Search

This study investigated the effects of fatiguing unilateral exercise on the ipsilateral, exercised, and contralateral, non-exercised limb’s post-exercise performance in males and females. Ten males and ten females performed a fatiguing, unilateral isometric leg extension at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force. Prior to and immediately after the fatiguing tasks, MVICs were performed for the exercised and non-exercised limb, with surface electromyographic (sEMG) and mechanomyography (sMMG) amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) recorded from each limb’s vastus lateralis. There were no fatigue-induced, sex-dependent, differences in time to task failure (p = 0.265) or ipsilateral performance fatigability (p = 0.437). However, there was a limb by time interaction (p < 0.001) which indicated decreases in MVIC force of the ipsilateral, exercised (p < 0.001), but not the contralateral, non-exercised limb (p = 0.962). There were no sex-dependent, fatigue-induced differences in neurophysiological outcomes between the limbs (p > 0.05), but there was a fatigue-induced difference in sEMG MPF (p = 0.005). To summarize, there were no differences in fatigability between males and females. Moreover, there was insufficient evidence to support the presence of a general crossover effect following submaximal unilateral isometric exercise. However, independent of sex, the neurophysiological outcomes suggested that competing inputs from the nervous system may influence the performance of both limbs following unilateral fatigue.

Succi, PJ, Dinyer, TK, Byrd, MT, Voskuil, CC, and Bergstrom, HC. Application of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 to the critical power model to derive the critical V[Combining Dot Above]O2. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-The purposes of this study were to (a) determine whether the critical power (CP) model could be applied to V[Combining Dot Above]O2 to estimate the critical V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (CV[Combining Dot Above]O2) and (b) to compare the CV[Combining Dot Above]O2 with the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at CP (V[Combining Dot Above]O2CP), the ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and the CV[Combining Dot Above]O2 without the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 slow component (CV[Combining Dot Above]O2slow). Nine subjects performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion to determine V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, VT, and RCP. The subjects performed 4 randomized, constant power output work bouts to exhaustion. The time to exhaustion (TLim), the total work (WLim), and the total volume of oxygen consumed with (TV[Combining Dot Above]O2) and without the slow component (TV[Combining Dot Above]O2slow) were recorded during each trial. The linear regressions of the TV[Combining Dot Above]O2 vs. TLim, TV[Combining Dot Above]O2slow vs. TLim, and WLim vs. TLim relationship were performed to derive the CV[Combining Dot Above]O2, CV[Combining Dot Above]O2slow, and CP, respectively. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05) with follow-up Sidak-Bonferroni corrected pairwise comparisons indicated that CV[Combining Dot Above]O2 (42.49 ± 3.22 ml·kg-1·min-1) was greater than VT (30.80 ± 4.66 ml·kg-1·min-1; p < 0.001), RCP (36.74 ± 4.49 ml·kg-1·min-1; p = 0.001), V[Combining Dot Above]O2CP (36.76 ± 4.31 ml·kg-1·min-1; p < 0.001), and CV[Combining Dot Above]O2slow (38.26 ± 2.43 ml·kg-1·min-1; p < 0.001). However, CV[Combining Dot Above]O2slow was not different than V[Combining Dot Above]O2CP (p = 0.140) or RCP (p = 0.235). Thus, the CP model can be applied to V[Combining Dot Above]O2 to derive the CV[Combining Dot Above]O2 and theoretically is the highest metabolic steady state that can be maintained for an extended period without fatigue. Furthermore, the ability of the CV[Combining Dot Above]O2 to quantify the metabolic cost of exercise and the inefficiency associated with the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 slow component may provide a valuable tool for researchers and coaches to examine endurance exercise.

