Hope for success as a mediator between Big Five personality traits and achievement goal orientation among high performance and recreational athletes.

The main objective of this study was to determine whether hope for success mediates the relationship between personality and goal orientation in high performance and recreational athletes. The cross-sectional study included 289 high performance and recreational athletes of various sports (age: M = 20.34, SD = 1.86). To examine personality, we used the Big Five IPIP-BFM-20 questionnaire. To assess hope for success, we used the Hope for Success Questionnaire. The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) was employed to examine goal orientation. Hope for success significantly mediates the relationships between conscientiousness, extraversion, emotional stability, intellect, and task goal orientation in sport. Higher levels of these personality traits are related to athletes' higher hope for success, which, in turn, is positively related to their task orientation. Personality traits may underpin the hope for success that develops from childhood. This, in turn, appears to be an important component on which, combined with the positive interaction and support from coaches, a task goal orientation beneficial to sport can be shaped in athletes.

Synthesis and Morphology Characteristics of New Highly Branched Polycaprolactone PCL.

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of biodegradable, highly branched polycaprolactone (PCL) is presented. The solvent-free (bulk) reaction was carried out via ring opening polymerization (ROP), catalyzed by tin octanoate Sn(Oct)2, and it employed hyperbranched polyamide (HPPA) as a macro-initiator. The core-shell structure of the obtained products (PCL-HPPA), with the hyperbranched HPPA core and linear PCL chains as shell, was in the focus of the product characterization. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and elemental analysis confirmed the covalent incorporation of the HPPA in the products, as well as a high degree of grafting conversion of its amino functional groups. Confocal Raman Micro spectroscopy, and especially Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, further supported the existence of a core-shell structure in the products. Direct observation of macromolecules by means of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, as well as gel permeation chromatography (GPC), suggested the existence of a minor 'aggregated' product fraction with multiple HPPA cores, which was attributed to transesterification reactions. Differential scanning calorimetry, as well as X-ray diffraction, demonstrated that the PCL-HPPA polymers displayed a similar degree of crystallinity to linear neat PCL, but that the branched products possessed smaller and less regular crystallites.

Validation and personality conditionings of the 3 × 2 achievement goal model in sport.

Achievement goal models have been successfully applied in sport. In recent years, a framework that has emerged in this area is the 3 × 2 approach, being a natural evolution of years of research into the issue of achievement goals. Nevertheless, it is essential to further validate the abovementioned approach and explore its psychosocial context. Hence, the purpose of this study was to validate the latest 3 × 2 achievement goal model among high-performance and recreational athletes using the Polish version of the 3 × 2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Sport (3 × 2 AGQ-S), and to determine the relationship between personality traits and achievement goals of athletes. The study included 413 athletes, with M = 20.62 and SD = 2.72. The 3 × 2 AGQ-S was used to assess achievement goals, the Big Five personality traits were assessed using the IPIP-BFM-20 questionnaire. The model of the Polish version of the 3 × 2 AGQ-S achieved a satisfactory fit to the data (CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.086, SRMR = 0.061). Cronbach's alphas for the subscales were: 0.77-0.96. High-performance athletes obtained higher achievement goals in task and self subscales than recreational athletes. Personality traits explained no more than 3% of variance of achievement goals in sport. Research involving the Polish version of the 3 × 2 AGQ-S supports the validity of the 3 × 2 model in sport among high-performance and recreational athletes. Nevertheless, the small relationships between the personality traits and achievement goals prompt searching for other psychosocial determinants of goals in sport.

Exploring the Potential of Lapatinib, Fulvestrant, and Paclitaxel Conjugated with Glycidylated PAMAM G4 Dendrimers for Cancer and Parasite Treatment.

