Changes in diet and physical activity in students during lockdown by example of COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Due to the spread of COVID-19 infections around the world, in early 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global pandemic, i.e. an epidemic of particularly large dimensions affecting countries and entire continents. Long-term stay at home and self-isolation may have significantly impacted lifestyle, diet, food choices and access to food, as well as physical activity in the entire population, including students. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of social isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic on changes in diet, lifestyle and body mass index in a group of students, so that we would be better prepared for future new viral infections with characteristics similar to Covid-19. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 2021 using a cross-sectional online survey (using the CAWI technique). The survey was addressed to students of universities in Poland who were over 18 years of age. After excluding forms completed incorrectly or with incorrect data, the final analysis of the results included the responses of 196 respondents. Statistical analyzes were performed in STATISTICA 13.3. Statistical significance was assumed at the level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The study involved 136 women and 60 men with an average age of 23. The majority of respondents were residents of cities with over 500,000 inhabitants (50%), were students of 1st degree (45%) in medical/natural sciences (36%). The largest percentage of respondents (above 70%), before the pandemic and during isolation, had normal body weight, according to the BMI. There were significant statistical differences between gender and changes during COVID-19 pandemic in sleeping (p=0.013), physical activity (p=0.028), as well as the consumption of tea (p=0.047), milk and dairy products (p=0.041), alcohol (p=0.001) and red meat (p=0.003), vegetables (p=0.049), sweets (p=0.029) and fast food (p=0.004). Conclusions: Due to the fact that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the diet and lifestyle has been demonstrated, it is very important that the recommendations of public health organizations spread the message about rational nutrition and physical activity in the event of new viral infections among young people, including students.

Gender as a factor influencing the frequency of meat and fish consumption in young adults.

Background: Meat and fish contain easily digestible whole protein, B vitamins and numerous minerals, such as zinc, phosphorus and iron, thanks to which these products have a high nutritional value. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of consumption of meat and fish in young adults depending on gender. Material and Methods: Data was collected from 200 respondents aged 19-30 using online survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part contained questions about sociodemographic and anthropometric data, the second part contained a question regarding the self-assessment of the diet. Whereas, the third part of the questionnaire concerned the frequency of consumption of meat and fish. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Statistica 13.3 software and statistical significance was assumed at the p≤0.05 level. Results: Meat consumption was declared by 86.5% of the respondents (83% of women and 90% of men), usually 5-6 times a week (20%). Gender statistically significantly differentiated the frequency of meat consumption. Men significantly more often consumed total meat (p=0.002), red meat (p=0.001) and poultry (p=0.004) compared to women. Fish was eaten by 85% of the respondents, and 39% only 1-3 times a month. Respondents preferred oily fish. There were no statistically significant differences in the consumption of fish by men and women. Conclusions: Considering the complexity of the relationship between men and women's meat and fish consumption and health, research is needed to clarify the amounts of meat and fish consumed, the degrees and how they are processed, and the reasons for eating or not eating them. This can be helpful in directions for nutritional education.

Assessment of coffee, tea and herbal infusions consumption in adults.

Introduction: Coffee and tea are some of the most popular beverages in the world. Herbal infusions are also growing in popularity. Much attention is being paid to the effects of these beverages on the body and human health. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyse the consumption of coffee, tea and herbal infusions in terms of selected socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, as well as the frequency of beverages consumption in the study group. Materials and methods: The study involved 508 adult respondents, including 404 females and 104 males aged over 18 years. An online survey questionnaire was used, consisting of questions on socioeconomic data, lifestyle, height and weight, and frequency of consumption of coffee, tea and herbal infusions. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Statistica 13.3 software, and statistical significance was assumed at the p≤0.05 level. Results: The beverages most often consumed by the adults was tea (90.2% of the respondents), followed by coffee (81.5%), the least frequently chosen beverage was herbal infusion (48%). The largest percentage of adults consuming coffee were: persons aged 18-29 (p=0.012), with higher education (p=0.010), living in cities over 500,000 inhabitants (p=0.048) or having permanent employment (p<0.001). In the case of tea consumption, significantly the largest percentage of adults concerned: women (p<0.001), persons with low physical activity (p=0.003) or good/very good self-dietary assessment (p<0.001). Significantly the largest percentage of adults consuming herbal infusions were: women (p<0.001), persons aged 18-29 (p=0.031) or with higher education (p<0.001). Gender was not a factor differentiating the frequency of consumption of the analyzed beverages in study group. Conclusions: The consumption of coffee, tea and herbal infusions is determined by several socio-demographic factors. Coffee was chosen more often by young people with an active professional life in large cities, which is probably related to the availability of this beverage in offices as well as in takeaway cafes.

