bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Monocyte Adhesion to Endothelial Cells and Attenuation of Atherosclerotic Lesion by a Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, Exendin-4
Authors: Arakawa Masayuki , Mita Tomoya , Azuma Kosuke , Ebato Chie , Goto Hiromasa , Nomiyama Takashi , Fujitani Yoshio , Hirose Takahisa , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

Exogenous administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or GLP-1 receptor agonists such as an exendin-4 has direct beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. However, their effects on atherosclerogenesis have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GLP-1 on accumulation of monocytes/macrophages on the vascular wall, one of the earliest steps in atherosclerogenesis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

After continuous infusion of low (300 pmol · kg−1 · day−1) or high (24 nmol · kg−1 · day−1) dose of exendin-4 in C57BL/6 or apolipoprotein E–deficient mice (apoE−/−), we evaluated monocyte adhesion to the endothelia of thoracic aorta and arteriosclerotic lesions around the aortic valve. The effects of exendin-4 were investigated in mouse macrophages and human monocytes.

RESULTS

Treatment with exendin-4 significantly inhibited monocytic adhesion in the aortas of C57BL/6 mice without affecting metabolic parameters. In apoE−/− mice, the same treatment reduced monocyte adhesion to the endothelium and suppressed atherosclerogenesis. In vitro treatment of mouse macrophages with exendin-4 suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and suppressed nuclear translocation of p65, a component of nuclear factor-κB. This effect was reversed by either MDL-12330A, a cAMP inhibitor or PKI14-22, a protein kinase A–specific inhibitor. In human monocytes, exendin-4 reduced the expression of CD11b.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced monocyte/macrophage accumulation in the arterial wall by inhibiting the inflammatory response in macrophages, and that this effect may contribute to the attenuation of atherosclerotic lesion by exendin-4.
Toxicological Properties of Citrinin
Authors: Flajs Dubravka , Peraica Maja
Published: January 2010

Toxicological Properties of Citrinin

Citrinin (CTN) is a nephrotoxic mycotoxin produced by several fungal strains belonging to the generaPenicillium, Aspergillus, andMonascus.It contaminates various commodities of plant origin, cereals in particular, and is usually found together with another nephrotoxic mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA). These two mycotoxins are believed to be involved in the aetiology of endemic nephropathy. In addition to nephrotoxicity, CTN is also embryocidal and fetotoxic. The genotoxic properties of CTN have been demonstrated with the micronuleus test (MN), but not with single-cell gel electrophoresis. The mechanism of CTN toxicity is not fully understood, especially not whether CTN toxicity and genotoxicity are the consequence of oxidative stress or of increased permeability of mitochondrial membranes. CTN requires complex cellular biotransformation to exert mutagenicity.

Compared with other mycotoxins, CTN contamination of food and feed is rather scarce. However, it is reasonable to believe that humans are much more frequently exposed to CTN than generally accepted, because it is produced by the same moulds as OTA, which is a common contaminant of human food all over the world.

At present, there are no specific regulations either in Croatia or in the European Union concerning CTN in any kind of commodity.
Growth, Development, Yield and Quality of Middle and Large Fruit Size Greenhouse Tomato - On-Farm Research
Authors: Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Gajc-Wolska Janina
Published: January 2010

Growth, Development, Yield and Quality of Middle and Large Fruit Size Greenhouse Tomato - On-Farm Research

Four tomato cultivars from the Seminis Vegetable Seeds Company: large size Red Chief F1 and Ivone F1 fruits and middle size Flexxione F1 and Brillant F1 fruits were used in the experiment. There were six plants on each slab of rockwool. Plant density was 2.5 plants·m-2. Tomato plants were grown according to a system for one main shoot or two shoots in which case fruits for the experiment were collected from the main shoot or from fruit bearing lateral shoots (two plants on each mat). The measurements included a week's increase of the shoot length, the diameter of the stem, the length of the leaf, number of leaves, number of blooming cluster, number of cluster set, number of harvesting cluster and plant loading with fruits.

