Regional Variation of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Hyporesponsiveness in the Global Daprodustat Dialysis Study (ASCEND-D).

INTRODUCTION: Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) affects 10-15% of the chronic dialysis population. We explored baseline characteristics and predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness in a global randomized cardiovascular outcomes study comparing an investigational hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), daprodustat, with conventional ESA treatment. METHODS: ASCEND-D (NCT02879305) recruited 2,964 chronic dialysis patients receiving ESA treatment (standardized to weekly intravenous [IV] epoetin) who were iron replete at baseline. The primary ESA hyporesponsiveness definition was an ESA Resistance Index (ERI, ESA units/kg/week/hemoglobin g/L) ≥2 or IV standardized ESA dose ≥450 units/kg/week. Predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness were determined using a multivariable regression model. Alternative hyporesponder definitions were explored. RESULTS: Using the primary definition, 354 (12%) patients were ESA hyporesponsive. Geographic region, notably Latin America, lower baseline body mass index and transferrin saturation, younger age, lower albumin concentration, and a higher baseline IV iron dose were identified as strongly associated (p < 0.001) with ESA hyporesponsiveness. Additional predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness included female sex (p = 0.010), history of heart failure (p = 0.035), longer dialysis vintage (p = 0.077), smoking status (p = 0.247), aspirin use (p = 0.121), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker use (p = 0.214). CONCLUSION: This is the first global HIF-PHI study to report prespecified definitions and predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness. While most of the predictors identified in our study have been previously reported, geographic region stands out as an unexpected finding, meriting further investigation.

Integration of agricultural residues as biomass source to saccharification bioprocess and for the production of cellulases from filamentous fungi.

The production of second-generation bioethanol has several challenges, among them finding cheap and efficient enzymes for a sustainable process. In this work, we analyzed two native fungi, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium funiculosum, as a source of cellulolytic enzyme production, and corn stover, wheat bran, chickpeas, and bean straw as a carbon source in two fermentation systems: submerged and solid fermentation. Corn stover was selected for cellulase production in both fermentation systems, because we found the highest enzymatic activities when carboxymethyl cellulase activity (CMCase) was assessed using CMC as substrate. C. cladosporioides showed the highest CMCase activity (1.6 U/mL), while P. funiculosum had the highest filter paper activity (Fpase) (0.39 U/mL). The ß-glucosidase activities produced by both fungi were similar in submerged fermentation using corn stover as substrate. Through in-gel zymography, three polypeptides with cellulolytic activities were identified in each fungus: with molecular weights of ~ 38, 45 and 70 kDa in C. cladosporioides and ~ 21, 63 and 100 kDa in P. funiculosum. The best results for saccharification (10.11 g/L of reducing sugars) of diluted acid pretreated corn stover were obtained after 36 h of the hydrolytic process at pH 5 and 50 °C using the enzyme extract of P. funiculosum. This is the first report of cellulase identification in C. cladosporioides and the saccharification of corn stover using enzymes of this fungus. Enzymatic extracts of C. cladosporioides and P. funiculosum obtained from low-cost lignocellulosic biomass have great potential for use in the production of second-generation bioethanol.

Motivación, inteligencia emocional y carga de entrenamiento en función del género y categoría en baloncesto en edades escolares / Motivação, emoções e carga de treinamento de acordo com gênero e categoria no basquete em idade escolar / Motivation, emotions and training load according to gender and category in basketball at school ages

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la relación de variables motivacionales, emocionalesy la carga de entrenamiento en baloncesto teniendo en cuenta el género y la categoría de formación. Participaron 61 jóvenes entre los 13 y 16 años de edad (M= 14,23) de un club de baloncesto del sur oeste de España. Por medio de dispositivos inerciales semidió la carga interna y externa de cada deportista durante los entrenamientos. Se empleó una escala de bienestar para variables como el estrés, la fatiga, el dolor muscular, y cuestionarios de auto-informe para el esfuerzo percibido, la motivación, la inteligencia emocional y la percepción de rendimiento. Los resultados evidenciaron que la categoría U14 y en general las chicas, manifestaron más intensidad, mayor percepción de esfuerzo y de rendimiento, así como índices más altos de inteligencia emocional.La categoría U16 y los chicos, reflejaron mayor fatiga, nivel de estrés y dolor muscular, y menores dígitos de inteligencia emocional y motivación autodeterminada. A modo de conclusión, las variables de motivación más autodeterminada y de inteligencia emocional, están directamente relacionadas con la intensidad en los entrenamientos, la percepción de rendimiento y los factores de bienestar como la fatiga, el estrés y el dolor muscular en deportistas en edades escolares (AU)