The content of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids and vitamin C in non-preserved juices, depending on their type and storage time.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is one of the most important water-soluble vitamins. It is responsible for many important functions in the body, including: it has a positive effect on maintaining immunity, protects the body against free radicals, and also participates in the synthesis of hormones. Juices can be a good source of this vitamin. Most of the juices available on the market are processed products. Untreated juices, which do not contain added preservatives, sugar and are not pasteurized, constitute a smaller group on the market. Therefore, this group of juices can be a valuable product in human nutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was t o analyze the content of ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) and vitamin C (TAA) in non-preserved juices, depending on their type and storage time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of T AA, AA and DHAA content in juices was carried out in ten types of nonpreserved juices from two companies (A and B), purchased in a chain of retail outlets. The analyzed juices in company A were: sauerkraut and carrot, grapefruit, orange, apple and mandarin, while in company B: orange, apple, apple and quince, grapefruit and mandarin. In test 1, the first ten juices were analyzed, in test 2 - another ten juices after one month, in test 3 - juices from test 2 were used, and three days after opening the package and storing the juices in standard refrigeration conditions, the stability test of AA was analyzed. The AA and TAA contents were determined using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The DHAA content was calculated by subtracting the AA content from the TAA content. RESULTS: The highest TAA content was found in citrus juices, i.e. grapefruit, orange and mandarin, and the lowest in sauerkraut and carrot juices and apple juice. Moreover, ascorbic acid in apple juice was characterized by the lowest durability. CONCLUSIONS: In the production of non-preserved apple juice, consideration should be given to the natural protection of ascorbic acid by the addition of citrus or other fruit juice, vegetable juice or by using a mild technology in the production process.

Are Nutritional Patterns among Polish Hashimoto Thyroiditis Patients Differentiated Internally and Related to Ailments and Other Diseases?

There is not any diet recommended for Hashimoto's disease, despite that those patients are often undernourished. Because of the high heterogeneity of Hashimoto's patients, insight into dietary patterns might shed some light on the patient-tailored dietary approach, thus improving their treatment and helping to identify patients with the highest probability of particular nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to identify Hashimoto's patients' dietary patterns and their characterization based on both socio-demographic variables and dietary self-assessment. We collected data online from patients with Hashimoto's disease. The questionnaire formula used in the study was developed based on a validated food frequency questionnaire KomPAN®. K-means pattern analyses were used to characterize patients into patterns based on the frequency of particular types of foods consumption and socio-demographic factors. Four patterns were identified. We labeled them as 'Convenient', 'Non-meat', 'Pro-healthy', and 'Carnivores' with participants proportions at approximately one-fourth per each pattern. The patients were mainly of the female gender (94.08%), with a female: male ratio of 15.9. Hashimoto's patients differed in their food product choices, food choice motives, dieting experience, nutritional knowledge, smoking habits, food allergies and intolerances, and lipid disorders, and thus represent different eating patterns. However, these patterns were not determined by comorbidities or the majority of ailments.

Socioeconomic, Eating- and Health-Related Limitations of Food Consumption among Polish Women 60+ Years: The 'ABC of Healthy Eating' Project.

