Seasonal Strength Performance and Its Relationship with Training Load on Elite Runners

The aim of this study was to analyze the time-course of force production of elite middle and long-distance runners throughout an entire season and at the end of the off-season, as well as its relationships with training load and hormonal responses. Training load was recorded daily throughout an entire season by measuring and evaluating the session distance (km), training zone and session-RPE in a group of 15 elite middle and long-distance runners (12 men, 3 women; age = 26.3 ± 5.1yrs, BMI = 19.7 ± 1.1). Also, basal salivary-free cortisol levels were measured weekly, and 50-metre sprints, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), mean propulsive power (MPP), repetition maximum (RM) and peak rate of force development (RFD) of half-squats were measured 4 times during the season, and once more after the off-season break. There were no significant variations in force production during the season or after the off-season break, except for the RFD (-30.2%, p = 0.005) values, which changed significantly from the beginning to the end of the season. Significant correlations were found between session-RPE and MPV (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), MPP (r = -0.602, p = 0.009), RM (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), and the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.560, p = 0.015). Meanwhile, salivary-free cortisol correlated significantly with the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.737, p < 0.001) and the RM ( r = -0.514, p = 0.025). Finally, the training zone correlated with the 50-metre sprint (r = -0.463, p = 0.041). Session-RPE, training zone and salivary-free cortisol levels are related to force production in elite middle and long-distance runners. Monitoring these variables could be a useful tool in controlling the training programs of elite athletes.

Key points

• Session-RPE, training zone and salivary free cortisol levels correlate significantly with strength-related variables in middle and long-distance elite runners.
• A month of active rest during the off-season break is enough to prevent decreases in force production of such athletes.
• Monitoring training loads through session-RPE is a suitable and simple method for controlling the training process in elite middle and long-distance runners.

Key words: Endurance, exercise, testing, physiology     

Insulin-like growth factor (IgF)-I,IgF binding protein-3, and prostate cancer: correlation with gleason score

Introduction

Non-androgenic growth factors are involved in the growth regulation of prostate cancer (PCa).

Objective

This is the first Brazilian study to correlate, in a population of patients operated for PCa, PSA, total testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) with Gleason score and to compare with a control group with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective single-center study included 49 men with previously diagnosed PCa and 45 with previously diagnosed BPH. PSA, testosterone, IGF-I, IGFBP-3 were determined in both groups.

Results

PSA and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly higher in the PCa group as compared to the BPH group (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). There was a significant difference when we compared the PSA before surgery (p<0.001) and at the inclusion in the study (p<0.001) and IGFBP3 (0.016) among patients with Gleason <7, ≥7 and BPH. In the PCa group, PSA, testosterone, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were comparable between Gleason <7 and ≥7.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that in localized PCa, the quantification of PSA and, not of IGF-1, may provide independent significant information in the aggressiveness. IGFBP-3 could be a biochemical marker of disease control in PCa patients.     

Delayed-type Necrosis after Soft-tissue Augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid

The growing use of dermal fillers, specifically the use of hyaluronic acid, can be explained by their effectiveness and versatility as well as their favorable safety profiles. Nevertheless, early and late complications with varying levels of severity may occur. The incidence of complications is low and the majority of adverse events are mild (edema, erythema, and local ecchymosis) and of limited duration. However, more severe events, such as ischemia and necrosis, may occur. The symptoms of ischemia can occur immediately after the injection or several hours after the procedure. Here, the authors report three cases of necrosis after hyaluronic acid injection with the first symptoms presenting only several hours after the procedure. The patients were treated immediately after the diagnosis. The aim of this review is to communicate the possibility of the delayed-type presentation of necrosis, present the signs and symptoms that lead to early diagnosis, and review the treatment possibilities of this severe complication.Dermal fillers have been injected with increasing frequency over the past three decades for soft-tissue augmentation by volume expansion in the management of the aging face. In 2012, there were about two million procedures using dermal fillers, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, five percent more than in 2011 and 205 percent more than in 2000, second only to botulinum toxin type A. These minimally invasive and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were the two most commonly performed in this range of time studied.1,2The growing use of dermal fillers, specifically the use of hyaluronic acid (HA), can be explained by their effectiveness and versatility as well as their favorable safety profiles. Nevertheless, early and late complications with varying levels of severity may occur. The incidence of complications is low and the majority of adverse events are mild (edema, erythema, and local ecchymosis) and of limited duration. However, more severe events, such as ischemia and necrosis, may occur.Injection necrosis is a rare, but important, complication associated with dermal fillers. Necrosis can be attributed to one of two factors—an interruption of vascular supply due to compression or frank obstruction of vessels by direct injection of the material into a vessel itself. The glabella is the injection site commonly believed to be at greater risk for necrosis, but it can also occur at the nasolabial fold.3 Risk factors for intravascular injection include site of application (deep injection of filler products at or near the site of named vessels), volume applied (larger amounts of product can cause a proportionally greater degree of arterial obstruction), and previous scarring (deep tissue scars may stabilize and fix arteries in place, making them easier to penetrate with small sharp needles).4The initial presentation of vascular events may include pain and discomfort disproportionate to what is typically experienced following filler treatments and clinical findings, including blanching, livedo pattern, or violaceous discoloration.4 Although many cases report this immediate post-injection presentation as the typical background seen in a necrosis event, there are few reports with the first symptom presenting only hours after augmentation. See Figures 1 through ​through3,3, where the authors present three cases of vascular compromise after soft-tissue augmentation with delayed-type presentation. Open in a separate windowOpen in a separate windowFigures 2Aand 2B.Case 2: Necrosis and secondary infection 48 hours after the HA injection (a). Discrete scars in the affected area after treatment (b). Open in a separate windowOpen in a separate windowFigures 1Aand 1B.Case 1: Edema, erythema, and progressive violaceous reticulated patch, livedoid area were observed on the left cheek 36 hours after the injection (a). Complete healing five days after hyaluronidase application and nine days after the HA injection (b). Open in a separate windowOpen in a separate windowFigures 3Aand 3B.Case 3: Necrosis and secondary infection 48 hours after the HA injection (a). Erythema, hipercromia, and discreet scars in the affected area after treatment (b).     

