Game location effect on pre-competition cortisol concentration and anxiety state : a case study in a futsal team

The main aim of this study was to investigate the game location effect on pre-competition salivary cortisol and state anxiety in professional futsal players. Fourteen male players from a U-20 futsal team were evaluated during four competitive matches played away (n=2) and home (n=2) venues. Saliva samples were collected in order to analyse the salivary cortisol concentrations (sal-C) by the ELISA assay and state anxiety was evaluated using the CSAI-2R questionnaire. All the data collection took place before the pre-match warm-up. Medium and clear increase on sal-C (ES= 0.67; CL= 0.20; 1.14) was observed from home to away venues. Trivial and unclear differences between away and home venues were observed in cognitive anxiety (ES= 0.12; CL= -0.34; 0.57); somatic anxiety (ES= 0.06; CL= -0.40; 0.51) and self-confidence (ES= 0.06; CL= -0.40; 0.51). In conclusion, the data suggested that game location affects hormonal responses; increases in sal-C suggest that playing away represents a more challenging situation in futsal athletes compared to their home venue.El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto del lugar de juego sobre el cortisol y el estado de ansiedad precompetitivo en los atletas profesionales de futsal. Catorce atletas de un equipo de futsal masculino Sub-20 fueron evaluados durante cuatro juegos competitivos jugados afuera (n = 2) y en adentro (n = 2). Las muestras de saliva se recolectaron para el análisis de concentración de cortisol (sal-C) mediante análisis ELISA y el estado de ansiedad se evaluó mediante el cuestionario CSAI-2R. Todos los datos fueron recopilados antes de que el juego se calentara. Se observó un aumento claro y medio de la sal-C (ES= 0,67; CL = 0,20; 1,14) afuera en comparación con adentro. Se observaron diferencias triviales y poco claras entre jugar afora y adentro por la ansiedad cognitiva (ES= 0,12, CL= -0,34; 0,57); somático (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51) y confianza en sí mismo (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51). En conclusión, los datos sugieren que el lugar de juego afecta la respuesta hormonal; un aumento en sal-C sugiere que los juegos fuera representan uno situación más desafiante para los atletas de futsal en comparación con los juegos adentro.O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o efeito do local de jogo no cortisol e estado de ansiedade pré-competitiva em atletas profissionais de futsal. Quatorze atletas de uma equipe Sub-20 de futsal masculino foram avaliados durante quatro jogos competitivos jogados fora (n=2) e dentro de casa (n=2). Amostras de saliva foram coletadas para análise da concentração de cortisol (sal-C) pela análise de ELISA e o estado de ansiedade foi avaliada pelo questionário CSAI-2R. Todos os dados foram coletados antes do aquecimento do jogo. Um aumento médio e claro na sal-C (ES= 0,67; CL= 0,20; 1,14) foi observado em casa comparado fora de casa. Diferença trivial e pouco clara entre fora e dentro de casa foram observados pela ansiedade cognitiva (ES= 0,12, CL= -0,34; 0,57); somática (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51) e autoconfiança (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51). Em conclusão, os dados sugerem que o local de jogo afeta a resposta hormonal; um aumento no sal-C sugere-te que jogos fora de casa representam uma situação mais desafiadora nos atletas de futsal comparado aos jogos em casa

How does the substrate affect the Raman and excited state spectra of a carbon nanotube?

