Female blind baseball players against gender discrimination: the "red diamonds" experience.

Background: Sport has the well-known power of improving body awareness, self-esteem, and social interaction, thus promoting quality of life and psychophysical wellbeing. Specifically referring to adapted disciplines, habitual practice often becomes an effective integration and self-efficacy booster. Among disabilities, visual impairment deeply alters body image perception, autonomy, and environmental/social interaction heavily reducing sport or leisure involvement opportunities. In particular, visually impaired women represent one of the most vulnerable categories to gender and disability discrimination. Moreover, even when congenitally sightless, they perceive social pressure of mainstream beauty ideals, mostly spread by media, comparable to their sighted peers. On these premises and the previously demonstrated psychophysical benefits of Italian blind baseball practice on this target population, the present study aimed to deepen the social and educative potentialities of such adapted sport applying a more sociological research approach. Methods: The "red diamonds" event, namely, the first ever female blind baseball match, was the setting for the administration of our structured online survey. In detail, our survey comprised different evaluation tools such as the 18-item Psychological Well-Being Scale, the 12-item Short Form questionnaire, the Dresden Body Image questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and sociological model designed questions. Quality of life, psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, body image, and perceived female sport psychological violence were investigated in the whole women sample (n = 33) voluntarily adhering to the game. Results: Survey results revealed no statistically significant differences between visually impaired players (n = 13; mean age: 32.84 ± 12.05 years) and sighted on-field subjects (i.e., coaches, assistants, and referees; n = 20; mean age: 47.15 ± 12.31 years) in almost all the inquired variables, thus remarking the social and functional benefits of adapted sport through the "dual embodiment" and empowerment phenomenon. Conclusions: Given that the event was inspired by and performed on the World Day against women violence, our study deepened not only the topic of disability discrimination but also the currently alarming gender-related one. In such a context, the present research might provide interesting cues for further investigations on disability and gender disparities in sports, hence spreading interest in this under-investigated field. In perspective, the "red diamonds" experience could also contribute to inspiring and progressively developing educative tools against any kind of discrimination by promoting integration and social growth through regular sports practice.

Biofeedback-Based Proprioceptive Training to Improve Functional Prerequisites of Dragon Boating in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Breast cancer (BC)-related sequelae drastically impact the psychophysical functioning and quality of life of affected women. Adapted physical activity (APA) has proved to effectively counteract these impairments in a non-medicalized framework. In particular, dragon boats are able to promote body functionality, social interaction, and quality of life in BC survivors, but the literature on specific motor gestures is scarce and practice is still based more on a re-educative perspective than a performative one. In this context, the present longitudinal study investigated the benefits of an adapted biofeedback-based sensorimotor training intervention on upper body functionality in a team of dragon ladies. The 8-week intervention was conceived as integrated dry workout sessions led by an APA kinesiologist and applied a novel sensorized proprioceptive device, such as a Libra board. Post-protocol evaluation revealed a significant improvement in bilateral upper limb mobility, core endurance, and trunk stability along with a distress decrease and quality of life enhancement through validated assessment tools. Our findings suggest that integrating biofeedback-based workout sessions can effectively promote upper body functionality in BC survivors practicing dragon boating. Furthermore, our innovative approach could help spread methodological hints able to boost exercise adherence in this target population, thus counteracting cancer recurrence while promoting overall well-being.

Sialylation status and its relationship with morphofunctional changes in human adult testis during sexually mature life and aging: A narrative review.

