Search

In sports, game scenarios can be critical or non-critical, potentially presenting very distinct implications for the game flow. However, defining a critical scenario is not an easy task. Although there is some research on game scenarios, game situations, game moments, and critical moments, through this systematic review we intend to fill a gap in the knowledge of critical scenarios in order to structure the existing knowledge and pinpoint current limitations. The search was conducted in July of 2020 in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, and, through a manual search, in Google Scholar. The eligibility criteria included original research with quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of critical game scenarios or game moments. The participants were humans of any gender, age group, health status, competitive level, or expertise. Risk of bias assessment involved 14 criteria in the evaluation of the studies. The study synthesis methods followed a qualitative synthesis of the main results of each study in the final sample. Of the 279 researched articles, only 4 met the inclusion criteria, i.e. only 4 provided data concerning critical game scenarios. Their contributions are discussed in detail, as is the open research windows for the future. Overall, there is clearly a need for more research specifically addressing this topic, with a huge gap between theoretical relevance and actual investigation.

IntroductionAims of these studies were to develop the Portuguese Physical Literacy Assessment Observation instrument (PPLA-O) to assess the physical and part of the cognitive domain of Physical Literacy (PL) through data collected routinely by Physical Education (PE) teachers; and to assess the construct validity (dimensionality, measurement invariance, and convergent and discriminant validity) and score reliability of one of its modules [Movement Competence, Rules, and Tactics (MCRT)].MethodsContent analysis of the Portuguese PE syllabus and literature review were used for PPLA-O domain identification. Multidimensional Item Response Theory (MIRT) models were used to assess construct validity and reliability, along with bivariate correlations in a sample of 515 Portuguese grade 10–12 students (Mage = 16, SD = 1).ResultsPPLA-O development resulted in an instrument with two modules: MCRT (22 physical activities) and Health-Related Fitness (HRF; 5 protocols); both assessed with teacher-reported data entered in a spreadsheet. A two correlated dimensions Graded Response Model (Manipulative-based Activities [MA], and Stability-based Activities [SA]) showed best fit to the MCRT data, suggesting measurement invariance across sexes, and adequate to good score reliabilities (MA = .89, and SA = .73). There was a moderate to high correlation (r = .68) between dimensions, and boys had higher scores in both dimensions. Correlations among MCRT scores and HRF variables were similar in magnitude to previous reports in meta-analysis and systematic reviews.ConclusionsPPLA-O is composed of two modules that integrate observational data collected by PE teachers into a common frame of criterion-referenced PL assessment. The HRF module uses data collected through widely validated FITescola® assessment protocols. The MCRT makes use of teacher-reported data collected in a wide range of activities and movement pursuits to measure movement competence and inherent cognitive skills (Tactics and Rules). We also gathered initial evidence supporting construct validity and score reliability of the MCRT module. This highly feasible instrument can provide Portuguese grade 10–12 (15–18 years) PE students with feedback on their PL journey, along with the other instrument of PPLA (PPLA-Questionnaire). Further studies should assess inter and intra-rater reliability and criterion-related validity of its two modules.

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is a small resilient species with a circum-Mediterranean distribution, high ecological relevance in southern European forests and with several economical applications. As most orchards are usually installed on marginal lands where plants usually face severe drought, selecting plants that can better cope with water restriction is critical, and a better understanding of the tolerance mechanisms is required. Strawberry tree plants under drought follow a typical isohydric strategy, by limiting transpiration through stomata closure. However, the contribution of genotype and its bio-geographic origin on plant performance needs clarification, as well as the involvement of a specific metabolic reactions associated with the mechanical response. To test this hypothesis, several eco-physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed on different genotypes, and the metabolic profiles studied, including important stress-related phytohormones, on plants under different water regimes (plants watered to 70% and 18% field capacity) and a recovery assay. A contrasting drought tolerance was found in plants from different genotypes, associated with physiological and metabolic responses. Metabolomics revealed more than 500 metabolic features were differentially accumulated, including abscisic and salicylic acids, for the genotype with better performance under drought (A4). This genotype also recovered faster when the imposed stress was interrupted, thus indicating the relevance of metabolic adaptation under water deficit conditions. By correlating carbon assimilation with identified metabolites, some proved to be satisfactory predictors of plant performance under drought and might be used for marker assisted breeding. Therefore, our study proves the importance of genotype as a major selection criterion of resistant plants to drought and provides empirical knowledge of the metabolic response involved. We also hypothesized the involvement of phenolics on response mechanisms under drought, which is worth to be explored to shed light on the metabolic pathways involved in plant response to water stress.

