Patients undergoing double J substitution with a pigtail suture stent report a significant decrease of stent-related symptoms. Results from a prospective multicenter longitudinal trial.

PURPOSE: To compare stent-related symptoms (SRS) in patients with double J (DJ) undergoing substitution with a pigtail suture stent (PSS) after ureteroscopy (URS), through the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with DJ undergoing URS for stone treatment were enrolled in this prospective multicenter longitudinal study. The USSQ was submitted thrice: 2 weeks after DJ, 2 weeks after PSS and 4 weeks after PSS removal (baseline). PRIMARY ENDPOINT: to compare Urinary Symptom Index Score and the rate of patients with pain 2 weeks after DJ and PSS. Secondary endpoints: to compare other USSQ scores and single answers 2 weeks after DJ and PSS, and DJ and PSS USSQ scores with baseline. RESULTS: 93 patients were enrolled. 2 weeks Urinary Symptom Index Score (p < 0.001) and the percentage of patients complaining of pain (60.2% vs 88.2%, p < 0.001) were significantly in favour of PSS compared to DJ. 2 weeks scores were significantly improved with PSS compared to DJ: Pain Index (p < 0.001), VAS (p < 0.001), General Health Index (p < 0.001) and Work Performance Index (p < 0.001). All urinary symptoms were significantly decreased with PSS, including renal pain during micturition and pain interfering with life. Pain Index Score (p = 0.622) and VAS (p = 0.169) were comparable to baseline with PSS, while differed with DJ. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing DJ substitution with PSS after URS report a significant decrease of SRS. Urologists may consider positioning PSS after URS in pre-stented patients to reduce the impact of SRS.

Disposable grasper-integrated flexible cystoscope for ureteral stent removal in transplanted patients; focus on feasibility, safety, and patient experience. Results and micro-cost analysis from a tertiary referral center.

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: To evaluate ureteral stent removal (SR) using a grasper-integrated disposable flexible cystoscope (giFC-Isiris ®, Coloplast ®) after kidney transplantation (KT), with a focus on feasibility, safety, patient experience, and costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All consecutive KT undergoing SR through giFC were prospectively enrolled from January 2020 to June 2023. Patient characteristics, KT and SR details, urine culture results, antimicrobial prescriptions, and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) within 1 month were recorded. A micro-cost analysis was conducted, making a comparison with the costs of SR with a reusable FC and grasper. RESULTS: A total of 136 KT patients were enrolled, including both single and double KT, with 148 stents removed in total. The median indwelling time was 34 days [26, 47]. SR was successfully performed in all cases. The median preparation and procedure times were 4 min [3,5]. and 45 s[30, 60], respectively. The median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was 3 [1, 5], and 98.2% of patients expressed willingness to undergo the procedure again. Only one episode of UTI involving the graft (0.7%) was recorded. Overall, the estimated cost per SR procedure with Isiris ® and the reusable FC was 289.2€ and 151,4€, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective series evaluated the use of Isiris ® for SR in a cohort of KT patients, demonstrating feasibility and high tolerance. The UTI incidence was 0.7% within 1 month. Based on the micro-cost analysis, estimated cost per procedure favored the reusable FC.

Single-use digital flexible cystoscope for double J removal versus reusable instruments: a prospective, comparative study of functionality, risk of infection, and costs.