Sialic acids (Sias) are a family of electronegatively charged nine-carbon monosaccharides containing a carboxylic acid, mostly found as terminal residues in glycans of glycoproteins and glycolipids. They are bound to galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine via α2,3 or α2,6 linkage, or to other Sias especially via α2,8 linkage, which results in monomeric, oligomeric, and polymeric forms. Sias play determinant roles in a multitude of biological processes in human tissues from development to adult life until aging. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the sialylation status in the human testis with a main focus on sexually mature life and aging, when this organ shows significant morphofunctional changes resulting into variations of hormonal levels, as well as changes in molecules involved in mitochondrial function, receptors, and signaling proteins. Evidence suggests that Sias may have crucial morphofunctional roles in the different testicular components during the sexually mature age. With advancing age, significant loss of Sias and/or changes in sialylation status occur in all the testicular components, which seems to contribute to morphofunctional changes characteristic of the aging testis. Based on the current knowledge, further in-depth investigations will be necessary to better understand the mechanistic role of Sias in the biological processes of human testicular tissue and the significance of their changes during the aging process. Future investigations might also contribute to the development of novel prophylactic and/or therapeutic approaches that, by maintaining/restoring the correct sialylation status, could help in slowing down the testis aging process, thus preserving the testicular structure and functionality and preventing age-related pathologies.

Pharmacological Stimulation of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Counteracts the Profibrotic Activation of Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts.

Conjunctival fibrosis is a serious clinical concern implicated in a wide spectrum of eye diseases, including outcomes of surgery for pterygium and glaucoma. It is mainly driven by chronic inflammation that stimulates conjunctival fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts over time, leading to abnormal wound healing and scar formation. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation was found to suppress transforming growth factor ß (TGFß)-induced myofibroblastic differentiation in various stromal cells such as skin and pulmonary fibroblasts, as well as corneal keratocytes. Here, we evaluated the in vitro effects of stimulation of the sGC enzyme with the cell-permeable pyrazolopyridinylpyrimidine compound BAY 41-2272 in modulating the TGFß1-mediated profibrotic activation of human conjunctival fibroblasts. Cells were pretreated with the sGC stimulator before challenging with recombinant human TGFß1, and subsequently assayed for viability, proliferation, migration, invasiveness, myofibroblast marker expression, and contractile properties. Stimulation of sGC significantly counteracted TGFß1-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and acquisition of a myofibroblast-like phenotype, as shown by a significant downregulation of FAP, ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1, MMP2, TIMP1, and TIMP2 mRNA levels, as well as by a significant reduction in α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, COL1A1, and FN-EDA protein expression. In addition, pretreatment with the sGC stimulator was capable of significantly dampening TGFß1-induced acquisition of a contractile phenotype by conjunctival fibroblasts, as well as phosphorylation of Smad3 and release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6. Taken together, our findings are the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of pharmacological sGC stimulation in counteracting conjunctival fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, thus providing a promising scientific background to further explore the feasibility of sGC stimulators as potential new adjuvant therapeutic compounds to treat conjunctival fibrotic conditions.

Physical activity and sport practice to improve balance control of visually impaired individuals: a narrative review with future perspectives.

Visual disability negatively impacts balance, everyday self-efficacy, and mobility and often leads affected subjects to perceive physical exercise as a burdensome challenge thus discouraging them from practicing. Despite the well-proven benefits of regular physical activity in visually impaired people, especially addressing postural control, there are no specific guidelines and most of the available literature seems to be flawed by critical issues. Given the wide heterogeneity and the multidimensional needs of this population, a more realistic and target-specific perspective is needed in order to properly investigate and promote exercise practice and adherence for balance improvement. On this basis, through a critical overview of the recent literature, the present article aimed to enrich the current knowledge about this topic by providing innovative suggestions, both practical and methodological, and specifically deepening the disability-related deficits and peculiarities of different age ranges. Moreover, since a multidisciplinary approach is advisable when designing and leading exercise protocols tailored to visually impaired individuals, such innovative hints also highlighted the central role of the adapted physical activity specialist, hence contributing to foster its official professional recognition and involvement in this field.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural identification of telocytes in the lamina propria of human vaginal mucosa.