This study examined changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force following dominant (Dm) and nondominant (NDm) unilateral, handgrip isometric holds to failure (HTF) for the exercised ipsilateral (IPS) and non-exercised contralateral (CON) limbs and determined if there are sex- and hand- (Dm vs NDm) dependent responses in the HTF time, performance fatigability (PF) for the exercised IPS limb, and changes in MVIC force for the CON limb after unilateral fatigue. Ten men and 10 women (Age = 22.2 years) completed an isometric HTF at 50% MVIC for the Dm and NDm hand on separate days. Prior to, and immediately after the HTF, an MVIC was performed on the IPS and CON limbs, in a randomized order. The Dm (130.3 ± 36.8 s) HTF (collapsed across sex) was significantly longer (p = 0.002) than the NDm (112.1 ± 34.3 s). The men (collapsed across hand) demonstrated IPS (%Δ = 22.9 ± 10.8%) PF and CON facilitation (%Δ = −6.1 ± 6.9%) following the HTF, while the women demonstrated differences in PF between the Dm and NDm hands for the IPS (%Δ Dm = 28.0 ± 9.4%; NDm = 32.3% ± 10.1%; p = 0.027), but not the CON limb (%Δ Dm = −1.6 ± 5.7%; NDm = 1.7 ± 5.9%). The cross-over facilitation of the CON limb for men, but not women, following a unilateral, isometric handgrip HTF may be related to post-activation potentiation.

A square-wave verification bout to confirm maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]OTen men (24 ± 4 years) completed familiarization and two treadmill GXTs, followed by a submaximal verification bout to determine [Formula: see text]OThere was no test (test 1 vs test 2) × method (GXT vs verification) interaction (p = 0.584), or main effect for test (p = 0.320), but there was a main effect for method (p = 0.011). The [Formula: see text]OWhile [Formula: see text]O

Aquacultureis now a viable alternative to help depleted wild fish stocks and encourage the production of alternativeanimal protein sources. However, studies have shown that farmed fish has a less positive image in consumers than wild fish. The present study investigates the aspects that most influence the consumption choices of some of the most farmed species in the Mediterranean, sea bass and seabream. The objective is to analyse the habits and preferences of consumers of these products in Mediterranean countries to identify homogeneous and transversal behaviours in the four countries under analysis in order to recognise common marketing actions and levers. To achieve it, a direct survey was conducted on a representative sample of 6117 consumers from France, Spain, Greece and Italy. The cluster analysis carried out for the four countries revealed 11 well-defined consumer profiles. They showed that different socio-economic characteristics, purchasing habits and product attributes explain a significant part of consumption choices and offer key information for exploring food consumer attitudes. In addition, the role of labelling inconsumer behaviouris important to understand which aspects consumers pay more attention to when making their choices, representing a discriminating factor in segmenting respondents' profiles. Understanding these preferences, and the importance of certain information, can be useful to intercept and respond to market demands and to improve consumer confidence in farmed fish products.

Background Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is an exclusionary diagnosis resulting in a child walking on the balls of their feet. Preferred treatment options may be due to the severity of the toe or the health professional preference There are limited guidelines supporting consistent treatment recommendations for this condition. This research aimed to understand agreement between health professionals' knowledge of evidence for common treatment strategies for ITW and if health professionals supported these strategies being used in clinical practice. Methods An international online survey was opened to registered health professionals who treat children with ITW between July 2017 and March 2018. The survey had two components: (a) demographic variables and variables relating to knowledge of evidence about ITW treatments and (b) support for common treatment strategies. Additional data on strategy use, referrals, and preference were collected. Kappa statistics described intra-rater agreement between evidence knowledge and support. Multivariable regression analyses identified factors associated with the 10 most commonly preferred treatments. Results There were 908 international responses. Kappa agreement for paired correct responses determined a fair agreement for evidence support knowledge for four strategies including watch and wait (Kappa = 0.24), stretching (Kappa = 0.30), sensory integration strategies (Kappa = 0.40), and motor control strategies (Kappa = 0.24) and moderate responses for 13 others. No strategies had greater than moderate agreement between correct knowledge of evidence and strategy support. Profession, location, number of children seen in practice, and not correctly identifying the evidence factored into many of the most commonly used strategies for ITW (p Conclusions The results from this study, which confirm a variety of interventions, are utilized in the management of ITW around the world. Furthermore, there remains a disconnection between paediatric health professionals' understanding of the evidence of common treatment strategies of ITW and a consensus for the treatment of this condition.

