bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of physical exercise in the development of breast cancer
Authors: Adasik Agata 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women worldwide. Epidemiological and experimental studies confirm the beneficial effects of physical exercise both in patients who have suffered a relapse and in those who are in the course of a treatment. Researchers suggest that regular physical effort performed 3-5 times a week at 20-40 MET reduces the risk of development of breast cancer. Scientific evidence suggests that aerobic training can be safe and effective even during the oncological treatment, which, depending on the stage of the disease, may consist of surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy. In addition, it significantly improves the function of the circulatory and respiratory systems, reduces fatigue and improves the quality of life of patients struggling with the disease. There are many theories on the mechanisms that are triggered by aerobic workout. Despite the numerous studies on this subject, which have been conducted over the years, we still cannot say how physical activity reduces the risk of development of breast cancer. The most frequently mentioned biological mechanisms include the influence of oestrogen, metabolic hormones, growth factor, inflammatory markers, response from the immune system, insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Many studies into the process of carcinogenesis are carried out in laboratory conditions on animals. Due to application of different experimental models, the results of such studies are often ambiguous. Nevertheless, scientists see a huge potential in this kind of experiments, because some of them have already attested to the protective effects of physical exercise against the appearance of breast cancer, but also they have increased our understanding of the processes through which this risk is reduced. Perhaps, in the future physical activity will become a part of a cancer treatment thanks to the results of such studies.
Training load in direct start preparation (DSP) in sitting volleyball players
Authors: Bolach Bartosz , Stańdo Michał , Bolach Eugeniusz 
Published: February 2017

Abstract: The objective of the elaboration was to assess the degree of physical load in direct start preparation (DSP) during preparations of disabled sitting volleyball players for the Polish championships.: Players of the “Start” Sports Club of the Disabled in Wroclaw who play sitting volleyball professionally participated in the study. The subjects of the study were men aged 17 to 53 (average age: 31.9); they have been playing sitting volleyball for 2.5 to 33 years. Twelve sitting volleyball players with various disabilities concerning uni- and bilateral amputation within the lower leg and thigh, with malformation and short lower limbs participated in the study.: The study involved assessment of the exercise capacity of sitting volleyball players during 7 training units in introductory and intensifying micro-cycles within DSP. Heart rate results at six moments (at the beginning, in the 10: Years of training significantly correlated with age of the participants. The participants were characterized by significantly lower resting heart rate in the intensifying micro-cycle than in the introductory microcycle which may result from adaptation of the body to physical effort. The largest differences in average heart rate values at the considered moments of training units in training micro-cycles within DSP were observed in the measurement of resting heat rate and final heart rate. Standard deviation in the introductory micro-cycle and the intensifying micro-cycle within DSP was growing in a linear manner, except for the peak heart rate index. Resting heart rate significantly impacted the value of heart rate during training units within DSP.Volleyball players participating in the study were characterized by significantly lower resting hear rate in the intensifying micro-cycle than in the introductory micro-cycle within DSP which may result from adaptation of the body to physical effort. The lowest percentage difference of the average heart rate value occurred in the assessment of final heart rate, while at the remaining moments of training units heart rate values reached the same percentage value. The course of regeneration in both compared micro-cycles (DSP) was similar and it did not vary significantly. Restoring the value of resting heart rate occurred after more than 15 minutes after training.
Analysis of selected determinants of health-related quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury
Authors: Pokaczajło Jarosław , Tasiemski Tomasz 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study was the analysis of factors determining health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).The study involved 100 persons with SCI dependent on using a wheelchair in everyday life, including 22 females and 78 males. Study conducted using the SF-36 questionnaire used to assess HRQoL.Based on the statistical analysis of the collected research material it has been shown highly significant correlations between the physical and mental dimensions of HRQoL and age at the day of injury and age at the day of the survey. There were also highly significant differences in the physical dimension of HRQoL due to the following variables: clinical pattern of injury, marital status, level of education and participation/non-participation in the active rehabilitation camp. In the case of the mental dimension of the HRQoL there was a significant variation due to the same variables with the exception of clinical pattern of SCI.Based on the undertaken research it was shown that people with higher levels of HRQoL are characterized by: lower age at the time of the study, lower age at the time of injury, long time since injury, paraplegia, marital status – single, secondary/higher level of education and participation in the active rehabilitation camps in the past.