We study the optical properties of a single, semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) that is partially suspended across a trench and partially supported by a SiO2-substrate. By tuning the laser excitation energy across the E33 excitonic resonance of the suspended CNT segment, the scattering intensities of the principal Raman transitions, the radial breathing mode (RBM), the G-mode and the D-mode show strong resonance enhancement of up to three orders of magnitude. In the supported part of the CNT, despite a loss of Raman scattering intensity of up to two orders of magnitude, we recover the E33 excitonic resonance suffering a substrate-induced red shift of 50 meV. The peak intensity ratio between G-band and D-band is highly sensitive to the presence of the substrate and varies by one order of magnitude, demonstrating the much higher defect density in the supported CNT segments. By comparing the E33 resonance spectra measured by Raman excitation spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectroscopy in the suspended CNT segment, we observe that the peak energy in the PL excitation spectrum is red-shifted by 40 meV. This shift is associated with the energy difference between the localized exciton dominating the PL excitation spectrum and the free exciton giving rise to the Raman excitation spectrum. High-resolution Raman spectra reveal substrate-induced symmetry breaking, as evidenced by the appearance of additional peaks in the strongly broadened Raman G band. Laser-induced line shifts of RBM and G band measured on the suspended CNT segment are both linear as a function of the laser excitation power. Stokes/anti-Stokes measurements, however, reveal an increase of the G phonon population while the RBM phonon population is rather independent of the laser excitation power.Comment: Revised manuscript, 20 pages, 8 figure

Transjugular liver biopsy: experiencewith the trucut needle

OBJECTIVES: We describe the use of transjugular liver biopsy with the automated trucut needle and emphasize the benefits of this procedure in patients with cirrhosis and fibrosis.METHODS: Puncture of the right or left internal jugular vein was performed. A needle was advanced into the right hepatic vein through guides and catheters. Biopsies were obtained from the right liver lobe. Thirty-six transjugular biopsies were performed in 35 patients with clinical diagnosis of hepatopathy; all patients presented contraindication to the standard percutaneous liver biopsy.RESULTS: Out of 36 transjugular liver biopsies, one patient had to repeat the procedure because the initial specimen did not allow diagnosis. In two patients, it was not possible to complete the biopsy due to inability to advance the needle into the right hepatic vein and due to the occurrence of extrasystole; in these cases, the procedure was discontinued. Biopsy was successfully performed in 34 patients (94%), and a conclusive diagnosis was obtained in 32 (89%). There were no relevant complications.CONCLUSIONS: Transjugular liver biopsy allowed histopathological diagnosis in a group of patients presenting contraindications to the standard percutaneous technique. With the trucut needle, it was possible to obtain large, nonfragmented specimens, even in patients with cirrhosis and fibrosis.OBJETIVOS: O estudo descreve o uso de biópsia hepática transjugular com a agulha trucut automatizada e salienta os benefícios deste procedimento em pacientes com cirrose e fibrose hepática.MÉTODOS: Foi realizada punção da veia jugular interna direita ou esquerda. Através de fio guia e cateteres, uma agulha foi introduzida na veia hepática direita. As biópsias foram realizadas no lobo direito do fígado. Trinta e seis biópsias hepáticas transjugulares foram realizadas em 35 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de hepatopatia; todos os pacientes apresentavam contra-indicação à biópsia hepática percutânea.RESULTADOS: Das 36 biópsias hepáticas transjugulares, um paciente precisou repetir o procedimento porque a amostra inicial não permitiu um diagnóstico conclusivo. Em dois pacientes, não foi possível completar a biópsia devido à impossibilidade de passar  a agulha para a veia hepática direita e devido à ocorrência de extra-sístole; os procedimentos foram suspensos em ambos os casos. A biópsia foi efetuada com sucesso em 34 pacientes (94%), e um diagnóstico conclusivo foi obtido em 32 (89%). Não tivemos nenhuma complicação relevante.CONCLUSÕES: A biópsia hepática transjugular permitiu o diagnóstico histopatológico em um grupo de pacientes que apresentava contra-indicação à biópsia hepática percutânea. Com a agulha trucut, foi possível obter amostras maiores, não fragmentadas, mesmo em pacientes com cirrose e fibrose

Early detection of doxorubicin myocardial injury by ultrasonic tissue characterization in an experimental animal model

