A simple method to analyze overall inidividual physical fitness in firefighters

none8noThe aim of the present study was to identify the main components that determine firefighters’ level of physical fitness using a stair climbing test. The age, weight, height, body fat and VO2max of the firefighters were recorded before the trial and %HHR was recorded during the stair climbing. Non-linear modeling of heart rate reserve time series and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) was applied to the data to isolate a small number of variables that quantify overall individual physical fitness. The heart rate reserve was represented as a function of time using a the sum of linear and trigonometric functions. Four main factors that influence performance, obtained from PCA analysis, emerged (78.2% of total explained variance): the capacity to carry the extra-load (22.8% of total variance); the effect of body fat (19.6% of total variance); the influence of age in the task (19.3% of total variance); the overall fitness level (16.4% of total variance). This approach allowed us to make a rapid assessment of each subject’s fitness level. Such an assessment could be used in planning individualized functional training programs to improve each firefighter’s job performance and reduce injuries, and hence save time, energy and financial resources.openA.R. Calavalle; D. Sisti; G. Mennelli; G. Andolina; M. Del Sal; M.B.L. Rocchi; P. Benelli; V. StocchiCalavalle, ANNA RITA; Sisti, Davide; Mennelli, G.; Andolina, G.; DEL SAL, Marta; Rocchi, MARCO BRUNO LUIGI; Benelli, P.; Stocchi, Vilbert

On Haagerup's list of potential principal graphs of subfactors

We show that any graph, in the sequence given by Haagerup in 1991 as that of candidates of principal graphs of subfactors, is not realized as a principal graph except for the smallest two. This settles the remaining case of a previous work of the first author.Comment: 19 page

Poly(GP), neurofilament and grey matter deficits in C9orf72 expansion carriers

Objective: To evaluate poly(GP), a dipeptide repeat protein, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) as biomarkers in presymptomatic C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers and patients with C9orf72-associated frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, to investigate the relationship of poly(GP) with indicators of neurodegeneration as measured by NfL and grey matter volume. Methods: We measured poly(GP) and NfL levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 25 presymptomatic C9orf72 expansion carriers, 64 symptomatic expansion carriers with dementia, and 12 noncarriers. We explored associations with grey matter volumes using region of interest and voxel-wise analyses. Results: Poly(GP) was present in C9orf72 expansion carriers and absent in noncarriers (specificity 100%, sensitivity 97%). Presymptomatic carriers had lower poly(GP) levels than symptomatic carriers. NfL levels were higher in symptomatic carriers than in presymptomatic carriers and healthy noncarriers. NfL was highest in patients with concomitant motor neuron disease, and correlated with disease severity and survival. Associations between poly(GP) levels and small grey matter regions emerged but did not survive multiple comparison correction, while higher NfL levels were associated with atrophy in frontotemporoparietal cortices and the thalamus. Interpretation: This study of C9orf72 expansion carriers reveals that: (1) poly(GP) levels discriminate presymptomatic and symptomatic expansion carriers from noncarriers, but are not associated with indicators of neurodegeneration; and (2) NfL levels are associated with grey matter atrophy, disease severity, and shorter survival. Together, poly(GP) and NfL show promise as complementary biomarkers for clinical trials for C9orf72-associated frontotemporal dementia, with poly(GP) as a potential marker for target engagement and NfL as a marker of disease activity and progression

Penile-scrotal flap vaginoplasty versus inverted penile skin flap expanded with spatulated urethra: A multidisciplinary single-centre analysis

This study is aimed to compare outcomes of penile-scrotal flap vaginoplasty to inverted penile skin flap expanded with spatulated urethra as a single-centre experience. Data regarding vaginoplasty performed between May 2003 and January 2014 were reviewed. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique performed: perineal-scrotal flap vaginoplasty (Group A), and inverted penile skin flap expanded with spatulated urethra vaginoplasty (Group B). All patients underwent to psychological analysis before surgery. Functional follow-up was based on a modified validated Female Sexual Function Index. Overall, 67 patients with a mean (SD) age of 34 (\ub19.38) years underwent to surgery. 41 patients were included into the Group A and 26 into the Group B. Mean operative time among Groups A and B was 316 (\ub1101.65) and 594 (\ub189.06) minutes, respectively (p<0.0001). Longer postoperative hospitalization was shown in Group B (14 days \ub1 4,51) than in Group A (10 days \ub1 2,49); (p<0.0001). Group B patients showed a higher anemization rate requiring blood transfusion (p=0.00014) as well as compressive neuropathy (p=0.038). In addition to this, necrosis of the skin flap was reported in 8 patients of Group B (p<0.0001). Comprehensive functional follow-up data was included; spontaneous vaginal lubrication was not reported in 82.4% of Group A vs 12.5% cases of Group B (p=0.0085). When compared to penile-scrotal flap vaginoplasty, inverted penile skin flap expanded with spatulated urethra technique shows an increased risk of complications with comparable satisfaction rates whereas a higher spontaneous vaginal lubrication is reported. Sexological support is of utmost importance in this setting

Mycorrhizas in Agroecosystems

The abstract is published online only. If you did not include a short abstract for the online version when you submitted the manuscript, the first paragraph or the first 10 lines of the chapter will be displayed here. If possible, please provide us with an informative abstract. The increasing consideration for more information to better understand agroecosystems and soils under different management has been recognized. The study of surface and deep soil responses to global change and how to enhance the resilience of soil ecosystems is thus urgently recommended. The examination and use of arbuscular mycorrhizas, which link the biotic and soil components providing ecosystem services for crops in the different associated soils, is reviewed. This chapter discusses advances in mycorrhizal fungi potential drawing on recent research worldwide. Studies on mycorrhizas have developed largely; however, the applications of mycorrhizas in agriculture and environmental issues are still incipient, and its limitations are also discussed

Mycorrhizas in Agroecosystems

Fil: Pagano, Marcela Claudia. Federal University of Minas Gerais; BrazilFil: Dantas, Belchior L.. EMBRAPA. Agroindustria Tropical; BrazilFil: Weber, Olmar B.. EMBRAPA. Agroindustria Tropical; BrazilFil: Correa, Eduardo A.. EPAMIG-URECO. Fazenda Experimental de Pitangui; BrazilFil: Tancredi, Fabio D.. EPAMIG-URECO. Fazenda Experimental de Pitangui; BrazilFil: Bago, Alberto. Estación Experimental del Zaidin; EspañaFil: Cabello, Marta Noemi. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Instituto Spegazzini; Argentin