A food chain ecoepidemic model: infection at the bottom trophic level

In this paper we consider a three level food web subject to a disease affecting the bottom prey. The resulting dynamics is much richer with respect to the purely demographic model, in that it contains more transcritical bifurcations, gluing together the various equilibria, as well as persistent limit cycles, which are shown to be absent in the classical case. Finally, bistability is discovered among some equilibria, leading to situations in which the computation of their basins of attraction is relevant for the system outcome in terms of its biological implications

Incidenza, disposizione al crimine in soggetti con dubbi requisiti psicofisici per l’idoneità alla patente di guida in psicodiagnostica

In the contemporary society often there have been criminal acts under psychotropic substances effects, like road accidents. From our ambulatory experience, started in December 1996, in association with the Local Medical Commission of Naples (CML), refers to sample of 2135 subject (n. 44 women) with psycho-physical doubt for the driving idoneity, mostly visited for drive or accident down psychotropic substances (New Highway Code). The 28.0% of the general sample (U), refers to penal records: in this study we intend to view the bias of crime disposition on the drive behaviour.To reach the aim, we matched the results of the psycho-diagnostic tests of the Uncensored Subjects (group I) with the ones of the Criminals (group C). The results show that the C group is submitted to the psycho-test for driving under illegal drugs, and the I group for drunken driving. The former group lives in low social condition, due to a poor cultural status. The latter, mean aged 30, is, generally, single, childless, middle-high cultured, has a better social economic condition.The mental tests show for both groups a predisposed personality, weak, aggressive, repressed, dependent from the primary figure, with intellective disorders; such characteristics are more pathologic in the group C. The exam of the habits shows an inadequate behaviour, due to the abuse of drugs (alcohol, drug, nicotine, caffeine and psychodrugs). The difference between the two groups is related to the way of consumption: occasional for the former and frequent for the latter. The results of the tests show in I group a greater percentage of positive or suspect subjects to the diagnosis for alcoholism, while in C group, the majority tends to the drug addiction or ex drug addiction. Both group are in a borderline status, even if a part of C group is not in equilibrium status.Only the 15.5% of the general sample (U), not in balance status, will not be valuate fit for driving from the CML (C group prevails). Both groups show an individual tendency for some attitudes. The I group is less cold and offensive, with tendency to reflection, while, the C group, lacking of introspection, has got no consciousness of its actions, condition that not allow to alter the style of life. It is evident that in spite of the controls of the New Highway Code (285/92) there is, still, a part of young Italians, which drives and makes damages under the effect of psychotropic substances (general sample).It should be promoted some raising campaigns with the aim to teach “respect” that watch over and bring up correctly the people with adequate information. Then, we should operate for the recovery of the criminals, modifying the educational systems in use with the renewal of the country to give, out of the jail, social and educative supports, to guarantee employment, respect and dignity to the person.Nella società attuale spesso si registrano atti criminosi sotto effetto delle sostanze psicotrope, tra i quali, i reati stradali. Si riferisce della nostra esperienza ambulatoriale, iniziata nel dicembre 1996 in collaborazione con la Commissione Medico Locale di Napoli (CML), su n. 2135 soggetti (n.44 donne) con dubbi requisiti psicofisici per l’idoneità alla guida, visitati prevalentemente per guida sotto effetto di sostanze psicotrope e/o incidente (Nuovo Codice della Strada). Del campione generale (U), il 28,0% riferisce precedenti penali: in questo lavoro s’intende osservare l’incidenza della disposizione al crimine sul comportamento di guida. Per conseguire lo scopo, sono stati confrontati statisticamente gli esiti dell’esame psicodiagnostico dei soggetti Incensurati (gruppo I) con quelli dei Criminali (gruppo C).  I Risultati hanno evidenziato che il gruppo C esegue l’esame psichico per guida sotto effetto di stupefacenti, I, per guida in stato d’ebbrezza. Il primo vive uno stato di precariato in una condizione socio – culturale bassa. Il secondo, con età media di circa 30 anni, celibe senza figli, con istruzione medio – superiore, con una condizione socio - economica media I test mentali hanno evidenziato per i gruppi, una personalità predisponente, debole, impulsiva, aggressiva, repressa, dipendente dalla figura primaria con disturbi dell’intelligenza e psicosomatici; tali requisiti sono più patologici nel gruppo C. L’esame delle abitudini ha evidenziato un comportamento inadeguato indotto dal variato uso/abuso delle sostanze psicoattive (alcol, droga, nicotina, caffeina e psicofarmaci). La differenza tra Incensurati – Criminali, sta nei modi di consumo: saltuario nei primi, frequente nei secondi. Gli esiti del protocollo evidenziano per I, una maggiore percentuale di soggetti ritenuti sospetti o positivi per la diagnosi d’alcolismo, per C, la maggioranza tende alla tossicodipendenza o ex-tossicodipendenza. In prevalenza entrambi i sottogruppi sono in stato d’equilibrio borderline, anche se parte di C non è in equilibrio. Dalla CML solo il 15,5% del campione generale, non in equilibrio, sarà ritenuto non idoneo alla guida (C prevalente). Entrambi i gruppi mostrano una predisposizione individuale nell’ assumere determinati comportamenti. Il gruppo Incensurato è meno freddo e offensivo, tende alla riflessione, mentre quello Criminale, essendo privo d’introspezione, non ha consapevolezza delle proprie azioni, condizione che non consente di mutare lo stile di vita.È evidente che nonostante i controlli previsti dal Nuovo Codice della Strada (285/92) c’è una parte d’italiani, in giovane età che continua a guidare e a far disastri sotto l’effetto delle sostanze psicotrope (campione generale). Si dovrebbe promuovere una campagna di sensibilizzazione che incoraggi “il rispetto altrui” che tuteli e formi correttamente l’utenza con adeguata informazione. Inoltre, bisognerebbe mirare al recupero dei criminali, apportando modifiche ai sistemi educativi in uso con il risanamento del territorio che diano, una volta fuori dalle carceri, sostegno sociale e formativo, consentendo lavoro, rispetto e dignità alla persona