In the clinical setting, the early detection of myocardial injury induced by doxorubicin (DXR) is still considered a challenge. To assess whether ultrasonic tissue characterization (UTC) can identify early DXR-related myocardial lesions and their correlation with collagen myocardial percentages, we studied 60 rats at basal status and prospectively after 2mg/Kg/week DXR endovenous infusion. Echocardiographic examinations were conducted at baseline and at 8,10,12,14 and 16 mg/Kg DXR cumulative dose. The left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), shortening fraction (SF), and the UTC indices: corrected coefficient of integrated backscatter (IBS) (tissue IBS intensity/phantom IBS intensity) (CC-IBS) and the cyclic variation magnitude of this intensity curve (MCV) were measured. The variation of each parameter of study through DXR dose was expressed by the average and standard error at specific DXR dosages and those at baseline. The collagen percent (%) was calculated in six control group animals and 24 DXR group animals. CC-IBS increased (1.29 +/- 0.27 x 1.1 +/- 0.26-basal; p=0.005) and MCV decreased (9.1 +/- 2.8 x 11.02 +/- 2.6-basal; p=0.006) from 8 mg/Kg to 16mg/Kg DXR. LVEF presented only a slight but significant decrease (80.4 +/- 6.9% x 85.3 +/- 6.9%-basal, p=0.005) from 8 mg/Kg to 16 mg/Kg DXR. CC-IBS was 72.2% sensitive and 83.3% specific to detect collagen deposition of 4.24%(AUC=0.76). LVEF was not accurate to detect initial collagen deposition (AUC=0.54). In conclusion: UTC was able to early identify the DXR myocardial lesion when compared to LVEF, showing good accuracy to detect the initial collagen deposition in this experimental animal model

Transarterial Embolization and Percutaneous Ethanol Injection as an Effective Bridge Therapy before Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis C-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background. Transarterial chemoembolization alone or in association with radiofrequency ablation is an effective bridging strategy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma awaiting for a liver transplant. However, cost of this therapy may limit its utilization. This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of a protocol involving transarterial embolization, percutaneous ethanol injection, or both methods for bridging hepatocellular carcinomas prior to liver transplantation. Methods. Retrospective review of all consecutive adult patients who underwent a first liver transplant as a treatment to hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma at our institution between 2002 and 2012. Primary endpoint was patient survival. Secondary endpoint was complete tumor necrosis. Results. Forty patients were analyzed, age 58 ± 7 years. There were 23 males (57.5%). Thirty-six (90%) out of the total 40 patients were within Milan criteria. Complete necrosis was achieved in 19 patients (47.5%). One-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival were, respectively, 87.5%, 75%, and 69.4%. Univariate analysis did not reveal any variable to impact on overall patient survival. Conclusions. Transarterial embolization, ethanol injection, or the association of both methods followed by liver transplantation comprises effective treatment strategy for hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma. This strategy should be adopted whenever transarterial chemoembolization and/or radiofrequency ablation are not available options

Myocardial ultrasonic tissue characterization in patients with thyroid dysfunction

