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Our study assessed the characteristics of people living with HIV (PLWH) detected via opportunistic screening in Valencia (Spain) to determine diagnoses potentially missed under a more restrictive, indicator-condition diagnostic strategy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records of 97 PLWH diagnosed between April 2019 and August 2022. The main outcomes reported were patient CD4+ T cell count, known HIV risk factors at diagnosis, and missed opportunities for diagnosis, defined as the failure of a previously untested patient to undergo HIV testing despite attending previous visits to healthcare facilities prior to diagnosis. Successful linkage to care was achieved for 95.9% of diagnosed patients. Half of the PLWH were diagnosed late, while 47.8% did not meet the criteria for indicator-condition-driven HIV diagnosis at the time of their diagnosis. Additionally, 52.2% did not receive HIV testing despite an average of 5.1 ± 6.0 healthcare visits in the 12 months prior to diagnosis. Spaniards had more missed opportunities for diagnosis than foreigners (64% vs. 40%, p = 0.02). Depending solely on an indicator-condition-driven HIV diagnosis approach could result in 47.8% of cases being missed. Including “migrants” as a testing criterion could lower missed diagnoses to 25.3% but might create inequities in prevention access. In conclusion, our findings provide valuable insights to enhance HIV testing, early diagnosis, and linkage to care. While it is crucial to uphold the indicator-condition-driven HIV diagnosis as baseline practice, improving screening strategies will decrease late diagnoses and missed opportunities, thereby effectively contributing to end the epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of five heteroleptic complexes [Ru(C^N)(N^N)2][PF6] (HC^N = methyl 1-butyl-2-arylbenzimidazolecarboxylate; N^N = polypyridine) has been synthesized to act as biologically-compatible green light photosensitizers (PSs) with phototherapeutic indexes (PIs) up to higher than 700 under hypoxia (2% O2) in HeLa cancer cells under short time of irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis is still a global public health problem, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2017. Of all humans infected with M. tuberculosis, only 10-15% will develop active tuberculosis disease during their lifetime, and data suggest that along with environmental factors, genetic factors influence susceptibility to develop active disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that play a central role in the initiation and shaping of adaptive immune responses, and several TLRs have been shown to recognize mycobacterial components. In this work, we performed a case-control study to determine if common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding TLRs 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 are associated with susceptibility to develop active tuberculosis in population from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The study included 279 cases and 569 controls. The results show that the frequency of two SNPs in TLR4 was significantly higher in controls than in tuberculosis patients. The minor allele (G) of rs4986790 in TLR4 (D299G) decreased the risk of active tuberculosis in the allelic (A vs. G, OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.09-0.81, p = 0.01) and in the dominant genetic model (AA vs. GG+AG, OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.09-0.77, p = 0.02). Similarly, the minor allele (T) of rs4986791 in TLR4 (T399I) decreased the risk of active disease in the allelic model (C vs. T, OR = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.10-0.90, p = 0.03). We did not find an association of SNPs in TLR1 (N248S), TLR2 (R753Q), TLR6 (S249P), and TLR10 (A153S and V298I) with tuberculosis disease. These results suggest that in this population, genetic variants of TLR4 affect the susceptibility for suffering active tuberculosis disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method for the aeroelastic analysis of wind effects on inflatable structures is presented. The solution scheme is staggered and uses an explicit finite-element structural solver and potential flow aerodynamics. In order to take into account the essential features of the flow around blunt-shaped structures, a physics-based correction of the inviscid solution is proposed. The procedure involves automatic prediction of the detached flow areas (using Stratford's criterion) and an empirical modification of the calculated pressure field intended to match the real viscous behavior. Several validation benchmarks and a realistic application example are presented. The results show the capability of the model to predict the wind loads on the structure with sufficient accuracy and low computational cost, making it possible to use aeroelastic analysis for routine calculation of inflatable structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Half-sandwich ruthenium(ii) complexes [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(C^N)-(X)]0/+ (X = Cl, py or 4-NMe2-py) containing a cyclometalated 2-ppy or 1-ppz with a non-coordinated CHO group as a handle for further functionalization have been synthesized to achieve selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells, the more potent compounds acting as proteosynthesis inhibitors; this is a new mode of action for half-sandwich metal complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of sixosmium(II) complexes of the type [(η6-p-cymene)Os(C^N)X] (X = chlorido or acetato) containing benzimidazole C^N ligands with an ester group as a handle for further functionalization have been synthesized. They exhibit IC50 values in the lowmicromolar range in a panel of cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant cancer cells (approximately 10x more cytotoxic than CDDP in MCF-7), decrease the levels of intracellular ROS and reduce the NAD+ coenzyme, and inhibit tubulin polymerization. This discovery could open the door to a new large family of osmium(II)-based bioconjugates with diverse modes of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aim to examine the researches that address the association between Return to Play (RTP) and psychological factors in athletes. To this end, a systematic review of the literature was conducted, taking in consideration PRISMA guidelines. As keywords were used: return to play and sport and psycho* and injur*. Base data used were "Web of Science". Inclusion criteria were: 1) address at least one psychological variable, 2) to be empirical investigation and 3) not to be a validation. 70 articles were obtained, which were reduced to 29. The results show a direct relationship between the influence of psychological factors and the time and quality that the athlete uses in rehabilitation and return to play. The time spent in rehabilitation and the early withdrawal of the athlete from his activity after the injury seems to be decisive for the correct RTP. The importance of understanding the psychosocial aspects that are part of the rehabilitation process is discussed. The fear of a re-injury, the sport level prior to the injury, the personality traits and the psychological disposition to play again were very important for the RTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To learn the opinion of university lecturers and researchers of physical activity and sport sciences on the subject of: a) the best criteria and products for evaluating scientific articles; and b) the best national and international scientific journals. The study used a sample of 163 lecturers teaching the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences during the academic year 2013-2014. Twenty-four of the lecturers were evaluators working for an evaluation agency and 139 did not work for any agency. Methodology: The instrument used was the article and journal section of the Cuestionario sobre criterios de calidad del personal docente e investigador universitario en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (Questionnaire on the quality evaluation