Characterising sex-related differences in lower- and higher-threshold motor unit behaviour through high-density surface electromyography.

Emerging questions in neuromuscular physiology revolve around whether males and females share similar neural control in diverse tasks across a broad range of intensities. In order to explore these features, high-density electromyography was used to record the myoelectrical activity of biceps brachii during trapezoidal isometric contractions at 35% and 70% of maximal voluntary force (MVF) on 11 male and 13 female participants. Identified motor units were then classified as lower-threshold (recruited at ≤30%MVF) and higher-threshold (recruited at >30%MVF).

Dietary Micronutrient and Mineral Intake in the Mediterranean Healthy Eating, Ageing, and Lifestyle (MEAL) Study.

Background: Dietary vitamins and minerals are essential compounds for the proper functioning of metabolic enzymes, regulation of gene transcription, and powering the body’s defense against oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate micronutrient consumption separately by age and sex, major dietary sources, and percentage of individuals meeting the recommended requirements according to Italian (Livelli di Assunzione di Riferimento di Nutrienti (LARN)) and European (European Food Safety Agency (EFSA)) agencies.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Mediterranean Healthy Eating, Ageing, and Lifestyle (MEAL) study, which included a sample of 1838 individuals randomly collected in the city of Catania, southern Italy.

Macronutrient and Major Food Group Intake in a Cohort of Southern Italian Adults.

Background: Dietary intake of macronutrient and foods is considered crucial to decrease the risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Methods: The aim of this study was to describe the intake of major food groups and macronutrients in a random sample of 1838 southern Italian adults.

Results: No significant differences of macronutrient consumption between sexes were found.

Acute severe male hypo-testosteronemia affects central motor command in humans.

Purpose: To indirectly evaluate the effect of androgens on neuromuscular system in humans we analyzed if an induced short-term hypogonadal state (serum total testosterone-TT<2.3ng/ml) may affect central drive to skeletal muscle and/or muscle neuro-mechanical performance.

Methods: We compared voluntary and electrically evoked muscle sEMG signals from biceps brachii in nine hypogonadal male volunteers (Hypo) and in ten healthy controls (Cont).

The Burden of Depressive and Bipolar Disorders in Celiac Disease.

Aims: to measure the association between Celiac Disease (CD) and affective disorders, particularly Bipolar Disorder (BD), since it has not been studied yet, and to measure how much the quality of life (QoL) of a person with CD is affected by comorbidity with these disorders.

Design: Case-control study.

Cases: 60 consecutive patients with CD.