Retrospective analysis of negative cytology results correlated with a positive high-risk in the human papillomavirus result and subsequent results of patients over a period of three years.

This research paper evaluates the efficacy of co-testing in precluding cervical cancer, with a particular focus on distinguishable outcomes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vs. cytology tests. A retrospective review of 5948 patients, who tested positive for high-risk HPV but showed negative cytologic findings, revealed that 15.006% tested positive in subsequent screenings. A comparative analysis of various commercial HPV tests highlighted the precision of mRNA-based HPV testing by Aptima (Hologic) in reducing the likelihood of false-negative cytology. The paper challenges the conviction that a negative cytology alone suffices advocating for a condensed testing interval in instances of positive HPV outcomes, thereby facilitating earlier intervention and optimal preventive care. These findings unveil an exigency for reconsidering preventive strategies based on test outcomes.

Differentiation of the Strength of Back Muscle Contraction Under Fatigue: Does Force Feedback Play a Role?

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the ability of subjects to differentiate the strength of back muscle contraction with and without feedback information on force produced under fatigue and nonfatigue conditions. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. SETTING: Research laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: A group of 52 healthy young men participated in the study. INTERVENTION: Subjects self-estimated 50% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of back muscles either on their own volition or on the basis of information about the actual force, before and after the Sørensen fatigue test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The force was measured by means of the FiTRO Back Dynamometer. RESULTS: The self-estimated 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction was significantly higher than the one calculated from maximal voluntary isometric contraction during 10 trials in 2 repeated sessions (8.3% and 10.0%, P < .05). However, when feedback on the force produced was provided, significantly higher values were observed during an initial trial in both sessions (8.5%, P = .04 and 12.1%, P = .01). Subjects were able to estimate the target force during the following trials. Fatigue induced a decrease in peak force (7.7%, P = .04), whereas the ability to regulate the prescribed force was not compromised. Constant error was lower with than without force feedback during both measurements (2.15% and 6.85%; 3.06% and 8.56%). However, constant and variable errors were greater under fatigue than nonfatigue conditions (8.43% and 5.55%; 0.41% and 0.37%). Similarly, root mean square error decreased with force feedback (from 6.88% to 3.48% and from 8.74% to 5.09%) and increased under fatigue (from 5.87% to 8.67%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that force feedback plays a role in the differentiation of the strength of back muscle contraction, regardless of fatigue. It contributes to a more precise regulation of force produced during voluntary isometric contraction of back muscles. This promising method awaits further experimentation to be applied for individuals with low back pain.

Comparison of the ICC location in the gallbladder wall in patients with cholelithiasis and patients with non-calculous changes.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were first described by Santiago Ramon y Cajal over 100 years ago. They are thought to play an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility. There is increasing evidence that the decline in their number in the gallbladder wall contributes to the formation of concrements. The aim of the study was to determine the exact location of interstitial cells of Cajal in the gallbladder wall in patients with calculous and non-calculous cholecystitis. Sixty-eight patients were examined, of whom 50 were cases of cholelithiasis and 18 were of non-calculous cholecystitis. The technique of immunohistochemistry with the CD117 antibody was used to determine the cells of Cajal, while to distinguish them from mast cells the technique with mast cell tryptase (MCT) was applied. Redistribution of the interstitial cells of Cajal from the muscle membrane to lamina propria of mucous tissue was observed in the cases of cholelithiasis, while in the group of non-calculous cholecystitis most of the ICC was located within the muscle tissue.

Clinical validation of nuclear factor kappa B expression in invasive breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Polish women. The expression of transcription nuclear factor kappa B, a key inducer of inflammatory response promoting carcinogenesis and cancer progression in breast cancer, is not well-established. We assessed the nuclear factor kappa B expression in a total of 119 invasive breast carcinomas and 25 healthy control samples and correlated this expression pattern with several clinical and pathologic parameters including histologic type and grade, tumor size, lymph node status, estrogen receptor status, and progesterone receptor status. The data used for the analysis were derived from medical records. An immunohistochemical analysis of nuclear factor kappa B, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor was carried out and evaluation of stainings was performed. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B was significantly higher than that in the corresponding healthy control samples. No statistical difference was demonstrated in nuclear factor kappa B expression in relation to age, menopausal status, lymph node status, tumor size and location, grade and histologic type of tumor, and hormonal status (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor). Nuclear factor kappa B is significantly overexpressed in invasive breast cancer tissues. Although nuclear factor kappa B status does not correlate with clinicopathological findings, it might provide important additional information on prognosis and become a promising object for targeted therapy.