criteria employed by university lecturers and researchers of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, CPDI-CAFD). Results: The criteria and evaluation products offered by Journal Citation Reports and Scopus were considered to be particularly important. The most highly valued Spanish journals were Apunts and Revista de Psicología del Deporte, while the most highly valued international publications were Journal of Sports Science and Sports Medicine. These results can be especially important for evaluating scientific publications. The applications for accreditations can be evaluated taking into account the classifications of specific sport science journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To learn the opinion of university lecturers and researchers of physical activity and sport sciences on the subject of: a) the best criteria and products for evaluating scientific articles; and b) the best national and international scientific journals. The study used a sample of 163 lecturers teaching the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences during the academic year 2013-2014. Twenty-four of the lecturers were evaluators working for an evaluation agency and 139 did not work for any agency. Methodology: The instrument used was the article and journal section of the Cuestionario sobre criterios de calidad del personal docente e investigador universitario en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (Questionnaire on the quality evaluation criteria employed by university lecturers and researchers of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, CPDI-CAFD). Results: The criteria and evaluation products offered by Journal Citation Reports and Scopus were considered to be particularly important. The most highly valued Spanish journals were Apunts and Revista de Psicología del Deporte, while the most highly valued international publications were Journal of Sports Science and Sports Medicine. These results can be especially important for evaluating scientific publications. The applications for accreditations can be evaluated taking into account the classifications of specific sport science journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breakdown of immunological tolerance due to the activation of autoreactive B and T cells triggers physiopathological processes. An example of such conditions is the production of IgG autoantibodies specific for the Fc portion of IgG (anti-Fcγ IgG). Previous reports have shown that patients with pigeon-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis exhibit an increase in the serum levels of anti-Fcγ IgG. There is noin vivomodel for the study of this condition and the immunological mechanisms of tolerance breakdown associated with sensitization by pigeon antigens are still unknown. In this work, we show that the repeated immunization of BALB/c mice with pigeon IgY during 16-weeks induces the production of anti-Fcγ IgG and keeps their high levels for seven weeks. The late appearance of anti-Fcγ IgG autoantibodies in the plasma is similar to what has been reported in other experimental autoimmune models. With the occurrence of anti-Fcγ IgG, there is a reduction in the proportion of Foxp3 + cells (regulatory T cells, Tregs) within the population of splenic CD4 + CD25 + T cells. Thus, our data showed that the immunization of BALB/c mice with IgY promotes the production of anti-Fcγ IgG along with a decrease in Tregs in the spleen. We propose that immunization of mice with pigeon antigens, like IgY can provide a model to study the immunological mechanisms involved in the development of pigeon-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this work is to analyse trends in music education research from Spain through bibliometric analysis of the academic output in the Web of Science database, comprising 143 articles published between 2000 and 2015. Several types of variable were analysed: a) structural variables; b) variables relating to the topic being studied; c) variables relating to the sample; and d) variables relating to the research methods and instruments used. The results show increased representation of music education in specialised journals and broad dissemination in journals from related areas. The data indicate that both the number of articles published on music education and their impact are still limited when compared with other related areas. Measures are proposed to achieve a greater impact of the publications on the career development of their authors and to give the discipline a higher profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An a-posteriori error estimate with application to inviscid compressible flow problems is presented. The estimate is a surrogate measure of the discretization error, obtained from an approximation to the truncation terms of the governing equations. This approximation is calculated from the discrete nodal differential residuals using a reconstructed solution field on a modified stencil of points. Both the error estimation methodology and the flow solution scheme are implemented using the Finite Point Method, a meshless technique enabling higher-order approximations and reconstruction procedures on general unstructured discretizations. The performance of the proposed error indicator is studied and applications to adaptive grid refinement are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trajectory of Sports Psychology in Spain has not been easy, but the good work of professionals and researchers has meant that, in recent years, the psychology of sport is, in its own right, among the different specialties of psychological practice, And be recognized by the COP by creating a specific division of the same in 2012. A bibliometric study has been carried out to determine the current situation of Spanish authors in this area of study. A search was made in the Web of Science database using "psycholog *", "sport", "physic * activi *" and "Spain", as descriptors. The total number of contributions by Spanish authors has been 701, of which 605 are articles. There are 500 institutions represented by the signatories, highlighting the University of Murcia with 74. Regarding the journals in which the contributions of the Spanish authors have been published, the Revista de Psicología del Deporte / Journal Sport of Psychology stands out with 103 publications to a great extent Distance from the rest. If we look at the evolution of publications, from 1992 to 2008, the average number of publications per year was three; From 2008 to 2013, an average of 30; And since 2014, an average of more than 90 publications a year, confirming a very important development of the visibility of Spanish authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galectins are a group of evolutionarily conserved proteins with the ability to bind β-galactosides through characteristic carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRD). Galectin-3 is structurally unique among all galectins as it contains a C-terminal CRD linked to an N-terminal protein-binding domain, being the only chimeric galectin. Galectin-3 participates in many functions, both intra- and extracellularly. Among them, a prominent role for Galectin-3 in inflammation has been recognized. Galectin-3 has also been shown to directly bind to pathogens and to have various effects on the functions of the cells of the innate immune system. Thanks to these two properties, Galectin-3 participates in several ways in the innate immune response against invading pathogens. Galectin-3 has been proposed to function not only as a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) but also as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). In this review, we analyze the various roles that have been assigned to Galectin-3, both as a PRR and as a DAMP, in the context of immune responses against pathogenic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the technical-tactical performance profile of the serve for various age groups and categories of competition in men's volleyball. The sample comprised 13,262 serves performed by 986 players in 299 sets observed in various categories