Search

Long-distance running and, in particular, running marathons has become an increasingly popular activity among the elderly. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a marathon effort on the psychomotor performance and catecholamine concentration in runners over 50 years of age. The participants were male runners (n = 28) who completed the 32nd Wrocław Marathon in Poland. The runners' psychomotor performance was assessed on the basis of their choice reaction times (CRT), heart rate (HR) and running speed measurements. In addition, the adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA) as well as lactate (LA) levels and anaerobic threshold (AT) were measured. The runners' CRT after crossing the finish line was significantly longer by 50 ms (p < 0.05) in response to each emitted audiovisual stimulus, as compared with baseline. The mean running speed was reduced by 1 km/h between the first speed measurement (5th km of the run) and the last (42.195 km) (p < 0.05). The observed three-fold increase in adrenaline and noradrenaline levels indicates an intense activity of the sympathetic–adrenergic system. The cognitive function levels in the studied marathon runners returned to baseline after 30 min of recovery, and the function of the sympathetic–adrenergic system by seven days after completing the marathon race. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the activity of male Polish Premier League soccer players during elite-level matches, depending on playing position, activity intensity range, and match period. The study sample comprised 1178 players. Amisco Pro® was used to track the match activity players. Statistical analysis of the total distance covered by players revealed that the greatest distance was covered by central midfielders (11894 ± 765 m) and external midfielders (11751 ± 686 m). In terms of velocity, the greatest distance was covered by players in the V1 range (0 ≤ V1 < 11 km · h−1, standing, walking), (7028 ± 294 m). The difference between the match periods was statistically non-significant, amounting to only 0.5%. As such they could prove useful for present and future comparisons between positions and represent the scientific basis for developing position-specific conditioning/training regimes for both clubs and individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spreads on power markets serve as indexes that allow assessing the future profits of electric utility companies. The spread applicable to power generated from coal, including the cost of CO2 allowances and power plant efficiency, has been termed Clean Dark Spread (CDS). A CDS index may serve at least two basic functions. On the one hand, it provides information on the future prices of power and profitability of power generation. On the other, it facilitates hedging to be applied not just by power plants but also by other entities operating on the market. Following deregulation of energy markets, energy has started to be traded on the exchanges and trading facilities, which is also reflected on Polish Power Exchange operating on the Polish market. Following the introduction of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, Polish energy generating companies hedge the prices of CO2 emissions allowances with the use of foreign trading facilities, especially EEX. Since two out of three CDS constituents are traded on trading facilities, it seems fully substantiated also to introduce quotations of coal prices in Poland. This paper is aimed to present the crucial aspects of shaping coal prices in Poland and on international markets as well as to examine the impact of changes in coal prices and CO2 emissions allowances on shaping power prices based on a comparative analysis between Germany and Poland. This study also includes the costs incurred by the coalmines by paying environmental charges on waste resulting from their economic activity. Nonetheless, it should be noted that those charges do not affect the financial result. The analysis of the correlation has shown that the price of electricity on the Polish market is positively and strongly correlated both with the price of coal and the price of CO2 emissions allowance, the latter correlation being stronger. Equally worth noting is the strong correlation between coal prices in Poland and the prices of CO2 emissions allowances. With regard to the confirmed but rather not very strong positive correlation between steam coal prices on the Polish market and energy coal prices in the ARA zone, it should be noted that there is no liquid index in the domestic market, which hampers efficient portfolio management of the spread on energy production by the coal energy sector [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of these guidelines in the scope of physiotherapy in primary healthcare is to suggest simple, uncomplicated and more cost-effective physiotherapeutic activities in patients experiencing pain due to painful shoulder syndrome. A general practitioner should decide whether the treatment undertaken within primary healthcare, including the process of physiotherapy, is