Biomechanical Assessment of Motor Abilities in Male Handball Players During the Annual Training Macrocycle
Authors: Sacewicz Tomasz , Bodasiński Sławomir , Śliwa Marcin , Szyszka Paulina , Mazur Zenon , Czaplicki Adam 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the torque of the knee extensors and flexors of the lead lower limb, the torque of the shoulder extensors and flexors of the dominant upper limb, and the torque generated by the muscles of the kinematic chain going from the trail lower limb to the hand of the dominant limb in male handball players during the annual training macrocycle. Changes in jump height and throwing velocity were also investigated. Material and methods. The study involved 13 handball players from a Polish second-league team. The measurements were performed four times: at the beginning of the preparation period, at the beginning of the season, at the end of the first part of the season, and at the end of the second part of the season. Torque was measured in isokinetic and isometric conditions. Jumping ability was tested using a piezoelectric platform, and throwing velocity was measured with a speed radar gun. Results. The study found statistically significant differences between the relative torque values of the knee extensors (p < 0.002) and flexors (p < 0.003) of the lead leg measured in isokinetic conditions between the first three measurements and the final one. Isokinetic measurement of the torque of the muscles of the kinematic chain going from the trail leg to the hand of the dominant arm decreased in a statistically significant way at the end of the season. As for the results of the measurement of the torque of the shoulder extensors and flexors in static conditions, no statistically significant differences were observed between the four measurements. However, statistically significant differences were noted in jumping ability and throwing velocity in the annual training macrocycle. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that there is a need to perform regular assessments of players’ strength and jumping ability during the competition period. There is a need to modify the training methods used during the preparation period and in the second part of the season as well as to individualise training at the end of the competition period.
Causal Attributions of Success and Failure and Mood States in Football Players
Authors: Szczepaniak Joanna , Guszkowska Monika 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the causal attributions of success and failure in a football match in a group of football players, as well as to investigate the association of the players’ attributions with their level of achievement and the relationships between their causal attributions and affective states. Material and methods. The study involved 75 football players, including 44 players from the first league and 31 players from the third league. The research was carried out using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) by D.M. McNair, M. Lorr, and L.F. Droppleman and a specially designed questionnaire concerning the causal attributions of success and failure. Results. It was found that the football players who participated in the study tended to attribute success to internal causes and failure to external causes. More frequent use of external attributions most likely had an adverse impact on the mood state of the players. Conclusion. Information concerning the attributions that a given player makes can be useful for coaches, as it can help them develop the athlete’s mental abilities more effectively. Beliefs related to attributions can be modified. It is worth considering the benefits of encouraging internal attributions in the case of success and external attributions in situations of failure.
Differences in Body Build and Physical Fitness of PE Students from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska in the Years 1989, 2004, and 2014
Authors: Saczuk Jerzy , Wasiluk Agnieszka , Wilczewski Robert , Wilczewski Adam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroduction. In the current situation of the demographic decline and simultaneous tough competition on the educational market, the issues of not only teaching levels but also the competences and aptitudes of students themselves are raised more and more often. Therefore, this study sought to analyse differences in the body build and physical fitness of physical education (PE) students from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska in the years 1989, 2004, and 2014. Material and methods. The material included the results of the anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests of second-year students examined in 1989 (n = 111), 2004 (n = 181), and 2014 (n = 127). Martin and Saller’s technique was employed to measure anthropometric features necessary to establish body build types using the Heath-Carter method. Physical fitness was evaluated with the International Physical Fitness Test. Sample size (n), arithmetic mean (x̅), standard deviation (SD), and the T point scale were applied to assess the collected variables. Differences in the sizes of the analysed features between the groups were estimated with the use of ANOVA and the Newman-Keuls test. Results. The analysis revealed a constant increase in basic somatic features and endomorphy and a decrease in mesomorphy and physical fitness in male subjects. The ectomorphy of students examined in 2014 was at a level similar to that recorded in 1989. The pace of the described changes was different depending on the study period. Conclusions. Secular trends in body build and physical fitness observed in the study may stem from deterioration in the biological potential of youths or may result from lowering physical education entrance exam criteria at the university.
Building multi-country collaboration on watershed management: lessons on linking environment and public health from the Western Balkans
Authors: Cairns Maryann R. , Cox Clayton E. , Zambrana Jose , Flotemersch Joseph , Lan Alexis , Phillips Anna , Kozhuharova Gordana , Qirjo Mihallaq , Szigeti Bonifert Marta , Kadeli Lek 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Community-based watershed resilience programs that bridge public health and environmental outcomes often require cross-boundary, multi-country collaboration. The CRESSIDA project, led by the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) and supported by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), forwards a resilience-focused approach for Western Balkan communities in the Drini and Drina river watersheds with the goal of safeguarding public health and the environment. The initial phases of this project give a contextualized example of how to advance resilience-driven environmental health goals in Western Balkan communities, and experience within the region has garnered several theme areas that require focus in order to promote a holistic watershed management program. In this paper, using CRESSIDA as a case study, we show (1) how watershed projects designed with resilience-driven environmental health goals can work in context, (2) provide data surrounding contextualized problems with resilience and suggest tools and strategies for the implementation of projects to address these problems, and (3) explore how cross-boundary foci are central to the success of these approaches in watersheds that comprise several countries.