of competition (U-14, U-16, U-19, national senior, and international senior). An observational design was used. The variables studied were category of competition, type of execution, and serve performance. The results showed that for higher age groups (senior categories), there were significantly fewer jump serves and poorer serve performance, regardless of players' maturity and training development. The use of the jump serves increased the serve risk while attempting to hinder the organization of the opponent attack. This paper discusses the serve evolution and the implications on the training process at the different age groups in men's volleyball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrying capacity was evaluated using emergy assessment to improve the diagnosis of problems and to make understanding sustainability easier, thereby supporting the formulation of public policies. Ibiúna County has an area of 105,800 hectare (ha) and it is located 72 km west of São Paulo, the largest Brazilian city. It has 72,029 inhabitants or 0.68 people per ha, but 2.16 people per ha of forest area. The city is only 157 years old and about 67% of its population lives in the rural area and the other 33% in the urban space. In our assessment, the percent renewability of this municipality was high (47.20%). To determine the renewable support area, the carrying capacity methodology suggested by Brown and Ulgiati (2001) was applied and the support area calculated was 306,679 ha or 0.23 people per ha. This result reveals a value for the equivalent natural area needed to absorb the impacts of the fossil fuel consumed in the production of industrial inputs used in the region. A recently proposed ecological footprint methodology was used, where the calculus of support area is based on the consumption profile of the population. This methodology was adapted to obtain an alternate carrying capacity for the county. The result was 249,650 ha or 0.29 individuals per ha. This study showed the importance of preserving natural areas and it introduced the need for changes in the configuration of the county economy and in its population's lifestyle, which are needed to turn Ibiúna County into a truly sustainable region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast pyrolysis of naturally produced water hyacinth was assessed through Emergy accounting approach. Two analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of additional services and externalities on Emergy indicators for a pyrolysis plant unit able to process 1000 kg of dry biomass per hour. The initial approach was a traditional Emergy assessment in which financial fluxes and externalities were not considered. The second approach included taxes and fees of the Brazilian government, interests related to financing operations and assumes a reserve financial fund of 5% of the total investment as externalities cost. For the first evaluation, the renewability of 86% indicates that local and renewable resources mainly support the process and the Emergy Yield Ratio of 3.2 shows that the system has a potential contribution to the regional economy due to the local resources use. The inclusion of financial fluxes and externalities in the second evaluation reduces both renewability and Emergy Yield Ratio, whereas it increases the Emergy Investment Ratio which means a higher dependence on external resources. The second analysis allows portraying significant forces of the industrial and financial systems and the evaluation of the externalities' impact on the general system Emergy behavior. A comparison of the renewability of water hyacinth fast pyrolysis with other biofuels like soybean biodiesel and sugarcane ethanol indicates that the former is less dependent on fossil fuel resources, machinery and fertilizers. To complement the sustainability assessment provided by the Emergy method, a regular financial analysis for the second defined system was done. It shows that the system is financially attractive even with the accounting of additional costs. The results obtained in this study could be used as the maximum and minimum thresholds to subsidize regulatory policies for new economic activities in tropical wetlands involving natural resources exploitation and bio-industrial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the psychological characteristics for athletic performance in high-level handball players, and whether there are differences between the psychological profiles of these players in terms of their tactical position. The sample was composed of 80 professional handball players, with a mean age of 24.83 (± 5.21) years. As regards their position, 30% played in the back positions, 25% wings, 16.3% centre, 18.7% pivot, and 10% were goalkeepers. Assessment of the psychological profile used the scales in the Psychological Characteristics Associated to Sports Performance Questionnaire (Cuestionario de Características Psicológicas relacionadas con el Rendimiento Deportivo [CPRD]) by Gimeno & Buceta (2010). The results indicate that the specific position of goalkeepers obtained the highest scores in all the psychological characteristics assessed, i.e. it has a better psychological profile for athletic performance than the other player positions, and that those who play in the back positions get the worst scores on this profile. Differences in the psychological profile of professional handball players, depending on the tactical position, may be helpful to coaches and managers in order to enhance their human resource management, both in training and competition, as well as in their non-sport social environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric study of the scientific literature on the football goalkeeper. To do a literature search was performed in the database Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index of Web of Science, through the "soccer" and "goalkeeper" topic, obtaining a total of 231 items. From each of the items the following variables were analyzed: a) year of publication, b) type of publication; c) on which sports study has been developed; d) main discipline of study; e) sub-theme of the study; f) position and sports function of the sample; g) sports level of the sample; h) sex of the sample; i) type of study (descriptive, experimental, qualitative, etc; j) journal; k) institution; and l) primary author. The most significant results indicated that: a) shows a large increase in scientific production over the goalkeeper in football in the last five years; b) disciplines have been the most studied motor control and discipline of sports medicine and injury sub-themes and visual perception; c) the sample have been most studied goalkeepers and football players, whose level was elite and male sex; e) include descriptive studies and experimental type, resulting in a sharp increase in experimental studies in recent years; f) in terms of institutions and authors, institutions and include authors from countries with great football tradition like Germany, Britain, France, etc.. Stressing above all, the authors associated with the Vrije University of Amsterdam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows the environmental behavior of different horticultural production systems. Emergy assessment was applied for the analysis of three family-managed horticultural farms located in Ibiúna County and one horticultural subsystem of Yamaguishi Eco-Village in Jaguariúna County, both located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For Ibiúna and Jaguariúna farms the total Emergy varied from 2.36E+16 to 9.59E+16 seJ ha −1 year −1 , the Transformity ranged from 1.58E+06 to 4.98E+06 seJ J −1 , the Renewability from 17% to 55%, the Emergy Yield Ratio from 1.14 to 2.24 and the Emergy Investment Ratio ranged from 0.81 to 4.76. The Environmental Loading Ratio values showed a large variation, for organic production from 0.81 to 1.54 and for the conventional production from 4.77 to 4.88. Emergy Exchange Ratio showed a wide variation from 0.03 to 3.49. These results were compared to those obtained in an emergy analysis of five organic horticultural systems located in the