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Mimicry, that is, the imitation of any unpalatable or defensive species by another, has been of central interest to evolutionary research since Darwin's lifetime. Two ant species, Camponotus guanchus Santschi, 1908 and Crematogaster alluaudi Emery, 1893, endemic to the Canary Islands, occur in two color‐morphs: While the head of workers is always reddish and the gaster blackish, the mesosoma (inclusive waist) is either fully reddish or fully blackish. In addition to the obvious morphological and coloration similarities, we provide evidence of mimicry: (i) Ca. guanchus was found only within the area of Cr. alluaudi. (ii) Color morphs are geographically non‐randomly distributed: Workers of both species from 16 localities of syntopic occurrences shared in eight cases a blackish and in eight cases a reddish mesosoma. Hence, Ca. guanchus mimics both local color‐morphs of Cr. alluaudi. We consider a fascinating analogy with the Mediterranean mimicry system in Camponotus lateralis (Olivier, 1792) and its model species of the Crematogaster scutellaris (Olivier, 1792) group on an island scale. Additionally, we present two endemic bug species, Perenotus stysi (Ribes et al., 2008) and P. malobae Roca‐Cusachs & Goula, 2016, as mimics of those Cr. alluaudi workers having a reddish mesosoma. Our distribution, coloration, frequency, and behavioral data as well as the analogy with Ca. lateralis and the Cr. scutellaris group suggest a Batesian‐mimicry system in which Ca. guanchus, Perenotus stysi, and P. malobae mimic the unpalatable and aggressive Cr. alluaudi as an antipredator adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured application: This work provides evidence for the use of computerized wobble boards in balance assessment and contributes to the clinical application of wobble board performance as a practical measure for monitoring purposes. Balance is integral in ankle injury prevention and therapy, especially in high-risk sports like volleyball. For balance assessment, the recommended wobble board (WB) performance (i.e., time at equilibrium) has never been compared with the gold standard. The objective was to investigate the relationships of force-plate-derived center of pressure (CoP) with WB performance and the accuracy of WB-derived CoP estimates. Twelve high-level volleyball players completed six unipedal standing trials on a computerized WB. WB tilt angles and CoP were obtained simultaneously via tri-axis accelerometers on the WB (200 Hz) and a force plate (1000 Hz), respectively. WB performance, polynomial-transformed CoP estimates, and CoP fractal sway, sway area, and mean sway velocity were assessed via Pearson and concordance correlation, root mean square errors, and dependent t-tests. WB performance was related with CoP sway and sway area (|rlinear| = 0.714–0.842, |rnonlinear| = 0.833–0.910, p < 0.01). The strongest concordance (0.878–0.893, p < 0.001) and smallest errors (6.5–10.7%) were reported for anterior–posterior sway and sway area. Moderate to excellent relationships between the WB performance and force plate CoP variables supported the usefulness of WB performance and estimates (especially sway area) in balance assessment. Furthermore, this study presents recommendations for future analyses and modeling approaches to reflect the complexity of postural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In elite team handball, talent identification and selection of the best young players is a fundamental process in several national federations and clubs; however, literature addressing the specific game-based performance in team handball is almost nonexistent. Consequently, the aim of the study was to assess and compare the team-handball-specific game-based performance of elite male team handball players of different ages. Methods: Twelve under-23, 10 under-19, 10 under-17, and 10 under-15 elite male players performed the team-handball game-based performance test. During testing, oxygen uptake, heart rate, sprinting time in defense, offense, fast breaks, and fast retreats, as well as ball velocity and jump height in the jump shot, were measured. Results: Significant differences (P <.05) between under-23, under-19, under-17, and under-15 players were found for absolute peak oxygen uptake, defense, offense and fast break time, ball velocity, and jump height in the game-based performance test, as well as in body weight and height. Conclusion: The results revealed that with increasing age, elite male team handball players are heavier and taller (body weight and height); faster (team-handball offense, defense, and fast break); jump higher and throw faster (in the team-handball jump shot); and perform better aerobically (absolute peak oxygen uptake). The better performance in the under-23 and