The objective of this study was to describe the relationship of motivational and emotional variables and the training load in basketball at school age according to gender and training category. 61 young people between 13 and 16 years of age (M = 14.23) from a basketball club in southern Spain participated. By technological devices, the internal and external load of each athlete was measured during training, in addition, a well-being scale was used for variables such as stress, fatigue, muscle pain, and self-report questionnaires for perceived effort, motivation, emotional intelligence and perception of performance. The results showed that the under 14 category and, in general, women, showed more intensity, greater perception of effort and performance, as well as higher rates of emotional intelligence. The under 16 category and men, reflected higher fatigue, stress level and muscle pain, and lower digits of emotional intelligence and self-determined motivation. In conclusion, the most self-determined motivation and emotional intelligence variables are directly related to intensity in training, perception of performance and well-being factors such as fatigue, stress and muscle pain in athletes at school age (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a relação entre variáveis motivacionais e emocionais e a carga de treinamento no basquete em idade escolar, de acordo com o sexo e a categoria de treinamento. Participaram 61 jovens entre 13 e 16 anos (M = 14,23) de um clube de basquete do sul da Espanha. Por meio de dispositivos tecnológicos, a carga interna e externa de cada atleta foi mensurada durante o treinamento; além disso, foi utilizada uma escala de bem-estar para variáveis como estresse, fadiga, dor muscular e questionários de autorrelato para o esforço percebido, motivação, inteligência emocional e percepção de desempenho. Os resultados mostraram que a categoria U14 e, em geral, mulheres, apresentaram mais intensidade, maior percepção de esforço e desempenho, além de maiores índices de inteligência emocional. A categoria U16 e os homens em geral refletiram maior fadiga, nível de estresse e dor muscular, e dígitos maisbaixos de inteligência emocional e motivação autodeterminada. Como conclusão, as variáveis mais determinantes de motivação e inteligência emocional estão diretamente relacionadas à intensidade do treinamento, percepção de desempenho e fatores de bem-estar, como fadiga, estresse e dores musculares em atletas em idade escolar. (AU)

Analysis of the Different Scenarios of Coach's Anger on the Performance of Youth Basketball Teams.

In spite of the negative effects of anger, coaches are often seen becoming angry during games. This is especially worrying in U18 categories. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the influence that the coach's anger has on the performance of a basketball team in competition. For this, an ad hoc observation tool was designed, in which 587 moments of anger from the coaching staff (64 coaches) were recorded in the 24 semi-final and final matches of the Spanish Autonomous Region Team Championships in 2019 and 2020 in the infantil (M = 14 years old) and cadete (M = 16 years old) categories. The results show that, in response to most incidents of coach anger, the performance of the team did not change. Significant differences were identified in some scenarios, with low- or medium-intensity anger targeted at the defence, where the team performance improved. However, anger towards the referee in the last quarter with scores level had a negative influence on the team's performance.

Phenolic composition of tomato varieties and an industrial tomato by-product: free, conjugated and bound phenolics and antioxidant activity.

