Perfis de envolvimento parental no futebol juvenil: Um estudo com jovens atletas / Perfiles de participación de los padres en el fútbol juvenil: Un estudio con atletas jóvenes / Parental involvement profiles in football: A study with young players

Este estudo analisou as diferenças na perceção dos atletas acerca dos comportamentos parentais, considerando também a importância do escalão desportivo dos atletas. Além disso, foi analisado se diferentes perfis de envolvimento parental, segundo a avaliação dos atletas aos seus pais, correspondiam a diferenças na orientação motivacional e na perceção de rendimento dos jovens atletas. Participaram no estudo 292 atletas do sexo masculino com idades compreendidas entre os 12 e 19 anos (M = 15.0; DP = 1.5), praticantes de futebol no campeonato nacional. Foram aplicados três instrumentos, (1) Questionário de Comportamentos Parentais no Desporto; (2) Escala de Objetivos de Realização no Desporto Juvenil; (3) Questionário de Perceção de Rendimento Desportivo. Os resultados indicaram (a) diferenças na perceção de comportamentos do pai e da mãe separadamente, sendo que, a perceção dos atletas variou em função do seu escalão desportivo; e (b) a orientação motivacional e a perceção de rendimento variaram em função do perfil de envolvimento parental percebido. Em suma, os resultados demonstram a importância do envolvimento parental no desporto juvenil, devendo este fator ser considerado pelos profissionais que intervêmjunto dos jovens atletas.(AU)

Este estudio analizó las diferencias en la percepción de los atletas sobre los comportamientos de sus padres, considerando también la importancia del nivel deportivo de los atletas. Además, se analizó si los diferentes perfiles de participación de los padres, según la evaluación de los deportistas sobre sus padres, se correspondían con diferencias en la orientación motivacional y en la percepción del rendimiento de los jóvenes deportistas. Participaron del estudio 292 atletas masculinos con edades entre 12 y 19 años (M = 15,0; SD = 1,5), futbolistas del campeonato nacional. Se aplicaron tres instrumentos, (1) Cuestionario de Conductas Parentales en el Deporte; (2) Escala de Metas de Logro en Deportes Juveniles; (3) Cuestionario de Percepción del Rendimiento Deportivo. Los resultados indicaron: (a)diferencias en la percepción de los comportamientos del padre y de la madre por separado, y la percepción de los deportistas varió según su nivel deportivo; e (b)la orientación motivacional y la percepción de rendimiento varió según el perfil de participación parental percibida. En resumen, los resultados demuestran la importancia de la participación de los padres en el deporte juvenil, y este factor debe ser considerado por los profesionales que trabajan con jóvenes deportistas.(AU)

This study analysed the differences in athletes’ perception of parental behaviours, considering the importance of athletes’ age category. It was also verified if different parental involvement profiles, according to athletes’ evaluation of their parents’ behaviours, corresponded to differences in motivational orientation and in performance perception of the young athletes. The study included 292 male athletes, aged between 12 and 19 years old (M = 15.0; DP = 1.5), playing football in the national championship. Three instruments were used: (1) Parental Behaviours in Sports Questionnaire; (2) Achievement goal scale for youth sport; (3) Sport Performance Perception Questionnaire. The results indicated: (a)differences in the perception of father’s and mother’s behaviours, separately, and these differences changed according to athletes’ age category; and (b)motivational orientation and performance perception varied according to the perceived parental involvement profile. In sum, the results demonstrate the importance of parental behaviours in youth sports and this aspect should be considered by professionals who work with young athletes.(AU)

Percutaneous left ventricular assistance in cardiogenic shock due to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to status epilepticus.

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute reversible cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction and a clinical presentation similar to an acute coronary syndrome. Emotional or physical triggers can cause it, including neurological conditions such as seizures. We describe a case of a woman in her 50s with Takotsubo syndrome secondary to status epilepticus, presenting with cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock. We excluded acute coronary syndrome with coronary angiography. Despite inotropic support, she remained haemodynamically unstable and a percutaneous left ventricular assistance with an Impella CP catheter was initiated. This resulted in a quick weaning of haemodynamic support and recovery of left ventricle systolic function in 2 weeks. This case illustrates the importance of a high index of suspicion to make this diagnosis and link it to neurological triggers, as well as to consider mechanical circulatory support in managing cardiogenic shock due to this cardiomyopathy.

Development of a novel electrochemical biosensor based on plastic antibodies for detection of STEAP1 biomarker in cancer.

