Medical Specialties Commons^™

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals And Breast Cancer: Disparities In Exposure And Importance Of Research Inclusivity, Ashlie Santaliz Casiano, Annah Lee, Dede Teteh, Zeynep Madak Erdogan, Lindsey Trevino

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are known contributors to breast cancer development. EDC exposures commonly occur through food packaging, cookware, fabrics, and personal care products as well as through the environment. Increasing evidence highlights disparities in EDC exposure across racial/ethnic groups, yet breast cancer research continues to lack the inclusion necessary to positively impact treatment response and overall survival in these socially disadvantaged populations. Additionally, the inequity in environmental exposures has yet to be remedied. Exposure to EDCs due to structural racism poses an unequivocal risk to marginalized communities. In this review, we summarize recent epidemiological and molecular studies on two lesser-studied …

Use Of Functional Mri In Deep Brain Stimulation In Parkinson's Diseases: A Systematic Review., Jingya Miao, Mohamed Tantawi, Victoria Koa, Ashley B Zhang, Veronica Zhang, Ashwini Sharan, Chengyuan Wu, Caio M Matias

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used to modulate aberrant circuits associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) for decades and has shown robust therapeutic benefits. However, the mechanism of action of DBS remains incompletely understood. With technological advances, there is an emerging use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) after DBS implantation to explore the effects of stimulation on brain networks in PD. This systematic review was designed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to summarize peer-reviewed articles published within the past 10 years in which fMRI was employed on patients with PD-DBS. Search in …

Micrornas In Leukemias: A Clinically Annotated Compendium, Aleksander Turk, George A Calin, Tanja Kunej

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Leukemias are a group of malignancies of the blood and bone marrow. Multiple types of leukemia are known, however reliable treatments have not been developed for most leukemia types. Furthermore, even relatively reliable treatments can result in relapses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, noncoding RNAs responsible for epigenetic regulation of gene expression and have been proposed as a source of potential novel therapeutic targets for leukemias. In order to identify central miRNAs for leukemia, we conducted data synthesis using two databases: miRTarBase and DISNOR. A total of 137 unique miRNAs associated with 16 types of leukemia were retrieved …

Targeted Dual-Modal Pet/Spect-Nir Imaging: From Building Blocks And Construction Strategies To Applications, Syed Muhammad Usama, Sierra C Marker, Servando Hernandez Vargas, Solmaz Aghaamiri, Sukhen C Ghosh, Naruhiko Ikoma, Hop S Tran Cao, Martin J Schnermann, Ali Azhdarinia

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Molecular imaging is an emerging non-invasive method to qualitatively and quantitively visualize and characterize biological processes. Among the imaging modalities, PET/SPECT and near-infrared (NIR) imaging provide synergistic properties that result in deep tissue penetration and up to cell-level resolution. Dual-modal PET/SPECT-NIR agents are commonly combined with a targeting ligand (e.g., antibody or small molecule) to engage biomolecules overexpressed in cancer, thereby enabling selective multimodal visualization of primary and metastatic tumors. The use of such agents for (i) preoperative patient selection and surgical planning and (ii) intraoperative FGS could improve surgical workflow and patient outcomes. However, the development of targeted dual-modal …

Return To School After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Study Of Adolescents And Young Adults., Joseph Brutico, Ryan W. Paul, Margaret Wright, Steven Cohen, Michael G. Ciccotti, Christopher C Dodson, Kevin Freedman, Sommer Hammoud

Rothman Institute Papers

Background: The ability to return to school after orthopaedic surgery is an important consideration for young patients, as there is substantial literature indicating that school attendance is correlated strongly with academic performance.

Purpose: To evaluate the time to return to school, the barriers that students encounter when returning to school, and the academic effect of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in high school (HS) and college students.

Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: Full-time HS and college/graduate school (C/GS) students who underwent ACLR during the 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019 academic periods were included in …

Evaluation Of The Repeatability Of A Sports Technique Using Selected Kinematics Quantities Based On The Example Of Backhand Spring, Jaroslaw Omorczyk, Leszek Nosiadek, Ewa Puszczalowska-Lizis, Tadeusz Ambrozy, Dawid Mucha, Przemyslaw Bujas, Dariusz Mucha