The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and quantify soluble free phenolics, conjugated acid-hydrolysable phenolics (AHP) and alkaline-hydrolysable phenolics, and bound phenolics (BP) fractions from two tomato varieties (saladette and grape) and an industrial tomato by-product, as well as, to determine their antioxidant capacity. Phenolic composition was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's method and HPLC-DAD. AHP were predominant in grape and saladette tomato extracts (91.47 ± 17.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g dry extract (DE) and 57.41 ± 8.80 mg GAE per g DE, respectively), while BP form was predominant in tomato by-product (51.30 ± 10.91 GAE per g DE). AHP extract of grape tomato presented the highest antioxidant capacity by DPPH assay (252.35 ± 42.55 µmol trolox equiv (TE) per g DE). In the case of ORAC assay, AHP fractions from both grape (1005.19 ± 138.52 µmol TE per g DE) and saladette tomatoes (804.16 ± 131.45 µmol TE per g DE), and BP fraction from by-product (852.40 ± 71.46 µmol TE per g DE) showed the highest ORAC values. Caffeic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid and it was found mainly in its conjugated forms. Naringenin was the most abundant flavonoid and it was mainly detected in bound form. Our analysis allowed a better characterization of phenolic compounds in whole tomato and by-product, remarking the importance of the fractionation. The valorization of the industrial tomato by-product, through the use of its different fractions of phenolic antioxidant compounds, could generate additional income to the tomato industry and reduce the waste disposal problem.

Higher prepregnancy body mass index is a risk factor for developing preeclampsia in Maya-Mestizo women: a cohort study.

AIM: Preeclampsia and obesity are two closely related syndromes. The high maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for present preeclampsia, independently of the ethnic background of the studied population. The aim of this study was to analyse in a prospective cohort study the relation between prepregnancy BMI and development of preeclampsia in Maya-Mestizo women. DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study of 642 pregnant women that were included in the first trimester of the pregnancy (gestational age ≤12 weeks at the first antenatal visit) and all of them were of Maya-Mestizo ethnic origin from the state of Yucatán, México. We assessed the potential risk factors for preeclampsia and documented the prepregnancy BMI (kg/m2) that was based on measured height and maternal self-report of prepregnancy weight at the initial visit. Besides, in the antenatal visit we documented if the pregnant women developed preeclampsia. RESULTS: Of the 642 pregnant Maya-Mestizo women, 49 developed preeclampsia, with an incidence of 7.6% (44.9% had severe and 55% mild). The prepregnancy BMI was higher in women with developed preeclampsia than in those with normal pregnancies. Women with overweight or obesity in comparison with normal weight presented a RR = 2.82 (95% CI: 1.32-6.03; P = 0.008) and RR= 4.22 (95% CI: 2.07-8.61; P = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings expand the previous studies to show that the higher prepregnancy BMI is a strong, independent risk factor for preeclampsia.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in scalded Jalapeño pepper industrial byproduct (Capsicum annuum).

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were evaluated from industrial Jalapeño pepper byproducts and simulated non processed byproducts from two Mexican states (Chihuahua and Sinaloa) to determine their value added potential as commercial food ingredients. Aqueous 80% ethanol produced about 13% of dry extract of polar compounds. Total phenolic content increased and capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin decreased on scalding samples (80 °C, 2 min) without affecting ascorbic acid. The major phenolic compounds, rutin, epicatechin and catechin comprised 90% of the total compounds detected by HPLC of each Jalapeño pepper byproducts. ORAC analysis showed that the origin and scalding process affected the antioxidant activity which correlated strongly with capsaicin content. Although scalding decreased capsaicinoids (up to 42%), phenolic content by (up to 16%), and the antioxidant activity (variable). Jalapeño pepper byproduct is a good source of compounds with antioxidant activity, and still an attractive ingredient to develop useful innovative products with potential food/non-food applications simultaneously reducing food loss and waste.

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity from non-toxic Mexican Jatropha curcas L. shell methanolic extracts.

Jatropha curcas seed shells are the by-product obtained during oil extraction process. Recently, its chemical composition has gained attention since its potential applications. The aim of this study was to identify phenolic compounds profile from a non-toxic J. curcas shell from Mexico, besides, evaluate J. curcas shell methanolic extract (JcSME) antioxidant activity. Free, conjugate and bound phenolics were fractionated and quantified (606.7, 193.32 and 909.59 µg/g shell, respectively) and 13 individual phenolic compounds were detected by HPLC. The radical-scavenging activity of JcSME was similar to Trolox and ascorbic acid by DPPH assay while by ABTS assay it was similar to BHT. Effective antioxidant capacity by ORAC was found (426.44 ± 53.39 µmol Trolox equivalents/g shell). The Mexican non-toxic J. curcas shell is rich in phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity; hence, it could be considerate as a good source of natural antioxidants.

