OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNING PERFORMANCE

The aim of this study was to understand the mechanism underlying the physiological adaptation of a kind purely aerobic workout. Particular attention has also been given to the analysis of oxidative stress by detecting some enzymatic blood parameters. We investigate the effect of 2 months of training on middle distance running (800 meters and 1500 meters) agonistic athletes; nine active specifically trained males of mean (± SD) age 19,9 years. The physiological characteristics of middle runners are different from those sprinters and long distance runners because include a variety of aerobic and anaerobic capabilities. Two weeks prior to the 2 months period of exercise, subjects were tested f…

[The ketogenic diet: an underappreciated therapeutic option?].

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in Western countries and is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite the constant recommendations of health care organizations regarding the importance of weight control, this goal often fails. Although there is a common agreement about the concept that exercise and diet are two key factors for the control of body weight, the ideal amount and type of exercise and also the ideal diet for weight control are still under debate. A widely accepted nutritional regime is the Mediterranean diet that has evident health benefits although less attention has been paid to see if the effects are due to other lifestyle factors which may contribute t…

Composizione per uso nella finitura, conservazione, restauro di manufatti

L’invenzione è relativa ad una composizione per il consolidamento e la conservazione di fibre tessili basata sull’impiego di un nano materiale in associazione con un agente di supporto. Il nano materiale è la nano fibroina e il materiale di supporto è preferenzialmente il chitosano, ma si possono impiegare altri materiali di analoghe prestazioni. La composizione trova applicazione nell’ambito della conservazione e restauro di materiali tessili, in quanto permette la riparazione di fibre e tessuti danneggiati, ripristinando le proprietà meccaniche, e la protezione da processi foto-ossidativi dei manufatti tessili in generale. Ulteriore campo di applicazione è quello del finissaggio di fibre …

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 …

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…

Heart rate alteration during a constant load exercise in the different menstrual phases

In fitness centres, the most common way to modulate exercise’s intensity is heart rate (HR) control and therefore training at constant heart rate (CHR) is widely used but this method assume that exercise’s response to exercise should be always the same; Instead there are conflicting results about menstrual cycle’s effects on physiological response to exercise (Jense de Jonge 2003). Many researches have investigated the influences of estrogenic hormone levels in sport performance (Sarwar 2006; Phililps 1996), muscle strength and heart rate during maximal and submaximal exercise (Oosthuyse 2005; Kishali 2006). No study has attempt to verify if CHR correspond to a constant load of endurance ex…

[Pediatric resistance training: current issues and concerns].

The impact of a sedentary lifestyle during childhood and adolescence on pathological processes has become a major public health threat. Regular participation in a variety of physical activities during the pediatric years could reduce chronic disease and improve the quality of life of active participants. Although resistance training (RT) was once considered inappropriate for youth, there is a compelling body of evidence which demonstrate the safety and efficacy of RT for children and adolescents. In addition to increasing muscular strength, RT can result in favorable changes in body composition, bone mineral density and motor skill performance provided that the training program is well-desi…

What drives inhaler prescription for asthma patients? Results from a real-life retrospective analysis

Abstract Background The choice of inhaler device for asthma patients depends upon multiple attributes. We investigated factors that may drive general practitioners (GPs) and respiratory specialists in the prescription of inhaler devices for asthma patients who initiated inhalation therapy. Methods We retrospectively analysed prescriptions by GPs and respiratory specialists to asthma patients commencing inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist combination therapy available as both pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Patient characteristics were compared by device and multivariate analysis was used to model the likelihood of receiving a pMDI as oppos…

Disease management of type 2 diabetes: a follow-up analysis in a sanitary district of Sicily

AIM:The aim of this paper was to analyze the Disease management of type 2 diabetes in a sanitary district of the Sicily Region (Italy). METHODS: In a population of 9 698 subjects, we selected patients with known type 2 diabetes: a cohort of 385 subjects, (206 women and 179 men) following up for one year. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the analyzed population was 3.97%. A great lot of cohort was on a diet. RESULTS: After one year, a per cent reduction of obese and overweight subjects was observed. No differences were observed for Body Mass Index (BMI) at the beginning and at the end of the study. After one year, through educational meetings with the doctor, a significant increase of knowle…

Spondylo-costal dysostosis in two siblings

Two new cases of Spondylo-Costal Dysostosis (SCD) are reported in two siblings with strikingly similar skeletal abnormalities. Parental consanguinity documents in this family an autosomal recessive inheritance of trait. Clinical variability of SCD is discussed on the basis of clinical and radiological features. Its genetic heterogeneity is pointed out even considering the occurrence of cases with autosomal dominant as well as recessive inheritance.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18–49, 50–69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in su…

