Subitizing as pattern recognition: evidence for automaticity when non-symbolic number stimuli are canonically arranged

Subitizing allows detecting the quantity of a small set of elements (up to four) with the accuracy of counting and the velocity of estimation. Recent studies have supported a theory which considers subitizing as a visual mechanism of pattern recognition, sensitive to spatial disposition of elements. These studies have found an increase in response rate and accuracy in the assessment of quantity when elements to be enumerated are arranged in an orderly fashion. Whether the numerosity of orderly arranged elements is accessed automatically, without the requirement of attentional resources, is a relevant issue not yet empirically investigated. The current study investigated the relation between subitizing and automaticity in a target detection task where distractors were non-symbolic number stimuli (dot patterns), with two different arrangements, random or canonical (like dice faces), having the same or different numerosity in the number target. We found that with canonical patterns, in the subitizing range, response times were faster in compatible trials, and slower in incompatible trials, compared to random patterns which did not influence response times in any condition. This result revealed that when elements in a visual display form easily recognizable patterns, their numerosity is accessed automatically

HDAC4 preserves skeletal muscle structure following long-term denervation by mediating distinct cellular responses

BACKGROUND: Denervation triggers numerous molecular responses in skeletal muscle, including the activation of catabolic pathways and oxidative stress, leading to progressive muscle atrophy. Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) mediates skeletal muscle response to denervation, suggesting the use of HDAC inhibitors as a therapeutic approach to neurogenic muscle atrophy. However, the effects of HDAC4 inhibition in skeletal muscle in response to long-term denervation have not been described yet. METHODS: To further study HDAC4 functions in response to denervation, we analyzed mutant mice in which HDAC4 is specifically deleted in skeletal muscle. RESULTS: After an initial phase of resistance to neurogenic muscle atrophy, skeletal muscle with a deletion of HDAC4 lost structural integrity after 4 weeks of denervation. Deletion of HDAC4 impaired the activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, delayed the autophagic response, and dampened the OS response in skeletal muscle. Inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system or the autophagic response, if on the one hand, conferred resistance to neurogenic muscle atrophy; on the other hand, induced loss of muscle integrity and inflammation in mice lacking HDAC4 in skeletal muscle. Moreover, treatment with the antioxidant drug Trolox prevented loss of muscle integrity and inflammation in in mice lacking HDAC4 in skeletal muscle, despite the resistance to neurogenic muscle atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal new functions of HDAC4 in mediating skeletal muscle response to denervation and lead us to propose the combined use of HDAC inhibitors and antioxidant drugs to treat neurogenic muscle atrophy

Effect of exercise on cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common disease in cancer patients that received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biotherapy. Many studies recommended physical activity and exercise to improve fatigue. This systematic review aims to provide a qualitative synthesis of Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of Aerobic, Resistance, Endurance and combined exercises on CRF versus control or different exercise group in cancer adult patients and survivors that did not receive palliative care. This systematic review is written and presented according to PRISMA protocols. Articles in the English language were collected using the PubMed and WoS databases from 2001 January 1st to 2019 September 1st. Only RCTs lasted 5 weeks or more were analysed of which CRF outcomes were examined. A total of 15 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Different outcomes in CRF self-reports were found between Aerobic, Resistance, Endurance and Combined exercises. Findings suggest that exercise improves CRF, especially with aerobic or combined programs. The outcomes of trials could help exercise professionals to properly plan the sessions by dosing the volume and intensity. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to better understand the benefits of physical exercise on cancer patients

Forma fisica degli studenti italiani: efficacia di una formazione extracurriculare supervisionata della durata di 12 settimane