¿Se entrena como se compite? Análisis de la carga en baloncesto femenino / Is training carried out the same as competition? Analysis of load in women´s basketball

El impacto que genera la competición en los deportistas es necesario analizarlo de forma objetiva y científica. El conocimiento de las demandas fisiológicas y cinemáticas de la competición deportiva, es uno de los factores que permitirá establecer óptimos procesos de entrenamiento. Por ello, los principales objetivos de esta investigación fueron caracterizar y analizar las diferencias entre el entrenamiento y la competición real en un equipo senior femenino de baloncesto, durante la temporada 2015/16. El diseño de esta investigación es empírico con metodología cuantitativa, que se centra en analizar las relaciones y diferencias entre variables. La variable independiente fue la Situación de Juego, categorizada en Small Sided Games, Full Game y Competición. Se registraron cinco variables dependientes: Impactos, Pasos y Saltos por minuto (cinemáticas); y Frecuencia Cardíaca Media y Máxima (de carga interna). Se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptivo y se utilizó el modelo general lineal univariante para establecer diferencias entre las categorías de la variable Situación de Juego. Por último, la prueba Post Hoc de Bonferroni se empleó para identificar las diferencias entre grupos. Los resultados mostraron que se obtienen valores más altos en la competición que las situaciones de entrenamiento en el caso de la Frecuencia Cardiaca Media y Máxima, y en el caso de los pasos por minuto. Los entrenadores deben tener en cuenta estos resultados para adecuar el entrenamiento a los requerimientos de la competición (AU)

It is necessary to analyze the impact that the competition have on athletes, in an objective and scientific way. The knowledge of the physiological and kinematic demands in sports competition is one of the factor that will establish optimal training processes. Therefore, the main objectives of this research were to characterize and analyze the differences between training and real competition in a women's senior basketball team during 2015/16 season. The design of this research is empirical with quantitative methodology, which focuses on analyzing the relationships and differences between variables. The independent variable was the Game Situation, categorized in Small Sided Games, Full Game and Competition. Five dependent variables were recorded: Impacts, Steps and Jumps per minute (kinematic variables); and Average and Maximum Heart Rate (internal load). A descriptive analysis was performed and the univariate general linear model was used to differentiate between categories of the variable Game Situation. Finally, Bonferroni Post Hoc test was used to identify differences between groups. The results showed that higher values of Average and Maximum Heart Rate and Steps per minute were found in competition. Coaches should consider these results to adapt the training to the requirements of the competition (AU)

Scoring coordination patterns in basketball international championships of national teams / Patrones de coordinación anotadora en los campeonatos internacionales de baloncesto de selecciones

The performance of two basketball teams can be analysed by exploring their different scoring dynamics on the basis of the two time series representing the scoring process of each team throughout the game. Existing studies following this approach focused mainly on regular season and playoff games in different basketball leagues. The aim of this study was to conduct this type of analysis on games of National Teams championships, focusing specifically on final round close games, as those in which medals are decided and teams perform in a very similar level. The study considers the final round games (i.e. semi-finals games, third-place game and final game) of the main men's professional basketball International Championships of National Teams (i.e. European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games) played during the period 2005-2013. Different methods of time series analysis were used (i.e. autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions, double backward moving averages, Hilbert transform). The results revealed an increasing scoring coordination pattern between the teams as the games unfolded, showing extremely high coordinated behaviours in the 3rd and 4th quarters (i.e. similar scoring streaks by the two teams; back-and-forth scoring patterns). This suggests that are the first two quarters of the games those leading to major fluctuations on the scoreboard (i.e. game periods in which one team’s scoring performance is very successful whilst the other team’s is not). This study may be matter of interest to coaches and performance analysts in the field of basketball, providing practical information for specific games preparations in International Championships of National Teams (AU)

