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Problem statementGoal orientations, which influence learning and motivation, are categorized into task orientation (focused on skill development and personal mastery) and ego orientation (focused on outperforming others and gaining recognition). This study aims to explore how different demographics perceive success in martial arts.Approach and purposeThe research questions focused on identifying correlations between perceptions of success and demographic factors: (1) sex, (2) age, (3) type of martial art practiced, and (4) nationality. These factors were examined to understand their impact on success perceptions among martial arts practitioners.Materials and methodsThe study utilized the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) to gather data from 268 participants—142 from Poland and 126 from Ukraine—selected through voluntary participation. Statistical analyses included standard deviation, coefficient of variability, Spearman’s rank correlation, and ANOVA for multifactor analysis.ResultsThe study revealed a weak correlation between the type of martial art practiced and perception of success (rs = 0.38), indicating that the style of martial art has limited influence on success perception. There was a weak correlation between nationality and perception of success (rs = 0.20), suggesting cultural factors do not play a role. A strong correlation was found between age and perception of success (rs = 0.80), highlighting how perceptions evolve with age. A significant correlation was also found between sex and perception of success (rs = 0.90), which may reflect broader cultural patterns influenced by globalization.ConclusionWhile the study identifies important demographic correlations affecting perceptions of success in martial arts, the findings are constrained by the sample size and demographic distribution, which limits the generalizability of the results. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is recommended to deepen understanding.

IntroductionThe identification of baseline prognostic factors in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma could help in tailoring a risk-based approach as the therapeutic landscape expands. Currently, the International Prognostic Score (IPS) represents the most used prediction tool in clinical practice, but other potential baseline risk predictors have been identified.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis in a cohort of 274 patients treated with 18FDG-PET/CT-guided ABVD to assess the prognostic significance of the IPS risk factors, and to validate the impact of the peripheral blood lymphocyte to monocyte (LMR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) ratios on prognosis definition.ResultsAmong the considered risk factors, stage IV disease (HR 1.83), leukocytosis (HR 2.28), anemia (HR 3.23) and low LMR (HR 2.01) significantly predicted PFS, whereas male sex (HR 2.93), stage IV disease (HR 3.00) and lymphopenia (HR 7.84) significantly predicted OS. A 4 variable and a 3 variable prognostic system was subsequently proposed for PFS and OS, respectively. In both cases, a stark decrease in the survival probability was documented as the score increased. Moreover, by selecting only the significant IPS items and considering a more recently proposed prognostic factor (LMR) we were able to better identify patients at higher risk of relapsing after PET/CT-guided ABVD.DiscussionAlthough the IPS was still able to identify a subgroup of high-risk patients within our cohort of individuals treated with PET/CT-guided ABVD, not all the risk factors that it considers were found to have an impact on survival times. Moreover, by selecting only the significant IPS items and considering a more recently proposed prognostic factor (LMR) we were able to better identify patients at higher risk of relapse, in an effort to contribute to the building of a modern risk prediction tool that can help guide treatment choices.

Research on deep learning-powered voice conversion (VC) in speech-to-speech scenarios are gaining increasing popularity. Although many of the works in the field of voice conversion share a common global pipeline, there is considerable diversity in the underlying structures, methods, and neural sub-blocks used across research efforts. Thus, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the choice of the different methods included when training voice conversion models can be challenging, and the actual hurdles in the proposed solutions are often unclear. To shed light on these aspects, this paper presents a scoping review that explores the use of deep learning in speech analysis, synthesis, and disentangled speech representation learning within modern voice conversion systems. We screened 628 publications from more than 38 venues between 2017 and 2023, followed by an in-depth review of a final database of 130 eligible studies. Based on the review, we summarise the most frequently used approaches to voice conversion based on deep learning and highlight common pitfalls. We condense the knowledge gathered to identify main challenges, supply solutions grounded in the analysis and provide recommendations for future research directions.