highlands of Rio de Janeiro, a study performed by Nobre Junior (2009) . The analysis of the whole set of results is that the renewability of Rio de Janeiro's systems is higher than Ibiúna and Jaguariúna systems because these last systems respond to the pressures of market to decrease prices increasing the volume of production using industrial aggressive inputs in a more intensive way. The conclusion will be made available to Ibiúna city government and population in order to promote a transition to Agroecological Systems involving the recovery of soil biota and native vegetation, recycling urban wastes and lowering pesticides and chemical fertilizers use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to the psychological profile of vulnerability to the injury of the athlete has become necessary in competitive sports. Subjects consisted of a total of sample were 285 males (23 non-injured) and 168 females (24 non-injured). The male athletes had an average age of 21.77 years and the female athletes of 20.55 years. The sample consisted of athletes of individual sports (tennis, athletics and swimming) and players of team sports (football, basketball and handball) belonging to different sports clubs in the Valencian Community. A Sport Competitive Anxiety Test (SCAT) was used for the evaluation of competitive anxiety; an EPR scale was used to evaluate hardiness; a Competitiveness-10 scale was used to assess competitiveness; and a specific registration form was used for the assessment of injury. The study was carried out basing on a quantitative methodology. The design of the study was observational, descriptive and correlational. The study was based on the hypothesis: the number of injuries will increase with lower levels of hardiness and success-oriented motivation, and higher levels of competitive anxiety and motivation addressed to avoid failure. The objective was to analyze the differences in the number of injuries among athletes who had a profile of vulnerability to injury (low hardiness, high competitive anxiety, low motivation for success and high motivation oriented to avoid failure) against those who did not fit that profile. According to the theoretical foundation, those placed in this profile would be more susceptible to injury. However, the results of the study indicate that men with a profile of vulnerability to injury (who should sustain more injuries) suffered fewer moderate injuries, and the total number of injuries and rate of injury were lower. Results are discussed and some conclusions of the study are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a set of simple yet effective, numerical method for the design and evaluation of parachute-payload system. The developments include a coupled fluid-structural solver for unsteady simulations of ram-air type parachutes. The main features of the computational tools are described and several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the performance and capabilities of the technique. Design/methodology/approach – For an efficient solution of the aerodynamic problem, an unsteady panel method has been chosen exploiting the fact that large areas of separated flow are not expected under nominal flight conditions of ram-air parachutes. A dynamic explicit finite element solver is used for the structure. This approach yields a robust solution even when highly nonlinear effects due to large displacements and material response are present. The numerical results show considerable accuracy and robustness. Findings – A simple and effective numerical tool for the analysis of parachutes has been developed. Originality/value – An analysis code has been developed which addresses the needs of ram-air parachute designers. The software delivers reasonably accurate results in a short time using modest hardware. It can therefore assist the design process, which nowadays relies on empirical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This paper uses emergy to attribute value to ecosystem services. [•] The hydro-carbon model shows the impact of land-use change on the ecosystem services. [•] Native savanna is related to the highest simulated value (247EM$ha−1 y−1). [•] Conventional soil tillage is related to the lowest simulated value (75EM$ha−1 y−1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily is a family of structurally related proteins that includes TGF-β, activins/inhibins, and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Members of the TGF-β superfamily regulate cellular functions such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration and thus play key roles in organismal development. TGF-β is involved in several human diseases, including autoimmune disorders and vascular diseases. Activation of the TGF-β receptor induces phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues and triggers phosphorylation of intracellular effectors (Smads). Once activated, Smad proteins translocate to the nucleus and induce transcription of their target genes, regulating various processes and cellular functions. Recently, there has been an attempt to correlate the effect of TGF-β with various pathological entities such as allergic diseases and cancer, yielding a new area of research known as "allergo oncology," which investigates the mechanisms by which allergic diseases may influence the progression of certain cancers. This knowledge could generate new therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting the pathologies in which TGF-β is involved. Here, we review recent studies that suggest an important role for TGF-β in both allergic disease and cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the Research Projects 1+D+i financed by the National Plan in the area of psychology and management in the area of Sport Management, as well as granted by the Sports Council. This was recorded on the website of the Ministry of Innovation and Science projects related to sports science (n = 155) and those associated with psychology (n = 646). In addition there were projects awarded by the National Sports Council (CSD) (n = 203). From each of the approved projects have analyzed the following variables: year of the grant, gender researcher, principal investigator name, Region, University or agency, the grant amount, project type, project mode of Psychology sport and type of sample projects of Sport Psychology. The results indicate that the grant is much larger project of Sport Psychology in the "Plan Nacional" managed within the area of sport management and the Sports Council, that are managed within the management area of psychology, and well in all of them is much higher percentage of men than women as principal investigator. The regions of Cataluña, Valencia, Andalucía and Extremadura are spread over 70% of the approved projects in Sport Psychology. Among the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the University of Extremadura and the University of Valencia are distributed over a third of all projects of Sport Psychology. The Psychology of Sport mode with more projects is the Health and Quality of Life, followed Motivation and Emotion and Psychobiology of Sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Coordination and organometallic compounds as proteosynthesis inhibitors are summarized. • An overview on compounds for which mechanistic data was obtained is provided. • A preliminary relationship between structure of the complex and the mode of action has been established. • Attention to photocaged prodrugs is also paid. Translation is the most energy-consuming activity within cells. Due to metabolic demands and high proliferation, cancer cells require elevated rates of protein synthesis, thus providing a therapeutic window to selectively eliminate them. Among potential anticancer agents, metallodrugs have arisen as an important class of chemotherapeutics due to the variety of possible molecular architectures and multiple coordination and redox states these compounds can achieve. Inorganic medicinal drug discovery has experimented remarkable advances over the past decades with current metal-based representatives undergoing clinical trials for cancer