Effects of resistance training program on muscle mass and muscle strength and the relationship with cognition in Older Women

The aim of this study was to study the effects of a resistance training programme on Maximal Dynamic Strength (MDS) and muscle morphology of the upper limbs (UL) and lower limbs (LL), as well as to analyse their association with cognition, in a population of older women. The study had a duration of 24 months and a total of 93 Chilean older women participated. The participants were divided into two groups: The Physical Activity Group (PAG, n = 45, age (X ± SD) 77.93 ± 3.54 years), and the Sedentary Group (SG, n = 48, age (X ± SD) 77.71 ± 3.41 years). The PAG carried out a muscle strength training routine twice per week. The following variables were evaluated: Muscle function through maximal dynamic strength (1RM), muscle morphology through arm and calf circumference (AC and CC, respectively), and cognition (Mini Mental State Examination: MMSE). The results show that the SG recorded significant decreases (percent changes; p < 0.05) in the analysed variables: MMSE (-3.5%), MDS in UL (-3.3%), MDS in LL (-4.1%), AC (-4.5%), CC (-4.1%), and BMI (-3.1%). However, the PAG improved significantly in all the analysed variables except in BMI: MMSE (3.9%), MDS in UL (3.6%), MDS in LL (3.5%), AC (1.8%), and CC (2.5%). Moreover, there was a significant association (p < 0.05) between the changes in the muscle strength variables and the changes in cognition level. Therefore, it can be concluded that a two-year muscle strength training programme (load intensity between 30-55% 1RM) in older women improves Maximal Dynamic Strength in UL and LL, as well as muscle mass in arms and calves. Furthermore, it can be asserted that the changes in muscle strength levels could predict the changes in the levels of cognition in older women. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

The XMM Cluster Survey: X-ray analysis methodology

The XMM Cluster Survey (XCS) is a serendipitous search for galaxy clusters using all publicly available data in the XMM-Newton Science Archive. Its main aims are to measure cosmological parameters and trace the evolution of X-ray scaling relations. In this paper we describe the data processing methodology applied to the 5,776 XMM observations used to construct the current XCS source catalogue. A total of 3,675 > 4-sigma cluster candidates with > 50 background-subtracted X-ray counts are extracted from a total non-overlapping area suitable for cluster searching of 410 deg^2. Of these, 993 candidates are detected with > 300 background-subtracted X-ray photon counts, and we demonstrate that robust temperature measurements can be obtained down to this count limit. We describe in detail the automated pipelines used to perform the spectral and surface brightness fitting for these candidates, as well as to estimate redshifts from the X-ray data alone. A total of 587 (122) X-ray temperatures to a typical accuracy of < 40 (< 10) per cent have been measured to date. We also present the methodology adopted for determining the selection function of the survey, and show that the extended source detection algorithm is robust to a range of cluster morphologies by inserting mock clusters derived from hydrodynamical simulations into real XMM images. These tests show that the simple isothermal beta-profiles is sufficient to capture the essential details of the cluster population detected in the archival XMM observations. The redshift follow-up of the XCS cluster sample is presented in a companion paper, together with a first data release of 503 optically-confirmed clusters.Comment: MNRAS accepted, 45 pages, 38 figures. Our companion paper describing our optical analysis methodology and presenting a first set of confirmed clusters has now been submitted to MNRA

The 2024 Europe report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: unprecedented warming demands unprecedented action

