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The swimming performance declines with increasing age in both genders and different distances of swimming. However, studies with this population (over 25 years) are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between performance, stroke parameters and age in master swimmers. 22 male swimmers participated in the study divided into two groups on the same number (30-39 and 40-49 years). In a 25 m pool, each swimmer completed maximum 50 m with in water start in front crawl swimming. Performance in the 50, 25 and 15 m (T50, T25, T15) and stroke parameters were registered. There were no significant differences between the group of younger and older swimmers performance, distance per cycle and stroke frequency, although a tendency to adapt the stroke parameters to obtain a better performance was verified. Only stroke frequency proved correlated with T25 and T50 in the group 40-49 years old (respectively, r =0.64 and r =0.73, p<0.05). It is important for coaches and master swimmers to assume the importance of stoke parameters in practices at master level, factor that may condition success in swimming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzymes responsible for peptidoglycan amidation in Staphylococcus aureus, MurT and GatD, were recently identified and shown to be required for optimal expression of resistance to beta-lactams, bacterial growth, and resistance to lysozyme. In this study, we analyzed the impact of peptidoglycan amidation in representative strains of the most widespread clones of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The inhibition of the expression of murT-gatD operon resulted in different phenotypes of resistance to beta-lactams and lysozyme according to the different genetic backgrounds. Further, clonal lineages CC1 and CC398 (community-acquired MRSA [CA-MRSA]) showed a stronger dependency on MurT-GatD for resistance to beta-lactams, when compared to the impact of the impairment of the cell wall step catalyzed by MurF. In the remaining backgrounds similar phenotypes of beta-lactam resistance were observed upon the impairment of both cell-wall-related genes. Therefore, for CA-related backgrounds, the predominant beta-lactam resistance mechanism seems to involve genes associated with secondary modifications of peptidoglycan. On the other hand, the lack of glutamic acid amidation had a more substantial impact on lysozyme resistance for cells of CA-MRSA backgrounds, than for hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA). However, no significant differences were found in the resistance level of the respective peptidoglycan structure, suggesting that the lysozyme resistance mechanism involves other factors. Taken together, these results suggested that the different genetic lineages of MRSA were able to develop different molecular strategies to overcome the selective pressures experienced during evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidation of peptidoglycan is an essential feature in Staphylococcus aureus that is necessary for resistance to β-lactams and lysozyme. GatD, a 27 kDa type I glutamine amidotransferase-like protein, together with MurT ligase, catalyses the amidation reaction of the glutamic acid residues of the peptidoglycan of S. aureus. The native and the selenomethionine-derivative proteins were crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method with polyethylene glycol, sodium acetate and calcium acetate. The crystals obtained diffracted beyond 1.85 and 2.25 Å, respectively, and belonged to space group P212121. X-ray diffraction data sets were collected at Diamond Light Source (on beamlines I02 and I04) and were used to obtain initial phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glutamic acid residues of the peptidoglycan of Staphylococcus aureus and many other bacteria become amidated by an as yet unknown mechanism. In this communication we describe the identification, in the genome of S. aureus strain COL, of two co-transcribed genes, murT and gatD, which are responsible for peptidoglycan amidation. MurT and GatD have sequence similarity to substrate-binding domains in Mur ligases (MurT) and to the catalytic domain in CobB/CobQ-like glutamine amidotransferases (GatD). The amidation of glutamate residues in the stem peptide of S. aureus peptidoglycan takes place in a later step than the cytoplasmic phase -- presumably the lipid phase - of the biosynthesis of the S. aureus cell wall precursor. Inhibition of amidation caused reduced growth rate, reduced resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and increased sensitivity to lysozyme which inhibited culture growth and caused degradation of the peptidoglycan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to evaluate the training load in different age category soccer players associated with distinct pitch size small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty-four soccer players (eight in each age category: U-12, U-15, and U-23) performed three