Association of Trunk Rotational Velocity with Spine Mobility and Curvatures in Para Table Tennis Players.

This study investigates the relationship of trunk rotational velocity with mobility and curvature of the spine in wheelchair table tennis players. Eleven para table tennis players and 13 able-bodied athletes performed 5 seated trunk rotations to each side with 1 kg barbell placed on the shoulders. Trunk rotational velocity and respective angular displacement were significantly lower in para table tennis players compared to able-bodied athletes. Both groups showed similar values of thoracic kyphosis. However, para table tennis players exhibited lower lumbar inversion and pelvic retroversion compared to able-bodied athletes. Peak and mean velocity in the acceleration phase of trunk rotation correlated with angular displacement in both para table tennis players (r=0.912, p=0.001; r=0.819, p=0.013) and able-bodied athletes (r=0.790, p=0.026; r=0.673, p=0.032). These velocity values were also associated with lumbar curvature (r=-0.787, p=0.003; r=- 0.713, p=0.009) and pelvic tilt angle (r=0.694, p=0.014; r=0.746, p=0.007) in para table tennis players. Findings indicate that slower velocity of trunk rotations in para table tennis players might be due to their limited range of trunk rotational motion. Decreased posterior concavity could also contribute to these lower values. However, other biomechanical factors may have an impact on the association between these variables and have yet to be documented.

Somatostatin expression in the pancreatic cells of smoking and non-smoking chronic pancreatitis patients with or without diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the analysis is to determine the location and degree of the hormone immunoreactivity in tissues of patients with chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. METHODS: The study was performed on 11 non-smoking and 12 smoking patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) with/without diabetes. The hormone was located in the pancreatic tissues by means of the immunohistochemical method using somatostatin antibodies. The histopathological evaluation of the hormone expression intensity in tissue sections was carried out using the semi-quantitative method and was calculated by means of a digital image analysis. RESULTS: The hormone's strong immunohistochemical reaction and the modified D-cell location may be a result of the pancreatic tissue fibrosis process prevention in patients with CP. Changes in the intensity of SS immunoreactivity and the D-cell distribution in the pancreas of patients with CP and diabetes may possibly result from the additional hormone compensatory effect in the excessive glucagon secretion inhibition. Smoking patients with diabetes showed significantly higher hormone immunostaining in the pancreas compared to non-smoking patients without diabetes and healthy persons. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of histopathological changes in smoking CP patients indicates that the cigarette smoke components may further exacerbate the inflammatory reactions. Patients with CP were found to have a strong immunohistochemical reaction to SS and changes in the distribution of D cells when compared to healthy patients. The strongest immunohistochemical SS reaction has been identified in the pancreatic tissue from smoking patients with diabetes.

Jumping From a Chair is a More Sensitive Measure of Power Performance In Older Adults Than Chair Rising.

Background/Study Context: The study estimates the reliability of peak velocity and peak power during chair rising and chair jumping tests and their ability to discriminate between different age and physical activity level groups. METHODS: Physically active and sedentary individuals (N = 262) of different ages (young: 22.9 ± 2.0 years, range: 21-25 years; older: 63.1 ± 1.8 years, range: 61-65 years) performed, in random order, chair rising and chair jumping tests on a force plate. Randomly selected young subjects performed both tests repeatedly on two different occasions separated by 1 week. From the sitting position with the arms crossed on the chest, they either stand up completely (chair rising test), or jump as high as possible (chair jumping test). RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of peak power and peak velocity during chair rising as well as chair jumping was excellent, with high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs; .90-.98) and low standard error of measurement (SEM; 7.0-9.1%). Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences in peak power and peak velocity between the sedentary and physically active young and older subjects. However, greater coefficients of variation for both parameters were found for chair jumping than chair rising (21.1-40.2% vs. 11.0-15.2%). Additionaly, there were moderate correlations of peak power and peak velocity between chair rising and chair jumping (r = .42-.49). There were greater within- and between-group differences in peak force and peak power and a steeper increase in their values during the initial phase of chair jumping than chair rising. CONCLUSION: Both chair rising and chair jumping tests provide reliable data and are valid indicators of lower body power in young and older adults. However, jumping from a chair is a more sensitive measure of strength and power performance than chair rising.