STEAP1 is a cell surface protein of the STEAP family whose main function focuses on intercellular communication and cell growth. STEAP1 is considered a promising putative biomarker and a candidate target for prostate cancer treatment. For specific and selective detection of STEAP1, a molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) was developed on a screen-printed electrode (C-SPE) whose surface was modified with a nanocomposite based on carbon nanotubes decorated with dendritic platinum nanoparticles (CNTs- PAH /Pt). Then, the MIPs were produced on the modified C-SPE by electropolymerization of a mixture of STEAP1 and a monomer (pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid). Then, the protein was removed from the polymeric network by enzymatic treatment with trypsin, which created the specific template cavities for further STEAP1 detection. Electrochemical techniques such as EIS and CV were used to follow the chemical modification steps of C-SPE. The analytical performance of the biosensor was evaluated by SWV in PBS buffer and in lysates of neoplastic prostate cancer cells (LNCaP) extracts. The MIP material showing a linear range from 130 pg/ml to 13 µg/ml. Overall, the biosensor exhibits essential properties such as selectivity, sensitivity and reproducibility for its application in medical and clinical research diagnosis and/or prognosis of prostate cancer.

Left atrial strain is associated with distinct inflammatory and immune profile in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with multiple cardiac manifestations. Left atrial strain (LA-S) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) measure of LA myocardial deformation and diastolic dysfunction, which could lead to early recognition of cardiac injury in severe COVID-19 patients with possible implications on clinical management, organ dysfunction, and mortality. Cardiac injury may occur by direct viral cytopathic effects or virus-driven immune activation, resulting in heart infiltration by inflammatory cells, despite limited and conflicting data are available on myocardial histology. PURPOSE: We aimed to explore LA-S and immune profiles in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) to identify distinctive features in patients with cardiac injury. METHODS: We enrolled 30 patients > 18 years with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, admitted to ICU. Acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism were exclusion criteria. On days D1, D3, and D7 after ICU admission, patients performed TTE, hemogram, cardiac (pro-BNP; troponin) and inflammatory biomarkers (ESR; ferritin; IL1ß; IL6; CRP; d-dimer; fibrinogen; PCT; adrenomedullin, ADM), and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Patient's mean age was 60.7 y, with 63% males. Hypertension was the most common risk factor (73%; with 50% of patients under ACEi or ARA), followed by obesity (40%, mean BMI = 31 kg/m2). Cardiac dysfunction was detected by STE in 73% of patients: 40% left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction, 60% LV diastolic dysfunction, 37% right ventricle systolic dysfunction. Mortality, hospitalization days, remdesivir use, organ dysfunction, cardiac and serum biomarkers were not different between patients with (DYS) and without cardiac dysfunction (nDYS), except for ADM (increased in nDYS group at D7). From the 77 TTE, there was a striking difference between diastolic dysfunction evaluation by classic criteria compared to STE (28.6% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.0006). Lower reservoir (Ɛ) and contraction (ƐCT) LA-S correlated with IL-6 (Ɛ, p = 0.009, r = - 0.47; ƐCT, p = 0.0002, r = - 0.63) and central memory CD4 T-cells (ƐCT, p = 0.049, r = - 0.24). Along all timepoints, DYS patients showed persistent low lymphocyte counts that recovered at D7 in nDYS patients. DYS patients had lower platelets at D3 and showed a slower recovery in platelet counts and CRP levels; the latter significantly decreased at D7 in nDYS patients (p = 0.009). Overall, patients recovered with an increasing P/F ratio, though to a lesser extent in DYS patients. DISCUSSION: Our study shows that LA-S may be a more sensitive marker for diastolic dysfunction in severe COVID-19, which could identify patients at risk for a protracted inflammatory state. A differential immune trait in DYS patients at ICU admission, with persistent lymphopenia, enriched CM T-cells, and higher IL-6 may suggest distinct inflammatory states or migration patterns in patients that develop cardiac injury.

Characteristic Immune Dynamics in COVID-19 Patients with Cardiac Dysfunction.

