You'll never walk alone : a cooperação como paradigma explicativo das dinâmicas das equipas desportivas

O presente artigo teve por objectivo fazer uma breve revisão do constructo de cooperação desportiva, sendo manifesta a escassez de literatura neste âmbito. De igual modo, pretendeu-se apresentar os instrumentos disponíveis para a sua avaliação, bem como a investigação realizada até à data. Por último, são apresentados alguns estudos que se encontram actualmente em execução e os desafios futuros desta linha de investigação. É de salientar a importância da continuidade da investigação neste âmbito, visto que a cooperação pode ser considerada como um paradigma alternativo válido no estudo e compreensão das dinâmicas das equipas desportivas, que necessita ainda de evidência empírica e experimental.El presente artículo tiene como objetivo proporcionar una breve revisión del constructo de la cooperación deportiva, considerando la manifiesta escasez de la literatura en este campo. Además, se pretende presentar los instrumentos disponibles para la evaluación de la cooperación deportiva, así como la investigación realizada hasta la fecha. Finalmente, se trata de presentar algunos estudios que se hallan actualmente en ejecución y los desafíos futuros de esta línea de investigación. En conclusión, se justifica realzar la importancia de continuar en la profundización y la investigación en este ámbito, , dado que la cooperación puede ser considerada como un paradigma alternativo válido para la comprensión de las dinámicas de equipos deportivos, pero que aún necesita más evidencias empíricas y experimentales.This paper aims to provide a brief review of the construct of cooperation in sport, taking into account the manifest lack of literature in this field. Similarly, the objective is to present available tools for evaluating cooperation in sport, together with research conducted to date. Finally, we present some studies that are currently in progress and future challenges for this line of research. The importance of ongoing research in this field is highlighted, since cooperation can be considered to be a valid alternative paradigm for gaining an understanding of the dynamics of sports teams, with a need for further empirical and experimental evidence

Efeitos antiangiogênicos in vivo convalidam a atividade antineoplásica potencial do metiljasmonato

Molecular plant components have long been aimed at the angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis pathways, and have been tested as sources for antineoplasic drugs with promising success. The present work deals with the anti-angiogenic effects of Methyl Jasmonate. Jasmonate derivatives were demonstrated to selectively damage the mitochondria of cancer cells. In vitro, 1-10 mM Methyl Jasmonate induced the cell death of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the Murine melanoma cells (B16F10), while micromolar concentrations were ineffective. In vivo, comparable concentrations were toxic and reduced the vessel density of the Chorioallantoic Membrane of the Chicken Embryo (CAM). However, 1-10 µM concentrations produced a complex effect. There was increased capillary budding, but the new vessels were leakier and less organised than corresponding controls. It is suggested that not only direct toxicity, but also the drug effects upon angiogenesis are relevant to the antineoplasic effects of Methyl Jasmonate.Moléculas de origem vegetal são, há muito, conhecidas como substâncias ativas sobre as vias de angiogênese e antiangiogênese e foram testadas como fonte de drogas antineoplásicas com sucesso promissor. Este trabalho trata dos efeitos antiangiogênicos do Metiljasmonato, um protótipo da família dos derivados do ácido jasmônico, que danificam seletivamente a mitocôndria de células neoplásicas. In vitro, metiljasmonato 1-10 mM promoveu a morte celular de células endoteliais humanas de cordão umbilical (HUVEC) e de melanoma murino (B16F10); concentrações micromolares foram inócuas. In vivo, concentrações equivalentes foram tóxicas e reduziram a densidade de vasos em membranas corioalantoicas de embrião de galinha (CAM). Entretanto, concentrações entre 1-10 µM produziram um efeito complexo. Ocorreu aumento no brotamento capilar, mas os novos vasos apresentaram-se frágeis e menos organizados que os controles correspondentes. Sugere-se que, além da toxicidade direta contra as células tumorais, a ação do metiljasmonato sobre a angiogênese seja relevante para seu efeito antineoplásico

Global environmental changes: setting priorities for Latin American coastal habitats.