consecutive 4 vs. 4 ball possession SSGs (SSG1: 16 × 24 m; SSG2: 20 × 30 m; and SSG3: 24 × 36 m) all with 3 min duration and 3 min rest. Subjects carried ultra-wideband-based position-tracking system devices (WIMU PRO, RealTrack System). Total distance covered increased from SSG1 to SSG3 in all age categories and predominantly in running speeds below 12 km·h−1. Moreover, distance covered in 12–18 km·h−1 running speed was different in all performed SSGs and age categories. Residual or null values were observed at 18–21 km·h−1 or above running speed, namely in U-12, the only age category where metabolic power and high metabolic load distance differences occurred throughout the performed SSGs. Edwards' TRIMP differences between age categories was only observed in SSG2 (U-12 < U-15). The design of SSGs must consider that the training load of the players differs according to their age category and metabolic assessment should be considered in parallel to external load evaluation in SSGs. Wearable technology represents a fundamental support in soccer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cases of failure in the treatment of infections associated with resistant bacteria is on the rise, due to the decreasing efficacy of current antibiotics. Notably, 7α-Acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone (AHR), a diterpene isolated from different Plectranthus species, showed antibacterial activity, namely against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The high antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity render this natural compound an interesting alternative against resistant bacteria. The aim of this study is to understand the mechanism of action of AHR on MRSA, using the MRSA/Vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strain CIP 106760, and to study the AHR effect on lipid bilayers and on the cell wall. Although AHR interacted with lipid bilayers, it did not have a significant effect on membrane passive permeability. Alternatively, bacteria treated with this royleanone displayed cell wall disruption, without revealing cell lysis. In conclusion, the results gathered so far point to a yet undescribed mode of action that needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion Renal Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a screening modality that aids in clinical decision‐making for patients with suspected renal colic. This study intends to compare the accuracy and pertinence of sonographic findings obtained by a sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) with the imaging findings at the Referral Hospital (RH).Thirty‐one patients suspected of having renal pathology underwent initial sonography screening with POCUS at the BES and were subsequently referred to the RH for additional imaging examinations. The results of both examinations were compared to verify whether the findings from the BES were confirmed by the radiologist in the RH and to ensure that the patient referrals from BES to RH were appropriate.In our sample, the majority of patients (80%) exhibited varying degrees of pyelocaliceal distension, with nearly half (48%) patients presenting obstructions. A strong association between the sonographic findings in the BES and the RH was found in the variables ‘Dilatation of pyelocaliceal system’ (V = 0.895; P = 0.00), ‘Simple cystic formation’ (V = 0.878; P = 0.000), respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between BES and RH findings, indicating a strong association between these two variables, respectively (k = 0.890; P = 0.000) and (k = 0.870; P = 0.000). There was also a strong statistically significant correlation in the ultrasonographic findings between BES and RH performers (k = 0.890; P = 0.000 and k = 0.870; P = 0.000). In this research, an achieved sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 85% were demonstrated in the identification of pyelocaliceal dilatation.Renal POCUS screening successfully detected abnormalities in the urinary system of patients suspected of having renal colic. The sonographic findings at the BES had a good correlation with the complementary imaging results obtained at the RH in Portugal. These results suggest that Radiographers/Sonographers can have an important role in the preliminary assessment of urgent renal pathology in remote areas, contributing to a correct referral and early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening ultrasound, including Point of Care Ultrasonography (POCUS), is widely utilized for rapid clinical guidance in diverse healthcare settings. In this case report, a 34-year-old male with recurrent biliary colic symptoms underwent a Basic Emergency Service ultrasound, revealing a 13 mm gallbladder calculus and signs of inflammation, and was promptly referred to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Medical specialist confirmation at the hospital underscored the significance of early detection through POCUS. Despite inconclusive laboratory results, the detailed ultrasound assessment