Physical Activity Is Associated With Better Executive Function in University Students.

Introduction: In recent years, the study of the benefits that physical exercise has on brain health has acquired special relevance. In order to implement exercise as an intervention to protect the brain, it is important to have a more clear idea of its effect in the young population. However, few studies have been carried out on these ages. Objective: The main objective of our study was to evaluate the association between physical activity (PA) with memory and executive function, in university students, analyzing the modulatory effect of sex. Methodology: We collected socio-demographic and life habit information, as well as data on the PA that was carried out during the previous week using the international PAquestionnaire short version (IPAQ-SF) questionnaire in 206 university students (mean age 19.55 ± 2.39; 67.5% women). Memory and executive function were assessed using a comprehensive battery of validate cognitive tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to correlate PA with cognitive tests scores and to evaluate the potential synergistic role of sex. Results: The main finding was that the total amount of PA correlated positively with several tests that evaluated aspects of executive function, specifically Stroop Colors (Pearson's r = 0.17; p = 0.01) and the Stroop Test Color-Word (Pearson's r = 0.15. p = 0.03). These results were adjusted by a large number of possible confounders and modifying variables in a multivariate analysis, like age, sex, academic record, day of the week, and time at which the test was performed. Additionally, we found out that sex had a synergistic effect with PA on the executive test Trail making test-A (TMTA), and in women, this association was stronger than in men. The more PA women reported, the better they performed, that is to say that they took less time to finalize the TMT-A (interaction term between PA and sex: b = -0.0009; p = 0.014). Conclusion: Our study adds evidence of the benefit of PA in cognition in the young population, specifically in the executive inhibitory control, and more significantly in women.

Risk for eating disorders in "high"- and "low"-risk sports and football (soccer): A profile analysis with clustering techniques / Riesgo de trastornos de la alimentación en deportes de "alto" y "bajo" riesgo y fútbol: Un análisis de perfiles con técnicas de clusterización / Risco de transtornos alimentares em esportes de "alto" e "baixo" risco e futebol: uma análise de per"l com técnicas de clusterização

Eating disorders (EDs) are prevalent in sports. Although a distinction has been made to date between high- and low-risk sports for EDs, recent studies have indicated that footballers and other athletes in low-risk sports are as vulnerable for Eds as athletes from sports that emphasize weight and body appearance. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are particular configurations of psychosocial risk factors for EDs among athletes from different sports (N = 357), with a special focus on football players. The Athlete’s Eating Habits Questionnaire (CHAD) was used to establish intra-individual configurations through a multivariate k-means cluster analysis. We found that 10.9% of athletes and 11.4% of the footballers had scores on the CHAD ≥ 100 points, which indicates that a large number of athletes are at risk for developing or may already be suffering from an ED. Three configurations or risk profiles emerged based on the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that reflect differential schemata for each cluster: high (8.7%), moderate (45.1%) and low (46.2%) risk. Football players had a profile that was similar to the moderate, though existent, risk cluster. Our findings also question the traditional classification of sports as high- vs. low-risk. Athletes, including footballers, may have a heightened risk for EDs when they have certain combinations of dysfunctional beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. Our findings indicate that it is important to consider relevant predisposing factors with the aims of risk detection and EDs prevention among athletes. The type of sport does not appear to be the most important risk factor

Los trastornos de la alimentación (TAs) son prevalentes en el ámbito deportivo. Aunque tradicionalmente se ha distinguido entre deportes de alto y bajo riesgo de TAs, trabajos recientes indican que los futbolistas y otros deportistas de "bajo" riesgo son tan vulnerables como otros atletas en cuya práctica deportiva se enfatiza el peso y la apariencia corporal. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer si existen configuraciones particulares de características psicosociales de riesgo de TAs entre deportistas de diferentes modalidades deportivas (N = 357), con un interés especial en futbolistas. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Hábitos Alimentarios del Deportista (CHAD) para establecer dichas configuraciones intraindividuales a través de un análisis multivariado de cluster de k-medias. Un 10.9% de los deportistas y un 11.4% de los futbolistas obtuvieron puntuaciones en el CHAD ≥ 100 puntos, lo que señala que un elevado número de deportistas puede desarrollar un TA a lo largo de su carrera deportiva, o lo puede estar padeciendo ya. Aparecieron tres configuraciones o perfiles de riesgo de TAs en virtud de las creencias, actitudes y comportamientos particulares que conforman un esquema diferencial en cada clúster: Alto (8.7%), moderado (45.1%) y bajo riesgo (46.2%). Los futbolistas muestran un perfil muy parecido al del clúster de riesgo moderado, aunque existente. Los hallazgos obtenidos también cuestionan las clasificaciones tradicionales de los deportes como de alto y bajo riesgo. Los deportistas, incluyendo los futbolistas, pueden tener un riesgo acentuado de padecer TAs si se dan ciertas combinaciones de creencias, actitudes y conductas disfuncionales. Nuestros resultados señalan la importancia, de cara al establecimiento del riesgo y la prevención de TAs en deportistas, de considerar factores predisponentes relevantes, entre los que el tipo de deporte parece no ser el más importante

