Influence of occlusal vertical dimension on cervical spine mobility in sports subjects

Introduction: In the scientific literature, a number of studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) on sports-related skills. The purpose of this study was to increase OVD in sports subjects so as to specifically investigate the influence on cervical spine mobility. In particular, we measured cervical range of motion (ROM) before and after increasing OVD in individuals, either with or without malocclusion, analyzing both sports and sedentary subjects. Materials and methods: Participants were divided into two groups: a sports group (SG) and a control group (CG), each including 18 subjects. The SG was composed of sports subjects (age: 2…

Plasma redox response of Sicilian Opuntia Ficus Indica juice in young physically active women.

It is known amateur female athletes show an altered redox status [1] and the consumption of Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI) decreases oxidative stress (OS) in healthy humans [2]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the supplementation with Sicilian OFI juice affected plasma redox balance following a maximal effort test in young physically active women
 . This study was randomized, double blind, placebo controlled and crossover design. Eight women (23.25±2.95 years old, weight of 54.13±9.05 kg, height of 157.75±0.66 cm and BMI of 21.69±0.66 kg/m2) were randomly divided into 2 groups and each group was supplied with either 50 ml OFI, diluted to 170 ml with water, or 170 ml …

Integrated modelling of membrane deformation, fluid dynamics and mass transfer in electromembrane processes

In recent years, water and energy supply issues have drawn the attention of the scientific community to electromembrane processes. Electrodialysis (ED) and Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) are two of the most attractive electromembrane technologies for water desalination and electric energy production from salinity gradients, respectively. In order to gain an important place in the industrial market, technological challenges on various aspects are involved in the optimization of these processes. In this context, profiled membranes exhibit interesting performance. However, the mechanical behavior of the membranes and its interaction with fluid dynamics has been poorly investigated so far. In me…

An exploratory systematic review of countermovement jump and squat jump operating procedures: reliability and usefulness of these measures/tests in a public health context

Purpose: countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) are two vertical jumps (VJ) tests used to evaluate the lower limb reactive strength and the concentric power of the legs [1], respectively. Because the main problem of these two jumps is the lack of standardization in the test administration [2], the objectives were to gather information and investigate the standard aspects between CMJ and SJ protocols, to identify the most common method used or, if not evident, to design standardized operating execution procedure. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were used for the electronic search (from January 2010 to June 2018). Original articles, systematic reviews and meta-ana…

Carotid plaque detection improves the predictve value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrilation: The ARAPACIS Study

Abstract Background and aims Vascular disease (VD), as assessed by history of myocardial infarction or peripheral artery disease or aortic plaque, increases stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (AF), and is a component of risk assessment using the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. We investigated if systemic atherosclerosis as detected by ultrasound carotid plaque (CP) could improve the predictive value of the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. Methods We analysed data from the ARAPACIS study, an observational study including 2027 Italian patients with non-valvular AF, in whom CP was detected using Doppler Ultrasonography. Results VD was reported in 351 (17.3%) patients while CP was detected in 16.6% patients. Ad…

Biocompatible nanostructured hydrogels incorporating polyaniline nanoparticles

Investigation on magnesium hydroxide recovery from real bitterns

Relationship between food literacy and gross motor and pre-literacy skills in pre-schoolers from the Training-to-Health Project

Purpose: Food literacy is a recent concept encompassing food knowledge and skills, and is related with every aspects of life including health, culture and environment. The assessment and development of food knowledge and skills is important since the early childhood. The aim of this study is to assess the relationships between food literacy and gross motor and pre-literacy skills in a sample of pre-schoolers. Methods: The sample was recruited within the Training-to Health Project conducted in the Palermo City Council. A total of 928 children aged 3–5 years from all 21 municipal kindergartens were recruited. Brief education sessions on nutritional topics and practical activities were perform…

Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor activation increases brain derived neurotrophic factor expression in the mouse brain.

Two-dimensional model of cross-flow electrodialysis units for the assessment of membrane deformation effects on the process performance

The effects of indoor cycling training in sedentary overweight women

Abstract AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the body composition and physiological effects in young sedentary overweight women after an indoor cycle training period. METHODS: Fourteen subjects (22.6+/-2.1 yrs; 25-29.9 BMI) were trained for 12 weeks in a specific indoor cycling protocol (ICP) consisting of three sessions/week carried out in a fitness room. Body composition and physiological parameters were taken before the beginning of the study and after 12, 24 and 36 sessions. RESULTS: We observed a reduction of 2.6% and 3.2% in body weight and of 4.3% and 5% in fat mass after 24 and 36 sessions respectively (P<0.05). Lean mass increased by 2.3% and 2.6% respectively after 24 and 3…

Leisure-time physical activity for health promotion in elderly: initial evidence from the ‘‘Passiata Day’’ model