Fulvestrant (F), lapatinib (L), and paclitaxel (P) are hydrophobic, anticancer drugs used in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive breast cancer. In this study, glycidylated PAMAM G4 dendrimers, substituted with F, L, and/or P and targeting tumor cells, were synthesized and characterized, and their antitumor activity against glioma U-118 MG and non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells was tested comparatively with human non-tumorogenic keratinocytes (HaCaT). All cell lines were ER+ and EGFR+. In addition, the described drugs were tested in the context of antinematode therapy on C. elegans. The results show that the water-soluble conjugates of G4P, G4F, G4L, and G4PFL actively entered the tested cells via endocytosis due to the positive zeta potential (between 13.57-40.29 mV) and the nanoparticle diameter of 99-138 nm. The conjugates of G4P and G4PFL at nanomolar concentrations were the most active, and the least active conjugate was G4F. The tested conjugates inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT and A549 cells; in glioma cells, cytotoxicity was associated mainly with cell damage (mitochondria and membrane transport). The toxicity of the conjugates was proportional to the number of drug residues attached, with the exception of G4L; its action was two- and eight-fold stronger against glioma and keratinocytes, respectively, than the equivalent of lapatinib alone. Unfortunately, non-cancer HaCaT cells were the most sensitive to the tested constructs, which forced a change in the approach to the use of ER and EGFR receptors as a goal in cancer therapy. In vivo studies on C. elegans have shown that all compounds, most notably G4PFL, may be potentially useful in anthelmintic therapy.

Validation of Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) among Polish athletes and the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation in sport.

This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2, as well as to determine the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation among high-performance and recreational athletes. A total of 519 athletes aged M = 22.83 (SD = 4.92) participated in the study, including 266 males and 253 females. 242 athletes trained professionally and 277 recreationally. The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) was used to assess anxiety levels, while the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) and the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) enabled to assess athletes' goal orientation. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the model to the data for the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (CFI = 0.945, RMSEA = 0.072). The models obtained during analysis of high-performance and recreational athletes, women and men, also presented a satisfactory fit to the data (CFI 0.932-0.946). The configural, metric, scalar and strict measurement invariances were demonstrated for high-performance and recreational athletes as well as among women and men. High internal consistency coefficients (alpha 0.81-0.91) and a high test-retest reliability indexes were reported (ICC 0.74-0.87). Women presented higher level of competitive anxiety than men. A positive relationship between competitive anxiety and athletes' ego orientation was also presented. This relationship concerned particularly women practicing sport recreationally.

Thermally stable biopolymer composites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) modified with linear aliphatic polyurethanes - preparation and properties.

PURPOSE: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) is a biopolymer, but storing products from P3HB causes the deterioration of their properties leading to their brittleness. P3HB has also low thermal stability. Its melting point almost equals its degradation temperature. To obtain biodegradable and biocompatible materials characterized by higher thermal stability and better strength parameters than the unfilled P3HB, composites with the addition of polyurethanes were produced. METHODS: The morphology, thermal, and mechanical property parameters of the biocomposites were examined using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, standard differential scanning calorimetry, and typical strength machines. RESULTS: Aliphatic polyurethanes, obtained by the reaction of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and polyethylene glycols, were used as modifiers. To check the influence of the glycol molar mass on the properties of the biocomposites, glycols with a molecular weight of 400 and 1000 g/mol were used. New biocomposites based on P3HB were produced with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt. % content of polyurethane by direct mixing using a twin-screw extruder. The following property parameters of the prepared biocomposites were tested: degradation temperature, glass transition temperature, tensile strength, impact strength, and Brinell hardness. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of the processing property parameters of P3HB-biocomposites with the addition of aliphatic polyurethanes was achieved by increasing the degradation temperature in relation to the degradation temperature of the unfilled P3HB by over 30 °C. The performance property parameters have also been improved by reducing the brittleness compared to the P3HB, as evidenced by the increase in impact strength and the decrease in hardness with an increase in the amount of polyurethane obtained by the reaction of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 400 g/mol (PU400) as modifier.

Goal Orientation and Physical Activity: Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Goal Orientation in Exercise Measure (GOEM).

Motivational factors are among the most important determinants of undertaking and participating in physical activity. An adequate measurement of motivation and the assessment of its initial characteristics form the basis for possible further practical interventions of a compensatory or promotional nature. Considering the above, the main aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Goal Orientation in Exercise Measure (GOEM), and to determine the association between the task and the ego orientations and selected components of physical activity, i.e., frequency of undertaking, declared time per session and time spent on physical activity. In addition to the typical indices of psychometric assessment, an analysis of the reliability of test items by applying the item response theory (IRT) model was also presented. The study included 318 individuals (173 females, 145 males), aged 21 years on average, undertaking recreational physical activity. The GOEM scale by Petherick and Markland (2008) was used. The model of the Polish version of the GOEM scale fitted the empirical data well (CFI = 0.955). Satisfactory reliability indices were also obtained (task subscale: alpha = 0.83, omega = 0.83; ego subscale: alpha = 0.86, omega = 0.86). Reliability, as assessed by the test-retest method, was ICC = 0.80 for the task subscale and ICC = 0.87 for the ego subscale. The IRT analysis showed that the ego subscale was more precise in the middle level of the trait, while the task subscale provided more information in the low and middle level of the trait and relatively little information in the high level of the trait. The positive associations of the task subscale with the frequency of physical activity and the time spent in a single exercise session were also noted.

