Ultrasonography features of abdominal perimuscular connective tissue in elite and amateur basketball players: an observational study

SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to assess and compare with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) the perimuscular connective tissue (PMCT) and interrecti distance (IRD) between elite and amateur basketball players. A sample of 22 healthy basketball players was included and divided into two groups: elite basketball players from Spanish 1st division (n = 11) and amateur basketball players from an entertainment Spanish division (n = 11). Ultrasound images of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus anterior (RA) and IRD PMCT were measured and analysed by the ImageJ software. Measurements of abdominal wall muscles PMCT present statistically differences (P < .05) for an increase of perimuscular connective tissue of external oblique (PMCTEO), perimuscular connective tissue of transversus abdominis (PMCTTA) of the left side and an increase of PMCTEO on the right side in favor of the elite group. Rather, the study showed statistically differences (P < .05) for a decrease of perimuscular connective tissue between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis (PMCTIO-TA), and a decrease in PMCT total summation of the left side with elite group in respect to amateur group. This study reported an increase of left PMCTEO, left PMCTTAA, right PMCTEO as well as a decrease of left PMCTIO-TA and in PMCT total summation on the left side.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar com ultrassonografia de reabilitação (IUR) o tecido conjuntivo perimuscular da parede abdominal (PMPA) e interrecti distância (IRD) entre elite e jogadores de basquete amadores. Uma amostra de 22 jogadores de basquete saudáveis foi incluída e dividida em dois grupos: jogadores de basquete de elite da 1ᵃ divisão espanhola (n=11) e jogadores de basquete amadores de uma divisão de entretenimento espanhol (n=11). As imagens de ultrassom do oblíquo externo (OE), oblíquo interno (OI), transverso abdominal (TrAb), recto anterior (RA) e IRD PMPA foram medidas e analisadas pelo software ImageJ. Medições dos músculos da parede abdominal O PMPA apresentam diferenças estatisticamente (P<0,05) para o aumento do tecido conjuntivo perimuscular de oblíquo externo (PMOE), tecido conjuntivo perimuscular de transverso abdominal (PMTA) do lado esquerdo e aumento do PMOE do lado direito a favor do grupo de elite. Em vez disso, o estudo mostrou diferenças estatisticamente (P<0,05) para uma diminuição do tecido conjuntivo perimuscular entre o oblíquo interno e transverso abdominário (PMOI-TA) e uma diminuição no somatório total de PMTA do lado esquerdo do grupo de elite em relação ao amador grupo. Este estudo relatou um aumento do PMTOE esquerdo, PMTA esquerdo, PMCTOE direito, bem como uma diminuição do PMCTOI-TA esquerdo e no somatório total do PMTA no lado esquerdo.

Prognostic Factors and Decision Tree for Long-Term Survival in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the existence of a bimodal survival pattern in metastatic uveal melanoma. Secondary aims were to identify the characteristics and prognostic factors associated with long-term survival and to develop a clinical decision tree. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 99 metastatic uveal melanoma patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified as either short (≤ 12 months) or long-term survivors (> 12 months) based on a graphical interpretation of the survival curve after diagnosis of the first metastatic lesion. Ophthalmic and oncological characteristicswere assessed in both groups. RESULTS: Of the 99 patients, 62 (62.6%) were classified as short-term survivors, and 37 (37.4%) as long-term survivors. The multivariate analysis identified the following predictors of long-term survival: age ≤ 65 years (p=0.012) and unaltered serum lactate dehydrogenase levels (p=0.018); additionally, the size (smaller vs. larger) of the largest liver metastasis showed a trend towards significance (p=0.063). Based on the variables significantly associated with long-term survival, we developed a decision tree to facilitate clinical decision-making. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate the existence of a bimodal survival pattern in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. The presence of certain clinical characteristics at diagnosis of distant disease is associated with long-term survival. A decision tree was developed to facilitate clinical decision-making and to counsel patients about the expected course of disease.