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…

PLASMA MEMBRANE REDOX SYSTEM IN THE ERYTHROCYTES OF ROWERS: PILOT STUDY

Background: The oxidative stress results from a change in the physiological balance between oxidant and antioxidant species. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to investigate the effects of long-term training in sports with high energy requirements on the redox balance which exists between the plasma vs. the erythrocytes; second, to study the activity of the PMRS (Plasma Membrane Redox System), which is a compensatory mechanism of cellular redox homeostasis, in the rowers’ erythrocytes in order to determine the rowers’ counteraction to oxidative stress. Methods: Venous blood samples was collected from rowers and control group; then FRAP (Ferric Reducing Activity Power) method has …

COVID-19: opinions and behavior of Italian general population during the first epidemic phase

Background and aim: On January 9, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Chinese health authorities had identified a new coronavirus strain never before isolated in humans, the 2019-nCoV later redefined SARS-CoV-2, that still today represent a public health problem. The present survey started on 10 February 2020 with the aim of a) assessing the risk perception in healthcare workers and young students, following the evolution of attitudes, perception and knowledge over time, b) provide useful information to the general population during survey. Results: A study sample consisting of 4116 Italian in-dividuals of both sexes was enrolled. High levels of risk perception, low perc…

Ketogenic diet and phytoextracts. Comparison of the efficacy of Mediterranean, Zone and Tisanoreica diet on some health risk factors

The purpose of this work was to test the efficacy of three kind of different diet on some health risk factors. The primary objective of the present study was to examine the effects of diets, amount of carbohydrate intake and use of phytoextracts on weight loss, body composition and related risk factors and on metabolic values as Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and Respiratory Ratio (RR).We tested 44 subjects randomly assigned to one of 3 groups of diet: Mediterranean (MED), Zone (ZON) and Tisanoreica® i.e. ketogenic diet plus phytoextracts (TIS). Anthropometry, blood chemistry and urine analysis were performed. After 40 days TIS led to a significant average weight and fat loss compared to …

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…

Split exercise training: comparison between endurance-resistance protocol, endurance-resistance-endurance protocol e resistance-endurance protocol.

Numerosi studi hanno dimostrato, per la perdita di peso ed il miglioramento della composizione corporea, l’efficacia della presenza dell’esercizio aerobico ed anaerobico all’interno della stessa seduta di allenamento. Il dibattito resta però aperto riguardo alla distribuzione di queste due metodiche all’interno della medesima sessione, cioè se porre la parte “aerobica” all’inizio dell’allenamento, alla fine o, ancora, se intervallare ad essa il “lavoro anaerobico”. Alla luce di questo abbiamo condotto lo studio preliminare che verrà qui di seguito riportato. Abbiamo esaminato un campione di 25 donne e 11 uomini, per la durata di 6 settimane; i 2 gruppi sono stati suddivisi, a loro volta, in…

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…

Static stretching effect on blood lactate concentration after bike rectangular test.

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…

CARBOHYDRATE SUPPLEMENTATION AND SPORT. A REVIEW.

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 …

Effects of mini trampoline exercise on male gymnasts' physiological parameters: a pilot study

WOS: 000365060600005

Effects of three distinct protocols of fitness training on body composition, strength and blood lactate

AIM: Circuit training is a very popular methodology in fitness program because it allows to join together cardiovascular and strength training. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological effects of circuit training performed at different intensities on body composition, strength and blood lactate in middle-aged subjects who had recently undergone only minimum physical training. METHODS: Forty participants (aged 50-65) were assigned to a control group (CG) or to one of the three exercise treatment groups: Endurance Group (EG), Circuit-Low Intensity Group (CLG), Circuit-High Intensity Group (CHG). The three groups exercised three times per week, 50 min per session for 12 wk …

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…

CIRCUIT WORKOUT TRAINING IN THE MORNING OR IN THE EVENING: EFFECTS ON BODY COMPOSITION AND INDIRECT MAXIMUM OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

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…

Therapeutic sequences in patients with grade 1−2 neuroendocrine tumors (NET): an observational multicenter study from the ELIOS group

Purpose: Many different treatments are suggested by guidelines to treat grade 1−2 (G1−G2) neuroendocrine tumors (NET). However, a precise therapeutic algorithm has not yet been established. This study aims at identifying and comparing the main therapeutic sequences in G1−G2 NET. Methods: A retrospective observational Italian multicenter study was designed to collect data on therapeutic sequences in NET. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was compared between therapeutic sequences, as well as the number and grade of side effects and the rate of dose reduction/treatment discontinuation. Results: Among 1182 patients with neuroendocrine neoplasia included in the ELIOS database, 131 G1–G2 ga…