Since their relatively recent discovery, telocytes (TCs) have been described as peculiar cells strategically positioned in the stromal tissue component of multiple organ systems of the mammalian body including female reproductive organs (i.e., ovary, uterine tube, and uterus). Nevertheless, current knowledge of TCs in the vagina is very limited. The present study was therefore undertaken to investigate the existence and characteristics of TCs in the stromal tissue of human vaginal mucosa by means of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In the vaginal lamina propria, TCs were first identified by CD34 immunohistochemistry that revealed the presence of CD34+ stromal cells arranged in networks, especially around blood vessels. Double immunofluorescence confocal microscopy allowed to precisely distinguish the perivascular networks of CD34+ stromal cells lacking CD31 immunoreactivity from adjacent CD31+ microvessels. All the perivascular networks of TCs/CD34+ stromal cells situated in the vaginal lamina propria coexpressed platelet-derived growth factor receptor α, which strengthened their identification as TCs. Instead, vaginal mucosal TCs were immunophenotypically negative for c-kit/CD117. The ultrastructural examination confirmed the presence of TCs, namely stromal cells with characteristic cytoplasmic processes (i.e., telopodes) forming labyrinthine networks around blood vessels and releasing extracellular vesicles. Together, our morphological findings provide the first comprehensive demonstration that TCs reside in the human vaginal lamina propria, thus paving the way for further investigation of their putative functions in vaginal mucosal homeostasis and pathophysiology.

Reactive Agility and Pitching Performance Improvement in Visually Impaired Competitive Italian Baseball Players: An Innovative Training and Evaluation Proposal.

Visual input significantly affects kinesthesis skills and, hence, visually impaired individuals show less developed sensorimotor control, especially in an unfamiliar outdoor environment. Regular blind baseball practice can counteract such a deficit but, given the complex kinetic chain model required, a targeted workout proposal is needed to improve the main athletic gesture performance. On these premises, we investigated, for the first time, the running and pitching performance of a competitive Italian blind baseball team through quantitative tools and parameters such as Libra Easytech sensorized proprioceptive board, goniometric active range of motion, chronometric speed, and pitching linear length. Moreover, the perceived physical exertion was assessed by the Borg CR10 scale. Consequently, an adapted athletic training protocol was designed and tested on the field during the competitive season, with the aim to strengthen sport specific-gesture coordination and efficacy as well as to prevent injuries. Quantitative assessments showed an improvement in ankle stability index, bilateral upper limb and hip mobility, reactive agility, running braking phase control during second base approaching, and auditory target-related pitching accuracy along with a decrease in perceived physical exertion. This protocol might therefore represent an effective and easily reproducible training and evaluation approach to tailor management of visually impaired baseball players, and safely improve their athletic performance under the supervision of an adapted exercise specialist.

Sialylation status in placentas from pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTRODUCTION: Recent investigations suggest the potential negative impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women and pregnancy outcome. In addition, some studies have described pathological changes in the placental tissue of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers, which are related or not to the infection severity and/or infection trimester. Among the various molecules involved in the normal structure and functionality of the placenta, sialic acids (Sias) seem to play an important role. Hence, we aimed to investigate possible changes in the distribution and content of Sias with different glycosidic linkages, namely α2,3 and α2,6 Galactose- or N-acetyl-Galactosamine-linked Sias and polymeric Sia (PolySia), in placentas from pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the three different pregnancy trimesters. METHODS: α2,3 and α2,6 Galactose-linked Sias were evaluated by lectin histochemistry (Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), respectively), while immunohistochemistry was used for PolySia detection. RESULTS: Data showed lower levels of α2,3 Galactose-linked Sias in the trophoblast and underlying basement membrane/basal plasma membrane in placentas from women infected during the second and third infection trimester compared with uninfected cases and those infected during first trimester. On the other hand, higher levels of PolySia were detected in the trophoblast during the second and third infection trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that changes in the sialylation status of trophoblast and its basement membrane/basal plasma membrane, together with other concomitant factors, could be at the basis of the most common placental histopathological alterations and gestational complications found especially in pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second and third trimester.

The Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator BAY 41-2272 Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor ß1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation of Human Corneal Keratocytes.

