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Sports provide a context where important aspects of children’s health, such as motor skills and cognitive functions, can be enhanced. However, it is unknown which type of sport may be better for the development of motor competence (MC) and executive functions (EFs). This study investigated potential differences in MC and EFs in boys and girls, being involved in different types of sports (team, individual open skill, individual closed skill). A total of 115 children (49 boys), 8–12 years old (10.30 ± 1.19 years), participated in the study. Their MC was assessed with the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form, whereas for EFs, the Attention Network Test, the digits backwards test, and the how many–what number test were utilized. Significant MC differences among participants in different types of sports were revealed, favoring those from closed-skill sports; nevertheless, their EFs were at similar levels. Furthermore, no significant gender MC and EFs differences were detected. It seems that children’s participation in specific types of sports differentiates their motor skills but not their EFs, whereas boys and girls, when provided with the same opportunities, present similar levels of MC and EFs. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The 4th Summer School in Immuno-Oncology was held from July 1st-July 3rd as a web meeting. Many eminent researchers and leading oncologists from Europe and the USA working on basic, translational and clinical cancer research participated, presented, and discussed the most recent advances in cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Besides sharing the newest information in the field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy, the meeting also focused on the actual translation of new knowledge acquired in the lab to the clinical setting; particular emphasis was given to the mode of action of novel therapeutic modalities and to biomarkers helpful for treatment decision-making, as well as to means that may improve cancer immunotherapeutic protocols used for the treatment of a variety of malignancies. The main topics presented by the speakers included: (1) mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and resistance; (2) host-tumor interactions and means to regulate antitumor immunity; (3) exploitation of new biomarkers and tumor or immune signatures able to potentially guide therapeutic interventions; (4) emerging therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment and specific immunotherapeutics for thoracic, genito-urinary, gastrointestinal, skin and breast cancers; and (5) innovative treatment options and alternatives to minimize the toxic adverse events of cancer immunotherapy. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by BRI.

Between June and November 2020, we assessed plasma antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein in 4996 participants (aged 18–82 years, 34.5% men) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The weighted overall prevalence was 1.6% and monthly prevalence correlated with viral RNA-confirmed SARSCoV-2 infections in Greece, in the same period. Notably, 49% of seropositive cases reported no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection-related clinical symptoms and 33% were unsuspected of their previous infection. Additionally, levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the spike-protein receptorbinding domain were similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, irrespective of age and gender. Using Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization-approved assays, these results support the need for such studies on pandemic evaluation and highlight the development of robust humoral immune responses even among asymptomatic individuals. The high percentage of unsuspected/asymptomatic active cases, which may contribute to community transmission for more days than that of cases who are aware and self-isolate, underscores the necessity of measures across the population for the efficient control of the pandemic. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Due to early implementation of public health measures, Greece had low number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 severe incidents in hospitalized patients. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), especially its health-care/medical personnel, has been actively involved in the first line of state responses to COVID-19. To estimate the prevalence of antibodies (Igs) against SARS-CoV-2 among NKUA members, we designed a five consecutive monthly serosurvey among randomly selected NKUA consenting volunteers. Here, we present the results from the first 2500 plasma samples collected during June–July 2020. Twenty-five donors were tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs; thus, the overall seroprevalence was 1.00%. The weighted overall seroprevalence was 0.93% (95% CI: 0.27, 2.09) and varied between males [1.05% (95% CI: 0.18, 2.92)] and females [0.84% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.49)], age-groups and different categories (higher in participants from the School of Health Sciences and in scientific affiliates/faculty members/laboratory assistants), but no statistical differences were detected. Although focused on the specific population of NKUA members, our study shows that the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs for the period June–July 2020 remained low and provides knowledge of public health importance for the NKUA members. Given that approximately one in three infections was asymptomatic, continuous monitoring of the progression of the pandemic by assessing Ig seroprevalence is needed. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable despite the abundance of novel drugs. As it has been previously shown, preclinical 2D models fail to predict disease progression due to their inability to simulate the microenvironment of the bone marrow. In this review, we focus on 3D models and present all currently available ex vivo MM models that fulfil certain criteria, such as development of complex 3D environments using patients’ cells and ability to test different drugs in order to assess personalized MM treatment efficacy of various regimens and combinations. We selected models representing the top-notch ex vivo platforms and evaluated them in terms of cost, time-span, and feasibility of the method. Finally, we propose where such a model can be more informative in a patient’s treatment timeline. Overall, advanced 3D preclinical models are very promising as they may eventually offer the opportunity to precisely select the optimal personalized treatment for each MM patient. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