El rendimiento de dos equipos de baloncesto se puede analizar mediante la exploración de sus diferentes dinámicas de anotación sobre la base de las dos series temporales que representan el proceso anotador de cada equipo durante todo el partido. Los estudios existentes siguiendo este enfoque se han centrado principalmente en partidos de temporada regular y de playoff en diferentes ligas de baloncesto. El objetivo de este estudio fue llevar a cabo este tipo de análisis en partidos de campeonatos de selecciones nacionales, centrándose específicamente en los partidos ajustados de las rondas finales, como aquellos en los que se deciden las medallas y en los que los equipos desempeñan en un nivel muy similar. El estudio considera los partidos de las rondas finales (semifinales, tercer y cuarto puesto, y final) de los principales campeonatos internacionales de baloncesto de selecciones nacionales en categoría masculina (Campeonatos Europeos, Campeonatos del Mundo y Juegos Olímpicos) disputados durante el período 2005-2013. Se utilizaron diferentes métodos de análisis de series temporales (funciones de autocorrelación y correlación cruzada, doble media móvil, transformada de Hilbert). Los resultados revelaron un patrón creciente de coordinación anotadora entre los equipos a medida que los partidos avanzaban, mostrando patrones de coordinación extremadamente altos en el tercer y último cuarto (rachas de anotación similares para los dos equipos, patrones de anotación de ida y vuelta). Esto sugiere que son los dos primeros cuartos de los partidos aquellos que conducen a mayores fluctuaciones en el marcador (períodos de juego en los que el rendimiento anotador de un equipo es muy exitoso, mientras que el del otro equipo no lo es). Este estudio puede ser de interés para los entrenadores y analistas de rendimiento en baloncesto, proporcionando información práctica para la preparación específica de partidos en los campeonatos internacionales de selecciones nacionales (AU)

Estrés y técnica de arbitraje en baloncesto en función del género / Stress and Technique of basketball refereeing according to gender

El propósito de estudio ha sido conocer las diferencias en función del género en la intervención técnica del árbitro y las situaciones de estrés que se presentan durante un partido de baloncesto. La muestra consta de seis árbitros de categoría nacional (4 hombres y 2 mujeres), durante la celebración de un torneo internacional U-16. Para conocer las diferencias en la intervención técnica se ha empleado el instrumento IOVAB y para observar las diferencias en las situaciones de estrés el cuestionario LISEA. Los resultados muestran que no existen diferencias significativas en la intervención técnica, exceptuando los movimientos de árbitro de cabeza, donde las mujeres obtienen valores más elevados. Por contra, si se reflejan diferencias entre grupos en las situaciones de estrés. Las mujeres poseen valores más altos cuando se hace referencia al nombre de los entrenadores y jugadores, al puesto que ocupa cada equipo en la competición, al compañero de arbitraje, a la localidad y pabellón en el que arbitran y a la existencia o no de delegado de campo. Los resultados muestran la necesidad de realizar un programa de intervención para regular esta ansiedad antes y después de los partidos (AU)

Referee, gender, technical intervention, stress.The aim of this research was to determine the differences that may exist in the gender of the referee about the technical intervention and stressful situations during basketball matches. The subjects are six national referees (4 men and 2 women) officiating an international tournament U-16. IOVAB instrument has been used to calculate the differences in the technical intervention and LISEA questionnaire in order to observe differences in stress situations. The results show no significant differences in technical intervention, except the head referee movements, where the women performance is better. However, there are differences between groups in stressful situations. Women have higher values in reference to the name of the coaches and players, the position occupied by each team in the competition, the workmate referee, the place and stadium and the existence of field official. Results show the need to implement an intervention program to regulate the anxiety of the referees before and after the games (AU)

Preocupación por la apariencia física en usuarios de empresas multideportivas de México / Concern about physical appearance in users of multi-sports complexes in México / Preocupação com a aparência fisica em utentes de empresas multidesportivas do México