This study’s objective was to analyse the associations between physical activity (PA) and well-being in a rep- resentative sample of European university students. This cross-sectional study was based on data from the European Social Survey round 6, 2012, comprising 3,143 European university students (1456 men and 1687 women) from 27 countries, with a mean age of 21.3±2.9 years. Socio-demographic data, PA, health perception, and the six dimensions of well-being were self-reported. Men reported practising PA more often than women did (4.4±2.2 versus 4.1 ± 2.2, p

Abstract Grip strength (GS) is an indicator of health and vulnerability and inversely associated with depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore GS discrimination capacity for depression; and possible GS cut-off values for depression by sex and age group. Data from 2011 and 2015 on 20,598 (10,416 women) middle-aged and older adults from 14 European countries was analysed. GS was assessed by dynamometer, and depressive symptoms using the EURO-D scale. GS cut-off values for depression were calculated and logistic regression models were used to quantify the odds of having depression in 2011 and in 2015 according to being bellow or above the cut-off value. GS had a weak discriminant capacity for depression, with the area under the curve varying between 0.54 and 0.60 (p

Abstract Metagenomic data mining of the Nellore cattle rumen microbiota identified a new bifunctional enzyme, endo-1,4-β-xylanase/esterase, which was subsequently overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). This enzyme was stable at pH intervals of 5 to 6.5 and temperatures between 30 and 45 °C, and under the test conditions, it had a Vmax of 30.959 ± 2.334 µmol/min/mg, Km of 3.6 ± 0.6 mM and kcat of 2.323 ± 175 s−1. Additionally, the results showed that the enzyme is tolerant to NaCl and organic solvents and therefore is suitable for industrial environments. Xylanases are widely applicable, and the synergistic activity of endo-1,4-β-xylanase/esterase in a single molecule will improve the degradation efficiency of heteroxylans via the creation of xylanase binding sites. Therefore, this new molecule has the potential for use in lignocellulosic biomass processing and as an animal feed food additive and could improve xylooligosaccharide production efficiency.

The retina, as part of the central nervous system (CNS), can be the perfect target for in vivo, in situ, and noninvasive neuropathology diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic efficacy. It has long been established that several age-related brain changes are more pronounced in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, in the retina such link is still under-explored. This study investigates the differences in the aging of the CNS through the retina of 3× Tg-AD and wild-type mice. A dedicated optical coherence tomograph imaged mice's retinas for 16 months. Two neural networks were developed to model independently each group's ages and were then applied to an independent set containing images from both groups. Our analysis shows a mean absolute error of 0.875±1.1 × 10−2 and 1.112±1.4 × 10−2 months, depending on training group. Our deep learning approach appears to be a reliable retinal OCT aging marker. We show that retina aging is distinct in the two classes: the presence of the three mutated human genes in the mouse genome has an impact on the aging of the retina. For mice over 4 months-old, transgenic mice consistently present a negative retina age-gap when compared to wild-type mice, regardless of training set. This appears to contradict AD observations in the brain. However, the ‘black-box” nature of deep-learning implies that one cannot infer reasoning. We can only speculate that some healthy age-dependent neural adaptations may be altered in transgenic animals.

Introduction: Association between Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and neoplastic processes is rarely described. It is unclear whether MND occurs as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 35 patients with MND followed in our Hospital from January 2013 to December 2016. Results: A neoplastic process was found in four patients. All of them had definite clinical and electromyographic criteria supporting MND according to standard Awaji criteria. Results: Onconeuronal antibodies were positive in two patients (anti-Yo and anti-PNMA2). The types of tumour were variable: two breast cancers, one lung cancer and one thyroid Hürthle cell neoplasm. Discussion: In our cohort, 11.4% of MND patients were diagnosed with a neoplastic process being a rather high frequency of co-occurrence. Treating the neoplastic process may potentially halt or reverse the progression of MND.

Abstract Background Preventing childhood obesity is a public health challenge of the twenty-first century and it must be a priority. Governments play a major role in creating and supporting a healthy school environment and should prioritise actions to improve children’s health. Sintra Grows Healthy aims to promote healthy lifestyles to prevent childhood obesity and improve children’s health-related quality of life and social and emotional skills, through the development of a school evidence-based and sustainable model. Methods This protocol describes a quasi-experimental design and community-based participatory research. The participants included in the study are the school community of Portuguese public primary schools from the municipality of Sintra. Data will be collected on demographic and socio-economic characterization, nutritional status, eating habits and behaviours, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep, health-related quality of life, and social and emotional skills. Discussion There is evidence to support interventions in school settings as strategies for obesity prevention. Up-to-date homogeneous and community-based interventions for preventing childhood obesity are lacking, therefore Sintra Grows Healthy intends to fill this gap. Furthermore, Sintra Grows Healthy aims to contribute with relevant scientific findings that will allow the development of better strategies for policymakers and society to manage this major public health problem.

