The competitive spirit in Flora

The ancient Greek athletic spirit was achieving apotheosis at the time of the victor's reward. The athletes achieved immortality throughout the centuries at the very specific time of their crowning and their prize came from the flora. This is why ancient Greeks' Games including leaves and wreaths were known as "phyllophoroi", "stephanophoroi" or "phyllites" Games and contained virtues and ideals. During the Cosmogony, on the third day of Creation, God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass (flora) and so sprouts the olive tree", its presence expressing hope, peace and tranquility in the Bible. The olive tree will play a vital role both in human life and its manifestations as well as in art, religion and in the athletic field. It will also represent a special emblem for regions, games, semigods and Gods. In particular, it is found at the Phaestos Disc (Minoan era), as a holy tree at ancient Olympia (Holy Altis), as a prize at Panathenea and the Olympic Games and furthermore as a symbol of peace in the hands of the embattled goddess Athena. At the same time, it is awarded in athletic and cultural competitions. It also has an equivalent sense in Christianity, starting with Noah's flood, certifying its "adoption" from religion. We will find proportional meaning at the apples, awarded before the "kotinos", the oak tree, the laurel, the pine tree, the celery, the myrtle, the aspen wreath and the barley, considered to be God's symbols. These are symbols that survived throughout the centuries and even nowadays they have a global meaning due to their power and importance. They represent values and ideals of great significance, expressing the holiness of human acts via the yearly renaissance of nature.En la Grecia antigua, el espíritu atlético alcanzaba su punto culminante en el momento en el que el vencedor recibía la recompensa por su triunfo. Precisamente en el momento en que recibían la corona que simbolizaba su victoria, los atletas conseguían la inmortalidad, y esa recompensa venía de la flora. Los juegos antiguos en los que los vencedores recibían hojas y coronas eran llamados “phyllophoroi”, “stephanophoroi” o “phyllites”, y esas hojas y coronas representaban virtudes e ideales. En el día tercero de la Creación del mundo, Dios dice: "Que la tierra haga nacer la hierba (flora), y así brota el olivo"; su presencia expresa esperanza, paz y calma en la Biblia. El olivo desempeñará un papel fundamental en la vida humana y sus manifestaciones, en el arte, la religión y también en el terreno deportivo. Será también el emblema de ciudades, juegos, semidioses y dioses. En concreto, se encuentra en el disco de Festo (época minoica), en la antigua Olimpia como árbol sagrado, en las Panateneas y en los Juegos Olímpicos como premio, y además es símbolo de paz en las manos de Atenea, la diosa armada. Se entrega como premio en competiciones deportivas y culturales. En la tradición judeo-cristiana tiene un simbolismo semejante, empezando por el diluvio de Noé, donde se certifica su uso "religioso". Un sentido similar puede tener la manzana que se entregaba como premio antes de la rama de olivo ("kotinos"), las coronas de roble, laurel, pino, apio, mirto y álamo, y la cebada, considerada símbolo de los dioses. Hay símbolos que sobrevivieron en el curso de los siglos, e incluso en nuestros días tienen un significado global debido a su poder e importancia, y representan valores e ideales fundamentales, expresando la sacralidad de los actos humanso a través del renacimiento anual de la naturaleza

Development of Small Molecule Iminodihydroquinolines as New Generation Pain Therapeutics