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Structural myocardial abnormalities have been extensively documented in hypothyroidism. Experimental studies in animal models have also shown involvement of thyroid hormones in gene expression of myocardial collagen. This study was planned to investigate the ability of ultrasonic tissue characterization, as evaluated by integrated backscatter (IBS), to early identify myocardial involvement in thyroid dysfunction.</p> <p>Patients and Methods</p> <p>We studied 15 patients with hyperthyroidism (HYPER), 8 patients with hypothyroidism (HYPO), 14 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and 19 normal (N) subjects, who had normal LV systolic function. After treatment, 10 HYPER, 6 HYPO, and 8 SCH patients were reevaluated. IBS images were obtained and analyzed in parasternal short axis (papillary muscle level) view, at left ventricular (LV) posterior wall. The following IBS variables were analyzed: 1) the corrected coefficient (CC) of IBS, obtained by dividing IBS intensity by IBS intensity measured in a rubber phantom, using the same equipment adjustments, at the same depth; 2) cardiac cyclic variation (CV) of IBS - peak-to-peak difference between maximal and minimal values of IBS during cardiac cycle; 3) cardiac cyclic variation index (CVI) of IBS - percentual relationship between the cyclic variation (CV) and the mean value of IBS intensity.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>CC of IBS was significantly larger (p < 0.05) in HYPER (1.57 ± 0.6) and HYPO (1.53 ± 0.3) as compared to SCH (1.32 ± 0.3) or N (1.15 ± 0.27). The CV (dB) (HYPO: 7.5 ± 2.4; SCH: 8.2 ± 3.1; HYPER: 8.2 ± 2.0) and the CVI (HYPO: 35.6 ± 19.7%; SCH: 34.7 ± 17.5%; HYPER: 37.8 ± 11.6%) were not significantly different in patients with thyroid dysfunction as compared to N (7.0 ± 2.0 and 44.5 ± 15.1%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>CC of IBS was able to differentiate cardiac involvement in patients with overt HYPO and HYPER who had normal LV systolic function. These early myocardial structural abnormalities were partially reversed by drug therapy in HYPER group. On the other hand, although mean IBS intensity tended to be slightly larger in patients with SCH as compared to N, this difference was not statistical significant.</p

Hipertiroidismo, hiperparatiroidismo y carcinoma medular de tiroides en pacientes con proto oncogén positivo

El cáncer medular de tiroides (CMT) es una neoplasia maligna poco frecuente del epitelio que deriva de las células C (parafoliculares) y se produce de forma esporádica en el 75% de los casos o como parte del síndrome de neoplasia endócrina múltiple (NEM).Aproximadamente 20-25 % de los casos corresponden a formas familiares, que son heredadas de manera autosómica dominante. En ellos, la pesquisa genética e identificación de mutaciones en el Proto-oncogén RET (POR) en familiares permite efectuar una tiroidectomía preventiva. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante la histopatología y la historia clínica. La cirugía profiláctica en los niños, jóvenes y adultos se indica en el NEM 2. En este trabajo, se presentan dos casos hipertiroidismo que fueron tratados con 131I y que desarrollaron CMT acompañados de hiperparatiroidismo primario cinco y tres años después respectivamente. El primer caso fue diagnosticado quirúrgicamente y dos de sus hijos fueron positivos al estudio del POR, uno de los cuales ya había presentado hipertiroidismo y fue tratado con 131I. Sus demás hijos también fueron estudiados junto a sus hermanos y sobrinos quienes no presentaron mutación del POR. Los dos hijos que fueron positivos (uno de sexo masculino y otro femenino) fueron operados con Tiroidectomía total. El varón de 38 años había presentado hipertiroidismo previamente y había sido tratado con una dosis de 131I por vía oral tres años antes con resolución de su hipertiroidismo presentó un bocio nodular que post quirúrgicamente resultó un Carcinoma Medular de tiroides y además sus valores de PTH estaban elevados (hiperparatiroidismo primario)

Modeling the Dynamic Transmission of Dengue Fever: Investigating Disease Persistence

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world and approximately 2.5 billion people live in dengue endemic countries. In Brazil it is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The wide clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic infections or mild illness, to the more severe forms of infection such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. The spread and dramatic increase in the occurrence of dengue cases in tropical and subtropical countries has been blamed on uncontrolled urbanization, population growth and international traveling. Vaccines are under development and the only current disease control strategy is trying to keep the vector quantity at the lowest possible levels. Mathematical models have been developed to help understand the disease's epidemiology. These models aim not only to predict epidemics but also to expand the capacity of phenomena explanation. We developed a spatially explicit model to simulate the dengue transmission in a densely populated area. The model involves the dynamic interactions between humans and mosquitoes and takes into account human mobility as an important factor of disease spread. We investigated the importance of human population size, human renewal rate, household infestation and ratio of vectors per person in the maintenance of sustained viral circulation