Fruit firmness as well as the content of dry matter, vitamin C, total sugars, titratable acidity, pH of the cell sap, soluble solids, NO3, P, K, Ca and the content of nutrients such as N, P, K, Ca in the leaf samples which allowed the assessment of the state of plant nutrition, were determinared. Large size fruit tomato cultivars produced higher total commercial yield than middle size fruit cultivars. Middle size fruit cultivars produced higher early yield. The large size fruit cultivars showed better yielding in the autumn than the middle size fruit cultivars. The plant growth depended on the type of the cultivar. The stem diameter of tomato plant depended on the cultivation conditions. A smaller stem diameter was observed with the higher EC in the root environment. In 2006 fruits were characterized by a higher content of vitamin C, total sugars, soluble solids, nitrates, phosphorus and calcium than in the year 2007. Higher values of chemical components (dry matter, vitamin C, titratable acidity, soluble solids, nitrates, phosphorus, potassium and calcium) were obtained in tomato fruits harvested in summer than in autumn time. Large size fruits contained a little more dry matter, total sugars, nitrate ions and phosphorus, but less vitamin C than middle size fruits. On the other hand, middle size tomato fruits were firmer than large size fruits and contained more vitamin C and calcium. No clear differences in fruit quality were observed depending on different systems of plant growing.
The Difference in Visual Skills Between Expert Versus Novice Soccer Referees
Authors: Ghasemi Abdullah , Momeni Maryam , Rezaee Meysam , Gholami Amin
Published: January 2010

The Difference in Visual Skills Between Expert Versus Novice Soccer Referees

The aim of this study was to compare the visual skills of expert and novice soccer referees. Twenty expert soccer referees, twenty two novice soccer referees and twenty non-athletes male students were investigated for facility of accommodation, peripheral vision, eye saccadic movements and speed of recognition. The results showed that the expert soccer referees were superior in all of the visual skills, but there was no significant difference between novice referees and non-athletes. This substantial difference between expert and novice soccer referees implies that these visual skills are important for refereeing soccer. For detecting other visual skills in soccer, referees must use visual skills from other programs. This study suggested that talent identification and development of visual abilities among soccer referees is of fundamental importance to success.
Relationship Between Airway Resistance indices and Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Young Adults
Authors: Fatemi Roholah , Ghanbarzadeh Mohsen
Published: January 2010

Relationship Between Airway Resistance indices and Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Young Adults

The present study aims at assessing the relationship between airway resistance indexes (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC) and maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max) in young adults. Subjects of the study included 50 healthy males (age, 22.1 ± 2.47 years; FEV1, 3.41 ± .66 liter; FVC, 3.96 ± .56 liter; VO2max, 38.83 ± 9.83 ml.kg-1.min-1) studying at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. After determining subjects' volumes of FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC by digital spirometer, maximal oxygen uptake was measured. The study protocol measured VO2max levels using the sub-maximal Astrand-Ryming test on the ergometer cycle. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed a significant correlation among the three independent variables of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and projected VO2max values. Based on the results, it can be concluded that these parameters have a close interaction with higher VO2max levels, and therefore, having a lower airway resistance seems beneficial.
Comparison of Physiological and Metabolic Responses to Playing Nintendo Wii Sports and Brisk Treadmill Walking
Authors: Willems Mark , Bond Timothy
Published: January 2010

Comparison of Physiological and Metabolic Responses to Playing Nintendo Wii Sports and Brisk Treadmill Walking

Regular moderate-intensity exercise (e.g. brisk walking) provides health benefits. In the present study, we compared the physiological and metabolic responses of playing the Nintendo Wii Sports tennis, baseball and boxing with self-paced brisk treadmill walking. Ten young-adults (21±1 years; 73.9±12.0 kg; 1.76±0.06 m) played each sport for 10 min with a 5 min rest interval or, in a separate session, walked briskly (6.1±0.6 km·h-1) with an equivalent time order wearing the Cosmed K4b2 metabolic system. In a bout of 10 min, the average values during Nintendo Wii boxing for physiological (i.e. minute ventilation, oxygen uptake and heart rate) and metabolic (i.e. energy expenditure, fat oxidation, carbohydrate oxidation and respiratory exchange ratio) responses were equal to brisk treadmill walking but lower for Nintendo Wii tennis and baseball (P<0.05). It was concluded that the physiological and metabolic responses of Nintendo Wii boxing would allow this game activity to be a viable part of a programme of structured exercise in young-adults to gain health benefits.
Hematological Profile of Serbian Youth National Soccer Teams
Authors: Joksimović Aleksandar , Stanković Daniel , Ilić Dragan , Joksimović Ivana , Jerkan Milorad
Published: January 2010