This study examined the validity and reliability of Greek versions of two scales assessing family and friend support for exercise behaviour. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed in a sample of 360 students. Additionally, CFAs were applied in a second sample of 726 physically active adults. Finally, associations were examined among scales and physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and socio-demographic variables. Results indicated (a) a two-factor model for the Family Support for Exercise Behaviour Scale, (b) a one-factor solution for the Friend Support for Exercise Behaviour Scale, (c) satisfactory reliability coefficients, and (d) associations among the scales and physical activity, self-efficacy and socio-demographic variables. Conclusively, the social support scales were valid and reliable. © Perceptual & Motor Skills 2014.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a treadmill program on gross motor function, walking speed, and spasticity of ambulatory adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy (diplegia and tetraplegia). DESIGN: In this randomized controlled trial, 22 adolescents (13-19 yrs old) from a special school for children with physical disabilities were randomly allocated to the experimental and control training groups. The experimental training group underwent a treadmill program without body weight support at a comfortable speed. The control group received treatment with conventional physiotherapy, which consisted of three sets of exercises with mat activities, balance, gait training, and functional gross motor activities. The program lasted 12 wks with a frequency of three times per week for both groups. Pretest and posttest measurements of self-selected walking speed, gross motor function, and spasticity were conducted. RESULTS: The analysis of covariance findings examining posttest differences between groups were significant with respect to self-selected walking speed (F = 8.545, P = 0.000) and gross motor function (F = 9.088, P = 0.007), whereas no significance was found for spasticity. CONCLUSIONS: Treadmill training may improve the walking speed and gross motor function of adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy, without adverse effects on spasticity. Copyright © 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Background. The dimensionality of the Asthma Control Test (ACT) was examined in two counterview studies. Up to now, the ACT has not been validated for the Greek asthma patients. Objective. The present study was designed to examine the validity and reliability of the ACT responses in Greek asthma outpatients under a specialist's care. Study design. Following evidence for sample-specific validity, the ACT (n = 100) was examined through construct, cross-sectional, convergent, and discriminant validity as well as internal consistency and test-retest reliability [root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA)]. Results. A one-factor solution fit the data [χ2 (chi-square) = 3.899, df (degrees of freedom) 5, ns, RMSEA

Background. The mechanism of the breathing retraining effect on asthma control is not adequately based on evidence. Objective. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of physiotherapy-based breathing retraining on asthma control and on asthma physiological indices across time. Study design. A 6-month controlled study was conducted. Adult patients with stable, mild to moderate asthma (n = 40), under the same specialist''s care, were randomized either to be trained as one group receiving 12 individual breathing retraining sessions (n = 20), or to have usual asthma care (n = 20). The main outcome was the Asthma Control Test score, with secondary outcomes the end-tidal carbon dioxide, respiratory rate, spirometry, and the scores of Nijmegen Hyperventilation Questionnaire, Medical Research Council scale, and SF-36v2 quality-of-life questionnaire. Results. The 2 × 4 ANOVA showed significant interaction between intervention and time in asthma control (F = 9.03, p < .001, η?2 = 0.19), end-tidal carbon dioxide (p < .001), respiratory rate (p < .001), symptoms of hypocapnia (p = .001), FEV1% predicted (p = .022), and breathlessness disability (p = .023). The 2 × 4 MANOVA showed significant interaction between intervention and time, with respect to the two components of the SF-36v2 (p < .001). Conclusion. Breathing retraining resulted in improvement not only in asthma control but in physiological indices across time as well. Further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of this training in order to help patients with stable asthma achieve the control of their disease. © 2011 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.