Background: We aimed to explore immune parameters in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) to identify distinctive features in patients with cardiac injury. Methods: A total of 30 COVID-19 patients >18 years admitted to the ICU were studied on days D1, D3 and D7 after admission. Cardiac function was assessed using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Peripheral blood immunophenotyping, cardiac (pro-BNP; troponin) and inflammatory biomarkers were simultaneously evaluated. Results: Cardiac dysfunction (DYS) was detected by STE in 73% of patients: 40% left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction, 60% LV diastolic dysfunction, 37% right ventricle systolic dysfunction. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) was detectable in 43.3% of the patients with a median value of 13.00 ng/L. There were no significant differences between DYS and nDYS patients regarding mortality, organ dysfunction, cardiac (including hs-cTn) or inflammatory biomarkers. Patients with DYS showed persistently lower lymphocyte counts (median 896 [661−1837] cells/µL vs. 2141 [924−3306] cells/µL, p = 0.058), activated CD3 (median 85 [66−170] cells/µL vs. 186 [142−259] cells/µL, p = 0.047) and CD4 T cells (median 33 [28−40] cells/µL vs. 63 [48−79] cells/µL, p = 0.005), and higher effector memory T cells (TEM) at baseline (CD4%: 10.9 [6.4−19.2] vs. 5.9 [4.2−12.8], p = 0.025; CD8%: 15.7 [7.9−22.8] vs. 8.1 [7.7−13.7], p = 0.035; CD8 counts: 40 cells/µL [17−61] vs. 10 cells/µL [7−17], p = 0.011) than patients without cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion: Our study suggests an association between the immunological trait and cardiac dysfunction in severe COVID-19 patients.

IL-17 triggers the onset of cognitive and synaptic deficits in early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Neuroinflammation in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related mouse models has been recognized for decades, but the contribution of the recently described meningeal immune population to AD pathogenesis remains to be addressed. Here, using the 3xTg-AD model, we report an accumulation of interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing cells, mostly γδ T cells, in the brain and the meninges of female, but not male, mice, concomitant with the onset of cognitive decline. Critically, IL-17 neutralization into the ventricles is sufficient to prevent short-term memory and synaptic plasticity deficits at early stages of disease. These effects precede blood-brain barrier disruption and amyloid-beta or tau pathology, implying an early involvement of IL-17 in AD pathology. When IL-17 is neutralized at later stages of disease, the onset of short-memory deficits and amyloidosis-related splenomegaly is delayed. Altogether, our data support the idea that cognition relies on a finely regulated balance of "inflammatory" cytokines derived from the meningeal immune system.

Plastic Antibody of Polypyrrole/Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes on Screen-Printed Electrodes for Cystatin C Detection.

This work reports the design of a novel plastic antibody for cystatin C (Cys-C), an acute kidney injury biomarker, and its application in point-of-care (PoC) testing. The synthetic antibody was obtained by tailoring a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on a carbon screen-printed electrode (SPE). The MIP was obtained by electropolymerizing pyrrole (Py) with carboxylated Py (Py-COOH) in the presence of Cys-C and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Cys-C was removed from the molecularly imprinted poly(Py) matrix (MPPy) by urea treatment. As a control, a non-imprinted poly(Py) matrix (NPPy) was obtained by the same procedure, but without Cys-C. The assembly of the MIP material was evaluated in situ by Raman spectroscopy and the binding ability of Cys-C was evaluated by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) electrochemical techniques. The MIP sensor responses were measured by the DPV anodic peaks obtained in the presence of ferro/ferricyanide. The peak currents decreased linearly from 0.5 to 20.0 ng/mL of Cys-C at each 20 min successive incubation and a limit of detection below 0.5 ng/mL was obtained at pH 6.0. The MPPy/SPE was used to analyze Cys-C in spiked serum samples, showing recoveries <3%. This device showed promising features in terms of simplicity, cost and sensitivity for acute kidney injury diagnosis at the point of care.

Could strain echocardiography help to assess systolic function in critically ill COVID-19 patients?

Strain echocardiography enables the automatic quantification of the global longitudinal strain (GLS), which is a direct measure of ventricular shortening during systole. In the current context of overwhelmed ICUs and clinician shortage, GLS has the advantage to be quick and easy to measure by non-experts. However, little is known regarding its value to assess bi-ventricular systolic function in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Therefore, we designed a study to compare right and left ventricular GLS with classic echo-Doppler indices of systolic function, namely the ejection fraction for the left ventricle (LVEF) and the fractional area change (FAC), the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and the tissue Doppler velocity of the basal free lateral wall (S') for the right ventricle. Eighty transthoracic echocardiographic evaluations done in 30 ICU patients with COVID-19 were analyzed. We observed a fair relationship (r = 0.73, p < 0.01) between LVEF and left ventricular GLS. The GLS cut-off value of - 22% identified a LVEF < 50% with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 80%. All patients with a GLS > - 17% had a LVEF < 50%. Although statistically significant, relationships between FAC (r = 0.41, p < 0.01), TAPSE (r = 0.26, p < 0.05) and right ventricular GLS were weak. S' was not correlated with right ventricular GLS. In conclusion, left ventricular GLS was useful to assess left ventricular systolic function. However, right ventricular GLS was poorly correlated with FAC, TAPSE and S'. Further studies are needed to clarify what is the best method to assess right ventricular systolic function in ICU patients with COVID-19.

