Male Subjects Research Articles

Radiation Exposure Characteristics among Healthcare Workers: Before and After Japan's Ordinance Revision.

Radioactive materials and ionizing radiation have both medical value and disease risks, necessitating radiation dose measurement and risk reduction strategies. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) lowered the lens of the eye exposure limit, leading to Japan's revised "Ionizing Radiation Ordinance." However, the effects on radiation exposure in medical settings and compliance feasibility remain unclear. To examine the impact of the revision to the "Ionizing Radiation Ordinance" and use it for measures to reduce exposure to radiation, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on data collected from Nagasaki University Hospital, Hiroshima University Hospital, and Fukushima Medical University Hospital in 2018, 2020, and April to September 2021. This included information on age, sex, occupation, department, and monthly radiation doses of workers, aiming to assess the impact of the revision to the "Ionizing Radiation Ordinance" on radiation exposure before and after its enforcement. Out of 9,076 cases studied, 7,963 (87.7%) had radiation doses below the measurable limit throughout the year. Only 292 cases (3.2%) exceeded 1 mSv y -1 , with 9 doctors and 2 radiological technologists surpassing 5 mSv y -1 . Radiological technologists showed significantly higher doses compared to doctors, dentists, and nurses (p < 0.01), while male subjects had significantly higher exposure doses than females (p < 0.01). No significant changes in radiation exposure were observed before and after the revision of the Ionizing Radiation Ordinance; however, variations in radiation exposure control were noted, particularly among nurses and radiological technologists, suggesting the impact of the revision and the need for tailored countermeasures to reduce radiation dose in each group.

A study of third and fourth ventricular sizes in Bangladeshi adults using computed tomography scan

Background: The assessment of normal measurements of cerebral ventricles in living humans holds significant importance for diagnosing and monitoring various pathologies. Current digital computed tomography (CT) scan machines enable the direct visualization of ventricles in cross-sectional images, allowing real-time measurement of different ventricular dimensions, thereby aiding in comprehending their anatomy. This research aims to create baseline reference values for the sizes of the third and fourth ventricles in normal Bangladeshi adults using CT scans. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the department of radiology and imaging, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical college hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 408 adult patients with clinical symptoms or history suggestive of neurological ailment were analyzed. CT scans of the brain of all the patients were performed in Supria 128 Fujifilm multi-slice CT scanner and the studies were analyzed retrospectively on Synapse 3D workstation. Measurements were taken with inbuilt linear calipers. The greatest width of the third ventricle (3V) and fourth ventricle (4V) on axial images using a linear approach were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 22.0. Result: The study found that the mean measurements of the 3V were 4.27±1.22 mm in males and 3.73±1.03 mm in females, with an overall mean of 3.92±1.13 mm. For the 4V, the mean measurements were 11.73±1.27 mm in males and 10.67±1.07 mm in females, resulting in an overall mean of 11.03±1.25 mm. The largest dimensions in both ventricles were consistently observed in individuals aged 60 years and above, regardless of gender. Additionally, on average, the measurements of both ventricles were higher in males compared to females. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the sizes of both ventricles between male and female subjects. Conclusions: This study concludes normal third and fourth ventricular sizes in Bangladeshi adults using CT scans. These can serve as baseline reference values in our hospital in routine practice.

Fluorescent Determination of Glucose in Human Perspiration Using a Sensing Platform Composed of CdTe Quantum Dots (QDs) with a Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF-8) (QD@ZIF-8)

In sports, noninvasive analysis and monitoring of the human health condition are important to ensure the well-being of the sportsperson and prevent injuries. Multiple biomarker-related substances in body fluids can serve as physiological information and health or health status indicators to detect possible dangers to the athlete. As the glucose content in perspiration may vary with gender and the parts of the body, it is important to develop a highly sensitive and selective glucose detection method. Here, CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are wrapped with a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) to create a fluorescence sensor platform (QD@ZIF-8), which is successfully employed for the determination of glucose levels in human perspiration. The synthesis of QD@ZIF-8 is quickly and easily achieved at room temperature through a one-step process. The resulting platform exhibits strong fluorescence, emitting at a wavelength of 587 nm when excited at 360 nm. The application of ZIF-8 as a transition layer to envelope the CdTe QDs effectively provide chemical and thermal stability, excellent dispersibility, and size selectivity. The sensor is utilized to measure perspiration glucose levels in a diverse group of male and female subjects, revealing significant differences in perspiration glucose concentrations.

