Hygienic and nutritional habits in dental caries prevention in 5-year-old children from Biala Podlaska.

BACKGROUND: Preschool children are particularly susceptible to dental caries development. Due to the fact that deciduous teeth are less mineralised, they are more likely to be affected by this condition. Therefore, preschool age is a significant period in shaping positive health-oriented attitudes regarding dental caries prevention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse hygienic and nutritional habits in children aged 5 from Biala Podlaska in the context of dental caries prevention. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 454 preschool children (251 boys and 203 girls) from Biala Podlaska. Their hygienic and nutritional habits were examined with a diagnostic survey using the authors' own anonymous questionnaire. Mean consumption of nutrients (calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D) was estimated on the basis of average daily consumption calculated as a mean from three 24-hour interviews (conducted by the authors in a kindergarten or at children's houses). A nutritional value of a daily portion was calculated with the use of "Dieta 5.0" software (National Food and Nutrition Institute). RESULTS: Research results revealed that in the case of only one in three children, parents began toothbrushing within the first year of a child's life. Approximately 90% of preschool children brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Half of the children under examination brushed their teeth for 1-2 minutes usually with a traditional toothbrush. Toothbrushing was supervised by 62.5% of the boys' parents and 38.9% of the girls' parents (p<0.05). Almost 66% of the parents took their children to a dentist for regular (once or twice a year) dental check-ups. Analyses of daily food rations revealed insufficient amounts of calcium (25%) and vitamin D (over 80%). Moreover, an excessive intake of phosphorus (twice as high as the norm) was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Developing appropriate hygienic and nutritional habits in children is an indispensable element in the prevention of lifestyle diseases, including dental caries.

An analysis of selected risk factors of osteoporosis ­ dietary patterns and physical activity ­ in pubescent girls from the Lubelskie province

INTRODUCTION: Peak bone mass is modulated by intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic factors, such as diet, physical activity, stimulants and medications. Approximately 80-85% of peak bone mass is achieved during puberty. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze selected risk factors for osteoporosis, specifically diet and physical activity, in 10- to 15-year-old girls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 461 girls from Eastern Poland (Lublin Province). Diet of the study subjects was determined with a 24-h dietary recall survey. Dietary intake of energy and selected nutrients was calculated using Dieta 5.0 software. The analysis included intake of energy, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, vitamins A, D and C. Physical activity of the study subjects was assessed by means of a diagnostic survey. Statistical analysis included determining mean dietary intakes of analyzed nutrients, as well as their deviations from the intakes recommended for a given age group (10-12 and 13-15 years of age). Associations between diet and physical activity levels were tested with multivariate models of logistic regression, and their statistical significance was verified with Wald test. RESULTS: The study documented insufficient intake of energy, excessive intake of protein and sodium, as well as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D deficiency. Most surveyed girls declared moderate level of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary inadequacies observed in the studied girls may lead to inappropriate bone mineralization and as a result, contribute to development of osteoporosis in future. No evident relationships were found between diet and physical activity level.

Evaluation of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 concentration and values of global tests concerning the coagulation system of patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrage.

INTRODUCTION: The term 'subarachnoid haemorrhage' (SAH) stands for bleeding into the subarachnoid space, regardless of its source. It may be of primary character when the source of bleeding is situated within the subarachnoid space. Subarachnoid haemorrhage is often described as spontaneous bleeding, mainly in order to differentiate it from post-traumatic bleeding. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the blood of patients in the early phase following subarachnoid haemorrhage in terms of searching for markers useful in subarachnoid bleeding diagnostics and monitoring a patient's clinical state. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study comprised 85 patients (47 women, 38 men), aged 29-81 (average 53±12 years), suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage. The control group comprised 45 healthy people selected according to gender and age corresponding with the experimental group. RESULTS: The study revealed that the concentration of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly higher in patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage. Additionally, the concentration of fibrinogen decreased, aPTT was shorter and the concentration of D-dimers increased. The studied parameters did not differ with respect to the age or gender of the patients. It was stated that according to the Hunt and Hess scale, the concentration of ICAM-1 was considerably higher in the group of patients in the most severe neurological state, compared to other patients. It was also observed that the concentration of fibrinogen was significantly higher, aPTT was shorter, and the concentration of D-dimers increased in the afore-mentioned group. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the concentration of adhesion molecules, as well as values of global tests concerning the coagulation system, may serve as a useful diagnostic tool for SAH.

Selected atherosclerosis risk factors in youth aged 13-15 years .

INTRODUCTION: The high frequency of cases of circulatory system conditions in Europe and other countries around the world requires scientific research to define risk factors of early atherosclerotic changes. The aim of the present study was to define which students are at danger of developing atherosclerosis by means of measuring cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood as well as defining the correlation between atherosclerosis risk factors and arterial blood pressure, physical fitness and efficiency of the subjects. MATERIAL/METHODS: The research covered 167 students of Public Junior High School 1 in Biala Podlaska aged 13-15 years. Accutrend GCT was employed to define the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the screen test. Those students who were found to have increased values of biochemical parameters of capillary blood were subjected to additional blood tests aiming to define complete lipid profile of venous blood. The blood pressure in subjects was tested three times. The Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) test, suggested by American authors, was employed to define physical activity in subjects. EUROFIT was employed to define physical efficiency. RESULTS: Among the 167 subjects there were found 42 students (25.1%) whose lipid level in capillary blood proved to be increased. Full lipid profile tests proved that 16 students (9.6%) had increased blood lipid levels; those subjects constituted the risk group. Subjects in the risk group were characterized by lower levels of physical activity and physical efficiency compared to subjects with normal blood lipid level. Moreover, the frequency of hypertension was greater in risk group subjects compared to subjects with normal blood lipid levels. INFERENCES: Students diagnosed with atherosclerosis risk factors require observation and early prophylactics by adopting habits of healthy physical activity.

The effect of menopause on bone tissue in former swimmers and in non-athletes.

BACKGROUND: An increased loss of bone density during the first years after menopause induces osteoporosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research presented in this paper was to ascertain the difference in the rate of involutional changes in bone tissue in former athletes and in non-athletes of the same age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research involved 18 former swimmers and 18 females of similar age who had never practiced sports. The subjects were subdivided into two subgroups: Subgroup I had been post-menopausal for < or = 5 years, and Subgroup II for > 5 years; this was done to assess bone mineral content relative to the length of the postmenopausal time period. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured in lumbar vertebrae by dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone strength was measured in the heel using the bone stiffness index. Each subject was examined twice, with a one-year period in between. A diagnostic questionnaire was used to compile date on the subjects' physical activity and their gonad functioning. Dietary habits (calcium intake) were established by three interviews and the Dieta 4.0 computer program. Results. Anthropometric features did not differentiate the subjects in the subgroups. Former athletes in both subgroups spent off-work time on physical activities significantly more frequently. In both groups, calcium intake was sufficient and did not exceed 3/4 of the daily norm. A higher calcium intake was found in former athletes compared to non-athletes. The subjects in Subgroup I had significantly greater BMC and BMD than those in Subgroup II. In Subgroup I, the second examination showed somewhat lower reductions in BMC and BMD among the former athletes than among the non-athletes. In Subgroup II, BMC and BMD increased somewhat among the former athletes, while non-significant reductions were observed in the BMC and BMD of the non-athletes. All the subjects undertook pharmacologic treatment after the first examination, which caused improvement of bone parameters in the second examination. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of bone mass loss in former athletes proved to be consistent with the involutional process and similar to that of non-athletes. The reduced BMD in the lumbar vertebrae of 22% of the women in the study demonstrates the need for regular densitometric examinations in postmenopausal females.