Complex transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, including variation in promoter-level cis-regulatory architecture, influences infertility. In this study, we performed a purely in silico analysis of the -1000 to -1 bp promoter regions (relative to the annotated TSS) of 13 human fertility-related genes using an integrated motif-discovery and annotation workflow (NNPP, MEME/STREME, Tomtom, FIMO/CentriMo, GOMo, and MethPrimer). Motif discovery identified multiple statistically supported de novo promoter motifs, and motif scanning mapped their occurrences across the analyzed promoters. Similarity searches against curated PWM databases did not yield significant matches under stringent criteria, consistent with divergent or under-represented motif patterns. Functional association analysis and CpG island profiling further highlighted promoter segments that merit prioritization for follow-up testing. As the analysis is purely in silico and restricted to a fixed promoter window, the identified motifs should be interpreted as candidate regulatory elements pending experimental validation.
ObjectivesThis study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a robotic exercise coaching system for children, with the focus on children with special educational needs (SEN). A preliminary evaluation was conducted to examine its effects on psychological need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and enjoyment of physical activity among children with SEN.MethodsAn initial evaluation was conducted with 16 children with SEN. Psychological need satisfaction and intrinsic motivation were assessed using the Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education scale (BPN-PE) and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), respectively, administered after the first and the final session. Enjoyment was measured at the final session using Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-S). Pre-post differences were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests with effect sizes calculated, while PACES-S data were analysed descriptively to capture affective responses.ResultsResults indicated statistically significant improvements across all BPN-PE subscales, with the largest effect observed for competence satisfaction, followed by relatedness and autonomy satisfaction. IMI results showed significant increases in Interest/Enjoyment, Perceived competence, and Effort/Importance, alongside a significant reduction in Pressure/Tension. PACES-S results revealed high levels of enjoyment associated with the robot-supported physical activity sessions.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that robot-supported exercise system may represent a promising approach for enhancing motivation and participation among children with SEN.
Myocardial ischemia represents a state of reduced coronary perfusion with oxygenated blood, insufficient to meet the metabolic demands of the myocardium. Both acute and chronic ischemia trigger a cascade of cellular events that lead to disturbances in ionic balance, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. During ischemia, cardiomyocytes (CMs) shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, resulting in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, loss of ionic homeostasis and calcium (Ca2+) overload that activate proteases, phospholipases and membrane damage. Reperfusion restores oxygen supply and prevents irreversible necrosis but paradoxically initiates additional injury in marginally viable myocardium. The reoxygenation phase induces excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endothelial dysfunction and a strong inflammatory response mediated by neutrophils, platelets and cytokines. Mitochondrial dysfunction and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) further amplify oxidative stress and inflammation and trigger apoptosis and necroptosis. Understanding these intertwined cellular and molecular mechanisms remains essential for identifying novel therapeutic targets aimed at reducing reperfusion injury and improving myocardial recovery after ischemic events.
To qualitatively explore the geriatric educational needs of healthcare professionals across Europe in the context of current care practices, with a particular focus on countries where geriatric medicine remains underdeveloped. The medical and social complexity of geriatric medicine requires developing skills in communication and interprofessional collaboration, as well as focussing on the priority clinical topics of medication management, treatment adaptation, comprehensive assessment, ageing physiology and recognition of red flags. Future training should include practical skills, case-based learning, and didactic content. Strong national and institutional support is needed to ensure consistent, high-quality, and accessible training and care. There are clear educational gaps for European healthcare professionals working with older people. In many countries, geriatrics is still emerging as a speciality, with limited training options for healthcare professionals (HCPs). This international qualitative study aimed to explore the geriatric educational needs of HCPs, focussing on countries where geriatric medicine (GM) is emerging or underdeveloped. Fourteen focus groups (n = 125 participants, 82