The impact of general and/or specific warm-up on power and velocity during squat and bench-press training

The study aimed to compare the effects of two warm-up strategies on mechanical force production during bench press and squat resistance training sessions. Twenty-six trained male subjects (24.37±5.83years, 75.48±12.12kg, 1.74±0.07m) performed a squat or bench press resistance training session after a specific warm-up (SWU) or general warm-up followed by a specific warm-up (GSWU). The SWU included 2x6 repetitions at 32% and 64% of the maximal load (1RM), respectively. The GSWU included 10 minutes of treadmill running (70% of heart rate reserve) followed by SWU. The resistance training session consisted of 3x6 with a load of 80% 1RM. Mechanical (mean propulsive velocity, mean propulsive power and velocity loss), physiological [heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration], and psychophysiological variables (rating of perceived exertion) were evaluated. In the bench press and squat resistance training sessions, no differences were found in the mechanical and psychophysiological variables. When performing the bench press, the GSWU caused an increased HR response after warm-up (100.00±16.93bpm vs. 110.57±9.69bpm, p=0.03; ES=0.65, moderate effect). GSWU or SWU can both be used as preparatory activities for bench press and squat resistance training performance without related restrictions. These findings may be helpful for professionals to provide appropriate warm-up strategies to maximize resistance training. Keywords: Pre-exercise, Strength, T-Force, Velocity, Physiology, Resistance Training

Risk Factors Of Lower Extremities Varicose Vein At Mohammad Hoesin Hospital

Backgrounds: Varicose veins are defined as subcutaneous veins in the lower extremities that are dilated to ≥3 mm in diameter. There are several risk factors that can cause varicose veins. These factors are divided based on lifestyle such as prolonged standing or sitting position, hormonal such as estrogen levels in women, familial such as family history, height, and age, and acquired such as obesity and pregnancy. The disease can then weigh on economies globally. In Palembang, there has been no research that discusses the risk factors for varicose veins in the lower legs. Methods: This study is a descriptive study of medical records with a cross-sectional design. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of risk factors that cause leg vein disease in inpatients who were treated at RSMH Palembang in the period January 2019-December 2019. Results: In the study, there were 28 research subjects, of whom had jobs (85.7%) consisting of 95% male and 62.5% female. The age groups most affected by various ages were under the age of 16-24 and 55-64 years (28.6%). Most patients have a normal body mass index (45%) than male subjects and 75% in the female population. The majority of patients were male (71.4%). Most of the population denied the existence of varicose veins of the lower leg in the family (96.4%). Conclusion: Appropriate education for risk factors of varicose vein and early detection is a key for management of lower extremities varicose vein.

Patients and general practitioner knowledge and perception of testicular self-examination for cancer.

Testicular cancer (TC) predominantly affects young men and early detection enhances survival. However, uncertainty surrounds the impact of population-wide screening. Testicular self-examination (TSE) is a simple detection method but there is a gap in current practices that needs to be assessed. Our goal was to assess the perceptions and knowledge of male subjects in the general population (MP) and general practitioners (GPs) regarding TSE for TC. Two distinct surveys evaluating knowledge and perceptions of TSE for TC were administered to GPs and MP, aged 15‒45-years. Factors that could favour the realisation of TSE or improve the knowledge of TC were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. Overall, 1048 GPs (mean (SD) age: 35.1 ± 10.3years) and 1032 MP (mean (SD) age: 27 ± 8.2years) answered the survey. Among the GPs, only 93 (8.9%) performed scrotal examination for TC screening. Although the majority (n = 993, 94.8%) were aware of the age of onset of TC, most (n = 768, 73.3%) did not know the overall survival rate from TC. GPs familiar with the guidelines were more likely to explain TSE to their patients (OR = 2.5 [95% CI 1.5‒4.1]; p < 0.01). Among the MP, 800 (77.5%) admitted that they did not know how to perform TSE and 486 (47.1%) did not know the main symptoms associated with TC. MP who had already undergone TC screening were more likely to be familiar with the main symptoms (OR = 2.1 [95% CI 1.6‒2.7]; p < 0.001) and MP who knew someone with TC or who had already undergone TC screening were more likely to be aware of the correct prevalence of TC (OR = 1.9 [95% CI 1.3‒2.7], p < 0.01; and OR = 1.6 [95% CI 1.2‒2.1], p < 0.01; respectively). The knowledge of both GPs and MP regarding TC could be improved. TSE screening and knowing someone close with TC improved the awareness of our subjects.