Hematological Profile of Serbian Youth National Soccer Teams

Soccer is one of the most widely played and complex sports in the world, where players need technical, tactical, and physical skills to succeed. Technical and tactical skills in soccer are highly dependent on the player's physical capacity. The selection, development and professional guidance of young players is a priority for many top soccer clubs in order to maintain their sporting and financial status. The aim of the present study was to determine hematological profile of youth national soccer teams and to compare the values of fifteen hematological parameters between 3 Serbian youth national teams (under 14, 15 and 16 years old), as well as between soccer players and nonathletes. 80 young soccer players and 30 non-athletes participated in the study. 15 hematologic parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PDW, LYM%, MON%, GRAN%, LYM, MON, GRAN) were measured. In order to determine the significance of differences between the groups on a multivariate level a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was administered, and to test the differences between the groups on an univariate level a univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. It was concluded that there is no significant difference in all the variables (WBC, Ly, Mo, Gr, PLT, HGB, HCT, etc), except RBC, probably due to age, androgen affection on erythropoesis, field positoning and diet. From a practical point of view, the clinician has to take into account not only age, but also training status of individuals when evaluating their blood tests.
The Effects of Finish Sauna on Hemodynamics of the Circulatory System in Men and Women
Authors: Prystupa Tetyana , Wołyńska Alicja , Ślężyński Jan
Published: January 2010

The Effects of Finish Sauna on Hemodynamics of the Circulatory System in Men and Women

Finnish sauna is one of the most popular among all the saunas types and as a result is the most commonly used. Bath in the Finnish sauna is a combination of heating with a warm and dry air and the short influence of high humidity and cooling with cold water and air. The article aims to identify pulse and blood pressure in the conditions of thermal heating in the sauna among women and men between the age of 20-25. Hypothetically sauna has a great influence on the basic hemodynamic parameters such as pulse and blood pressure. There were 127 healthy, young women and 74 men, students at the University of Physical Education in Wroclaw taking part in the experiment. Average age of the volunteers was 21.5 and 21.7.

The results indicate that a bath in the Finnish sauna leads to a significant increase of the pulse among men and women. Concurrently the results show a considerable decrease in diastolic pressure, with the systolic pressure remaining at almost the same level. It can be concluded that a bath in a Finnish sauna positively influences the hemodynamics of blood pressure and pulse. A series of bathes in the Finnish sauna leads to a considerable decrease of the systolic and diastolic pressure and an increase of the pulse among male and female volunteers.
Factors of Development of Far Eastern Martial Arts in Central Europe
Authors: Cynarski Wojciech , Sieber Lothar , Obodyński Kazimierz , Ďuriček Milan , Król Paweł , Rzepko Marian
Published: January 2010

Factors of Development of Far Eastern Martial Arts in Central Europe

The aim of the research was to indicate the main factors of development declared by the practitioners of the different disciplines of martial arts and combat sports in selected countries of Central Europe. In particular, such variables as training location and type of martial arts/combat sports have been taken into consideration. Five research questions have been established which should be answered in order to find the solution to the posed problem.

The theoretical perspective for analyses presented here consists of sociology of sport and humanist theory of martial arts. This approach results in the need for quantitative and qualitative analysis of the answers to questions about the barriers of development according to the variables of the practiced variety (a martial art, a combat sport) and the place of training.

The method of diagnostic survey has been used. The research was conducted on a group of 500 subjects from south-eastern Poland, Slovakia, Germany and additionally (for comparison) from England, of which 489 were accepted for the study. This number includes 137 representatives of kyokushin karate from Poland, 143 Polish karatekas of non-contact varieties, 18 representatives of jujitsu and karate from Germany, 37 aikidokas from Poland (a martial art without sportive rivalry), 107 judokas from Poland and 24 judokas from Slovakia, with an additional 23 British rugby players. The selection of the group was deliberate and complete, taking into account the representatives of various martial arts and combat sports, with rugby used for comparative purposes.

Practicing martial arts oriented to self-realization, determines the motivation for their practice, which differs from the motivation in sport (combat sports). It influences the dominating choices of values-goals and popularity, thus the development of given varieties. Both martial arts and combat sports of Asian origin (aikido, judo, jujitsu, karate) attract practitioners, mainly due to their usefulness in self-defense. The values connected with training and sportive rivalry (combat sports, rugby) are also noticed. The variable of place (country) is connected with the dominating forms in promoting a given martial art or combat sport.
Reliabity and Validity of the Trichotomous and 2×2 Achievement Goal Models in Turkish University Physical Activity Settings
Authors: Agbuga Bulent
Published: January 2010

Reliabity and Validity of the Trichotomous and 2×2 Achievement Goal Models in Turkish University Physical Activity Settings