under-19 players compared with male adult players competing in a lower National Federation league (not on top-elite level) demonstrates that highly specific game-based physical performance determines the potential for developing young male team handball players for competition at the top level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the effect of in-season differential training on volleyball spike-jump technique and performance in elite-level female players. Methods: During the season, spike jumps of 12 elite female players (Austrian Volleyball League Women) were recorded by 13 Qualisys Oqus cameras (250 Hz) and an AMTI force plate (1000 Hz). First measurement was made at the beginning of the investigation. Two identical measurements were repeated after a first and a second interval. The first interval served as control phase. The second interval was comparable in length and regular program but included differential training (6 wk, 8 sessions of 15–20 min) as a modified warm-up. It addressed specific performance determinants. Analyses of variances were calculated for the 3 measurements and for the development during control and intervention phase. Results: Initial jump height (0.44 [0.09] m) changed by −4.5% during the control phase and +11.9% during the intervention (P <.001, η p 2 =.70). All approach variables, arm backswing, and velocity-conversion strategy improved compared with the control phase (Δ%: 6.1–51.2%, P <.05, η p 2 =.40 −.80). Joint angles, countermovement depth, maximal angular velocities, and torso incline were not affected (Δ%: −2.9–9.1%, P =.066–.969, η p 2 =.00 −.27). Conclusions: In-season differential training led to technical adaptations and increased spike-jump height in elite female players. The differential training program allowed players to experience a range of adaptability and to adjust toward an individual optimum in technical components of performance determinants. Coaches are encouraged to apply technical differential training to elite athletes and to target biomechanical performance factors specifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Biological differences between men and women are well known; however, literature addressing knowledge about the influence of sex on specific and general performance in team handball is almost nonexistent. Consequently, the aim of the study was to assess and compare specific and general physical performance in male and female elite team-handball players, to determine if the differences are consequential for general compared with specific physical performance characteristics and the relationship between general and specific physical performance. Methods: Twelve male and 10 female elite team-handball players performed a game-based performance test, upper- and lower-body strength and power tests, a sprinting test, and an incremental treadmill running test. Results: Significant differences (P <.05) between male and female players were found for peak oxygen uptake and total running time during the treadmill test, 30-m sprinting time, leg-extension strength, trunk- and shoulder-rotation torque, and countermovement-jump height, as well as offense and defense time, ball velocity, and jump height in the game-based performance test. An interaction (sex × test) was found for time and oxygen uptake, and except shoulder-rotation torque and ball velocity in women, the authors found only a low relationship between specific and general physical performance. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that male players are heavier, taller, faster, and stronger; jump higher; and have better aerobic performance. However, female players performed relatively better in the team-handball-specific tests than in the general tests. The findings also suggest that female players should focus more on strength training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RACIONAL: A Microcirurgia Endoscópica Transanal (TEM) corresponde a um dos mais recentes avanços no tratamento para lesões retais benignas e malignas. OBJETIVO: Determinar o custo da TEM no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, comparando-o ao da amputação abdômino-perineal do reto e da retossigmoidectomia anterior, estabelecendo parâmetros de custo-efetividade no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, prospectivo e de coorte da avaliação dos custos dos três procedimentos cirúrgicos citados, enfocando gastos laboratoriais, com medicamentos e internação. Foram incluídos 74 pacientes, 27 submetidos à TEM, 29 à retossigmoidectomia anterior e 18 à amputação abdômino-perineal. RESULTADOS: Com relação à idade, não se observa diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. O grupo da TEM apresentou o menor tempo de internação (5,51 dias) comparado à retossigmoidectomia anterior (20,41) e à amputação