BACKGROUND: The removal of ureteral stent can be performed with disposable or reusable flexible cystoscopes, but limited comparative data are available on functionality, risk of infections, and costs. METHODS: We performed a multicentric, prospective, observational study on patients undergoing in-office ureteral stent removal with Isiris-α® or a reusable Storz™ flexible cystoscope. Study endpoints were the functionality and effectiveness of the devices, the rate of postoperative bacteriuria and UTIs, and the costs of the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were included, 80 (59.2%) treated with reusable cystoscopes and 55 (40.8%) with Isiris-α®. No significant baseline differences between groups were detected. Isiris-α® outperformed the reusable device in terms of quality of vision (p 0.001), manoeuvrability (p 0.001), grasper functionality (p < 0.001), and quality of the procedure (p 0.01). Mean procedure time was shorter with Isiris-α® (p < 0.001) due to a shorter instrument preparation time (p < 0.001). No differences were found in terms of perceived patient pain (p 0.34), nor postoperative bacteriuria or symptomatic UTIs. According to our cost analysis, the in-office procedure performed with Isiris-α® was more expensive (+ 137.8€) but was independent from instrument turnover or disinfection. Among limitations of study we acknowledge the lack of randomization, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in several patients, and the high rate of missing preoperative urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Isiris-α® outperforms reusable cystoscopes for in-office ureteral stent removal in terms of total operative time and quality of the procedure, at the cost of being more expensive. No significant differences in postoperative bacteriuria or symptomatic UTIs were found.

Relationships between training dose and record power outputs in professional road cyclists: insights and threats to validity.

Testing short-term (4-8 weeks) correlations between training dose and performance in professional road cyclists can help improve their training and performance. Multilevel mixed-modeling was used to correlate training dose (Time, Edwards' Trimp-eTRIMP, Training Stress Score-TSS, time spent in power output zones-Z1, Z2, Z3, Polarization Index-PI) and Record Power Output (RPO) over 1 minute (RPO1), 5 (RPO5), 20 (RPO20), and 40 minutes (RPO40) across four different time periods: training dose of the previous month with RPOs of the subsequent month (Monthly-analysis); training dose of the 8 weeks preceding All, Grand tours, One-day races with RPOs of these races. In Monthly-analysis, small positive relationships between all the training dose parameters, except for PI, and RPO1, RPO5, RPO20, RPO40 were found (p ≤ 0.001). In Grand tours analysis, Z3 showed a positive association with RPO40 (r: 0.45; p = 0.007, moderate) and was positively related to RPO1 and RPO5 (r between 0.32 and 0.34; p = 0.053-0.059, moderate). PI was small positively related to RPO1 (r = 0.29, p = 0.076, small). In One-day races analysis, eTRIMP was positively related to RPO5 (r = 0.30, p = 0.035, moderate), Z1 negatively related to RPO40 (r = -0.31, p = 0.031, moderate), PI positively related to RPO5 (r = 0.24, p = 0.068, small) and Z2 was negatively related to RPO20 (r = -0.29, p = 0.051, small). A certain degree of responsiveness to training dose exists in professional road cyclists. To improve RPOs an appropriate preparation pattern seems to be increasing high intensity training for Grand Tours and fostering high intensity and overall training load (eTRIMP and TSS) in a more polarized-fashion for one-day races. Systematic and precise data collection during training and racing is highly advocated.

Loop-tail stents fail in reducing stent-related symptoms: results of a prospective randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare stent-related symptoms (SRS) of loop-tail (LT) and conventional double J (DJ) stents after uncomplicated flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS), in a prospective randomised controlled single-blind parallel-group study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing fURS were randomised into two groups: the LT Group received LT stents (Polaris™ Loop) and the DJ Group received conventional DJ stents (Vortek® ). The stent was removed after 4 weeks. The Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) was administered at 2 days, 4 and 8 weeks (baseline evaluation) after stent insertion. The primary endpoint was to compare the Urinary Symptom Index Score of the LT vs DJ groups at 4 weeks after stent insertion. The secondary endpoints were to compare the USSQ domains' subscores at 2 days and 4 weeks after stent insertion, USSQ single answers at 4 weeks, and the 4-week USSQ domains' subscores adjusted for baseline. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were randomised (34 LT and 34 DJ). The answers given at 4 weeks were not significantly different between the two groups for the Urinary Symptom Index Score (P = 0.982), Pain Index Score (P = 0.169), visual analogue scale (P = 0.276), and all the other domains of the USSQ. At 4 weeks, the single-answer analysis did not find any differences between the groups; the urinary symptoms were all comparable, as was the requirement for pain painkillers (P = 0.684) and pain during sex (P = 0.496). There were also no significant differences for every single domain score for the responses given at 2 days. The same applied to USSQ subscores at 4 weeks adjusted for the 8-week baseline results, which were also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The study found no differences in terms of SRS between the LT and DJ groups, either at 2 days or 4 weeks after stent insertion, with or without baseline correction.