Acute and chronic pain is a common symptom of many diseases. Therapy is often not effective or is associated with significant adverse effects; the development of novel analgesic drugs with high therapeutic index is an urgent unmet clinical need. Several lines of evidence converge to show that pain is mostly signalled by activity in peripheral unmyelinated (C) or thinly myelinated (Aδ) sensory fibres, called nociceptors. A drug selectively affecting the conduction of nociceptors without interfering with the function of other peripheral nerve fibres (Aα, Aβ, Aγ) or cells in the central nervous system and heart would be an ideal pain therapeutic. We recently discovered that WIN17317-3, a small molecule iminodihydroquinoline, previously reported as a high affinity, state-dependent sodium channel (Nav) blocker, can produce such a selective nociceptor block. Specifically, WIN17317-3 blocks the conduction of nociceptive C-fibers, leaving A-fibers, mainly involved in motor control and non-painful sensations, largely unaffected. To the best of our knowledge no other small molecule has been reported to exhibit such a selective blocking effect. This thesis describes the development of iminodihydroquinolines as novel analgesic candidate drugs with selective action on pain-signalling neurons. Following the traditional “hit” to “lead” drug discovery approach, a library of WIN17317-3 derivatives was synthesized. The compounds were screened using state of the art electrophysiological assays to determine their effects on the human Nav1.7 isoform, and selected structures were further characterized in a functional assay using rodent peripheral sensory nerves. Voltage-gated sodium channels are responsible for the generation and propagation of action potentials in all electrically excitable cells; Nav1.7 channels are highly expressed in nociceptors, but are sparsely expressed or absent in non-nociceptive neurons. The iminodihydroquinolines described, were found to potently inhibit Nav1.7 channels and nociceptor conduction leaving non-nociceptive fibers largely unaffected. A selected lead preclinical drug candidate was subjected to in vivo pharmacokinetic profiling and toxicity studies in rodents. The results suggest that iminodihydroquinolines may be suitable analgesic drugs for topical, local, or regional administration with a wide safety margin. To achieve selective blockade of nociceptors clinically without interfering with the action of motor neurons would be a major breakthrough for the treatment of pain disorders and anesthesia

Sulfonium Salts as Leaving Groups for Aromatic Labelling of Drug-like Small Molecules with Fluorine-18.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is unique in that it allows quantification of biochemical processes in vivo, but difficulties with preparing suitably labelled radiotracers limit its scientific and diagnostic applications. Aromatic [(18)F]fluorination of drug-like small molecules is particularly challenging as their functional group compositions often impair the labelling efficiency. Herein, we report a new strategy for incorporation of (18)F into highly functionalized aromatic compounds using sulfonium salts as leaving groups. The method is compatible with pharmacologically relevant functional groups, including aliphatic amines and basic heterocycles. Activated substrates react with [(18)F]fluoride at room temperature, and with heating the reaction proceeds in the presence of hydrogen bond donors. Furthermore, the use of electron rich spectator ligands allows efficient and regioselective [(18)F]fluorination of non-activated aromatic moieties. The method provides a broadly applicable route for (18)F labelling of biologically active small molecules, and offers immediate practical benefits for drug discovery and imaging with PET

Teaching innovation in the studies of Business Bachelor under the European Space for Higher Education

Resumen basado en el de la publicaciónTítulo, resumen y palabras clave también en inglésSe describe una actividad integradora de conocimientos denominada “La Fábrica de Dados” realizada a partir de una actividad de simulación empresarial llevada a cabo con alumnos de tercer y cuarto curso de la Licenciatura en Administración y Dirección de Empresas de una universidad española y otra chipriota. El objetivo es integrar el conocimiento teórico adquiridos a lo largo de la carrera y contribuir a la adquisición y desarrollo de diferentes competencias necesarias para lograr el éxito en el mundo profesional entre los alumnos, tales como el trabajo en equipo, gestión de la información, planificación, innovación, creatividad y responsabilidad, entre otras. Sin embargo, también se pretendió que la actividad docente propuesta contribuyese a minimizar el efecto de los inhibidores de aprendizaje entre los estudiantes universitarios. Para contrastarlo, 392 estudiantes participaron en la actividad y completaron dos cuestionarios semi-estructurados (antes y después de participar en “La Fábrica de Dados”). Los excelentes resultados obtenidos tras analizar los estadísticos descriptivos y el contraste de medias relacionadas confirman la idoneidad de “La Fábrica de Dados” a nivel docente.ES

“Heading Towards a Solution”: Is Futsal the Perfect Training Alternative for Soccer to Reduce Heading Frequency?

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with ~260 million participants. Recently the impact of heading in soccer has been subject to increased scrutiny as governing bodies seek to protect the welfare of participants. Concern has arisen due to the reported neurocognitive deficits potentially emanating directly from soccer participation and specifically the heading action. Acute concussions are more easily diagnosed compared to the very subtle symptoms some researchers associate with frequent heading. The more elusive influence of repeated sub-concussive impacts from purposefully heading the ball has become a debate however. Overall, research has not definitively concluded this discussion, made recommendations for protocol modifications, or provided clear justification to ban heading. Despite this, governing bodies have begun to make strategic policy changes to mitigate any possible negative side-effects, i.e., FA Premier League heading guidelines. Governing body changes are most notable in youth soccer, with US soccer banning heading altogether for the youngest players. To our knowledge, the sport of futsal has not yet been considered as an alternative for training or match-play until research provides clarity. With naturally low frequencies of heading during match-play (~8 per-game per-team) compared to soccer (~55.6 per-game per-team) and constraints which reduce overly aggressive physical contact, futsal represents a possible alternative. Meanwhile, evidence suggests futsal is advantageous to soccer player development due to its constraints encouraging skills that successfully transfer to soccer. Therefore, we advocate futsal as a positive training/match-play alternative for soccer which we believe governing bodies should consider