The role of lateral preference of lower limbs in a postural stabilization task.

OBJECTIVE: Postural control is a complex skill based on the interaction of dynamic sensorimotor processes. This study assessed the effect of lateral perturbations on postural re-stabilization regarding lower limb preference. METHODS: A group of 14 physically active individuals (9 male, 5 female) randomly underwent postural perturbations in lateral-left and lateral-right directions at a velocity of 0.2 m.s-1 and a platform shift of 6 cm. Perturbation to the preferred limb side (PS) was noted when the contralateral body movement was primarily controlled by the preferred limb and perturbation to the non-preferred limb side (NS) was noted when the contralateral body movement was primarily controlled by the non-preferred (stabilizing) limb. Prior to, during and after the perturbation centre of pressure (CoP) was registered using a computerized motor driven FiTRO Dynamic Posturography System based on force plate (Fitro Sway Check) with a sampling rate of 100 Hz. The basic stabilographic parameters of peak displacement (Peak 1), peak-to-peak displacement (Peak 2), time to peak displacement (Time 1), time to peak-to-peak displacement (Time 2) and re-stabilization time (Time 3) were analyzed. RESULTS: Results showed significantly larger Time 3 on PS than on NS (2.81 ± 1.32 s and 1.73 ± 1.10 s; p=0.02). However, there were no significant differences in other parameters between PS and NS. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that the observed shorter re-stabilization time at NS was due to the stabilization role of the non-preferred limb.

Morphometric differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

The aim of the study was to define the morphometric characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) cells and identify opportunities to differentiate these tumors based on determination of the morphometric characteristics in order to use the results of research in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Pap smears with two histopathologically confirmed cervix cancers were used for testing. For the morphometric assessment of cancer cells the dotSlide program was used. The mean nucleus area for AC cells was 126.62 × 10(-6) m(2), while this value for SCC was 145.07 × 10(-6) m(2) (p = 0.000132). The mean circumference of AC cells was 42.43 × 10(-6) m, while for SCC cells it was 46.67 × 10(-6) m (p = 0.00). AC cell diameter was 13.83 µm, whereas for SCC cells it was 15.36 × 10(-6) m. On average the AC cell surface area was 195.72 × 10(-6) m(2), while for SCC cells it was 249.94 × 10(-6) m(2) (p = 0.00565). The mean AC cell circumference was 54.90 µm, whereas for SCC cells it was 65.23 × 10(-6) m (p = 0.00607). The research shows that, despite the presence of statistically significant differences for each morphometric parameter, determination of cancer type cannot be used in the diagnosis.

Research on genesis of adipocytic metaplasia in uterine fibroids.

The genesis of lipoleiomyoma has not been explained yet. Immunohistochemical examinations were performed on 17 lipoleiomyomas in women aged 43-82 (mean age: 51 ±9 years). Four types of myomas were distinguished: 1) pure leiomyoma, 2) fibroleiomyoma, 3) hyalinizing leiomyoma, 4) strongly hyalinized myoma, along with three degrees of progression of adipocytic metaplasia: 1) up to 25% of lipocytes, 2) up to 50% of lipocytes, and 3) over 50% of lipocytes in the analyzed sample, along with three degrees of progression of adipocytic metaplasia: 1) up to 25% of lipocytes, 2) up to 50% of lipocytes, and 3) over 50% of lipocytes in the analyzed sample. A positive correlation was found between the age of women and rate of development of metaplasia (r = 0.51, p = 0.035) as well as with activity of the estrogen receptor in the primary tumor (r = 0.53, p = 0.03). New mucous perivascular tissue was reported among 11.8% of patients and on this basis lipocytes were formed. The appearance of subendothelial granular cells of large blood vessels with a positive reaction for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and CD68 was reported in 17.7%. Results of immunohistochemical research seem to confirm that lipocytes de novo come from the primal pluripotent cells of the tumor stroma and not from the fatty degeneration of myocytes.