The Measurement of Goal Orientation in Sport: Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ).

The main aim of the study is a comprehensive assessment of psychometric properties of the Polish version of Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) in sport. Apart from standard psychometric evaluation, the paper presents an analysis of item reliability through the use of Item Response Theory, as well as the analysis of relationships between sport type, level of participation, gender and goal orientation level. The study covered 412 people aged M = 23.46 (SD = 5.40). The Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ), the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-28) were used. High reliability of POSQ ego subscale (α = 0.89, ω = 0.89) and POSQ task subscale (α = 0.90, ω = 0.91) were noted. The test-retest correlations at the two-week interval were ICC = 0.91 for ego subscale, and ICC = 0.71 for task subscale, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a relatively good fit of the two-factor model to the data (CFI = 0.94). Relationships between the goal orientation measured by the POSQ questionnaire and motivational traits measured by TEOSQ and SMS-28 were obtained. It was also shown that high-performance athletes had higher scores on the ego factor than recreational athletes. Moreover, men had higher scores on the ego factor than women. The Perception of Success Questionnaire (Polish version) is characterized by satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used for scientific research and diagnosis.

Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ).

The main aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the task and ego orientation in sport questionnaire (TEOSQ). The study covered 651 athletes aged 19.2 years, SD (Standard deviation) = 2.21. The task and ego orientation in sport questionnaire (TEOSQ) and sport motivation scale (SMS-28) were used. Cronbach's Alpha for the ego subscale was 0.84, and for the task subscale 0.81 (McDonald's omega was 0.84, 0.82 respectively). The reliability of the test-retest with two weeks interval was ICC (Intraclass correlation coefficient) = 0.86 for ego and ICC = 0.86 for task. Initially, the two-factor model was not fully fitted (CFI (Comparative fit index) = 0.84), however the model with correlated errors for selected test items was well fitted to data (CFI = 0.95). Statistically significant, positive correlations between the task orientation and the intrinsic motivation components were obtained. Additionally, individual athletes had higher scores on the ego factor and lower scores on the task factor than the team athletes. These effects were moderated by the level of participation and occurred among high-performance athletes. Due to satisfactory reliability and validity indicators the Polish version of the task and ego orientation in sport questionnaire (TEOSQ) can be used both for scientific research and in the individual diagnostics of athletes.

Stepwise Glucoheptoamidation of Poly(Amidoamine) Dendrimer G3 to Tune Physicochemical Properties of the Potential Drug Carrier: In Vitro Tests for Cytisine Conjugates.

Third-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) was modified by stepwise primary amine group amidation with d-glucoheptono-1,4-lactone. The physicochemical properties of the conjugates-size, ζ potential in lysosomal pH 5 and in neutral aqueous solutions, as well as intramolecular dynamics by differential scanning calorimetry-were determined. Internalization and toxicity of the conjugates against normal human fibroblasts BJ were monitored in vitro in order to select an appropriate carrier for a drug delivery system. It was found that initial glucoheptoamidation (up to 1/3 of amine groups of neat dendrimers available) resulted in increase of conjugate size and ζ potential. Native or low substituted dendrimer conjugates accumulated efficiently in fibroblast cells at nontoxic 1 µM concentration. Further substitution of dendrimer caused consistent decrease of size and ζ potential, cell accumulation, and toxicity. All dendrimers are amorphous at 36.6 °C as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optimized dendrimer, half-filled with glucoheptoamide substituents, was applied as carrier bearing two covalently attached cytisine molecules: a rigid and hydrophobic alkaloid. The conjugate with 2 cytisine and 16 glucoheptoamide substituents showed fast accumulation and no toxicity up to 200 µM concentration. The half-glucoheptoamidated PAMAM dendrimer was selected as a promising anticancer drug carrier for further applications.