Peripheral muscle function during repeated changes of direction in professional soccer players.

PURPOSES: To evaluate peripheral muscle function of the knee extensors during repeated changes of direction in professional soccer players by examining differences between competitive levels, periods of the season and playing positions, and to investigate the relationships between peripheral muscle function and physical activities during matches. METHODS: Knee extensor peripheral muscle function (twitch peak torque, PT) of 593 male soccer players from 13 European professional clubs competing at 3 different levels was evaluated 4 times during the season. The main outcomes were PTmax (maximal PT, muscle contractility), MPmax (maximal metabolic power exercise intensity) and PTdec (PT decline, muscle fatigability) obtained during intermittent runs of increasing intensity with multiple changes of direction interspersed with electrically evoked contractions. Relative total and sprint distances covered during a whole match and during short intervals were quantified from a sub-sample. RESULTS: PTmax and MPmax were higher for first than for second division (p < 0.047; d = 0.15-0.23) and Under-19 players (p < 0.007; d = 0.17-0.25). MPmax was lower (p < 0.016; d = 0.23-0.32) and PTdec was higher (p < 0.004; d = 0.26-0.39) in the pre-season compared to all the other time points. MPmax was higher for fullbacks than attackers and defenders (p < 0.041; d = 0.20-0.22). PTdec was higher for defenders than fullbacks, midfielders and wings (p < 0.029; d = 0.21-0.28). PTmax was associated with whole-match relative total distance (p = 0.004; d = 0.26). PTdec was associated with whole-match relative total distance and relative short-interval sprint distance (p < 0.050; d = 0.18-0.22). CONCLUSION: The ability to sustain repeated change of direction efforts at high intensities while preserving peripheral muscle function should be considered an important determinant of soccer physical performance.

Flexible Ureterorenoscopy under Spinal Anesthesia: Focus on Technique, Results, Complications, and Patients' Satisfaction from a Large Series.

INTRODUCTION: Although spinal anesthesia (SA) may reduce postoperative morbidity, most urologists perform flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) under general anesthesia (GA). The objective of our study is to provide technical details, results, complications, and patients' satisfaction with fURS performed under exclusive SA. METHODS: We analyzed all consecutive fURS performed under SA to treat renal stones from March 2011 to February 2017. Details of technique, operative time, outcomes, need for further treatments, complications, and patients' satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-four fURS under SA were considered. SA was performed through L2-L3 vertebral interspace in 64.1%. Patients were discharged the same day of surgery. Mean stone burden was 13.5 ± 6.6 mm and mean operative time 76.9 ± 34.6 min. Single-procedure SFR was 69.7%. Further treatments were performed in 22.8%. 96.6% had no anesthesia-related complications. No Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIb complications were noticed. 99.6% of patients were satisfied with SA. No cases of conversion from SA to GA occurred. CONCLUSION: fURS can be performed safely and efficiently under SA, taking into account a few details of the technique. Patients' satisfaction with SA is very high, and complications are rare. Although SA is usually adopted in unfit patients for GA, it may be considered as a viable alternative in fit patients.

Ejaculation-sparing versus non-ejaculation-sparing anatomic GreenLight laser enucleo-vaporization of the prostate: first comparative study.

