Replication of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Human Respiratory Epithelium.

Currently, there are four seasonal coronaviruses associated with relatively mild respiratory tract disease in humans. However, there is also a plethora of animal coronaviruses which have the potential to cross the species border. This regularly results in the emergence of new viruses in humans. In 2002, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged and rapidly disappeared in May 2003. In 2012, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified as a possible threat to humans, but its pandemic potential so far is minimal, as human-to-human transmission is ineffective. The end of 2019 brought us information about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emergence, and the virus rapidly spread in 2020, causing an unprecedented pandemic. At present, studies on the virus are carried out using a surrogate system based on the immortalized simian Vero E6 cell line. This model is convenient for diagnostics, but it has serious limitations and does not allow for understanding of the biology and evolution of the virus. Here, we show that fully differentiated human airway epithelium cultures constitute an excellent model to study infection with the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. We observed efficient replication of the virus in the tissue, with maximal replication at 2 days postinfection. The virus replicated in ciliated cells and was released apically.IMPORTANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged by the end of 2019 and rapidly spread in 2020. At present, it is of utmost importance to understand the biology of the virus, rapidly assess the treatment potential of existing drugs, and develop new active compounds. While some animal models for such studies are under development, most of the research is carried out in Vero E6 cells. Here, we propose fully differentiated human airway epithelium cultures as a model for studies on SARS-CoV-2.

Prediction of maturity offset and age at peak height velocity in a longitudinal series of boys and girls.

BACKGROUND: Predicted maturity offset, defined as time before peak height velocity (PHV) is increasingly used as an indicator of maturity status in studies of physical activity, fitness, and sport. OBJECTIVE: To validate maturity offset prediction equations in longitudinal samples of boys and girls. METHODS: The original and modified maturity offset prediction equations were applied to serial data for 266 boys (8-17 years) and 147 girls (8-16 years) from the Cracow Growth Study. Actual age at PHV for each youngster was estimated with the SITAR protocol. In addition to maturity offset, the difference between CA at prediction and maturity offset provided an estimate of predicted age at PHV. RESULTS: Predicted maturity offset and age at PHV increased, on average, with CA at prediction. Variation in predictions was reduced compared to that in observed ages at offset and at PHV, and was more apparent with the modified equations. Relatively few predicted ages at PHV approximated observed age at PHV in early and late maturing youth of both sexes; predictions were later than observed among the former, and earlier than observed among the latter. CONCLUSION: Predicted maturity offset and ages at PHV with the original and modified equations increase with CA at prediction, have reduced variation, and have major limitations with early and late maturing boys and girls.

Ms1 RNA increases the amount of RNA polymerase in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Ms1 is a sRNA recently found in mycobacteria and several other actinobacterial species. Ms1 interacts with the RNA polymerase (RNAP) core devoid of sigma factors, which differs from 6S RNA that binds to RNAP holoenzymes containing the primary sigma factor. Here we show that Ms1 is the most abundant non-rRNA transcript in stationary phase in Mycobacterium smegmatis. The accumulation of Ms1 stems from its high-level synthesis combined with decreased degradation. We identify the Ms1 promoter, PMs1 , and cis-acting elements important for its activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PNPase (an RNase) contributes to the differential accumulation of Ms1 during growth. Then, by comparing the transcriptomes of wt and ΔMs1 strains from stationary phase, we reveal that Ms1 affects the intracellular level of RNAP. The absence of Ms1 results in decreased levels of the mRNAs encoding ß and ß' subunits of RNAP, which is also reflected at the protein level. Thus, the ΔMs1 strain has a smaller pool of RNAPs available when the transcriptional demand increases. This contributes to the inability of the ΔMs1 strain to rapidly react to environmental changes during outgrowth from stationary phase.

Thinness in a population of rural girls in Poland: 14-year changes and regional differentiation.