Work-related stress in agricultural industry: a preliminary investigation

The present paper aims to investigate the social aspects of the agricultural industry, particularly those related to farmers. Starting with an analysis of the literature and official reports, the work describes the current problematic situation for the farmers' well-being. The research focuses on identifying the leading causes of their psychological stress through qualitative analyses made through personal interviews and questionnaires. Several reasons for stress were detected. The most prominent one was found to be harvest uncertainty. Finally, some solutions for actions to tackle the problem are discussed and suggested for further studies and applications

Echocardiographic assessment of subclinical left ventricular eccentric hypertrophy in adult-onset GHD patients by geometric remodeling: an observational case-control study

BACKGROUND: Most patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) show high body mass index. Overweight subjects, but GHD patients, were demonstrated to have high left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and abnormal LV geometric remodeling. We sought to study these characteristics in a group of GHD patients, in an attempt to establish the BMI-independent role of GHD. METHODS: Fifty-four patients, 28 F and 26 M, aged 45.9 ± 13.1, with adult-onset GHD (pituitary adenomas 48.2%, empty sella 27.8%, pituitary inflammation 5.5%, cranio-pharyngioma 3.7%, not identified pathogenesis 14.8%) were enrolled. To minimize any possible interferences of BMI on the aim of this study, the control group included 20 age- and weight-matched healthy subjects. The LV geometry was identified by the relationship between LVMi (cut-off 125 g/m(2)) and relative wall thickness (cut-off 0.45) at echocardiography. RESULTS: There was no significant between-group difference in resting cardiac morphology and function, nor when considering age-related discrepancy. The majority of patients had normal-low LVM/LVMi, but about one fourth of them showed higher values. These findings correlated to relatively high circulating IGF-1 and systolic blood pressure at rest. The main LV geometric pattern was eccentric hypertrophy in 22% of GHD population (26% of with severe GHD) and in 15% of controls (p = NS). CONCLUSION: Though the lack of significant differences in resting LV morphology and function, about 25% of GHD patients showed high LVMi (consisting of eccentric hypertrophy), not dissimilarly to overweight controls. This finding, which prognostic role is well known in obese and hypertensive patients, is worthy to be investigated in GHD patients through wider controlled trials

Consensus based recommendations for diagnosis and medical management of Poland syndrome (sequence)

