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Introduction: There are many modifiable risk factors that disrupt proper motor development, including the development of body posture. Abnormal body positions taken repeatedly, frequent use of electronic devices, and motor passivity are all implicated in postural abnormalities. In the post-pandemic period, sedentary behavior is quite common among children and adolescents, contributing to increased overweight and obesity, as well as changes in lifestyle, which consequently lead to many health problems. The main aim of this study was to assess the quality of children’s body posture and attempt to estimate the relationship between the occurrence of postural abnormalities and the level of physical activity. Material and methods: A pilot study was conducted on a sample of 200 children from early elementary school classes in the Silesia region, aged 6–10 years (x = 8.25 ± 1.06). The respondents were classified into two subgroups of equal size of 100 girls (group I) and 100 boys (group II). The study groups did not have any differences in age (p = 0.07). Body posture was assessed in all three planes using a plumb line, scoliometer, and inclinometer, as well as functional status with Thomayer and Matthias tests. Body weight and height were measured using a Tanita analyzer and stadiometer with conversion to centile charts for weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Postural defects in the sagittal plane in both the thoracic and lumbar segments were found in approximately 20% of the subjects in both groups, regardless of the level of physical activity. In both study groups, excessive screen time and time spent in a sitting position were observed. Physical activity was largely below World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Conclusions: Children of younger school age are noted to have numerous postural abnormalities that are unrelated to their level of physical activity. Children use screen time and spend too much time sitting and do not meet WHO recommendations for moderate to vigorous physical activity.

The aim of the study was to present the basic principles of ergonomics during a child’s learning and play, taking into account the principles of physiotherapy regarding the positions adopted by the child. Biomechanical and kinesiological aspects of sitting posture and additional support points were described in detail. Correct and incorrect sitting positions were illustrated in the figures, with detailed descriptions provided in the text of the study, supported by legal regulations. The study can serve as a guide for children and parents on the discussed topic, but only for children and adolescents without existing postural abnormalities. In case of any postural defects or spinal deformities, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist to approach each case individually.

Anhedonia constitutes a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD) mediating the ultimate goal of MDD treatment: functional remission. Anhedonia is also present in other clinical populations, including patients with chronic pain. Recent data links anhedonia to insulin resistance (IR). Some researchers have underlined a different dimension of anhedonia as a temperament/personality trait. The objective of this post-hoc analysis was to explore the links between anhedonia (main outcome) and (1) IR, (2) temperamental, personality, and schizotypy traits (exposures). The study population included patients with MDD, fibromyalgia, and healthy controls. Participants were split into groups: (1) insulin resistant (IR[+] n = 69, HOMA-IR ≥ 2.1) and (2) insulin sensitive (IR[−] n = 69, HOMA-IR < 2.1). Anhedonia was significantly higher in the IR[+] group than the IR[−] group. IR was a predictor of higher anhedonia levels. IR[+] vs. IR[−] participants showed higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of hyperthymic affective temperaments, as well as conscientiousness and emotional stability personality traits. Depressive, irritable, and anxious temperaments, cognitive disorganization, and introvertive anhedonia positively predicted anhedonia, while hyperthymic temperament, conscientiousness, extraversion, and emotional stability traits negatively predicted anhedonia. IR partially mediated the relationship between depressive temperament and anhedonia. In sum, IR, affective temperaments, and personality traits are predictors of anhedonia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensory profile of honeys based on the method of quantitative descriptive analysis and principal component analysis and assess consumer preferences of raw and pasteurized honeys. Samples of multi-floral honeys (from the store and apiary) were subjected to sensory analysis based on the method of ranking for taste preference, the method of scaling based on color, aroma, taste, and texture, and the method of differential descriptive analysis using 11 quality descriptors. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Principal Component Analysis method. The taste was found to be a descriptor that differentiates honey by origin. Consumers prefer the taste of pasteurized honeys. As a result of assessing the quality of honeys using the scaling method, it was found that: raw honeys are characterized by a lighter color than pasteurized honeys, store-bought honeys have a less noticeable aroma than honeys obtained from beekeepers, while samples of pasteurized honeys were judged to have a consistency more like that of typical honey. The sensory profiles obtained highlight the differences between pasteurized honeys and raw honeys.

Abstract RXRβ is one of three subtypes of human retinoid X receptor (RXR), a transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Its expression can be detected in almost all tissues. In contrast to other subtypes – RXRα and RXRγ – RXRβ has the longest and unique N-terminal sequence called the AB region, which harbors a ligand-independent activation function. In contrast to the functional properties of this sequence, the molecular properties of the AB region of human RXRβ (AB_hRXRB) have not yet been characterized. Here, we present a systematic biochemical and biophysical analysis of recombinant AB_hRXRB, along with in silico examinations, which demonstrate that AB_hRXRB exhibits properties of a coil-like intrinsically disordered region. AB_hRXRB possesses a flexible structure that is able to adopt a more ordered conformation under the influence of different environmental factors. Interestingly, AB_hRXRB promotes the formation of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), a phenomenon previously observed for the AB region of another human subtype of RXR – RXRγ (AB_hRXRG). Although both AB regions seem to be similar in terms of their ability to induce phase separation, they clearly differ in the sensitivity to factors driving and regulating LLPS. This distinct LLPS response to environmental factors driven by the unique amino acid compositions of AB_hRXRB and AB_hRXRG can be significant for the specific modulation of the transcriptional activation of target genes by different subtypes of RXR. Video Abstract