Prognostic value of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and malnutrition status on postoperative complications in patients following laryngectomy with neck dissection.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications (PCs) following total laryngectomy remain a significant challenge, with recent investigations directed toward the impact of nutrition status and vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the association between preoperative vitamin D level status, malnutrition risk score, and surgical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer following total laryngectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma treated with total laryngectomy were included in the study. Serum levels of 25(OH) D3 were measured employing a commercial chemiluminescent immunoassay kit, while nutrition status was evaluated using the nutrition risk index (NRI) and Malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST). RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH) D level was 37.1 ± 19.4 nmol/L (range 11.0-100.6 nmol/L), with 47% of patients exhibiting vitamin D deficiency and 31% displaying insufficiency. Medium/high MUST score had 53% of patients, and moderate/severe NRI was verified in 48% of patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified MUST score, GPS score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and circulating 25(OH) D levels as predictive for the occurrence of PCs. In multivariate analysis, MUST score and circulating 25(OH) D levels remained significantly associated with PCs. Patients with high nutrition risk had significantly lower two-year OS rates compared to the medium and low nutrition risk groups, respectively (30% vs. 62% and 83%, p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Early identification of malnourished or patients with vitamin D deficiency and those who would benefit from specific nutritional support could be beneficial for minimizing the risk of development of surgical complications and help improve our clinical outcomes.

Initial Frontal Sinus and Orbit Tumor Signaling Late Distant Metastasis in Kidney Cancer.

Although metastases to the paranasal sinuses are exceedingly rare, when they do occur, renal clear cell carcinoma is the most frequent primary tumor involved. The aim of this work was to present a case of metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma in the frontal sinus and orbit region, 7 years after the initial diagnosis and treatment. The patient was referred to our clinic due to drooping of the left eyelid and displacement of the left eyeball. Computed tomography revealed an expansive lesion in the left frontal sinus and orbit, causing destruction of its anterior, lateral, and roof walls. Profuse bleeding from the tumor and left orbit hindered a comprehensive assessment of tumor extension into the orbit and residual tumor size. Therefore, complete tumor removal was not possible; instead, reduction was achieved. Subsequent histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the lesion as a metastasis of renal cell carcinoma in the sinonasal tract. Unfortunately, 10 weeks later, the patient passed away. Treatment of metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma depends on the localization of the disease as well as the overall condition of the patient. If there is a solitary metastatic lesion, as in the case of the sinonasal region, surgical treatment is recommended. Metastasis of clear cell renal carcinoma to the sinonasal region is a rare occurrence; however, it is essential to consider it in cases of rapidly growing tumor masses, typically presenting with symptoms such as epistaxis and nasal obstruction.

Bulky Recurrent Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare and highly vascularized tumor that accounts for 0.05 to 0.5% of all head and neck neoplasms. The aim of this work was to present a case of a large recurrent juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma coexisting with a facial lipoma in a 16-year-old boy. The patient was referred to our institution because of frequent unilateral epistaxis. Computed tomography revealed a hypervascular tumor with ethmoidal cell destruction and spread to the nasopharynx. Operative treatment of nasal cavity tumors was carried out using a transpalatal approach. After 6 months, the recurrence of the angiofibroma was verified radiologically. Primary as well as secondary surgical procedures were assisted with an endoscopic procedure. Accurate preoperative assessment and staging are essential for choosing a surgical procedure. The primary treatment is surgical excision. Early diagnosis, accurate staging, adequate treatment, and regular postoperative follow-up are essential in the treatment of these lesions.

Shooting accuracy in children's basketball: Do equipment dimensions influence static and dynamic performances?

The purpose of study was to explore the influence of equipment dimensions on shooting accuracy in children's basketball through the effects of (a) using basket height and ball size for children and adult, along with different shooting distances (Study 1) and (b) the applied 12-week shooting training with different ball sizes (Study 2). The participants were basketball players from the same club ages from 10 to 11 years and with at least one-year basketball training experiences. In Study 1, we recruited 22 children; while in Study 2 we selected 36 children in two experimental (practice with balls for adults and children) and one control group (no practice). Shooting accuracy was assessed through the static and dynamic trials. The obtained results showed that children equipment provided no acute advantages compared to the adult equipment in terms of shooting accuracy either in static or dynamic conditions. In addition, we found no benefits on shooting accuracy when compared the effects of applied shooting training either for practice with children's or adult's ball sizes. The present findings suggested that the applied manipulations of equipment for children and adult produce no differences in terms of static or dynamic shooting accuracy performances in young basketball players.