effective and sufficient, or whether it requires more advanced activities, such as advanced diagnostics and further specialist treatment. The authors of the recommendations, apart from massage, also include procedures in the scope of kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy and orthopedic equipment. According to the authors, the aim of recovering the correct spatial system, called structural homeostasis, in the shoulder girdle, is, first of all, normalization of muscle tension and then inclusion in a rehabilitation program covering the methods to recover and consolidate the correct models of motor activity. The starting point for determining a rehabilitation program should be the ability to prepare a simple assessment of the patient's condition. This may result from a palpation examination to determine the incorrect distribution of resting tension in the area of the muscles and tendons engaged in the pathology and causing pain. The authors believe that such a solution contains the key to reducing the costs of treatment, providing access to physical therapists and quick assistance in the scope of improvement of a patient's clinical condition. At the same time, they emphasize the need to correct the previous healthcare model, so that it becomes a more effective tool in maintaining health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of these guidelines is to attract attention to the need for systemic corrections in the existing health care model to become an effective tool for improving health. The intention of the authors is to present the assumptions of a new approach of physiotherapeutic treatment standards for patients with motor disorders in back pain syndromes: cervical, thoracic and lumbar- -sacral, at the primary health care level. The current management provides care for this group of primary care patients mainly through pharmacotherapy and/or by referring them to an appropriate specialist outpatient clinic. In the latter situation, the waiting time from the appearance of pain to first contact with the physiotherapist in Poland is several months. In many patients, the symptoms of back pain are uncomplicated and require a few simple low-cost physiotherapeutic procedures (massage, simple physical therapy and kinesis therapy). In such cases, physiotherapeutic treatment should be based on the simple assessment of the patient's condition and planning therapy on this basis. This can be achieved by performing a functional examination and palpation assessment to determine which muscles and ligaments are responsible for pain. This evaluation provides a basis for establishing a physiotherapeutic strategy based on massage, physical therapy and kinesitherapy. In addition, simple instruction on self-massage, self-physiotherapy and self- -kinesitherapy should be provided, as well as the need for orthotic supplies and other technical assistance ought to be considered. The potential effects of such a form of primary care activation include: increase of the possibility to have influence, using directed simple physical factors, on a particular motion system disorder by the patient himself/herself, support of the rehabilitation process performed by a physiotherapist in the primary care and specialist outpatient clinic setting and shaping conscious pro-health attitudes in primary care patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxbow lakes are typical elements of meandering watercourses and are considered to be key components of floodplains of natural rivers. A permanent connection with the river promotes the use of these water bodies by ichthyofauna as spawning grounds, shelter for fry, feeding and wintering grounds. The aim of this study was to determine which rheophilic species inhabit oxbow lakes and how environmental conditions affect habitat selection and fish behavior. Analyses were conducted on six oxbow lakes of the Warta River in the Koło-Poznań section. Fish and water samples were collected for three years, in spring, summer and late autumn. Variation in environmental conditions in the analyzed water bodies results in a considerable diversity of the ichthyofauna, including rheophilic species, in individual seasons of the year. In the course of the study, nine rheophilic fish species were recorded, including four from the lithophilic reproductive guild having the highest environmental requirements. Relative abundance of rheophilic species in the dominance structure ranged from 0 to 100%, depending on the reservoir and seasons, with an average of 7% for all catches. For comparison, their relative abundance in the adjacent parts of the river was 12 and 23%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central European Agriculture is the property of Journal of Central European Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of our work was to compare the concentrations of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in the meat, gills, and liver of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) caught from lakes Góreckie, Strzeszyńskie, and Wędromierz in western Poland. The study involved 