Impairment of adenosinergic system in Rett syndrome: Novel therapeutic target to boost BDNF signalling.

Rett syndrome (RTT; OMIM#312750) is mainly caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene; OMIM*300005), which leads to impairments in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling. The boost of BDNF mediated effects would be a significant breakthrough but it has been hampered by the difficulty to administer BDNF to the central nervous system. Adenosine, an endogenous neuromodulator, may accomplish that role since through A2AR it potentiates BDNF synaptic actions in healthy animals. We thus characterized several hallmarks of the adenosinergic and BDNF signalling in RTT and explored whether A2AR activation could boost BDNF actions. For this study, the RTT animal model, the Mecp2 knockout (Mecp2-/y) (B6.129P2 (C)-Mecp2tm1.1Bird/J) mouse was used. Whenever possible, parallel data was also obtained from post-mortem brain samples from one RTT patient. Ex vivo extracellular recordings of field excitatory post-synaptic potentials in CA1 hippocampal area were performed to evaluate synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP). RT-PCR was used to assess mRNA levels and Western Blot or radioligand binding assays were performed to evaluate protein levels. Changes in cortical and hippocampal adenosine content were assessed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection (LC/DAD). Hippocampal ex vivo experiments revealed that the facilitatory actions of BDNF upon LTP is absent in Mecp2-/y mice and that TrkB full-length (TrkB-FL) receptor levels are significantly decreased. Extracts of the hippocampus and cortex of Mecp2-/y mice revealed less adenosine amount as well as less A2AR protein levels when compared to WT littermates, which may partially explain the deficits in adenosinergic tonus in these animals. Remarkably, the lack of BDNF effect on hippocampal LTP in Mecp2-/y mice was overcome by selective activation of A2AR with CGS21680. Overall, in Mecp2-/y mice there is an impairment on adenosinergic system and BDNF signalling. These findings set the stage for adenosine-based pharmacological therapeutic strategies for RTT, highlighting A2AR as a therapeutic target in this devastating pathology.

Numerical investigation of parametric resonance due to hydrodynamic coupling in a realistic wave energy converter.

Representative models of the nonlinear behavior of floating platforms are essential for their successful design, especially in the emerging field of wave energy conversion where nonlinear dynamics can have substantially detrimental effects on the converter efficiency. The spar buoy, commonly used for deep-water drilling, oil and natural gas extraction and storage, as well as offshore wind and wave energy generation, is known to be prone to experience parametric resonance. In the vast majority of cases, parametric resonance is studied by means of simplified analytical models, considering only two degrees of freedom (DoFs) of archetypical geometries, while neglecting collateral complexity of ancillary systems. On the contrary, this paper implements a representative 7-DoF nonlinear hydrodynamic model of the full complexity of a realistic spar buoy wave energy converter, which is used to verify the likelihood of parametric instability, quantify the severity of the parametrically excited response and evaluate its consequences on power conversion efficiency. It is found that the numerical model agrees with expected conditions for parametric instability from simplified analytical models. The model is then used as a design tool to determine the best ballast configuration, limiting detrimental effects of parametric resonance while maximizing power conversion efficiency.

Modeling human age-associated increase in Gadd45γ expression leads to spatial recognition memory impairments in young adult mice.

Aging is associated with the progressive decay of cognitive function. Hippocampus-dependent processes, such as the formation of spatial memory, are particularly vulnerable to aging. Currently, the molecular mechanisms responsible for age-dependent cognitive decline are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the expression and function of the growth arrest DNA damage gamma (Gadd45γ) during aging and cognition. We report that Gadd45γ expression is increased in the hippocampus of aged humans and that Gadd45γ overexpression in the young adult mouse hippocampus compromises cognition. Moreover, Gadd45γ overexpression in hippocampal neurons disrupted cAMP response element-binding protein signaling and the expression of well-established activity-regulated genes. This work shows that Gadd45γ expression is tightly controlled in the hippocampus and its disruption may be a mechanism contributing to age-related cognitive impairments observed in humans.

Age-related shift in LTD is dependent on neuronal adenosine A2A receptors interplay with mGluR5 and NMDA receptors.