‘Getting Back Into the Swing of Things’: A Qualitative Study Into Barriers and Facilitators to Golf Participation for Stroke Survivors

This paper draws on interviews with four stroke survivors (age range = 52–68 years), who participated in a six week ‘Get-into-Golf’ program and four coaches with experiences of delivering disability golf sessions, to examine the barriers and facilitators to golf participation. Findings indicate a positive response from participants, who referred to the social and physical benefits of the program that was perceived to promote independence. The results also highlight that considerations in regards to format, equipment, cost, access and overall awareness should be borne in mind for golf programs among people with disabilities. Golf clubs could employ this framework to help facilitate the participation of people with physical limitations. It is argued that opportunities to promote golf as a lifelong physical activity among people with disabilities may be missed in clubs where personnel are unsure of the barriers and facilitators to participation outlined here

The effect of contextual variables on match running performance in a category 3, U18 English Academy soccer team

This study aimed to examine the effect of contextual variables on match running performance (MRP) in a category three English Academy U18 soccer team during a competitive season. Total distance (TD), high speed running (HSR) and sprinting (SPT) performance was analysed during the 2020-2021 season. A total of 25 league games were analysed using Catapult Vector GPS (10Hz) and 14 outfield players included for analysis. Players were classified into full back (n = 4), central defender (n = 2), wide midfielder (n = 2), central midfielder (n = 2) and forward (n = 2). Dependent variables were TD, HSR and SPT and independent variables were: match location, match outcome, opposition strength and fixture congestion. Non-significant differences were found for TD and HSR which was higher during all home games compared to all away games, and specifically during home wins compared to away wins. There were no significant differences in MRP against stronger or weaker strength opponents or during period of fixture congestion. Positional comparison showed wide midfielders to complete more SPT than central midfielders during home wins (p < .05). All other positional differences were non-significant. Practitioners should examine the influence of contextual variables on a club and positional basis to inform individualised training schedules in support of the player development pathway

Match performance in a reference futsal team during an international tournament – implications for talent development in soccer

Anecdotal evidence suggests that futsal can aid talent development for 11 a-side soccer through the potential for transfer of the game’s skills and constraints. However, additional scientific research is necessary to enhance understanding of the technical and physical demands of futsal and the potential returns for soccer player development. Accordingly, this study examined selected characteristics of physical (internal and external loads) and technical performance in international futsal match-play in order to study the potential of these for skill transfer and aiding soccer player development. Performance was investigated in futsal players (n = 16, 25.74±4.71 years) belonging to a national team during an international tournament. Pre-tournament fitness testing determined maximum heart rate (MHR) via the Yo-Yo IR1 test (194.6±11.1 beats min-1) to aid interpretation of internal load via heart rate measures during match-play. External load (accelerations and deceleration events) was measured using an inertial movement unit. Finally, post-tournament analysis of selected technical events was performed. Results reported a mean heart rate value during ‘court time’ of 164.7±22.3 beats min-1, which as a percentage of participants’ MHR was 87.7%±4.4%, and a mean peak MHR of 98.3±2.5%. Results showed 2.16±0.25 accelerating (>1.5 m·s-2) and 2.78±0.13 decelerating (>1.5 m·s-2) events per player per minute. Team statistics included 647 passing, ~51 dribbling and 78 set play events per team per game. Match analyses showed that 77.3% of ball receptions were completed with the sole of the foot. Assessment of two-footedness showed 80.1±16.7% of individual possessions used the dominant foot to receive and 84.1±10.7% to pass the ball thereby displaying strong foot dominance. These results have quantified characteristics of elite futsal match-play that are no doubt intrinsically related to the environmental and task constraints of the sport. In addition to enhancing understanding of futsal, there are potential learning returns and implications for skills transfer and the development of soccer players

Functionalized Triarylsulfonium Salts for Aromatic [18F] Fluorination of Drug-like Small Molecules

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