The overweight threatens the adolescents’health. This study investigated the effects ofextracurricular multilateral training (MT) lastingfor 12 weeks compared to a standardtraining (ST) program performed at schoolas required by the ministerial program, onhealth- and skill-related components of physicalfitness. Eleven boys and nine girls (age13.6 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned toan experimental group (EG, n = 10) or controlgroup (CG, n = 10). At weeks 1 and 12,body mass index (BMI), waist circumference(WC), a 505 change of direction speed(CODS) and 300 m run test, were assessed.The EG underwent MT (90 min, 2 times a week)plus ST, while the CG underwent onlyST. Significant Time x Group interactionswere detected in favor of the EG for all measurements(from –8,37 to –3.50%). The extracurricularMT protocol was effective inimproving physical efficiency and reducingweight in adolescents after a period of 12weeks.Il sovrappeso minaccia la salute degli adolescenti.Questo studio ha esaminato gli effettidi un allenamento multilaterale extracurriculare(MT) della durata di 12 settimane rispettoa un programma di allenamentostandard (ST) effettuato a scuola come daprogramma ministeriale sulle componentidel fitness fisico. 11 ragazzi e 9 ragazze (età13,6 ± 0,5 anni) sono stati assegnati in modocasuale a un gruppo sperimentale (EG, n=10) o di controllo (CG, n = 10). Sono stati valutati:indice di massa corporea (BMI), circonferenzavita (WC), test 505 di cambio didirezione rapido (CODS) e corsa 300 m. EGha svolto MT (90 min, 2 volte a settimana) piùST, mentre CG ha svolto solo ST. Significativeinterazioni Tempo x Gruppo sono state rilevatea favore di EG per tutte le misurazioni(da –8,37 a –3,50%). Il protocollo MT è statoefficace nel migliorare l’efficienza fisica e ridurreil peso negli adolescenti dopo un periododi 12 settimane

Association of Anthropometrics and Body Composition with Maximal and Relative Force and Power of Kayak Stroke in Competitive Kayak Athletes

This study determined to what degree anthropometrics and body composition are associated with force and power outputs of a single-stroke kayak test (SSKT). Body height (BH), sitting height, biacromial distance, arm span, stroke length, body mass index (BMI), percent of skeletal muscle mass (PSMM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), percent body fat (PBF) and maximal and relative force (SSKTFmax and SSKTFrel) and power (SSKTPmax and SSKTPrel) of the SSKT were assessed in 21 male kayak competitors, including sprint specialists and long-distance specialists. Correlation analysis established the association (p < 0.05) between SSKTFmax and BM (r = 0.511), BMI (r = 0.495) and SMMI (r = 0.530). A significant correlation (p < 0.05) also occurred between SSKTPmax and BMI (r = 0.471) and SMMI (r = 0.489). Regression analysis determined a significant association of the anthropometrics–body composition model of kayakers with SSKTFmax (R2 = 0.790), SSKTFRel (R2 = 0.748), SSKTPmax (R2 = 0.676) and SSKTPrel (R2 = 0.625). A longer and wider upper body supported by higher amounts of skeletal muscle mass per square of body size provides higher force outcomes in a complex single-handed SSKT, while the PSMM provides higher outcomes in SSKTPmax

Denervation does not induce muscle atrophy through oxidative stress

Denervation leads to the activation of the catabolic pathways, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy, resulting in skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness. Furthermore, denervation induces oxidative stress in skeletal muscle, which is thought to contribute to the induction of skeletal muscle atrophy. Several muscle diseases are characterized by denervation, but the molecular pathways contributing to muscle atrophy have been only partially described. Our study delineates the kinetics of activation of oxidative stress response in skeletal muscle following denervation. Despite the denervation-dependent induction of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle, treatments with anti-oxidant drugs do not prevent the reduction of muscle mass. Our results indicate that, although oxidative stress may contribute to the activation of the response to denervation, it is not responsible by itself of oxidative damage or neurogenic muscle atrophy

a narrative review

Active healthy ageing (AHA) is a goal that several world organisations promote and is essential for modern societies where the average age is increasing. Physical activity (PA), including exercise, is a central aspect of achieving this goal, even though a high percentage of the population has high levels of sedentariness and low levels of PA. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to summarise and critically evaluate the existing literature that investigates technology-induced changes in PA levels and the possibility that these may produce active lifestyles, promoting AHA; this is unclear in the apparently healthy older adult population. Training protocols delivered via a website, similar to mobile applications, seem capable of increasing not only physical fitness but also PA levels, at least in the short term. Wearable active tracker devices (WATs), alone or together with websites, can lead to an increase in step count and average daily moderate PA in outdoor environments, as well as in specifically designed applications. Technology that can offer virtual physical games is an effective strategy to promote PA by overcoming certain barriers that may limit its practice in apparently healthy older adults. Currently, information and communication technologies (ICTs), and more generally new digital technologies, show great potential in increasing PA levels and reducing sedentary levels, at least in the short term. The heterogeneity of the proposed interventions and the frequent lack of follow-ups do not allow us to evaluate the effectiveness in the long term, which is crucial for the AHA process.9E1A-F9DD-3EB8 | Filipe Manuel ClementeN/

