The prevalence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with women’s availability to train and compete: A study of 6,812 exercising women recruited using the STRAVA™ exercise app

Objectives: The menstrual cycle can affect sports participation and exercise performance. There are very few data on the specific menstrual cycle symptoms (symptoms during various phases of the cycle, not only during menstruation) experienced by exercising women. We aimed to characterise the most common symptoms; the number and frequency of symptoms; and we evaluated whether menstrual cycle symptoms were associated with sporting outcomes. Methods: 6,812 adult women of reproductive age (mean age: 38.3 (8.7) years) who were not using combined hormonal contraception were recruited via the STRAVA exercise app user database and completed a 39-part survey. Respondents were from seven geographical areas, and questions were translated and localised to each region (Brazil, n=1,288; France, n=1,911; Germany, n=1,178; Spain, n=1,204; UK & Ireland, n=2,311; and USA, n=2,479). The survey captured exercise behaviours; current menstrual status; the presence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms; medication use for symptoms; perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise and work behaviours; and history of hormonal contraception use. We propose a novel Menstrual Symptom index (MSi) based on the presence and frequency of 18 commonly reported symptoms (range 0-54 where 54 would be all 18 symptoms each occurring very frequently). Results: The most prevalent menstrual cycle symptoms were mood changes/anxiety (90.6%), tiredness/fatigue (86.2%), stomach cramps (84.2%), and breast pain/tenderness (83.1%). After controlling for BMI, training volume and age, the Menstrual Symptom Index was associated with a greater likelihood of missing or changing training (OR= 1.09 (CI: 1.08,1.10); p<0.05), missing a sporting event/competition (OR= 1.07 (CI: 1.06,1.08); p=<0.05), absenteeism from work/academia (OR= 1.08 (CI: 1.07,1.09); p=<0.05), and use of pain medication (OR= 1.09 (CI: 1.08,1.09); p=<0.05). Conclusion: Menstrual cycle symptoms are very common in exercising women and women report that these symptoms compromise their exercise participation and work capacity. The Menstrual Symptom Index needs to be formally validated (psychometrics); at present it provides an easy way to quantify the frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms

Hydrogen-Helium Mixtures at High Pressure

The properties of hydrogen-helium mixtures at high pressure are crucial to address important questions about the interior of Giant planets e.g. whether Jupiter has a rocky core and did it emerge via core accretion? Using path integral Monte Carlo simulations, we study the properties of these mixtures as a function of temperature, density and composition. The equation of state is calculated and compared to chemical models. We probe the accuracy of the ideal mixing approximation commonly used in such models. Finally, we discuss the structure of the liquid in terms of pair correlation functions.Comment: Proceedings article of the 5th Conference on Cryocrystals and Quantum Crystals in Wroclaw, Poland, submitted to J. Low. Temp. Phys. (2004

COVID-19 - Considerations for the Female Athlete

The SARS CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) caused the whole sporting calendar to be paused. As we embark on the challenge of navigating through the return to play (RTP) process, there is a necessity to consider the needs of all athletes. This commentary specifically considers recommendations and requirements for the female athlete with a physiological emphasis during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it will be relevant for any similar future scenarios that may present. It is important to acknowledge that there remain many unknowns surrounding COVID-19 and the female athlete both in the short- and long-term

The effect of bisphosphonate treatment on osteoclast precursor cells in postmenopausal osteoporosis: The TRIO study

Bisphosphonates are used to treat bone disease characterised by increased bone resorption by inhibiting the activity of mature osteoclasts, resulting in decreased bone turnover. Bisphosphonates may also reduce the population of osteoclast precursor cells. Our aims were to investigate the effect of bisphosphonates on i) osteoclast precursor cells and ii) circulating cytokine and cytokine receptor in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis compared with healthy premenopausal women. Participants were 62 postmenopausal women (mean age 66) from a 48-week parallel group trial of bisphosphonates. They received ibandronate 150 mg/month (n = 22), alendronate 70 mg/week (n = 19) or risedronate 35 mg/week (n = 21). Fasting blood was collected at baseline, weeks 1 and 48. At baseline, blood was also collected from 25 healthy premenopausal women (mean age 37) to constitute a control group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted and stained for CD14, M-CSFR, CD11b and TNFRII receptors. Flow cytometry was used to identify cells expressing CD14 + and M-CSFR + or CD11b + or TNFRII +. RANKL and OPG were measured to evaluate potential mediation of the bisphosphonate effect. After 48 weeks of treatment, there was a decrease in the percentage of cells expressing M-CSFR and CD11b receptors by 53% and 49% respectively (p < 0.01). Cells expressing M-CSFR and CD11b were decreased with ibandronate and risedronate after 48 weeks to the lower part of the premenopausal reference interval. These effects were not significantly different between each of the treatment groups. There was no significant effect on RANKL and OPG throughout the study period. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption in the short-term by direct action on mature osteoclasts. There is also a later effect mediated in part by a reduction in the population of circulating osteoclast precursors