The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.comThe Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) reports that Global Environmental Changes (GEC) are occurring quicker than at any other time over the last 25 million years and impacting upon marine environments (Bellard et al., 2012). There is overwhelming evidence showing that GEC are affecting both the quality and quantity of the goods and services provided by a wide range of marine ecosystems. In order to discuss regional preparedness for global environmental changes, a workshop was held in Ilhabela, Brazil (22- 26 April 2012) entitled "Evaluating the Sensitivity of Central and South American Benthic Communities to Global Environmental Changes" that drew together scientists from ten Latin American and three European countries. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Rpgrip1 is required for rod outer segment development and ciliary protein trafficking in zebrafish

The authors would like to thank the Royal Society of London, the National Eye Research Centre, the Visual Research Trust, Fight for Sight, the W.H. Ross Foundation, the Rosetrees Trust, and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for supporting this work. This work was also supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for funding this research (Research Project) grant number ‘RGP – VPP – 219’.Mutations in the RPGR-interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP1) gene cause recessive Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), juvenile retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and cone-rod dystrophy. RPGRIP1 interacts with other retinal disease-causing proteins and has been proposed to have a role in ciliary protein transport; however, its function remains elusive. Here, we describe a new zebrafish model carrying a nonsense mutation in the rpgrip1 gene. Rpgrip1homozygous mutants do not form rod outer segments and display mislocalization of rhodopsin, suggesting a role for RPGRIP1 in rhodopsin-bearing vesicle trafficking. Furthermore, Rab8, the key regulator of rhodopsin ciliary trafficking, was mislocalized in photoreceptor cells of rpgrip1 mutants. The degeneration of rod cells is early onset, followed by the death of cone cells. These phenotypes are similar to that observed in LCA and juvenile RP patients. Our data indicate RPGRIP1 is necessary for rod outer segment development through regulating ciliary protein trafficking. The rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish may provide a platform for developing therapeutic treatments for RP patients.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Short-term efficacy of physical interventions in osteoarthritic knee pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Treatment efficacy of physical agents in osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) pain has been largely unknown, and this systematic review was aimed at assessing their short-term efficacies for pain relief. METHODS: Systematic review with meta-analysis of efficacy within 1-4 weeks and at follow up at 1-12 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: 36 randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) were identified with 2434 patients where 1391 patients received active treatment. 33 trials satisfied three or more out of five methodological criteria (Jadad scale). The patient sample had a mean age of 65.1 years and mean baseline pain of 62.9 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Within 4 weeks of the commencement of treatment manual acupuncture, static magnets and ultrasound therapies did not offer statistically significant short-term pain relief over placebo. Pulsed electromagnetic fields offered a small reduction in pain of 6.9 mm [95% CI: 2.2 to 11.6] (n = 487). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS, including interferential currents), electro-acupuncture (EA) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) offered clinically relevant pain relieving effects of 18.8 mm [95% CI: 9.6 to 28.1] (n = 414), 21.9 mm [95% CI: 17.3 to 26.5] (n = 73) and 17.7 mm [95% CI: 8.1 to 27.3] (n = 343) on VAS respectively versus placebo control. In a subgroup analysis of trials with assumed optimal doses, short-term efficacy increased to 22.2 mm [95% CI: 18.1 to 26.3] for TENS, and 24.2 mm [95% CI: 17.3 to 31.3] for LLLT on VAS. Follow-up data up to 12 weeks were sparse, but positive effects seemed to persist for at least 4 weeks after the course of LLLT, EA and TENS treatment was stopped. CONCLUSION: TENS, EA and LLLT administered with optimal doses in an intensive 2-4 week treatment regimen, seem to offer clinically relevant short-term pain relief for OAK

Light regime characterization in an airlift photobioreactor for production of microalgae with high starch content