Purpose: Falls prevention interventions are a priority for public health systems in order to reduce falls-related high costs. The University Hospital of Palermo promoted the ‘‘Passiata Day’’ model, an initiative of the Department of Geriatrics that provided a 1-h walk for once a week in a park of Palermo. It was guided by a graduate in physical education and a medical doctor. The aim of this study was to evaluate posturographic parameters in a sample of elderly including a group of subjects that had been walking regularly in the ‘‘Passiata Day’’ model for 6 months and a group of sedentary elderly subjects. Methods: A number of 109 older people were recruited at the University Hospital of Pa…

Environmental impacts of olive oil production: an LCA case study in the Province of Messina (Sicily)

Major adverse cardiovascular events in non-valvular atrial fibrillation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the ARAPACIS study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases the risk of mortality in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. Data on the relationship of COPD to major cardiovascular events (MACE) in AF have not been defined. The aim of the study is to assess the predictive value of COPD on incident MACE in NVAF patients over a 3-year follow-up. In the Atrial Fibrillation Registry for Ankle-Brachial Index Prevalence Assessment-Collaborative Italian Study (ARAPACIS) cohort, we evaluate the impact of COPD on the following clinical endpoints: MACE (including vascular death, fatal/non-fatal MI and stroke/TIA), cardiovascular (CV) death and all-cause mortality. Among 2027 NVAF patients, pati…

Type 2 diabetes family histories, body composition and fasting glucose levels: A cross-section analysis in healthy sedentary male and female

Background: Diabetes type 2 is a world wide spread disease with a multifactorial pathogenetic evolution. Various factors like obesity, physical inactivity and poor lifestyle habits contribute to its development. The aim of this study was to verify if in young healthy sedentary male and female there is positive correlation between family history to type 2 diabetes and an increase in body weight and fat mass, or alterations in basal glycemia values. Methods: Totally183 male and 237 female healthy sedentary subjects were analysed in 2012, in Italy. They were divided in three groups: FH+ with first degree family history, FH++ with second degree family history and FH− with no family history. Ant…

Sustainable recovery of critical elements from seawater saltworks bitterns by integration of high selective sorbents and reactive precipitation and crystallisation: Developing the probe of concept with on-site produced chemicals and energy

The availability of raw mineral resources containing elements included in the Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) list is a growing concern for the European Union. Sea mining has been identified as a promising secondary source. In particular, brines obtained in solar saltworks (bitterns) contain relevant amounts of valuable CRMs such as Mg(II), B(III), other alkaline/alkaline earth metals (Rb(I), Cs(I), Sr(II)) and transition/post-transition elements (Co(II), Ga(III), Ge(IV)). However, the low concentration of some of these elements (µg/L) requires an effort to develop recovery routes that are sustainable and economically feasible where the required chemicals and energy are produced on-site from …

Mediterranean diet and dietary protein supplementation as possible predicting variables of weight management: An update of the protein project

Introduction: The Mediterranean diet is known to support the prevention of several chronic diseases and excessive weight gains. However, relevant investigations were performed in a clinical setting and healthy and physical active individuals were not considered. The aim of this study was therefore to understand the effects of protein supplements intake on body mass index (BMI) in healthy active individuals following the Mediterranean diet. Materials and methods: A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to 667 subjects, 627 living in a Mediterranean area (MD) and 40 in a non-Mediterranean area (NMD); questionnaire enquired dietary behaviors, including a comparison between dietary patter…

Modelling and experimental investigation of a novel ion exchange membrane crystallizer for magnesium recovery

Effects of tinnitus on postural control and stabilization: A pilot study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the tinnitus's impacts on postural control. Material and methods: Sixty-six subjects (age: 46,71 ± 15,12 years, height 166,32 ± 8,88 cm, weight 64,85 ± 12,57 kg) with idiopathic tinnitus were recruited for the study and were tested. Each subject underwent to ‘Romberg test’, ‘Static balance’ and ‘posture analysis’. Static balance and posture analysis were performed two times, with open and close eyes, and were measured through the FreeMed posturography system. Results: showed that subjects had worse Baropodometric performances respect to benchmarks; moreover according to literature the results show that these patients had significant differ…

Evaluation of thoracic rom in elderly women after a specific flexibility-training program

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a specific flexibility training program on thoracic spinal range of motion (T-ROM) in female older subjects. Thirty older women were randomized into either a trained group [TG] (n: 17; age: 68.35±6.04 years; height: 1.54±0.06 m; weight: 64.78±10.16, kg, BMI: 27.28±3.08) and a control group [CG] (n: 13; age: 69.69±7.94 years; height: 1.57±0.06 m; weight: 68.42±8.18 kg, BMI: 27.88±2.81). Trained subjects were trained for 8 weeks by two sessions/week. In particular, every trained session included: a warm up period (~15 min), a training period (~60 min) including specific exercises to train spinal flexibility, cool down period (~15 min). Co…

Pharmacological activation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors enhances the production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the mouse brain.