Reproducibility of Inert Gas Rebreathing Method to Estimate Cardiac Output at Rest and During Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress Testing.

The present study evaluated reproducibility of the inert gas rebreathing method to estimate cardiac output at rest and during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Thirteen healthy subjects (10 males, 3 females, ages 23-32 years) performed maximal graded cardiopulmonary exercise stress test using a cycle ergometer on 2 occasions (Test 1 and Test 2). Participants cycled at 30-watts/3-min increments until peak exercise. Hemodynamic variables were assessed at rest and during different exercise intensities (i. e., 60, 120, 150, 180 watts) using an inert gas rebreathing technique. Cardiac output and stroke volume were not significantly different between the 2 tests at rest 7.4 (1.6) vs. 7.1 (1.2) liters min-1, p=0.54; 114 (28) vs. 108 (15) ml beat-1, p=0.63) and all stages of exercise. There was a significant positive relationship between Test 1 and Test 2 cardiac outputs when data obtained at rest and during exercise were combined (r=0.95, p<0.01 with coefficient of variation of 6.0%), at rest (r=0.90, p<0.01 with coefficient of variation of 5.1%), and during exercise (r=0.89, p<0.01 with coefficient of variation 3.3%). The mean difference and upper and lower limits of agreement between repeated measures of cardiac output at rest and peak exercise were 0.4 (-1.1 to 1.8) liter min-1 and 0.5 (-2.3 to 3.3) liter min-1, respectively. The inert gas rebreathing method demonstrates an acceptable level of test-retest reproducibility for estimating cardiac output at rest and during cardiopulmonary exercise testing at higher metabolic demands.

Graded shuttle run performance by playing positions in elite female basketball.

A graded shuttle run test was used to assess differences in physiological parameters between playing positions in elite female basketball players. Twenty-four female basketball players (8 guards, 8 forwards, and 8 centers) who played for the senior national teams of Slovenia and Serbia were tested with the 30-15 intermittent fitness test. During the shuttle run, the following physiological parameters were measured: oxygen consumption ((Equation is included in full-text article.)), carbon dioxide production ((Equation is included in full-text article.)), pulmonary ventilation (VE) breath by breath, respiratory quotient, oxygen pulse as the (Equation is included in full-text article.)vs. HR ratio and [LA]. No significant differences were found for any of the measures between the 3 playing positions. Although this finding was surprising, future studies should try to determine whether the tactics used in female basketball determine that the interpositional differences seen in male basketball are not evident.

Adequacy of nutrient intakes in elite junior basketball players.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the nutrient intakes of elite junior basketball players in comparison with nonathletes. METHODS: A previously designed food frequency questionnaire was undertaken by 57 male elite junior basketball players 15 to 16 years of age and 53 nonathlete peers. RESULTS: Mean estimated energy intake was more than 700 kcal higher in basketball players than in the nonathletes (p = .002). In both groups estimated energy intake was ~14% from protein, 38% from fat, and ~48% from carbohydrates. For the basketball players, estimated protein intake was below 1.4 g/kg in 32% of the group and above 1.7 g/ kg in 51%, while carbohydrate intake was below 6 g/kg in 56%. Percentages of participants who apparently failed to meet the estimated average requirement for micronutrients were higher in the nonathlete group. The nutrients most likely to fail to meet the recommendations for nutrient density were vitamin A (~70%), zinc (49% in basketball players and 30% in nonathletes), niacin and calcium (~30% for both micronutrients in both groups). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the survey methodology, elite junior basketball players appear to consume higher absolute energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes than nonathletes, but the contribution of macronutrients to daily energy intake and the nutrient density of food choices was similar for both groups. Elite junior basketball players might benefit from nutrition education targeting carbohydrate and protein intake. Dietary modifications that increase intakes of vitamin A, zinc, calcium and niacin in the diets of both groups might also be of value.