Las escalas de Ansiedad Físico-Social (SPAS-7 y de Dismorfia Muscular (Complejo de Adonis) son herramientas sensibles para evaluar la preocupación por la apariencia física. El objetivo es analizar la asociación entre la dismorfia muscular y la ansiedad físico-social e identificar las diferencias por sexo en usuarios de empresas de servicios deportivos integrados del noroeste de México. Mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple se eligieron 429 (231 hombres y 198 mujeres). A todos ellos se les aplicaron los cuestionarios SPAS-7 y Complejo Adonis en el centro deportivo correspondiente. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas que muestran que las mujeres registran mayores niveles de ansiedad que los hombres (Media = 12.5 ± 5 DS y Media = 14.5 ± 6 DS; p < .000); no obstante, las mujeres obesas presentan mayores puntuaciones con respecto al resto (Media = 18.8 ± DS; p < .000). También se comprobó a través de un modelo de regresión que los años de práctica física, la frecuencia a la semana y la duración de la sesión de entrenamiento predicen la ansiedad físico-social y el Complejo Adonis. Además se evidenció que existe una asociación significativa entre los niveles de dismorfia muscular y de ansiedad

Social Physique Anxiety (SPAS -7) and muscle dysmorphia (Adonis Complex) scales are sensitive tools to assess concern about physical appearance. The aim of this work is to analyse the association between muscle dysmorphia and social physique anxiety and identify the differences by gender in users of integrated sports complexes in north-west Mexico. Using simple random sampling, 429 (231 men and 198 women) were selected. SPAS-7 and Adonis Complex questionnaires were given in the relevant sports centre. Significant differences were4 found which showed that women reported higher levels of anxiety than men (M = 12.5 ± 5 SD and M = 14.5 ± 6 SD, p = .000); however, obese women reported much higher levels in relation to the others (M = 18.8 ± SD p < .000). It was also proved, using a regression model, that the number of years doing sports, the number of times a week and the duration of the training session predict social physique anxiety and the Adonis Complex. In addition, a significant association between muscle dysmorphia and anxiety levels was confirmed

As escalas de Ansiedade Físico-social(SPAS-7 e Dismorfia Muscular (Complexo de Adonis) são ferramentas sensíveis para avaliar apreocupação com a aparência física. O objectivo é analisar a associação entre a dismorfia muscular e a ansiedade físico-social e identificar as diferençaspor sexo em utentes de empresas de serviços desportivos integrados do noroeste do México. A amostra aleatória simples foi composta por 429 participantes (231 homens e 198 mulheres). A todos eles se aplicaram os questionários SPAS-7 eComplexo Adonisno centro desportivo correspondente. Verificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas que mostram que as mulheres registaram maiores níveis de ansiedade que os homens (Média= 12.5 ± 5 dpe Média= 14.5 ± 6 dp; p < .000); não obstante, as mulheres obesas apresentam maiores pontuações nos restantes indicadores (Media= 18.8 ± 8 dp; p < .000). Também se comprovou através de um modelo de regressão que os anos de prática física, a frequência semanal e a duração da sessão de treinopredizem a ansiedade físico-social e o Complexo de Adonis. Adicionalmente, evidenciou-se que existe uma associação significativa entre os níveis dedismorfia muscular e de ansiedade

Phenolic content and antioxidant and antimutagenic activities in tomato peel, seeds, and byproducts.

The phenolic content and antioxidant and antimutagenic activities from the peel and seeds of different tomato types (grape, cherry, bola and saladette type), and simulated tomato industrial byproducts, were studied. Methanolic extracts were used to quantify total phenolic content, groups of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, and the profile of phenolic compounds (by HPLC-DAD). Antimutagenic activity was determined by Salmonella typhimurium assay. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of tomato and tomato byproducts were comparable or superior to those previously reported for whole fruit and tomato pomace. Phenolic compounds with important biological activities, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acids, quercetin-3-ß-O-glycoside, and quercetin, were quantified. Differences in all phenolic determinations due to tomato type and part of the fruit analyzed were observed, peel from grape type showing the best results. Positive antimutagenic results were observed in all samples. All evaluated materials could be used as a source of potential nutraceutical compounds.