Os transtornos alimentares (TAs) sao prevalentes em esporte. Embora tradicionalmente uma distincao tem-se realizado entre esportes de alto e baixo risco de TAs, estudos recentes indicam que os futebolistas e outros atletas de risco "baixo" sao tao vulneraveis como outros atletas em esportes onde o peso e aparencia fisica sao enfatizados. O objectivo deste estudo foi determinar se existem configuracoes particulares de fatores psicossociais de risco de TA em atletas de esportes diferentes (N = 357), com um interesse especial em jogadores de futebol. O Questionario de Habitos Alimentares do Atleta (CHAD) foi utilizado para estabelecer configuracoes intra-individuais do risco atraves de uma analise multivariada de clusterizacao de K-medias. Encontramos que o 10.9% dos atletas e 11.4% dos jogadores de futebol tiveram pontuacoes no CHAD ≥ 100 pontos, o que indica que um grande numero de atletas pode desenvolver um TA ao longo de sua carreira, ou ele ja pode estar sofrendo un TA. Tres conguraçoes ou pers de risco de TAs emergiram com base nas crencas, atitudes e comportamentos que recectem um esquema diferencial determinado em cada grupo: alto (8.7%), moderado (45.1%) e baixo risco (46.2%). Os futebolitas mostraram um perfil semelhante ao cluster de risco moderado, embora existente. Nossos resultados questionam as classifficacoes tradicionais de esportes como alto e baixo risco. Os atletas, incluindo os jogadores de futebol, podem ter um risco elevado de TAs se ocorrem determinadas combinacoes de crencas, atitudes e comportamentos disfuncionais. Nossos resultados indicam a importancia para o estabelecimento do risco e prevencao de TAs em atletas do considerar fatores predisponentes relevantes. O tipo de esporte nao parece ser o fator de risco mais importante

Eating disorders in sports and football: An updated review / Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en el deporte y en el fútbol: Una revisión actualizada / Transtornos do comportamento alimentario no esporte e futebol: Uma revisão atualizada

Disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders (EDs) are prevalent among athletes both at clinical and subclinical levels. This review briefly summarizes and updates the main findings on EDs in sports, with a specific focus on football, a largely ignored athletic modality in which EDs are common and more frequent than expected. We begin presenting EDs in sports and their prevalence. We review the traditional classifications of sports as "low-" and "high-risk" athletic modalities based on prevalence rates and examine recent findings that question the utility of classifying sports and estimating an athlete’s vulnerability for developing an ED based only on such dimension. We then focus on other more decisive risk factors involved in the predisposition, precipitation and maintenance of an ED in sports, including socio-cultural, psychosocial, behavioural and athletic-contextual factors. We reflect on current trends in sports and football that may contribute to an increased risk for EDs. Next, recommendations for preventing and managing EDs in sports are discussed, stressing the importance of reducing putative risk factors. Finally, we attend to future areas of research that may enrich our knowledge on this topic, including methodological, empirical and conceptual issues that may lead to further advancements in research and intervention

Los comportamientos alimentarios alterados y los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCAs) tienen una alta prevalencia entre los deportistas tanto a niveles clínicos como subclínicos. Esta revisión resume y actualiza los principales hallazgos sobre TCAs en el deporte, con un énfasis en el fútbol, una modalidad ignorada en la que son comunes y más frecuentes de lo esperado. Comienza presentando los TCAs en el ámbito deportivo y su prevalencia. Se presenta la clasificación tradicional de los deportes como de "alto" y "bajo" riesgo y resultados recientes que cuestionan su utilidad y la de estimar la vulnerabilidad de los deportistas a partir de esta dimensión únicamente. Se comentan otros factores de riesgo más decisivos implicados en la predisposición, aparición y mantenimiento de los TCAs en deportistas, incluyendo factores socio-culturales, psicosociales, comportamentales y deportivos-contextuales. Se reflexiona sobre tendencias actuales en el deporte y en el fútbol que pueden contribuir a un incremento del riesgo de TCAs. Se proponen recomendaciones para la prevención y manejo de los TCAs en el ámbito deportivo. Finalmente, se comentan futuras áreas de investigación que pueden enriquecer nuestro conocimiento sobre esta área, incluyendo cuestiones metodológicas, empíricas y conceptuales que pueden generar importantes avances tanto en investigación como en intervención