Increase of nuclear expression of metallothionein I/II in neoplastic transformation of the endomnetrium.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), metallothionein (MT) 1/11, and Ki-67 antigen in endometrial cancer We analyzed cytoplasmic (cMT) and nuclear (nMT) metallothionein fractions separately Moreover we evaluated the relationships between expressions of the above mentioned proteins and compared them with clinicopathologic data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material included paraffin-embedded endometrial cancer samples from 84 patients. The control group consisted of 52 non-neoplastic endometrium samples. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed using monoclonal antibodies against EGFR, MT 1/11 and Ki-67. Expression intensity of the tested proteins was assessed by computer image analysis software. Chi-square, Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis with Statistica 8.0 PL. RESULTS: Strong expression of nMT was revealed in endometrial cancer cells in relation to benign hyperplasia (p<0.0017) and normal cells (p<0.001) of the endometrium. Statistically significant but weaker expressions in analogous relationships were observed for cMT Moreover higher grade of histological malignancy G was positively associated with increased expression of nMT (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of nMT remains in distinct correlation with neoplastic transformation of the endometrium and histologic grades. Our results clearly indicate a need for further research on metallothionein expression in tumor cells.

Enhancement of peak and mean power in concentric phase of resistance exercises.

The study compares the differences in peak and mean power of concentric-only and countermovement resistance exercises (ΔP) with different weights. A group of 27 fit men randomly performed 3 repetitions of either barbell bench presses or barbell squats on different days. The initial weight of 20 kg was increased by 10 or 5 kg (at higher loads) up to at least 85% of a previously established 1 repetition maximum (1RM). A computer-based system FiTRO Dyne Premium was used to monitor force and velocity and to calculate power. The peak values and mean values of power during the entire concentric phase of lifting and during the acceleration phase were analyzed. Results showed that maximal ΔP calculated from the peak and mean values in the acceleration phase of bench presses was achieved at lower weights (118.4 ± 19.0 W at 47% of 1RM and 116.2 ± 15.3 W at 48% of 1RM, respectively) than the one calculated from mean values in the entire concentric phase of lifting (114.8 ± 14.8 W at 57% 1RM). Likewise, maximal ΔP calculated from the peak and mean values in the acceleration phase of squats was achieved at lower weights (127.7 ± 20.4 W at 67% of 1RM and 124.3 ± 22.1 W at 69% of 1RM, respectively) than the one calculated from the mean values in the entire concentric phase of lifting (125.0 ± 19.2 W at 77% of 1RM). This fact has to be taken into account when training efficiency is evaluated, namely, in sports requiring the production of maximal force in a short time.

Weight lifted and countermovement potentiation of power in concentric phase of unstable and traditional resistance exercise.

The study evaluates the effect of weight lifted on power in the concentric phase of resistance exercises on stable and unstable surfaces. A group of 19 fit men performed randomly on different days 3 reps of (a) barbell chest presses on the bench and Swiss ball, and (b) barbell squats on stable base and BOSU ball. Exercises were performed without and with countermovement (CM) using maximal effort in concentric phase. Initial weight of 20 kg was increased by 10 kg or 5 kg (at higher loads) up to at least 85% of previously established 1RM under stable conditions. Results showed no significant differences in mean power in the concentric phase of stable and unstable CM chest presses at lower weights lifted (from 20 to 50 kg). However, its values were significantly higher during chest presses on the bench than on Swiss ball while lifting higher weights (from 60 to 90 kg). Similarly, mean power in the concentric phase of squats was significantly higher on stable base than on BOSU ball at higher weights lifted (from 60 to 90 kg). Though a set of data showed significant differences, the effect sizes≤0.7 suggest no practically meaningful differences. It may be concluded that unstable base compromises the power in the concentric phase of resistance exercises, however, only at higher weights lifted.

Power outputs in the concentric phase of resistance exercises performed in the interval mode on stable and unstable surfaces.