PvLOX2 silencing in common bean roots impairs arbuscular mycorrhiza-induced resistance without affecting symbiosis establishment.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is an intimate association between specific soil-borne fungi and the roots of most land plants. AM colonisation elicits an enhanced defence resistance against pathogens, known as mycorrhizal-induced resistance (MIR). This mechanism locally and systemically sensitises plant tissues to boost their basal defence response. Although a role for oxylipins in MIR has been proposed, it has not yet been experimentally confirmed. In this study, when the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lipoxygenase PvLOX2 was silenced in roots of composite plants, leaves of silenced plants lost their capacity to exhibit MIR against the foliar pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, even though they were colonised normally. PvLOX6, a LOX gene family member, is involved in JA biosynthesis in the common bean. Downregulation of PvLOX2 and PvLOX6 in leaves of PvLOX2 root-silenced plants coincides with the loss of MIR, suggesting that these genes could be involved in the onset and spreading of the mycorrhiza-induced defence response.

Mercado y actividad físico-deportiva: la salud y la apariencia física como valores de cambio / Mercado e atividade física esportiva: a saúde e a aparência física como valores de mudança / The market, sports, and physical activity: health and physical appearance as values of exchange

En este trabajo se analiza la influencia que ejerce el mercado en la actividad físico-deportiva, misma que en la actualidad aparece asociada con una mayor atención sobre el cuerpo. Evidencias documentales y empíricas muestran que a través de la actividad físico-deportiva, el mercado impone, entre otros aspectos, las ventajas de la apariencia legítima dirigidas a fortalecer las relaciones interpersonales y la supremacía del atractivo físico como parámetro de aceptabilidad social y como medida del valor de cambio entre los individuos.

In this paper we analyzed the influence of the market in physical activity and sport, which currently appears associated with greater attention to the human body. Document analysis and empirical evidence show that through physical activity and sport, the market asserts the advantages of an ideal/legitimate appearance for strengthening interpersonal relationships and for advancing the supremacy of physical attractiveness both as a parameter of social acceptability and a measure of value of exchange between individuals.

Este trabalho analisa a influência que exerce o mercado na atividade física esportiva, mesmo que na atualidade apareça associada como uma atenção destinada ao corpo. Evidências documentadas e empíricas mostram que através da atividade física esportiva o mercado impõe entre outros aspectos, vantagens da aparência legítima dirigida ao fortalecimento das relações interpessoais e supremacia do atrativo físico, como parâmetro de aceitação social e como medida de valor de transformação entre os indivíduos.

El conocimiento profesional adquirido por el entrenador de balonmano: experiencias y formación / Professional knowledge acquired by handball coaches: trainign and experience

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la procedencia del conocimiento que utilizan los entrenadores de balonmano en su ejercicio profesional. En el estudio participaron 333 entrenadores españoles, 86.8% hombres y 13.2% mujeres. Se diseñó y validó un cuestionario que permitió conocer la influencia del conocimiento profesional en su intervención como entrenador: experiencia como jugador, formación académica o experiencia como entrenador. El análisis estadístico reflejó que los factores de la escala tenían una validez y fiabilidad adecuadas (α > .70), acreditando a este cuestionario como una herramienta válida y fiable. Los entrenadores utilizan las tres fuentes de conocimiento (académica, experiencia como jugador y autoformación), existiendo una mayor utilización del conocimiento académico. Los entrenadores con mayor formación utilizan menos las experiencias y conocimientos adquiridos como jugador y utilizan más los conocimientos adquiridos en su vida profesional (AU)

This study aimed to ascertain the source of the knowledge used by the handball coaches in their professional tasks. A total of 333 handball coaches participated in this study: 86.8% men and 13.2% women. A questionnaire allowed us to find out whether the coaches used their experiences as players, academic training or experience garnered as coaches. The statistical analysis reflected the adequate validity and reliability (α > .70) of the factors of the scale, which verified this questionnaire as a useful tool. The coaches used three sources of knowledge (academic, experience as players and selftraining), with academic knowledge being used the most by coaches. The most highly trained coaches used experiences and knowledge gained as players less; the knowledge acquired in their professional lives were used the most (AU)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory and antioxidative activities and functional characterization of protein hydrolysates of hard-to-cook chickpeas.

