Andrea Buscemi

Attentive processes, blood lactate and CrossFit®

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze the influences of blood lactate produced during a specific session of CrossFit® on intensity and selectivity of attention. The first was evaluated by measuring the reaction time and the second by analyzing divided attention with a dual task. Methods: Fifteen male professionals of CrossFit® volunteered in the study. The training session was the Workout Of the Day (WOD) called 15.5, marked as: 27–21–15–9 repetitions (without recovery) in term of calories measured by using a rowing ergometer (e.g. 27 rowed calories) and in term of barbell full squats (raising a weight of 43 kg for men and of 29.5 kg for women). Blood lactate, blood glucose, reaction time, execution time of a dual task, number of errors and number of omissions were measured at rest, at the conclusion of the session and 15 minutes after its end. Results: The levels of the blood lactate before the start of the session were considerably higher than those which normally occur at rest (<2 mmol /L), with a mean value of 4.5 mmol /l (± 1.99 SD). At the end of the workout session the blood lactate exhibited a significant increase, reaching a mean value of 13.8 mmol /l (± 1.18 SD) and then returning to values similar to the initial ones after 15 minutes. Blood glucose did not exhibit any statistically significant differences during the session. Reaction time, execution time, number of errors and number of omissions exhibited a significant worsening concomitantly with the increase in blood lactate. Conclusion: Athletes practicing CrossFit®, with high levels of blood lactate even at rest, should consequently have attentional performances somewhat limited.

The rise of lactic acid, from a pharmacist’s laboratory to entry into the central nervous system

Brief historical review of lactic acid: since its discovery in the laboratory of Scheele, passing the role in muscle and systemically observed by scientists Friherre Jons Jakob Berzelius, Araki, Meyerhof, Margaria, Cori until joining and role in the Nervous System Central by scientists Davis, Brooks, Connet, Richardson, Donovan, Magistretti and Pellerin.

The 2D:4D ratio is associated with performance in the ‘teacCh program’ of subjects with autism spectrum disorder

Problems arising on the autistic spectrum are more common in male individuals, leading scholars to attempt to determine whether there is a correlation with testosterone levels to which fetuses were exposed during intrauterine life. The aim of the present study was to investigate, through the digit ratio technique, the possible correlation between testosterone exposure during intrauterine life and the achievement of predetermined objectives during the educational program Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) in a group of subjects with different forms of autism. The results showed a positive correlation of the TEACCH program and 2D:4D ratio. Therefore, we hypothesize that a base screening may be useful to pinpoint the optimal teaching strategies to obtain the best possible performance from each subject.

Successfully aging. choice of life or life that choices

PETRALIA MARIA CRISTINA1, COCO MARINELLA2, MACI TIZIANA3, MINISSALE CHIARA4 , CONCETTA DE PASQUALE4, D’ORTO GIANLUCA4, MARIA SOFIA BASILE2, DONATO EZIO5, MANIACI MARIO5, COMMODARI ELENA6, DI NUOVO SANTO6, PERCIAVALLE VINCENZO2, DI CORRADO DONATELLA7, GUARNERA MARIA7, PIRRONE CONCETTA6, CASTELLANO SABRINA1, PLATANIA SILVIA2, RAMACI TIZIANA7, BELLOMO MARIA7, MAGGIO CLAUDIO4, SEHILI AMEL4, COCO LUCIO SALVATORE GIOVANNI4, NAPOLITANO SALVATORE8, ASCIONE ANTONIO8, PERCIAVALLE VALENTINA6, BUSCEMI ANDREA9 1Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences and Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania 2Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania 3Department of Mental Health of ASP 3 in Catania Alzheimer Center Psychogeriatry 4University of Catania 5Virgin Active Catania 6Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania 7Department of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University, Enna 8Department Physical Education and Wellness, University of Naples “Parthenope” 9Horus Cooperative Social, Ragusa