Isolation and molecular identification of endophytic fungi associated with Campomanesia adamantium, a Brazilian Cerrado plant.

This work presents the isolation of endophytic fungi from the leaves of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae), a native species found in Brazil and popularly known as "guabiroba-do-campo", with abundant distribution in the Brazilian Cerrado. It has been popularly used for its anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, blood cholesterol-reducing, urinary antiseptic, and depurative properties. Theese fungi are microorganisms that live inside higher plants, at least for a period of their life cycle, occupying the intercellular spaces of plant tissues such as leaves and stems. These fungi are harmless to the host plant, and their secondary metabolites promote protection, regulate growth, combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and promote resistance to abiotic stress, as well as insecticidal effects. Endophytic fungi associated with the leaves of C. adamantium were isolated using the culture medium isolation technique. After growth, the fungi were divided into groups based on morphotypes. Fungal genomic DNA was extracted, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to amplify the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of rRNA, and the nucleotide sequences obtained were compared with those available in the GenBank database for molecular identification of the isolates. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 11 software. The results showed representatives of the Ascomycota phylum, and it was possible to identify at the genus level 18 fungi of the genera Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Epicoccum, and Neofusicoccum.

Nutritional intake in adolescent athletes.

Nutrition plays a critical role in the success of the competitive adolescent athlete. Some groups have stricter nutrition requirements than others. The authors summarize nutrition intake data on serious female gymnasts, ballet dancers, and high-school cross-country runners. This article also discusses the nutritional needs of young male wrestlers and weightlifters.

The functional treatment of a third proximal phalanx fracture.

Aggressive, cool soaks, and buddy taping with thoughtful frequent followups allowed this patient to return to competition safely with full function in a remarkably short period of time. Similar treatment to some soft tissue injuries of the hand and other stable fractures have been done with equal success.

Injuries to pitchers in women's collegiate fast-pitch softball.

An injury survey of eight college softball teams ranked among the top 15 during the 1989 women's NCAA tournament championship by their athletic trainers found 26 injuries and complaints in 20 of 24 players. There were 15 grade I (nontime-loss) injuries, all musculotendinous except for a leg contusion and an ankle sprain. The 6 grade II injuries (altered play) were also musculotendinous except for 2 sprains to the hand and wrist. The 5 grade III (stopped play) injuries were somewhat more varied in type and resulted in an average of almost 7 weeks of time lost per injured player. Eighty-two percent of the time-loss injuries (grades II and III) involved the upper extremity. This survey suggests that there are likely to be a significant number of injuries involving loss of time from practice or games among elite women's fast-pitch softball pitchers.

Reversing Sports-Related Iron and Zinc Deficiencies.

In brief Many active patients, particularly brief gymnasts, ballet dancers, wrestlers, and long-distance runners, do not consume enough iron or zinc. Iron and zinc are important for oxygen activation, electron transport, and injury healing. Subclinical deficiencies may impair athletic performance and prolong healing times. People who compete or exercise regularly should be counseled about the importance of these minerals and how to ensure adequate dietary intake.

Meatless diets in female athletes: a red flag.

Physically active adolescent girls and young women may eliminate meat from their diets to achieve or maintain low body weight. By doing so, they risk developing protein, iron, and zinc deficiencies. Further, meatless diets in this population may signal the possibility of amenorrhea and/or disordered eating, with the attendant risk of osteoporosis. Educating young women and their parents and coaches regarding the risks of a meatless diet and using the preparticipation exam to screen for these problems can promote preventive measures.

Injuries in Slow-Pitch Softball.

In brief: Softball is one of the most popular recreational sports in the United States, and widespread participation inevitably results in injuries. The authors evaluated the records of 285 patients with softball injuries who were treated at a sports medicine clinic from 1979 through 1986. In addition, they sent questionnaires to 200 registrants in an adult softball league, requesting information about injuries. From this survey, 81 players reported 66 injuries. Many of the injuries were nontraumatic or chronic. The authors suggest ways to prevent softball injuries, such as preseason conditioning and strengthening.

Inadequate Nutrition and Chronic Calorie Restriction in Adolescent Ballerinas.

In brief: Studies show that adult ballerinas practice poor nutrition habits, but little research has been done on adolescent dancers. The authors analyzed the diet composition of 92 female ballet dancers aged 12 to 17 enrolled in six professional schools. Three- day diet histories were used to compile data, and a dietitian worked with the dancers to ensure accuracy in record keeping. The results showed poor nutrition habits and low calorie and nutrition intake. Sixty percent routinely took vitamin or mineral supplements, but not properly. Unfortunately, the dancers' desire to maintain a sylphlike, willowy body makes them unwilling to consume the number of calories required for a healthy diet. A nutrition class in the dance school curriculum would help increase their knowledge and improve their dietary habits.

Nutrition Habits and Knowledge in Competitive Adolescent Female Gymnasts.

In brief: Diet quality and nutrition knowledge were evaluated in 97 competitive female adolescent gymnasts. Each gymnast kept a three-day diet record and completed a questionnaire. The gymnasts averaged only 1,838 kcal per day, which is 300 kcal less than the recommended energy intake for 13-year-old girls 60 in. tall. More than 40% consumed diets that provided less than two thirds of the recommended dietary allowance for calcium, folate, vitamin B6, iron, and zinc. Their nutrition knowledge was poor; thus, a nutrition education program would be valuable for these athletes.

Crystal structure and optical spectroscopy of Er2[Pt(CN)4]3.21H2O and Er2[Pt(CN)4]2.SO4.11.5H2O.

We have synthesized two forms of erbium tetracyanoplatinates, Er2[Pt(CN)4]3.21H2O (red form) and Er2[Pt(CN)4]2.SO4.11.5H2O (yellow form), and determined their crystal structures by X-ray diffraction. While the red form crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn, with a = 15.4848(3) A, b = 13.8186(2) A, c = 19.07820(10) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, and Z = 4, the yellow form precipitates in the tetragonal space group I4cm, with a = b = 14.321(2) A, c = 13.338(3) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, and Z = 4. Both forms show [Pt(CN)4]2- chains but differ markedly in color and morphology. This is due to the incorporation of sulfate ions in the latter modification, leading to an increased Pt-Pt distance. The observed optical absorption and emission behavior of the title compounds is correlated with the Pt-Pt distances.