Ischemia Modified Albumin for the assessment of patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain but normal or non-diagnostic 12-lead electrocardiograms and negative cardiac troponin T

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in patients with acute chest pain at rest but non-diagnostic electrocardiograms (ECG) is problematic. Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) is a new biochemical marker of ischemia, which may be useful to characterise acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. METHODS: We studied 131 patients (mean age 58.5 years; 95 male) presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of ACS but with normal or non-diagnostic ECGs. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and IMA were measured within 3 h of last chest pain episode. Based on hospital diagnostic test results, patients were classified as having ACS or non-ischemic chest pain (NICP), by two independent cardiologists unaware of IMA results. RESULTS: Mean IMA levels (U/ml) were higher in patients with ACS (98.3+/-11) compared to patients with NICP (85.5+/-15); p<0.0001. IMA levels >93.5 U/ml demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 75% for the diagnosis of ACS; area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70-0.85). If we applied the manufacturer cutoff point of 85 U/ml, the sensitivity of IMA increased to 90.6% with a specificity of 49.3% (negative predictive value=84.6%). In combination with cTnT (6-12 h) (>0.05 ng/ml), the sensitivity increased to 92.2%. After multivariate analysis, IMA levels >85 U/ml (odds ratio=14.6 [95% CI 4.4-48.4]; p<0.0001), age and prior myocardial infarction were independent predictors of ACS. CONCLUSION: IMA may be a useful biomarker for the identification of ACS in patients presenting with typical acute chest pain but normal or non-diagnostic ECGs.     

First human case of retrograde transcatheter implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis

The transcatheter route is an emerging approach to treating valvular disease in high-risk patients. The 1st clinical antegrade transcatheter placement of an aortic valve prosthesis was reported in 2002. We describe the first retrograde transcatheter implantation of a new aortic valve prosthesis, in a 62-year-old man with inoperable calcific aortic stenosis and multiple severe comorbidities. Via the right femoral artery, a Cook introducer was advanced into the abdominal aorta. The aortic valve was crossed with a straight wire, and a pigtail catheter was advanced into the left ventricle to obtain pressure-gradient and anatomic measurements. An 18-mm valvuloplasty balloon was then used to predilate the aortic valve. Initial attempts to position the prosthetic valve caused a transient cardiac arrest. Implantation was achieved by superimposing the right coronary angiogram onto fluoroscopic landmarks in the same radiographic plane. A balloon-expandable frame was used to deliver the valve. After device implantation, the transvalvular gradient was <5 mmHg. The cardiac output increased from 1 to 5 L/min, and urine production increased to 200 mL/h. The patient was extubated on the 2nd postimplant day. Twelve hours later, he had to be reintubated because of respiratory distress and high pulmonary pressures. His condition deteriorated, and he died of biventricular failure and refractory hypotension on day 5. Despite the severe hypotension, valve function was satisfactory on echo-Doppler evaluation. In our patient, retrograde transcatheter implantation of a prosthetic aortic valve yielded excellent hemodynamic results and paved the way for further use of this technique in selected high-risk patients.     

Evaluación prospectiva del desarrollo de nefropatía inducida por contraste en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo tratados con angiografía coronaria rotacional vs. angiografía coronaria convencional: Estudio CINERAMA

Introduction and objectives

Rotational coronary angiography (RCA) requires less contrast to be administered and can prevent the onset of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) during invasive coronary procedures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of RCA on CIN (increase in serum creatinine ≥0.5 mg/dl or ≥25%) after an acute coronary syndrome.