provided a comprehensive understanding, emphasizing the tool's value in averting complications. Thus, screening ultrasound played a pivotal role in justifying the hospital referral, showcasing its vital role in healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings. The judicious use of POCUS can lead to superior outcomes, avoiding unnecessary referrals for non-emergent cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O desempenho na natação entra em declínio com o aumento da idade em ambos os géneros e diferentes distâncias de nado, situa-se aproximadamente em 0.6% por ano até ao balizamento etário 70-75 (Rubin e Rahe, 2010). Contudo, os estudos com esta população (maiores de 25 anos de idade) são escassos. Aferir a relação entre desempenho, parâmetros do ciclo gestual e a idade em nadadores master. 22 nadadores masculinos participaram no estudo divididos em dois grupos no mesmo número (30-39 anos: 35.7±2.8 anos, 1.76±0.10 m, 72.1±12.7 kg e 40-49 anos: 45.2±2.2 anos, 1.70±0.09 m, 74.7±15.5 kg). Em piscina de 25 m, cada nadador completou 50 m máximos com partida dentro de água em nado crol. Registo cronométrico nos 50, 25 e 15 m (T50, T25, T15) e parâmetros do ciclo gestual foram registados. Foi utilizado o Teste de Shapiro-Wilk para verificação da distribuição. Para comparação entre grupos foi utilizado o teste t de amostras emparelhadas (p≤0.05). Não se verificaram diferenças significativas entre grupo de nadadores mais novos e mais velhos no desempenho (respetivamente, T15 10.6±1.3 vs. 10.8±1.6; T25 19.1±2.9 vs. 18.8±2.8; T50 38.7±6.9 vs. 38.2±6.5 segundos), o mesmo foi verificado para distância de ciclo (respetivamente, 1.99±.031 vs. 1.87±0.40; 1.85±0.29 vs. 1.79±0.40; 1.83±0.29 vs. 1.77±0.43 m.ciclo-1) e frequência gestual (7.7±1.2 vs. 8.3±1.5; 13.8±2.0 vs. 14.5±2.7; 27.9±4.1 vs. 29.5±6.0 ciclos.m-1). Apenas a frequência gestual se revelou correlacionada com o T25 e T50 no grupo 40-49 anos de idade (respetivamente, r=0.64 e r=0.73, p<0.05) É importante os treinadores e nadadores assumirem a importância dos parâmetros do ciclo gestual no processo de treino no escalão master, fator condicionante do sucesso desportivo na natação. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram-positive bacteria homeostasis and antibiotic resistance mechanisms are dependent on the intricate architecture of the cell wall, where amidated peptidoglycan plays an important role. The amidation reaction is carried out by the bi-enzymatic complex MurT-GatD, for which biochemical and structural information is very scarce. In this work, we report the first crystal structure of the glutamine amidotransferase member of this complex, GatD from Staphylococcus aureus, at 1.85 Å resolution. A glutamine molecule is found close to the active site funnel, hydrogen-bonded to the conserved R128. In vitro functional studies using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy showed that S. aureus MurT-GatD complex has glutaminase activity even in the absence of lipid II, the MurT substrate. In addition, we produced R128A, C94A and H189A mutants, which were totally inactive for glutamine deamidation, revealing their essential role in substrate sequestration and catalytic reaction. GatD from S. aureus and other pathogenic bacteria share high identity to enzymes involved in cobalamin biosynthesis, which can be grouped in a new sub-family of glutamine amidotransferases. Given the ubiquitous presence of GatD, these results provide significant insights into the molecular basis of the so far undisclosed amidation mechanism, contributing to the development of alternative therapeutics to fight infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way the coach intervenes in training is extremely important for the players and team development. Thus, we intend to analyze the intervention of 3 coaches of young handball in the training process. The coaches hold the professional title of coach level I (n= 2) and level II (n= 1), assigned by the Sport and Youth Portuguese Institute, were handball practitioners; two have a degree in Physical Education and were observed in 3 training sessions. The observational instrument used is the Pedagogical Intervention Analysis System on the Content of the Handball Coach (SAIPCTA). The LINCE® software was used to code the instructional behavior. For data descriptive statistical analysis IBM SPSS Statistics® and the computer program THEME 6®, for the T-patterns detection were used. The coaches observed preferably issue technical information, emit a lot of non-specific information, prescriptive feedback, positive evaluative, and encouragement. The form of preferential instruction is auditory and directed to the individual. In conclusion, the observation of the coaches raises some questions about the effectiveness of the strategies adopted in the training process, which should be the subject of reflective practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to assess the parents' profile and their perception regarding swimming lessons for babies. Forty-five parents of children integrated in swimming classes for babies in three pools in the District of Setúbal completed the questionnaire. 