Worldwide data indicate a growing number of energy homeostasis disorders, which are especially dangerous in childhood. The distribution and growing trends of overweight and obesity in children have been widely investigated, unlike the prevalence of too-low body weight and its determinants. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of body mass deficiency in Polish rural girls and differences among four Polish regions - Choszczno and Leszno in the north-west, and Ostrów Mazowiecka and Suwalki in the north-east. Data were taken from 7764 rural girls aged 9-18 years examined in 1987, when the country was in economic crisis, and 9431 such girls examined in 2001, when the country was undergoing political transformation. The frequency of weight deficiency was estimated based on BMI by applying the international standards of Cole. An Extent of Overweight (EOW) index was used to create an Extent of Thinness (EOT) index. A significant increase in weight deficiency was found in the rural girls - from 7.5% in 1987 to 8.9% in 2001 - and an increase in the EOT index from 0.37 in 1987 to 0.43 in 2001. Analysis by area of residence demonstrated significant differentiation. In the regions in north-west Poland, mainly inhabited by non-farming families, the prevalence of weight deficiency in girls almost doubled from 1987 to 2001, probably because of the mass and long-term unemployment that resulted from the closure of state farms in 1992. In contrast, in the north-east regions, the prevalence of weight deficiency remained almost unchanged over this period, with only a slight decrease, probably because the inhabitants were mainly farm and farm/working families with better living conditions. Despite the overall increase in thinness prevalence in rural girls in Poland, different living conditions have had different biological effects.

Central overweight and obesity in Polish schoolchildren aged 7-18 years: secular changes of waist circumference between 1966 and 2012.

We investigated secular trends of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in Polish schoolchildren examined through a period of almost 50 years. Data on height, weight and WC came from four cross-sectional surveys conducted in Poland between 1966 and 2012, covering 34,005 boys and 34,008 girls. Raw data of BMI and WC were standardized for age classes. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal-Willis test and Pearson Chi-square test. BMI and WC increased during the studied period; however, the growth was higher for WC (increase by 0.56 and 0.44 SD scores for BMI and 1.05 and 0.77 SD scores for WC in boys and girls, respectively). In boys, secular changes in BMI and WC were similar across childhood, early and late adolescence, while in girls they differed, indicating change in the type of adipose tissue distribution to a more central one in late adolescent girls. CONCLUSION: During 46 years, there was a tendency to a greater increase of the fraction of individuals with central obesity than the overall one. Since abdominal fat deposit is more connected with higher health risks than subcutaneous fat pattern, probably the number of metabolic complications in Polish children and adolescents will intensify in the future. What is Known: • BMI has significant limitations related to fat distribution, while WC is a measure of central adiposity. • Greater central fat deposition increases the risk of many diseases; therefore, WC may serve as a diagnostic measure for detecting central obesity in children at risk. What is New: • In girls, changes in BMI and WC indicate change in adipose tissue distribution to a more central one in late adolescence girls. • Both general and abdominal obesity in Polish children increased significantly from 1966 to 2012, with the tendency to a greater increase of the fraction of individuals with central obesity than the overall one, implying the number of metabolic complications in Polish children and adolescents may intensify in the future.

RISK FACTORS FOR ABDOMINAL OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FROM CRACOW, POLAND (1983-2000).

The aim of this study was to determine abdominal obesity risk factors in two successive cohorts of children and adolescents aged 4-18 from Cracow, Poland, examined during the years of political transformation. The influence of biological, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors on abdominal obesity was analysed by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression analysis. It was found that for girls obesity in both parents (OR=4.31; 95% CI 1.73-20.70) and high birth weight (OR=1.78; 95% CI 1.12-2.82) were significant risk factors for abdominal obesity in the 1983 cohort. In the 2000 cohort obesity in both parents for boys and girls (boys: OR=5.85; 95% CI 1.36-25.10; girls: OR=4.82; 95% CI 1.17-19.77), low level of parental education in girls (OR=2.06; 95% CI 1.15-3.69), having only one son (OR=1.96; 95% CI 1.36-3.40), parents' smoking habits in girls (OR=2.94; 95% CI 1.46-5.91) and lack of undertaking physical activity in sport clubs in boys (OR=6.11; 95% CI 1.46-25.47) were significant abdominal obesity risk factors. Higher number of hours of leisure time physical activity (OR=0.89; 95% CI 0.81-0.97) significantly lowered the risk of abdominal obesity in boys in the 2000 cohort. The greater differentiation of abdominal obesity risk factors in the 2000 cohort in comparison to the 1983 cohort may have resulted from the social and economic changes taking place in Poland at the end of the 20th century.

