Essential and non-essential element concentrations in human milk samples and the assessment of infants' exposure.

As the data concerning element concentrations in human milk (HM) samples and their intake by infants are lacking in Poland, the present study aimed to explore this issue. The material consisted of HM samples obtained from 30 exclusively breastfeeding mothers during 4-6 weeks postpartum. Additionally, to identify the factors that may potentially affect HM composition, information regarding maternal data (anthropometry, body composition, and diet) was also collected. Maternal diet was assessed with two methods-a food frequency questionnaire and 3-day dietary records. In total, 18 essential and non-essential elements were determined. For the elements analysis, we used inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry. Most of the elements (n = 11, 61%) were detected in all HM samples. In all HM samples tin concentration was higher (5.67 ± 2.39 µg/L) than the usual range reported by the World Health Organization (~ 1.0 µg/L). HM cadmium content was positively associated with maternal salty snacks intake (r = 0.502, p = 0.005), arsenic with whole-grain products intake (r = 0.37, p = 0.043), and mercury concentration with fruits and seeds/nuts consumption (r = 0.424, p = 0.042 and r = 0.378, p = 0.039, respectively). Higher HM lead concentration was predicted by maternal age (95% CI [0.94-0.97]), intake of fish (95% CI [1.01-1.03]), and vegetables (95% CI [1.02-1.06]). The highest infants' intake was observed for copper (35.24 ± 12.48) and the lowest for arsenic (0.076 ± 0.102). Infants' exposure to lead was associated with maternal frequency consumption of canned fish (p = 0.0045). There is a need to perform further research on this topic to maximize the benefits of breastfeeding by minimizing maternal and infant exposure to potentially toxic elements.

Senior Fitness Test in the assessment of the physical fitness of people with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is worth special attention among all the diseases and disorders of the nervous system, since its effects impact the capability of undertaking physical activity. The aim of the study was to analyze the use of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in determining the influence of physical rehabilitation on the level of physical fitness, and to assess the correlation between SFT and the Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) in patients with PD both participating and not participating in physical rehabilitation. The study was conducted in a group of 69 people (age 63.86 ± 5.43 y), with diagnosed idiopathic PD in 2nd stage in the Hoehn and Yahr scale (duration 6.52 ± 5.72 y). To determine the level of mobility of the subjects, the SFT and parts II, III, and IV of the MDS-UPDRS were used. Subjects were divided into participants (A) and non-participants (B) in physical rehabilitation. Correlation coefficients between the MDS-UPDRS and SFT were calculated after the 6-month study period. Participation in the process of physical rehabilitation significantly improved the physical fitness of the exercisers. A strong correlation was observed between the results obtained in the SFT and the assessment obtained on the basis of the MDS-UPDRS scale. It has been found that the SFT is a sensitive diagnostic tool in assessing the physical fitness of people with PD.

Food security and food self-sufficiency around the world: A typology of countries.

The particularities of agriculture, as a sector which ensures food supply, result from many factors, including the multilateral interaction between the environment and human activity. The extent of human intervention in the food production process is usually measured with the amount of capital expenditure. Therefore, the food production potential and the resulting food security depend on both natural and economic factors. This paper identifies the current status of food security in different countries around the world, considering both aspects (physical and economic availability) combined together. The variables published by FAO were used together with a variable estimated based on the author's own methodology to identify 8 groups of countries characterized by economic development level, net trade in agricultural products, and selected variables related to agriculture and food situation. As shown by this study, the degree to which food security is ensured with domestic supply varies strongly across the globe. Domestic production provides a foundation for food security in wealthy countries, usually located in areas with favorable conditions for agriculture (including North America, Australia, New Zealand, Kazakhstan) and in countries which, though characterized by a relatively small area of arable land per capita, demonstrate high production intensity (mainly European countries). International trade largely contributes to food security in Middle East and North African countries as well as in selected South American countries which are net importers of food products. The most problematic food situation continues to affect Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia.