disease. Herein, we summarize the status of research on metal compounds targeting proteosynthesis. This review starts with a brief overview on protein synthesis as an anticancer target that is followed by an introduction to translational control in cancer cells and the importance of this process for cancer therapy. Metal-based chemotherapeutic agents are classified according to the transition metal, accompanied by a discussion on their mode of action interfering with protein synthesis and recapitulating both preclinical and clinical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of an intervention program of goal setting using written report as feedback and controlling players' perception during the competitive season of a mini-basketball team. The intervention program was implemented on under- 12 male mini-basketball team. The independent variable was the application of the intervention program of the goal-setting. The dependent variables were players' perception, and level of achievement of the goals. Three-four goals were design for each player. After each match, the players indicated in a scale from 0 to 10 their perception about the level of achievement of the goals. First day of practice of the week, the achievement of the goals and their perception was shown to the players. The results found show that: a) a reduction between the differences of the players' perception and the goal achievement through the season, and b) a significant increase through the season of the achievement of the goals was found. The study may be a reference to help coaches to implement goal-setting in youth teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The end of the age of cheap oil and global warming are causing worldwide concerns about energy security and climate change mitigation. Recognizing that the continuous growth paradigm will not change at short to medium time periods, alternative energy sources to fossil fuels are being sought, in which a promising source seems to be that obtained from vegetal biomass. Specifically in Brazil, there are Conventional Ethanol Plants (CEP) using sugarcane, but due to the energy versus food debate and an increasing demand for ethanol, cellulosic ethanol produced by Biorefineries seems to be a viable option. The question is whether the Biorefinery is more sustainable than CEP. This work aims to assess the energetic-environmental performance of a Biorefinery scenario in Brazil, comparing its results against CEP and another alternative small-scale system. For this, a multi-criteria approach was considered through the following methodologies: Embodied Energy Analysis, Ecological Rucksack, Emergy Accounting and Gas Emission Inventory. Results show that Biorefinery scenario has better rating than CEP for the most indicators when the functional unit is mass of ethanol produced, but when dealing with overall system performance, the Biorefinery performance worse. Neither the Biorefinery nor CEP was superior for all indicators, showing the existence of a trade-off. On the other hand, the small-scale system suggests being the best alternative if the aim is to get higher energetic-environmental performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In spite of the proven effectiveness of parenting based programs to prevent adolescent risk behaviors, such programs are rarely implemented in Mediterranean countries. Objective: This pilot study was aimed at assessing the feasibility and the effects of a parenting based universal prevention program (Connect) in Italy. Methods: Our sample comprised 147 mothers and 147 youths, aged 11-14 (M = 12.46, SD = .72). We adopted a quasi-experimental design. Forty percent of the parents in the sample were in the intervention condition (receiving 10 one hour lessons a week). ANCOVAs and Cohen's d coefficients were used to compute intervention effects. Results: The results showed that, despite difficulty in recruiting parents, the program held promising effects regarding the prevention of alcohol use at a universal level (Cohen's d = .55); the intervention also marginally decreased the level of non-empathic answers from parents, at least in the short term (Cohen's d = .32). Conclusions: This study highlighted the importance of focusing on families to prevent problem behaviors in adolescence. It also points to the need for new strategies to engage parents in universal prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As the concept of sustainable development is more accepted and incorporated by institutions, it becomes necessary to evaluate the performance of the national economy based on new methods and not only on economic indicators. Despite the importance of sustainability to the preservation of natural ecosystems and services, there is no agreement in the world scientific community concerning a methodology to evaluate that concept. In the last decade, two scientific tools have been extensively used worldwide to measure the human impact on nature: Ecological Footprint and Emergy Synthesis. Papers trying to combine them, and to obtain more accurate results have appeared in scientific literature, of which approach is an important one. Unfortunately, some weak points of the original methods still remain in the new approaches proposed. The objective of this work is to discuss some weak points found in the Ecological Footprint and Emergy Synthesis and to use the positive aspects and potential improvements from both methodologies at a national level. Emergy deals with the notion that all energy that is used directly and indirectly in a process to deliver an output product, flow or service should be accounted for. A new definition for Biocapacity was introduced meaning “the natural area''s capacity of receiving renewable energy”, rather than “usable biomass” as proposed by the conventional Ecological Footprint methodology. The questions to be answered by the proposed methodology are how much land would be equivalent to consumption, if products were generated solely by the use of natural renewable resources (Emergetic Footprint), and how much land would be available in the system considering world''s average capacity of receiving renewable energy (Emergetic Renewable Biocapacity). A new category called “areas not occupied by humans” is included in the Biocapacity. It is composed of open ocean, deserts and frozen land (areas excluded from the conventional Footprint method). Footprint or consumption means the load imposed by humans on the environment and was grouped in categories: cropland, forestry, animal products and energy resources. Ecological Fooptrint using Emergy was used to assess Brazil as a case study, resulting in a Biocapacity of 62.2ghaperson−1 and a Footprint of 41.9ghaperson−1, using data from 2004. The positive aspects of the approach proposed are: (i) its ease of application at global and national scales; (ii) the indicator of consumption (Footprint) accounts for the direct and indirect energy used to generate products and services; (iii) a new category considering areas excluded from the conventional method was included in the Biocapacity calculation, which can be a valid step towards the evaluation and assessment of services provided by nature. On the other hand, the approach has as main limitations: (i) it is not possible to make comparisons between the Biocapacity and Footprint for each category; (ii) there is a need for a handbook with well-explained calculations of emergy intensity factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The influence of peers on adolescent sexual behaviours is an important but understudied phenomenon. Past studies have predominantly concentrated on the potential negative influences of peer norms on risky sexual behaviours, but they have seldom investigated the underlying processes behind such influences. This study explored the direct associations between adolescent sexual activity and friends' support, levels of disagreement with friends and friends' modelling for sexual activity. We also investigated the potential mediating role of the perception of peer influence for sexual activity and of the perception of being too young to have initiated