Below or all the way to the peak? Oxygen uptake efficiency slope as the index of cardiorespiratory response to exercise-the NOODLE study.

Background: The ratio of oxygen uptake (VO2) to minute ventilation (VE) is described as the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES). OUES has been suggested as a valuable submaximal cardiorespiratory index; however, its characteristics in endurance athletes remain unknown. In this study, we a) investigated OUES between different time intervals, b) assessed their prediction power for VO2peak, and c) derived new prediction equations for OUES tailored for well-trained individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 77 male (age = 21.4 ± 4.8yrs; BMI = 22.1 ± 1.6kg·m-2; peak oxygen uptake = 4.40 ± 0.64L·min-1) and 63 female individuals (age = 23.4 ± 4.3yrs; BMI = 23.1 ± 1.6kg·m-2; peak oxygen uptake = 3.21 ± 0.48L·min-1) underwent the cycling cardiopulmonary exercise test. OUES was measured at 75%, 90%, and 100% of exercise duration. Prediction power and new models were derived with the multiple linear regression method. Results: In male subjects, OUES [mL·min-1/L·min-1] from 75% = 4.53 ± 0.90, from 90% = 4.52 ± 0.91, and from 100% = 4.41 ± 0.87. In female subjects, OUES [mL·min-1/L·min-1] from 75% = 3.50 ± 0.65, from 90% = 3.49 ± 0.62, and from 100% = 3.41 ± 0.58. OUES did not differ between time intervals in male (p = 0.65) and female individuals (p = 0.69). OUES strongly predicts peak VO2 independently from the measuring interval (β = 0.71-0.80; R 2 = 0.50-0.63). The prediction model designed for elite athletes was OUES [mL·min-1/L·min-1] = -1.54 + 2.99; BSA [m2]-0.0014; (age [in years]; sex [1 = male, 2 = female]) (R 2 = 0.36). Conclusion: OUES enables an accurate prediction of peak cardiorespiratory fitness in elite endurance athletes. OUES is a feasible alternative to maximal exercise testing. A new prediction equation should be used for highly trained individuals. Physicians should understand OUES physiology to properly assess the cardiorespiratory response to exercise in athletic cohorts.

The effect of electrical stimulation on skin vulnerability to irritants.

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a widely used technique in the medical field for various purposes. The effect of ES on several skin properties has been investigated; however, its effect on skin vulnerability to irritants remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ES application on skin vulnerability to external irritants. An experimental study on 12 healthy male subjects (Mean±SD, 22.9±3.6 years) who completed the study. The subjects were free of skin abnormalities in the volar aspect of both forearms. Three areas were allocated to each forearm and marked as areas 1, 2, and A in the treated forearm, and areas 3, 4, and B in the control forearm. ES was applied to the volar aspect of the treated forearm for 30min three times a week, for 2 weeks. The effect of ES on skin vulnerability was investigated using 5% and 0.5% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) patches applied to both treated and control forearms. The skin response to irritants was evaluated using transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and a visual erythema score 24h after patch removal. Compared to the control forearm, ES increased skin permeability and erythema in response to external irritants (SLS), as measured by the visual analog score (Z=2.75, p=0.006) and TEWL (p<0.05), respectively. ES escalates skin reactions to low concentrations of irritant substances, such as SLS, in the area between the two electrodes. This emphasizes the use of this substance, and similar irritants should be avoided in areas treated with ES.