Numerous invasive plant species can increase soil nitrate (NO3−) by altering the nitrification process through plant-soil microbe interactions with ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). We evaluated how the invasive species Microstegium vimineum influenced physico-chemical soil properties, inorganic nitrogen (N) cycling, and AOA and AOB abundances under various environmental conditions. We paired 75 M. vimineum-invaded plots with 75 neighboring reference plots across forests, open fields, and forested wetlands within a state park in the Mid-Atlantic United States that has received high levels of N deposition. Soils were sampled for physico-chemical properties, NO3− and ammonium (NH4+) pools and availability, and AOA and AOB abundances. There were multiple soil impacts associated with M. vimineum across all ecosystems, most consistent were increased soil pH and increased NO3− pools. For other impacts, the directionality and effect sizes varied among ecosystems (e.g. NH4+ pools were 34% lower in forests, 35% lower in open fields, and 90% higher in wetlands relative to reference plots). Finally, forests had nearly all of impacts predicted by a pH-mediated nitrification plant-soil feedback. This study highlights the ability of an invasive grass to alter N cycling and soil properties in forests, open fields, and wetlands that have received high N deposition. We also show how invader-mediated impacts to N cycling may be dependent on the context of the ecosystem being invaded, including its hydrology, ambient soil conditions, and substrate-availability.

Objectives: This study examined the time course of changes and patterns of responses in electromyographic amplitude (EMG AMP) and EMG mean power frequency (MPF) for the superficial quadriceps muscles during exhaustive treadmill runs within the severe exercise intensity zones (SIZ1 and SIZ2). Methods: The EMG signals for the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus medialis (VM) as well as times to exhaustion (Tlim) were recorded in ten runners during two exhaustive treadmill runs (SIZ1 and SIZ2). The composite and individual responses were compared among muscles and between intensities. Results: The composite patterns of responses in EMG AMP (linear, quadratic, and cubic increases; r2/R2=0.684–0.848) and EMG MPF (linear, quadratic, and cubic decreases; r2/R2=0.648 – 0.852) for the VL and RF were consistent with neuromuscular fatigue in both zones, but those for the VM were not (quadratic, cubic, and non-significant relationships with responses near baseline). The RF tended to demonstrate greater fatigue (EMG MPF decreased from 80–100% Tlim). There was large inter-individual variability (only 10–60% of responses consistent with composite) in response to fatiguing treadmill running. Conclusions: The current findings support the examination and characterization of neuromuscular fatigue on an intensity, muscle, and subject-by-subject basis.

Introduction: This study examined the electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG), amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) responses during bilateral, leg extension exercise performed to failure at a moderate (70% one-repetition maximum [1RM]) load. Methods: Eleven men completed a 1RM and repetitions to failure at 70% 1RM of the leg extension. The EMG and MMG signals were recorded from the right and left vastus lateralis. Polynomial regression analyses were used to determine individual and composite, normalized neuromuscular responses for both limbs. Results: For EMG AMP, both limbs demonstrated positive, quadratic relationships. For EMG MPF, the right limb demonstrated a negative, cubic relationship and the left limb demonstrated a negative, quadratic relationship. For MMG AMP, the right limb demonstrated a positive, quadratic relationship and the left limb demonstrated a positive, linear relationship. For MMG MPF, both limbs demonstrated negative, linear relationships. 18-45% of the subjects demonstrated the same responses as the composite for the EMG and MMG signals. 14% of the subjects demonstrated the same direction and pattern of response for the right and left limb intra-individual responses. Conclusions: The variability in the inter- and intra-individual responses highlight the necessity to report individual neuromuscular responses when examining fatiguing resistance exercise.

Purpose: To determine if the mathematical model used to derive critical power could be used to identify the critical resistance (CR) for the deadlift; compare predicted and actual repetitions to failure at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% 1-repetition maximum (1RM); and compare the CR with the estimated sustainable resistance for 30 repetitions (ESR30). Methods: Twelve subjects completed 1RM testing for the deadlift followed by 4 visits to determine the number of repetitions to failure at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% 1RM. The CR was calculated as the slope of the line of the total work completed (repetitions × weight [in kilograms] × distance [in meters]) vs the total distance (in meters) the barbell traveled. The actual and predicted repetitions to failure were determined from the CR model and compared using paired-samples t tests and simple linear regression. The ESR30 was determined from the power-curve analysis and compared with the CR using paired-samples t tests and simple linear regression. Results: The weight and repetitions completed at CR were 56 (11) kg and 49 (14) repetitions. The actual repetitions to failure were less than predicted at 50% 1RM (P P P = .004), but there was no difference at 70% 1RM (P = .084). The ESR30 (75 [14] kg) was greater (P Conclusions: The total work-vs-distance relationship can be used to identify the CR for the deadlift, which reflected a sustainable resistance that may be useful in the design of resistance-based exercise programs.

