A Preliminar Evidence of Quantum Like Behavior in Measurements of Mental States

Experimental results presented in this paper supports the hypothesis on quantum-like statistical behaviour of cognitive systems (at least human beings). Our quantum-like approach gives the possibility to represent mental states by Hilbert space vectors (complex amplitudes). Such a representation induces huge reduction of information about a mental state. We realize an approach that has no direct relation with reductionist quantum models and we are not interested in statistical behavior of micro systems forming the macro system of the brain. We describe only probabilistic features of cognitive measurements. Our quantum-like approach describes statistics of measurements of cognitive systems with the aim to ascertain if cognitive systems behave as quantum-like systems where here quantum-like cognitive behavior means that cognitive systems result to be very sensitive to changes of the context with regard to the complex of the mental conditions

Chief Medical Officers meeting on implementing a public health genomics approach

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Policy and planning of prevention in Italy: results from an appraisal of prevention plans developed by Regions for the period 2010-2012

Health policies on disease prevention differ widely between countries. Studies suggest that different countries have much to learn from each other and that significant health gains could be achieved if all countries followed best practice. This paper describes the policy development and planning process relating to prevention activities in Italy, through a critical appraisal of Regional Prevention Plans (RPPs) drafted for the period 2010-2012. The analysis was performed using a specific evaluation tool developed by a Scientific Committee appointed by the Italian Ministry of Health. We appraised nineteen RPPs, comprising a total of 702 projects, most of them in the areas of universal prevention (62.9%) and prevention in high risk groups (27.0%). Italian Regions established prevention activities using an innovative combination of population and high-risk individuals approaches. However, some issues, such as the need to reduce health inequalities, were poorly addressed. The technical drafting of RPPs required some improvement; e.g. the evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the health interventions proposed was seldom reported. There were significant geographical differences across the Regions in the appraisal of RPPs. Our research suggests that continuous assessment of the planning process of prevention may become a very useful tool for monitoring, and ultimately strengthening, public health capacity in the field of prevention. Further research is needed to analyze determinants of regional variation

Implementation of genomic policies in Italy: the new National Plan for innovation of the Health System based on omics sciences

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Effetti motori e cognitivi dati dall’attività motoria potenziata nella scuola primaria

In this project was analysed how motor function affect the association betweenexercise, motor benefits and self-efficacy. This work was carried outin the first and second grades of primary school.The motoring education program involved 107 children between the agesof 6 and 8 for 6 month. The normal motor activity was replaced by two hoursof experimentation.Shuttle run test measured motor skills and self-efficacy perception beforeand after experimentation.The data measured in the subjects involved in the experiment and in thecontrol group were compared before and after experimentation.The obtained results prove that motor increased activity has positive effectson the motor and cognitive range. (self-efficacy).In questo studio è stato attuato un intervento motorio nelle prime e secondeclassi della scuola primaria, analizzando l’associazione tra eserciziofisico, benefici motori e dell’autoefficacia.Centosette bambini tra i 6 e gli 8 anni sono stati assegnati ad un programmadi educazione motoria potenziato di 6 mesi; l’ora curriculare è stata sostituitada due ore di sperimentazione. Le prove di pre e post intervento hannovalutato la capacità motoria (SHUTTLE RUN TEST) e la percezione dell’autoefficacia.I dati ottenuti sono stati confrontati prima e dopo l’intervento, nei soggettiimpiegati nella sperimentazione e nel gruppo di controllo.Questi risultati evidenziano la possibilità di aumentare, mediante un’attivitàmotoria potenziata, gli effetti positivi a livello motorio e della sfera cognitiva(autoefficacia)

Decrease in Mitochondrial Complex I Activity in Ischemic/Reperfused Rat Heart

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered an important factor in ischemia/reperfusion injury to cardiac myocytes. Mitochondrial respiration is an important source of ROS production and hence a potential contributor to cardiac reperfusion injury. In this study, we have examined the effect of ischemia and ischemia followed by reperfusion of rat hearts on various parameters related to mitochondrial function, such as complex I activity, oxygen consumption, ROS production, and cardiolipin content. The activity of complex I was reduced by 25% and 48% in mitochondria isolated from ischemic and reperfused rat heart, respectively, compared with the controls. These changes in complex I activity were associated with parallel changes in state 3 respiration. The capacity of mitochondria to produce H 2 O 2 increased on reperfusion. The mitochondrial content of cardiolipin, which is required for optimal activity of complex I, decreased by 28% and 50% as function of ischemia and reperfusion, respectively. The lower complex I activity in mitochondria from reperfused rat heart could be completely restored to the level of normal heart by exogenous added cardiolipin. This effect of cardiolipin could not be replaced by other phospholipids nor by peroxidized cardiolipin. It is proposed that the defect in complex I activity in ischemic/reperfused rat heart could be ascribed to a ROS-induced cardiolipin damage. These findings may provide an explanation for some of the factors responsible for myocardial reperfusion injury