Record-breaking temperatures were recorded across the globe in 2023. Without climate action, adverse climate-related health impacts are expected to worsen worldwide, affecting billions of people. Temperatures in Europe are warming at twice the rate of the global average, threatening the health of populations across the continent and leading to unnecessary loss of life. The Lancet Countdown in Europe was established in 2021, to assess the health profile of climate change aiming to stimulate European social and political will to implement rapid health-responsive climate mitigation and adaptation actions. In 2022, the collaboration published its indicator report, tracking progress on health and climate change via 33 indicators and across five domains. This new report tracks 42 indicators highlighting the negative impacts of climate change on human health, the delayed climate action of European countries, and the missed opportunities to protect or improve health with health-responsive climate action. The methods behind indicators presented in the 2022 report have been improved, and nine new indicators have been added, covering leishmaniasis, ticks, food security, health-care emissions, production and consumption-based emissions, clean energy investment, and scientific, political, and media engagement with climate and health. Considering that negative climate-related health impacts and the responsibility for climate change are not equal at the regional and global levels, this report also endeavours to reflect on aspects of inequality and justice by highlighting at-risk groups within Europe and Europe's responsibility for the climate crisis

Limitations on the role of incorporated organic matter in reducing pesticide leaching.

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Adsorption of Para Substituted Anilines from Cyclohexane Solution on Sepiolite

The adsorption processes of different para-substituted anilines from cyclohexane solution on natural sepiolite have been studied. The adsorption isotherms may be classified as type L-2 of the Giles classification in the p-bromoaniline and p-toluidine cases, and as type H-2 in the p-acetylaniline case. The experimental data points have been fitted to the Langmuir equation and the adsorption capacities, surface areas available to the amine molecules and apparent equilibrium constants have been calculated. The apparent thermodynamic magnitudes corresponding to the adsorption processes have also been determined

Imidacloprid and pyrimethanil soil sorption

The sorption of imidacloprid and pyrimethanil was measured in different soils of southern Europe. Pyrimethanil sorption (Kf=1.2-4.60) was higher than that of imidacloprid (Kf=0.31-1.99). Sorption was influenced by organic carbon content and increased with time when the soil was incubated at 25 $^\circ$C and 35% soil water content. Over a period of 14 days, the distribution coefficient between solid (soil) and solution phases increased by orders of magnitude of 2 and 4 respectively, for imidacloprid and pyrimethanil. The increment is consistent with the degradation rate measured, supporting the hypothesis of the two sites of sorption. Care should be taken when such values are used to predict pesticide fate in soil, particularly for regulatory purposes during pesticide registration.Sorption de l'imidacloprid et du pyriméthanil dans le sol. La sorption de l'imidacloprid et du pyriméthanil a été mesurée dans divers sols d'Europe méridionale. La sorption du pyriméthanil (Kf = 1,2-4,60) était plus élevée que celle de l'imidacloprid (Kf = 0,31-1,99). Elle est influencée par la teneur en carbone organique et augmente avec le temps lorsque le sol est incubé à 25 $^\circ$C et que sa teneur en eau est de 35 % . Sur une période de 14 jours, le coefficient de répartition entre la phase solide du sol et la phase liquide (solution) augmente d'un ordre de grandeur de 2 et 4 respectivement pour l'imidacloprid et le pyriméthanil. L'accroissement est en accord avec le taux de dégradation mesuré, ce qui confirme l'hypothèse de deux lieux de sorption. Il faut faire attention lorsqu'on utilise de telles valeurs pour prédire le devenir du pesticide dans le sol, en particulier dans des buts de réglementation au cours de la procédure d'enregistrement du pesticide

Pieczyngowie : koczownicy w krajobrazie politycznym i kulturowym średniowiecznej Europy

Introduction: The deterioration of cognition is highly predominant in older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a walk program on the cognition and blood concentration of lipids in women over 60 years of age who were being treated with Lovastatin. Materials and methods: Participants were distributed in two groups: an exercise group (EG, n=45) with aerobic training and an inactive sedentary group (SG, n=22). The cognitive state of the subjects was assessed through the Spanish Mini-Cog Test version of the MMSE; lipoproteins were quantified using a lipid profile test and the cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the 6 min Walk Test (6MWT). Results: EG showed a significant increase (p0.05). Conclusion: A controlled and progressive walk program for older women treated with Lovastatin may induce a boost of brain activity linked to HDL-C, which could delay cognitive impairment