Ornithological Fauna of the Waste Water Treatment Plants in the Northern Left Bank Ukraine (Chernihiv and Kyiv Regions): Winter Populations and Ecological Structure
Authors: Fedun О. М. , Davydenko І. V. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The article discusses winter bird populations of the waste water treatment plants (WWTP) located in the North of Left -bank Ukraine. The said population comprises 12 orders and 29 families. The most numerous are Passeriformes (37 species), Аnsеriformes (16 species) and Falconiformes (6 species). Parus major was registered at all types of facilities while most of the others house Passer montanus, Carduelis carduelis, Turdus pilaris, and Parus caeruleus. The largest number of wintering birds was registered at Bortnychi aeration station, Chernihiv municipal WWTP and Chernihiv wool processing factory - 79. 51 and 15 species respectively. The nuclear part of the bird numbers are the species residing at the facilities all year around (65.8 %); species occurring there in winter only account for 34.2 %. Dendrophilous (38 species) and hydrophilous (35 species) dominate among them. The primary role in forming the winter fauna of the waste water treatment plants belongs to the zones of water bodies and dams.
Optogenetic Low-Frequency Stimulation of Specific Neuronal Populations Abates Ictogenesis
Authors: Shiri Zahra , Lévesque Maxime , Etter Guillaume , Manseau Frédéric , Williams Sylvain , Avoli Massimo 
Published: February 2017

Despite many advances made in understanding the pathophysiology of epileptic disorders, seizures remain poorly controlled in approximately one-third of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Here, we established the efficacy of cell type-specific low-frequency stimulation (LFS) in controlling ictogenesis in the mouse entorhinal cortex (EC) in anin vitrobrain slice preparation. Specifically, we used 1 Hz optogenetic stimulation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-positive principal cells as well as of parvalbumin- or somatostatin-positive interneurons to study the effects of such repetitive activation on epileptiform discharges induced by 4-aminopyridine. We found that 1 Hz stimulation of any of these cell types reduced the frequency and duration of ictal discharges in some trials, while completely blocking them in others. The field responses evoked by the stimulation of each cell type revealed that their duration and amplitude were higher when principal cells were targeted. Furthermore, following a short period of silence ranging from 67 to 135 s, ictal discharges were re-established with similar duration and frequency as before stimulation; however, this period of silence was longer following principal cell stimulation compared with parvalbumin- or somatostatin-positive interneuron stimulation. Our results show that LFS of either excitatory or inhibitory cell networks in EC are effective in controlling ictogenesis. Although optogenetic stimulation of either cell type significantly reduced the occurrence of ictal discharges, principal cell stimulation resulted in a more prolonged suppression of ictogenesis, and, thus, it may constitute a better approach for controlling seizures.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEpilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by an imbalance between excitation and inhibition leading to seizures. Many epileptic patients do not achieve adequate seizure control using antiepileptic drugs. Low-frequency stimulation (LFS) is an alternative tool for controlling epileptiform activity in these patients. However, despite the temporal and spatial control offered by LFS, such a procedure lacks cell specificity, which may limit its efficacy. Using an optogenetic approach, we report here that LFS of two interneuron subtypes and, even more so, of principal cells can reliably shorten or abolish seizuresin vitro. Our work suggests that targeted LFS may constitute a reliable means for controlling seizures in patients presenting with focal seizures.
