruption of the ER stress sensor IRE1 accelerated age-related cognitive decline. In mouse models, overexpressing an active form of the UPR transcription factor XBP1 restored synaptic and cognitive function, in addition to reducing cell senescence. Proteomic profiling of hippocampal tissue showed that XBP1 expression significantly restore changes associated with aging, including factors involved in synaptic function and pathways linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The genes modified by XBP1 in the aged hippocampus where also altered. Collectively, our results demonstrate that strategies to manipulate the UPR in mammals may help sustain healthy brain aging.

Variability in Normalization Methods of Surface Electromyography Signals in Eccentric Hamstring Contraction.

CONTEXT: In human movement analysis, normalization of a surface electromyography signal is a crucial step; therefore, parameter selection for this procedure must be adequately justified. The aim of this research was to determine the variability of electromyography signals in eccentric hamstring contraction under different normalization parameters. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Nine university rugby players (age 21.50 [3.61] y; body mass index 21.50 [4.95]) and no history of recent hamstring injury. Values from maximum voluntary isometric contraction protocol and task related (ie, Nordic hamstring exercise) were used for surface electromyography signal normalization. Intersubject and intrasubject variation coefficients were used for normalization method variability and for signal reproducibility, respectively. RESULTS: Intrasubject variation coefficient value indicates acceptable reproducibility of surface electromyography (less than 12%) for all normalization procedures. Lower values of intersubject variation coefficient value were achieved for normalization procedures using task-related values. CONCLUSION: Parameters extracted from task execution provided less variability for surface electromyography amplitude normalization in eccentric hamstring muscle contractions.