Temporal cross-correlation between Polar® heart rate monitor interface board and ECG to measure RR interval at rest

BACKGROUND: A Polar heart rate monitor is a device that measures RR intervals, but has not been correlated to accurately measure the series of RR interval signals between the ECG and the Polar® Heart Rate Monitor Interface (HRMI) Board at rest. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the temporal cross-correlations between the Polar® HRMI Board and an ECG to measure the series of RR intervals at rest. METHODS: The sample consisted of eighteen healthy male subjects and they were instructed to lie in the supine position at rest while breathing normally and a time window of the last 2 min was recorded to analyse RR intervals were obtained for each subject with a Polar® HRMI Board and an ECG. Cross-correlation analysis of RR interval signals between methods and reliability was expressed by Bland and Altman analysis. RESULTS: The cross-correlation was excellent, resulting in a mean of 0.98 ± 0.01 and no lag or delay between the signals. The bias was 0.03 ± 0.08 s or 8.0% for MeanRRi from Polar® HRMI Board and ECG, no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The Polar® HRMI Board is acceptable for assessment of serial RR intervals. The results support the reliability of the Mean RR interval compared to a resting ECG.

Impact of differing eccentric-concentric phase durations on muscle damage and anabolic hormones

BACKGROUND: Resistance exercises are widely used to enhance muscle hypertrophy. Hypertrophy occurs with effect of mechanical loading, metabolic stress, and muscle damage. The time under tension in eccentric, isometric, and concentric phases of resistance exercises can alter muscle damage and anabolic hormone responses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to reveal the effect of the time spent in the concentric and eccentric phases of the movement on muscle damage and anabolic hormone response during resistance exercise. METHODS: Ten male subjects participated in the study. A, B, C tempo protocols were created by changing the time under tension to be 1 or 2 seconds in the eccentric and concentric phases of bench press and squat movements. In all protocols, isometric phases were 0 sec. The metronome was used to apply tempos. Blood samples were taken before each protocol, after administration, and in the 24th, 48th and 72nd hours after exercise; and serum insulin, testosterone, Insuline-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Creatine Kinase (CK) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were evaluated. RESULTS: Time-wise changes in CK were statistically different for all protocols (p&lt; 0.05). CK levels in the 24th hour of the protocol C and the 48th hour of the protocol B were significantly higher than those in the other protocols (p&lt; 0.05). IGF-1 and testosterone levels were significantly higher in the protocol B in the post-test, compared to the other protocols (p&lt; 0.05). Insulin levels in the 24t⁢h hour were significantly higher in the protocol B compared to those in others (p&lt; 0.05). Time-wise changes in LDH parameters were not statistically significant in any hours (p&gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Extending time under tension in the eccentric phase of a bout of resistance exercise appears to affect the anabolic hormone response and muscle damage. In this way, increased metabolic response and mechanical stress can induce muscle mass gain.

Modality-Independent Effect of Gravity in Shaping the Internal Representation of 3D Space for Visual and Haptic Object Perception.

Visual and haptic perceptions of 3D shape are plagued by distortions, which are influenced by nonvisual factors, such as gravitational vestibular signals. Whether gravity acts directly on the visual or haptic systems or at a higher, modality-independent level of information processing remains unknown. To test these hypotheses, we examined visual and haptic 3D shape perception by asking male and female human subjects to perform a "squaring" task in upright and supine postures and in microgravity. Subjects adjusted one edge of a 3D object to match the length of another in each of the three canonical reference planes, and we recorded the matching errors to obtain a characterization of the perceived 3D shape. The results show opposing, body-centered patterns of errors for visual and haptic modalities, whose amplitudes are negatively correlated, suggesting that they arise in distinct, modality-specific representations that are nevertheless linked at some level. On the other hand, weightlessness significantly modulated both visual and haptic perceptual distortions in the same way, indicating a common, modality-independent origin for gravity's effects. Overall, our findings show a link between modality-specific visual and haptic perceptual distortions and demonstrate a role of gravity-related signals on a modality-independent internal representation of the body and peripersonal 3D space used to interpret incoming sensory inputs.