The study aimed at identifying the socioeconomic, eating- and health-related limitations and their associations with food consumption among Polish women 60+ years old. Data on the frequency of consumption of fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs, water and beverages industrially unsweetened were collected with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) and were expressed in the number of servings consumed per day or week. Three indexes: the Socioeconomic Status Index (SESI), the Eating-related Limitations Score (E-LS) and the Health-related Limitations Score (H-LS) were developed and applied. SESI was created on the base of two variables: place of residence and the self-reported economic situation of household. E-LS included: difficulties with self-feeding, decrease in food intake due to digestive problems, chewing or swallowing difficulties, loss of appetite, decrease in the feeling the taste of food, and feeling satiety, whereas H-LS included: physical function, comorbidity, cognitive function, psychological stress and selected anthropometric measurements. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the socioeconomic, eating-, and health-related limitations of food consumption. Lower socioeconomic status (vs. higher) was associated with a lower chance of consuming fruit/vegetables ≥ 2 servings/day (OR = 0.25) or consuming dairy ≥ 1 serving/day (OR = 0.32). The existence of multiple E-LS limitations (vs. few) was associated with a lower chance of consuming fruit/vegetables ≥ 2 servings/day (OR = 0.72), consuming dairy ≥ 1 serving/day (OR = 0.55) or consuming water and beverages industrially unsweetened ≥6 cups/day (OR = 0.56). The existence of multiple H-LS limitations was associated with a lower chance of consuming fruit/vegetables ≥ 2 servings/day (OR = 0.79 per 1 H-LS point increase) or consuming dairy ≥ 1 serving/day (OR = 0.80 per 1 H-LS point increase). Limitations found in the studied women were related to insufficient consumption of selected groups of food, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. There is a need for food policy actions, including practical educational activities, to eliminate barriers in food consumption, and in turn to improve the nutritional and health status of older women.

The Influence of Iron and Zinc Supplementation on Iron Apparent Absorption in Rats Fed Vitamins and Minerals Reduced Diets.

Deficient human diet is usually reduced in many nutrients, but animal studies on iron absorption have been only carried out for rats fed well-balanced (control) and iron-deficient diets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of iron or iron/zinc supplementation on iron apparent absorption (IAA) in rats fed a diet reduced in all vitamins and minerals (R). The study was conducted on 77, 6-week-old male Wistar rats in 3 stages as follows: stage I, 4-week period of adaptation to R diet (50% less vitamins and minerals compared to AIN-93M recommendations); stage II, 4-week supplementation period with iron (RSFe) or iron/zinc (RSFeZn); stage III, 2-week post-supplementation period (rats fed R diet). Feces samples to IAA determination were collected at the 20-22nd days of stage I and II and the 10-12th days of stage III. To determine the changes in IAA after introducing and discontinuation of supplementation, feces were collected for 3 days after introducing (stage II) and 5 days after the supplementation discontinuation (stage III). At the end of stage II, compared to R rats, the IAA was statistically significantly higher in RSFe and RSFeZn rats (30.3 ± 2.0% vs. 47.4 ± 1.2% and 51.0 ± 1.7%, respectively). After introducing iron or iron/zinc supplementation, the IAA stabilized fast already in the first day, while after discontinuation of the supplementation, at least 4 days was required to the stabilization. At the end of stage III, the IAA was significantly lower in RSFe (15.8 ± 6.6%) than in RSFeZn rats (43.4 ± 5.9%). In conclusion, to confirm that iron and zinc supplementation is more beneficial than iron supplementation only, especially after discontinuation of supplementation, further research among humans is necessary.

α-Tocopherol Protects the Heart, Muscles, and Testes from Lipid Peroxidation in Growing Male Rats Subjected to Physical Efforts.