The study compares power outputs in the concentric phase of chest presses and squats performed in the interval mode on stable and unstable surface, respectively. A group of 16 physical education students performed randomly on different days 6 sets of 8 repetitions of (a) chest presses on the bench and Swiss ball, respectively, and (b) squats on stable support base and Bosu ball, respectively, with 2 minutes of rest period between sets. The exercises were performed with previously established 70% of 1 repetition maximum under stable conditions. A PC-based system FiTRO Dyne Premium was used to monitor force and velocity and to calculate power. The results showed significantly lower power outputs when resistance exercises were performed on an unstable than a stable support base. In the initial set, mean power in concentric phase of lifting decreased more profoundly under unstable than under stable conditions during both chest presses (13.2 and 7.7%, respectively) and squats (10.3 and 7.2%, respectively). In the final set, the reduction rates of mean power in the concentric phase of chest presses were significantly (p < 0.05) greater on the Swiss ball than on the bench (19.9 and 11.8%, respectively). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in decline of mean power in the concentric phase of squats on the Bosu ball and on stable support base (11.4 and 9.6%, respectively). It may be concluded that power outputs during resistance exercises is more profoundly compromised under unstable than under stable conditions, and this effect is more evident for barbell chest presses on the Swiss ball than for barbell squats on the Bosu ball. These findings have to be taken into account when instability resistance exercises are implemented into the training program, namely, for sports that require production of maximal force in short time.

Organization of the 43rd European Congress of Cytology in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic period: A report.

The 43rd European Congress of Cytology in Wroclaw, Poland, was held as a hybrid meeting in the Fall of 2021. After nearly 2 years without in-person cytology conferences, the 43rd Congress represents 1 of the first major international scientific meetings to occur during the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 pandemic. Since March 2020, the pandemic situation substantially modified the organization of scientific meetings because of both domestic and international travel restrictions, new health standards, and concern among participants, resulting in new alternative forms of virtual conferencing. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2022;130:000-000.

ARID1A/BAF250a is significantly overexpressed in primary invasive breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: ARID1A (also known as BAF250a, p270 or SMARCF1) is a major component of the mammalian SWI/SNF family that is involved in the regulation of the chromatin structure. ARID1A gene mutations have been associated with many types of malignancies, including breast cancer. This study aimed to explore the expression of BAF250a protein in breast cancer and its association with the clinical and pathological characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer. METHODS: We assessed the BAF250a expression in 119 invasive breast carcinomas samples and 92 healthy control and correlated this expression pattern with various clinical and pathologic parameters including histologic type and grade, tumor size, lymph node status, estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PR) status. Immunohistochemical analysis of BAF250a, ER, PR, was carried out, and evaluation of stainings was performed. RESULTS: The mean value of BAF250a expression in the experimental group was higher than in healthy control (P=0.001). The expression is unrelated to age, menopausal status, lymph node status, tumor size and location, grade and histologic type of tumor, and hormonal status (ER, PR). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that BAF250a is overexpressed in breast cancers. BAF250a may play context-dependent tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive roles in cancer.

Correlation of metallothionein expression with clinical progression of cancer in the oral cavity.

UNLABELLED: This study aimed at finding out whether the expression of metallothionein (MT), laminin, Ki-67 antigen and minichromosome maintenance-2 (Mcm-2) protein changes with growing invasiveness of the tumour. The expression of these markers in primary tumours with no metastases to lymph nodes (PT N-) was compared with the expression in primary tumours with metastases in draining lymph nodes (PT N+). The difference in marker expression was also evaluated between metastatic lymph nodes (LN+) and the corresponding primary tumours (PT N+). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The studies were performed on tumour samples from 39 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity floor or of the oral part of the tongue. All the patients had been subjected to radical surgery, accompanied by the removal of lymph nodes. In 20 patients post-operative histopathology disclosed the presence of metastases in the draining lymph nodes (pN+), while in 19 patients the presence of such metastases was excluded (pN0). RESULTS: The PT N+ group was found to contain a significantly higher percentage of cells with cytoplasmic expression of MT, than the PT N- group. In turn, a significant increase in the intensity of reaction of cytoplasmic MT and an increased percentage of cancer cells demonstrating MT expression in the cell nuclei was demonstrated in the LN+ compared to the PT N+ group. The expression of the remaining parameters did not significantly differ between PT N-, PT N+ and LN+. CONCLUSION: A gradual increase in MT expression (both cytoplasmic and nuclear) takes place with progression of the tumour and the increased nuclear expression of MT in LN+ cells may suggest a role of MT in metastasis development in the studied tumours.