sexual activity among these associations. This study was conducted among 328 Italian adolescents (56% female; 30% sexually active; aged 15–19 years; mean age = 16.23 years) using a two-wave longitudinal design. Linear and logistic regression analyses revealed that level of disagreement with friends and sex activity modelling by friends were both positively associated with the presence of sexual activity. Additionally, the perception of being too young to have initiated sexual activity fully mediated the association between the level of disagreement with friends and the presence of sexual activity, and it partially mediated the association between the sexual activity modelling by friends and the presence of sexual activity. Finally, perceived peer influence partially mediated the association between sexual activity modelling by friends and the presence of sexual activity. Implications for intervention development are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The family context has proven to be a useful target in which to apply prevention efforts aimed at child and adolescent health risk behaviors. There are currently a variety of cultural adaptation models that serve to guide the international adaptation of intervention programs. Objective: The cultural adaptation process and program reception of the Strengthening Families Program 10-14 (SFP 10-14) was described in this article. The implementation context is one in which strong family bonds and high family communication are the norm. Methods: We described our cultural adaptation process comparing our efforts to the recommended stages of the main current cultural adaptation models. We pilot tested and implemented the adapted version of our program with a total of 35 families in the city of Turin Italy. Results: This study showed that the SFP 10-14 may indeed be quite suitable for Italian families given the particularities of Italian society regarding strong family bonds and extended social networks. We described the language translation, cultural adaptation process for program materials, staff training, onsite supervision, and the process evaluation feedback that were undertaken as part of the adaptation efforts. Conclusions: The field of prevention could greatly benefit from the identification of tools and techniques that are applicable to populations with diverse social and cultural backgrounds. The family is extremely important for Italians and represents a rich context in which prevention efforts could be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy from sources alternative to fossil fuels is being studied and interest in energy derived from vegetal biomass is increasing. In Brazil - mainly at Sao Paulo State -, sugarcane ethanol is being intensively produced on large-scales, giving rise to social and environmental concerns about its production. If ethanol production systems are to maintain a balance between economic, social and environmental aspects, a systemic approach needs to be considered in their assessment. Particularly, human needs other than energy must be taken into account. In this sense, the Integrated Food, Energy and Environmental Services Production (IFEES) on small-scale suggests an alternative approach. The aim of this work is to assess, in a multi-criteria way, the energetic-environmental aspects of a common IFEES found in Brazil and compare its indices against large-scale ethanol production. For this, embodied energy analysis, emergy accounting, ecological rucksack and gas emission inventory are used as tools. Results show that IFEES has better overall energetic-environmental indices than large-scale ethanol production. At the same time, IFEES produces several other by-products than just ethanol (i.e. food, forestry products and environmental services), although productivity of large-scale process is 25 times higher than for IFEES, if only ethanol is considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of peer and family influences on tobacco use onset among Italian early adolescents at two-year follow-up. Participants were 161 adolescents aged 11 to 12 (M = 11.14, SD = 0.39; 49% female) living in the northwest of Italy. Multiple logistic regressions were used. Results indicated that increases in positive family climate were negatively associated with lifetime smoking among non-smokers at two-year follow-up. Additionally, parental knowledge of child daily activities decreased lifetime smoking at two-year follow-up. Moderation analyses revealed that parental knowledge reduced the effect of peers' influence on youth smoking onset at two-year follow-up. This study underlined the influence of parenting practices in preventing early smoking initiation in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological training is a form of sports training that is gradually inserting itself into the work methods of many athletes and sports teams. We present the implementation of a psychological training programme whose goal is for athletes to learn psychological techniques and strategies and apply them to improving their psychological skills, both during training and competition; we also sought to ascertain whether there were any differences between the CPRD scores taken at the start of the intervention and those taken at the end of it. The sample consisted of 22 footballers ages 14 to 18 from a professional football club who compete in the children's and junior categories. The psychological intervention was conducted for five months through individualised (voluntary) work and group (obligatory) work. The results indicate that there were no significant differences between the initial and final scores on the different factors of the CPRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Until now, there has not been a compilation of data concerning the reuse of treated effluent in Spain. Since January 2005 and at the request of the Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, the Hydrology Research Center (CEH) of CEDEX has been preparing a Database with information regarding the reuse activities in every Autonomous Community. This information compiles the types and characteristics of regeneration treatments adopted for various uses and the places where regenerated water is being used. In addition, it includes regenerated treatment under construction and future projects as well, which have been gathered together from different sources such as River Basin District Management or Autonomous Communities Reuse Programs. This whole laborious job is composed of four main parts: Database design, fieldwork collection of data, checking and storage of data and to make easier the management of data and connection of this database with a Geographic Information System (GIS). This basic information is essential to develop the State Water Reuse Plan that is currently being written in Spain. This paper shows the main results of the Database and a proposal of regeneration treatments to meet legal requirements in Spain, where a general estimated cost of investment and operation are included. The majority of costs presented are based on real Spanish regeneration plants although there are prototype processes in which costs have been calculated with additional references and using the knowledge of the authors and operators. “State of the reuse of treated effluent in Spain” is an internal report based on the RDB data and delivered by CEDEX to the Ministry of the Environmental last year. It gives an overview of the status of water reuse in Spain by Basin Departments and Autonomous Communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an environmental impact assessment of biodiesel production from soybean in Brazil. In order to achieve this objective, environmental impact indicators provided by Emergy Accounting (EA), Embodied Energy Analysis (EEA) and Material Flow Accounting (MFA) were used. The results showed that for one liter of biodiesel 8.8kg of topsoil are lost in erosion, besides the cost of 0.2kg of fertilizers, about 5.2m2 of crop area, 7.33kg of abiotic materials, 9.0 tons of water and 0.66kg of air and about 0.86kg of CO2 were released. About 0.27kg of crude oil