The influence of a 12-week program of physical activity on changes in body composition and lipid and carbohydrate status in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: For years there have been studies on what kind of physical activity is optimal for maintaining proper health condition. Besides well known and approved endurance training of moderate intensity, an importance of interval exercise where short term, sudden intensification of work is performed at low endurance load is emphasized. The aim of the work was to assess the effects of a program of physical activity applied to postmenopausal women regarding improvement of their body composition and biochemical indices of lipid and carbohydrate status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The program of physical activity contained 12-week trainings of Nordic walking (NW) and gymnastic-dance classes (G-D). The intensity of effort during the NW training was at the level of 60% HRmax, whereas intensity of G-D exercises was selected based on a subjective assessment of effort according to the scale of American College of Sports Medicine. RESULTS: The 12-week program of physical activity resulted in statistically significant lowering of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction levels. An increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was observed, whereas the values of triacylglycerols (TG) did not change. The average fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly. Similar changes were noted for the insulin level. The analysed body biometrical-structural indices did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The applied 12-week program of physical activity without changes of dietary habits contributed to an improvement in plasma lipid profile and an increased insulin sensitivity, but it did not affect significantly body composition.

Exercise-induced effects on asprosin and indices of atherogenicity and insulin resistance in males with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) development is associated with insulin resistance and obesity, with the progression of visceral adipose tissue playing a crucial role. Excessive adipose tissue is accompanied by an increase in the asprosin (ASP), which is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and the regulation of hunger and satiety. Exercise affects the release of ASP, which may regulate metabolism accordingly. Due to the inconclusive results of the effect of exercise on ASP concentration in men with MetS, 12-week interventions were carried out in the following groups: EG1-aerobic training (n = 21, age: 34.21 ± 6.06, WC; waist circumference: 114.7 ± 10.93) and EG2-a combination of aerobic and resistance training (n = 21, age: 37.37 ± 7.08, WC: 114.8 ± 11.64) and compared with a control group (CG) of men with MetS without any intervention (n = 20, age: 38.26 ± 7.43, WC: 115.3 ± 10.54). Body composition, indicators of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, and ASP were assessed four times: before the intervention, at 6 and 12 weeks of training, and 4 weeks after the training sessions. A comparison of the intervention influence on changes in the analyzed variables between the groups was performed using ANOVA test for dependent groups with post-hoc comparison. The effect size (ES) was also assessed using squared eta (η2). The implementation of aerobic training resulted in a decrease in ASP concentration (p = 0.03) within 6 weeks of the intervention, while in the CG a gradual increase in ASP was confirmed (p < 0.001). Aerobic-resistance training did not induce significant changes in ASP concentration but resulted in an increase in fat-free mass/fat mass (FFM/FM) ratio (p < 0.001), and a decrease (p = 0.04) in Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Changes in the visceral adipose tissue level indicate a gradual decrease in both the EG1 (p = 0.01) and EG2 (p = 0.04) groups. Both aerobic and aerobic-resistance exercises may have a regulatory effect, mainly by reducing visceral adipose tissue, on the improvement of metabolic disorders.

Growth status and age at peak height velocity among youth participants in several sports: the Cracow longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Studies addressing age at peak height velocity (PHV) in longitudinal samples of participants in sports are relatively limited. PURPOSE: To compare the growth status and estimated ages at PHV of longitudinal samples girls and boys active in sport with peers not active in sport, and to compare estimated ages at PHV among longitudinal samples of Polish youth active in sport. METHODS: Records from the Cracow Longitudinal Study, which measured youth annually from 8 to 18 years, were screened to identify individuals regularly active in sport. Participants in athletics (22 girls, 10 boys), soccer (12 boys), and other team (6 girls, 7 boys) and individual (6 girls, 9 boys) sports were identified; 107 girls and 172 boys were not active in sport. Heights and weights of participants in sports and non-involved peers were compared. Longitudinal height records of individuals were fit with the SITAR model to estimate age at PHV. Ages at PHV of boys and girls active in sport and peers not active in sports were compared with sex-specific ANOVAs. RESULTS: Ages at PHV of boys participating in athletics and soccer were similar to age at PHV of boys not active in sport, while ages at PHV of boys in other team sports (basketball, volleyball, handball) and individual sports (skiing, gymnastics, acrobatics) were, respectively, slightly earlier and later. Among girls, age at PHV of participants in team sports (basketball, netball) was earlier, while ages at PHV among participants in athletics and other individual sports (equestrian, acrobatics, shooting) were slightly later compared to non-athlete peers. CONCLUSION: Ages at PHV varied among participants in different sports and were consistent with estimates in other longitudinal samples of Polish youth athletes.