Corneal transparency, necessary for vision and depending on the high organization of stromal extracellular matrix, is maintained by keratocytes. Severe or continuous corneal injuries determine exaggerated healing responses resulting in the formation of irreversible fibrotic scars and vision impairment. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation demonstrated antifibrotic effects in both experimental fibrosis and human lung and skin fibroblasts. Here, we assessed whether sGC stimulation with BAY 41-2272 could attenuate transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1)-induced myofibroblast differentiation of human corneal keratocytes. Cells were challenged with TGFß1, with/without BAY 41-2272 preincubation, and subsequently assessed for viability, proliferation, migration, chemoinvasion, as well for the expression of myofibroblast/fibroblast activation markers and contractile abilities. Treatment with BAY 41-2272 did not affect keratocyte viability, while preincubation of cells with the sGC stimulator was able to inhibit TGFß1-induced proliferation, wound healing capacity, and invasiveness. BAY 41-2272 was also able to attenuate TGFß1-induced myofibroblast-like profibrotic phenotype of keratocytes, as demonstrated by the significant decrease in ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1 and PDPN gene expression, as well as in α-smooth muscle actin, α-1 chain of type I collagen, podoplanin, vimentin and N-cadherin protein expression. Finally, BAY 41-2272 significantly counteracted the TGFß1-induced myofibroblast-like ability of keratocytes to contract collagen gels, reduced phosphorylated Smad3 protein levels, and attenuated gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our data show for the first time that BAY 41-2272 is effective in counteracting keratocyte-to-myofibroblast transition, thus providing the rationale for the development of sGC stimulators as novel promising modulators of corneal scarring and fibrosis.

Adapted Physical Activity Protocol for Lower Limb Functional and Strength Recovery in a Young Athlete with Cutaneous Melanoma: Feasibility and Efficacy during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Adapted physical activity (APA) can improve psychophysical wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors, a vulnerable population requiring a global management, especially during the recent pandemic. On this basis, we investigated for the first time the impact of a tailored APA intervention on a melanoma-affected 18-year-old female athlete to counteract treatment sequelae and promote lower limb functional and strength recovery. Patient was evaluated at baseline and post-protocol by a test battery focusing on mobility, muscle strength measured by dynamometry, and lower limb girths assessed at specific anatomical points. Moreover, health-related QoL, depression/anxiety, psychological distress and pain intensity were evaluated by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Melanoma (FACT-M), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), distress thermometer, and numerical rating scale (NRS) questionnaires, respectively. An almost doubled up increase in lower limb strength, along with hip mobility improvement, and post-surgical edema and pain reduction were observed following the protocol. Concerning the QoL assessment, a moderate post-intervention improvement in physical and emotional wellbeing was detected, while depression state worsened though remaining within the normality range. Our findings show that a specialist-supervised structured APA protocol based on a patient-centered multidisciplinary approach may represent an effective strategy to recover functional and psychophysical efficiency, thus promoting a quick return to daily life activities and offering a concrete chance of resuming competitive sport practice.

Survey on Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life in Visually Impaired Individuals: Dancesport vs. Other Sound Input-Based Sports.

Sport practice has the widely demonstrated potential of promoting well-being and physical/mental health, especially in disabled individuals. Nowadays, visually impaired people can participate in several sports commonly adapted and played substituting visual input with auditory or tactile ones. By integrating movement and music, dance can simultaneously promote physical and emotional involvement and enhances vicarious sense recruitment. On these premises, we performed a survey to assess the psychological well-being (PWB) and quality of life (QoL) in visually impaired athletes, comparing dancesport vs other sound input-based sports. Twenty-one visually impaired dancers and twenty-seven visually impaired athletes practicing adapted baseball, showdown, blind futsal, or blind tennis completed a structured self-report survey including the Italian version of PWB-18 scale and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Dancers reported significantly higher scores in PWB-18 autonomy, environmental mastery, and self-acceptance along with a higher PWB total score than the other athlete group. Similarly, the SF-12 questionnaire results demonstrated significantly higher scores in both physical and mental QoL of visually impaired dancers compared with other athletes. In conclusion, our findings suggest that, given its peculiarities, the practice of dancesport may have a stronger positive impact on PWB and QoL of visually impaired individuals than other sound input-based sports.