Synaptic dysfunction plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), since it drives the cognitive decline. An association between a polymorphism of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) encoding gene-ADORA2A, and hippocampal volume in AD patients was recently described. In this study, we explore the synaptic function of A2AR in age-related conditions. We report, for the first time, a significant overexpression of A2AR in hippocampal neurons of aged humans, which is aggravated in AD patients. A similar profile of A2AR overexpression in rats was sufficient to drive age-like memory impairments in young animals and to uncover a hippocampal LTD-to-LTP shift. This was accompanied by increased NMDA receptor gating, dependent on mGluR5 and linked to enhanced Ca2+ influx. We confirmed the same plasticity shift in memory-impaired aged rats and APP/PS1 mice modeling AD, which was rescued upon A2AR blockade. This A2AR/mGluR5/NMDAR interaction might prove a suitable alternative for regulating aberrant mGluR5/NMDAR signaling in AD without disrupting their constitutive activity.

The Amyloid Precursor Protein C-Terminal Domain Alters CA1 Neuron Firing, Modifying Hippocampus Oscillations and Impairing Spatial Memory Encoding.

There is a growing consensus that Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves failure of the homeostatic machinery, which underlies the firing stability of neural circuits. What are the culprits leading to neuron firing instability? The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is central to AD pathogenesis, and we recently showed that its intracellular domain (AICD) could modify synaptic signal integration. We now hypothesize that AICD modifies neuron firing activity, thus contributing to the disruption of memory processes. Using cellular, electrophysiological, and behavioral techniques, we show that pathological AICD levels weaken CA1 neuron firing activity through a gene-transcription-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, increased AICD production in hippocampal neurons modifies oscillatory activity, specifically in the γ-frequency range, and disrupts spatial memory task. Collectively, our data suggest that AICD pathological levels, observed in AD mouse models and in human patients, might contribute to progressive neuron homeostatic failure, driving the shift from normal aging to AD.

Sensing CA 15-3 in point-of-care by electropolymerizing O-phenylenediamine (oPDA) on Au-screen printed electrodes.

This work presents an alternative device for cancer screening in liquid biopsies. It combines a biomimetic film (i) with electrochemical detection (ii). The biomimetic film (i) was obtained by electro-polymerizing amine-substituted benzene rings around a CA 15-3 target. This protein target was previously adsorbed on a gold (Au) support and incubated in charged monomers (4-Styrenesulfonate sodium and 3-Hydroxytyraminium chloride). The protein was further eliminated by enzymatic activity, leaving behind vacant sites for subsequent rebinding. Electrochemical detection (ii) was achieved on an Au working electrode, designed on commercial screen-printed electrodes. Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and ellipsometric readings were used to follow the chemical modification of the Au surface. The ability of the material to rebind CA15-3 was monitored by electrochemical techniques. The device displayed linear responses to CA15-3 ranging from 0.25 to 10.00 U/mL, with detection limits of 0.05 U/mL. Accurate results were obtained by applying the sensor to the analysis of CA15-3 in PBS buffer and in serum samples. This biosensing device displayed successful features for the detection of CA 15-3 and constitutes a promising tool for breast cancer screening procedures in point-of-care applications. Moreover, its scale-up seems feasible as it contains a plastic antibody assembled in situ, in less than 1 minute, and the analysis of serum takes less than 30 minutes.

Left Paraduodenal Hernia.

Left paraduodenal hernia is an entrapment of the small bowel into the Landzert fossa, an unusual congenital peritoneal defect behind the descending mesocolon that results from failure of part of the descending mesocolon to fuse with the posterior parietal peritoneum (Doishita et al. in Radiographics, 36(1): 88-106, 2016). This fossa is reported to be present in approximately 2% of autopsy bodies. The authors present a case of a left paraduodenal hernia in a young woman.

Burnout and occupational stress in the medical residents of Oncology, Haematology and Radiotherapy: a prevalence and predictors study in Portugal.

Burnout is a professional syndrome associated with stress caused by overwork. Our aim was to calculate the prevalence of burnout and stress on medical residents of Oncology, Haematology and Radiotherapy in Portugal, as well as to determine predictors of burnout and stress. An anonymous questionnaire was applied (n = 118). Statistical analysis consisted of a descriptive and inferential analysis. The prevalence of burnout and stress was calculated to be 45.2 and 50%, respectively. The dimensions that generated higher levels of stress were 'dealing with patients' and 'overwork'. Burnout was directly related with stress dimension 'overwork'. The prevalence of burnout in Portuguese oncological residents is high as in other European countries and in the U.S. Therefore, interventional strategies can be designed.