The effect of α-tocopherol supplementation on adaptation to training is still equivocal. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of training and α-tocopherol supplementation on α-tocopherol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentration in the rat liver, heart, muscles, and testes. Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups (nonsupplemented, not trained-C; nonsupplemented, trained-CT; supplemented, not trained-E; supplemented and trained-ET). During the 14-day experimental period, 2 mg/d of vitamin E as α-tocopherol acetate was administered to the animals (groups E and ET). Rats in the training group (CT and ET) were subjected to 15 minutes of treadmill running each day. The α-tocopherol levels in rat tissues were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lipid peroxides were determined by TBARS spectrophotometric method. α-Tocopherol had a significant impact on α-tocopherol concentration in all tissues. Training increased the α-tocopherol concentration in the heart and muscles but reduced it in the liver. Training also caused increased lipid peroxidation in the muscles, heart, and testes; but a higher α-tocopherol content in tissues reduced the TBARS level. The main finding of the study is that impaired α-tocopherol status and its adequate intake is needed to maintain optimal status to prevent damage to the skeletal and cardiac muscles as well as the testes in growing individuals.

Weight loss program is associated with decrease α-tocopherol status in obese adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Studies on changes in plasma α-tocopherol levels during body fat reduction in obese persons are not clear. The aim of the present study was to assess factors associated with α-tocopherol status in obese people and to examine changes in α-tocopherol status after a 6-week AntioxObesity weight loss program. METHODS: The study was conducted in 60 overweight or obese adults, aged 18-54 years old. Food intake data were collected using the 3-day record method and a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements included: height (H), body weight, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC), body composition: fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), subcutaneous fat (SF) and visceral fat (VF). Lipid profile, α-tocopherol concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in erythrocytes were determined. RESULTS: Energy, fat, and carbohydrate intakes decreased significantly in all subjects (P < 0.001). Body weight, WC, body mass index (BMI), waist-to height ratio (WHtR), and FM, VF and SF decreased significantly during the 6 weeks in all subjects. Plasma α-tocopherol significantly decreased during the program (P = 0.006). No changes were observed for SOD activity, but GPx activity and TAC decreased significantly (P = 0.001; P = 0,023, respectively). Plasma α-tocopherol concentration after 6 weeks of the AntioxObesity program was strongly associated with baseline plasma α-tocopherol, changes in TC, VF and FM. Low α-tocopherol status (<20 µmol/L) was found in 78% of the women and 68% of the men, after 6 weeks of the AntioxObesity program. Men were characterized by a greater decrease in weight, BMI, WC, FM, VF, SF and TAC compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week weight loss program lowered α-tocopherol status in overweight and obese people. Low baseline α-tocopherol status and adiposity in obese adults negatively affected α-tocopherol status after 6 weeks weight loss program. These results, coupled with excessive weight and low α-tocopherol intake, led to the finding that there was an increased risk of oxidative stress diseases in adults on a reduced diet. Long-term dietary restriction program for obese patients should be monitored to avoid α-tocopherol deficiency, and take into account higher dietary α-tocopherol requirements for obese people.

Hematological parameters and all-cause mortality: a prospective study of older people.

BACKGROUND: The effect of low and high concentration of some hematological parameters in the blood can have a negative impact on health. AIM: Therefore, we investigated the associations between hematological parameters and all-cause mortality among older people living in Poland. METHODS: The study was carried out among 75-80-year-old participants (n = 403) from Warsaw and Olsztyn regions, Poland. Information on lifestyle factors and food consumption were obtained at baseline (June 1, 1999) using a self-administered questionnaire. Red blood cell, haemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined. The data on deaths from all-causes were collected from the baseline until October 31, 2006. During an average of 7.4 years of follow-up, we ascertained 154 cases of death from all-causes. RESULTS: Compared with men in the lowest tertile of MCV, MCH, and MCHC, the multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality in those in the highest tertile were 0.35 (95% CI, 0.17-0.73), 0.32 (95% CI, 0.16-0.67), and 0.44 (95% CI, 0.22-0.88), respectively. In contrast, among women after combining the second and the third tertiles of MCV, MCH, and MCHC, the HRs were 2.01 (95% CI, 1.01-3.99), 1.71 (95% CI, 0.85-3.43), and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.62-1.94), respectively. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: We observed inverse associations between some hematological parameters and all-cause mortality among men, but not among women. This may be explained by a difference in iron metabolism, iron status, hormone regulations, or the occurrence of some diseases.