Os comportamentos alimentares desordenados e os transtornos do comportamento alimentario (TCAs) têm uma alta prevalência entre os atletas em níveis clínicos e subclínicos. Esta revisão resume e atualiza as principais descobertas sobre TCAs no esporte, com ênfase em futebol, uma modalidade atlética amplamente ignorada em que os TCAs são comuns e mais freqüentes do que o esperado. Começa com uma apresentação de os TCAs no esporte e sua prevalência. Revisamos as classificações tradicionais dos esportes como modalidades atléticas de "baixo" e "alto" risco com base nas taxas de prevalência e examinamos descobertas recentes que questionam a utilidade de classificar esportes assim e de estimar a vulnerabilidade dos atletas para desenvolver um TCA baseada apenas nessa dimensão. Para continuar, enfocamos outros fatores de risco mais decisivos envolvidos na predisposição, na precipitação e na manutenção de um TCA no esporte, incluindo fatores sócio-culturais, psicossociais, comportamentais e atléticos-contextuais. Refletimos sobre tendências atuais nos esportes e no futebol que podem contribuir para um risco aumentado para um TCA. Recomendações para a prevenção e manejo de TCAs nos esportes são propostas, destacando a importância de reduzir fatores de risco putativos. Finalmente, são discutidas futuras áreas de investigação que podem enriquecer o nosso conhecimento sobre esse tema, incluindo questões metodológicas, empíricas e conceituais que podem levar a avanços significativos em investigação e intervenção

Binge Drinking in Young University Students Is Associated with Alterations in Executive Functions Related to Their Starting Age.

Our aim was to evaluate whether or not alcohol consumption in the form of binge drinking is associated with alterations of memory and executive functions in a population of university students. At the same time, we have studied the role of potential modulating factors, such as the APOE genotype or physical exercise.University students enrolled in academic year 2013-2014 at Escuelas Universitarias Gimbernat-Cantabria, affiliated with the University of Cantabria, were invited to participate in the study. We gathered sociodemographic data and details regarding the lifestyle of 206 students (mean age 19.55 ± 2.39; 67.5% women). We evaluated memory and executive functions via a series of validated cognitive tests. Participants were classified as binge drinkers (BD) and non-BD. Using Student's t-distribution we studied the association between cognitive tests and BD patterns. Multivariate analyses were carried out via multiple linear regression. 47.6% of the students were found to be BD. The BD differed significantly from the non-BD in their results in the executive functions test TMT B (43.41 ± 13.30 vs 37.40 ± 9.77; p = 0.0003). Adjusting by age, sex, academic records, age at which they started consuming alcohol, cannabis consumption, level of physical activity and other possible modifying variables, the association was statistically significant (p = 0.009). We noticed a statistically significant inverse correlation (Pearson's r2 = -0.192; p = 0.007) between TMT B and starting age of alcohol consumption. Differences were observed in another executive functions test, TMT A, but only in the group of women (19.73±6.1 BD vs 17.78±5.4 non-BD p = 0.05). In spite of the young age of our participants, BD was associated with a lower performance in the executive functions test (TMT B). These deficits were related to the age at which they started drinking alcohol, suggesting an accumulative effect.

Alteraciones cognitivas asociadas al patrón de bebedor de fin de semana en estudiantes universitarios: resultados preliminares / Cognitive impairment associated to binge drinking in university students: A preliminary analysis

Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del consumo de alcohol con patrón de bebedor de fin de semana (BD, del inglés binge drinkers) sobre la memoria y la función ejecutiva en estudiantes universitarios. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en universitarios de las Escuelas Universitarias Gimbernat-Cantabria. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos y hábitos de vida de 102 alumnos (media de edad 19,6 ± 0,25 años; 69,6 % mujeres). Se evaluó la memoria y la función ejecutiva utilizando una batería de test cognitivos validados y normalizados para la población española. Los participantes fueron clasificados en bebedores BD (consumidores de seis o más unidades de bebidas alcohólicas en 2 h) y no BD mediante el cuestionario de hábitos de vida. Se empleó la prueba de la t de Student para evaluar la asociación entre test cognitivos y patrón de consumo. Se realizaron análisis multivariantes mediante regresión lineal para ajustar por covariables sociodemográficas. Resultados: todos los estudiantes refirieron haber consumido alcohol en alguna ocasión. La media de edad de inicio del consumo fue de 15 ± 0,12 años. El 49 % de los estudiantes presentaba un patrón BD. Los bebedores BD difirieron significativamente en los resultados del Trail Making Test B (TMTB), que evalúa la función ejecutiva (42,7 ± 2,0 BD frente a 36,3 ± 1,2 no BD promedio segundos; p = 0,007). Ajustando por edad, sexo y expediente académico, la asociación entre TMTB y patrón BD fue también estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,020). La edad de inicio del consumo de alcohol se correlacionó de forma inversa con los resultados en el TMTB (r2 = -0,22; p = 0,027). Conclusión: el patrón de consumo de alcohol BD en estudiantes universitarios se asoció a un menor rendimiento en el test de función ejecutiva TMTB. Los inicios tempranos en el consumo de alcohol se correlacionaron con peores puntuaciones en TMTB, lo que sugiere un efecto acumulativo (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the alcohol consumption on memory and on executive function in university students who are consistent with the pattern of binge drinkers (BD). Materials and methods: A transversal study was conducted on university students at the University School of Gimbernat-Cantabria. Sociodemographic data and life habits were collected from 102 students (average age 19.6 ± 0.25 years; 69.6% women). Memory and executive functions were evaluated through a range of validated cognitive tests. Participants were classified as BD (consumers of six or more units of alcoholic drinks in 2 hours) and non BD. Besides, it was also studied the association between cognitive tests and the pattern of consumption through the student’s t-test. A multivaried analysis was carried out to adjust the sociodemographic cofactors. Results: All students admitted having consumed alcohol on occasion. The average age of the onset of consumption was 15 ± 0.12. 49% of the students had a pattern of BD. These binge drinkers differed significantly in their results of the Trail Making Test B (TMTB), an executive function test (42,7 ± 2,0 vs. 36,3 ± 1,2 second average; p = 0,007). Adjusting by age, sex and academic records, the association between TMTB and the pattern of BD was significant (p = 0,020). The age of onset of alcohol use was correlated inversely with the results in the TMTB (r2 = -0.22, p = 0.027). Discussion/Con - clusion: BD alcohol consumption pattern was associated in college students with a lower performance during the executive function test TMTB. Earlier alcohol consumption was associated to worse performances in TMTB, suggesting an accumulative effect (AU)

The in vitro mass-produced model mycorrhizal fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis, significantly increases yields of the globally important food security crop cassava.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is formed between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant roots. The fungi provide the plant with inorganic phosphate (P). The symbiosis can result in increased plant growth. Although most global food crops naturally form this symbiosis, very few studies have shown that their practical application can lead to large-scale increases in food production. Application of AMF to crops in the tropics is potentially effective for improving yields. However, a main problem of using AMF on a large-scale is producing cheap inoculum in a clean sterile carrier and sufficiently concentrated to cheaply transport. Recently, mass-produced in vitro inoculum of the model mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis became available, potentially making its use viable in tropical agriculture. One of the most globally important food plants in the tropics is cassava. We evaluated the effect of in vitro mass-produced R. irregularis inoculum on the yield of cassava crops at two locations in Colombia. A significant effect of R. irregularis inoculation on yield occurred at both sites. At one site, yield increases were observed irrespective of P fertilization. At the other site, inoculation with AMF and 50% of the normally applied P gave the highest yield. Despite that AMF inoculation resulted in greater food production, economic analyses revealed that AMF inoculation did not give greater return on investment than with conventional cultivation. However, the amount of AMF inoculum used was double the recommended dose and was calculated with European, not Colombian, inoculum prices. R. irregularis can also be manipulated genetically in vitro, leading to improved plant growth. We conclude that application of in vitro R. irregularis is currently a way of increasing cassava yields, that there is a strong potential for it to be economically profitable and that there is enormous potential to improve this efficiency further in the future.

Fengycin C produced by Bacillus subtilis EA-CB0015.

Bacillus subtilis EA-CB0015 was isolated from the phyllosphere of a banana plant and tested for its potential to produce bioactive compounds against Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Using a dual plate culture technique the cell-free supernatant of B. subtilis EA-CB0015 produced inhibition values of 89 ± 1%. The active compounds were purified by solid-phase extraction and HPLC, and their primary structures determined using mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. A new fengycin isoform, fengycin C, with the amino acid sequence Glu-Orn-Tyr-Thr-Glu-Val-Pro-Gln-Thr-Ile was isolated. The peptidic moiety differs from fengycin B at position 9 and from fengycin A at positions 6 and 9. The ß-hydroxy fatty acyl chain is connected to the N-terminal of the decapeptide and can be saturated or unsaturated, ranging from 14 to 18 carbons. The C-terminal residue of the peptidic moiety is linked to the tyrosine residue at position 3, forming the branching point of the acyl peptide and the eight-membered cyclic lactone.

