Coping strategies among brazilian professional and amateur football players

To identify coping strategies used among professional and amateur Brazilian football players. The Ways of Coping Scale (WOCS) was completed by 134 male football players (71 professionals: mean age = 22.77 ± 3.98 years; 63 amateurs: mean age = 17.18 ± 0.84 years) from three teams that participated in the Campeonatos Estaduais da Primeira Divisão (the state championships for the first division of football). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the type of coping strategy they used (e.g., problem-focused, emotion-focused, fantasy thoughts, religious practices and social support). Problem-focused coping was the most frequently used strategy by all of the players and social support was the least frequently used strategy. Both professional and amateur players failed to focus on the development of adequate coping strategies. Further studies are needed to better understand the impact that Brazilian athletes experience has on their choice of coping strategies during pre-competitive and competitive phases of their sport. © JPES.

Oxidative stress in sickle cell disease: An overview of erythrocyte redox metabolism and current antioxidant therapeutic strategies

Erythrocytes have an environment of continuous pro-oxidant generation due to the presence of hemoglobin (Hb), which represents an additional and quantitatively significant source of superoxide (O2 •-) generation in biological systems. To counteract oxidative stress, erythrocytes have a self-sustaining antioxidant defense system. Thus, red blood cells uniquely function to protect Hb via a selective barrier allowing gaseous and other ligand transport as well as providing antioxidant protection not only to themselves but also to other tissues and organs in the body. Sickle hemoglobin molecules suffer repeated polymerization/depolymerization generating greater amounts of reactive oxygen species, which can lead to a cyclic cascade characterized by blood cell adhesion, hemolysis, vaso-occlusion, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In other words, sickle cell disease is intimately linked to a pathophysiologic condition of multiple sources of pro-oxidant processes with consequent chronic and systemic oxidative stress. For this reason, newer therapeutic agents that can target oxidative stress may constitute a valuable means for preventing or delaying the development of organ complications. © © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease: is there a hope?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease, and corresponds to the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Although not fully understood, the pathophysiology of AD is largely represented by the neurotoxic events triggered by the beta-amyloid cascade and by cytoskeletal abnormalities subsequent to the hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated Tau protein in neurons. These processes lead respectively to the formation of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which are the pathological hallmarks of the disease. Clinical benefits of the available pharmacological treatment for AD with antidementia drugs (namely cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine) are unquestionable, although limited to a temporary, symptomatic support to cognitive and related functions. Over the past decade, substantial funding and research have been dedicated to the search and development of new pharmaceutical compounds with disease-modifying properties. The rationale of such approach is that by tackling key pathological processes in AD it may be possible to attenuate or even change its natural history. In the present review, we summarize the available evidence on the new therapeutic approaches that target amyloid and Tau pathology in AD, focusing on pharmaceutical compounds undergoing phase 2 and phase 3 randomized controlled trials.

Using Proteomic Strategies for Sequencing and Post-Translational Modifications Assignment of Antigen-5, a Major Allergen from the Venom of the Social Wasp Polybia paulista

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Geoparks in Brazil-strategy of Geoconservation and Development

Within the framework of the potential of geopark development and the interest of the geological community in creating new areas for geoconservation in Brazil, the aim of this contribution is to show the importance of geoscience education as a strategy for both geoconservation and development, and for the success and maintenance of new geoparks. A historical and evolutionary approach to the theme reveals the current status of geoscience education in Brazil and offers a panorama of the challenges inherent in preparing for the creation of new geoconservation areas. Proposals that aim to promote geoconservation and sustainability in Brazil include projects that capitalize on geological heritage and its relationship with local communities, proposals that form partnerships between the government, universities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations for the development of education, and changes in the law specifically aimed at geoconservation. Improvement in the educational system, including Earth science education, is undoubtedly one of the best strategies to promote the preservation of our natural heritage, and a cultural change in education will certainly promote changes in other areas.

