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Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in performance analysis in high-sport handball matches between Pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19, and Post-COVID-19 seasons in the home and away matches.

Study aim: The aim of this study was to try to determine the factors that differentiate the height, weight, BMI, and age of high-level female handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Background: The newest method of treatment for patients with NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) is immunotherapy directed at the immune checkpoints PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death 1) and PD-L1 (Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1). PD-L1 is the only validated predictor factor for immunotherapy efficacy, but it is imperfect. Some patients do not benefit from immunotherapy and may develop primary or secondary resistance. This study aimed to assess the intestinal resistome composition of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the context of clinical features and potentially new prediction factors for assessing immunotherapy efficacy. Methods: The study included 30 advanced NSCLC patients, 19 (57%) men and 11 (33%) women treated with first- or second-line immunotherapy (nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab). We evaluated the patient's gut resistome composition using the high sensitivity of targeted metagenomics. Results: Studies have shown that resistome richness is associated with clinical and demographic factors of NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy. Smoking seems to be associated with an increased abundance of macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins and vancomycin core resistome. The resistome of patients with progression disease appears to be more abundant and diverse, with significantly higher levels of genomic markers of resistance to lincosamides (InuC). The resistance genes InuC, msrD, ermG, aph(6), fosA were correlated with progression-free survival or/and overall survival, thus may be considered as factors potentially impacting the disease. Conclusion: The results indicate that the intestinal resistome of NSCLC patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment differs depending on the response to immunotherapy, with several distinguished markers. Since it might impact treatment efficacy, it must be examined more deeply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the catalytic properties of low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide, focusing on (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 synthesized via a glycothermal method using 1,4-butanediol and diethylene glycol at 250 °C. This synthesis route bypasses the energy-intensive sintering process at 1200 °C while maintaining a high-entropy single-phase structure. The synthesized material was characterized structurally and chemically by X-ray diffraction and SEM/EDX analyses. The material was shown to form nanofibers of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3, thereby increasing the active surface area for catalytic reactions, and crystallize in the model Pbnm space group of distorted perovskite cell. Using a custom setup to investigate catalytic properties of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3, the CO oxidation behavior of those high-entropy perovskite oxide was investigated, showing an overall conversion of 78% at 50 °C and 97% at 100 °C. These findings highlight the effective catalytic activity of nanofibers of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 under mild conditions and their versatility in various catalytic processes of robust CO neutralization. The incorporation of rare-earth elements into a high-entropy structure could impart unique catalytic properties, promoting a synergistic effect that enhances performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Expression of PD-L1 on cancer cells is the only validated predictive factor for immunotherapy in NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) patients. However, on this basis, it is difficult to predict the occurrence of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). MicroRNAs are widely studied as biomarkers of cancers. Our study was designed to determine whether microRNAs can be sensitive predictive factors in the qualification of NSCLC patients to first-line immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy. Material and methods: The two-stage research on validation group (n=20) and study group (n=35) of patients with advanced NSCLC was conducted. Analysis of microRNAs expression by qPCR in plasma collected prior to the start of immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) or chemoimmunotherapy (combination of pembrolizumab with chemotherapy) was made. Broad-spectrum analysis of microRNAs expression was used in the studied group. Three microRNAs selected in that group as important for the effectiveness of ICIs were then examined in the validation group. Results: In the studied group, significantly higher expression of miRNA-126-3p, miR-144-3p and miR-146-5p was observed in patients with long PFS compared to those with short PFS. In the validation group, low miRNA-126 expression indicated lower median progression-free survival and overall survival (2.3 vs. 5.0 months and 5.2 vs 11.2, respectively). These patients had a significantly higher risk of progression (HR= 2.92, 95% CI: 1.01 to 8.40, p=0.04) and death (HR=3.64, 95% CI: 1.22 to 10.84, p=0.02). Conclusion: Our study showed that the expression of miR-126 in blood plasma may be a predictive factor for the effectiveness of first-line immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, both in males and females. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a strongly tobacco-dependent type of lung cancer characterized by aggressiveness, rapid growth, and a high tendency to metastasize. SCLC is the most commonly diagnosed in an advanced -- metastatic -- stage in patients with many comorbidities and inadequate performance status. However, based on the most current recommendations, chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy at the extensive stage (ES) of SCLC, significantly improves the therapeutic efficiency. Here, we present a case of a 25-year-old man, diagnosed with SCLC, with a medical history of 10 years of smoking e-cigarettes and marijuana as well as the use of amphetamine and alcohol. In the diagnosis process, considering the young age of the patient, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed, but no molecular alterations in oncogenes were found. During the immunochemotherapy with atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), in the form of hepatotoxicity, were observed. After the toxicity subsided, the immunotherapy was continued with a very good effect and tolerance. The patient has remained in partial remission for 9 months. The presented case highlights the possibility of treatment continuation despite mild adverse events triggered by immunotherapy and the need for more research in the group of young patients diagnosed with SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The last century abounded in numerous scientific discoveries that allowed us to understand the operation and functioning of one of the most complex human systems, i.e. the immune system. One of the most important discoveries was the work of Prof. James Alison and Prof. Tasuko Honjo on the development of anti-cancer therapy inhibiting negative immune regulation (PD-1 and CTLA-4 molecules). Knowledge of these molecules' action and their huge role in inhibiting immune system activity, e.g. during cancer growth, created the basis for the development of specific monoclonal antibodies, without which clinicians from many specialties cannot imagine modern cancer therapies. However, side effects of these therapies are still quite troublesome. To minimize them, it would be necessary to reduce the dose while still maintaining the effective level of anticancer activity of immune system cells. Material and methods. In this study, 24-hour culture of PBMCs isolated from blood and bronchoaspirate with various concentrations of nivolumab or atezolizumab was performed. Expression of the individual activation markers on cultured cells was compared to the expression of these markers on cells not subjected to cell culture. Results and conclusions. The outcomes of our research may indicate that individualized dosages of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies may contribute to the effective activation of immune system cells while minimizing the side effects of the therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]