¿Cuándo deben intervenir los entrenadores en la dirección de un partido de voleibol?Posibles intervenciones psicológicas durante las distintas fases competitivas de un partido / When must coaches intervene in the direction of Volleyball match?

El objetivo de este trabajo es aportar sugerencias de actuación psicológica que permitan a los entrenadores a ser más eficaces en el trabajo de dirección de equipo durante la competición en concreto, y principalmente durante un partido. Se repasan las características de las distintas fases y periodos competitivos que ocurren durante los encuentros de voleibol y se sugieren cuales son las intervenciones psicológicas del entrenador más apropiadas en cada una de esas fases orientadas al mantenimiento o mejora de la disposición mental de los jugadores (AU)

The objective of this paper is to bring suggestions for psychological proceedings that will enable coaches to become more efficient in the handling of the teams during competitions, more precisely and mainly during the game. The features of the different phases and periods of volleyball competitions are analyzed and there are some suggestions about what psychological interventions are more appropriate for a coach to use in each of the phases. Such interventions are oriented toward the maintenance and improvement of the mental disposition of the players (AU)

O objetivo desse trabalho é de proporcionar sugestõ es de atuação psicológica que permitam a eficácia do trabalho dos treinadores (..) (AU)

Prevención y detección de los trastornos de alimentación en deportistas de alto rendimiento (CAR, CEARE y CTD) / Prevention and Detection of the Disorders of Food in Athletes of High Performance (CAR, CEARE and CTD)

En este trabajo se analizan los factores que determinan el riesgo de que un deportista desarrolle un Trastorno de la Conducta Alimentaria(TCA). Se ha comprobado como el nivel de competición o el tipo de práctica puede influir en que ese riesgo aumente. Dentro de los deportistas que a priori presentan mayor riesgo se encuentran los que compiten en el alto rendimiento, por lo tanto, a través de este trabajo de investigación pretendemos detectar a través del Cuestionario de Hábitos Alimentarios del Deportistas- CHAD- quienes, de los deportistas que se encuentran en un CAR, CEARE o CTD, son los más vulnerables al desarrollo de un trastorno de alimentación y que influye en esta vulnerabilidad, encontrando, en este caso, que son las mujeres que practican deportes de riesgo (AU)

In this present paper we have analyzed the factors which determine the risks for an athlete to develop an Eating Disorder (ED). The level of a competition and the kind of sport practiced have been proved to influence the development of these risks. Among the athletes who seem to show an -apriori- bigger risk of developing the problems, we find those who compete in high performance competition, so, by means of this research paper we intend to detect using the Questionnaire for the eating habits in sportsmen and women (CHAD) sportsmen and sportswomen who are among those training in the Center of High Performance (CAR), the Center of Training and High Performance (CEARE) or the Center for the Sport Tech (CTD)that are more prone to the acquisition of an eating disorder and what influences this vulnerability, discovering that, in this precise case, it is women who practice a risky sport (AU)

Cultivable bacteria populations associated with leaves of banana and plantain plants and their antagonistic activity against Mycosphaerella fijiensis.

Mycosphaerella fijiensis is the etiological agent of Black Sigatoka, a fungal disease that affects production of banana and plantain crops in tropical regions. The sizes of cultivable epiphytic and endophytic bacterial populations, aerobic endospore forming bacteria (AEFB), and antagonist bacteria against M. fijiensis isolated from three Musa spp. cultivars from Urabá (Colombia) were studied, in order to find a suitable screening strategy to isolate antagonistic bacteria. Most of the variability found in the epiphytic and endophytic bacterial community sizes among fruit trees was explained by the cultivar differences. We found population sizes ranging from 1.25 × 10(3) to 9.64 × 10(5) CFU/g of fresh leaf and found that 44 % of total cultivable bacteria belong to the AEFB group. We isolated 648 AEFB from three different cultivars and assessed their antagonistic activity against M. fijiensis using the cell-free supernatant obtained from bacterial liquid cultures in three different in vitro assays. Five percent of those bacteria showed higher percent inhibition than the positive control Bacillus subtilis UA321 has (percent inhibition = 84 ± 5) in the screening phase. Therefore, they were selected as antagonistic bacteria against the pathogen. The strains with the highest percentage of antagonism were found in older leaves for the three cultivars, given support to recommend this group of leaves for future samplings. Some of these isolated bacteria affected the mycelium and ascospores morphology of the fungus. They also presented in vitro characteristics related to a successful colonization of the phylloplane such as indolic compounds, surfactant production, and biofilm formation, which makes them possible, potential candidates as biological control agents.