Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS—A REVIEW

Lidor, R and Ziv, G. Physical and physiological attributes of female volleyball players—a review. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 1963–1973, 2010—The main objective of this article was to review a series of studies (n = 31) on physical attributes, physiological attributes, and on-court performances of female volleyball players. Empirical and practical knowledge emerging from studies on training-related issues in volleyball, such as body mass, fat-free mass, aerobic profile, strength, and agility and speed, should be integrated and applied when planning annual training programs for volleyball players. Based on our review, it was found that (a) players of a higher skill level are taller, somewhat heavier, and have higher vertical jump values than players of a lower level; (b) the aerobic profile of female volleyball players is similar to that of female basketball players; (c) ballistic resistance training can increase vertical jump values in female volleyball players; and (d) preseason conditioning should be conducted to prevent fatigue and reduced performance at the beginning of the season. Among the research concerns discussed in the article are that there is a lack data for on-court performance and time–motion analysis in female volleyball players and that more experimental/ manipulative studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of different training programs on physiological attributes of female volleyball players. Two practical implications are suggested for volleyball and strength and conditioning coaches: (a) functional and nonfunctional overreaching should be carefully monitored when planning strength and conditioning programs, and (b) volleyball programs should include ballistictype training.
Re: Reflux Laryngitis: A Feasible Indication for Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery?

To the Editor: I read with interest the article by Salminen et al published in a recent issue of the journal. They showed that laparoscopic antireflux surgery was effective for reducing symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), inflammation, and overall medications used among patients with long-standing LPR. However, a large proportion (37.5%) of their patients remained symptomatic with moderate-to-severe supraesophageal symptoms at a median of 42-month follow-up. Overall, 27.5% resumed their acid suppression medications postoperatively and 17.5% would not have chosen or not convinced about the antireflux surgery. This is excluding the other new symptoms occurring as result of fundoplication. One wonders whether the patients in this study actually only have LPR as results of reflux from the stomach. In the method section, the authors did not state whether the proximal esophagus were examined for heterotopic gastric mucosa patch (HGMP). HGMP is a commonly missed and underdiagnosed owing to their proximal location, just distal to the upper esophageal sphincter. The reported incidence of HGMP ranged from 0.29% to10%, but incidence as high as 70% has been reported in autopsy study. Importantly, a proportion of HGMP is associated with significant acid production, depending on the mucosa type. This can lead to LPR that may be independent of gastroesophageal reflux. HGMP may have accounted for those cases that had suboptimal or poor response to antireflux surgery. Although antireflux surgeries are established treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease and as stated by authors, LPR remains a relatively new indication. Gastroesophageal reflux disease with associated LPR may have good response with antireflux surgery but LPR secondary to HGMP will probably not respond as well. Another study also showed antireflux surgery to be ineffective for patients with LPR. Therefore, patients with LPR should always have HGMP excluded before considering any antireflux surgeries or procedures.
Observations on Haemogregarina mugili (Apicomplexa) and Trypanosoma froesi (Sarcmastigophora) from the blood of Mugil platanus Gunther, 1880 (Pisces: mugilidae) in Brazil

A haemogregarine is described from the blood of Mugil platanus Gunther, 1880 (Pisces: Mugilidae) (mullet) caught at Cananeia, State of Sao Paulo (Brazil). Only intraerythrocytic parasites were present, and none of these was dividing. Prevalence of infection was 21,3%, and the in- tensity of infection was low, with from approximately 0,02% to less than 0,0 I% of erythrocytes infected. Comparisons with previous reports of ha- emogregarines from mullet indicate that the parasite is somewhat different morphologically and morphometrically from Haemogregarina mugili Carini, 1932, but these differences are not considered sufficient to establish a new species. Concurrent infections with a trypanosome identified as Trypanosoma froesi Lima, 1976, were present in 8,1 % of parasitized specimens.
RAPID COMMUNICATION Serum Testosterone and Aggressiveness in Hockey Players

The relationship between aggressive behavior and testosterone in man has not been clarified [1]. This paper reports preliminary data from a study designed to examine the relationship between serum testosterone concentration and aggressive behaviors in competitive hockey players. Competitive sports, and particularly hockey, offer the opportunity to study aggressive behavior in a natural setting. Aggressive behaviors in such settings are frequent, observable, socially acceptable and often necessary. Thus the methodological problems involved in using self-report measures of aggressive behaviors are circumvented. In competitive hockey, outbursts of violent behaviors, occasionally leading to injury, have been known to occur. Unlike the larger society in which violent crimes
Canwe usemineralocorticoid receptor blockade in diabetic patients with resistant hypertension? Yes we can! But it may be a double-edged sword