Adenosine A2A Receptors Modulate α-Synuclein Aggregation and Toxicity.

Abnormal accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (aSyn) is a hallmark of sporadic and familial Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Recent studies suggest a neuroprotective role of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonists in PD. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection remain unclear. We assessed the impact of A2AR blockade or genetic deletion (A2AR KO) on synaptic plasticity and neuronal cell death induced by aSyn oligomers. We found that impairment of LTP associated with aSyn exposure was rescued in A2AR KO mice or upon A2AR blockade, through an NMDA receptor-dependent mechanism. The mechanisms underlying these effects were evaluated in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing aSyn and rat primary neuronal cultures exposed to aSyn. Cell death in both conditions was prevented by selective A2AR antagonists. Interestingly, blockade of these receptors did not interfere with aSyn oligomerization but, instead, reduced the percentage of cells displaying aSyn inclusions. Altogether, our data raise the possibility that the well-documented effects of A2AR antagonists involve the control of the latter stages of aSyn aggregation, thereby preventing the associated neurotoxicity. These findings suggest that A2AR represent an important target for the development of effective drugs for the treatment of PD and related synucleinopathies.

The caffeine-binding adenosine A2A receptor induces age-like HPA-axis dysfunction by targeting glucocorticoid receptor function.

Caffeine is associated with procognitive effects in humans by counteracting overactivation of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), which is upregulated in the human forebrain of aged and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We have previously shown that an anti-A2AR therapy reverts age-like memory deficits, by reestablishment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis feedback and corticosterone circadian levels. These observations suggest that A2AR over-activation and glucocorticoid dysfunction are key events in age-related hippocampal deficits; but their direct connection has never been explored. We now show that inducing A2AR overexpression in an aging-like profile is sufficient to trigger HPA-axis dysfunction, namely loss of plasmatic corticosterone circadian oscillation, and promotes reduction of GR hippocampal levels. The synaptic plasticity and memory deficits triggered by GR in the hippocampus are amplified by A2AR over-activation and were rescued by anti-A2AR therapy; finally, we demonstrate that A2AR act on GR nuclear translocation and GR-dependent transcriptional regulation. We provide the first demonstration that A2AR is a major regulator of GR function and that this functional interconnection may be a trigger to age-related memory deficits. This supports the idea that the procognitive effects of A2AR antagonists, namely caffeine, on Alzheimer's and age-related cognitive impairments may rely on its ability to modulate GR actions.

Exercise, eating disordered behaviors and psychological well-being: a study with Portuguese adolescents / Ejercicio, conductas alimentarias y bienestar psicológico: un estudio con adolescentes portugueses

This study analyzed the importance of exercise frequency on eating disordered behaviors and psychological well-being and the ability of various exercises, individual, and psychological variables to predict eating disordered behaviors. The following characteristics were measured: eating disordered behaviors, dieting habits, physical activity, goal orientation, social physique anxiety, and self-esteem. The results showed that regular exercise was reported more frequently by males, those with high attraction towards exercise, and adolescents with fewer dieting behaviors. Moreover, adolescents who exercised regularly showed fewer eating disordered behaviors and had more positive psychological functioning. The results also confirmed the importance of various exercises, individual, and psychological variables in predicting eating disordered behaviors. In conclusion, this study validates the importance of regular exercise for promoting psychological well-being and preventing eating disordered behaviors in adolescence.

Este estudio se realizó en una muestra de 192 adolescentes portugueses. Se analizó la importancia de la frecuencia de la práctica en conductas alimentarias y en el bienestar psicológico. Además, se intenta explicar las conductas alimentarias tomando en consideración las características deportivas, individuales y psicológicas. Las variables evaluadas fueron: los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, la tendencia a realizar dietas, las rutinas en la práctica de ejercicio, la orientación de objetivos, la ansiedad física social y la autoestima. Los resultados mostraron que mantenían una práctica regular de ejercicio principalmente los adolescentes varones, quienes tenían una atracción positiva por el ejercicio y menor tendencia a conductas dietéticas. También se ha encontrado que el grupo con práctica regular de ejercicio presentaba menos trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, así como un mejor funcionamiento psicológico. La predicción de perturbaciones alimentarias confirma la importancia de las variables deportivas, individuales y psicológicas. En resumen, los resultados confirmaron la importancia de la práctica de ejercicio no solo en términos de bienestar psicológico, sino también en la prevención de conductas alimentarias problemáticas en adolescentes.