Theoretical and Numerical Hydromechanics Analysis of Self-Pitching Propellers

The development of design-oriented modelling techniques to predict Self-Pitching Propellers (SPP) hydrodynamic and dynamic behaviour is here addressed. Two hydrodynamics approaches are described and validated against literature data. Both Controllable-Pitch Propellers (CPP) and SPP test cases are considered. In addition, a general theoretical Reduced Order Model (ROM) for blade hydrodynamics unsteady loads is proposed to investigate blade equilibrium stability. Numerical results are shown in terms of performance, spindle moment and pitch setting equilibrium conditions. The proposed Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) model shows to be well suited to capture SPP performance, spindle moment and blade equilibrium condition once a devoted tailoring process of model parameters is performed

Zespół padaczkowy z drgawkami połowiczymi i porażeniem połowiczym. Wyniki badania za pomocą rezonansu magnetycznego u trzyletniego chłopca

The term ‘hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome’ (HHE) was first used by Gastaut et al. to describe the sequential combination of unilateral or predominandy unilateral clonic seizures (hemiconvulsion), occurring during the first 2 years of life, immediately followed by an ipsilateral flaccid hemiplegia lasting 7 or more days. In the following phase partial epileptic seizures occur. We report a case of HHE syndrome in a 3-year-old boy with partial seizures (hemiconvulsion lasting 15–30 minutes) followed by left hemiplegia and hyporeflexia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse and high signal hyperintensity of the whole right cerebral hemisphere. Diffusion-weighted images showed a reduction of the apparent diffusion coefficient in the subcortical region. Magnetic resonance arteriography showed a narrow flow signal in the distal territory of the right middle cerebral artery. The authors emphasize the importance of neuroradiological findings in early diagnosis and in the follow-up of HHE syndrome.Określenia zespół padaczkowy z drgawkami połowiczymi i z porażeniem połowiczym” (hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia epilepsy – HHE) użyli po raz pierwszy Gastaut i wsp., aby opisać połączenie jednostronnych lub głównie jednostronnych drgawek klonicznych, pojawiających się w pierwszych dwóch latach życia, po których następuje tożstronne wiotkie porażenie połowicze utrzymujące się przez co najmniej tydzień. Następnie występują napady padaczkowe częściowe. W artykule przedstawiono przypadek zespołu HHE u trzyletniego chłopca z napadami częściowymi (drgawki połowicze trwające 15–30 minut), po których nastąpiło lewostronne porażenie połowicze z osłabionymi odruchami głębokimi. W badaniu za pomocą rezonansu magnetycznego uwidoczniono rozlane zmiany hiperintensywne w całej prawej półkuli mózgu. W obrazowaniu dyfuzji stwierdzono zmniejszenie współczynnika dyfuzji w obszarach podkorowych. W arteriografii rezonansu magnetycznego uwidoczniono wąski sygnał przepływu w dystalnych gałęziach prawej tętnicy środkowej mózgu. Autorzy podkreślają znaczenie wyników badań obrazowych układu nerwowego we wczesnym rozpoznaniu i obserwacji chorych na HHE

ODINet - Online Data Integration Network

Along with the expansion of Open Data and according to the latest EU directives for open access, the attention of public administration, research bodies and business is on web publishing of data in open format. However, a specialized search engine on the datasets, with similar role to that of Google for web pages, is not yet widespread. This article presents the Online Data Integration Network (ODINet) project, which aims to define a new technological framework for access to and online dissemination of structured and heterogeneous data through innovative methods of cataloging, searching and display of data on the web. In this article, we focus on the semantic component of our platform, emphasizing how we built and used ontologies. We further describe the Social Network Analysis (SNA) techniques we exploited to analyze it and to retrieve the required information. The testing phase of the project, that is still in progress, has already demonstrated the validity of the ODINet approach