Nanotechnological Strategies for Vaginal Administration of Drugs-A Review

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Tissue-engineering-based Strategies for Regenerative Endodontics

Stemming from in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical and human models, tissue-engineering-based strategies continue to demonstrate great potential for the regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex, particularly in necrotic, immature permanent teeth. Nanofibrous scaffolds, which closely resemble the native extracellular matrix, have been successfully synthesized by various techniques, including but not limited to electrospinning. A common goal in scaffold synthesis has been the notion of promoting cell guidance through the careful design and use of a collection of biochemical and physical cues capable of governing and stimulating specific events at the cellular and tissue levels. The latest advances in processing technologies allow for the fabrication of scaffolds where selected bioactive molecules can be delivered locally, thus increasing the possibilities for clinical success. Though electrospun scaffolds have not yet been tested in vivo in either human or animal pulpless models in immature permanent teeth, recent studies have highlighted their regenerative potential both from an in vitro and in vivo (i.e., subcutaneous model) standpoint. Possible applications for these bioactive scaffolds continue to evolve, with significant prospects related to the regeneration of both dentin and pulp tissue and, more recently, to root canal disinfection. Nonetheless, no single implantable scaffold can consistently guide the coordinated growth and development of the multiple tissue types involved in the functional regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive perspective on the latest discoveries related to the use of scaffolds and/or stem cells in regenerative endodontics. The authors focused this review on bioactive nanofibrous scaffolds, injectable scaffolds and stem cells, and pre-clinical findings using stem-cell-based strategies. These topics are discussed in detail in an attempt to provide future direction and to shed light on their potential translation to clinical settings.

Cardiopulmonary bypass: development of John Gibbon's heart-lung machine

To provide a brief review of the development of cardiopulmonary bypass. A review of the literature on the development of extracorporeal circulation techniques, their essential role in cardiovascular surgery, and the complications associated with their use, including hemolysis and inflammation. The advancement of extracorporeal circulation techniques has played an essential role in minimizing the complications of cardiopulmonary bypass, which can range from various degrees of tissue injury to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Investigators have long researched the ways in which cardiopulmonary bypass may insult the human body. Potential solutions arose and laid the groundwork for development of safer postoperative care strategies. Steady progress has been made in cardiopulmonary bypass in the decades since it was first conceived of by Gibbon. Despite the constant evolution of cardiopulmonary bypass techniques and attempts to minimize their complications, it is still essential that clinicians respect the particularities of each patient's physiological function.

Rhamnolipids know-how: Looking for strategies for its industrial dissemination

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Genetic erosion risk by environmental and antropic factor applied on strategies for Lychnophora ericoides conservation

This study evaluated the genetic erosion risk factors and the strategic points for the conservation of Lychnophora ericoides population in “Paraíso Perdido” farm, Serra da Canastra (20° 37’ 54” S; 46° 19’ 37” W; 833 m height) in São João Batista do Glória City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The number of young and adult plants, the soil and the phenology were evaluated in two sample areas of 125 m2. Information about the species utilization was obtained with local informants. Data on the region were obtained through literature review, in loco evaluation, GPS and geo-referenced map. In addition, local use of the plant for mixtures of drug was evaluated. According to the results obtained, the soil of the population is lithic with a weathered portion of frank-sandy texture, very acidic and dystrophic. The population density is 0.16 individuals/m2, 0.078 young/adult plant. The predominant phenophase was fruiting (100% plants) followed by flowering (21.62% plants). The local community uses the leaves of the plant in the form of hydroalcoholic extracts, as anti-inflammatory. Based on the evaluated parameters, the population is at 73% risk of genetic erosion. The detected key points were the development of activities including the participation of the local community for habitat protection as well as germplasm collection, seedlings production and reintroduction, together with environmental education, supervision, and reduction in the propensity for fire.

Towards biological control strategies for the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus, on eucalyptus plantations in South America

The bronze bug is an invasive Australian pest that has reached eucalypt production areas worldwide in <10 years. The fi rst record in South America was in 2005 in Argentina. Collaboration in the region towards a unifi ed strategy for the management of the bronze bug started soon after the dispersal of the pest into Brazil and Uruguay was confi rmed. Here, we present the main achievements of this collaboration in four main topics: 1) biology of the pest, 2) monitoring, 3) biological control, and 4) cooperative networks. Two mass rearing procedures have been implemented in the region with relative success, allowing basic biological studies on the pest. Continuous monitoring in the region for >5 years has provided a reasonable knowledge on seasonal patterns of T. peregrinus. Biological control strategies developed include the use of local natural enemies of T. peregrinus, the development of biopesticides, and the introduction of Cleruchoides noackae, an egg parasitoid of T. peregrinus from Australia. We review the main achievements in each country. Finally, a regional network of institutions, researchers, and students has strengthened in the region, providing a solid background for future collaboration.