Critical resistance (CR) is a fatigue threshold that, theoretically, estimates the highest sustainable resistance for repeated skeletal muscle contractions. Men are typically more susceptible to fatigue than women during sustained muscular contractions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the CR between men and women to determine the sensitivity of the CR model to detect sex-related differences in fatigue at submaximal intensities. Ten men and 10 women completed one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for the deadlift and repetitions to failure at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of 1RM for the determination of CR. Repetitions to failure were then performed at the estimated CR. The men had a greater absolute 1RM (168 ± 27 kg vs. 115 ± 11 kg) and CR (62 ± 14 kg vs. 48 ± 6 kg), but a lower relative CR (percent of 1RM; 37 ± 6% vs. 41 ± 2%) and completed fewer repetitions at CR (45 ± 14 repetitions vs. 58 ± 12 repetitions) compared to the women. The CR model was sensitive to detect sex-related differences in fatiguing muscular contractions of the deadlift. In addition, the men were more susceptible to fatigue than the women during performance of submaximal muscular contractions at CR, which may be related to sex-dependent physiological responses during fatiguing muscular contractions.

The study and application of the critical power (CP) concept has spanned many decades. The CP test provides estimates of two distinct parameters, CP and W′, that describe aerobic and anaerobic metabolic capacities, respectively. Various mathematical models have been used to estimate the CP and W′ parameters across exercise modalities. Recently, the CP model has been applied to dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) exercises. The same hyperbolic relationship that has been established across various continuous, whole-body, dynamic movements has also been demonstrated for upper-, lower-, and whole-body DCER exercises. The asymptote of the load versus repetition relationship is defined as the critical load (CL) and the curvature constant is L′. The CL and L′ can be estimated from the same linear and non-linear mathematical models used to derive the CP. The aims of this review are to (1) provide an overview of the CP concept across continuous, dynamic exercise modalities; (2) describe the recent applications of the model to DCER exercise; (3) demonstrate how the mathematical modeling of DCER exercise can be applied to further our understanding of fatigue and individual performance capabilities; and (4) make initial recommendations regarding the methodology for estimating the parameters of the CL test.

This study determined the load- and limb-dependent neuromuscular responses to fatiguing, bilateral, leg extension exercise performed at a moderate (50% one-repetition maximum [1RM]) and high load (80% 1RM). Twelve subjects completed 1RM testing for the bilateral leg extension, followed by repetitions to failure at 50% and 80% 1RM, on separate days. During all visits, the electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG), amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF) signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis of both limbs. There were no limb-dependent responses for any of the neuromuscular signals and no load-dependent responses for EMG AMP, MMG AMP, or MMG MPF (p = .301–.757), but there were main effects for time that indicated increases in EMG and MMG AMP and decreases in MMG MPF. There was a load-dependent decrease in EMG MPF over time (p = .032) that suggested variability in the mechanism responsible for metabolite accumulation at moderate versus high loads. These findings suggested that common drive from the central nervous system was used to modulate force during bilateral leg extension performed at moderate and high loads.

PURPOSE: This study compared the V̇O(2) corresponding to the critical heart rate (CHRV̇O(2)) and the physical working capacity at the heart rate fatigue threshold (PWC(hrt)V̇O(2)) to the gas exchange threshold (GET), ventilatory threshold (VT), and respiratory compensation point (RCP). METHODS: Nine runners (mean ± SD, age 23 ± 3 years) completed an incremental test on a treadmill to determine V̇O(2)(peak), GET, VT, and RCP. The CHRV̇O(2) and PWC(hrt)V̇O(2) were determined from 4 separate constant velocity treadmill runs to exhaustion and HR and time to exhaustion were recorded. Differences among the thresholds were examined with a one-way repeated measures ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The GET (38.44 mL×kg(−1)×min(−1), 78% V̇O(2)(peak)), VT (37.36 mL×kg(−1)×min(−1), 76% V̇O(2)(peak)), and PWC(hrt)V̇O(2) (38.26 mL×kg(−1)×min(−1), 77% V̇O(2)(peak)) were not different, but were lower than the RCP (44.70 mL×kg(−1)×min(−1), 90% V̇O(2)(peak); p = 0.010, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The CHRV̇O(2) (40.09 mL×kg(−1)×min(−1), 81% V̇O(2)(peak)) was not different from the GET (p = 1.000), VT (p = 0.647), PWC(hrt)V̇O(2) (p = 1.000), or RCP (p = 0.116). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the initial metabolic intensities at CHR and PWC(hrt) lie within the heavy and moderate intensity domains, respectively. Therefore, the PWC(hrt) may provide a relative intensity more appropriate for untrained populations, while the CHR may be more appropriate for more trained populations.