Quality of life improvement in breast cancer survivors affected by upper limb lymphedema through a novel multiperspective physical activity methodology: a monocentric pilot study.

PURPOSE: Chronic lymphedema causes psychophysical sequelae jeopardizing quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer (BC) survivors, and lack of effective therapies represents a major challenge for healthcare professionals. Structured adapted physical activity (APA) may represent an effective strategy to attenuate cancer treatment-related impairments and improve QoL. Here, we describe the effects of a specific APA intervention based on a novel multiperspective methodology in counteracting lymphedema-related morphofunctional alterations and improving QoL of BC survivors. METHODS: BC survivors with chronic moderate/severe lymphedema attending the Cancer Rehabilitation Center in Florence were assessed before and after 8-week APA. The protocol consisted of both APA specialist-supervised and self-leaded sessions using a tailor-designed proprioceptive board. Body mass index, bioimpedance parameters, indirect upper limb volume measurement, and ultrasonography were performed. Wrist flexion/extension and hand strength functional tests were also executed. QoL, depression/anxiety and pain intensity were evaluated by ULL27, HADS, distress thermometer and NRS questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: Although bioimpedance, ultrasound and volumetric measures remained mostly unchanged, wrist mobility, pain perception, depression, and QoL were all significantly ameliorated after APA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving APA professionals should be employed in the management of BC-related lymphedema to improve patient psychophysical outcomes and QoL.

Manual DALK in Keratoconus: An Ex Vivo Light and Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis 2 Years After Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microscopic structure of a human cornea 2 years after manual deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus with a recipient residual stromal bed thickness of 100 µm, using light and transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: A human cornea treated with manual DALK for keratoconus 2 years before was removed during penetrating keratoplasty because of stromal opacity of unknown origin, involving about half of the sample. The transparent half of the specimen was processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Light microscopy examination performed with different staining techniques (hematoxylin and eosin, Picrosirius red, and Masson trichrome) revealed a homogeneous stroma. No interface was detected. Electron microscopy confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the available clinical and confocal studies that show progressive stromal remodeling after manual DALK. Two years after surgery, no posterior stromal interface was detected.

Overview of sialylation status in human nervous and skeletal muscle tissues during aging.

Sialic acids (Sias) are a large and heterogeneous family of electronegatively charged nine-carbon monosaccharides containing a carboxylic acid and are mostly found as terminal residues in glycans of glycoproteins and glycolipids such as gangliosides. They are linked to galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine via α2,3 or α2,6 linkage, or to other Sias via α2,8 or more rarely α2,9 linkage, resulting in mono, oligo and polymeric forms. Given their characteristics, Sias play a crucial role in a multitude of human tissue biological processes in physiological and pathological conditions, ranging from development and growth to adult life until aging. Here, we review the sialylation status in human adult life focusing on the nervous and skeletal muscle tissues, which both display significant structural and functional changes during aging, strongly impacting on the whole human body and, therefore, on the quality of life. In particular, this review highlights the fundamental roles played by different types of glycoconjugates Sias in several cellular biological processes in the nervous and skeletal muscle tissues during adult life, also discussing how changes in Sia content during aging may contribute to the physiological decline of physical and nervous functions and to the development of age-related degenerative pathologies. Based on our current knowledge, further in-depth investigations could help to develop novel prophylactic strategies and therapeutic approaches that, by maintaining and/or restoring the correct sialylation status in the nervous and skeletal muscle tissues, could contribute to aging slowing and the prevention of age-related pathologies.

Telocytes: An Emerging Component of Stem Cell Niche Microenvironment.