P rimary resistant hypertension is defined as failure to reach target blood pressure (BP) in patients treated with an appropriate three-drug regimen, including a diuretic, with all administered at optimal doses [1,2]. Resistant hypertension prevalence ranges from 10 to 30% in surveys or tertiary centres and randomized trials [1,3–5]. It is frequently encountered in certain categories of patients, such as those with type 2 diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease in particular [1,6]. It is associated with a high prevalence of end-organ damage [7] and a high incidence of cardiovascular events [4]. The high frequency of resistant hypertension and its severity have led to the development of new treatment strategies based on the use of combinations of available drugs [1,2] or new device-based therapies, such as catheterbased endovascular renal denervation [8] and baroreflex activation therapy [9], the indications of which have yet to be clearly defined [10–12]. The frequent association of resistant hypertension with inappropriate volume retention [13,14] has led to international guidelines recommending principally a reduction in sodium intake and an increase in the intensity of diuretic therapy to treat this condition [1,2]. However, other pathophysiological systems, including the renin–angiotensin– aldosterone system (RAAS), the renal or central sympathetic nervous system and vasomotor systems (endothelin), may also influence BP [15–18]. An understanding of the relative contributions of each of these mechanisms to the BP level in individual patients with resistant hypertension would make it possible to tailor treatment to the individual, by selecting drugs or device-based therapies preferentially interfering with particular systems. However, it remains difficult to
An Observational Study of Hypertension and Thromboembolism Among Transgender Patients Using Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Purpose: Given evidence from cisgender patients that sex hormones can impact risk for some forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are concerns regarding CVD among transgender patients using gender-affirming hormone therapy (HT). Methods: Using a retrospective cohort at a U.S. urban federally qualified health center (FQHC) focused on sexual and gender minority health, we examined associations between HT in transgender patients and two specific CVD outcomes, hypertension (HTN) and thromboembolism (TE). We assessed outcomes by ICD-10 codes in electronic medical records (EMR) of 4402 transgender patients. Hormone use was assessed both by blood concentrations and by prescriptions, from EMR. Results: Nineteen transwomen (TW) (0.8%) had a TE and 49 (2.1%) developed HTN; among transmen (TM), 27 (1.5%) developed HTN and there were no significant associations between hormones and HTN. Among transwomen, there was no association between TE and HT as assessed by blood concentrations. However, recent progestin prescriptions were associated with an increased odds of TE (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.95 [95% confidence interval; CI 1.02–8.57]), with possibly differential effects for medroxyprogesterone acetate versus micronized progesterone. Higher total testosterone blood concentrations were associated with greater odds of HTN in TW (aOR 1.16 [95% CI 1.01–1.33]), after controlling for body mass index. Among TW, ever having a progestin prescription was protective for HTN (aOR 0.36 [95% CI 0.15–0.87]). Conclusion: We found no associations between HT and HTN among TM, More research is needed to examine the effect of recent progestin, specifically medroxyprogesterone acetate, on TE among transwomen. The protective association between progestins and HTN among TW is reassuring.
E¡ect of practice on reading performance and brain function

Word reading is considered a highly over-learned task. If true, then practice should have no e¡ect on its performance or associated functional brain anatomy.We tested this hypothesis in two experiments of skilled readers repeatedly reading the same list of nouns (1 session, 10 runs). In Experiment 1we used fMRI to monitor the changes in brain activity. In Experiment 2 we recorded voice onset latency reaction times. Neither experiment showed changes as an e¡ect of practice. In a third experiment, Experiment 3, we examined the behavioral e¡ect of prolonged practice on the word association task of verb generation for which reading nouns aloud has served as a control. Both short (1 session, 10 runs) and long term (15 days, 150 runs) e¡ects were noted providing a new perspective on functional anatomical di¡erences between word reading and verb generation previously noted after short periods of practice. NeuroReport15:607^610 c 2004 Lippincott Williams &Wilkins.
Antibacterial Activity of Rationally Designed Antimicrobial Peptides

Many infectious diseases are still prevalent in the world's populations since no effective treatments are available to eradicate them. The reasons may either be the antibiotic resistance towards the available therapeutic molecules or the slow rate of producing adequate therapeutic regimens to tackle the rapid growth of new infectious diseases, as well as the toxicity of current treatment regimens. Due to these reasons, there is a need to seek and develop novel therapeutic regimens to reduce the rapid scale of bacterial infections. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are components of the first line of defense for prokaryotes and eukaryotes and have a wide range of activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, and protozoa, as well as viruses. In this study, peptides which were initially identified for their HIV inhibitory activity were further screened for antibacterial activity through determination of their kinetics as well as their cytotoxicity. From the results obtained, the MICs of two AMPs (Molecule 3 and Molecule 7) were 12.5 μg/ml for K. pneumoniae (ATCC 700603) and 6.25 μg/ml for P. aeruginosa (ATCC 22108). The two AMPs killed these bacteria rapidly in vitro, preventing bacterial growth within few hours of treatment. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of these two peptides was significantly low, even at an AMP concentration of 100 μg/ml. These results revealed that Molecule 3 and 7 have great potential as antibacterial drugs or could serve as lead compounds in the design of therapeutic regimens for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Lymph Node Metastases of Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Role of Calcitonin in the Washout Fluid of Fine-Needle Aspiration