PURPOSE: To present the step-by-step description of an ejaculation-sparing anatomic photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) technique. To report the results of a series of ejaculation-sparing versus non-ejaculation-sparing anatomic PVPs. METHODS: Sexually active, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients undergoing an anatomic PVP between 11/2018 and 2/2020 were included. Patients were divided into group A (ejaculation-sparing surgery) and group B (control group). Baseline, peri-operative and 6-months follow-up data were evaluated. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual function were assessed through internationally validated questionnaires. Groups were matched by an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis. Logistic univariable regression analysis was performed to detect predictors of antegrade ejaculation preservation. RESULTS: Overall, 76 patients were included, among which 15 in group A and 61 in group B. Median (inter-quartile range, IQR) age was 72 (66.5-77) years, median (IQR) prostate volume 63.5 (54.5-98.5) cc. No differences about peri-operative outcomes were detected, included high-grade complications. At 6-months follow-up, no differences in urinary or erectile function were detected between groups, while ejaculation-sparing patients showed better Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) scores [7 (1-13) vs. 1 (1-1), p < 0.001] and higher rates of antegrade ejaculation (60% vs. 13.1%, p < 0.001). The ejaculation-sparing technique was identified as a predictor of post-operative antegrade ejaculation (OR 19.3, CI 95% 7.2-51.2, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ejaculation-sparing anatomic PVP showed superiority over the control group in post-operative ejaculatory function scores and antegrade ejaculation rates. Besides, preliminary results suggested similar effectiveness in LUTS relief at a short-term follow-up.

Clinical outcomes and temporal trends of immunological and non-immunological rare diseases in adult kidney transplant.

BACKGROUND: Rare diseases (RDs) encompass many difficult-to-treat conditions with different characteristics often associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, data about transplant outcomes in adult patients are still lacking and limited to case reports/case series without differentiation between immunological/non-immunological RDs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis among all adult kidney transplanted patients (KTs) with RDs (RDsKT group) performed in our high-volume transplantation center between 2005 and 2016. RDs were classified according to the Orphanet code system differentiating between immunological and non-immunological diseases, also comparing clinical outcomes and temporal trends to a control population without RDs (nRDsKT). RESULTS: Among 1381 KTs, 350 patients (25.3%) were affected by RDs (RDsKTs). During a f/up > 5 years [median 7.9 years (4.8-11.1)], kidney function and graft/patient survival did not differ from nRDsKTs. Considering all post-transplant complications, RDsKTs (including, by definition, patients with primary glomerulopathy except on IgA nephropathy) have more recurrent and de-novo glomerulonephritis (14.6% vs. 9.6% in nRDsKTs; p = 0.05), similar rates of de-novo cancers, post-transplant diabetes, dysmetabolism, hematologic disorders, urologic/vascular problems, and lower infectious episodes than nRDsKTs (63.7% vs 72.7%; p = 0.013). Additional stratification for immunological and non-immunological RDsKTs or transplantation periods (before/after 2010) showed no differences or temporal trends between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplant centers are deeply involved in RDs management. Despite their high-complex profile, both immunological and non-immunological RDsKTs experienced favorable patients' and graft survival.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Serie A Soccer Players' Physical Qualities.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced most activities in Italy, including soccer, to cease. During lockdown, players could only train at home, with limited evidence regarding the effect of this period. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on professional soccer players' physical performance. Aerobic fitness and vertical jump were assessed before and after four periods in two different seasons: COVID-19 lockdown, competitive period before lockdown, competitive period and summer break of the 2016-2017 season. Linear mixed models were used to examine within-period changes and between-period differences in changes observed during COVID-19 lockdown and the three other periods. Within-period changes in aerobic fitness showed a significant improvement following COVID-19 lockdown (p<0.001) and a significant decline during summer break (p<0.001). Between-period differences were significant in the comparison of COVID-19 lockdown with both the competitive 2019-2020 season (p<0.01) and summer break (p<0.001). For the vertical jump, only the between-period comparison revealed significant differences as the changes associated with COVID-19 lockdown were worse than those of the two competitive periods, for both absolute (p<0.05; p<0.001) and relative peak power (p<0.01; p<0.001). Home-based training during lockdown was effective to improve aerobic fitness, although it did not allow players to maintain their competitive period's power levels.

Match Activities in Basketball Games: Comparison Between Different Competitive Levels.