The Epac-Phospholipase Cε Pathway Regulates Endocannabinoid Signaling and Cocaine-Induced Disinhibition of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Tong Jiaqing , Liu Xiaojie , Vickstrom Casey , Li Yan , Yu Laikang , Lu Youming , Smrcka Alan V. , Liu Qing-Song 
Published: February 2017

Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) is a direct effector for the ubiquitous second messenger cAMP. Epac activates the phospholipase Cε (PLCε) pathway. PLCβ has been linked to the synthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Here, we report that Epac facilitates endocannabinoid-mediated retrograde synaptic depression through activation of PLCε. Intracellular loading of a selective Epac agonist 8-CPT-2Me-cAMP into ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons enabled previously ineffective stimuli to induce depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) and long-term depression of IPSCs (I-LTD) in the VTA. DSI and I-LTD are mediated by 2-AG since they were blocked by a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor. The effects of 8-CPT-2Me-cAMP on DSI and I-LTD were absent in Epac2 and PLCε knock-out mice, but remained intact in Epac1 knock-out mice. These results identify a novel mechanism for on-demand synthesis of retrograde signaling 2-AG by the Epac2-PLCε pathway. We investigated the functional significance of Epac2-PLCε-2-AG signaling in regulating inhibitory synaptic plasticity in VTA dopamine neurons induced byin vivococaine exposure. We showed that cocaine place conditioning led to a decrease in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous IPSCs and an increase in action potential firing in wild-type mice, but not in Epac2 or PLCε knock-out mice. Together, these results indicate that the Epac2-PLCε-2-AG signaling cascade contributes to cocaine-induced disinhibition of VTA dopamine neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an endogenous cannabinoid that depresses synaptic transmission through stimulation of CB1receptors. Among the six isoforms of phospholipase C (PLC; PLCβ, PLCγ, PLCδ, PLCε, PLCζ, PLCη), only PLCβ has been linked to 2-AG synthesis. Here we demonstrate that 8-CPT-2Me-cAMP, a selective agonist of the cAMP sensor protein Epac, enhances 2-AG-mediated synaptic depression in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons via activation of PLCε. These results identify a novel mechanism for 2-AG synthesis via activation of the Epac-PLCε pathway. Furthermore, we show that cocaine-induced conditioned place preference and disinhibition of VTA dopamine neurons were impaired in mice lacking Epac or PLCε. Thus, the Epac-PLCε signaling pathway contributes to cocaine-induced disinhibition of VTA dopamine neurons and formation of drug-associated memories.
Trends in Anthropometric Measures Among US Children 6 to 23 Months, 1976–2014
Authors: Akinbami Lara J. , Kit Brian K. , Carroll Margaret D. , Fakhouri Tala H.I. , Ogden Cynthia L. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The surveillance of children’s growth reflects a population’s nutritional status and risk for adverse outcomes. This study aimed to describe trends in length-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, and early childhood weight gain among US children aged 6 to 23 months.METHODS:We analyzed NHANES data from 1976–1980, 1988–1994, 1999–2002, 2003–2006, 2007–2010, and 2011–2014. We estimated z scores &lt; –2 (low) and ≥+2 (high) in comparison with World Health Organization growth standards for each indicator. Weight gain (relative to sex-age–specific medians) from birth until survey participation was estimated. Trends were assessed by low birth weight status and race/Hispanic origin. Race/Hispanic origin trends were assessed from 1988–1994 to 2011–2014.RESULTS:In 2011–2014, the prevalence of low and high length-for-age was 3.3% (SE, 0.8) and 3.7% (SE, 0.8); weight-for-age was 0.6% (SE, 0.3) and 7.0% (SE, 1.1); and weight-for-length was 1.0% (SE, 0.4) and 7.7% (SE, 1.2). The only significant trend was a decrease in high length-for-age (5.5% in 1976–1980 vs 3.7% in 2011–2014; P = .04). Relative weight gain between birth and survey participation did not differ over time, although trends differed by race/Hispanic origin. Non-Hispanic black children gained more weight between birth and survey participation in 2011–2014 versus 1988–1994, versus no change among other groups.CONCLUSIONS:Between 1976–1980 and 2011–2014, there were no significant trends in low or high weight-for-age and weight-for-length among 6- to 23-month-old children whereas the percent with high length-for-age decreased. A significant trend in relative weight gain between birth and survey participation was observed among non-Hispanic black children.
Surface Engineering of Polycrystalline Silicon Microelectromechanical Systems for Fatigue Resistance
Authors: Muhlstein C.L. , Ashurst W.R. , Stach E.A. , aboudian R. , Ritchie R.O. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRecent research has established that for silicon structural films used in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), the susceptibility to premature failure under cyclic fatigue loading originates from a degradation process that is confined to the surface oxide. In ambient air environments, a sequential, stress-assisted oxidation and stress-corrosion cracking process can occur within the native oxide on polycrystalline silicon (referred to as reaction-layer fatigue); for the structural films of micron-scale dimensions, such incipient cracking in the oxide can lead to catastrophic failure of the entire silicon component. Since the degradation process is intimately linked to the thin reaction layer on the silicon, modification of this surface and the access of the environment to it can dramatically alter the fatigue resistance of the material. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy of modifying the fatigue behavior of polycrystalline silicon with alkene-based monolayers. Specifically, 2-μm thick polysilicon fatigue structures were coated with a monolayer film based on 1-octadecene and cyclically tested to failure in laboratory air. By applying the coating, the formation of the native oxide was prevented. Compared to the fatigue behavior of untreated polysilicon, the lives of the coated samples ranged from 105 to >1010 cycles at stress amplitudes greater than ∼90% of the ultimate strength of the film. The dramatic improvement in fatigue resistance was attributed to the monolayer inhibiting the formation of the native oxide and stress corrosion of the surface. It is concluded that the surprising susceptibility of thin structural silicon films to premature fatigue failure can be inhibited by such monolayer coatings.