Dynamic changes in LINC00458/HBL1 lncRNA expression during hiPSC differentiation to cardiomyocytes.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute the largest and most diverse class of non-coding RNAs. They localize to the nucleus, cytoplasm, or both compartments, and regulate gene expression through various mechanisms at multiple levels. LncRNAs tend to evolve faster and present higher tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression than protein-coding genes. Initially considered byproducts of erroneous transcription without biological function, lncRNAs are now recognized for their involvement in numerous biological processes, such as immune response, apoptosis, pluripotency, reprogramming, and differentiation. In this study, we focused on Heart Brake lncRNA 1 (HBL1), a lncRNA recently reported to modulate the process of pluripotent stem cell differentiation toward cardiomyocytes. We employed RT-qPCR and high-resolution RNA FISH to monitor the expression and localization of HBL1 during the differentiation progression. Our findings indicate a significant increase in HBL1 expression during mesodermal and cardiac mesodermal stages, preceding an anticipated decrease in differentiated cells. We detected the RNA in discrete foci in both the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. In the latter compartment, we observed colocalization of HBL1 with Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1), which likely results from an interaction between the RNA and the protein, as the two were found to be coimmunoprecipitated in RNP-IP experiments. Finally, we provide evidence that HBL1, initially reported as an independent lncRNA gene, is part of the LINC00458 (also known as lncRNA-ES3 or ES3) gene, forming the last exon of some LINC00458 splice isoforms.

Overweight and obesity in rural girls from Poland: changes between 1987 and 2001.

Several studies have documented increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in inhabitants of rural regions, but determinants of their prevalence are complex and not always in one direction. The aim of this study was to estimate both the prevalence and extent of overweight and obesity among rural girls in Poland between 1987 and 2001, as well as to assess differentiation of the phenomenon between regions of different social structures. The data come from two series of cross-sectional studies; the first in 1987 included 7764 girls, and the second in 2001 included 9431 girls aged 9-18. Body mass index (according to the International Obesity Task Force, IOTF) and the EOW index (extent of overweight), which shows by what mean BMI value the overweight boundaries are exceeded, were calculated. Overweight and obesity prevalences in the whole sample, were, respectively, 14.9% and 2.7% in 1987 and 15.5% and 2.5% in 2001, but significant differentiation in the direction of the changes was observed between the examined regions. In one of them, characterized by sudden, mass and long-term unemployment, there was a considerable decrease in overweight and obesity prevalence, whereas in a relatively wealthier region no changes were observed during the 14-year period. Two other regions with a relatively low standard of living and low incomes and education status presented a significant increase in overweight and obesity prevalence. The EOW index increased from 1.9 to 2.1 in the whole examined sample, and it also confirmed significant differences in expansion of overweight and obesity between the examined regions. The complex character of political and socioeconomic changes in Poland during the 1990 s has resulted in two-directional changes in biological measures of living conditions. The analysis of the whole sample led to different results in comparison to separate analyses of each of the examined regions.

Effect of Exercise Interventions on Irisin and Interleukin-6 Concentrations and Indicators of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome.

Irisin (IR) is a biomarker that is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the available evidence on the association of IR, physical activity, and MetS status are contradictory. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise intervention on IR and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and indicators of carbohydrate metabolism in males with MetS. The study included 62 males with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, BMI 33.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2) randomly assigned to: examined group 1 (EG1, n = 21) with aerobic exercise intervention, examined group 2 (EG2, n = 21) with combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, both for 12 weeks, and the control group (CG, n = 20) without intervention. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (body fat [BF], fat free mass [FFM]) as well as a biochemical blood analysis (irisin [IR], interleukin-6 [IL-6], insulin [INS] and glucose [GL]) were performed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks of intervention, and 4 weeks after ending the intervention (follow-up). Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed. In EG1, an increase in IR level was observed as well as decreases in IL-6, BF, and GL levels in relation to the initial measurement. In EG2, decreases in IL-6, BF, and INS levels were observed as well as an increase in FFM level. In CG, no changes were found. Aerobic-resistance exercise led to a greater reduction in the concentrations of IL-6 and INS and more favorable changes in body composition (BF and FFM) than the use of aerobic training alone in males with MetS.