Introduction The diagnostic value of calcitonin (CT) measurement in fine-needle aspirate washout (FNA-CT) for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) lymph node (LN) metastases remains to be determined. It may increase the diagnostic sensitivity, but data on this subject is sparse. Objective Our study aimed to evaluate the utility of FNA-CT in the diagnosis of LN metastases of MTC. Methods We retrospectively investigated, in our institutional database, 69 consecutive FNA LN cytology from 42 patients who underwent FNA cytology and CT measurement in needle washout for suspicious LN between 2012 and 2017. Results From the total of 69 FNA, 30 (43.4%) were performed in patients with personal history of MTC. MTC was detected in 19 FNA cytology (27.5%), and CT was detectable in needle washout in 23 cases (median = 2014 pg/mL; interquartile range = 490–15111 pg/mL). Based on the combined results of FNA-CT and FNA cytology, LN surgical resection was performed in 33 cases (47.8%). Histology reported MTC LN metastases in 21 lesions (63.6%). Regarding the diagnosis of MTC LN metastases, FNA cytology showed sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 97.9%, and FNA-CT demonstrated sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.9%. We determined through ROC analysis an optimal FNA-CT cut-off value of 23 pg/mL for the diagnosis of LN metastases (sensitivity 100%; specificity 100%). Conclusions FNA-CT may be a valuable diagnostic tool for detection of MTC LN metastases, along with FNA cytology, and it should be included in the clinical workup of neck adenopathies in patients with MTC or with thyroid nodules.
Use of methotrexate in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies: a retrospective single center study

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies. We identified predictive factors of success or failure and compared our results with previous studies to make recommendations for its use. Material and methods A cohort of 61 patients from a single center was retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and treatment with a single-dose injection of MTX. The need to perform surgery despite MTX was defined as treatment failure while needing a second MTX injection was not. Results In our cohort, MTX demonstrated a success rate of 80%. This rate rose to 84% when patients with human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG ) > 5,000 IU/L were excluded. Twenty percent underwent surgery for pain, increased mass size and/or suboptimal hCG kinetics. Low hCG levels on days 0, 4 and 7 as well as the absence of pain, metrorrhagia and hemoperitoneum were predictive of success. MTX was also efficient in the treatment of persisting pregnancies of unknown location (PUL). Conclusion Our results are consistent with previous studies and emphasize the fact that MTX is less effective above a certain level of hCG. We obtained a cut-off value of 2439 IU/L with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 93.9%. MTX should not be used when hCG is higher than 5,000 IU/L and laparoscopic surgery should be performed. Our results bring additional data about the efficacy of MTX in the management of persisting pregnancies of unknown location.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Quality of Web-Based Information on Low Back Pain

Study Design. A cross section of Web sites accessible to the general public was surveyed. Objective. To evaluate the quality of information on low back pain and its treatment that a “typical” patient user might access on the Internet. Summary of Background Data. Individuals with back pain have a desire to learn about their condition, what to expect, and what they can do about it. Web sites play a potentially useful role in providing information to help people learn about their low back pain and select the most appropriate methods of management. Methods. A general search using popular search engines located 60 Web sites about back pain for review. A list of criteria for evaluating and scoring back pain Web sites was established using available literature and current clinical guidelines for the management of acute low back pain. The total quality score (maximum score, 38) was composed of two separate scores: one for general quality of the site (maximum score, 14) and one for site content specific to low back pain (maximum score, 24). Statistical tests, as appropriate, were used to investigate the relation between general indicators of Web site quality and total scores obtained. Results. The quality of the Web sites surveyed was poor, most of them (n 58, 97%) scoring less than half the maximum available score. The mean total score was 7.4 (range, 2–25). The mean score was 4.9 (range, 1–12) for general Web site quality and 2.4 (range, 1–13) for content specific to low back pain. Web sites providing references, sites created more recently, and sites not created for advertising purposes tended to be of better quality. Conclusions. This study highlighted the poor quality of information, particularly information about low back pain, available to “typical” patient users on the Internet. Health care professionals must have a role in evaluating existing information and in developing good-quality evidencebased Web sites. Patients with back pain should be discouraged from using the Internet as a source of information unless the Web sites they access have been evaluated and found to provide evidence-based messages. [
Nomograms for predicting overall survival and cancer-specific survival in young patients with pancreatic cancer in the US based on the SEER database