Ferioli, D, Schelling, X, Bosio, A, La Torre, A, Rucco, D, and Rampinini, E. Match activities in basketball games: comparison between different competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 172-182, 2020-This study examined the (a) differences in the activity demands of official basketball games between different competitive levels (from elite to amateur levels) among a large cohort of adult male players and (b) match-to-match variations of basketball physical demands. Video-based time-motion analysis (TMA) was performed to assess the players' physical activity among 136 players. Match-to-match variations were determined analyzing 2 consecutive matches of the same level on 35 players. The frequency of occurrence (n per minutes) and the duration in percentage of playing time were calculated for high-intensity activity (HIA), moderate-intensity activity (MIA), low-intensity activity (LIA), and recovery (REC). Division I performed an almost certain greater number of HIA, MIA, and total actions per minutes of playing time compared with Division II that performed similarly to Division III. Division VI performed a likely-to-very likely lower number of LIA, MIA, and total actions per minute compared with Division III. Division I spent almost certain greater playing time competing in HIA and MIA compared with lower divisions. Time spent at REC was very likely greater in Division VI compared with all other Divisions. The frequency of occurrence was less reliable than percentage duration of game activities. Matches of different competitive levels are characterized by different physical activities. The ability to sustain greater intermittent workloads and HIA, and the ability to quickly recover from high-intensity phases during competitions should be considered as key components of basketball. The match-to-match variations values observed in this study might be useful to correctly interpret individual TMA data.

How bothersome double-J ureteral stents are after semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy: a prospective single-institution observational study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in details the actual extent of double-J stent-related symptoms after semirigid (URS) and flexible (RIRS) ureteroscopy using a validated questionnaire. METHODS: We asked to complete the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) to all stone patients undergoing URS or RIRS with stent placement from 2010 to 2015. Stent-related symptoms' prevalence, severity, and impact on daily life were analyzed using descriptive statistics and five-order Likert scales. Subgroups analyses were performed. RESULTS: 232 patients completed the USSQ. Stents had a deep impact on urinary symptoms (daily frequency ≥ 1 per hour 59.1%, ≥ 1 nocturnal micturition 90.1%, urgency 86.6%, burning 82.3%) that represented a problem for 88.4% of patients. 83.2% complained of pain, mostly in the kidney (67.9%) or in the bladder area (31.3%), particularly during physical activity (72.9%) and micturition (77.0%). Pain interfered with everyday life in 92.2%. General health, working, and sexual activity were also affected. 62.0% of patients would be dissatisfied (51.6% unhappy or terrible) if further ureteral stenting was proposed in future. Younger patients and females were more affected. Limitations include observational design and lack of baseline evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral stents are responsible for significant urinary symptoms and pain after semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy. They also considerably affect general health, working and sexual activity. Urologists should consider it carefully before stenting, inform patients about stent-related symptoms, and minimize stent indwelling time.

Association Between Match Activity, Endurance Levels and Maturity in Youth Football Players.

The aim of the study was to examine the associations between maximal and submaximal field tests with match physical activity and biological maturation in youth football players. Sixty-eight youth football players (U14, U15, U16, U17) performed maximal and submaximal field endurance tests. Biological maturity was estimated calculating the distance from peak height velocity (Y-PHV). Physical match activities were tracked using GPS units and players' post-match rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded. Mainly moderate associations were found between field tests and match activities. Large correlations were found between Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1, distance covered at high and very high-speed running, the quantity of very high and maximal metabolic power running. Small to moderate associations between match activities and Y-PHV were observed. The magnitude of correlation between match activities and field tests increased from moderate to large when matches with an RPE>5 were considered. The results provide further evidence of the association between young football players' aerobic performance and match work rate. Submaximal field tests demonstrate ecological validity and may constitute a practical alternative to performing maximal tests. Maturation was found to have a moderate effect on youth players' match work rate.

Prostate cancer treatment in renal transplant recipients: a systematic review.