Spermatozoa undergo their last phase of spermiogenesis, known as maturation, as they pass through the epididymis. A recent report indicates that mouse immature spermatozoa retrieved from the caput epididymis for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) give rise to embryos with multiple developmental defects. Further, these embryos were unable to develop to term after their transfer to surrogate mothers. Herein, we examined the potential of mouse caput spermatozoa to produce normal embryos by comparing the use of caput vs. cauda epididymal spermatozoa for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ICSI. Two methods for the separation of sperm heads prior to ICSI were also compared: freezing/thawing or drawing through a syringe. We found that in contrast to caudal spermatozoa, caput spermatozoa failed to produce embryos via IVF, confirming their immature state. However, regardless of the method employed for the separation of sperm heads, similar efficiencies of blastocyst production in vitro and development to term after transfer to surrogate mothers were observed following ICSI using both caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa. It therefore seems that mice spermatozoa recovered from the caput epididymis are as valid as caudal spermatozoa for the production of embryos and offspring by ICSI.

Almost 50% of the infertility cases are due to male factors. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) allow to overcome the incapacity of these patients’ spermatozoa to fertilize the oocyte and produce a viable and healthy offspring, but the efficiency of the different techniques has still the potential to improve. According to the latest reports of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC), the percentages of deliveries per ART cycle in 2014 and 2016 were 21 and 22%, respectively. Among the reasons for this relatively low efficiency, the quality of the spermatozoa has been pointed out as critical, and the presence of high percentages of DNA-damaged spermatozoa in patients’ ejaculates is possibly one of the main factors reducing the ARTs outcomes. Thus, one of the main challenges in reproductive medicine is to ensure the highest quality of the spermatozoa used in ARTs, and specifically, in terms of genetic integrity. The latest techniques for the preparation and selection of human spermatozoa are herein discussed focusing on those proven to improve one or several of the following parameters: sperm genetic integrity, fertilization capacity, embryo production, and in vitro survival, as well as pregnancy and delivery rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In addition, we discuss the potential of techniques developed in non-human mammals that could be further transferred to the clinic.

Dissemination in pediatric low-grade glioma may occur in about 4%–10% of patients according to retrospective cohort studies. Due to its low incidence, there is no consensus on treatment for these patients. According to the constitutional activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway in these tumors, MEK inhibitors such as trametinib have been used successfully in the relapsed setting. Skin toxicity is frequent in patients receiving trametinib, normally mild to moderate, but sometimes severe, needing to discontinue the drug, limiting the efficacy in the tumor. There is not much information in the literature regarding whether reducing the dose of trametinib is able to maintain efficacy while, at the same time, decreasing toxicity. Here, we present an adolescent, with severe skin toxicity, whose trametinib dose was reduced by 50% and efficacy on the tumor continued while skin toxicity significantly decreased.

IntroductionIn classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), the survival of neoplastic cells is mediated by the activation of NF-κB, JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. CK2 is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, consisting of two catalytic (α) and two regulatory (β) subunits, which is involved in several cellular processes and both subunits were found overexpressed in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.Methods and resultsBiochemical analyses and in vitro assays showed an impaired expression of CK2 subunits in cHL, with CK2α being overexpressed and a decreased expression of CK2β compared to normal B lymphocytes. Mechanistically, CK2β was found to be ubiquitinated in all HL cell lines and consequently degraded by the proteasome pathway. Furthermore, at basal condition STAT3, NF-kB and AKT are phosphorylated in CK2-related targets, resulting in constitutive pathways activation. The inhibition of CK2 with CX-4945/silmitasertib triggered the de-phosphorylation of NF-κB-S529, STAT3-S727, AKT-S129 and -S473, leading to cHL cell lines apoptosis. Moreover, CX-4945/silmitasertib was able to decrease the expression of the immuno-checkpoint CD274/PD-L1 but not of CD30, and to synergize with monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), the microtubule inhibitor of brentuximab vedotin.ConclusionsOur data point out a pivotal role of CK2 in the survival and the activation of key signaling pathways in cHL. The skewed expression between CK2α and CK2β has never been reported in other lymphomas and might be specific for cHL. The effects of CK2 inhibition on PD-L1 expression and the synergistic combination of CX-4945/silmitasertib with MMAE pinpoints CK2 as a high-impact target for the development of new therapies for cHL

