University of Costa Rica

About: University of Costa Rica is a education organization based out in San José, Costa Rica. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Venom. The organization has 9817 authors who have published 16781 publications receiving 238208 citations. The organization is also known as: UCR & Universidad de Costa Rica.

The Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training on Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Brain: A Mini-Review.

Abstract: The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein mainly synthetized in the neurons. Early evidence showed that BDNF participates in cognitive processes as measured at the hippocampus. This neurotrophin is as a reliable marker of brain function; moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that BDNF participates in physiological processes such as glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. The BDNF has been also studied using the exercise paradigm to determine its response to different exercise modalities; therefore, BDNF is considered a new member of the exercise-related molecules. The high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise protocol characterized by low work volume performed at a high intensity [i.e., ≥80% of maximal heart rate (HRmax)]. Recent evidence supports the contention that HIIT elicits higher fat oxidation in skeletal muscle than other forms of exercise. Similarly, HIIT is a good stimulus to increase maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Few studies have investigated the impact of HIIT on the BDNF response. The present work summarizes the effects of acute and long-term HIIT on BDNF.

Una revisión teórica sobre el estrés y algunos aspectos relevantes de éste en el ámbito educativo

Abstract: This article aims to discuss the contributions on the topic of stress presented by several theorists and approaches: physiologists, psychosocial, cognitive and integrators. The differences between distress and eustress are analyzed and the importance to achieve an optimum level of stress. Phases that characterize it are analyzed: alarm, resistance and depletion and its relationship with anxiety and depression. In addition, different responses of the person to stress are explored: physical, psychosomatic, cognitive, emotional and behavioral. Some of the main generating causes of the stress are discussed: external situations such as those produced by the own personality characteristics and the particular forms to address situations of daily living. Important aspects that help prevention from it are reviewed, such as attitudes, exercise, the type of food, employment of leisure and personal planning, as well as those that allow facing it better, among this relaxation, meditation and the central role of the cognitions. Finally, relationship between of stress and education is reviewed, emphasizing the main generating sources of it in the student population and its effects in personal life and in academic performance.

Skill of CMIP5 climate models in reproducing 20th century basic climate features in Central America

Abstract: A total of 107 climate runs from 48 Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project 5 (CMIP5) general circulation models (GCMs) were evaluated for their ability to skillfully reproduce basic characteristics of late 20th century climate over Central America. The models were ranked according to metrics that take into consideration the mean and standard deviation of precipitation (pr) and surface temperature (tas), as well as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-pr teleconnection. Verification was performed by comparing model runs to observations and a reanalysis dataset. Based on the rankings, the best 13 models were further evaluated. Not surprisingly, the models showed better skill at reproducing mean tas patterns throughout the year. The skill is generally low for mean pr patterns, except for some models during March, April, and May. With a few exceptions, the skill was low for reproducing the observed monthly standard deviation patterns for both pr and tas. The ENSO-pr teleconnection was better simulated in the best 13 model runs compared to the sea-surface temperature global pattern characteristic of ENSO which showed low skill. The Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) appeared better modeled in July than in January. In January, there were instances of a double ITCZ pattern. Some models skillfully reproduced the seasonal distribution of the Caribbean Low-Level Jet index (CLLJ). More detailed research evaluating the specific performance of the models on a variety of time-scales and using parameters relevant to these and other climatic features of Central America is needed. This study facilitates a pre-selection of models that may be useful for this task.