Dinyer, TK, Byrd, MT, Succi, PJ, and Bergstrom, HC. The time course of changes in neuromuscular responses during the performance of leg extension repetitions to failure below and above critical resistance in women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Critical resistance (CR) is the highest sustainable resistance that can be completed for an extended number of repetitions. Exercise performed below (CR-15%) and above (CR+15%) CR may represent 2 distinct intensities that demonstrate separate mechanisms of fatigue. Electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) have been used to examine the mechanism of fatigue during resistance exercise. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to (a) compare the patterns of responses and time course of changes in neuromuscular parameters (EMG and MMG amplitude [AMP] and mean power frequency [MPF]) during the performance of repetitions to failure at CR-15% and CR+15% and (b) identify the motor unit activation strategy that best describes the fatigue-induced changes in the EMG and MMG signals at CR-15% and CR+15%. Ten women completed one repetition maximum (1RM) testing and repetitions to failure at 50, 60, 70, and 80% 1RM (to determine CR), and at CR-15% and CR+15% on the leg extension. During all visits, EMG and MMG signals were measured from the vastus lateralis. There were similar patterns of responses in the neuromuscular parameters, and time-dependent changes in EMG AMP and EMG MPF, but not MMG AMP or MMG MPF, during resistance exercise performed at CR-15% and CR+15% (p < 0.05). The onset of fatigue occurred earlier for EMG AMP, but later for EMG MPF, during repetitions performed at CR+15% compared with those performed at CR-15%. Thus, resistance exercise performed below and above CR represented 2 distinct intensities that were defined by different neuromuscular fatigue mechanisms but followed similar motor unit activation strategies.

Our study will investigate this aspect in university students belonging to two different MSc. degree courses (VM=Veterinary Medicine and SQAP=Safety and Quality in Animal Production) within the same Department (DIMEVET= Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences of the University of Bologna - Italy), to assess possible differences between the two courses with respect to students’ attitude towards animal welfare (AW) and animal-friendly foods (AFF).The peculiarity of this study, which is, to our knowledge, a unique feature across European universities, is that students of both degree courses will follow the same AW lectures taught by the same professor, therefore eliminating any possible bias due to different teaching methods.The survey will start in October 2017 and develop along different academic years, collecting answers from at least three groups of students for each degree course (about 150 VM and 75 SQAP students).Students will be asked to respond to a structured, semi-close-ended questionnaire after completing the AW course.The questionnaire has been prepared and tested on a pilot group of students, and will investigate: a)previous knowledge of AW (including studies and on-farm experience); b)interest (towards AW and AFF); c)ethic views (assessed according to http://www.aedilemma.net/).A limited number of surveys have been carried out on veterinary students, but to our knowledge no comparison was made with other degree courses containing AW lectures.VM students believe to retain a good preparation on AW, but show a general lack of knowledge on specific AW legislation (Magnani et al.,2017); however, veterinary studies increase the scoring of animal pain perception (Valros and Hänninen,2016).Conversely, students from Animal Production degrees are expected to have a more utilitarian approach aimed to human economic interests (more animal welfare=more profit) rather than to animal well-being per se.