Improved RNA virus understanding is critical to studying animal and plant health, and environmental processes. However, the continuous and rapid RNA virus evolution makes their identification and characterization challenging. While recent sequence-based advances have led to extensive RNA virus discovery, there is growing variation in how RNA viruses are identified, analyzed, characterized, and reported. To this end, an RdRp Summit was organized and a hybrid meeting took place in Valencia, Spain in May 2023 to convene leading experts with emphasis on early career researchers (ECRs) across diverse scientific communities. Here we synthesize key insights and recommendations and offer these as a first effort to establish a consensus framework for advancing RNA virus discovery. First, we need interoperability through standardized methodologies, data-sharing protocols, metadata provision and interdisciplinary collaborations and offer specific examples as starting points. Second, as an emergent field, we recognize the need to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and knowledge early and often to improve omic-based viral detection and annotation as novel capabilities reveal new biology. Third, we underscore the significance of ECRs in fostering international partnerships to promote inclusivity and equity in virus discovery efforts. The proposed consensus framework serves as a roadmap for the scientific community to collectively contribute to the tremendous challenge of unveiling the RNA virosphere.

Brain tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme, are currently a cause of suffering and death of tens of thousands of people worldwide. Despite advances in clinical treatment, the average patient survival time from the moment of diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme and application of standard treatment methods such as surgical resection, radio- and chemotherapy, is less than 4 years. The continuing development of new therapeutic methods for targeting and treating brain tumors may extend life and provide greater comfort to patients. One such developing therapeutic method is photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy is a progressive method of therapy used in dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, and has found use as an antimicrobial agent. It has also found wide application in photodiagnosis. Photodynamic therapy requires the presence of three necessary components: a clinically approved photosensitizer, oxygen and light. This paper is a review of selected literature from Pubmed and Scopus scientific databases in the field of photodynamic therapy in brain tumors with an emphasis on glioblastoma treatment.

The field of tactile augmentation has progressed greatly over the past 27 years and currently constitutes an emerging area of research, bridging topics ranging from neuroscience to robotics. One particular area of interest is studying the usage of tactile augmentation to provide inclusive musical experiences for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. This article details a scoping review that investigates and organizes tactile displays used for the augmentation of music from the field of hearing assistive devices, documented in 63 scientific publications. The focus is on the hardware, software, mapping, and evaluation of these displays, to identify established methods and techniques, as well as potential gaps in the literature. To achieve this purpose, a catalog of devices was created from the available literature indexed in the Scopus® database. We set up a list of 12 descriptors belonging to physical, auditory, perceptual, purpose and evaluation domains; each tactile display identified was categorized based on those. The frequency of use among these descriptors was analyzed and as well as the eventual relationship between them. Results indicate that the field is relatively new, with 80% of the literature indexed being published after 2009. Moreover, most of the research is conducted in laboratories, with limited industry reach. Most of the studies have low reliability due to small sample sizes, and sometimes low validity due to limited access to the targeted population (e.g., evaluating systems designed for cochlear implant users, on normal hearing individuals). When it comes to the tactile displays, the results show that the hand area is targeted by the majority of the systems, probably due to the higher sensitivity afforded by it, and that there are only a couple of popular mapping systems used by the majority of researchers. Additional aspects of the displays were investigated, including the historical distribution of various characteristics (e.g., number of actuators, or actuators type) as well as the sonic material used as input. Finally, a discussion of the current state of the tactile augmentation of music is presented, as well as suggestions for potential future research.