Bridging neighboring civilizations at academic grounds: a story of Zygmunt Albert - Rector illustrissimus ac magnificus Academiae Medicae Wratislaviensis - a pathologist who visualized gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.

The life stories can constitute more than simple biographies to remain great lessons of honesty, grit and steadfastness in keeping standards of medical science within a strong moral fiber and flexible wiseness in hard terms like in case of Zygmunt Albert (1908-2001). This eminent pathologist histochemically visualized tissue distribution of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in liver and other organs under various conditions. He was also deeply involved in experimental pathology of liver, particularly in his comprehensive studies on chrysoidin-induced hepatoma that should bear eponymic name Albert's hepatoma. As he had both German and Polish roots, he became an eminent personage that wisely and consequently bridged neighboring civilizations in hard terms of escalation of hate in prewar times, during World War II and in postwar period. After he meticulously recorded Nazi crimes in Lvov, he appealed for justice in case of Nazi massive murders of Lvov Professors. He obtained his Associate Professorship in Anatomical Pathology in Lvov (Lemberg) and was one of rebuilders of Medical Faculty in postwar Wroclaw (Breslau) to serve as the first Rector Magnificus of Medical Academy of Wroclaw.

Between-side differences in trunk rotational power in athletes trained in asymmetric sports.

BACKGROUND: The asymmetric loading of trunk muscles in sports like golf or tennis may cause side-to-side imbalances in rotational muscle strength and endurance. Such imbalances may be compounded by the presence of low back pain (LBP) and related injuries. However, trunk rotational power is a better predictor of athlete performance, and therefore its ability to reveal these asymmetries/dysbalances should be investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study compares peak and mean values of power during trunk rotations on the dominant and non-dominant side in golfers, ice-hockey players, tennis players, and an age-matched control group of fit individuals. METHODS: Groups of 17 golfers, 17 ice-hockey players, 21 tennis players, and 39 fit individuals performed standing trunk rotations to each side with a bar weight of 5.5, 10.5, 15.5, and 20 kg placed on the shoulders. Peak power and mean power in the acceleration phase of trunk rotations were measured using the FiTRO Torso Premium system. RESULTS: Peak power and mean power in the acceleration phase of trunk rotations were significantly higher on the dominant (D) than non-dominant (ND) side at weights of 5.5 kg (14 and 14%), 10.5 kg (17 and 14%), 15.5 kg (16 and 15%), and 20 kg (16 and 16%) in ice-hockey players, at 5.5 kg (14 and 13%), 10.5 kg (17 and 14%), and 15.5 kg (15% - only peak power) in tennis players, and at 5.5 kg (17 and 18%) and 10.5 kg (19 and 17%) in golfers. However, their values did not differ significantly at these weights (< 10%) in the age-matched control group. The D/ND ratio was the highest in ice-hockey players (1.18, 1.19), followed by golfers (1.16, 1.17) and finally tennis players (1.12, 1.16). CONCLUSION: Taking into account significantly higher trunk rotational power on the dominant than the non-dominant side in golfers, tennis players and ice-hockey players at lower and/or higher weights and no significant side-to-side differences in a control group of fit individuals, this parameter may be considered specific to their asymmetric loading during trunk rotations. However, whether these asymmetries/dysbalances expressed by the D/ND ratio could also identify the likelihood of LBP, needs to be proven.

Chronic metastatic neuroblastoma.

The diversity of neuroblastoma and its clinical course depends on histology, biology and clinical features. We report a male presenting at 4 months of age with an abdominal mass and multiple subcutaneous nodules. The diagnosis was made by histological examination of a subcutaneous nodule and elevated urinary markers. The patient remained well during the subsequent 9 years. During that time no cytostatic treatment was given. Attempt to treat with cis-retinoic acid 10 years later did not result in any significant change of the clinical course. The patient has remained in good clinical condition for a 15-year observation period, having both progressing and regressing distant subcutaneous metastases. Skin nodules are the hallmarks of the indolent clinical course of the disease. We suggest the use of the "chronic neuroblastoma" as a term to describe patients with neuroblastoma showing indolent disease course over a very long period of time, but never achieving complete remission.