A Study to Compare the Efectiveness of Tibio Femoral Joint Mobilization Versus Maitland Mobilization in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Background and need of research: Abnormal patellar biomechanics and patellar arrangement result in patellofemoralpain syndrome. The initial course of treatment for non-operative management is physical therapy.Therefore, it is necessary to compare the effectiveness of Tibio femoral joint mobilisation with Maitland mobilisationin treating patellofemoral pain syndrome.Methods: Sample where collected from YMT college of Physiotherapy. Group A consists of 20 female and 10 Malesubjects of age group 30 to 40 years Tibiofemoral mobilization was given while Group B Maitland Mobilizationhaving 17 female and 13 male subjects. The study was conducted during the month of March 2023 to June 2023.Each group attended five therapy sessions a week for a total of 6six weeks. As pre and Post outcome assessments,the NPRS scale, Knee range of motion and KUJALA Score Questionnaire were utilised,both before and after thetreatment. patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, ranging in age from 25 to 40, were both male and female.Tibiofemoral mobilisation was used in Group A’s conventional therapy while Maitland mobilisation was used inGroup B’s conventional therapy. Each group attended five therapy sessions a week for a total of six weeks. As preandpost-outcome assessments, the visual analogue scale, knee range of motion, and KUJALA score Questionnairewere utilised. both before and after the treatment, in the sixth week.Result: The intragroup comparison of the NPRS, knee range of motion, and KUJALA patellofemoral scale among the30 patients in each group was statistically highly significant with p=0.001 for both groups. In contrast to the Maitlandmobilisation in Group B, the Tibiofemoral mobilisation in Group A demonstrated a Highly Significant improvement.Conclusion: Tibiofemoral mobilisation combined with traditional therapy is more effective at reducing pain,enhancing range of motion, and improving functional ability in PFPS after six weeks.

The causality between CD8+NKT cells and CD16−CD56 on NK cells with hepatocellular carcinoma: a Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is featured with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, is a primary malignant tumor of the liver. Recently, there is a wealth of supporting evidence revealing that NK cell-related immune traits are strongly associated with the development of HCC, but the causality between them has not been proven.MethodsTwo-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to probe the causal correlation between NK cell-related immune traits and HCC. Genetic variations in NK cell-related immune traits were extracted from recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of individuals with European blood lineage. HCC data were derived from the UK Biobank Consortium's GWAS summary count data, including a total of 372,184 female and male subjects, with 168 cases and 372,016 controls, all of whom are of European ancestry. Sensitivity analysis was mainly used for heterogeneity and pleiotropy testing.ResultsOur research indicated the causality between NK cell-related immune traits and HCC. Importantly, CD8+NKT cells had protective causal effects on HCC (OR = 0.9996;95%CI,0.9993–0.9999; P = 0.0489). CD16−CD56 caused similar effects on NK cells (OR = 0.9997;95%CI,0.9996–0.9999; P = 0.0117) as CD8+NKT cells. Intercepts from Egger showed no pleiotropy and confounding factors. Furthermore, insufficient evidence was found to support the existence of heterogeneity by Cochran's Q test.ConclusionMR analysis suggested that low CD8+NKT cells and CD16−CD56 expression on NK cells were linked with a higher risk of HCC.