Background Poland syndrome (OMIM: 173800) is a disorder in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, breast, shoulder, arm, and hand. The extent and severity of the abnormalities vary among affected individuals. Main body The aim of this work is to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of people affected by Poland syndrome based on evidence from literature and experience of health professionals from different medical backgrounds who have followed for several years affected subjects. The literature search was performed in the second half of 2019. Original papers, meta-analyses, reviews, books and guidelines were reviewed and final recommendations were reached by consensus. Conclusion Being Poland syndrome a rare syndrome most recommendations here presented are good clinical practice based on the consensus of the participant experts

Morphology of the toe flexor muscles in older people with toe deformities

Objective: Despite suggestions that atrophied, or weak toe flexor muscles are associated with the formation of toe deformities, there has been little evidence to support this theory. This study aimed to determine whether the size of the toe flexor muscles differed in older people with and without toe deformities. Methods: Forty-four older adults (>60 years) were recruited for the study. Each participant had their feet assessed for the presence of hallux valgus or lesser toe deformities. Intrinsic and extrinsic toe flexor muscles were imaged with an ultrasound system using a standardised protocol. Assessor blinded muscle thickness and cross-sectional area was measured using Image J software. Results: Participants with lesser toe deformities (n=20) were found to have significantly smaller quadratus plantae (p=0.003), flexor digitorum brevis (p=0.013), abductor halluces (p=0.004) and flexor halluces brevis (p=0.005) muscles than the participants without any toe deformities (n=19). Female participants with hallux valgus (n=10) were found to have significantly smaller abductor hallucis (p=0.048) and flexor halluces brevis (p=0.013) muscles than the female participants without any toe deformities (n=10; p<0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to use ultrasound to investigate the size of the toe flexor muscles in older people with hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities compared to otherwise healthy older adults. The size of the abductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis muscles were decreased in participants with hallux valgus whereas the quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis and flexor halluces brevis muscles were smaller in those participants with lesser toe deformities

Sex difference and intra-operative tidal volume: Insights from the LAS VEGAS study

BACKGROUND: One key element of lung-protective ventilation is the use of a low tidal volume (VT). A sex difference in use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) has been described in critically ill ICU patients.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether a sex difference in use of LTVV also exists in operating room patients, and if present what factors drive this difference.DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING: This is a posthoc analysis of LAS VEGAS, a 1-week worldwide observational study in adults requiring intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery in 146 hospitals in 29 countries.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women and men were compared with respect to use of LTVV, defined as VT of 8 ml kg-1 or less predicted bodyweight (PBW). A VT was deemed 'default' if the set VT was a round number. A mediation analysis assessed which factors may explain the sex difference in use of LTVV during intra-operative ventilation.RESULTS: This analysis includes 9864 patients, of whom 5425 (55%) were women. A default VT was often set, both in women and men; mode VT was 500 ml. Median [IQR] VT was higher in women than in men (8.6 [7.7 to 9.6] vs. 7.6 [6.8 to 8.4] ml kg-1 PBW, P < 0.001). Compared with men, women were twice as likely not to receive LTVV [68.8 vs. 36.0%; relative risk ratio 2.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.1), P < 0.001]. In the mediation analysis, patients' height and actual body weight (ABW) explained 81 and 18% of the sex difference in use of LTVV, respectively; it was not explained by the use of a default VT.CONCLUSION: In this worldwide cohort of patients receiving intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery, women received a higher VT than men during intra-operative ventilation. The risk for a female not to receive LTVV during surgery was double that of males. Height and ABW were the two mediators of the sex difference in use of LTVV.TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01601223

Effects of limited volatiles release by plants in tritrophic interactions

We introduce a mathematical model to describe the tritrophic interaction between crop, pest and the pest natural enemy where the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by crop is taken into account. The VOCs may be considered as an indirect defence mechanism of the plant as they attract the pest natural enemies toward the attacked plants. The model dynamics is studied through qualitative analysis and numerical simulations. The factors that may enhance pest disappearance are identified. In particular, we show that VOCs may have a beneficial effect on the environment since their release may be able to stabilize the model dynamics. Specifically, for the parameter values that we have explored, this effect can arise only when both the phenomena of VOCs basic plant release and VOCs plant release due to pest attack are present