Background The incidence of young patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) is on the rise, and there is a lack of models that could effectively predict their prognosis. The purpose of this study was to construct nomograms for predicting the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of young patients with PC. Methods PC patients younger than 50 years old from 2004 to 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were selected and randomly divided into training set and validation set. Univariable and forward stepwise multivariable Cox analysis was used to determine the independent factors affecting OS. The Fine and Gray competing risk regression model was used to determine the independent factors affecting CSS. We used significant variables in the training set to construct nomograms predicting prognosis. The discrimination and calibration power of models were evaluated by concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and 10-flod cross-validation. Results A total of 4,146 patients were selected. Multivariable Cox analysis showed that gender, race, grade, pathological types, AJCC stage and surgery were independent factors affecting OS. The C-index of the nomogram predicting OS in training and validation was 0.733 (average = 0.731, 95% CI [0.724–0.738]) and 0.742 (95% CI [0.725–0.759]), respectively. Competing risk analysis showed that primary site, pathological types, AJCC stage and surgery were independent factors affecting CSS. The C-index of the nomogram predicting CSS in training and validation set was 0.792 (average = 0.765, 95% CI [0.742–0.788]) and 0.776 (95% CI [0.773–0.779]), respectively. C-index based on nomogram was better in training and validation set than that based on AJCC stage. Calibration curves showed that these nomograms could accurately predict the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS and CSS both in training set and validation set. Conclusions The nomograms could effectively predict OS and CSS in young patients with PC, which help clinicians more accurately and quantitatively judge the prognosis of individual patients.
Nomogram for Predicting Long-Term Survival after Synchronous Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombosis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background Although surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (IVCTT) may improve survival for some patients, prognostic markers remain elusive because of its rarity. We constructed a prognostic nomogram which predicts individualized survival benefit of curative-intent surgery for HCC patients with IVCTT. Methods According to abdominothoracic anatomy of inferior vena cava (IVC), IVCTT can be divided into 3 types: inferior diaphragmic (ID), superior diaphragmic (SD), and intracardiac type (IC). Data of 64 HCC patients with IVCTT who underwent curative-intent surgery between 2008 and 2015 in four centers in China were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to select variables for the construction of a prognostic nomogram. Predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were examined by concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. Results Of 64 patients in the IVCTT classification, 37 (57.8%) were classified as ID type, 15 (23.4%) as SD type, and 12 (18.8%) as IC type. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates for patients in ID, SD, and IC groups were 94.4%, 55.6%, 71.4%, and 30.0%; 27.8%, 21.4%, 7.1%, and 0%; and 8.3%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Independent factors included in the nomogram were ECOG performance status, AFP level ≥ 400 μg/L, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, portal vein tumor thrombosis, and IVCTT classification. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.812 (95% CI 0.761–0.873). The calibration plot for DSS probability showed excellent agreement between the prediction by nomogram and actual observation. Conclusions Curative-intent surgery should be carefully evaluated and suggested according to our novel IVCTT classification. We have developed a visual web-based nomogram model to predict oncological prognosis of curative-intent surgery for HCC patients with IVCTT.
Use of Taxanes in Metastatic HER2-negative Breast Cancer – a Status Report

The most important goal of treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer is maintenance or even improvement of quality of life. In this setting, chemotherapy should be used with as much restraint as possible. If palliative chemotherapy is indicated, the taxane drug class is an established treatment option. The updated guidelines of the Gynaecological Oncology Working Group (AGO), Breast Committee, of the German Society for Gynaecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) and the German Cancer Society e. V. (DKG) provide recommendations with the greatest possible evidence on which of the licensed taxanes can be used in which treatment situation in the metastatic setting.
The use of functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques in the evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness: a case report

Purpose The management of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) constitutes a challenge for clinicians. Case report We present the case of a 66-year-old man who developed coma with subsequent DOC after a severe traumatic brain injury. Behavioural assessment constitutes the gold standard in the evaluation of patients with DOC. In the case presented herein the neuropsychological findings were ambiguous, and the patient underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine whether he was in a vegetative state or minimally conscious state. Three paradigms: passive, active, and resting state fMRI were used to study the brain activity in our patient. Conclusions fMRI provided reliable evidence of preserved minimal consciousness. The neuroimaging techniques used in our patient were vital for his further treatment.