Primary Cervical Extraosseous Ewing's Sarcoma Originated from the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma is extremely rare in the soft tissues of the neck, especially in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It usually manifests clinically as a rapidly growing mass that shows great potential for local spread. The aim of this paper is to present a rare case of еxtraosseous Ewing's sarcoma in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma at this location. The patient was admitted to our clinic because of a neck tumefaction. The computerized tomography finding showed a tumor mass, most of which was in the V region of the neck, measuring 40 × 27 × 35 mm. Pathohistological and immunohistochemical findings showed that it was Ewing's sarcoma. Unfortunately, the patient passed away nine months after the initial diagnosis. Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma is a rare, fast-growing malignant tumor manifesting histomorphological similarities to bone Ewing's sarcoma. Most reports state that extraosseous Ewing sarcoma has a worse prognosis than skeletal. Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma should be borne in mind in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors of the neck.

Speed and agility of 12- and 14-year-old elite male basketball players.

The aims of this study were (a) to identify and compare the speed and agility of 12- and 14-year-old elite male basketball players and (b) to investigate relations between speed and agility for both age groups of basketball players, to help coaches to improve their work. Sixty-four players aged 12 (M = 11.98 years, SD = 0.311) and 54 players aged 14 (M = 14.092 years, SD = 0.275) were tested. Three agility tests: agility t-test, zigzag agility drill, and agility run 4 × 15 m and 3 speed tests: 20-m run, 30-m run, and 50-m run were applied. Fourteen-year-old players achieved significantly better results in all speed and agility tests compared with 12-year-old players. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.81, p = 0.001) showed that 12-year-old players have the same ability in the 30- and 50-m runs. The other correlation coefficient (r = 0.59, p = 0.001) indicated that 20- and 30-m runs had inherently different qualities. The correlation coefficients between agility tests were <0.71, and therefore, each test in this group represents a specific task. In 14-year-old players, the correlation coefficients between the speed test results were <0.71. In contrast, the correlation coefficients between the agility tests were >0.71, which means that all the 3 tests represent the same quality. During the speed training of 12-year-old players, it is advisable to focus on shorter running distances, up to 30 m. During the agility training of the same players, it is useful to apply exercises with various complexities. In speed training of the 14-year-old players, the 30- and 50-m runs should be applied, and agility training should include more specific basketball movements and activities.

Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum in the External Ear Canal.

Out of all benign tumors of the ceruminous glands, syringocystadenoma papilliferum is the rarest and represents only 2% of cases. It is an extremely rare benign tumor that originates from modified apocrine sweat glands. The aim of this paper was to present, according to our findings, the 18th case of syringocystadenoma papilliferum in the external auditory canal, with a detailed review of its clinical, radiological and histomorphological characteristics. A 59-year-old man reported to our clinic due to a 5×5 mm papillomatous growth at the entrance to the right external auditory canal. Histopathology indicated, after an excisional biopsy, that it was a syringocystadenoma papilliferum. The resection lines were free of tumor tissue, and the patient has no signs of tumor recurrence. Although rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of lesions in this region. Complete excision is mandatory in order to avoid recurrence and potential malignant alteration.

Specific Physical Ability Prediction in Youth Basketball Players According to Playing Position.

This study investigated the hierarchical structure of physical characteristics in elite young (i.e., U17-U19) basketball players according to playing positions. In addition, their predictive value of physical characteristics was determined for the evaluation of players' physical preparedness. Sixty elite male basketball players performed 13 standardized specific field tests in order to assess the explosive power of lower limbs, speed, and change-of-direction speed. They were divided into three groups according to playing positions (guard [n = 28], forward [n = 22], center [n = 10]). The basic characteristics of the tested sample were: age = 17.36 ± 1.04 years, body height = 192.80 ± 4.49 cm, body mass = 79.83 ± 6.94 kg, and basketball experience = 9.38 ± 2.10 years for guards; age = 18.00 ± 1.00 years, body height = 201.48 ± 3.14 cm, body mass = 90.93 ± 9.85 kg, and basketball experience = 9.93 ± 2.28 years for forwards; and age = 17.60 ± 1.43 years; body height = 207.20 ± 3.29 cm, body mass = 104.00 ± 9.64 kg, and basketball experience = 9.20 ± 1.62 years for centers. For all playing positions factor analysis extracted three factors, which cumulatively explained 76.87, 88.12 and 87.63% of variance, respectively. The assessed performance measures were defined as significant (p < 0.001), with regression models of physical performance index (PPINDEX). PPINDEX of guards = -6.860 + (0.932 × t-test) - (1.656 × Acceleration 15 m) - (0.020 × Countermovement jump); PPINDEX of forwards = -3.436 - (0.046 × Countermovement jump with arm swing) - (1.295 × Acceleration 15 m) + (0.582 × Control of dribbling); PPINDEX of centers = -4.126 + (0.604 × Control of dribbling) - (1.315 × Acceleration 15 m) - (0.037 × Sargent jump). A model for the evaluation of physical performance of young basketball players has been defined. In addition, this model could be used as a reference model for selection procedures, as well as to monitor the efficacy of applied training programmes within the short, medium and long-term periodization.