Diet plays a critical role in the management of many chronic diseases. It is well known that individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) need to pay close attention to foods rich in carbohydrates to better manage their blood sugar. Usually, individuals are told to increase their dietary fiber intake which is associated with better glycemic control and limit their overall carbohydrate consumption. However, there are many other cooking strategies available to reduce the glycemic response to meals rich in carbohydrates and with a high glycemic index, such as adding fats, proteins, or vinegar, modifying the cooking or preparation processes, and even the selection and storage of foods consumed. The aim of the present narrative review is to summarize some of these existing strategies applied to the cooking process and their ability to modulate glycemic response to meals in individuals with T2D.

Obesity during childhood is of special concern as adiposity is typically tracked into adult life and it constitutes a major risk factor for future obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Recent studies indicate that time-restricted feeding (TRF) interventions may provide a promising strategy for obesity treatment. However, TRF interventions have only been tested in adult subjects. This study aims to determine both short- and long-term effects of a TRF intervention in children and adolescents with obesity. We will also investigate potential mechanisms mediating the response to the intervention, including the circadian rhythm and the gut microbiota composition. We have designed a randomized-controlled parallel-group clinical study in which children and adolescents (age range 8–18 year-old) with obesity will be subjected to time-restricted eating or no time restrictions for 2 months. Follow-up visits will allow for long-term effect assessments. We will measure anthropometric (BMI, body composition) and metabolic parameters (glucose and lipid metabolism), indicators of the circadian rhythm, and gut microbiota composition will be analyzed. This study will (1) determine safety and effectiveness of the TRF intervention in children and adolescents; (2) assess its long-term effects; and (3) evaluate potential mechanisms involved in the response to the intervention.Clinical trial registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05174871].

Objective: Tetrasomy 9p and trisomy 9p are rare chromosomal aberrations. The phenotypes of tetrasomy 9p and trisomy 9p are variable. Most cases are diagnosed in the postnatal period. The study aims to analyze the prenatal phenotype of tetrasomy 9p and trisomy 9p in terms of ultrasound and screening tests.Methods: A set of 1573 prenatal tests performed from 2016 to 2021 was reviewed to identify all cases with trisomy 9p and tetrasomy 9p. In four cases with 9p gain, non-invasive and invasive test results were analyzed.Results: Four cases with the 9p gain were diagnosed in the prenatal period: two cases with tetrasomy 9p and two cases with trisomy 9p. Nasal bone hypoplasia and ventriculomegaly are common features of 9p gain. In two out of four cases with the 9p gain, an increased risk of trisomy 21 was found in the combined first-trimester screening test.Conclusion: Trisomy 9p and tetrasomy 9p are characterized by a variable phenotype in the prenatal period, manifesting in genetically abnormal fetuses. The tetrasomy 9p and trisomy 9p may suggest trisomy 21 in the first trimester.

Treatment targeting CD19 by a chimeric antigen receptor expressed on T cells (anti-CD19 CAR-T) has led to a breakthrough in the management and treatment of relapsed and refractory B- cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). After infusion, the efficacy of anti-CD19 CAR-T is monitored by bone marrow negative minimal residual disease and the absence of peripheral CD19+ B lymphocytes (B-cell aplasia). In patients who have received an allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) prior to treatment with anti-CD19 CAR-T, monitoring lineage-specific chimerism could be helpful. We found that on 4 patients who received anti-CD19 CAR-T cells after HSCT and achieved early complete response, CD19+ lineage mixed chimerism but not CD3+ lineage mixed chimerism monitored by molecular techniques anticipated earlier than B-cell aplasia determined by flow cytometry, lack of effectiveness of anti-CD19 CAR-T and leukemia relapse. Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) did not prevent relapse but recovered CD3+ full donor chimerism. We suggest that continuous lineage chimerism analysis should be done routinely in patients who receive anti-CD19 CAR-T cells after HSCT and achieve complete remission because it can support early treatment intervention. However, the role of DLI in this setting is unclear, so further prospective studies should be developed.