The present research is designed to continue exploration of the reliability and validity of the 2 × 2 and trichotomous achievement goal frameworks in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Turkish undergraduate physical activity courses. One hundred and fifty eight Turkish undergraduate students (116 males; 42 females) served as participants. They completed both the trichotomous and 2 × 2 achievement goal scales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to examine and construct the validity of both the 2 × 2 and trichotomous achievement goal models. The results showed that the 2 × 2 achievement goal model represents an adequate fit to the data (X 2/df = 1.66, CFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.93, NNFI = 0.89, and RMSEA = 0.06). Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the mastery-approach, performance-approach, mastery-avoidance, and performance-avoidance goals were 0.65, 0.68, 0.72, and 0.60, respectively, indicating acceptable internal consistency. However, CFA analysis pointed out that the trichotomous achievement goal model provided a poor fit to the data (X 2/df = 1.59, CFI = 0.85, GFI = 0.88, NNFI = 0.69, and RMSEA = 0.06), although Cronbach's alpha coefficients in the trichotomous achievement goal model indicated acceptable reliability (mastery goals = 0.70, performance-approach goals = 0.73, and performance-avoidance goals = 0.64). Results from the present study indicate that only the 2 × 2 achievement goal model provides a reliable and valid measure of achievement goals for Turkish undergraduate students.
Recreational Exercise Motives of Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Caglar Emine , Canlan Yusuf , Demir Murat
Published: January 2010

Recreational Exercise Motives of Adolescents and Young Adults

This study examined the motives for taking part in recreational exercise/sporting activities based on a sample of Turkish young people. Secondly, gender and age group differences with motivational dimensions were investigated. A total of 298 members of 6 Youth Centers voluntarily participated in this study. The Recreational Exercise Motivation Measure (REMM) was administered to all participants. Two × two MANOVA revealed significant main effect for gender (p < 0.03) and age group (p < 0.01). Univariate follow-up tests revealed that the significant main effect for gender was attributable to health subscale, and age group differences were correlated with health, body/appearance, social/enjoyment, and skill development subscales (p < 0.01). It can be concluded that health motives were more important for females than males, and motives relating to health, appearance, and social/enjoyment were more important for young adults.
Physical Activity Levels of the Young Adults in an Economically Developing Country: The Turkish Sample
Authors: Karaca Ayda , Caglar Emine , Cinemre Şükrü
Published: January 2010

Physical Activity Levels of the Young Adults in an Economically Developing Country: The Turkish Sample

The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity levels of the young adults in Turkey, selected as an example of an economically developing country.

A total of 1027 university students voluntarily participated in this study. The sport and household activity indexes of the Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (PAAQ) were administered to the subjects.

Student t-test showed gender differences in the intensity of the sport activities index (p<0.001). The results of 2 (gender) × 2 (intensity of sport activities) univariate ANOVA revealed significant gender, intensity differences and significant gender × intensity interaction on participation duration in the sports activities. This finding showed that males spent more time in both vigorous and non-vigorous sport activities than females. In terms of the type of engagement in sport activity, the majority of males primarily played soccer, while females had primarily walked. The Student t test revealed gender differences in both the duration of housework and sitting in the house.

To conclude, males participated in sport activities with a higher intensity and spent more time on these activities than females. On the other hand, females spent much more time on housework activities and sitting in the house than males.
Universities as Embedded Knowledge Hubs and the Challenge of Local Development. The US Lessons and the Italian Case
Authors: Ciapetti Lorenzo
Published: January 2010

This article discusses the claim of a new paradigm in the knowledge production and diffusion process, and the need to assess the regional and local implications of this modal shift. After introductory remarks included in the first part of the paper, its next section introduces the theme of localisation of knowledge as a source of regional development; section three examines the lessons we can extract from the US university system (with a particular regard to the case of Johns Hopkins University and the recent project for a biotech park in the city of Baltimore); in section four an illustration of the Italian University system leads to a description of the current evolution of the University of Bologna toward a new entrepreneurial role. The last part of the paper discusses the embedded role of universities in the light of the two cases presented in the previous sections and draws the conclusions in terms of regional policy.
The Egnatia Motorway and the Changes in Interregional Trade in Greece: An Ex Ante Assessment
Authors: Polyzos Serafeim
Published: January 2010

The Egnatia Motorway, located in the northern part of Greece, constitutes one of the most important, as well as ambitious, projects of the Trans-European Transport Networks programme (TETN) funded by the European Commission. It is expected to greatly influence the spatial economic relationships of several regions across the country. The motorway crosses all administrative regions of Northern Greece, and the expectations currently sustained by the public as regards its contribution to regional development are exceptionally great. As numerous empirical studies have already shown, the most important changes in regional economy induced by interregional transportation infrastructure are associated with trade flows between different regions. This paper analyses the major determinants of interregional trade in Greece and estimates the changes in interregional trade flows which the construction of the Egnatia Motorway is capable of generating.
Constructing and Crossing Boundaries in a New (?) Europe
Authors: Nagy Erika
Published: January 2010