30 individual fish caught in spring, summer, and autumn. The muscle samples for analyses were taken from the large side muscle of the fish body above the lateral line. Metals concentrations were determined by atomic a Solar 969 absorption spectrophotometer (Unicam). As analysis shows, concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe detected in perch decreased in the following order: liver > gills > meat. The accumulation of metals decreased in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu (in all tissues), and we observed statistically significant differences in Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations in the same tissue collected from different reservoirs and during different seasons. Considering the analyses in terms of season, the average Cu and Zn contents were highest in the tissues taken in the spring. The highest concentrations of Fe were determined in samples collected during summer. The analyses indicated that concentrations of metals in tissues of fish caught from different reservoirs also showed great variation. Analysis of PCA allowed for a very good separation of the three reservoirs and three tissues investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a routine method of treatment for patients with chronic ventilatory failure. Over the last 20 y, a marked development in HMV has been noted in terms of its prevalence and the changing proportion of patients with various indications. However, data on HMV come exclusively from the developed countries of Europe and North America. Nowadays, we can see the emergence of HMV in less developed countries. This study aimed to describe the development of HMV in Poland. METHODS: Data from the largest HMV centers were retrospectively evaluated with regard to cause of respiratory failure, ventilation technique, and characteristics of the HMV-implementing institution. RESULTS: The number of subjects treated with HMV increased from 8 in 2000 to 928 in 2010. Neuromuscular diseases remained the main indication. However, their relative contribution decreased from 100 to 51% in favor of pulmonary diseases (an increase from 0 to 21%) and hypoventilation syndromes (0% in 2000 and 11% in 2010). The majority of the HMV population treated between 2000 between 2008 was ventilated by tracheostomy; however, since 2007, the percentage of subjects on noninvasive ventilation significantly increased and was equal to the number of tracheostomized subjects. HMV was initiated mainly in ICUs. However, their role systematically diminished, and an increasing number of subjects were recruited in respiratory departments. CONCLUSIONS: The prescription pattern of HMV in Poland has evolved, and there is a clear shift from neuromuscular to respiratory diseases. The prevalence of ventilation via tracheostomy still remains very high in comparison with other European countries. The Polish experience could be useful for countries with emerging HMV care systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking was experimentally studied at the Heavy Ion Laboratory of the University of Warsaw by use of the DSAM and DCO analysis. Obtained lifetimes, branching ratios and E2/M1 mixing ratios were used to determine B(M1) and B(E2) values. The preliminary results for 124Cs confirm spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking hypothesis in the 15ħ-20ħ spin range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research in applied sports science, with a focus on a detailed analysis of professional soccer players' sprinting modes and distances during matches. Topics include short- and long-duration sprint types, how players' positions affected sprinting activities, and individualized training and physical load.

The study of fish ponds have confirmed the presence of nine new locations of Anodonta woodiana in Poland, with strong and vital populations. These are examples of Chinese pond mussels accidentally introduced along with fish imports. Comparison of known localities shows that more mussels are in eastern Poland, from which the migration path of A. woodiana progresses. Most often mussels settle in larger water reservoirs with elongated shapes. Older and longer mussels occur in deeper fish ponds. Moreover, the further south the location, the higher biomass can be obtained. The average age of mussels in a fish pond depends on its bed type and depth; however the latter has less influence. New locations of this species are also to be expected due to deliberate introduction; cases of resettlement of individual specimens of the Chinese pond mussel to new locations have been recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research conducted to determine the distance covered by professional soccer players during matches with the use of the computerized match analysis system Amisco Pro. Researchers evaluated 31 players in four soccer matches. They found that the average total distance covered by all players was approximately 734 meters and concluded that the analysis of physical loads on soccer players during a match is highly useful for training individualization.