Physical activity of Katowice urban area inhabitants with regard to selected physical traits and social factors

Background: Modern research of health determinants and health-related behavior patterns places a particular emphasis on the assessment of physical activity levels in various social and professional groups. The deficit of physical activity has become a common cause of serious diseases. Following the ecological model of health behavior, physical activity as a biological and cultural phenomenon can be indirectly modified by such interpersonal factors as age, sex, somatic traits and education. Objectives: The aim of the present study was the identification and assessment of habitual physical activity of adult inhabitants from the Katowice Urban Area with regard to selected physical traits and social determinants. Material and methods: The study was carried out in the Katowice Urban Area in May and June, 2012-2014. The research material comprised 2,173 inhabitants, including 1,017 women and 1,156 men, aged 30 to 65 years. The respondents' habitual physical activity was assessed with the use of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Version (IPAQ-SF). The obtained data on the respondents' physical activity were compared with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations Results: The results of the study showed that the frequency and duration of high-intensity physical activity and duration of moderate-intensity physical activity were significantly greater in the male inhabitants. The age was also a significant factor affecting the levels of high-intensity physical activity in men. Body build was not a significant determinant of the frequency and duration of physical activity in both men and women from Katowice. The education level only affected the level of physical activity in men. Sex, age, and education of the respondents were statistically significant determinants of their level of fulfilment of the ACSM recommendations. Conclusions: Propagation of physical activity among adults and the elderly, and women in particular, remains a continuing challenge facing health promotion professionals.

Objective Assessment of Adherence to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health in Relation to Spirometric Values in Nonsmoker Women Aged 60-75 Years.

The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between forced expiratory spirometric tests and physical activity levels in older women divided into two groups based on whether they met or did not meet guidelines for weekly physical activity according to the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health (WHO, 2011). Research included 61 healthy, nonsmoker female seniors (Mage = 66 years, SDage = 4.4 years). Weekly physical activity was assessed using an ActiGraph GT3X triaxial accelerometer. To evaluate pulmonary function, forced spirometry tests were performed. The women who met criteria of physical activity for health achieved significantly higher values for forced vital capacity (FVC), t(59) = -1.58, p < .001, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), t(59) = -3.33, p = .002. Meeting criteria of Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health is associated with better FVC and FEV1 parameters in healthy older women.

Assessment of Startle Response and Its Prepulse Inhibition Using Posturography: Pilot Study.

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using static posturography in the assessment of sensorimotor gating. Subjects and Methods. Fourteen subjects took part in the experiment. The inhibitory mechanisms of startle reflex were used as the measure of sensorimotor gating. It was evoked by a strong acoustic stimulus (106 dB SPL, 40 ms) which was preceded by the weaker similar signal (80 dB SPL, 20 ms). A stabilographic platform was used to measure sensorimotor gating. Results. Results of static posturography show that the postural sway caused by the reaction to a strong acoustic stimulus is significantly smaller when this stimulus is preceded by the signal of lower intensity (prepulse). Such assessment is only possible in eyes open conditions. Conclusions. Static posturography can be simple and effective method used for diagnosis of sensorimotor gating in humans.

Applicability of pedometry and accelerometry in the calculation of energy expenditure during walking and Nordic walking among women in relation to their exercise heart rate.

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of pedometry and accelerometry in the measurement of the energy expenditures in Nordic walking and conventional walking as diagnostic parameters. [Subjects and Methods] The study included 20 female students (age, 24 ± 2.3 years). The study used three types of measuring devices, namely a heart rate monitor (Polar S610i), a Caltrac accelerometer, and a pedometer (Yamax SW-800). The walking pace at the level of 110 steps/min was determined by using a metronome. [Results] The students who walked with poles covered a distance of 1,000 m at a speed 36.3 sec faster and with 65.5 fewer steps than in conventional walking. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate interrelationship between the results obtained with a pedometer and those obtained with an accelerometer during Nordic walking (r = 0.55) and a high correlation during conventional walking (r = 0.85). [Conclusion] A pedometer and Caltrac accelerometer should not be used as alternative measurement instruments in the comparison of energy expenditure in Nordic walking.

[Physical activity of top level managers in the context of the public health recommendations]. / Aktywnosc fizyczna menadzerów wyzszych szczebli zarzadzania w kontekscie zalecen prozdrowotnych.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the work was to assess weekly, habitual physical activity of high-ranking managers, aged 28-63. The research question was formulated as follows: What percentage of surveyed professional workers met the criteria for health-recommended physical activity? MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research involved 123 top level managers divided into three age groups: 28-39, 40-49 and 50-63 years. Physical activity was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The volume of different levels of physical activity was calculated in units of MET min/wk. The percentage of managers meeting various criteria (IPAQ, Paffenbarger's recommendations, American College and Sport Medicine and WHO recommendations) for physical activity was calculated. RESULTS: the average total volume of weekly physical activity was 2189.39 +/- 1201.44 MET min/wk. Public health recommendations for adults issued by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association were met by only 27% of managers. CONCLUSIONS: Manager's average frequency of participation in moderate and vigorous physical activity is lower than recommended. There is a need to institute programs to promote healthy behavior (especially physical activity) among high-ranking professional workers.