During the last two decades, discourses over the transition process shifted toward a theoretical diversity and a deeper understanding of ‘how modernity was reworked in postsocialist context’. It was widely argued that changing social relations were shaped not only by norms and institutions of Neoliberal capitalism, but also by established networks, institutional and regulatory structures and actors that/who gave diverse responses to the profound and thorough transformation of the society. This paper aims at understanding how geopolitical discourses over the Balkan and its place in the ‘new Europe’ shaped social relations and produced daily practices nested into those webs, through the perception and interpretations of post-socialist transformation by Hungarian migrants who left the war-hit Yugoslavia.
The Advice Genre (1400-1599). Genre and Text Type Conventions
Authors: Barrera Ivalla
Published: January 2010

The Advice Genre (1400-1599). Genre and Text Type Conventions

The aim of this paper is to characterize the advice text as a genre in the late medieval and early modern English periods. This genre is very popular during this time and is usually found within medical remedy books. For this reason, it has been generally studied within the scope of medieval recipes in historical discourse analysis. In this paper my intention is to show the independent status of the advice text as a genre. A first step for this lies in the characterization of the linguistic features pertaining to the sections that compound this genre and its comparison with the recipe genre. The corpus for this study has been collected from several sources, both edited and unedited. The description of the text type features will be illustrated with examples taken from this corpus. As I show in the conclusion, the advice text is an independent genre with a clear communicative purpose and addressed to an intended audience.
American Literature in Studia Anglica Posnaniensia 1968-2008 A Comprehensive Bibliography
Authors: Semrau Janusz
Published: January 2010

American Literature in Studia Anglica Posnaniensia 1968-2008 A Comprehensive Bibliography
Can We Talk about European Public Policy in the Field of Sport?
Authors: Földesi Gyöngyi
Published: January 2010

Can We Talk about European Public Policy in the Field of Sport?

Despite the continuous deepening, development and enlargement, the members of the European Union still diverge in their policies and have to find a way to diminish this divergence. The social, economical and cultural significance of sport is well known in the whole of Europe. Accordingly, in the recent past, the various institutions of the European Union have come to pay more attention to sport issues. An important milestone of this was the European Commission issuing a White Paper on sport, and the inclusion of sport in the Lisbon Treaty. However the question is raised: Is there a European public policy of sport? The author's objective was to investigate this question. This paper aims to highlight the European sport policy and tries to find the answer to the following question: can we talk about European public policy in the field of sport? The research examines through the analysis of documents whether sport can be regarded as an element of public policy. We can talk about common public policy of a certain area if it corresponds to the following five criteria: content, social competence, coercive factor, normative orientation and programme. In the first part, the content and the social competence are analyzed, and then some critical issues of the definition, namely of the public policy will be discussed. In the opinion of the author, the most problematic criterion is the programme, which presumes at least a mid-term European sport conception. It is especially important that sport could fulfil its community building, identity-forming role to which it is suited in the continuously enlarging Europe. Finally the author draws the conclusion that the European sport policy corresponds partly to the above-mentioned criteria; however, the realization of the Pierre de Coubertin Action Plan included in the White Paper, and the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty can create opportunities for sport to become a public policy of the European Union.
Do Major Sports Events Enhance Tourism Destinations?
Authors: Zagnoli Patrizia , Radicchi Elena
Published: January 2010

Do Major Sports Events Enhance Tourism Destinations?

A growing number of destinations are utilizing sport events as a strategic tool for revitalizing and re-qualifying themselves. The aim of this paper is to explore the value of sport events in enhancing the "quality" (in terms of image, tourist attractiveness, quality of life, etc.) of a tourist destination. This assessment is based on a case study analysis regarding the effects of sport initiatives adopted by a number of cities and countries in Italy, Europe and worldwide. The findings suggest that sport events can have different implications for host destinations: from fostering an economic and social urban "regeneration", to putting a city on a worldwide tourist map, or even changing the unequal participation of a country in the global economy.
Models of Organisation of Youth Elite Sports Training System in Europe
Authors: Żyśko Jolanta , Piątkowska Monika
Published: January 2010

Models of Organisation of Youth Elite Sports Training System in Europe

The European Commission is aware of the professionalisation of sports and the requirements of profitableness that unavoidably induct risks for European young high-level athletes and takes care of their protection and of the quality of their training. Thus, the European Commission decided to realise a study on training of sportsmen/women in the 27 Member States of the European Union in order to be able to lead political or legal actions which would contribute to the promotion and development of high quality training.

The aim of the project was to identify ways of improving the legal and political framework for preserving and developing high-quality training for top-level sportspersons, particularly young sportspersons, in Europe. The study of the training of elite young sportsmen and sportswomen in Europe was conducted in all 27 Members States of UE in 2007. The research process was based on two main sources: legal and sports questionnaire.