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) and lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) arise from the transformation of precursor T-cells sharing common morphological and immunophenotypic features. Despite this, T-LBL and T-ALL show different genomic/transcriptomic profiles and whether they represent two distinct disease entities or variant manifestations of the same disease is still a matter of debate. In this work, we performed a Reverse Phase Protein Array study on T-LBL and T-ALL samples and demonstrated that they are characterized by a different phosphoproteomic profile. Indeed, T-LBLs showed the hyperactivation of FAK/ERK1/2 and AKT/mTOR pathways, whereas JAK/STAT pathway was significantly hyperphosphorylated in T-ALLs. Moreover, since the only criteria for discriminating T-LBL from T-ALL is blasts’ infiltration below 25% in the bone marrow and lymphoma patients can present with a percentage of blasts close to this cut-off, a biomarker that could help distinguishing the two diseases would be of great help for the clinical diagnosis and treatment decision. Pursuing this aim, we identified a proteomic signature of six proteins whose expression/activation was able to discriminate stage IV T-LBL from T-ALL. Moreover, we demonstrated that AKT hyperphosphorylation alone was able to distinguish stage IV T-LBL from both T-ALL and stage III T-LBL. Concluding, these data demonstrate that T-ALL and T-LBL bear different phosphoproteomic profiles, further sustaining the hypothesis of the two disease as different entities and paving the way for the identification of new biomarkers able to distinguish stage IV T-LBL from T-ALL disease, so far based only on BM involvement criteria.

BackgroundDerived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) is a biomarker associated with clinical outcome in breast cancer (BC). We analyzed the association of dNLR with pathological complete response (pCR) in triple-negative BC (TNBC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT).MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of two randomized studies involving early stage/locally advanced TNBC patients receiving anthracycline/taxane-based CT+/−carboplatin (GEICAM/2006-03) or nab-paclitaxel/paclitaxel followed by anthracycline regimen (ETNA). dNLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophils to the difference between total leukocytes and neutrophils in peripheral blood before CT (baseline) and at the end of treatment (EOT). Logistic regression analyses were used to explore dNLR association with pCR.ResultsIn total, 308 TNBC patients were analyzed, 216 from ETNA and 92 from GEICAM/2006-03. Baseline median dNLR was 1.61 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.25–2.04) and at EOT 1.53 (IQR: 0.96–2.22). Baseline dNLR showed positive correlation with increased tumor size (p-value = 1e−04). High baseline dNLR, as continuous variable or using median cutoff, was associated with lower likelihood of pCR in univariate analysis. High EOT dNLR as continuous variable or using quartiles was also associated with lower pCR rate in uni- and multivariate analyses.ConclusionsHigh baseline and EOT dNLR correlates with lower benefit from neoadjuvant CT in TNBC.

BackgroundAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of immature lymphocytes, in whose development involves both environmental and genetic factors. It is well known that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding and noncoding genes contribute to the susceptibility to ALL. This study aims to determine whether SNPs in miR-146a, miR-196a-2, miR-499a, and miR-612 genes are associated with the risk to ALL in pediatric Mexican population.MethodsA multicenter case-control study was carried out including patients with de novo diagnosis of ALL and healthy subjects as control group. The DNA samples were obtained from saliva and peripheral blood, and the genotyping of rs2910164, rs12803915, rs11614913, and rs3746444 was performed using the 5′exonuclease technique. Gene-gene interaction was evaluated by the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) software.ResultsmiR-499a rs3746444 showed significant differences among cases and controls. The rs3746444G allele was found as a risk factor to ALL (OR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.05–2.5]; p = 0.028). The homozygous GG genotype of rs3746444 confers higher risk to ALL than the AA genotype (OR, 5.3 [95% CI, 1.23–23.4]; p = 0.01). Moreover, GG genotype highly increases the risk to ALL in male group (OR, 17.6 [95% CI, 1.04–298.9]; p = 0.00393). In addition, an association in a gender-dependent manner among SNPs located in miR-146a and miR-196a-2 genes and ALL susceptibility was found.ConclusionOur findings suggest that SNP located in miR-499a, miR-146a, and miR-196a-2 genes confer risk to ALL in Mexican children. Experimental analysis to decipher the role of these SNPs in human hematopoiesis could improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the development of ALL.