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the changes that occur during a back handspring performed by artistic gymnastics competitors on the basis of selected biomechanical quantities. Material/Methods: The case study included five masterclass artistic gymnastics competitors. The activities were recorded at the frequency of 120 [Hz]. Using the SkillSpector computer software, selected biomechanical variables of the back handspring technique were analyzed. The coefficient of variation was used to evaluate the variability of movement, which, in turn, was used to describe the repeatability of the back handspring technique. Results: Kinematic analysis of the back handspring carried out with …

Pre-Performance Rituals And Anxiety Among Young Polish And Ukrainian Football Players, Joanna Basiaga-Pasternak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background. Rituals and superstitions are also present in sport, as a part of sport competition [1]. Rituals, usually conceived as superstitions, have survived among people. They comprise magical thinking, belief in specific sayings, ritualized behavior, specific interpretation of events [2]. They are practiced to reduce anxiety. The purpose of the study was to identify the most common pre-competitive superstition rituals among Polish and Ukrainian football players and establish the relationship between superstitions and anxiety. Material and Methods: Participants were 100 Polish and 50 Ukrainian adolescent football players. The Rituals in Sport and the Sport Anxiety Scale were used. Results: The …

Physical Activity And Other Selected Determinants Of The Body Mass Index (Bmi) In Women Aged 40–65 With Type 2 Diabetes From The Krakow Population, Maria Gacek, Agnieszka Wojtowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Excessive body mass is a key risk factor of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to analyse selected determinants of the BMI (body mass index) in women aged 40–65 with type 2 diabetes from the Krakow population. The predictive model includes demographic (age), health (duration of diabetes) as well as behavioural (volume of physical activity) and psychological (life satisfaction) data. Material and methods: ‪The study was conducted among a group of 276 women aged 40–65 (47.92±5.53) with type 2 diabetes. The authors used a specially designed questionnaire, which included socio-demographic questions as well as self-assessment of …

Iron Metabolism And Hepcidin Concentration In Teenagers Before And After Exercise In Relation To The Hfe Gene Status, Barbara Kaczorowska-Hac, Marcin Luszczyk, Jedrzej Antosiewicz, Jan Jacek Kaczor

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪The aim of the study was to compare the influence of exercise on iron metabolism and hepcidin concentration between carriers of His63Asp mutation (H63D polymorphism) and wild type HFE gene males. Iron is an essential micronutrient required for various biological processes. Systemic iron homeostasis is maintained in a hormone-like negative feedback mechanism by the 25-amino acid peptide hepcidin. Hepcidin controls duodenal iron absorption and iron recycling from senescent erythrocytes using tissue macrophages through the down-regulation of the sole known iron cell exporter, ferroportin-1. Exercise may induce an inflammatory response that leads to changes in iron metabolism. Material and methods: …

Fundamental Movement Skills And Weight Status In Children: A Systematic Review, Sari Slotte, Arja Sääkslahti, Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula, Pauli Rintala

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Obesity has become a major health challenge in children. Fundamental movement skills(FMS) are suggested to have an important role for being physically active and decreasing the risk of obesity. This systematic review aimed to give an overview of studies providing evidence for a relationship between FMS and the weight status in children. A systematic search of five electronic databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), SportDiscus, ERIC, PsycInfo and SCOPUS) was conducted in January 2015. Studies examining associations between FMS and weight status in children aged 3–12 years were included. The final sample included 12 cross-sectional studies. Seven studies found statistically significant inverse association …

Obesity And Overweight Among Children And Adolescents In The Light Of Health Education Principles, Adam Wiek, Katarzyna Tkacz, Waclaw Mozolewski, Malgorzata E. Kusmierczyk, Sylwester Rybaczek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Pedagogical and educational institutions play an important role in health education. The proposed systemic principles should account for biological, environmental and cultural factors that determine the health of children and adolescents. Young people’s individual needs should constitute the framework of educational policy in the prevention of obesity and overweight. An analysis of health education practice in the Polish educational system indicates that the adopted measures, their practical applications and educational goals are adequate. Despite the above, the proposed systemic solutions are not always deployed or correctly implemented by the responsible institutions at various levels of local or social governance. The …

The Positive Role Of Kinesio Taping In Adjunctive Therapy Of Static Plano-Valgusfeet In Children Between The Ages Of 5 And 7, Agnieszka Straczynska, Jacek Kruczynski, Agnieszka Radziminska, Magdalena Weber-Rajek, Ewelina Lulinska-Kuklik, Aleksander Goch