Telocytes (TCs) are newly identified interstitial cells characterized by thin and long cytoplasmic processes, called telopodes, which exhibit a distinctive moniliform shape and, often, a sinuous trajectory. Telopodes typically organize in intricate networks within the stromal space of most organs, where they communicate with neighboring cells by means of specialized cell-to-cell junctions or shedding extracellular vesicles. Hence, TCs are generally regarded as supporting cells that help in the maintenance of local tissue homeostasis, with an ever-increasing number of studies trying to explore their functions both in physiological and pathological conditions. Notably, TCs appear to be part of stem cell (SC) niches in different organs, including the intestine, skeletal muscle, heart, lung, and skin. Indeed, growing evidence points toward a possible implication of TCs in the regulation of the activity of tissue-resident SCs and in shaping the SC niche microenvironment, thus contributing to tissue renewal and repair. Here, we review how the introduction of TCs into the scientific literature has deepened our knowledge of the stromal architecture focusing on the intestine and skeletal muscle, two organs in which the recently unveiled unique relationship between TCs and SCs is currently in the spotlight as potential target for tissue regenerative purposes.

Co-expression of the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in healthy human conjunctiva.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in an immortalized human conjunctival epithelial cell line and in healthy human conjunctiva excised during ocular surgery, using Western blot, confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The Western blot showed that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins were expressed in human immortalized conjunctival cells, and this was confirmed by confocal microscopy images, that demonstrated a marked cellular expression of the viral receptors and their co-localization on the cell membranes. Healthy conjunctival samples from 11 adult patients were excised during retinal detachment surgery. We found the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in all the conjunctival surgical specimens analyzed and their co-localization in the superficial conjunctival epithelium. The ACE2 Western blot levels and immunofluorescence staining for ACE2 were variable among specimens. These results suggest the susceptibility of the conjunctival epithelium to SARS-CoV-2 infection, even though with a possible interindividual variability.

Effectiveness of an Adapted Physical Activity Protocol for Upper Extremity Recovery and Quality of Life Improvement in a Case of Seroma after Breast Cancer Treatment.

Growing evidence indicates that physical activity (PA) interventions may reduce upper limb function-limiting side effects of treatments and improve quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer (BC) survivors. However, the possible effectiveness of PA in cases developing seroma after BC treatment has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we describe for the first time the impact of a structured PA pathway (i.e., two cycles of eight-week adapted PA followed by eight-week adapted fitness) on upper limb disability and QoL in a peculiar case of chronic seroma as complication of reconstructive plastic surgery after left breast mastectomy and lymphadenectomy. A 56-year-old female BC survivor underwent a functional test battery (i.e., shoulder-arm mobility, range of motion, back flexibility and indirect assessment of pectoralis minor muscle) at baseline, during and after ending the structured PA pathway. Upper limb and back pain intensity and QoL were evaluated by numerical rating scale and Short Form-12 questionnaire, respectively. A relevant seroma reduction, an improvement in upper limb mobility and pain perception, and an overall increase in QoL were achieved after the structured PA intervention. Our findings suggest that an adapted PA intervention may represent an effective strategy for seroma treatment in BC survivors.

Tailored Sailing Experience to Reduce Psychological Distress and Improve the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Survey-Based Pilot Study.

Background: Growing evidence indicates that physical/sporting activities may improve the health outcomes and quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer (BC) survivors. Since recent reports have suggested that sailing can improve the psychophysical well-being and QoL of people with disabilities, this pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a tailored sailing experience on the QoL and psychological distress (PD) of BC survivors. Methods: A group of 19 breast cancer survivors, who were attending the Cancer Rehabilitation Center in Florence, were invited to participate in a sailing school and completed a survey based on a structured online questionnaire assessing QoL and PD both on departure (baseline) and one week after returning (follow-up). The survey comprised a first part (i.e., sociodemographic characteristics and the practice of physical/sporting activities at baseline; sailing experience satisfaction at follow-up) and a second part (i.e., Short Form-12 (SF-12), State/Trait-Anxiety Inventory form Y (STAI-Y), distress thermometer questionnaires). A paired Student's t-test was used to compare the baseline versus follow-up QoL and PD scores. Results: A statistically significant improvement in SF-12 mental component scores and a reduction in both STAI-Y state/trait components and distress thermometer scores were found after the sailing experience. Conclusions: We conclude that sailing practice could be a feasible intervention to increase the psychophysical well-being of BC survivors.