Cochlear implants (CI) enable hearing in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, albeit with difficulties in speech perception and sound localization. In noisy environments, these difficulties are disproportionately greater for CI users than for children with no reported hearing loss. Parents of children with CIs are motivated to experience what CIs sound like, but options to do so are limited. This study proposes using virtual reality to simulate having CIs in a school setting with two contrasting settings: a noisy playground and a quiet classroom. To investigate differences between hearing conditions, an evaluation utilized a between-subjects design with 15 parents (10 female, 5 male; age M = 38.5, SD = 6.6) of children with CIs with no reported hearing loss. In the virtual environment, a word recognition and sound localization test using an open-set speech corpus compared differences between simulated unilateral CI, simulated bilateral CI, and normal hearing conditions in both settings. Results of both tests indicate that noise influences word recognition more than it influences sound localization, but ultimately affects both. Furthermore, bilateral CIs are equally to or significantly beneficial over having a simulated unilateral CI in both tests. A follow-up qualitative evaluation showed that the simulation enabled users to achieve a better understanding of what it means to be an hearing impaired child.

Members of the family Meandrinidae are highly susceptible to stony coral tissue loss disease, resulting in population reductions up to 88% in both Dendrogyra cylindrus and Meandrina meandrites along the Florida Reef Tract. Reductions in abundance on this scale leave these species susceptible to limitations in sexual reproduction and natural recovery without intervention. In response to the ongoing outbreak of the disease across the Caribbean, a variety of genetic rescue projects have been implemented to bring disease susceptible species into ex situ culture and preserve living genetic diversity. In this study, corals being held in a long-term ex situ genetic bank were maintained using artificial lighting and temperature cues programmed to mimic natural cycles in Key Largo, FL, United States. Synchronized broadcast spawning events in both species were documented in aquaria over two annual spawning cycles in 2019 and 2020. Timing of gamete release relative to the perceived date and sunset was highly synchronized with wild observations. Up to 21 unique D. cylindrus genotypes collected from reef locations spanning over 230 km contributed gametes to the larval pool. The majority of these parental colonies are no longer alive in the wild. Repeatable and predictable ex situ spawning events such as these will become an essential tool for managed breeding and assisted fertilization in species suffering from severe population declines. These annual events have the potential to produce thousands of genetically diverse offspring for restoration efforts and offer future hope for the long-term survival of these threatened species.