abdômino-perineal (18,33). Quando se consideram os custos laboratoriais, de medicamentos e de diárias hospitalares, observam-se diferenças significantes entre os três procedimentos com custo muito inferior no grupo da TEM, cerca de 2,5 a 4 vezes menor na comparação global (R$ 1.326,71 vs R$ 5.427,16 vs R$ 4.310,20, respectivamente). CONLUSÃO: As vantagens da TEM se mostram evidentes no que tange a custos de internação e permanência hospitalar, com redução significativa quando comparado às técnicas convencionais.BACKGROUND: Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) corresponds to one of the most recent advances in treating bening and malignant rectal lesions. AIM: To determine the cost of TEM at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná, and compare it to the cost of a perineal-abdominal amputation of the rectum and of an anterior rectosigmoidectomy, therefore establishing cost-effective parameters with regards to the "Sistema Único de Saúde”. METHODS: Observational and prospective study pertaining cost evaluation of the three surgical procedures pointed above, focusing on laboratory expenses with drugs and hospitalization. Seventy four patients were included in the study, and of these 27 were submitted to TEM, 29 to anterior rectosigmoidectomy and 18 to perineal-abdominal amputation of the rectum. RESULTS: With regards to age, no significant statistical difference was observed. The group who underwent TEM presented the lowest admission period (5,51 days) when compared to the anterior rectosigmoidectomy (20,41) and to the perineal-abdominal amputation of the rectum (18,33). With regards to laboratory expenses, drug and hospital daily rates, significant statistical differences were observed between the three surgical procedures. The TEM group had the lowest cost, approximately 2.5 to four times smaller in the overall comparison (R$ 1,326.71 vs R$ 5,427.16 vs R$ 4,310.20 respectively). CONCLUSION: TEM advantages are evident through admission and hospital stay costs, with significant reduction when compared to conventional techniques.

RACIONAL: A Microcirurgia Endoscópica Transanal (TEM) é procedimento minimamente invasivo para o tratamento de tumores retais selecionados. Atualmente, existe crescente interesse médico na medida quantitativa da qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos a TEM no Serviço de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional prospectivo e de coorte da avaliação da qualidade de vida após TEM. Trinta e quatro pacientes responderam a um questionário composto de 14 questões, abordando aspectos pós-operatórios e laborais. Dirigiam-se elas para levantar dados principalmente sobre: o consentimento informado; a dor experimentada após a operação; a capacidade de o paciente caminhar no período pós-operatório; o período para retorno às atividades habituais; a satisfação com a ausência de cicatriz pós-operatória; a incontinência no pós-operatório; se recomendaria a operação a um familiar ou conhecido. RESULTADOS: Todos os 34 pacientes relataram ter sido adequadamente informados sobre o procedimento. Ausência de dor pós-operatória foi observada em 82,5% e todos se mostraram capazes de deambular no 1º dia do pós-operatório. O retorno às atividades habituais deu-se em média sete dias após o procedimento. Somente cinco pacientes (14,70%) apresentaram incontinência fecal transitória, não maior que uma semana. Três pacientes (8,82%) necessitaram de re-internação, sendo dois por tumores residuais e outro por recidiva tumoral. Dois pacientes (5,88%) referiram modificação temporária na vida sexual após a cirurgia e 97,05% indicariam a TEM a um familiar ou amigo. O período médio de internação foi de três dias. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes apresentaram boa evolução, com pouca dor pós-operatória, curto período de internação e baixo índice de complicações, mostrando satisfação e adequada qualidade de vida com a TEM.BACKGROUND: Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a minimal invasive procedure for the treatment of rectal tumors. Nowadays there has been an increasing medical interest regarding quantitative measurements pertaining quality of life. AIM: To evaluate life quality of patients submitted to TEM at Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná in the Department of Surgery of the Digestive Tract. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was done to evaluate the quality of life after TEM. Thirty-four patients answered a questionnaire composed of 14 questions concerning postoperative and labor issues. Questions concerned primarily about: informed consent; pain felt after surgery; patients capacity to walk during the postoperative state; period of return to normal activities; satisfaction regarding the absence of postoperative scars; postoperative incontinence, as well as the recommendation of this surgery to family members or friends. RESULTS: All thirty-four patients claimed to be adequately informed about the procedure. The absence of postoperative pain was observed in 82.5 %, and all demonstrated the capacity to walk in the first postoperative day. In average, returning to normal activities began after the seventh day of surgery. Only five patients (14.70%) experimented transitory fecal incontinence, enduring no longer than a week. Three patients (8.82%) were later readmitted to the hospital: two with residual tumors and the other for tumor recurrence. Two patients (5.88%) complained about temporary modification in his/her sexual life after the surgery, and 97.05% would indicate TEM for his/her family members or friends. The average time period of admission was of three days. CONCLUSION: Patients presented a good evolution, with little postoperative pain, and a low complication index, demonstrating satisfactory and adequate quality of life after TEM.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection constitutes the main treatment of most liver primary neoplasms and selected cases of metastatic tumors. However, this procedure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. AIM: To analyze our experience with liver resections over a period of 10 years to determine the morbidity, mortality and risk factors of hepatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of patients who underwent liver resection from January 1994 to March 2003. RESULTS: Eighty-three (41 women and 42 men) patients underwent liver resection during the study period, with a mean age of 52.7 years (range 13-82 years). Metastatic colorectal carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma were the main indications for hepatic resection, with 36 and 19 patients, respectively. Extended and major resections were performed in 20.4% and 40.9% of the patients, respectively. Blood transfusion was needed in 38.5% of the operations. Overall morbidity was 44.5%. Life-threatening complications occurred in 22.8% of cases and the most common were pneumonia, hepatic failure, intraabdominal collection and intraabdominal bleeding. Among minor complications (30%), the most common were biliary leakage and pleural effusion. Size of the tumor and blood transfusion were associated with major complications (P = 0.0185 and P = 0.0141, respectively). Operative mortality was 8.4% and risk factors related to mortality were increased age and use of vascular exclusion (P = 0.0395 and P = 0.0404, respectively). Median hospital stay was 6.7 days. CONCLUSION: Liver resections can be performed with low mortality and acceptable morbidity rates. Blood transfusion may be reduced by employing meticulous technique and, whenever indicated, vascular exclusion.RACIONAL: A ressecção hepática constitui o principal tratamento da maioria das neoplasias primárias do fígado e de casos selecionados de tumores metastáticos. Entretanto, este procedimento está associado a taxas expressivas de morbidade e mortalidade. OBJETIVO: Analisar a experiência com hepatectomia em um período de 10 anos para determinar os fatores de risco, a morbidade e a mortalidade das ressecções hepáticas. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Revisão retrospectiva dos prontuários médicos dos pacientes que foram submetidos a hepatectomia no período de janeiro de 1994 a março de 2003. RESULTADOS: Foi realizada hepatectomia em 83 pacientes (41 mulheres e 42 homens) durante o período do estudo. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 52,7 anos, com variação de 13 a 82 anos. As principais indicações de ressecção hepática foram carcinoma do intestino grosso metastático (36 pacientes) e carcinoma hepatocelular (19 pacientes). Hepatectomias ampliadas e maiores foram realizadas em 20,4% e 40,9% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Transfusão sangüínea foi necessária em 38,5% das operações. A morbidade total foi 44,5%. Complicações com risco de vida ocorreram em 22,8% dos casos e as mais comuns foram pneumonia, insuficiência hepática, coleção intra-abdominal e sangramento intra-abdominal. Entre as complicações menores (30%), as mais comuns foram extravasamento biliar e derrame pleural. O tamanho do tumor e transfusão sangüínea foram associadas com complicações maiores (P = 0,0185 e P = 0,0141, respectivamente). A mortalidade operatória foi de 8,4% e os fatores de risco relacionados com a mortalidade foram idade avançada e realização de exclusão vascular (P = 0,0395 e P = 0,0404, respectivamente). O período de internação médio foi de 6,7 dias. CONCLUSÃO: As hepatectomias podem ser realizadas com baixa mortalidade e aceitável morbidade. Transfusão sangüínea pode ser reduzida com o emprego de técnica meticulosa e quando indicada, a exclusão vascular.