The discovery of a shell of the Chinese pond mussel in 1998 and further confirmation of this species indicate that a reservoir with natural thermal conditions is the oldest species location in Poland. Growth increments of an archival shell do not fall within the ranges obtained by this species in Konin lakes. They are, however, close to population ranges from Hungary. In contrast to other specimens found, the analyzed shell has a very high H/L ratio and is thicker. The observed features might result from the founder effect or they might point to a considerable plasticity of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decay of the Iπ = Kπ = 8- isomeric state in 130Ba was investigated using the 122Sn(12C,4n)130Ba reaction. The measurement was carried out in e-γ and γ-γ coincidence modes using an electron spectrometer coupled to the EAGLE gamma-ray array at the Heavy Ion Laboratory, University of Warsaw. Multipolarities and mixing ratios for the 8- → 6+ and 8- → 5+ transitions in 130Ba were derived from experimentally obtained internal conversion coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to present a statistical analysis of two somatic features of basketball players, which determine their sport usefulness (body height -- variable X, body weight -- variable Y). These features vary across different domestic basketball leagues. Apart from the diagnostic features, there are also numerous classification features (e.g. age of players). Complete information about the players' parameters was stored in a database (DB). For the purpose of the present work and in order to compare various research results concerning basketball players from the American league (NBA) and the Polish league (POL), some variables and class ranges were chosen referring to the player's position on a basketball court (P), date of birth (D) and domestic league (L). The above classification features (L, P, D) and diagnostic features X and Y allow many different one-way, two-way and three-way cross classifications, comprising an analysis of one or two of the features. The statistical one-dimensional analysis included descriptive statistics, frequency tabulation and Pareto chart. The statistical two-dimensional analysis embraced linear correlation coefficients between features X and Y and correlation scatter graphs. As many as 267 possible classifications were found, but only the ones of special interest were selected for analysis. The presented classification schemes contain the appropriate numerical data. The statistical methods used for the analysis of subjects' age, body height and body weight revealed significant differences between the American and Polish basketball players. The methodology of the used empirical data analysis can be applied to players of any other team games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: in Poland animal physiotherapy is a very young discipline and it is still not very popular. However, in recent years animal owners and veterinary surgeons have become more and more interested in the use of physiotherapeutic procedures in veterinary medicine. Observing world trends, it may be expected that the nearest future will bring about significant expanding of physiotherapeutic services in the treatment of animals. Aim: the aim of the research was to assess the popularity and development of animal physiotherapy in Poland. Material and methods: the research was carried out in veterinary institutions in which at least one physiotherapeutic method is used in the treatment of animals and which completed a questionnaire. Sixteen institutions completed the questionnaire, and they included: veterinary departments, clinics, surgeries from all over Poland. Conclusions: in Poland the use of physiotherapy in treatment of animals is still limited. However, an increase has been observed in animal physiotherapy among veterinary surgeons and clients of veterinary clinics. According to Polish therapists rehabilitation of animals brings about very good results. Animal physiotherapy is used most frequently in diseases of the spine, discopathy, joint degeneration, after traumas, accidents and in hip dysplasia. Therapists are eager to improve their qualifications by attending specialist training courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to establish the extent to which University School of Physical Education students participate in sport and recreational activities, get to know their leisure time interests and gain access to institutions enabling them to increase their knowledge about doping in sport. A questionnaire was distributed to 811 students. More than half of them practised sport regularly on a recreational basis, and one-third on a professional basis. The majority of the professional athletes were students of physical education. The subjects had much spare time and stated they were keen on sport, recreation and tourism. Apart from belonging to a sport club (14%), they did not have access to any other institutions enabling them to develop their interests or increase their knowledge about doping in sport. The sources of this knowledge are related to the environment (the media, acquaintances). It was observed that the role which both the educational and sport communities play in broadening knowledge about doping is insufficient. The preventive role of anti-doping education should contribute to the development of sport free from doping and restoration of its original meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy / Fizjoterapia is the property of Physiotherapy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The first "in-beam" spectra of the internal conversion electrons were collected in the 197Au(14N, 5n)206Rn fusion evaporation reaction by new constructed electron spectrometer. The measurements were carried out in electron--gamma and gamma--gamma coincidence mode with use of electron spectrometer coupled to OSIRIS II gamma array at Heavy Ion Laboratory (HIL) of the Warsaw University. The analysis