Background: As the elderly population continues to grow, so does the demand for new and innovative solutions to tackle age-related chronic diseases and disabilities. Virtual Reality (VR) has been explored as a novel therapeutic tool for numerous health-related applications. Although findings frequently favors VR, methodological shortcomings prevent clinical recommendations. Moreover, the term “VR” is frequently used ambiguously to describe e.g., video games; the distinction remains vague between immersive VR (IVR) systems and non-immersive VR (NVR). With no distinct demarcation, results of outcome measures are often pooled in meta-analyses, without accounting for the immersiveness of the system.Objective: This systematic review focused on virtual reality-based rehabilitation of older adults (+60) in motor rehabilitation programs. The review aims to retrospectively classify previous studies according to the level of immersion, in order to get an overview of the ambiguity-phenomenon, and to utilize meta-analyses and subgroup analyses to evaluate the comparative efficacy of system immersion in VR-based rehabilitation.Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials, describing virtual rehabilitation or video games interventions for older adults (+60). Main outcomes were pain, motivation, mobility, balance, and adverse events.Results: We identified 15 studies which included 743 patients. Only three studies utilized IVR. The rest used various NVR-equipment ranging from commercial products (e.g., Nintendo Wii), to bespoke systems that combine tracking devices, software, and displays. A random effects meta-analysis of 10 studies analyzed outcome measures of mobility, balance, and pain. Protocols and dosage varied widely, but outcome results were in favor of immersive and non-immersive interventions, however, dropout rates and adverse events were mostly in favor of the control.Conclusions: We initialize a call-for-action, to distinguish between types of VR-technology and propose a taxonomy of virtual rehabilitation systems based on our findings. Most interventions use NVR-systems, which have demonstrably lower cybersickness-symptoms than IVR-systems. Therefore, adverse events may be under-reported in RCT-studies. An increased demand for IVR-systems highlight this challenge. Care should be given, when applying the results of existing NVR tools to new IVR-technologies. Future studies should provide more detail about their interventions, and future reviews should differentiate between NVR and IVR.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was successfully applied as a biocatalyst for the enantioselective resolution of the racemic mixtures of heteroatom phosphonates derivatives, resulting in receiving the following enantiomers: (S)-1-amino-1(2-thienyl)methylphosphonic acid (Product 1) and (R)-1-amino-1-(3′pirydyl) methylphosphonic acid (Product 2). Biological synthesis of both products is reported for the first time. Pure (S)-1-amino-1-(2-thienyl)methylphosphonic acid (Product 1) was isolated with a conversion degree of 50% after 24 h of biotransformation was conducted on a laboratory scale under moderate conditions (1.55 mM of substrate 1, 100 mL of distilled water, 135 rpm, 25°C; Method A). The scale was enlarged to semi-preparative one, using a simplified flow-reactor (Method C; 3.10 mM of substrate 1) and immobilized biocatalyst. The product was isolated with a conversion degree of 50% just after 4 h of biotransformation. Amino-1-(3′pirydyl)methylphosphonic acid (Substrate 2) was converted according to novel procedure, by the immobilized biocatalyst - Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The process was carried out under moderate conditions (3.19 mM – substrate 2 solution; Method C1) with the application of a simplified flow reactor system, packed with the yeasts biomass entrapped in 4% agar-agar solution. Pure (R)-amino-1-(3′pirydyl)methylphosphonic (50% of conversion degree) was received within only 48 h.

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the main type of cancer in children. In Mexico and other Hispanic populations, the incidence of this neoplasm is one of the highest reported worldwide. Functional polymorphisms of various enzymes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics have been associated with an increased risk of developing ALL, and the risk is different by ethnicity. The aims of the present study were to identify whether NQO1, CYP2E1, and NAT2 polymorphisms or some genotype-environmental interactions were associated with ALL risk in Mexican children.Methods: We conducted a case-control study including 478 pediatric patients diagnosed with ALL and 284 controls (children without leukemia). Ancestry composition of a subset of cases and controls was assessed using 32 ancestry informative markers. Genetic-environmental interactions for the exposure to hydrocarbons were assessed by logistic regression analysis.Results: The polymorphisms rs1801280 (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.21–1.93), rs1799929 (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.55–2.49), and rs1208 (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.14–1.81) were found to increase the risk of ALL; being the risks higher under a recessive model (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.30–1.71, OR 3.87, 95% CI 2.20–6.80, and OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.32–3.87, respectively). Gene-environment interaction analysis showed that NAT2 rs1799929 TT genotype confers high risk to ALL under exposure to fertilizers, insecticides, hydrocarbon derivatives, and parental tobacco smoking. No associations among NQO1, CYP2E1, and ALL were observed.Conclusion: Our study provides evidence for the association between NAT2 polymorphisms/gene-environment interactions, and the risk of childhood ALL in Mexican children.