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Kinesio taping (KT) might be of substantial value as far as adjunctive therapy of flat foot correction in children is concerned. The study’s prime aim is to evaluate the role of KT in terms of static plano-valgus foot therapy in children. The study involved 120 children aged 5 to 7. Parameter calculations determining the shape of foot were performed on the electronic podoscope before and after the therapy, and after the subsequent 4 months in order to evaluate the permanence of the therapy result. Statistical analysis revealed that the study period considerably influenced the change of parameters which determine the …

Socio-Demographic And Medical Determinants Of The Quality Of Life In Patients After Myocardial Infarction, Ewa Kupcewicz, Malgorzata Sawlewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Quality of life is a multi-dimensional concept reflecting various aspects of human activity. The aim of the study was to analyse an effect of selected socio-demographic and medical factors on the quality of life of patients after myocardial infarction. The study group consisted of 80 people, aged from 41 to 85, treated for myocardial infarction in medical entities in Mława (Poland) in the first half of 2014. The study used the SF-36v2 questionnaire. In analysis of the quality of life, the value of the mean domain of physical health was 52.6 ±11.35, whereas in the domain of mental health, it …

Effect Of The Depletion Of Self-Control Strength On The Self-Regulation Of The Nutritional Process In Obese Individuals, Malgorzata Obara-Golebiowska, Hanna Brycz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Self-strength can be depleted as a result of previous acts of self-control. The depletion of these resources is reflected by decreased effectiveness of controlling other behaviors. The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of the depletion of self-control resources on the motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation among obese people. A total of 100 obese people participated in the research. In the experimental group a depletion of self-control resources technique was applied. The impact of the above method on motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation was verified through participants’ answers to two items on the …

Comparison Of Various Physical And Body Composition Profiles Between Indian Elite Male And Female Gymnasts, Tamoghni Manna, Arush Goswami, Subhra Karmakar Chatterjee, Meenu Dhingra, Swapan K. Dey

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The present study aimed to compare various physical and body composition profiles of Indian male and female gymnasts and also to compare the above parameters with their international/national peers. The study was conducted on 15 male (age = 19.2 ±3.75 years) and 16 female Indian gymnasts (age = 16.4 ±2.99 years). Various physical and body composition parameters were measured using standard methods. The female gymnasts were found to have a higher amount of fat mass and volumes of extracellular water than their male and international peers while the males had a higher amount of fat free mass than females but …

Effectiveness Of The “Slimming Down Olsztyn Residents” Health Program – Motivation To Participate And Withdraw, Robert Podstawski, Dariusz Choszcz, Patrycja Polakowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This study aimed to determine the motivation of overweight/obese persons to participate in and withdraw from a health promotion program, and to determine the program’s effectiveness. 91 women and 89 men enrolled in the program. Their motivation was described with modified EMI-2. The reasons for withdrawal were given by the participants. Body composition was determined with Tanita BC 418 MA. Improved appearance, weight loss and health were the main reasons why overweight/obese persons decided to become physically active. Approximately 56% women and 60% men quit the program because they were unable to cope with the fitness regime, lost interest or …

Development Of Body Morphology Of Iraqi Students: Sedentary Way Of Life And Fatness, Ali Dawood Al Sudani, Wlodzimierz S. Erdmann

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of the research was to compare morphology of Iraqi students of the first and fourth years of study with mostly sedentary style of life. The research involved 88 students of the first year of study and 88 students of the fourth year of study of the University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Basic anthropometric measurements were taken of the body mass, straight-linear dimensions, parts of extremities’ circumferences, skin-fat folds. The fourth-year students had significantly greater body mass as compared to the first year students. Their linear dimensions were higher, even though insignificantly; their circumferences and skin-fat folds were significantly …

Determination Of Maximal Oxygen Uptake Through A New Basketball-Specific Field Test, Ersen Adsiz, Gulbin Rudarli Nalcakan, S. Rana Varol, Faik Vural

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to develop a new basketball-specific field test (BSFT) that determines the maximal oxygen uptake indirectly and to determine the reliability and validity of the test for measuring aerobic power. An aerobic endurance-based test totalling 1.5 miles on a basketball court including side steps and running was designed to be completed as quickly as possible. 15-year-old, male basketball players’ maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) levels measured directly as the gold standard laboratory test. Laboratory test results showed a significant negative correlation between the VO2max level and the duration of the BSFT (r = -0.705, p = …

Frequently Endorsed Cognitive And Physical Activities Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Valdiva G. Da Silva, Tangeria R. Adams, Joshua Fogel, Mindy J. Katz, Krystal E. Mendez, Laura Rabin