equivalent is required as inputs to produce one liter of biodiesel, which means an energy return of 2.48J of biodiesel per Joule of fossil fuel invested. The transformity of biodiesel (3.90E+05seJJ−1) is higher than those calculated for fossil fuels as other biofuels, indicating a higher demand for direct and indirect environmental support. Similarly, the biodiesel emergy yield ratio (1.62) indicates that a very low net emergy is delivered to consumers, compared to alternatives. Obtained results show that when crop production and industrial conversion to fuel are supported by fossil fuels in the form of chemicals, goods, and process energy, the fraction of fuel that can actually be considered renewable is very low (around 31%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study assesses the sustainability of ethanol produced from sugarcane and examines the environmental feasibility of a large-scale production through the use of: fossil fuel embodied energy and Emergy Assessment including farm and industrial production phases. The study indicates that about 1.82kg of topsoil eroded, 18.4l of water and 1.52m2 of land are needed to produce 1l of ethanol from sugarcane. Also, 0.28kg of CO2 is released per liter of ethanol produced. The energy content of ethanol is 8.2 times greater than the fossil-based energy required to produce it. The transformity of ethanol is about the same as those calculated for fossil fuels. The Renewability of ethanol is 30%, a very low value; other emergy indices indicate important environmental impacts as well as natural resources consumption. The results obtained indicate that sugarcane and ethanol production present low renewability when a large-scale system is adopted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of the present study was to analyze the differences in rugby game statistics between winning and losing teams. The data from 58 games of round robin play from the Six Nations tournament from the 2003-2006 seasons were analyzed. The groups of variables studied were: number of points scored, way in which the points were scored; way teams obtained the ball and how the team used it; and technical and tactical aspects of the game. A univariate (t-test) and multivariate (discriminant) analysis of data was done. Winning teams had average values that were significantly higher in points scored, conversions, successful drops, mauls won, line breaks, possessions kicked, tackles completed, and turnovers won. Losing teams had significantly higher averages for the variables scrums lost and line-outs lost. The results showed that: a) in the phases of obtaining the ball and more specifically in scrummage and line-out, winning teams lose fewer balls than losing teams (winning teams have an efficacy of 90% in both actions); b) the winning team tends to play more with their feet when they obtain the ball, to utilize the maul as a way of attacking, and to break the defensive line more often than the losing team does; and c) On defence, winning teams recovered more balls and completed more tackles than losing teams, and the percentage of tackles completed by winning teams was 94%. The value presented could be used as a reference for practice and competition in peak performance teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this piece of work was to know the ages of the players with the highest performance, through the participation time and the performance indicators of basketball players in Olympic Games. The final objective is to provide more significant values which allow to guide training processes to trainers and clubs youth coordinators. Results showed the following: a) in guard position, players with more than 29 years old are the ones who have better statistical in most of the indicators, either for men or women; b) in forward position, the age range varies between 27-29 in men arid between 26-29 in women; c) the age range in centers diversify between 25-28 in most indicators in men, while in women it is above 28 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the different defensive performance indicators in basketball, analyzing the difference in relation to success (efficacious or non-efficacious defenses) and the game result (win or loss). All half-court offenses (n=1045) from the quarterfinal, semifinal, consolation game, and final of the 2008 Olympics Games were analyzed. In each defense phase, the following variables were analyzed with regard to the team on defense: (1) Type of defense used, (2) Pressure in offense transition, (3) Defensive switches, (4) Helping on defense, (5) Inside passes, (6) Degree of opposition when shooting, (7) Points allowed, (8) Final result of the game, and (9) Defensive efficacy. The most significant results show that: : a) the type of defense that was most used was quarter-court man-on-man (man-on-man at 6.25m), but the one that was most efficacious was the half-court zone defense; b) transition pressure was used in 23.83% of the game phases; c) defensive switches were done in 7.85% of the game phases; d) helping on defense was used in 60% of the game phases; e) inside passes were taken in 30.9% of the game phases; 1) 38.9% of the shots were done with high opposition; and g) points were scored in 42.28% of the game phases, such that winning teams allowed the opponent to score in 38.81% of the game phases, and losing teams in 45.77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of the present study are: a) to assess which technical and tactical actions of the game youth basketball players like to do in competition at different learning stages, h) to find out how much they like to play offense and defense, c) to assess the type of offense and defense that they prefer to execute, and d) to record the basic tactical team resources (BTTR) that are most requested by the youth player at different learning stages. The sample was composed of 989 youth basketball players who participate in the Spanish Basketball Federation leagues (60.1% from mini-basketball and 39.9% from the under-14 category). The results indicate that in competition: a) the action that players most like to execute is the shot, b) players prefer to be on offense than defense, c) the defensive game system that players most enjoy is man-on-man defense, d) players prefer pre-established offensive systems as opposed to open systems, and e) basic tactical team resources players most enjoy are give-and-go, clear-outs, and penetrate and dish. These data may serve as a reference when doing short-, medium-, and long-term planning. In any case, it is necessary for coaches to combine the preferences of the players with the actual needs of each learning stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyzed the relationship between the level of self-efficacy of the player with the ball in basketball, various performance indicators, and individual participation of the youth player in competition, with the goal of being able to establish initial values that help to define game styles and systems that ate adapted to the characteristics of the youth player. In order to evaluate the levels of self-efficacy, a questionnaire was administered to 187 players from the under-16 age category. From a total of 22 games, the following variables related to the individual performance of the player were analyzed: a) points scored; b) shot attempts and shots made of 1,2, and 3 points; c) efficacy percentage of 1,2, and 3-point shots; d) rebounds made; and c) personal fouls received. With regard to participation, the following variables were analyzed: f) minutes played; g) total time of ball possession; h) number of ball possessions; i) number of passes received; and j) number of offensive phases in which the player participates. The results indicate that the performance and participation variables correctly classify 74.2% when differentiating between players with high and low levels of self- efficacy. The players with high levels of self-efficacy presented higher values in the different performance and participation variables than the players with low levels of self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the soybean