Abstract Background Participation in mental health system strengthening by people with mental health problems and their families is a cornerstone of people-centred mental health care, yet there is a dearth of research about participation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly from the Asia Pacific region. Hence, this study aimed to assess the current situation, challenges, enabling factors and future actions for service user and family participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 85 adults (≥18 years) who were: (1) mental health service users (n = 20) and their families (n = 10); (2) government decision makers (n = 10); (3) mental health and social service providers (n = 23); (4) civil society (n = 9); and (5) other groups (n = 13). Interview data was analysed using framework analysis. Results There was limited service user, family and community participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Perceptions that policy making is a technical exercise and that people with mental health problems lack cognitive capacity, and a lack of supportive mechanisms challenged participation. Enabling factors were a strong focus on human rights within the social sector, and existing mechanisms for advocacy and representation of people with disabilities in social policy making. Participants suggested bolstering civil society representation of people with mental health problems, and increasing mental health awareness and literacy, including government competencies to facilitate service user participation. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for theoretical and practical focus on the role of family within mental health system development in LMICs. Global mental health research and practice should adopt a critical approach to mental health service user and family participation to ensure that the concept and strategies to achieve this are embedded in LMIC knowledge.

The number of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has been growing in recent years, most of which is due to the inappropriate use of the commercial antibiotics that are currently available. The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance represents a serious global public health problem. Thus, it is necessary to search for and develop new drugs that can act as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides are a promising alternative for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Anurans’ skin glands are a rich source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds and hylids, a large and diverse family of tree frogs, are known as an important source of antimicrobial peptides. In the present study, two novel antimicrobial peptides, named Raniseptins-3 and -6, were isolated from Boana raniceps skin secretion and their structural and biological properties were evaluated. Raniseptins-3 and -6 are cationic, rich in hydrophobic residues, and adopt an α-helix conformation in the presence of SDS (35 mM). Both peptides are active against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive pathogens, with low hemolytic activity at therapeutic concentrations. No activity was observed for yeasts, but the peptides are highly cytotoxic against B16F10 murine melanoma cells and NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. None of the tested compounds showed improvement trends in the MTT and LDH parameters of MHV-3 infected cells at the concentrations tested.

Pinus. ponderosa (P. Lawson and C. Lawson) is a commercial tree and one of the most important forest species in North America. Ponderosa pine suffers hardship when going through vegetative propagation and, in some cases, 15–30 years are needed to achieve full reproductive capacity. Based on previous works on P. ponderosa regeneration through in vitro organogenesis and trying to improve the published protocols, our objective was to analyze the influence of different types of explants, basal culture media, cytokinins, auxins, and light treatments on the success of shoot multiplication and rooting phases. Whole zygotic embryos and 44 µΜ 6-benzyladenine showed the best results in terms of explants survival. For shoot organogenesis, whole zygotic embryos and half LP (LP medium, Quoirin and Lepoivre, 1977, modified by Aitken-Christie et al., 1988) macronutrients were selected. A significant positive interaction between whole zygotic embryos and half LP macronutrients was found for the percentage of explants forming shoots. Regarding the light treatments applied, a significantly higher percentage of shoots elongated enough to be rooted was detected in shoots growing under blue LED at a light intensity of 61.09 µmol m−2 s−1. However, the acclimatization percentage was higher in shoots previously cultivated under fluorescent light at a light intensity of 61.71 µmol m−2 s−1. Anatomical studies using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed the light treatments promoted differences in anatomical aspects in in vitro shoots; needles of plantlets exposed to red and blue LEDs revealed less stomata compared with needles from plantlets exposed to fluorescent light.

Due to climate change consequences, all Member States of the European Union signed an agreement with the goal of becoming the first society and economy with a neutral impact on the planet by 2050. The building sector is one of the highest energy consumers, using 33% of global energy production. Given the global increase for energy demand, implementing energy flexibility strategies is crucial for a better integration of renewable energy sources and a reduction of consumption peaks arising from the electrification of energy demand. The work described in this paper aims to develop an optimization algorithm to use the existing aggregated energy flexibility in office buildings to reduce both the electric energy costs of each office, considering the tariffs applied at each moment and the total power peak, aiming to reduce the entire building’s cost of the contracted power, considering the Portuguese context. The obtained results conclude that it is possible to reduce both the costs associated with electric energy consumption and contracted power. Nevertheless, since the cost of contracted power has a lower impact on the overall energy bill, it is more beneficial to focus only on the reduction of costs associated with electric energy consumption in the considered case study.