This paper presents main models of organisation of youth elite sports training system. On the basis of the results of the study two main factors which have strong impact on the organisation of the training of young athletes were indicated: i) funding and supervision; ii) management of the training centres.

The organisation of sports in the different countries has a direct impact on the organisation of the training of young athletes. On the basis of obtained data 7 main models for the operation of training centres in all 27 UE countries depending on two axes: funding and management. There is no unified system of supervision of the funds as it depends on the national regulations. Therefore, the grade and methods of this control from public institutions is different in 27 UE member countries. In Poland we may observe a model based on public funding and a mix between sports clubs and national associations to operate the training centres.
History and Present Time of Physical Education
Authors: Seman Frantisek
Published: January 2010

History and Present Time of Physical Education

The first mention of standards for physical education in Slovakia refers to the Ratio education reform. This took effect on the territory of Hungary since 1777. Caring for physical education was one of the aims of the school. The requirement of compulsory school physical education is raised the first time by the poet Jan Kollar. Another Hungarian reform in the mid-19th century included physical education among the optional subjects, and this subject is taught in some cities. Physical education became a compulsory subject in 1868. Physical education was taught according to the Spiess system and the hours were for more classes or somewhere just for boys. Physical education teachers have been trained since 1871 in Budapest. A significant promoter of physical education was Ivan Branislav Zoch, author of the first Slovak textbook on physical education (1873). The level of physical education increased after the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Physical education was a compulsory subject in schools other than universities (since 1938). Since 1939, in Slovakia the future teachers of physical education were trained in the Physical Education Institute of the Slovak University. The Physical Education Institute underwent a number of organizational changes. In 1960 it was converted into the Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Comenius University in Bratislava, and its direct successor is the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Comenius University in Bratislava. Beyond this, the physical education teachers are also trained in other institutions in Slovakia.
Prolegomena for Considerations on Western Sport and Spiritualism
Authors: Kosiewicz Jerzy
Published: January 2010

Prolegomena for Considerations on Western Sport and Spiritualism

Sport activity of achievement-oriented (professional, Olympic, spectacular character) is first of all exposition of rivalry and striving for variously understood sports success (resulting from measurable or discretionary criteria). It refers to winning a competition or taking another expected place as well as to other forms of satisfaction, such as financial gratification or social (political, ethnic, professional) recognition. Spirituality is here neither an aim, nor an expected value — it constitutes rather an additional or redundant quality. A competitor focuses his/her attention first of all on the main aim assumed in planned or current rivalry. Emotional sensations which are experienced by athletes before, during or after competitions testify to mental and emotional stress which accompanies sports combat.

It is also difficult to associate spirituality or spiritualism with sport for all — like, for example, that of health-oriented character — sport of the disabled, physical education, sport of playful character or physical recreation. That difficulty results from the fact that neither spiritualism, nor spirituality inspires for physical activity in the abovementioned fields; neither spiritualism, nor spirituality is the outcome of activity in the realm of sport for all.

Exceptions are constituted by ancient Olympic Games as well as by some experiences connected with recreational forms of tourism mediated through achievement-oriented sport (also by pre-Columbian Native American societies and Maoris aboriginal population of New Zealand).

For example Hellenic Olympic Games were a highly spiritualized form of sports rivalry — including also rivalry in the field of art, and especially in the field of theatre. They were one of numerous forms of religious cult — of worshipping chosen gods from the Olympic pantheon. On the other hand, during mountain hiking and mountain climbing there can appear manifestations of deepened spirituality characteristic for the object of spiritualization of non-religious, quasi-religious or strictly religious qualities.

I would like to explain — at the end of this short abstract - that spiritualism (which should not be confused with spiritism) is — generally speaking — first of all a philosophical term assuming, in ontological and axiological sense, that spiritual reality, self-knowledge, consciousness or mental experiences are components of the human being — components of a higher order having priority over matter. They constitute, in the anthropological context, beings of a higher order than the body.