Study of Static Vs Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching of Tight Hamstrings, and Its Effect on Lower Limb Flexibility and Speed of Sprinter - A Comparative Study

Background: Hamstring injuries are one of the most common injuries seen in sprinters, leading to reduction in flexibility and speed in sprinters. The study aimed at comparing the two most appropriate methods of hamstring stretching, i.e., static stretching (SS) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNFS), in sprinters for the management of tight hamstrings and measurement of their effectiveness on flexibility and speed. Materials and Methods: After ethical clearance and informed consent, 80 male subjects who met inclusion criteria were recruited and randomised into the SS (n = 40) and PNFS (n = 40) groups. Baseline data on age, height, weight, BMI, hamstring flexibility (knee extension deficit (KED) on active knee extension test (AKET), and speed parameters (30-metre sprint test) documented at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 12-week study period. Results and Conclusion: subjects showed variable results. Flexibility differences within groups pre- and post-intervention were statistically significant, but not between groups, indicating both methods are effective on flexibility. The differences in speed components of athletes were statistically significant within and between groups. The PNFS group has shown better improvements than the SS group on speed testing. This may be attributable to the neurological mechanism involved in the contract-relax method, where muscle is elongated and tone is stabilised during the contraction phase of PNF stretching. Keywords: static stretching, PNF Stretching, knee extension deficit, active knee extension test, 30-meter sprint test, Pheezee, Range of motion tool, Hamstrings flexibility, Hamstrings tightness.

Changes in value priorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic-A 4-year cross-sectional study with German students.

In March 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus a pandemic. Since then, the German government has tried to control the spread of the virus with various restrictions. These restrictions had a direct impact on the life of German students. In this study, we investigate to what extent the restrictions led to a change of value priorities of German students. From January 2019 to January 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study with four measurement points and, in total, 1,328 participants. Two measurement points were before the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Germany, one in the second lockdown phase and the third after two years in the pandemic. In this study, the students were asked to indicate their value priorities while solving a real-world decision problem important to them. Results suggest increased value priorities of the values Intellectual Fulfillment and Environment and Nature and a decrease of Family and Partner value priority as a direct effect of the second lockdown phase. We also found small differences regarding value priorities between the male and female subjects. The data show bounce-back effects as the pandemic became more normal to the students. In the long run, value priorities seem to be stable, with the exception of a longer-lasting increase in Freedom and Independence.

Risk Prediction in Male Adolescents With Congenital Long QT Syndrome: Implications for Sex-Specific Risk Stratification in Potassium Channel-Mediated Long QT Syndrome.

Sex-specific risk management may improve outcomes in congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). We recently developed a prediction score for cardiac events (CEs) and life-threatening events (LTEs) in postadolescent women with LQTS. In the present study, we aimed to develop personalized risk estimates for the burden of CEs and LTEs in male adolescents with potassium channel-mediated LQTS. The prognostic model was derived from the LQTS Registry headquartered in Rochester, NY, comprising 611 LQT1 or LQT2 male adolescents from age 10 through 20 years, using the following variables: genotype/mutation location, QTc-specific thresholds, history of syncope, and β-blocker therapy. Anderson-Gill modeling was performed for the end point of CE burden (total number of syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, and appropriate defibrillator shocks). The applicability of the CE prediction model was tested for the end point of the first LTE(excluding syncope and adding sudden cardiac death) using Cox modeling. A total of 270 CEs occurred during follow-up. The genotype-phenotype risk prediction model identified low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, comprising 74%, 14%, and 12% of the study population, respectively. Compared with the low-risk group, high-risk male subjects experienced a pronounced 5.2-fold increased risk of recurrent CEs (P<0.001), whereas intermediate-risk patients had a 2.1-fold (P=0.004) increased risk . At age 20 years, the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk adolescent male patients had on average 0.3, 0.6, and 1.4 CEs per person, respectively. Corresponding 10-year adjusted probabilities for a first LTE were 2%, 6%, and 8%. Personalized genotype-phenotype risk estimates can be used to guide sex-specific management in male adolescents with potassium channel-mediated LQTS.