The present research aims to obtain information on cancer deaths in the five Latium provinces in the years 2006-2010 and to highlight similarities and differences between them.The survey was carried through statistical elaboration of cancer mortality data for the years 2006-2010 obtained from the National Institute of Statistics.The mortality due to oncological diseases in Rieti province showed a decreasing temporal trend for the years investigated. Among all the Latium provinces, Rieti presented the lowest standardized mortality rates. This phenomenon could be related to specific environmental conditions and low levels of air, water and soil pollution affecting the Rieti province.The results of the present study show that the "healthy" environment of Rieti province could be considered as a benchmark for studies in oncological diseases.

* Abbreviation: ADHD — : attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder In this issue of Pediatrics , Nelson et al report that at 2 years of age, parental, social, and economic factors (including parental education levels below a bachelor’s degree, little or no shared reading at home, food insecurity, and fair/poor parental health), rather than direct developmental evaluation, best predict future low academic achievement scores and high problem behaviors at kindergarten entry.1 Previously, the predictive validity of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development—II performed at 20 months of age to predict IQ scores at 8 years of age has been shown to be only 37%.2 If such comprehensive developmental evaluation using gold-standard assessment measures perform so poorly in predicting learning and behavioral problems at school entry, is it time to stop blaming primary pediatric health care providers for not identifying these children? More than half a century ago, several well-controlled studies demonstrated weaknesses in pediatricians’ ability to assess children developmentally.3,4 Furthermore, in 1987, it was reported that only 28.7% of children who required special educational services in elementary school were identified … Address correspondence to Robert G. Voigt, MD, FAAP, Baylor College of Medicine, Director, Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, 8080 North Stadium Dr, Houston, TX 77054. E-mail: rgvoigt{at}texaschildrens.org

UMMARY The results of reflex/motor activity interactions in 177 normal infants are evaluated. The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex, tonic labyrinthine reflex-supine, and Moro reflexes were assessed for each child at birth and at intervals up to 12 months. Ages of rolling prone to supine, rolling supine to prone, and sitting alone were elicited from parents. The effects of the primitive reflexes on early motor activity were assessed, and statistically significant correlations were demonstrated between decreased reflex activity and the emergence of motor milestones. The distinctive association of reflex activity with motor function suggests the interaction of several reflexes (a primitive reflex profile) rather than the influence of isolated reflex activity. Such patterns support the hypothesis that decreasing primitive reflex activity is associated with the onset of volitional motor activity in normal infants. RESUME Les resultats des interactions de l'activite reflexe et motrice chez 177 nourrissons normaux ont eteevalues. Le reflexe tonique asymetrique du cou, le reflex tonique labyrinthique de supination et le reflexe de Moro ont ete apprecies pour chaque enfant a la naissance et a intervalles reguliers jusqu a 12 mois. Les âges de retournement du ventre sur le dos, du dos sur le ventre et de l'atteinte de position assise independante ont ete obtenus des parents. Les effets des reflexes archaiques sur les activites motrices precoces ont ete apprecies et des correlations significatives ont ete revelees entre la regression de l'activite reflexe et l'apparition des reperes de progres moteur. La distinction de l'activite reflexe d'avec la fonction motrice suggere l'interaction de plusieurs reflexes (profil de reflexe archaique) plutot que l'influence d'une activite reflexe isolee. De telles dispositions favorisent l'hypothese que la decroissance de l'activite reflexe archaique est associee au debut de l'activite motrice volontaire chez les nourrissons normaux. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Bei 177 gesunden Kindern wurden die Untersuchungsergebnisse uber Interaktionen zwischen Reflex/motorischer Aktivitat ausgewertet. Bei jedem Kind wurden der asymmetrische tonische Nackenreflex, der tonische Labyrinthreflex in Ruckenlage und der Moro Relfex bei der Geburt und in Intervallen bis zum Alter von 12 Monaten beurteilt. Altersangaben uber die Fahigkeit sich vom Rucken auf den Bauch zu drehen und vom Bauch auf den Rucken und allein zu sitzen wurden von den Eltern ubernommen. Es wurden die Auswirkungen der primitiven Reflexe auf die fruhe motorische Aktivitat beurteilt und signifikante Korrelationen zwischen dem Nachlassen von Reflexaktivitat und dem Auftreten von Meilensteinen in der motorischen Entwicklung gefunden. Die deutliche Assoziation von Reflexaktivitat zu Motorfunktion weist auf die Interaktion mehrerer Reflexe hin (ein primitives Reflexprofil) und weniger auf den Einflus isolierter Reflexaktivitat. Solche Muster stutzen die Hypothese, das das Zuruckgehen primitiver Reflexaktivitat verbunden ist mot dem Beginn willkurlicher Motorbewegungen bei gesunden Kindern. RESUMEN Se han evaluado los resultados de las interacciones reflejomotoras en 177 lactantes normales. Fueron evaluados los reflejos tonico asimetrico del cuello, el tonico laberintico en supino y el de Moro en cada nino, al nacer y a a intervalos hasta los doce meses. A partir de lo dicho por los padres se anoto tambien la edad en que el nino inicio el volverse de prono a supino y de supino a prono, y la sedestacion. Se evaluaron los efectos de los reflejos primitivos sobre la actividad motora precoz y se observaron correlaciones significativas entre la disminucion de la actividad refleja y la aparicion de los hitos motores. La asociacion distintiva entre la actividad refleja y la funcion motora sugiere la interaccion de diversos reflejos (perfil reflejo primitivo), mas bien que la influencia de la actividad de un solo reflejo. Estos esquemas apoyan la hipotesis de que la disminucion de la actividad refleja primitiva va asociada con el inicio de la actividad motora volitiva en los lactantes normales.