Spiritualism according to its popular interpretation means spirituality. Qualities which are ascribed to that notion in particular societies can be determined on the basis of empirically oriented sociological research. They make it possible to determine various ways of interpreting and understanding that notion as well as views or attitudes connected with it.
Ancient Patterns of the Sporting Body
Authors: Mosz Jakub
Published: January 2010

Ancient Patterns of the Sporting Body

In the world of ancient culture you can find images of corporeality which may be recognised as patterns of the sporting body. They come from Greek sculpture and vase painting. Among the preserved Greek cultural artefacts there can be pointed out three examples of patterns of male corporeality and one example of female corporeality connected with the world of sport. These are Polyclitus's sculptures "Doryphorus" and "Diadoumenos", Myron's sculpture "Discus Thrower", Lysippus's sculpture of "Heracles Farnese" and painting presenting Atalanta. They constitute ancient patterns of the sporting body, which are recognisable in the world of the European culture from the age of Renaissance to the 20th century. Each of those cultural artefacts points out to separate aspects of the world of sport: Polyclitus's sculptures are pictures of beauty of the body, Myron's sculpture expresses sporting movement, Lysippus's sculpture symbolises power and the figure of Atalanta is the first gender pattern in the world of sport. Ancient patterns of the sporting body perform functions of cultural archetypes in the contemporary world of sport. The contemporary sporting body is a corporeal form which is perceived and interpreted through the prism of the symbolic layer of ancient images of corporeal forms. A part of those corporeal patters has lost in European culture their sporting references, which were visible for Greek civilization. It refers to Polyclitus's sculptures and the figure of Atalanta, which was provided by Renaissance and Baroque art with a different semantic context. Research into cultural aspects of sport requires reconstruction of their sporting genealogy making it possible to construct wider interpretative contexts of contemporary corporeality. The notion of the "archetype of the sporting body" in European culture is enriched with a differentiated objective layer, which is composed of ancient patters of the sporting body encountered in social consciousness of the world of European art.
Kinesiology of the Hip: A Focus on Muscular Actions
Authors: Neumann Donald A.
Published: January 2010

Synopsis:

The 21 muscles that cross the hip provide both triplanar movement and stability between the femur and acetabulum. The primary intent of this clinical commentary is to review and discuss the current understanding of the specific actions of the hip muscles. Analysis of their actions is based primarily on the spatial orientation of the muscles relative to the axes of rotation at the hip. The discussion of muscle actions is organized according to the 3 cardinal planes of motion. Actions are considered from both femoral-on-pelvic and pelvic-on-femoral perspectives, with particular attention to the role of coactivation of trunk muscles. Additional attention is paid to the biomechanical variables that alter the effectiveness, force, and torque of a given muscle action. The role of certain muscles in generating compression force at the hip is also presented. Throughout the commentary, the kinesiology of the muscles of the hip are considered primarily from normal but also pathological perspectives, supplemented with several clinically relevant scenarios. This overview should serve as a foundation for understanding the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal impairments that involve not only the hip, but also the adjacent low back and knee regions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(2):82–94. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3025
Strong Souls: Development and Validation of a Culturally Appropriate Tool for Assessment of Social and Emotional Well-Being in Indigenous Youth
Authors: Thomas Alicia , Cairney Sheree , Gunthorpe Wendy , Paradies Yin , Sayers Susan
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to develop and validate an appropriate tool to assess the social and emotional well-being (SEWB) of Indigenous adolescents participating in the longitudinal Aboriginal Birth Cohort (ABC) Study.

Method: A range of tools was assessed as to the suitability of each for use in the ABC Study. Two existing tools and a newly developed one called ‘Strong Souls’ were piloted in a representative group (n = 67). Strong Souls was selected as the most appropriate for use in the ABC Study, and was completed by 361 participants. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore construct validity. Cronbach alpha was used to assess the reliability of the latent constructs and the tool overall.

Results: Factor analysis produced a 25-item, four-factor model accounting for 34.5% of the variance. This model demonstrated sound construct validity and reliability. Factor structure was consistent with the epidemiological literature, identifying constructs of anxiety, resilience, depression and suicide risk. While these align with observations in mainstream populations, different relationships between distinct factors, and differences in symptomatology were found in this population. For example, two key findings were: feelings of sadness and low mood were linked with anxiety and not depression; and the expression of anger was verified as a unique symptom of depression for Indigenous people.

Conclusions: Strong Souls demonstrated validity, reliability and cultural appropriateness as a tool for screening for SEWB among Indigenous young people in the Northern Territory.
Prevalence Estimates of Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Critical Review
Authors: Richardson Lisa K. , Frueh B. Christopher , Acierno Ronald
Published: January 2010