The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence and to highlight the main issues future research needs to address regarding prostate cancer (PCa) treatment in renal transpant recipients (RTRs). We conducted a search of AMED, Medline and Embase up to 17 November 2016 to investigate oncological and functional outcomes of PCa treatment in RTR. Type and use/protocols of immunosuppression and peri-operative antibiotic drugs were also assessed. The search was implemented manually. Exclusion criteria were absence of full text or absence of information that allowed us to differentiate oncological and/or functional outcomes of each therapeutic approach used. We included 241 patients from 27 retrospective studies published between 1991 and 2016; seven of the studies were case-control and 20 were case series. We also considered nine case reports published between 1999 and 2016. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 120 months. PCa was organ-confined, with Gleason score ≤6 in 75.2% and 60.4% of patients. Surgery was the most frequent treatment used (n = 186), for which cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) rates were both 96.8%. Functional outcomes, including continence and erectile function, and complications were less frequently reported and were generally similar to those reported for radical prostatectomy (RP) in non-RTRs. Other treatment methods in the patients included in the review were radiotherapy (RT) ± androgen deprivation therapy (ADT; n = 34; OS 88.2%; CSS 88.2%), ADT alone (n = 14; OS 42.9%; CSS 64.3%), brachytherapy (BT; n = 11; OS and CSS 100%), watchful waiting (n = 4) and active surveillance (n = 1). Overall no treatment-related graft loss occurred. Immunosuppression and antibiotic schemes were poorly reported and inconsistent. Outcomes of PCa treatment in RTRs are encouraging and do not appear to be inferior to those of non-RTR. RP was the most commonly assessed approach, whilst RT, BT and ADT were less frequent. Immunosuppression and antibiotic use were poorly reported and highly variable. High-quality studies are needed because the current level of evidence is low, and our results should therefore be interpreted with caution.

De Novo Bladder Urothelial Neoplasm in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective, Multicentered Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) have a 2- to 7-fold risk of developing a neoplasm compared to general population. Bladder urothelial neoplasms in this cohort has an incidence of 0.4-2%. Many reports describe a more aggressive behavior. The objective of this study is to describe oncologic characteristics of bladder urothelial neoplasms in RTRs and to evaluate its recurrence, progression, and survival rates. METHODS: A retrospective multicentered study was performed evaluating all de novo bladder urothelial neoplasms cases in RTRs from 1988 to 2014. Descriptive statistical analysis and evaluation of recurrence, progression, and survival rates were performed. RESULTS: A total of 28 de novo bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) were identified (incidence rate 0.64%). Cancer-specific survival rates were 100, 75, and 70% after 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Age at diagnosis superior to 60 years was found to be a statistically significant variable for recurrence risk. Progression rate was 14%. Presence of CIS was significantly associated with progression. All cancer-specific deaths were in the high-risk group and all were progressions from non-muscle invasive to muscle invasive bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder urothelial neoplasms following renal transplant is associated with a trend toward worst prognosis. Early aggressive treatments, such as early radical cystectomy, might be advisable to reduce cancer-specific deaths.

The physical profile of adult male basketball players: Differences between competitive levels and playing positions.

This study examined the physical differences in adult male basketball players of different competitive level and playing position using a large cohort. In the middle of the regular season, 129 players from four different Divisions completed a Yo-YoIR1 and, after 3-to-8 days, they performed a 6-min continuous running test (Mognoni's test), a counter-movement jump (CMJ) test and a 5-min High-intensity Intermittent running test (HIT). Magnitude-based inferences revealed that differences in HIT were very likely moderate between Division I and II and likely small between Division II and III. The differences in absolute peak power and force produced during CMJs between Division I and II and between Division II and III were possibly small. Differences in Yo-YoIR1 and Mognoni's test were very likely-to-almost certain moderate/large between Division III and VI. We observed possibly-to-likely small differences in HIT and Mognoni's test between guards and forwards and almost certainly moderate differences in absolute peak power and force during CMJs between guards and centres. The ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent efforts (i.e. HIT) and strength/power characteristics can differentiate between competitive level, while strength/power characteristics discriminate guards from forwards/centres. These findings inform practitioners on the development of identification programs and training activities in basketball.

Different Training Loads Partially Influence Physiological Responses to the Preparation Period in Basketball.