of the data for γ - γ coincidence measurement disclosed new transitions in 206Rn excited nucleus. Experimentally obtained internal conversion coefficient allowed to determine multipolarity of the new observed transition in 206Rn nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the Second World War, during the Potsdam Conference, a decision about demilitarization of Germany was made, and as a consequence, ammunition including chemical warfare agents (CWA) was dumped into the basins of the Baltic Sea. That type of weapon was stored in metal barrels that were susceptible to corrosion. Several decades later, scientists were wondering what consequences for marine ecosystem could a leakage from such weapon bring. Although more than 70 years passed since the Second World War, the influence of potential leakage of the CWA has not been properly estimated yet. The main goal of this work is to estimate a danger area of a potential leakage using the High Resolution Dispersion Model (HRDM). This is a two-dimensional model which covers an area of 25 by 25 kilometers. It has a horizontal resolution of 50 meters. The model is based on assumptions describing the dilution of CWA and advection-diffusion processes which are responsible for distributing the agent over the seabed. The bottom currents are taken from the operational model and interpolated over a 50-m grid. The model, except the advection and diffusion processes, consists of half-life time of contamination that depends on local temperature. The simulations have been performed for different sites that have been signed in the DAIMON project (and also two others: CHEMSEA and MODUM – but both have been already finished) as the locations with possible leakages. The half-life time cases when pollution disappears after half a day and the area of contamination mostly depends on the advection process. Due to some problems with the initial data, the results have been presented in probability form. The results for interesting points are going to be presented. This work was carried out within the framework of project DAIMON (European Regional Development Fund (Interreg), R013 DAIMON (Decision Aid for Marine Munitions)) and project number W81/Interreg/BSR/2016 supported by Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical picture of Borrelia burgdorferi infection has been presented in 89 children from Lodz region. The analysis showed significant domination of cases with non specific symptoms (41.6%) as: fever or headache and cases with affected central and peripheral nervous system (30.3%). Peripheral cranial nerves paralysis and symptoms of cerebrospinal meningitis dominated among children with neuroborreliosis. Unlike descriptions concerning adults, majority of the observed symptoms were changes characteristic for I stage of the disease. Dermatosis was found only in (19%) child and symptoms of arthritis in (9%) of them. Contact with tick was stated in 56.8% of the analysed children. Incidence of the disease occurred throughout the whole year, more frequently in summer and autumn months.

Lyme borreliosis has become a serious diagnostic and therapeutic problem of modern medicine. The occurrence of the disease in Europe, and also in Poland, has recently increased. Diagnostic problems with Borrelia burgdorferi infection result from non-characteristic course of the disease in children, without the 1 st stage of the disease (erythema migrans), negative history forwards tick bite, lack of seasonal changes in occurrence and difficulties with interpretation of serological tests results. Direct laboratory investigations are also of little relevance.

Clinical picture of Borrelia burgdorferi infection has been presented in 45 children, aged 2-16 years from Łódź region. The analysis showed significant domination of cases with affected central and peripheral nervous system (44.4%) and rather unspecific symptoms such as: fever (20%) or headache (13.3%). Peripheral cranial nerves paralysis and symptoms of cerebrospinal meningitis dominated among children with neuroborreliosis. Unlike descriptions concerning adults, majority of the observed symptoms were changes characteristic for I and II stage of the disease. Dermatosis was found only in 1 child and symptoms of arthritis in 2 of them. Contact with tick was stated in 52% of the analysed children. Incidence of the disease occurred throughout the whole year, more frequently in summer and autumn months.

Thyroid function was investigated in a group of 61 newborns with congenital goiter before starting the therapy with thyroid hormones. The group included 19 girls and 42 boys, of which 27 were of age not exceeding one week (group I), 19 were between the first and the second week (group II), and 15 were between the second week and the third month of life (group III). The concentrations of the thyroid hormones were determined by radioimmunoassay. The values obtained have been compared with the local reference range obtained for the newborns of the Mazovia region. The values remaining outside the reference range were found in 47.5% of the newborns studied. The elevated values of TSH were observed mainly in group I newborns (12 from 27); among group II newborns there was only one with the elevated values, and none among the newborns of group III. thyroxine (T4) values were lowered in 14 among 27 newborns of group I, and in 2 among 19 newborns of group II; all T4 values were normal in group III. The percentage of the elevated values of triiodothyronine (T3) was higher in older newborns (group III). The elevated level of T3 accompanied by the lowered level of T4 with the normal or moderately elevated level of TSH is characteristic for the adaptation to the deficiency of iodine. There is preferential secretion of T3 aimed at maintaining euthyreosis. The elevated levels of T3 found in 30% of newborns with untreated goiter suggest an intrauterine deficit of iodine as a cause of the goiter appearance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)