The aim of the present study was to provide a critical review of prevalence estimates of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military personnel and veterans, and of the relevant factors that may account for the variability of estimates within and across cohorts, including methodological and conceptual factors accounting for differences in prevalence rates across nations, conflicts/wars, and studies. MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were examined for literature on combat-related PTSD. The following terms were used independently and in combinations in this search: PTSD, combat, veterans, military, epidemiology, prevalence. The point prevalence of combat-related PTSD in US military veterans since the Vietnam War ranged from approximately 2% to 17%. Studies of recent conflicts suggest that combat-related PTSD afflicts between 4% and 17% of US Iraq War veterans, but only 3–6% of returning UK Iraq War veterans. Thus, the prevalence range is narrower and tends to have a lower ceiling among combat veterans of non-US Western nations. Variability in prevalence is likely due to differences in sampling strategies; measurement strategies; inclusion and measurement of the DSM-IV clinically significant impairment criterion; timing and latency of assessment and potential for recall bias; and combat experiences. Prevalence rates are also likely affected by issues related to PTSD course, chronicity, and comorbidity; symptom overlap with other psychiatric disorders; and sociopolitical and cultural factors that may vary over time and by nation. The disorder represents a significant and costly illness to veterans, their families, and society as a whole. Further carefully conceptualized research, however, is needed to advance our understanding of disorder prevalence, as well as associated information on course, phenomenology, protective factors, treatment, and economic costs.
Incidence of Psychotic Disorders in the 50 Year Follow Up of the Lundby Population
Authors: Bogren Mats , Mattisson Cecilia , Isberg Per-Erik , Munk-Jørgensen Povl , Nettelbladt Per
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyse first incidence of psychotic disorders in the Lundby population during a 50 year period by comparing male and female age at onset, overall incidence rates and age-specific incidence rates.

Method: The Lundby Study is a prospective study of the mental health of a complete community population (n = 3563), which was followed from 1947 to 1997. Data from interviews, registers, case files and key informants were accumulated via four waves of field work (1947 1957, 1972 and 1997). Mean and median age at onset, and overall and age-specific incidence rates, for the first episodes of major groups of psychotic disorders according to the DSM-IV were calculated (the major groups were: any psychotic disorder, psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition, substance-induced psychotic disorder, non-affective psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, other non-affective psychotic disorder and affective psychotic disorder). Male–female differences in mean ages at onset and overall incidence rates were tested. Male–female differences in incidence by age patterns were described.

Results: The overall 50 year incidence rate in male subjects was higher than in female subjects for substance-induced psychotic disorder, but for the other disorders the overall rates did not differ significantly between the sexes. The male mean age at onset was lower than that for female subjects for any psychotic disorder, psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition, non-affective psychotic disorder and schizophrenia. Male and female subjects had different incidences by age patterns for any psychotic disorder, non-affective psychotic disorder, schizophrenia and other non-affective psychotic disorder, with a male preponderance among early-onset cases, and a female preponderance among late-onset cases.

Conclusion: The differences in incidence between the sexes in this 50 year follow up may indicate psychotic disorder-delaying mechanisms in female subjects, or different aetiologies of psychosis in male and female subjects.
Selection of Reference Gene Expression in a Schizophrenia Brain Cohort
Authors: Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Sheedy Donna , Rothmond Debora A. , Dedova Irina , Fung Samantha , Garrick Therese , Wong Jenny , Harding Antony J. , Sivagnanansundaram Sinthuja , Hunt Clare , Duncan Carlotta , Sundqvist Nina , Tsai Shan-Yuan , Anand Jasna , Draganic Daren , Harper Clive
Published: January 2010

Objective: In order to conduct postmortem human brain research into the neuropatho-logical basis of schizophrenia, it is critical to establish cohorts that are well-characterized and well-matched. The aim of the present study was therefore to determine if specimen characteristics including: diagnosis, age, postmortem interval (PMI), brain acidity (pH), and/or the agonal state of the subject at death related to RNA quality, and to determine the most appropriate reference gene mRNAs.

Methods: A matched cohort was selected of 74 subjects (schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, n = 37; controls, n = 37). Middle frontal gyrus tissue was pulverized, tissue pH was measured, RNA isolated for cDNA from each case, and RNA integrity number (RIN) measurements were assessed. Using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, nine housekeeper genes were measured and a geomean calculated per case in each diagnostic group.

Results: The RINs were very good (mean = 7.3) and all nine housekeeper control genes were significantly correlated with RIN. Seven of nine housekeeper genes were also correlated with pH; two clinical variables, agonal state and duration of illness, did have an effect on some control mRNAs. No major impact of PMI or freezer time on housekeeper mRNAs was detected. The results show that people with schizophrenia had significantly less PPIA and SDHA mRNA and tended to have less GUSB and B2M mRNA, suggesting that these control genes may not be good candidates for normalization.

Conclusions: In the present cohort <10% variability in RINs was detected and the diagnostic groups were well matched overall. The cohort was adequately powered (0.80–0.90) to detect mRNA differences (25%) due to disease. The study suggests that multiple factors should be considered in mRNA expression studies of human brain tissues. When schizophrenia cases are adequately matched to control cases subtle differences in gene expression can be reliably detected.