Bovine colostrum supplementation as a new perspective in depression and substance use disorder treatment: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

Introduction: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3-month supplementation of bovine colostrum (BOV-COL; 8x400 mg per day) on the outcomes of depression treatment in hospitalized patients with substance use disorder (SUD). The hypothesis is that BOV-COL supplementation as an add-on treatment results in favorable alternations in selected blood inflammatory markers or neurotransmitters, leading to better depression treatment outcomes compared with placebo (PLA). Methods: Patients with a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 score ≥60 points were enrolled. Twenty-nine participants (n=18 in the BOV-COL group and n=11 in the PLA group) completed the protocol. Results: The mean Beck Depression Inventory-II score was significantly reduced after supplementation in both groups. However, the mean 17-point Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score was decreased in the BOV-COL group, but not in the PLA group. In the BOV-COL group, there was a reduction in interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, the IL-6:IL-10 ratio, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), while in the PLA group only IL-6 decreased. Favorable alternations in the total count and differentials of white blood cell subsets were more pronounced in the BOV-COL. There were no changes in neurotransmitter concentrations. Conclusions: BOV-COL supplementation is a promising add-on therapy in patients with depression and SUD.

Description of Telemark Skiing Technique Using Full Body Inertial Measurement Unit.

Researchers involved in skiing investigations postulate Telemark skiing as an alternative technique to Alpine skiing, which may be associated with lower injury risk. A free heel of the boot, and a boot that enables flexion of the toe, are characteristic features. The aim of this research was to compare three types of turns on Telemark skis, through a biomechanical description of each skiing technique. Seven professional skiers were investigated. Two cameras and the MyoMotion Research Pro system were utilized. Eighteen wireless IMU sensors were mounted on each skier's body. For every skier, five runs were recorded for each of the three turning techniques. Velocity of run, range of movement, angular velocity in joints, time sequences, and order of initialization of movement were obtained. A higher velocity of skiing was obtained during the parallel (14.2 m/s) and rotational turns (14.9 m/s), compared to a low-high turn (8.9 m/s). A comparison of knee angles, revealed similar minimum (18 and 16 degrees) and maximum (143 and 147 degrees) values achieved during the parallel and rotational techniques, which differed considerably from the low-high technique (27 and 121 degrees, respectively). There were no significant differences in trunk rotation angles. A detailed analysis of the Telemark skiing technique revealed novel information on how turns are executed by well-trained skiers and the impact of different approaches.

Physical activities among other types of health-related behaviour in people losing weight.

BACKGROUND: The role of physical activity in a health-seeking life style is increasingly and frequently about the improvement of one's silhouette. This constitutes the problem that we are trying to resolve in this article--are physical activities a part of actions aimed at the reduction of weight in people trying to lose it? MATERIAL/METHODS: We studied a group of adults trying to lose weight (N=398) aged 24-35. The Inventory of Healthy Behaviour (IHB) by Juczynski was applied, together with a questionnaire on physical activity and slimming. The IHB test results are analysed in four aspects: proper nutritional habits, prophylactic behaviour, positive mental attitude, and health-related practice. RESULTS: The more the studied people weigh, the more they would like to lose; this correlation is significantly stronger in women. Women desire a lower weight and height norm; men--a higher. Men are more realistic in their expectations. Both women and men spent 5 hours a week exercising, participating in four different forms of activity. Only a relatively small percentage do not exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Women exercise not for health, but in order to have a better silhouette. A slim beautiful body and, in effect, sexual attractiveness are the most emphasised element in their promotion of health, for which physical activity is paramount.