Trends in NBA and Euroleague basketball: Analysis and comparison of statistical data from 2000 to 2017.

We analyse and compare NBA and Euroleague basketball through box-score statistics in the period from 2000 to 2017. Overall, the quantitative differences between the NBA and Euroleague have decreased and are still decreasing. Differences are even smaller after we adjust for game length and when playoff NBA basketball is considered instead of regular season basketball. The differences in factors that contribute to success are also very small-(Oliver's) four factors derived from box-score statistics explain most of the variability in team success even if the coefficients are determined for both competitions simultaneously instead of each competition separately. The largest difference is game pace-in the NBA there are more possessions per game. The number of blocks, the defensive rebounding rate and the number of free throws per foul committed are also higher in the NBA, while the number of fouls committed is lower. Most of the differences that persist can be reasonably explained by the contrasts between the better athleticism of NBA players and more emphasis on tactical aspects of basketball in the Euroleague.

Effects of countermovement depth on kinematic and kinetic patterns of maximum vertical jumps.

Although maximum height (H(max)), muscle force (F), and power output (P), have been routinely obtained from maximum vertical jumps for various purposes, a possible role of the countermovement depth (H(cmd)) on the same variables remains largely unexplored. Here we hypothesized that (1) the optimum H(cmd) for maximizing H(max) exists, while (2) an increase in H(cmd) would be associated with a decrease in both F and P. Professional male basketball players (N=11) preformed maximum countermovement jumps with and without arm swing while varying H(cmd)±25 cm from its preferred value. Although regression models revealed a presence of optimum H(cmd) for maximizing H(max), H(max) revealed only small changes within a wide range of H(cmd). The preferred H(cmd) was markedly below its optimum value (p < .05). However, both F and P sharply decreased with H(cmd), while F also revealed a minimum for H(cmd) close to its highest values. Therefore, we conclude that although the optimum H(cmd) should exists, the magnitude of its effect on H(max) should be only minimal within a typical H(cmd) range. Conversely, F and P of leg muscles assessed through maximum vertical jumps should be taken with caution since both of them could be markedly confounded by H(cmd).

Body composition characteristics measured by multichannel bioimpedance in young female basketball players: relation with match performance / Características de la composición corporal medidas por bioimpedancia multicanal en jugadoras de baloncesto jóvenes: relación con el rendimiento del partido

The aim of this research is to investigate the correlation of morphological characteristics, that is, body composition characteristics with the competitive performance of female basketball players of cadet (U16) age, in general and depending on the position played in the basketball team. The research involved female basketball players from the U16 section of the three best basketball clubs from the First Cadet League of Serbia (N = 30). This research consisted of measuring the characteristics of body composition, as a space of independent variables and the analysis of competitive activities where the dependent variable represents the level of achieved competitive performance. Based on the results of the Pearson Correlation Analysis, which was made for determining the degree of connection between the dependent variable and the independent variables, it can be seen that general level competitive performance is associated with the variables: percentage skeletal muscle mass, index of hypokinesy and protein-fat index. Viewed from the point of the position played in the team, the statistically significant relationship between the independent and the dependent variable was recorded only in the forwards position. Competitive and more successful forward players are distinguished by a small percentage of body fat mass, a higher percentage of muscle mass, a smaller hypokinesy index and a larger protein-fat index. The practical application of this research can be seen in the control system of applied training work, then selection, as well as in the creation of a model for morphological characteristics of players in the cadet (U16) age.