Pathological use of smartphones may be the biggest non-drug addiction of the 21st century. Therefore, rapid screening tools designed for easy identification of people with problematic mobile phone use are needed. The main aim of the present study was to validate a short version of the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS-10) in the Polish population. The study comprised 640 university students aged 18–38 years. We used a self-report questionnaire that included questions regarding socio-demographic variables and Polish versions of the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-10), Mobile Phone Addiction Assessment Questionnaire (MPAAQ in Polish KBUTK), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) by Kimberly Young. The analysis showed high reliability for the final Polish version of MPPUS-10 (Cronbach’s α = 0.78) and confirmed a significant correlation between the MPPUS-10 and the MPAAQ, which was previously used in Poland (rho = 0.56; p < 0.001). Due to the poor correlation of item number 10 with other items, we suggest dropping this item and using the nine-item Polish version. Our result also confirmed significant correlation between the MPPUS-10 and the IAT (rho = 0.54; p < 0.001). The contribution of the study is the Polish validation and adaptation of the MPPUS-10 scale with confirmed psychometric values. It provides a quick and convenient screening tool to assess problematic mobile phone use. Our results also indicate the need for a revision of available diagnostic tools in Poland.

Objective: It is a well-known fact that positron emission tomography (PET) is an effective tool in the assessment of thyroid focal lesions, however only few studies so far have investigated its role in monitoring of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). The aim of this study is to assess if PET scan may be useful for the assessment of the thyroid gland in patients with an AITD—Hashimoto's thyroiditis.Methods: We evaluated twenty subjects with diagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis (proven by presence of elevated thyroid antibodies level and by thyroid imaging). The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV-max) of the thyroid parenchyma was measured using 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Control group consisted of patients who have been in carcinoma remission for other reasons than thyroid cancer and who had been investigated by PET scan to exclude carcinoma recurrence.All control group subjects had their thyroid glands intact, none of them had a medical history of thyroid disease including thyroid nodules. AITDs had been excluded in all control group subjects. STATISTICA 13.1 software was used for statistical analysis.Results: Results: The SUV-max was significantly higher in patients with an AITD than in healthy subjects (median SUV-max 3.94 vs. 1.95; p = 0.005).Conclusions:18F-FDG-PET/CT scan may differentiate normal thyroid parenchyma from the diffused inflammatory changes of the thyroid gland in patients with AITDs. However, the researchers must be continued.

Soccer refereeing is a “not-conventional” sport in which aerobic workload is prevalent. Along the years, several studies have attempted to define best markers of referees’ performance. Many studies focused their attention on field tests and their relationship with aerobic power. Instead, in this study, starting by a medical assessment satisfying the FIFA 11+ criteria for injuries prevention, we have investigated the foot of soccer referees and we have also wanted to find possible and/or unexpected improvements in performance. As performance marker, we have used the referral field test for soccer referees that is internationally validated and known as Yo-Yo test (YYiR1). While standardized foot posture index (FPI) questionnaire was used for screening foot referees conditions (40 young, all men by sex, with mean age 23.47 ± 4.36). Analyzing collected data, we have demonstrated by means of Read–Cressie Chi square test that neutral FPI is an important favor item affecting YYiR1 results. Further studies will be necessary in order to confirm our pilot investigation.

Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) report low rates of regional anesthesia (RA) use for cesarean delivery (CD), despite its association with lower maternal major morbidity and mortality. Also, the prevalence of neuraxial analgesia for labor (NAL) is often low in LMICs. We report on the results of a collaboration in clinical education over a multi-year period between Kybele Inc., an international non-profit organization, and Klinicki Centar Vojvodine (CCV), a teaching hospital in Novi Sad, Serbia, to increase RA use for CD and NAL at CCV. From late 2011 through 2015, teams from Kybele participated in annual to biannual didactic conferences and week-long bedside teaching efforts involving obstetric and anesthesia staff from CCV and surrounding hospitals. Ongoing contact occurred at least weekly between Kybele and the host to discuss progress. De-identified quality improvement data on total deliveries, numbers of elective and non-elective CDs, number of vaginal deliveries, type of anesthesia for CD, and the number of NALs were collected. RA use for CD increased to 25% in year 2015 versus 14% in base year 2011 [odds ratio (OR): 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73,2.42; p