The slow development of microalgal biotechnology is due to the failure in the design of large-scale photobioreactors (PBRs) where light energy is efficiently utilized. In this work, both the quality and the amount of light reaching a given point of the PBR were determined and correlated with cell density, light path length, and PBR geometry. This was made for two different geometries of the downcomer of an airlift PBR using optical fiber technology that allows to obtain information about quantitative and qualitative aspects of light patterns. This is important since the ability of microalgae to use the energy of photons is different, depending on the wavelength of the radiation. The results show that the circular geometry allows a more efficient light penetration, especially in the locations with a higher radial coordinate (r) when compared to the plane geometry; these observations were confirmed by the occurrence of a higher fraction of illuminated volume of the PBR for this geometry. An equation is proposed to correlate the relative light intensity with the penetration distance for both geometries and different microalgae cell concentrations. It was shown that the attenuation of light intensity is dependent on its wavelength, cell concentration, geometry of PBR, and the penetration distance of light.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Increased exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in healthy subjects following cigarette consumption

CONTEXT: Increased hydrogen peroxide has been described in the expired breath condensate (H2O2-E) of several lung conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This technique has been advocated as being a simple method for documenting airway inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate H2O2-E in healthy cigarette smokers, and to determine the acute effects of the consumption of one cigarette on H2O2-E levels. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, controlled trial. SETTING: A pulmonary function laboratory in a University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two groups of healthy volunteers: individuals who had never smoked (NS; n=10; 4 men; age = 30.6 ± 6.2 years) and current cigarette smokers (S; n=12; 7 men; age = 38.7 ± 9.8). None of the volunteers had respiratory symptoms and all showed normal spirometric tests. INTERVENTION: Expired air was collected from all volunteers through a face mask and a plastic collecting system leading into a flask with dry ice and pure ethanol. Samples from the group S were collected twice, before and half an hour after the combustion of one cigarette. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Expired hydrogen peroxide using the Gallati and Pracht method. RESULTS: The S and NS groups showed comparable levels of H2O2-E at basal conditions [NS = 0.74 muM (DP 0.24) vs. S = 0.75 muM (DP 0.31)]. The smokers showed a significant increase in H2O2-E levels half an hour after the consumption of only one cigarette [0.75 muM (DP 0.31) vs. 0.95 muM (DP 0.22)]. CONCLUSION: The present results are consistent with the concept that smokers increase oxidative stress with elevated production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to the development of smoking-related disorders.CONTEXTO: Elevações do peróxido de hidrogênio exalado (H2O2-E) tem sido descritas em diversas doenças pulmonares tais como a síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e asma. Essa técnica tem sido preconizada como um método simples capaz de refletir inflamação ao nível das vias aéreas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os níveis de H2O2-E em indivíduos normais e determinar os efeitos agudos do consumo de um cigarro sobre seus valores. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Ensaio clínico, prospectivo, controlado. LOCAL: Laboratório de função pulmonar de um Hospital Universitário. PARTICIPANTES: Dois grupos de voluntários sadios: indivíduos que nunca fumaram [NS; n = 10; 4 homens; idade = 30,6 anos (DP 6,2)] e indivíduos fumantes atuais [S; n = 12; 7 homens; idade = 38,7 anos (DP 9,8)]. Todos os voluntários não apresentavam sintomas respiratórios e exibiam testes espirométricos dentro da normalidade. INTERVENÇÃO: Ar expirado foi coletado de todos os voluntários utilizando-se uma máscara facial e um sistema colocado em um frasco com gelo seco e etanol absoluto. Amostras do grupo S foram coletadas duas vezes, antes e meia hora após o consumo de um cigarro. VARIÁVEIS ESTUDADAS: Peróxido de hidrogênio expirado utilizando-se o método de Gallati e Pracht. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos mostraram níveis comparáveis de H2O2-E em condições basais [NS = 0,74 miM (DP 0,24) vs. S = 0,75 miM (DP 0,31)]. Os fumantes mostraram um aumento significante dos níveis de H2O2-E meia hora após o consumo de apenas um cigarro [0,75 miM (DP 0,31) vs. 0,95 miM (DP 0,22)]. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos estão de acordo com o conceito de que o consumo de cigarros aumenta o estresse oxidativo com produção elevada de espécies reativas do oxigênio (ROS) contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de doenças relacionadas ao tabagismo.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) Pulmonary DivisionUniversity of São Paulo Medical School of Ribeirão Preto Department of MedicineUNIFESP, EPM, Pulmonary DivisionSciEL