Effect of Winter Outdoor Physical Activity on Body Composition and Motor Performance of Polish Adult Men.

There is a relationship between physical activity and environmental factors, including weather conditions. Winter should not be a season in which physical activity is abandoned. Previous studies indicate that reducing the daily level of physical activity in adults has a negative impact on their motor proficiency and respiratory endurance, which subsequently translates into diminished quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of winter outdoor physical activity on somatic parameters, body composition, and motor performance of adult men (age 45.4 ± 5.9 years) involved in regular physical activity (physically active PA, n = 31) during the winter season (study group) compared to the control group of physically inactive men (PI, n = 22). Somatic parameters and selected parameters of motor fitness (Eurofit for Adults) were measured in both groups twice, at the beginning (pre) and at the end (post) of the winter season. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and a post hoc LSD test were performed to evaluate the difference between the mean parameter values. In the PA group, a decrease in body fat mass, waist circumference, and abdominal obesity indicators, as well as an increase in skeletal muscle mass were confirmed. Improvements in motor performance parameters, i.e., flexibility, the speed of upper limb movements, hand and forearm muscle grip strength, the strength of the lower part of the torso, and cardiorespiratory endurance were also observed. Regular physical activity in the open air during the winter brings measurable health benefits, positively influencing the body composition and motor efficiency of adult men.

Exercise-Induced Alternations of Adiponectin, Interleukin-8 and Indicators of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome.

Adiponectin (ADIPO) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are proteins that play a significant, albeit opposing, role in metabolic syndrome (MetS). The reported data on the effect of physical activity on the levels of these hormones in the population of people with MetS are conflicting. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in hormone concentrations, insulin-resistance indices and body composition after two types of training. The study included 62 men with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, body fat [BF] = 37.53 ± 4.5%), randomly assigned to: an experimental group EG1 (n = 21) with aerobic exercise intervention, an experimental group EG2 (n = 21) with combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, both for 12 weeks, and a control group CG (n = 20) without interventions. Anthropometric measurements and body composition (fat-free mass [FFM], gynoid body fat [GYNOID]), as well as a biochemical blood analysis (adiponectin [ADIPO], interleukin-8 [IL-8], homeostatic model assessment-adiponectin (HOMA-AD) and homeostatic model assessment-triglycerides (HOMA-TG) were performed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention (follow-up). Intergroup (between groups) and intragroup (within each group) changes were statistically evaluated. In the experimental groups EG1 and EG2, no significant changes were observed in the ADIPO concentration, but a decrease of GYNOID and insulin-resistance indices was confirmed. The aerobic training led to favorable changes in IL-8 concentration. The use of combined resistance and aerobic training led to improved body composition, decreased waist circumference and better insulin-resistance indices in men with MetS.

Alterations of Body Composition, Blood Morphology and Fibrinogen Concentration after Vibration Therapy in Older Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Vibrotherapy is one of the methods of physical therapy. Vibration, like various forms of physical activity, affects metabolic processes and health. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of thirty vibration sessions on body composition, hematologic and rheological indexes of blood, and protein and fibrinogen concentration in elderly women's blood. The study included 69 women, aged 60-70 years (mean age 64.6 ± 2.9), who were randomly and parallel assigned into: the vibrotherapy group 1 (G1) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Knees module, the vibrotherapy group 2 (G2) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Metabolism module, and the control group (CG) without interventions. In all patients, the following assessments were performed twice-baseline and after thirty vibrotherapy sessions: an assessment of body composition, a complete blood count with a hematology analyzer and erythrocyte aggregation by a laser-optical rotational red cell analyzer; total plasma protein and fibrinogen concentrations were established, respectively, by biuret and spectrophotometric methods. Intergroup (between groups) and intragroup (within each group) changes were statistically evaluated. After applying thirty vibration sessions, a decrease in body composition parameters (BM, body mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.001 and FFM, fat free mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.05) was confirmed in both intervention groups and BMI, body mass index in G2 (p < 0.05). It was found that, in G2, changes in erythrocyte aggregation indexes (T ½, half time kinetics of aggregation, p < 0.05 and AI, aggregation index, p < 0.05) and decrease of fibrinogen concentration (p < 0.05) took place. A series of thirty vibration sessions did not cause significant alterations in blood morphological parameters; therefore, vibrotherapy did not disturb hematological balance. Vibration sessions had a positive effect on BM, BMI, AG and fibrinogen concentration in the studied women, indicating the usefulness of this form of activation in older adults. Due to a decrease in FFM observed in the study, vibrotherapy should be employed in conjunction with physical exercise and other forms of physical activity in the group of older adults.