Characterization and distribution of sialic acids in human testicular seminoma.

Aberrant content of sialic acids (Sias) has been observed in various human cancer types in different organs. Sias have been implicated in cancerous transformation, invasiveness and metastasis, and in the escaping of cancer cells from immune surveillance. Indeed, Sias are commonly regarded as important biomarkers to distinguish cancer cells from their healthy counterparts. However, scarce and not exhaustive investigations have been performed on Sia content in testicular cancers and, in particular, in seminoma, one of the most common malignant testicular tumors. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the content and distribution of Sias with different glycosidic linkage, namely α2,3 and α2,6 galactose- or N-acetyl-galactosamine-linked Sias and polymeric Sia (polySia), in the germinal and stromal components of human testes affected by seminoma compared to normal testicular tissue. Structural changes in seminoma tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. α2,3 and α2,6 linked Sias were evaluated by lectin histochemistry (Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA)), while confocal immunofluorescence was used for polySia detection. Histopathological findings in seminoma tissue included loss of seminiferous tubules replaced by clusters of uniform polygonal cells with a clear cytoplasm, bundles of fibrotic tissue, numerous microvessels and some atrophic tubules. The content of α2,3 and α2,6 linked Sias was lost in almost all seminoma components respect to normal tissue, with the exception of microvessels in which it was higher. On the contrary, polySia level was increased in all the seminoma components compared to normal testicular tissue. Our findings suggest that an aberrant content of different Sias might have important and differential roles in seminoma development and progression. In particular, polySia might be implicated in seminoma progression by promoting cancer invasiveness and regulating the cross-talk between cancer cells, reactive stroma and vessels. Thus, the possibility that polySia might represent an important biomarker for seminoma deserves further investigation.

Telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells: Two immunophenotypically distinct and spatially close cell entities.

Telocytes (TCs) have recently emerged as a peculiar type of stromal cells located in both perivascular and interstitial compartments of multiple anatomical sites in humans, other mammals and vertebrates. Pioneer electron microscopy studies have ultrastructurally defined TCs as "stromal cells with telopodes" (i.e. very long and thin cell processes with a moniliform morphology conferred by the irregular alternation of slender segments and small, bead-like, dilated portions), whereupon it has become apparent that TCs largely correspond to the CD34+ stromal/interstitial cells detectable by immunohistochemical assays. Besides CD34, TCs are also characterized by the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α. Interestingly, recent works recommended that lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers should be routinely assessed to discriminate with certainty TCs from LECs, because these two cell types may exhibit similar morphological traits, especially when initial lymphatics are sectioned longitudinally and appear as vascular profiles with no obvious lumen. Furthermore, it has been argued that lymphatic microvessels immunostained for the small mucin-type transmembrane glycoprotein podoplanin (PDPN), which is widely used as lymphatic endothelial marker, can be easily misidentified as TCs. Nevertheless, surprisingly these assumptions were not based on double tissue immunostaining for TC and LEC markers. Therefore, the present morphological study was undertaken to precisely investigate the mutual spatial organization and putative relationships of TCs and lymphatic vessels in tissues from different human organs. For this purpose, we carried out a series of double immunofluorescence analyses simultaneously detecting the CD34 or PDGFRα antigen and a marker of LECs, either PDPN or lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1). In the connective tissue compartment of different organs, TCs were CD34+/PDGFRα+/PDPN-/LYVE-1- while LECs were CD34-/PDGFRα-/PDPN+/LYVE-1+, thus representing two definitely distinct, though spatially close, cell entities. The arrangement of telopodes to intimately surround the abluminal side of LECs suggests a possible role of TCs in the regulation of lymphatic capillary functionality, which is worth investigating further.