Panorama de las producciones vegetales intensivas de alimentos saludables – “Proalim Km 0”, en tiempos de pandemia por la Covid-19 – Parte 1. Predisposición de los consumidores de hortalizas, frutas y aromáticas medicinales a su producción, agroindustria y consumo

Given the importance that, for the health of the population, an adequate consumption of products of plant origin has, and in order to have a diagnosis on the intensive vegetable production of healthy foods (PVIAS) of proximity, at the level of urban family gardens and of commercial ventures, their production, processing, marketing and consumption preferences, in the current socio-economic and productive context, an inter-institutional survey called “ProALIM Km 0” was carried out. It was organized within the framework of the inter-institutional project CIAC-940186 (INTA – AUDEAS – CONADEV) “Intensive Vegetable Productions of Healthy Foods - PVIAS”, using Google form (Google Forms). The main objective of this work to know the habits, preferences and changes produced in the population, regarding the production, agroindustry and / or consumption of vegetables, fruits and medicinal aromatics (intensive vegetable productions - PVIAS), in the current socio-economic and productive context. The surveyed population demonstrated to know and have interest in the production, agribusiness and consumption of PVIAS, and it was detected that, in many cases, this interest is not specified in practice, especially in relation to the consumption of vegetables and water, in the that reality is, to a great extent, far from national and international recommendations. These differences would indicate that, from the institutions, actions must be carried out that make it possible to translate into practice, aspects that the population knows of their convenience.Dada la importancia que, para la salud de la población, tiene un adecuado consumo de productos de origen vegetal, y a fin de disponer de un diagnóstico sobre las producciones vegetales intensivas de alimentos saludables (PVIAS) de cercanía, a nivel de huertas urbanas familiares y de emprendimientos comerciales, su producción, elaboración, comercialización y preferencias de consumo, en el actual contexto socioeconómico y productivo, se llevó a cabo una encuesta interinstitucional denominada “ProALIM Km 0”. La misma se organizó en el marco del Proyecto interinstitucional CIAC-940186 (INTA–AUDEAS–CONADEV) “Producciones Vegetales Intensivas de Alimentos Saludables – PVIAS”, mediante formulario de Google (Google Forms). El objetivo central de este trabajo conocer los hábitos, preferencias y cambios producidos en la población, respecto de la produccin, agroindustria y/o consumo de hortalizas, frutas y aromáticas medicinales (producciones vegetales intensivas – PVIAS), en el actual contexto socioeconómico y productivo. La población encuestada demostró conocer y tener interés en la producción, agroindustria y consumo de PVIAS, y se detectó que, en muchos casos, dicho interés no se concreta en la práctica, especialmente en lo relacionado al consumo de vegetales y de agua, en los que la realidad dista, en gran medida, las recomendaciones nacionales e internacionales. Dichas diferencias estarían indicando que, desde las instituciones, deben llevarse a cabo acciones que hagan posible que se plasme en la práctica, aspectos que la población sabe de su conveniencia.EEA BalcarceFil: Bellaccomo, María Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; Argentina .Fil: Berriolo, María Jimena. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Chacra Experimental Integrada Barrow; Argentina.Fil: Caracotche. María Verónica. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; Argentina .Fil: Castagnino, Ana M. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina.Fil: Cendón, María Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina.Fil: Cendón, María Laura. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina.Fil: Díaz, K. E. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina.Fil: González Ferrín, María Soledad. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Chacra Experimental Integrada Barrow; Argentina.Fil: Martinoia, G. I. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina.Fil: Mairosser, Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; Argentina.Fil: Rogers, W. J. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina.Fil: Rogers, W. J. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Villagra, Constanza Marcela. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Agencia de Extensión Rural Necochea; Argentina.Fil: Zazzetta, Malvina Lis. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; Argentina

Vision zero: from accident prevention to the promotion of health, safety and well-being at work

There is growing attention in industry for the Vision Zero strategy, which in terms of work-related health and safety is often labelled as Zero Accident Vision or Zero Harm. The consequences of a genuine commitment to Vision Zero for addressing health, safety and well-being and their synergies are discussed. The Vision Zero for work-related health, safety and well-being is based on the assumption that all accidents, harm and work-related diseases are preventable. Vision Zero for health, safety and well-being is then the ambition and commitment to create and ensure safe and healthy work and to prevent all accidents, harm and work-related diseases in order to achieve excellence in health, safety and well-being. Implementation of Vision Zero is a process – rather than a target, and healthy organizations make use of a wide range of options to facilitate this process. There is sufficient evidence that fatigue, stress and work organization factors are important determinants of safety behaviour and safety performance. Even with a focus on preventing accidents these additional factors should also be addressed. A relevant challenge is the integration of the Vision Zero into broader business policy and practice. There is a continued need more empirical research in this area

Panorama of intensive plant production of healthy foods -"Proalim Km 0", in times of pandemic by Covid-19 – Part 2 Preferences of the production, agribusiness, commercialization and consumption of diversity of vegetables