Impact of Two Types of Exercise Interventions on Leptin and Omentin Concentrations and Indicators of Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome.

Leptin (LEP) and omentin (OMEN) are proteins whose concentrations change with the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). There are few intervention studies using various forms of physical activity in people with MetS that aim to determine the impact of physical exercise on the fluctuations of the presented hormones, and their results are contradictory. The present study aimed to examine the effect of two types of exercise intervention on LEP and OMEN concentrations and indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in males with MetS. The study included 62 males with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, body mass 110.31 ± 17.37 kg), randomly allocated to EG1, the examined group with aerobic training (n = 21); EG2, the examined group with combined aerobic and resistance training (n = 21), both for 12 weeks, and the control group (CG) without interventions (n = 20). Anthropometric measurements, body composition (body fat [BF], android body fat [ANDR]), as well as a biochemical blood analysis (omentin [OMEN], leptin [LEP], quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and nonHDL-C) were performed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks of interventions and after 4 weeks after ending intervention (follow-up). Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed. In the intervention groups EG1 and EG2, a decrease in BF was observed as well as an improvement in carbohydrate metabolism parameters. In the EG1 group, the level of ANDR was reduced. In EG2 a decrease in LEP concentration between measurements was confirmed. However, no significant changes were found in the concentration of OMEN in any groups. Combined aerobic and resistance exercises led to a higher reduction of LEP concentration than applying only aerobic training in males with MetS.

Tracking and risk of abdominal obesity in the adolescence period in children aged 7-15. The Cracow Longitudinal Growth Study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the tracking of abdominal fat distribution from the age of 7 to 15 years and to estimate the risk of abdominal obesity at 15 based on the occurrence of abdominal obesity at the ages 7-14 years in boys and girls. METHODS: The analysis was performed on 8-year longitudinal measurements of 315 boys and 198 girls from Cracow, Poland. The stability of waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) got assessed by inter-age correlations. The degree of abdominal fatness continuation level was evaluated applying contingency tables with the χ² test based on quartiles of WC and WHtR distribution. The risk of abdominal obesity at 15 was estimated using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Inter-age correlations between the 7(th) and 15(th) years were 0.73 and 0.67 in boys and 0.48 and 0.48 in girls for WC and WHtR, respectively. More than 51% girls and 62% boys with abdominal fat distribution at 7 remained in the same category in adolescence period, while only 2% of them moved to the thin category at 15. The risk of abdominal obesity (WHtR) was highest in boys and girls with abdominal obesity at 7 (OR = 5.46 and OR = 6.19, respectively) and, additionally, in girls at 12 (OR = 5.59). CONCLUSION: The risk of abdominal obesity was indicated already at 7 in boys and girls. Continuation of the abdominal fat distribution confirmed in about 60% acknowledges that the type of fat distribution seems to be determined as early as in the 7-year-olds.

Associations between Sleep Duration and Anthropometric Indices of Adiposity in Female University Students.