production and industrial processing stages in Brazil using the emergy accounting methodology and economic cost and revenue estimation in order to assess the environmental and economic inputs to the soybean chain and to evaluate the amount of emergy and nutrients exported to European countries. The main findings of this work were that the agricultural stage uses the highest amount of resources. The emergy exchange ratio shows that farmers are delivering around six times more emergy in the soybean that is being sold than the emergy they are receiving with the money paid for it. Results demonstrate that producing raw soybean and soy meal for international markets makes Brazil lose a great amount of emergy and nutrients. Besides that, soybean production is nowadays providing low profitability to farmers because of low prices for soybean products and high prices for the chemicals used in soybean farming. Therefore, at present conditions, exporting soybean as a commodity results in low profit per unit of area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study assesses how the application of an intervention program involving the use of video improves basketball players' real perception of their actions when competing and boosts their performance levels. A three-month intervention program was designed and applied that consisted of watching videos of games in which the degree of efficacy of each player's proposed objectives were evaluated. The following were recorded for four months before the intervention program was applied and during its development: a) the outcome of each player's individual objectives and minutes played; b) the subjective perception of the outcome of these objectives and minutes played; and c) the difference between what actually took place and what was perceived, as well as between the minutes played and minutes perceived to have been played. The results indicate an improvement in the players' real perception of their actions in games after the intervention program; in terms of efficacy, the percentage of positive actions rose and the percentage of negative actions fell. These data indicate that watching videos of actions in games improves players' perception of reality, which leads to a better grasp of negative and positive actions, a key aspect of intervening in practice sessions. This, in turn, boosts both individual and collective performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer and antibiotic resistance are two global health threats that usually hamper clinical chemotherapeutic efficacy. Particularly for lung cancer, bacterial infections frequently arise thereby complicating the course of cancer treatment. In this sense, three new neutral luminescent cycloplatinated(II) photosensitizers of the type [Pt(dmba)(L)] (dmba = N , N -dimethylbenzylamine-κ N ,κ C ; L = 2-(benzo[ d ]oxazol-2-yl)-phenolato-κ N ,κ O 1 , 2-(benzo[ d ]thiazol-2-yl)-phenolato-κ N ,κ O 2 , and 2-(1-methyl-1H-benzo[ d ]imidazole-2-yl)phenolato-κ N ,κ O 3) have been characterized and developed to potentially eliminate both resistant bacteria and lung cancer cells. The phototherapeutic effects of complex 2 have been evaluated using low doses of blue light irradiation. Complex 2 exerted promising photoactivity against pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria strains of clinical interest, displaying a phototoxic index (PI) of 15 for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , one of the major microorganisms predominating lung infections. Likewise, the anticancer activity of 2 was also increased upon light irradiation in human lung A549 cancer cells (PI = 36). Further in vitro experiments with this platinum(II) complex suggest that ROS-generating photodynamic reactions were involved upon light irradiation, thus providing a reasonable mechanism for its dual anticancer and antibacterial activities. [Display omitted] • Synthesis and characterization of new cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes containing N^O ligands. • 2 showed antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains under visible light irradiation. • Ability of 2 to photo-generate singlet oxygen and photocatalytic oxidation of NADH. • Compound 2 also induced lung cancer cell death after blue light irradiation through ROS generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of goalkeepers' defence interventions in parallel with the type of opponent attack, the area of the last pass of attack, the shooting zone most often used, the body part most often used for the last pass or for shooting, and the technical and physical actions most often used for carrying out defensive technical skills. The sample consisted of 34 goalkeepers from the national teams that participated in 54 matches of the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. The matches were analysed by systematic observation. A reliability kappa index of 0.95 was established between observers. The variables studied were: type of opponent attack, area of last pass of attack, field zone from which shot was taken, body part with which last part of attack or shot was made, zone of goalkeeper intervention, defensive technical and physical actions of goalkeeper intervention. Results related to opposing team's attacks showed that teams most often used positional attacks and the last pass came from the far zones. The foot was the body part most often used to finish the attack. Upon analysing the shots taken, we found that in relation to shooting angle, the central zones are the ones that are most utilized, and in relation to shooting distance, similar percentages were found in the zone outside the penalty area and the zone situated between the penalty area line and the goal area line. Results related to goalkeepers' defence showed that the penalty area was the zone most often used, and the defensive actions most frequently used were the save, followed by foot control, and then the clear out. Our data provide reference values to adapt the training of goalkeepers to the characteristics of the competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the local level, successful meshless techniques such as the Finite Point Method must have two main characteristics: a suitable geometrical support and a robust numerical approximation built on the former. In this article we develop the second condition and present an alternative procedure to obtain shape functions and their derivatives from a given cloud of points regardless of its geometrical features. This procedure, based on a QR factorization and an iterative adjust of local approximation parameters, allows obtaining a satisfactory minimization problem solution, even in the most difficult cases where usual approaches fail. It is known that high-order meshless constructions need to include a large number of points in the local support zone and this fact turns the approximation more dependent on the size, shape and spatial distribution of the local cloud of points. The proposed procedure also facilitates the construction of high-order approximations on generic geometries reducing their dependence on the geometrical support where they are based. Apart from the alternative solution to the minimization problem, the behaviour of high-order Finite Point approximations and the overall performance of the proposed methodology are shown by means of several numerical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the ball possessions of winning and losing basketball teams in formative years (16 years and under). The sample was 3,897 ball possessions from 24 games of the boys' 16-and-under finals of the Andalusion Championship, Spain. The variables studied were game outcome, participation, and the initiation and end of each ball possession. Winning teams used more fast breaks and fewer set offenses in their ball possessions. Winning teams had shorter ball possessions and more passes and participating players. Dynamic game styles are necessary in youth basketball, focusing on continuously off-balancing the opponent through fast breaks and a high number of passes in set offenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]