Las producciones de origen vegetal de alimentos saludables (PVIAS), particularmente las frutas y hortalizas, constituyen un grupo de alimentos de gran interés por los beneficios de su consumo, dada la importancia que tienen por su contenido en vitaminas, minerales y fibras, y una gran diversidad de otros fitoquímicos. Esto determina que su utilización sea imprescindible para lograr una alimentación sana y equilibrada, fundamental, por ejemplo, para enfrentar la situación epidemiológica originada por virus denominado SARS-CoV-2 (que deriva de ´Síndrome Respiratorio Severo Agudo Coronavirus 2´) conocido comúnmente como COVID-19. En este contexto y con el objetivo de profundizar en el estudio de los aspectos principales con relación a la realidad de las PVIAS, conocida (a partir de una encuesta amplia previa), se realizó la encuesta denominada "proALIM Km 0", que refiere a las preferencias de la producción, agroindustria y consumo de vegetales locales”. Mediante la misma, la propuesta fue la de impulsar acciones concretas sobre las principales necesidades identificadas en los eslabones productivos, agroindustriales y comerciales de dichas cadenas, como así también el consumo en diversidad, cantidad y calidad. Este trabajo se llevó a cabo en el marco del Proyecto interinstitucional CIAC-940186 (INTA– AUDEAS–CONADEV) “Producciones Vegetales Intensivas de Alimentos Saludables – PVIAS. Los resultados de esta encuesta permitirán realizar acciones concretas tendientes a propiciar, la expansión de la producción, agroindustria y consumo de PVIAS, principalmente en el área de influencia de la región CeRBAS. Además, se tuvo como meta que la misma se componga de emprendedores caracterizados por la sustentabilidad y biodiversidad de sus producciones, enfocados en el aprovechamiento integral de la materia prima y el agregado de valor a las mismas; y que los consumidores adquieran hábitos de consumo saludables, que impacten de manera positiva en su bienestar, salud y calidad de vida.Healthy food productions of plant origin (PVIAS, for their Spanish acronym), particularly of fruit and vegetables, comprises a foodstuffs group of great interest due to the benefits associated with their consumption, given their vitamin, mineral and fiber content, which make their consumption essential for a healthy and balanced diet, fundamental for confronting the epidemiological situation generated by COVID-19. In this context, and with the aim of studying in greater depth (i) their main aspects, (ii) the reality of the PVIAS (from a previous wide ranging questionnaire) enabling the promotion of concrete actions on the principal necessities identified in the productive, agro-industrial and commercial links in their chains, and (iii) the diversity, quantity and quality of their consumption, the “Survey proALIM “Km 0” - Preferences in the production, agroindustry and consumption of local vegetables” was carried out. This was executed within the framework of the interinstitutional Project CIAC-940186 (INTA–AUDEAS–CONADEV) “Healthy food products of plant origin - PVIAS. The results of the survey will allow the realization of concrete actions aimed at promoting expansion in the production, agroindustry and consumption of PVIAS, principally in the area of influence of the CeRBAS region, and that these activities involve enterprises characterized by the sustainability and biodiversity of their production and focused upon the integrated use of raw materials and their added value; as well as encouraging consumers to acquire healthy eating habits that positively impact in their wellbeing, health and quality of life.EEA BalcarceFil: Bellaccomo, María Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; ArgentinaFil: Berriolo, María Jimena. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; ArgentinaFil: Caracotche. María Verónica. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; ArgentinaFil: Castagnino, Ana M. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Cendón, María Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina.Fil: Díaz, K. E. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina.Fil: Fasciglione. Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina.Fil: González Ferrín, María Soledad. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Chacra Experimental Integrada BarrowFil: Mairosser, Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; ArgentinaFil: Martinoia, G. I. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina.Fil: Rogers, W. J. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Rosini, M. B. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Villagra, Constanza Marcela. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Agencia de Extensión Rural Necochea; Argentina.Fil: Yommi, Alejandra Karina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina.Fil: Zazzetta, Malvina Lis. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; Argentina

Paleobiology of titanosaurs: reproduction, development, histology, pneumaticity, locomotion and neuroanatomy from the South American fossil record

Fil: García, Rodolfo A.. Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología. Museo Provincial Carlos Ameghino. Cipolletti; ArgentinaFil: Salgado, Leonardo. Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología. General Roca. Río Negro; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Mariela. Inibioma-Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche. Bariloche. Río Negro; ArgentinaFil: Cerda, Ignacio A.. Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología. Museo Provincial Carlos Ameghino. Cipolletti; ArgentinaFil: Carabajal, Ariana Paulina. Museo Carmen Funes. Plaza Huincul. Neuquén; ArgentinaFil: Otero, Alejandro. Museo de La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Coria, Rodolfo A.. Instituto de Paleobiología y Geología. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Neuquén; ArgentinaFil: Fiorelli, Lucas E.. Centro Regional de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica. Anillaco. La Rioja; Argentin