El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la correlación entre las características morfológicas, es especial, las características de la composición corporal y el rendimiento competitivo de jugadoras de baloncesto cadetes, en general y en cada posición en el equipo. La investigación incluyó a las jugadoras de baloncesto femenino U16 de los tres mejores clubes de Primera Liga de Cadetes de Serbia (N = 30). Esta investigación consistió en medir las características de la composición corporal, como un espacio de variables independientes, y el análisis de actividades competitivas, donde la variable dependiente representa el nivel de rendimiento competitivo alcanzado. Sobre la base de los resultados del análisis de coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, que se realizó con el propósito de determinar el grado de conexión entre la variable dependiente y las variables independientes, se pudo observar que, en general, el rendimiento competitivo está vinculado a las variables: porcentaje de masa muscular esquelética, índice de hipocinesia e índice proteínagrasa. Desde el punto de vista de posiciones dentro de un equipo de baloncesto, la relación estadísticamente importante entre la variable independiente y la variable dependiente ha sido registrada solamente en la posición de delantero. Las jugadoras delanteras más exitosas y competitivas se distinguen por un bajo porcentaje de grasa en su masa corporal, así como un mayor porcentaje de masa muscular, un índice de hipocinesia más bajo y un índice proteína-grasa más alto. El uso práctico de esta investigación se puede ver en el sistema de control del trabajo de entrenamiento aplicado, luego en la selección, así como en la creación de modelos de características morfológicas de jugadoras en la categoría cadetes (U16).

Biological maturity status and motor performance in fourteen-year-old basketball players / Estado de madurez biológica y desempeño motriz en jugadores de baloncesto de catorce años de edad

The aims of this study were to detect biological maturity and certain athletic skills in boys aged 14 participating in competitive basketball, and to compare certain athletic skills of participants according to their biological maturity status. The participants were most talented Serbian basketball players (n= 49) who were divided into three groups according to their maturity status: early (n= 14), average (n= 24) and late maturing (n= 11). Biological maturity status of participants was assessed by technique developed by Mirwald et al. (2002). Nine tests of basic athletic skills: vertical jump, medicine ball throwing, run at 20, 30 and 50 m, agility t-test, zigzag agility drill, agility run 4x15 m, the line drill, as well as four basketball skills field tests (speed spot shooting, passing, control dribble and defensive movement) were applied. The results of this study showed that the three groups of subjects differed in applied variables (p <0.05). Average maturers achieved the best results in almost all variables, while late maturers achieved the worst results. Early maturers achieved the best results only in one variable - medicine ball throwing. Only harmonized chronological and biological age, i.e. chronological and biological growth and development, enable the best demonstration of motor abilities based on morphological characteristics.

Los objetivos fueron detectar la madurez biológica y ciertas habilidades atléticas en los varones mayores de 14 años que participan en el baloncesto competitivo, y compararlas en función de su estado de madurez biológica. La muestra se conformó con jugadores de baloncesto serbios de mayor talento (n= 49) que fueron divididos en tres grupos de acuerdo a su estado de madurez: temprana (n= 14), promedio (n= 24) y tardía (n= 11). El estado de madurez biológica de los participantes se evaluó mediante la técnica desarrollada por Mirwald et al. (2002). Se aplicaron nueve pruebas de habilidades atléticas básicas: salto vertical, lanzamiento de balón medicinal, carrera de 20, 30 y 50 m, prueba t de agilidad, agilidad en zig-zag, carrera en 4x15 m, línea de perforación, así como pruebas de campo de baloncesto de cuatro habilidades (velocidad de disparos punto, de paso, control de regate y movimiento defensivo). Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que los tres grupos de sujetos diferían en variables aplicadas (p <0,05). Los jugadores de maduración media obtuvieron los mejores resultados en casi todas las variables, mientras que los jugadores de maduración tardía alcanzaron los peores resultados. Los jugadores de maduración temprana lograron el mejor resultado en sólo una variable ­ el lanzamiento de balón medicinal. Solamente el desarrollo cronológico armónico y la edad biológica, es decir, el crecimiento y el desarrollo cronológico y biológico, permiten la mejor demostración de las habilidades motoras basadas en características morfológicas.