Recommendations from GESIDA/SEFH/PNS to improve adherence to antiviral treatment (2004)

Since the early days of antiretroviral therapy, adherence has emerged as the milestone of success; in fact, it is the most potent predictor of effectiveness. The main factors related to adherence include the complexity of the therapeutic regimen, adverse effects, psychological problems, alcoholism and active addiction to drugs, lack of social and family support and the patient's beliefs and attitudes about the treatment. Adherence monitoring should be part of the HIV patient's regular care, and should be done with feasible, easily applied methods adapted to the different clinical settings. The minimally acceptable measures should include use of a validated questionnaire, together with data from the Pharmacy Department's drug dispensation registry. All patients that begin HAART or undergo a change of treatment should participate in a treatment education program imparted by health professionals with knowledge and experience in the management of patients with HIV infection. The health team (doctors, pharmacists and nursing professionals) should offer maximum availability to solve the doubts and problems that may occur during treatment. When sub-optimal adherence is detected, intervention strategies based on psychological therapy, educational efforts and personal advice should be attempted, in order to adapt the treatment scheme to the patient's habits and provide solutions to the problem of non-compliance. In certain situations, co-morbid conditions will also require attention. Treatment adherence, being a multidimensional problem, needs a multidisciplinary team approach. The choice of therapy, only one aspect of the multidimensional problem of adherence, must be a careful and individualized decision; however, simpler regimens with regard to the number of pills and daily dose are desirable.     

Surgical treatment for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Five percent of the patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) have symptoms unresponsive to medical treatment and are candidates for invasive therapy. The objective of this study was to analyze our results with surgical treatment of HOCM during the last 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between July 1993 and January 2004 26 patients with HOCM refractory to drug therapy were operated on. An extended septal myectomy was performed, in combination with anterior mitral leaflet plication in 19 cases (73%) and with mitral valve replacement in 5 (19%). Evolution of the grade of dyspnea, left ventricle outflow tract gradient (LVOTG), mitral regurgitation, and systolic anterior motion after surgery was analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 63 (37) months. After surgery, a significant reduction in LVOTG (from 96.5 to 19.5 mmHg; P<.001), grade of mitral regurgitation (from 2.54 to 0.69; P<.001) and systolic anterior motion (from 2.92 to 0.23; P<.001) was achieved, which led to improvement in functional class. Hospital mortality and need for pacemaker implantation due to complete heart block after surgery was 3.8% (n=1). There were no cases of iatrogenic ventricular septal defect or mitro-aortic valve injury. Actuarial survival at 5 years was 96% (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery in patients with HOCM yields great clinical improvements with low morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous intervention for both myocardial and valvular components of the disease allows not only reduction in the LVOTG but also correction of mitral regurgitation and abolition of systolic anterior motion.     

Tolerance and physiologic effects of nocturnal mask pressure support vs proportional assist ventilation in chronic ventilatory failure

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the tolerance and physiologic effects of a 5-night treatment with either nasal proportional assist ventilation (PAV) or pressure support ventilation (PSV) in patients with chronic ventilatory failure. DESIGN: Cross-over, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Rehabilitation units of pneumology department. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Four patients with COPD and 10 patients with restrictive thoracic diseases with chronic hypercapnia (median baseline Paco(2), 55.1 mm Hg) were studied. INTERVENTIONS: In a cross-over study, nasal PAV and PSV set at the patient's comfort were randomly applied during 5 consecutive nights (with a 2-night washout period). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Continuous nocturnal pulse oximetric saturation (Spo(2)) and arterial blood gas results at wake-up were evaluated at baseline during spontaneous breathing and on the fifth day of ventilatory support. Dyspnea, sleep quality, adaptation, and comfort at inspiration and expiration by visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated every day as well as a side effects score. On the fifth day, there were no significant differences in daytime Paco(2) (median PAV, 53.3 mm Hg; median PSV, 50.2; p = 0.168). Mean nocturnal Spo(2) improved significantly with both PAV and PSV without any significant differences between modes (baseline median, 92%; PAV median, 94.5%; PSV median, 95%). The percentage of the study night spent < 90% Spo(2) (T90) was slightly but significantly higher with PAV than with PSV (median PAV T90, 4%; median PSV T90, 2%; p = 0.049). The VAS symptom score was similar at day 5 between modes; however, nasal and oral dryness were lower (p = 0.05) and alarm noise was higher (p = 0.037) with PAV. CONCLUSIONS: After 5 days of treatment, both modes had similar tolerance, and were equally effective in reducing daytime hypercapnia and improving nocturnal saturation and symptoms. However, PAV induced less nasal and oral dryness but was associated with higher alarm noise.