Baboon syndrome, also called symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), is an erythematous maculopapular rash that presents in skin folds in a symmetrical pattern. This condition may develop after the patient starts a particular agent. Treatment consists of stopping the associated trigger and medicating with topical or systemic corticosteroids. A 30-year-old man with odynophagia, otalgia and fever was prescribed amoxicillin. He developed erythematous and pruriginous lesions in the cubital fossa and inguinal regions. He attended the emergency department (ED) where he was prescribed penicillin. Lesions continued to progressively worsen with a bilateral symmetrical pattern in the axillary region and later in the nape folds, popliteal regions, and on the perineum and buttocks. The patient presented to the ED for a second time, where he was diagnosed with baboon syndrome and prescribed topical steroids with clear improvement.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents’ routines were deeply affected, which negatively impacted their level of PA. Knowing the barriers to PA in adolescence is relevant, because the perception of more barriers is one of the most consistent negative correlates of PA participation. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the barriers perceived by adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic by sex, education level, PA level, and BMI. A total of 1369 students (621 boys and 748 girls; mean age: 14.4 years; SD: 1.74) participated in the study. The chi-square test was used to analyze the differences between groups. Only 3.1% of the adolescents complied with the international guidelines for PA. In general, the barriers with the highest prevalence were the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of time, and taking time away from study. The number of perceived barriers to PA was higher among girls, younger, and inactive participants. Boys selected more the barriers due to COVID-19 than girls, and students with normal weight chose more barriers than those with overweight. This study provides information on adolescents’ PA barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic and draws attention to the negative effects that restrictive measures have had on adolescents’ PA levels.

This study aimed to systematically review the association between telomere length (TL) and muscular fitness. In October 2020, an articles search was applied to PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: cross-sectional, prospective, and experimental study design; outcomes included TL; results expressed the relationship between muscular fitness and TL; studies published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Nine studies were included in the review. Results from the four prospective studies are mixed. In one study, the changes in TL were associated with grip strength. Another study concluded that longer mid-life TL was associated with increased grip strength later in life. However, in the other two studies, the association between TL and sarcopenia was not strong. Nevertheless, longer TL was associated with a slower decline in grip strength in older people. From the four cross-sectional studies, three indicated that TL was associated with muscular fitness. On the other hand, in a study with powerlifters, TL remained within the range of values found in subjects with no history of regular strength training, supporting the notion that muscular fitness was not associated with TL. The cross-sectional and prospective studies showed that the relationship between TL and muscular fitness is not conclusive. It seems that there is a positive association between TL and muscular fitness in middle-aged and older adults. However, among younger adults, this relationship was not observed.

Rhodoliths are free-living and morphologically diverse marine calcareous algae commonly distributed over the continental shelf seafloor. They increase the seabed structural complexity and are of potential value as feeding and reproductive grounds for a myriad of marine fauna. The higher structural seabed complexity within rhodolith beds may also increase benthic diversity by creating microhabitats, but this relationship has been rarely explored within rhodolith beds worldwide. Here we compared benthic macrofaunal (>500 µm) structure on rhodolith beds (nodule epifauna) and within unconsolidated sediments (sediment infauna) under high and low-density beds to test whether rhodolith bed density and nodule morphology influenced macrofaunal assemblages. We observed that macrofaunal density on nodules (2538 ± 288.7 ind·m−2) was 15-fold higher when compared to sediments under those beds (166 ± 38.8 ind·m−2). Rhodolith bed density was positively related to macrofaunal density, composition, and functional diversity on the rhodoliths. Low-density beds (61 ± 27.1 nodules·m−2) with discoid-shape nodules were dominated by peracarid crustaceans whereas high-density beds (204 ± 18.7 nodules·m−2) with spheroidal nodules were dominated by Annelid polychaetes. The sediment macrofauna was also positively influenced by the density of rhodolith nodules, which increased sediment carbonate and organic quality (protein and lipids) under high-density beds. Macrofaunal functional diversity was generally higher on rhodoliths, with low similarity (low nestedness) and high taxa turnover between macrofaunal assemblages of rhodoliths and sediments. These findings indicate that rhodolith beds provide an unique habitat for benthic macrofaunal communities, with exclusive functional and taxonomic richness that are likely not typical in the unconsolidated sediment below these beds in SE Brazil. This study highlights the importance of protecting rhodolith beds from multiple sources of anthropogenic disturbance and exploration on continental shelves.