82.2% of educators reported having maintained the practice of sports in the past, while only 51.5% indicated to maintain practice at the time of study. The totality of the parents considered the feedback of the teachers of swimming for babies relevant in the classes and the knowledge of the methodologies applied in the classes. It is essential to characterize those responsible for involving babies in swimming lessons and to understand their ideas about swimming for babies in order to be adapted the offer to the demand for the growing activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between flexibility and speed of running in taekwondo and athletics practitioners. Sixty young athletes were enrolled in the study. 30 taekwondo practitioners (12.10 ± 0.55 years old, 19 boys and 11 girls) and 30 athletes, with emphasis on running (13.07 ± 1.91 years of age, 18 boys and 12 girls). All completed the sit and reach test with both lower limbs and a 40-meter sprint. Among practitioners of the same sports modality, significant differences were observed in limb flexibility, right and left only in athletics. At the level of flexibility, significant differences (p <0.01) were observed in both limbs between sports taekwondo and athletics, such as sprint. Assessing the control of prepubertal training is very important in order to monitor the multiannual evolution of physical capacities and to avoid, in particular, injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is scarce information on incidence and case fatality of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) in certain regions of the world, including in Europe. There is no community-based data on SICH in Southern Portugal. Aim To determine the incidence and early case-fatality from SICH in Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal. Methods The recommended criteria for stroke incidence studies was used to identify cases of incident first-ever SICH from January 1st to December 31st 2015 in a subregion with 280,081 inhabitants. Crude incidence rates per age group and gender; standardized rates to the European population; and age adjusted case fatality rates were calculated. Results Eighty-two first-ever cases of SICH (64.6% men) occurred. The mean age was 72.3 years (SD ± 12.1); women were 3 years older than men on average and had more frequently lobar SICH. The crude annual incidence rate was 29.2/100,000 (95% CI 23.4- 38.6; p < 0.001); higher in men (39.7/100,000) than women (19.8/100,000). The standardized to the European population incidence was 15.1/100,000 (95% CI 3.6–18.9; p < 0.05); 26.9 and 10.9/100,000 for men and women respectively. The 30-day case-fatality was 40 % (95% CI 29–51) and increased steeply with age Conclusion The incidence of SICH in Southern Portugal was high, but within the figures found in some parts of Europe. However, a marked predominance of males was found and the case-fatality rate was amongst the highest reported in western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sport the physical capacities of an athlete are critical because these influence the performance and soccer is no exception. This study aimed to determine the relationships between physical capabilities, body composition and anthropometrics in young soccer player. The sample was composed by 16 athletes between 9 and 10 years old. Different tests were performed, sprint tests (40m), Ergojump, Handgrip and Illinois test. These correlations demonstrate the existence of a relationship between the strength of the lower limbs and speed and also relations between handgrip strenght and agility and also between body composition, anthropometry and handgrip strength. The training of control is very important for young players in order to monitor their progress and evaluate skills that are important for success in the game and show correlation with other variables also with influence in soccer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the capacity of mammography, sonoelastography, B-mode ultrasonography and histological analysis to differentiate benign from malignant breast lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 histopathologically confirmed breast lesions were documented. The lesions were assessed by means of mammography, B-mode ultrasonography and sonoelastography, and histopathological analysis was utilized as a gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the mentioned techniques. Results: Sensitivity and specificity in the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions were respectively 100% and 50% for mammography, 100% and 71% for B-mode ultrasonography, and 67% and 83% for sonoelastography. The area under the ROC curve was calculated for the three imaging modalities and corresponded to 0.792 for mammography, 0.847 for B-mode ultrasonography, and 0.806 for sonoelastography. Conclusion: Sonoelastography demonstrated higher specificity and lower sensitivity as compared with mammography and B-mode ultrasonography. On the other hand, B-mode ultrasonography had the largest area under the ROC curve. Sonoelastography has demonstrated to be a promising technique to detect and evaluate breast lesions, and could potentially reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No Desporto as capacidades físicas de um atleta são fundamentais. O desempenho no futebol depende de várias características, especificamente capacidade aeróbia, velocidade, potência e agilidade devem ser desenvolvidas no sentido do alcançar um elevado desempenho (Hoff, 2005). Determinar as correlações entre capacidades físicas, composição corporal e antropometria em jovens jogadores. 