Joint Flexibility and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome After Mononucleosis

PurposeMyalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disease characterized by substantial fatigue, postexertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and orthostatic intolerance, among other symptoms. Specific risk factors for the development of ME/CFS have not been adequately characterized. It has been suggested that ME/CFS is a connective tissue disorder and that joint hyperflexibility is a risk factor for the development of ME/CFS. MethodsThe goal of this study was to examine whether joint hyperflexibility is a risk factor for the development of ME/CFS after infectious mononucleosis (IM). This study was part of a prospective cohort study. College students were studied for the development of IM and were followed up for the development of ME/CFS 6 months later. Participants in the cohort for the present study included 53 students who met criteria for ME/CFS 6 months after IM and 66 recovered control subjects who had modified Beighton scores (a measure of joint hyperflexibility) available. FindingsNo connection was found between joint hyperflexibility and the development of ME/CFS after IM. Differences in joint hyperflexibility (as measured by using the modified Beighton score) in the ME/CFS group and the control group were not statistically significant. Female subjects had significantly higher Beighton scores compared with male subjects. ImplicationAfter IM, no relationship was found between joint hyperflexibility and the development of ME/CFS.

Hard Pressed: Queer Print Theory in Germany and Austria in the Long 19th Century

This essay examines the ways in which the material realities of art print production opened onto the lived experiences of their queer makers and viewers in Germany and Austria during the long 19th century. After an initial analysis of how pressure registered in the work of German artist Sascha Schneider, I examine how the translation of works by the Tyrolean painter Franz von Defregger into print facilitated their collection by queer men across Germany and Austria. My final case study focuses on the print collection of the queer Austrian Archduke Ludwig Viktor, arguing that print collecting played a constitutive role in queer self-fashioning. Working through these three disparate case studies, I examine how the technical principles of pressure, translation, and incorporation might help us to revise and reimagine queer male subjectivity in the years around the turn of the 20th century.

Acetabular cup size trends in total hip arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure for end stage osteoarthritis. The learning curve for THA is complex and challenging. One of the most difficult skills to master is acetabular reaming. We wish to identify if experience in arthroplasty leads to preservation of more bone stock. To investigate if increasing surgeon experience will predict an ever decreasing acetabular cup size. A retrospective case series of four attending orthopaedic surgeons was completed. All uncemented elective total hip arthroplasties since appointment were selected for inclusion. The size of acetabular cup used was noted and logistic regression was used to identify if a trend to smaller cups existed. A total of 1614 subjects were included with a mean age of 64 years. Overall cups were on average 0.18mm smaller per year (95% confidence interval -0.25 to -0.11, P < 0.001). Individual surgeon trends showed cup sizes to decrease 0.27 mm/year for surgeon A, 0.02 mm/year for surgeon B, 0.15 mm/year for surgeon C and 0.29 mm/year for surgeon D. Three of the four surgeons had a more pronounced trend to smaller cups for male subjects than their female counterparts. We found increasing surgeon experience to be associated with an ever-decreasing acetabular cup size. Smaller acetabular cup size may act as a surrogate marker of surgical proficiency by virtue of decreased acetabular reaming.

Electrophysiological Evaluation of Common Peroneal Nerve in Chronic Cigarette Smokers.

Background: Researchers have identified multiple negative health effects of smoking on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It was recently reported that substances in cigarette smoke also have pathological effects on peripheral nerves, which causes neuronal impairment. The common peroneal nerve conduction study is an essential electrodiagnostic test of the lower limb for the detection of peripheral motor nerve dysfunction.Objectives: To assess the potential influence of smoking on the electrophysiological status of common peroneal nerve in young male chronic cigarette smokers.Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2017 to June 2018, including thirty male cigarette smokers aged 25 to 40 years. For comparison, another thirty age and BMI-matched healthy male non-smoker subjects were selected in the control group. The electrophysiological parameters (distal latency, amplitude, and motor nerve conduction velocity) of the left common peroneal nerve were evaluated by standard methods in the Department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital. For the statistical analysis, an independent t-test was performed.Result: In this study, the mean distal latency of the common peroneal nerve was slightly prolonged, while the mean amplitude was slightly reduced in smokers. However, these changes were not statistically significant. However, the motor nerve conduction velocity was significantly (p ˂ 0.05) slower in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers.Conclusion: Chronic cigarette smoking causes significant impairment of common peroneal motor nerve conduction, while it does not affect the amplitude in young individuals. KYAMC Journal Volume: 14, No: 03, October 2023: 111-115.