Conjugates of Copper Alginate with Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid (RGD) for Potential Use in Regenerative Medicine.

Current restrictions on the use of antibiotics, associated with increases in bacterial resistance, require new solutions, including materials with antibacterial properties. In this study, copper alginate fibers obtained using the classic wet method were used to make nonwovens which were modified with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) derivatives. Stable polysaccharide-peptide conjugates formed by coupling with 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium toluene-4-sulfonate (DMT/NMM/TosO-), and materials with physically embedded RGD derivatives, were obtained. The materials were found to be characterized by very high antibacterial activity against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed that the materials are not cytotoxic. Copper alginate conjugates with RGD peptides have strong potential for use in regenerative medicine, due to their biocompatibility and innate antibacterial activity.

Mixed-Generation PAMAM G3-G0 Megamer as a Drug Delivery System for Nimesulide: Antitumor Activity of the Conjugate Against Human Squamous Carcinoma and Glioblastoma Cells.

Polyhydroxylated dendrimer was synthesized from poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 3 by addition of glycidol (G3gl). G3gl megamer was further modified by binding PAMAM G0 dendrimers by activation of G3gl with p-nitrophenylchloroformate, followed by the addition of excess PAMAM G0 and purification using dialysis. The maximum G0 binding capacity of G3gl was 12 in the case when G0 was equipped with two covalently attached nimesulide equivalents. Nimesulide (N) was converted into N-(p-nitrophenyl) carbonate derivative and fully characterized using X-ray crystallography and spectral methods. Nimesulide was then attached to G0 via a urea bond to yield G02N. The mixed generation G3gl-G02N megamer was characterized using 1H NMR spectroscopy, and its molecular weight was estimated to be 22.4 kDa. The AFM image of G3gl-G02N deposited on mica demonstrated aggregation of nimesulide-covered megamer. The height of the deposited megamer was 8.5 nm. The megameric conjugate with nimesulide was tested in vitro on three human cell lines: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-15) and glioblastoma (U-118 MG) overexpressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and normal skin fibroblasts (BJ). The conjugate efficiently penetrated into all cells and was more cytotoxic against SCC-15 than against BJ. Moreover, the conjugate produced a strong and selective antiproliferative effect on both cancer cell lines (IC50 < 7.5 µM).

Fibrous Aggregates of Short Peptides Containing Two Distinct Aromatic Amino Acid Residues.

The aim of the study was the assessment of the ability of short peptides to form aggregates under physiological conditions. The dipeptides studied were derived from different aromatic amino acids (heteroaromatic peptides). Tripeptides were obtained from two distinct aromatic amino acids and cysteine or methionine residue in the C-terminal, N-terminal, or central position. The ability of the peptides to form fibrous aggregates under physiological conditions was evaluated using three independent methods: the Congo Red assay, the Thioflavin T assay, and microscopic examinations using normal and polarized light. Materials potentially useful for regenerative medicine were selected based on their cytotoxicity to the endothelial cell line EA.hy 926 and physicochemical properties of films formed by peptides. The required parameters of biocompatibility were fulfilled by H-PheCysTrp-OH, H-PheCysTyr-OH, H-PheTyrMet-OH, and H-TrpTyr-OH.

Study of chemical, physico-mechanical and biological properties of 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate)-based polyurethane films.

Polyurethane films were obtained in the solvent-free cycloaliphatic polyaddition process of 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), poly(ε-caprolactone) diol or poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol and 1,4-butanediol. Chemical structures of the polymers were confirmed by FTIR, NMR and GPC methods. Their surface, thermal and mechanical properties have been evaluated. Results of biological studies with polyurethane films as potential biomaterials for medical applications revealed their mild cytotoxicity against normal human fibroblasts (BJ) and immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The research is relevant for the potential uses of polyurethane films made from commercial raw materials as general medical supplies.

Towards Intelligent Drug Design System: Application of Artificial Dipeptide Receptor Library in QSAR-Oriented Studies.