Comparative analysis of inflamed and non-inflamed colon biopsies reveals strong proteomic inflammation profile in patients with ulcerative colitis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Accurate diagnostic and monitoring tools for ulcerative colitis (UC) are missing. Our aim was to describe the proteomic profile of UC and search for markers associated with disease exacerbation. Therefore, we aimed to characterize specific proteins associated with inflamed colon mucosa from patients with acute UC using mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Biopsies were sampled from rectum, sigmoid colon and left colonic flexure from twenty patients with active proctosigmoiditis and from four healthy controls for proteomics and histology. Proteomic profiles of whole colonic biopsies were characterized using 2D-gel electrophoresis, and peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was applied for identification of differently expressed protein spots.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 597 spots were annotated by image analysis and 222 of these had a statistically different protein level between inflamed and non-inflamed tissue in the patient group. Principal component analysis clearly grouped non-inflamed samples separately from the inflamed samples indicating that the proteomic signature of colon mucosa with acute UC is strong. Totally, 43 individual protein spots were identified, including proteins involved in energy metabolism (triosephosphate isomerase, glycerol-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase, alpha enolase and L-lactate dehydrogenase B-chain) and in oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, thioredoxins and selenium binding protein).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A distinct proteomic profile of inflamed tissue in UC patients was found. Specific proteins involved in energy metabolism and oxidative stress were identified as potential candidate markers for UC.</p

How to delineate the general profiles of functionality of citizen’s aged 65 years and old as a function of Its age

Objectives: A core set of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health codes was used, to ascertain the general profile of functionality as a function of biological and sociodemographic characteristics, notably the age of the citizens. Methods: Data were collected by health professionals in the participants’ houses. The factorial validity of the construct was assessed by a confirmatory factor analysis. An ordinal regression model was built to identify the general profile of functionality as a function of age. Results: It is expected that people under the age of 74 years will present no functional problems and that, after age 74, the most likely functionality problem will be a “MILD problem”. Discussion: The functional profile of each elderly is interrelated with his or her sociodemographic context as well as with the overarching biological, cultural, and environmental characteristics of society. A progressive decrease in GPF occurs with age. Conclusions: The evaluation of each person (even those with no perceived or incipient levels of functional impairment who are at risk of progressing to a more severe disability) about what are the factors that are related with this functional decline as people get older, allows identify the respective nursing interventions to be developed.This work was supported by 4IE project (0045-4IE-4-P) funded by the Interreg V-A Espanha-Portugal (POCTEP) 2014-2020 program

Diastolic Function Is Impaired in Patients With Prehypertension: Data From the EPIPorto Study

Introduction and objectives: Hypertension causes subclinical changes in left ventricular structure and function, namely diastolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction is a predictor of heart failure, being involved in the association between hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We aimed to determine whether patients with prehypertension have early changes in diastolic function in a large community-based cohort of asymptomatic adults. Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation was performed of a community-based cohort consisting of 925 adults, aged 45 years or older, without known cardiovascular disease. All participants underwent detailed clinical and echocardiographic examination. The participants were categorized according to the European guidelines for the classification of office blood pressure (BP) levels as optimal, prehypertensive (normal and high-normal categories), and hypertensive. Diastolic function was evaluated by echocardiography using e’ velocities and E/e’ ratio. Diastolic dysfunction was defined using the 2016 ASE/EACVI Joint Recommendations and a 2017 clinically-oriented algorithm. Results: In this cohort (61.5 ± 10.5 years; 37% men), prehypertension was present in 30.4% and hypertension in 51.0%. Using optimal BP as the reference, there was a progressive decrease of e’ velocity in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals (12.2 ± 3.5 vs 11.3 ± 3.1 vs 9.6 ± 2.9 cm/s, respectively; P for trend < .001). After multivariable adjustment, both BP categories were independent predictors of a lower e’ velocity (β = -0.56, P = .035 for prehypertension and β = –1.08, P < .001 for hypertension). Conclusions: In this large community-based cohort, adults with prehypertension already showed impaired cardiac relaxation before the onset of hypertension