Abstract Background Intersectoral collaboration is fundamental to the provision of people-centred mental health care, yet there is a dearth of research about how this strategy operates within mental health systems in low- and middle-income countries. This is problematic given the known attitudinal, structural and resource barriers to intersectoral collaboration in high-income country mental health systems. This study was conducted to investigate intersectoral collaboration for people-centred mental health care in Timor-Leste, a South-East Asian country in the process of strengthening its mental health system. Methods This study employed a mixed-methods convergent design. Qualitative data elicited from in-depth interviews with 85 key stakeholders and document review were complemented with quantitative social network analysis to assess understandings of, the strength and structure of intersectoral collaboration in the Timorese mental health system. Results There was consensus among stakeholder groups that intersectoral collaboration for mental health is important in Timor-Leste. Despite resource restrictions discussed by participants, interview data and social network analysis revealed evidence of information and resource sharing among organisations working within the health and social (disability and violence support) sectors in Timor-Leste (network density = 0.55 and 0.30 for information and resource sharing, respectively). Contrary to the assumption that mental health services and system strengthening are led by the Ministry of Health, the mixed-methods data sources identified a split in stewardship for mental health between subnetworks in the health and social sectors (network degree centralisation = 0.28 and 0.47 for information and resource sharing, respectively). Conclusions Overall, the findings suggest that there may be opportunities for intersectoral collaborations in mental health systems in LMICs which do not exist in settings with more formalised mental health systems such as HICs. Holistic understandings of health and wellbeing, and a commitment to working together in the face of resource restrictions suggest that intersectoral collaboration can be employed to achieve people-centred mental health care in Timor-Leste.

Abstract Background Social inclusion is a human right for all people, including people with mental illness. It is also an important part of recovery from mental illness. In Timor-Leste, no research has investigated the social experiences of people with mental illness and their families. To fill this knowledge gap and inform ongoing mental health system strengthening, we investigated the experiences of social inclusion and exclusion of people with mental illness and their families in Timor-Leste. Methods Eighty-five participants from the following stakeholder groups across multiple locations in Timor-Leste were interviewed: (1) people with mental illness and their families; (2) mental health and social service providers; (3) government decision makers; (4) civil society members; and (5) other community members. Framework analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. Results People with mental illness in Timor-Leste were found to face widespread, multi-faceted sociocultural, economic and political exclusion. People with mental illness were stigmatised as a consequence of beliefs that they were dangerous and lacked capacity, and experienced instances of bullying, physical and sexual violence, and confinement. Several barriers to formal employment, educational, social protection and legal systems were identified. Experiences of social inclusion for people with mental illness were also described at family and community levels. People with mental illness were included through family and community structures that promoted unity and acceptance. They also had opportunities to participate in activities surrounding family life and livelihoods that contributed to intergenerational well-being. Some, but not all, Timorese people with mental illness benefited from disability-inclusive programming and policies, including the disability pension, training programs and peer support. Conclusions These findings highlight the need to combat social exclusion of people with mental illness and their families by harnessing local Timorese sociocultural strengths. Such an approach could centre around people with mental illness and their families to: increase population mental health awareness; bolster rights-based and culturally-grounded mental health services; and promote inclusive and accessible services and systems across sectors.

O objetivo geral desse estudo de Mestrado foi realizar uma pesquisa histórica sobre os principais divertimentos ocorridos no sul de Minas Gerais, entre as décadas finais do século XIX e as décadas iniciais do século XX, analisando as representações de tais diversões através dos periódicos das cidades de Campanha, Pouso Alegre e Itajubá. A metodologia aplicada foi a análise documental dos periódicos. Optou-se por realizar um “Estudo da Diversão”, os quais consideram recortes temporais anteriores à modernidade e também no âmbito desta, uma vez que não se substituiu de imediato um antigo formato de diversão por outros que surgiam. Foram encontradas referências sobre os festejos religiosos, a passagem do circo e companhias teatrais com suas apresentações de comédias e dramas, as festas nos dias de folia (carnaval e entrudo) e a inauguração da ferrovia na região. A imprensa deu destaque a esses momentos inspirada nos ideais de progresso e civilidade e os dados obtidos junto aos periódicos estavam impregnados de sentidos e significados próprios daqueles que escreviam em suas páginas, onde os divertimentos divulgados eram estratégias de controle, mas também permeados por contradições onde o antigo e o novo se influenciavam e fizeram parte do olhar para o futuro, mas com foco nas tradições e valores que persistiam em continuar também na vida divertida de quem habitava a região.