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Despite the established benefits of cognitive and physical activity, a paucity of research examines the specific activities older adults favor, particularly those meeting the nationally recommended minimum duration of > 30 minutes per session. 260 non-demented, community-dwelling participants aged 70 and above self-reported the duration of their participation in 26 cognitive and physical activities during a typical week. Overall activity engagement was investigated by sex and educational level. The most endorsed physical activities were walking, stretching/yoga and gardening, while the most endorsed cognitive activities were reading magazines/newspapers, reading books, and doing crosswords. Walking (p = .048), swimming (p = .008), reading …

Usage Of Near Infrared Spectroscopy In Physiotherapy, Maciej Chroboczek, Aleksandra Jabłonska, Rafal Kubiak, Sylwester Kujach, Marcin Luszczyk, Radoslaw Laskowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is increasingly used as a local tissue oxygenation equipment and it fulfills the functions of an efficient local microcirculation and a concussion growth monitor. Using it in surgery, physiotherapy or rescue indicates a high interdisciplinary diagnostic potential, which could lead us to improve the quality of patients’ lives. The aim of this study was to review literature related to the physiotherapy aspect of using near infrared spectroscopy and to the consideration given to the development of this method. A review of literature related to the topic. Research shows that NIRS is a good tool to assess …

The Role Of Physical Activity In Instilling Healthy Lifestyle Habits In Children, Malgorzata Kostecka, Monika Bojanowska, Monika Stoma

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Habitual physical activity adapted to a child’s individual needs, ability, health, gender and age has positive implications for cognitive and physical growth and maturation. Childhood physical activity is a predictor of better health and general well-being in adulthood. Material/Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted on a population of 371 randomly selected primary school students in Lublin county. Correlations were determined between the student’s levels of physical activity and leisure time activities vs. age, gender, BMI score and the parents’ levels of physical activity. Results: The students’ attitudes towards PE differentiated subjects as to gender and the BMI score, whereas …

Psychometric Properties And Validation Of The Polish Adaptation Of The Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory(Tsci-Pl), Zuzanna Gazdowska, Dariusz Parzelski, Robin Vealey

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the study was to validate and adapt the Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory (TSCI-PL) for use in Poland. Robin Vealey created the original tool (TSCI), which consisted of 13 self-assessment items. The phases of the adaptation procedures are described in this paper. Material/Methods: 353 amateur and professional Polish athletes took part in the study. The participants filled in the TSCI-PL, SSCQ-PL and MSEI questionnaires as well as a short demographic survey. Results: Reliability of the TSCI-PL as well as the discriminatory power of the items turned out to be high. The internal validity of the TSCI-PL was confirmed …

Different Physical Activity Guidelines And Its Association With Socio-Demographic And Anthropometric Characteristic Samong Working Women, Sema Can, Ersan Arslan, Elzbieta Biernat, Monika Piatkowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Physical activity, supporting health, wellbeing and working ability, is not only vitally important for healthy people, but also necessary for workers, especially women. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between meeting different physical activity guidelines and socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics in middle-aged females from Turkey. Material/Methods: Physical activity was assessed using the Sense Wear Armband. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between socio-demographic and anthropometric criteria and the odds of meeting different physical activity guidelines. Results: All females achieved ≥ 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. With regard to vigorous physical activity, only 5% of women …

Physical Activity Profile Of The Referee And The Assistant Referee During Official Football Matches, Bartosz Dolanski, Andrzej Szwarc, Bartosz Heinig, Mateusz Sitek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of this study was to determine physical activity profiles of the main referee and the assistant referee during official championship matches. Material/Methods: Motor activity of 10 referees and 10 assistant referees was studied during 10 matches of the championship rank in the period from April to November 2016. Using a POLAR M400 heart rate monitor with a built-in GPS sensor, the total distance covered during refereeing, the mean and the maximum speed, and the intensity of the refereeing effort were analyzed. Results: It was found that the main referee covered the mean distance of 7.75 km, while …

Application Of The Eeg Biofeedback Method In Attention Deficits Therapy In Young Sports People - A Pilot Study, Malgorzata Artymiak, Michał Niewiadomy, Malgorzata Pielecka-Sikorska, Agnieszka Weiner