Ferioli, D, Bosio, A, La Torre, A, Carlomagno, D, Connolly, DR, and Rampinini, E. Different training loads partially influence physiological responses to preparation period in basketball. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 790-797, 2018-The aim of this study was to compare the session rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE-TL), training volume (TV), and the changes in physical fitness between professional (n = 14) and semiprofessional (n = 18) basketball players during the preparation period. Furthermore, relationships between sRPE-TL and TV with changes in physical fitness level were investigated. The players performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test-level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) before and after the preparation period. In addition, physiological responses to a standardized 6-minute continuous running test (Mognoni's test) and to a standardized 5-minute high-intensity intermittent running test (HIT) were measured. Session rating of perceived exertion-TL and TV were greater for professional (5,241 ± 1787 AU; 914 ± 122 minutes) compared with semiprofessional players (2,408 ± 487 AU; 583 ± 65 minutes). Despite these differences, Yo-Yo IR1 performance improvements (∼30%) and physiological adaptations to the Mognoni's test were similar between the 2 groups. Furthermore, physiological adaptations to HIT were slightly greater for professional compared with semiprofessional players; however, the magnitude of these effects was only small/moderate. No clear relationships were found between sRPE-TL and changes in Yo-Yo IR1 performance and Mognoni's test (rs ± 90% confidence interval [CI]: Yo-Yo IR1, 0.18 ± 0.30; Mognoni's test, -0.14 ± 0.29). Only moderate relationships were found between sRPE-TL and changes in HIT (rs ± 90% CI: [La], -0.48 ± 0.23; [H], -0.42 ± 0.25). These results raise doubts on the effectiveness of using high sRPE-TL and TV during the preparation period to improve the physical fitness level of players. The Yo-Yo IR1 seems to be sensitive to monitor changes induced by the preparation period; however, its use is not recommended to discriminate between adult basketball players of different competitive level.

Are there any relations among transplant centre volume, surgical technique and anatomy for donor graft selection? Ten-year multicentric Italian experience on mini-invasive living donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Selection of the right or left living donor kidney for transplantation is influenced by many variables. In the present multi centric study including 21 Italian transplant centres, we evaluated whether centre volume or surgical technique may influence the selection process. METHODS: Intra- and perioperative donor data, donor kidney function, and recipient and graft survival were collected among 693 mini-invasive living donor nephrectomies performed from 2002 to 2014. Centre volume (LOW, 1-50 cases; HIGH, >50 cases) and surgical technique (FULL-LAP, full laparoscopic and robotic; HA-LAP, hand-assisted laparoscopy; MINI-OPEN, mini-lumbotomy) were correlated with selection of right or left donor kidney and with donor and recipient outcome. RESULTS: HIGH-volume centres retrieved a higher rate of donor right kidneys (29.3% versus 17.6%, P < 0.01) with single artery (83.1% versus 76.4%, P < 0.05) compared with LOW-volume centres. Surgical technique correlated significantly with rate of donor right kidney and presence of multiple arteries: MINI-OPEN (53% and 13%) versus HA-LAP (29% and 22%) versus FULL-LAP (11% and 23%), P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively. All donors had an uneventful outcome; donor bleeding was more frequent in LOW-volume centres (4% versus 0.9%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Centre volume and surgical technique influenced donor kidney side selection. Donor nephrectomy in LOW-volume centres was associated with higher risk of donor bleeding.

Thermography for skin temperature evaluation during dynamic exercise: a case study on an incremental maximal test in elite male cyclists.

The use of thermal imaging in monitoring the dynamic of skin temperature during prolonged physical exercise is central to assess athletes' ability to dissipate heat from the skin surface to the environment. In this study, seven elite cyclists completed an incremental maximal cycling test to evaluate their skin temperature response under controlled-environment conditions. Thermal images have been analyzed using a method based on maxima detection (Tmax). Data confirmed a reduction in skin temperature due to vasoconstriction during the exercise, followed by a temperature increment after exhaustion. A characteristic hot-spotted thermal pattern was found over the skin surface in all subjects. This research confirmed also the notable ability by highly trained cyclists to modify skin temperature during an incremental muscular effort. This study gives additional contributions for understanding the capability of the Tmax method applied to the thermoregulatory physiological processes.