The pharmacophore properties of a new series of potential purinoreceptor (P2X) inhibitors determined using a coupled neural network and the partial least squares method with iterative variable elimination (IVE-PLS) are presented in a ligand-based comparative study of the molecular surface by comparative molecular surface analysis (CoMSA). Moreover, we focused on the interpretation of noticeable variations in the potential selectiveness of interactions of individual inhibitor-receptors due to their physicochemical properties; therefore, the library of artificial dipeptide receptors (ADP) was designed and examined. The resulting library response to individual inhibitors was arranged in the array, preprocessed and transformed by the principal component analysis (PCA) and PLS procedures. A dominant absolute contribution to PC1 of the Glu attached to heptanoic gating acid and Phe bonded to the linker m-phenylenediamine/triazine scaffold was revealed by the PCA. The IVE-PLS procedure indicated the receptor systems with predominant Pro bonded to the linker and Glu, Gln, Cys and Val directly attached to the gating acid. The proposed comprehensive ligand-based and simplified structure-based methodology allows the in-depth study of the performance of peptide receptors against the tested set of compounds.

New methodology for automated SPOT synthesis of peptides on cellulose using 1,3,5-triazine derivatives as linkers and as coupling reagents.

Two new rigid bi-aromatic linkers for synthesis of peptide arrays by SPOT methodology were obtained from cellulose treated with 2,4-dichloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine. Reaction with m-phenylenediamine gave non-cleavable TYPE I linker which enabled attachment of the peptides via resistant to harsh reaction conditions amide, ether, and amine bonds. Reaction with 3-Fmoc-aminobenzoic acid followed by thermal isomerization of the intermediate "superactive" ester producing an amide-like bond gave TYPE II linker that was very stable during peptide synthesis. However, the peptide was cleavable, with fragment of the linker, in the presence of 1 M LiOH solution. The uniform loading of the cellulose and efficient synthesis of the peptide array was achieved by using N-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-1-yl)-N-methylmorpholinium 4-toluenesulfonate as the coupling reagent.

Carbon nanotubes functionalized with folic acid attached via biomimetic peptide linker.

AIM: Anchoring folic acid (FA) with a biomimetic peptidic linker resistant to proteolytic degradation to act as a homing device on functionalized carbon nanotubes. MATERIALS & METHODS: Ethylenediamine was attached to oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) using 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium tetrafluoroborate. FA was coupled with 6-aminohexanoic acid and derivatives of ß-alanine, affording four intermediates, which connected to the MWNTs via peptidic linkers of various lengths. RESULTS: Biomimetic nanomaterials were produced with FA as a homing molecule. The structure and properties of the nanomaterials were analyzed, confirming the versatility of the peptides used as linkers. CONCLUSION: Conjugates of FA attached to MWNTs via peptide linkers prepared from ß-alanine residues are resistant to proteolytic degradation. Viability in colon cancer cells and normal colonocytes confirmed their lack of cytotoxicity.

Cellulose Template Assembled Synthetic Peptides as Molecular Receptors.

The relatively simple peptides assembled on the templates are excellent mimic of complex conformational and functional defined binding sites of proteins. The main benefit of experiments with artificial receptors arises from the relative simplicity of the interacting host-guest system allowing the understanding of the rules controlling the model process of the molecular recognition. Efficient modification of molecular receptors by using rational design of their structure or combinatorial methods is crucial for verification of any hypothesis concerning the binding forces or enhancing the binding properties. This approach is presenting promising strategy for understanding mode of action and the control of biological functions of proteins, for designing new pharmaceutically active compounds, new tools for medical diagnostic and molecular sensing.

Preliminary studies on application of library of artificial receptors for differentiation of metabolites in urine of healthy and cancer bearing mice.

A library of artificial receptors formed by the self-organization of N-lipidated peptides attached to the cellulose via m-aminophenylamino-1,3,5-triazine was used for differentiation of metabolites in urine of healthy and cancer bearing mice. The interactions of urine metabolites with the receptors were visualized by using competitive adsorption-desorption of an appropriate reporter dye. Analysis of the binding pattern (fingerprint) of urine metabolites from healthy and from cancer suffering mice showed that there were several structures among 120-elements molecular receptors which were able to differentiate bonded ligands depending on the healthy state. For all three tested types of cancers two structures: Lipid-Pro-Ala-NH-C6H4-NH-DMT-cellulose and Lipid-Arg-Pro-NH-C6H4-NH-DMT-cellulose were selected as diagnostic.