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: While working with contestants, sports psychology has been successfully applying the biofeedback (neurofeedback) method since 1970s, noticing its potential in the field of attention concentration, decrease in destructive tension hindering achievement of the expected results in various sports disciplines. The researchers aimed at demonstrating to what extent the EEG Biofeedback method may prove useful in correcting attention concentration deficits in young sportspeople). The presented research project was of a pilot character, and the studies undertaken may be extended and modified. Material/Methods: The research project included young sportspeople (16–17 years old) who were students of the Academic Secondary School of …

Body Posture In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease, Jacek Wilczynski, Pawel Połrola

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the study was to analyze changes in the body posture and to assess the differences in posture between women and men with PD. Material/Methods: A group of 32 patients were examined, who were members of the Parkinson’s Disease Association in Kielce. Body posture was examined by an optoelectronic method – Diers formetric III 4D – using raster stereography. Results: Enlarged chest kyphosis (hyperkyphosis) was observed in 11 (34.37%) individuals. Enlarged lumbar lordosis (hyperlordosis) occurred in 10 (31.25%) patients. Deepened chest kyphosis and lumbar lordosis (hyperkyphosis-hyperlordosis) was noted in 3 (9.37%) individuals. Scoliosis occurred in 28 (87.5%) …

Posture Of Adolescent Male Handball Players Compared To Non-Athletes, Malgorzata Grabara

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the posture and somatic parameters in adolescent male handball players compared to non-athletes and determine whether a relationship exists between the posture and the volume of training and/or its frequency. Material/Methods: Sixty-eight adolescent male handball players and sixty-nine non-athletes aged 15–18 were examined. The posture was evaluated by the moiré method. Results: Handball players exhibited smaller and less frequent asymmetries compared to the nonathletes. Statistically significant differences were found in the position of shoulder blades (p < 0.05) and pelvic alignment in the frontal (p < 0.001) and transverse (p < 0.05) planes. The spinal shape in the sagittal plane did not differentiate the training subjects from nonathletes. The study also revealed weak correlations between the training period and a deviation of the spinous processes (r = 0.25), a symmetry of the shoulder blades (r = 0.25), and an inclination angle of the thoracolumbar segment (r = -0.26). No correlations were observed between the training frequency and posture parameters. Conclusions: It can be concluded that despite the predominance of asymmetric elements, handball training does not negatively affect the posture in the frontal and transverse planes.

Muscle Bloodflow As An Indicator Of Anaerobic Threshold In Young Athletes – A Near Infrared Spectroscopy Study, Maciej Chroboczek, Magdalena Jakubowska, Sylwester Kujach, Marcin Luszczyk, Radoslaw Laskowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In this study we evaluated the effect of exercise with increasing intensity until exhaustion on muscle tissue oxygenation in children. Furthermore, we tested the hypothesis that a decrease in muscle indirect blood flow (O2Hb) predicts the anaerobic threshold determined by analysis of ventilation parameters. Material/Methods: Five, young, school-aged tennis players were engaged in this study (age 16.2 ±1.63 years, VO2max 56.7 ±2.00 ml · kg-1 · min-1). Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHB), blood volume (tHb = HbO2 + HHB) and muscle tissue oxygenation (TOI%) in the right vastus lateralis muscle, using a near-infrared spectrometer were recorded. …

The Effectiveness Of Kettlebell Exercises In The Aspects Of Special Efficiency Training In American Football, Marek Kruszewski, Artur Kruszewski, Stanislaw Kuzmicki, Robert Korczak, Rafal Tabecki, Karol Landowski, Piotr Sitek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of kettlebell exercises in the aspect of shaping the special efficiency characteristics required by American football players. Material/Methods: The kettlebells training group (n = 12) and the American football group (n = 12), who used training typical of their discipline, were subjected to a fitness test in US football, consisting of a 40-yard run speed test, an agility test in two shuttle runs, a jumping test in Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), and a power and strength endurance tests. Results: In tests of speed, agility, jumping and power, there were …

The Efficiency Of Executing Technical Actions By Female Volleyball Players Depending On Their Positions On The Court, Karol Cieminski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine differences in the efficiency of executing technical actions by female volleyball players taking into account their positions on the court. Material/Methods: The research material comprised results of the efficiency of female volleyball players’ technical actions (n = 98) participating in the 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship. The subjects were divided into five groups: receivers, middle blockers, spikers, setters, and liberoes. The following technical actions were analysed: attack, block, serve, and receiving a serve. In order to determine the differences between the studied groups, statistical tests were used. The Scheffe test was …