ION EXCHANGE MEMBRANE CRYSTALLIZER FOR MAGNESIUM RECOVERY FROM SEAWATER AND INDUSTRIAL BRINE

The treatment and valorisation of waste brines deriving from industrial processes raised in the last years a strong interest in order to promote the whole process sustainability both in terms of minimisation of environmental impacts and raw materials recovery within a circular economy approach. With this respect, magnesium recovery from brines can be an interesting and practical example. In this work, a novel ion exchange membrane crystallizer (CrIEM1) is presented. In a CrIEM reactor, the presence of an Anion Exchange Membrane, separating a brine and an alkaline solutions, allows the passage of hydroxyl ions from the alkaline to the brine compartment, where crystallization of magnesium hyd…

1RM BENCH PRESS PERFORMANCE: A NEW METHOD OF EVALUATION IN RECREATIONAL MALE AND FEMALE

It is widely recognised that the 1 RM bench press test is the most valid in evaluating the upper body maximal strength in both athletes and sedentary individuals. Various approaches are used for its evaluation, both through prediction equations or practical attempts. The aim of this study was to assess a new method to perform the bench press test combining previously validated theoretical and practical procedures. Fifteen participants (8 male Age=23.5±2.3 FM%=17.3±9.2 and 7 female Age=27.9±10 FM%=25.6±6.9) with no specific training history were tested. Physiological parameters ware recorded before, during and after each test. Participants had to perform a set of repetitions to fatigue (RTF)…

Awareness of Childhood Obesity as a Health Hazard Amongst a Sample of Parents Living in an Inner-City Area of Palermo, Italy

Prevalence of overweight and obesity is approximately 40% in Sicilian schoolchildren at age 11 and over 25% at age 15. The objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge, perception and awareness of the obesity as a condition amongst a sample of parents living inner-city areas of Palermo, Italy. A cross-sectional survey was performed enrolling 311 parents/gradients of children attending schools located in inner district of Palermo, Italy, with low to medium income. Association of answer patterns with socio-demographic characteristics was evaluated by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Although 83% considered weight excess in childrenas a health hazard, 30% considered it as …

Volume and number average sizes of Mg(OH)2 particles from concentrated Mg2+ containing solutions

A process model of electrodialysis including membrane deformation effects

Electrodialysis (ED) is an electro-driven process that makes use of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) under an applied electric field. The main application of ED is the desalination for drinking water production. A transmembrane pressure (TMP) distribution may arise in ED stacks due to an uneven pressure distribution in the two fluid channels, thus causing membrane/channel deformation and flow redistribution. This can occur in large-scale non-parallel configurations, e.g. crossflow arrangements. Detrimental effects of membrane deformation have widely been studied with reference to several membrane processes. However, this aspect has been neglected in ED applications. In this work, a novel proce…

Influence of a sport-specific training background on vertical jumping and throwing performance in young female basketball and volleyball players

Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of 3 years of sport-specific training background (SSTB) on vertical jumping and throwing performance in young female basketball and volleyball players. Methods. Thirty-one healthy adolescent girls, of which 11 age-matched control subjects [C], 10 basketballers (BP) and 10 volleyballers (VP) participated to the study. The throwing performance was assessed by seated backward overhead ball throw (SBOMBT) and seated chest pass throw (SCPT) using a 3-kg rubber medicine ball. Instead, the vertical jumping performance was evaluated by squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump with (CMJ-AS) and without arm swing (CMJ) using Optojump system…

Modelling of an innovative membrane crystallizer for the production of magnesium hydroxide from waste brine

Background The discharge of industrial waste brines into natural water bodies has gained large interest in recent years, both for its possible environmental impact, but also for the high potential of raw materials recovery contained in brines, pushing towards a circular economy approach. Among such raw materials, magnesium is often abundant and has been defined as aCritical Raw Material by EU [1]. Within this framework, a Crystallizer with Ion Exchange Membrane (CrIEM) has been proposed as an innovative process to recover magnesium from waste brines exploiting low-cost alkaline reactants. In the present work, a novel mathematical model of the CrIEM process is proposed providing a useful too…

Ion Exchange Membrane deformation and its relevance in Reverse ElectroDialysis

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is an innovative electro-membrane technology for electric energy generation from two salt solutions with different concentration. This different concentration is the driving force to a selective movement of ions from the concentrate channel to the dilute one oriented by Ion Exchange Membranes (IEMs). Typically, RED stack are made by piling alternatively cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes with the aid of spacers or profiles built on the membrane surface. Two electrodic compartments are placed at the two ends of the stack, where the ion flux generated is converted into an electric current able to circulate through an external load connected to…

How sports affect static baropodometry? An observational study carried out in women living in southern Italy

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was two-fold: (a) to investigate the relationship between plantar pressure and surface distribution between athletes and sedentary women; and (b) to see the differences, if any, in these parameters between two groups and also the differences between the sports within athletes’ group. Methods: One hundred and seventy-three (173) female participants were enrolled in this study, where ninety-eight (98) were sedentary (age: 24.23 ± 6.11 years; height 161.11 ± 6.44 cm; weight 56.70 ± 8.19 kg; BMI 21.81 ± 2.52 kg/m2; Body Surface Area (BSA) 1.59 ± 0.13; shoe nr. 37.83 ± 1.53) while seventy-five (75) were athletes (age 22.47 ± 4.89 years; height 159.98 ± 5…