Veritiere o meno, le indicazioni salutistiche che sempre più spesso accompagnano il contenuto informativo degli alimenti, esaltano il ruolo cosiddetto “funzionale” delle scelte di consumo, testimoniato dal rapido incremento sul mercato di prodotti recanti in etichetta health e functional claims. Comprendere quali siano i fattori che ne determinano l’acquisto è interesse anche delle istituzioni pubbliche che sono chiamate a regolamentare un settore in forte espansione, non privo di ombre, e hanno la possibilità di perseguire obiettivi di salute pubblica. Scopo di questo lavoro è identificare le principali caratteristiche dei consumatori che influiscono sull’acquisto degli alimenti funzionali (AF) di origine lattiero-casearia che rappresentano la categoria che più di altre ha sviluppato processi di “arricchimento” finalizzati a migliorarne il contenuto salutistico. L’analisi, condotta attraverso un’indagine diretta, si è avvalsa di un modello di regressione logistica per l’interpretazione. I risultati indicano che: stile di vita, caratteristiche socio-demografiche e specifico bagaglio di conoscenze individuali, rappresentano fattori fondamentali nel determinare la scelta di acquistare o non acquistare AF. Individuare il messaggio in funzione della popolazione target e le modalità per veicolarlo, compresa l’identificazione del prodotto carrier, risulta, quindi, fondamentale.

L’obiettivo del lavoro è quello di analizzare la propensione ad applicare la cross-compliance nelle aziende agricole zootecniche e, in quest’ambito, il ruolo dei servizi di sviluppo a supporto delle decisioni aziendali. L’ipotesi sottoposta a verifica empirica è che l’introduzione della condizionalità ambientale non è automatica ma risente di alcuni fattori che ne impediscono la piena applicazione: questi sono legati non soltanto alle asimmetrie informative, quanto anche a variabili di natura sociostrutturale e territoriale. E’ stato sottoposto ad un campione di aziende agricole un questionario nel quale viene analizzato il livello di applicazione della condizionalità ambientale. Più precisamente, le domande del questionario riflettono un processo di adozione dei servizi e i relativi effetti, secondo una sequenza graduale e non sempre automatica. L’impatto dei servizi sull’adozione della condizionalità è pertanto descritto dalla sequenza awareness-knowledge-adoption-product (AKAP). L’indagine proposta consente di evidenziare l’impatto dei servizi di sviluppo agricolo nei differenti step nei quali è articolato il modello. Classificare le aziende del campione sulla base del grado di implementazione dei requisiti e in base alle fasi del modello AKAP riscontrato in azienda.