16 atletas masculinos (9.8±0.7 anos idade, 35.6±5.1 kg peso, 1.44±0.06 m altura, 17.2±1.5 kg/m² IMC) realizaram o teste de velocidade (sprint 40 m), salto em contramovimento (SCM) na plataforma Ergojump, força de preensão manual (FPM) com recurso a Handgrip e teste de agilidade (Teste de Illinois). Foram determinadas as correlações de Pearson e adotada a significância p≤0.05. Os dados foram analisados através do software SPSS 20.0. Observaram-se correlações entre FPM e SCM (r=0.54, p<0.05) e FPM e agilidade (r=- 0.55, p<0.05). Também entre velocidade e SCM (r=-0.79, p<0.01). Foi ainda verificada uma correlação entre peso total e FPM (r=-0.76, p<0.01), contrariamente, nenhuma correlação foi evidente entre percentagem de massa gorda e capacidades físicas. Uma maior atenção tem decorrido relativamente à detenção e enquadramento de talentos nos clubes de futebol, sendo o treino físico e a organização tática implementados em idades precoces (Stroyer et al., 2004). O presente estudo evidencia a pertinência do controlo e avaliação do treino no futebol em idades precoces e escalões de formação base no sentido de avaliar capacidades físicas que vão ser determinantes no sucesso futuro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As ginastas são habitualmente caracterizadas pela sua flexibilidade, força e distinto perfil antropométrico (Vandorpe et al., 2011). Contudo, a modalidade desportiva consagra diferentes especialidades. Comparar a composição corporal e aptidão física entre ginastas femininas de trampolins e acrobática. 14 atletas femininas (7 de trampolins: 13.9±0.7 anos idade, 51.1±5.1 kg peso, 1.57±0.06 m altura; 7 de acrobática: 13.5±1.4 anos idade, 47.9±8.4 kg peso, 1.57±0.05 m altura) foram avaliadas ao nível de composição corporal e capacidades físicas, nomeadamente salto em contramovimento (SCM), força de preensão manual (FPM) flexibilidade (teste senta e alcança). Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas respetivamente nas atletas de trampolins e acrobática na percentagem de massa gorda (23.5±3.1% vs. 21.5±6.1%, p=0.041) índice de massa corporal (20.6±1.3 kg/m² vs. 19.4±2.7 kg/m² p=0.036) e SCM e FPM (36.9±3.7 cm vs. 33.0±5.0 cm p=0.038 / 26.6±3.5 kg vs. 24.0±2.4 kg; p = 0.004). Foi reportado na ginástica que desempenhos técnicos de elevado grau de dificuldade exigem aprimoramento muscular (French et al., 2004). Os dados do presente estudo elevam a pertinência de diferenciação do processo de treino e realização de controlo e avaliação do mesmo nas diferentes especialidades da ginástica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existem ações críticas associadas a gestos técnicos que fazem apelo específico à capacidade de produzir força (Marques et al., 2010) e no futebol, a habilidade de realizar ações em velocidade é um pré-requisito de sucesso (Haugen et al., 2013). As principais ações motoras diferem entre modalidades desportivas, nomeadamente basquetebol e futebol. Determinar as diferenças ao nível da força e velocidade entre jogadores adolescentes de basquetebol e futebol. 14 atletas masculinos (7 de futebol: 17.4±0.5 anos idade, 66.2±6.1 kg peso, 1.75±0.04 m altura; 7 de Basquetebol: 17.4±0.2 anos idade, 70.0±11.3 kg peso, 1.83±0.07 m altura) realizaram o teste de velocidade (sprint 30m), salto em contramovimento (SCM) na plataforma Ergojump, força de preensão manual (FPM) com recurso a Handgrip e lançamento da bola medicinal (LBM) de 3 kg. Foi utilizado o Teste de Shapiro-Wilk para verificação da distribuição. Para comparação entre grupos foi utilizado o teste t de amostras emparelhadas (p≤0.05). Verificaram-se diferenças significativas, respetivamente entre atletas de futebol e basquetebol na FPM (44.9±5.5 kg Vs. 38.5±4.8 kg; p = 0.021) e LBM (6.0±0.6 m Vs. 5.0±0.6 m; p = 0.004). Relativamente a velocidade e SCM não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas, respetivamente entre futebolistas e basquetebolistas (4.79±0.20 seg. Vs. 4.79±0.19 seg. / 43.6±4.5 cm Vs. 45.4±6.4 cm). É fundamental caracterizar diferentes modalidades desportivas e estabelecer comparação entre as mesmas uma vez que o processo de treino deve ser específico e deve incidir sobre as capacidades físicas determinantes de sucesso na modalidade desportiva em concreto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]