BACKGROUND: The potential use of hard-to-cook (hardened) chickpeas to obtain value-added functional food ingredients was evaluated. For that purpose, some nutraceutical and functional attributes of several chickpea protein hydrolysates (CPHs) prepared from both fresh and hard-to-cook grains were evaluated. RESULTS: All the CPHs prepared from both fresh and hard-to-cook grains, with the enzymes alcalase, pancreatin and papain, showed high angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE-I) activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.101 to 37.33 µg mL⁻¹; similarly, high levels of antioxidant activity (around 18.17-95.61 µmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity µg⁻¹ CPH) were obtained through both the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods. Regarding functional characterization of the CPHs, oil absorption values ranged from 1.91 to 2.20 mL oil g⁻¹ CPH, with water solubility almost 100% from pH 7 to 10. CONCLUSION: The high antioxidant and ACE-I activities as well as the good functional properties of the CPH prepared from both fresh and hard-to-cook grains, suggest its use in food formulations with value added in human health.

Modification of the amaranth 11S globulin storage protein to produce an inhibitory peptide of the angiotensin I converting enzyme, and its expression in Escherichia coli.

Amarantin is the predominant seed storage protein from amaranth. It shows a high content of essential amino acids, making this protein important from a nutritional viewpoint. The protein has two disulfide linked subunits: acidic and basic. Acidic subunit has the potential as a functional and nutraceutical protein, and it is structurally a good candidate for modification. In order to improve its functionality, the primary structure was modified in the third variable region of globulins 11S, by inserting four Val-Tyr antihypertensive peptides in tandem. The designed plasmid was expressed in Escherichia coli Origami (DE3) and then the expressed protein was purified. Mass spectrometry analysis was used to corroborate the identity of the protein by peptide mass fingerprinting; also, the modified peptide was fragmented and sequenced by mass spectrometry, corroborating thus the inserted residues. The hydrolyzed protein showed a high inhibitory activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme (IC(50) 0.064 mg ml(-1)); it was nearly eightfold more active than the nonmodified protein. In spite that the nonmodified subunit is less active, its activity is comparable with other hydrolyzed proteins reported as high active inhibitors. The expressed and purified subunit after its engineered modification, may be useful for preventing hypertension and for other medical purposes.

Rise of a Brazil nut: a transition line.

Using molecular dynamics we study the behavior of a large particle immersed in a bed of smaller ones. The system is bidimensional, consisting of many rough inelastic hard disks of equal size plus a larger one: the intruder. All possible parameters of the system are kept fixed except for two dimensionless parameters determining the frequency and amplitude of the vibrating base. A systematic exploration of this parameter space leads to determining a transition line separating a zone in which the Brazil nut effect is observed and one in which it is not. The results strongly suggest that, in the region of the parameter space in which the study is made, there is a minimum amplitude and a maximum frequency for the Brazil nut effect to take place. These results compare well with isolated results from other authors.

Expression and characterization of the acidic subunit from 11S Amaranth seed protein.

Amarantin acidic subunit has the potential to be employed as a functional and a nutraceutical protein. To evaluate both possibilities this protein was produced in recombinant Escherichia coli Origami (DE3) harboring the expression plasmid pET-AC6His. Three different expression factors were assayed: inductor concentration, temperature and time of the amarantin acidic subunit accumulation. The results indicated that a 0.3 mmol/L concentration of isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside, at 37 degrees C and 6 h after induction were favorable for high expression of amarantin acidic subunit, mostly in the form of inclusion bodies. The protein was purified from soluble fraction by immobilized metal affinity chromatography, up to 30 mg amarantin acidic subunit/L Terrific broth culture were obtained. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation analysis of the expressed soluble amarantin acidic subunit revealed that it was assembled in monomers. The expression of the amarantin acidic subunit, together with the one-step purification will facilitate further investigation of this storage protein through site-directed mutagenesis.