Increased awareness of European citizen towards animal welfare, encouraged the development of policies aimed to improve the living conditions of the farmed animals. To increase consumers’ awareness and reduce information distortion, the hypothesis of a common European label based upon a unique welfare certification scheme is presently under investigation. The implementation of animal welfare policies involves an economic effort by farmers. Such costs need to be acknowledged by the market. Otherwise, the risk would be an increase of the production costs for European farmers without a parallel increase in the consumers’ awareness. Our research is based on 335 consumer interviews, conducted near and within supermarkets and hypermarkets in Bologna (North-Italy) and in its province. In order to get information on consumers' knowledge of farming conditions and understand how their perception can influence the consumption behavior of "animal friendly” products a cluster analysis was conducted. The effects that direct cognition attained through farm visits had on consumers’ perception of animal welfare differed across different species. In particular, most consumers (50%) had visited cattle farms, and this experience contributed to improving their perception of cattle welfare. Only 5% of consumers had visited an intensive swine farms but the visit did not modify their perception of swine welfare. Cluster analysis identified four homogenous groups of consumers (clusters) defined by the variables considered most representative in the explanation of the phenomena investigated. Groups were called: 1) “Sensible and aware consumers” (36%); 2) “Disinterested consumers” (36%); 3) “the experts” (6%) and 4) “unconcerned consumers” (25%). The first group represents an important market segment for "animal friendly" products . Therefore, the possibility to recognize the presence of an ethical added value is indispensable both to help the consumer to identify the "animal friendly" products and for raising animal welfare level above the minimum mandatory requirements.

It is widely recognized that the welfare of pigs can be compromised by severe restrictions of space. According to Directive 2008/120/EC, the minimal floor space allowance for pigs over 110 kg BW (Body Weight) is 1 m2/head, but no further provision is made for heavier animals such as Italian heavy pigs, whose weight at the end of the production cycle is of 160 kg or more. The aim of the present trial was to investigate the effects of two different space allowances on the main behavioural and production traits of Italian heavy pigs. Sixty barrows (initial average BW: 23.9 kg) were used. Animals were kept in small groups (5 pigs/pen). Thirty pigs were given an individual floor space allowance of 1 m2/head (in compliance with European legislation), whereas 30 pigs were given a floor space allowance of 1.3 m2/head. Rearing conditions, management and feeding were identical between the experimental groups. Animals were weekly videotaped and behaviours were assessed by scan-sampling. Growth parameters (ADG–average daily gain and FCR–Food conversion ratio) were collected and pigs were slaughtered at the average BW of 160 kg to assess carcass and meat quality. From our results it is concluded that animals kept at 1.3 m2/head had better productive parameters, showing higher BW at slaughter (P

The hypothesis that the presence of macrocephaly might vary with the specific growth chart used was tested by using the Nellahus, CDC, and recent Rollins et al revision head circumference charts to plot the head circumferences of 253 children with neurodevelopmental disorders and with ages between 12 to 36 months; of these children, 59 had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The CDC and Rollins et al head circumference charts identified more cases of macrocephaly and fewer cases of microcephaly than did the older Nellhaus chart but did not significantly differ in their identification of macrocephaly in children with autism.

In this paper we carried out an analysis of the path to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aiming to introduce some reflections in the light of the proposals put forward by the EU Commission. The series of four reforms has radically changed the face of the CAP and today we are moving to a new act on this long road, but one which seems set in a very different scenario from that experienced in the past. We present the reasons and implications of the unusual scenario in which the post-2013 CAP is set. An era of declining prices had accompanied the so-called “green revolution” and the formulas used in government intervention to stabilize agricultural markets had been rendered anachronistic. Today the situation is different and the rise and volatility in agricultural commodity prices recorded in recent years are pushing us towards a horizon of systematic market instability, in which the issue of security of supply has returned to the top of the agenda. In this context, we emphasized both the new institutional framework into which the reform is set, and the 2020 Strategy and the financial prospects of Europe against the backdrop of the economic crisis. We analyzed in details the key points of the Commission’s proposal, in the light of the evolution of the economic and institutional scenario, underlining the implications of the reform proposal for the Mediterranean areas.

The data on the growth in supply and demand is unequivocal. Agricultural production can no longer keep up with demand. The increase in the world’s population together with the even more dramatic growth in food consumption which now characterises key areas of the planet, are fuelling the demand for food whilst there has been a downturn in the availability of agricultural land and productivity. These trends are playing out at an increasingly rapid pace. Inverting the trends affecting public investment in agricultural research which we have witnessed over these last few years is becoming a priority for every country in the world. The food security challenge implies a long-term vision and use of financial resources which can only be assured by massive, targeted, public intervention.