OBJECTIVES: To examine associations between sleep duration as well as time of going to sleep and anthropometric indices related to the amount and distribution of adiposity. MATERIAL: A total of 969 female university students, aged 19-24 years. METHODS: Participants self-reported their sleep duration. Body weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. BMI, WHR and WHtR were calculated. Statistical analyses of results involved logistic regression models. Socioeconomic status and level of stress were added as covariates. RESULTS: In 15% of the sample, sleep was too short (<6 h), and 10% slept too long (>8 h). Compared to women who followed the recommended sleep duration, among short sleepers, both underweight and overweight were more frequent, while long sleepers were more likely to be overweight. A higher prevalence of abdominal obesity and increased risk of metabolic syndrome were observed in both short and long sleepers than in recommended sleepers. Irregular sleep times were connected with higher OR, both for BMI < 18.5 and BMI > 25, for WC > 80, and WHtR below 0.4 and above 0.5. Irregular sleep times also led to an increased risk of metabolic diseases prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Both too long and too short sleep increases the risk of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity and, as a consequence, the risk of metabolic syndrome in young women.

Influence of pregnancy related anthropometric changes on plantar pressure distribution during gait-A follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: As foot constitutes the base of support for the whole body, the pregnancy-related anthropometric changes can result in adaptive plantar pressure alterations. The present study aimed to investigate how pregnancy affects foot loading pattern in gait, and if it is related to body adjustments to growing foetus that occur in the course of pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study included 30 women. Three experimental sessions in accordance with the same procedure were carried out in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. First, the anthropometric measures of the body mass and waist circumference were taken. Then walking trials at a self-selected speed along a ~6-m walkway were registered with the FreeMED force platform (Sensor Medica, Italy). Vertical foot pressure was recorded by the force plate located in the middle of the walkway. FINDINGS: The correlation of individual foot loading parameters across different trimesters was relatively high. Nevertheless, our results revealed a longitudinal foot arch flattening with the strongest effect in late pregnancy (P = 0.01). The anthropometric characteristics also influenced the foot loading pattern depending on the phase of pregnancy. In particular, arch flattening correlated with the body mass in all trimesters (r≥0.44, P≤0.006) while the medial-lateral loading index correlated only in the first (r = 0.45, P = 0.005) and second (r = 0.36, P = 0.03) trimesters. Waist circumference changes significantly influenced dynamic arch flattening but only in the late pregnancy (r≥0.46, P≤0.004). In the third trimester, a small though significant increase in the right foot angle was observed (P = 0.01). INTERPRETATION: The findings provided the characteristics of the relative foot areas loading throughout pregnancy. Growing abdominal size increases the risk of medial arch flattening, which can result in less stable gait. The observed increase in foot angle in late pregnancy may constitute a strategy to enhance gait stability.

The Severity of Obesity Promotes Greater Dehydration in Children: Preliminary Results.

The state of hydration of the body depends on the balance between the amount of water and salt consumed and excreted (the urinary extraction of excess sodium requires water). Inappropriate nutrition, particularly consuming too much processed food, causes obesity in children and additionally causes excessive sodium consumption, thus increasing the risk of excessive water loss. The aim of this study was to assess the hydration status of children with obesity and the relation between hydration, body composition, urinary sodium extraction, and nutrient intake. The study group consisted of 27 patients with obesity, with a mean age of 12.89 ± SD 2.79. Each patient's height, weight, body composition (electrical bioimpedance (BIA)), diet (7-day record), and biochemical tests were assessed. The hydration status was assessed using 24-hour urine collection, 24-hour urine osmolality, and an ultrasound of the vena cava (IVC/Ao index). Overall, 55% of children (n = 15) had urine osmolality values above 800 mOsm/kgH2O, which indicates significant dehydration, and 53% (n = 14) were dehydrated, based on the IVC/Ao index. Children with obesity and dehydration had a significantly higher BMI (31.79 vs. 27.32; p = 0.0228), fat mass percentage (37.23% vs. 30.07% p = 0.0051), and fat mass in kg (30.89 vs. 20.55; p = 0.0158), and significantly higher sodium intake from their diet (3390.0 mg vs. 2921.0 mg; p = 0.0230), as well as their sodium/potassium ratio (2.4 vs. 2.0; p = 0.0043). The 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and osmolality values were directly related to fat-mass percentage and fat-mass (in kg) in a simple linear correlation analysis. Our preliminary results confirm that obesity is related to dehydration. The overall high sodium excretion in children with obesity indicates an excessive salt intake along with low potassium intake, which is a significant predictor of dehydration, regardless of the total water intake (TWI).