Alpha-Tocopherol May Protect Hepatocytes Against Oxidative Damage Induced by Endurance Training in Growing Organisms.

BACKGROUND: Training-induced oxidative stress can be reduced by α-tocopherol. Adequate intake of α-tocopherol could have health benefits for previously untrained young subjects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of training and different doses of α-tocopherol on exercise-induced oxidative stress in rat livers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Young male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into eight groups (undergoing training and not undergoing training, given orally administered α-tocopherol doses of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 4.0 mg). Every day for 10 consecutive days, the rats in the training groups ran for 15 min on a treadmill at 20 m/min to induce oxidative stress. Hepatic oxidative stress was evaluated based on the liver concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). RESULTS: The liver concentrations of α-tocopherol were significantly influenced by α-tocopherol doses (p < 0.001) and physical exercise (p < 0.001). The liver concentrations of α-tocopherol increased in response to the highest dose (4 mg/d) of α-tocopherol in the non-training groups. In the training groups, the liver concentrations of α-tocopherol were independent of the dose. The levels of TBARS, a marker of lipid peroxidation, were lowest in the training and non-training rats administered 4.0 mg of α-tocopherol. Physical exercise and α-tocopherol doses significantly influenced TBARS concentrations (p = 0.004, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that running training causes lipids peroxidation and reduces α-tocopherol levels in the liver, but it does not contribute to DNA damage. Increased liver concentrations of α-tocopherol were found to exert a protective effect against oxidative damage induced by endurance training. An adequate intake of α-tocopherol is important for previously untrained young subjects.

Effect of probiotic and storage time of thiamine and riboflavin content in the milk drinks fermented by Lactobacillus casei KNE-1.

BACKGROUND: Fermented milk drinks are unique products due to content of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are recognized as probiotics. They are a natural component of the colon microbiota as well as commonly used probiotics in functional food. OBJECTIVES: The effects of the storage time and prebiotic type (inuline or oligofructose) were studied in banana-milk drink after fermentation by Lactobacillus casei KNE-1 on the thiamine and riboflavin concentrations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material for the study was fermented fruit milk drinks: banana-milk prepared in laboratory conditions and fruit milk drinks purchased in a local shop, as a comparative material. The thiamine was determined by thiochrome method and the riboflavin was determined by fluorometric method. RESULTS: The storage time after the end of the fermentation process did not increase the content of thiamine and riboflavin in fermented banana-milk drink more than the output level. The addition of oligofructose significantly affected the synthesis of thiamine by Lactobacillus casei KNE-1 irrespectively of the storage time. The storage time but not the type of prebiotic affected the riboflavin concentration. Taking into account the highest content of both vitamins, the banana-milk drink fermented by Lactobacillus casei KNE-1 should be consumed immediately or 24 days after fermentation. CONCLUSIONS: This information could be used by manufacturers for the planning of technological process. The content of thiamine and riboflavin in the fermented milk drinks is the result of the type of prebiotic, the individual bacterial strain properties as well as the storage time. These factors should be investigated to optimize the content of B vitamins in fermented milk drinks in the future.

Consumption of black and green teas as a dietary source of polyphenols in Polish inhabitants of the Mazovian region.

BACKGROUND: Tea is a very popular drink throughout many parts of the world, that includes Poland. The tea infusion (cup of tea) itself contains phenolic compounds with anti-oxidant properties that constitute 30% of the dry mass of tea leaves responsible for a health promoting effect on the human body. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the determinants and amounts of black and green tea consumed by a selected population group, along with their polyphenols intake from tea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted of 281 subjects in 2012 from the Mazovian region of Poland, recruited from social-networking sites which had been sent a web application questionnaire (Mini-ankiety.pl). RESULTS: Subjects were aged 18-56 years, of whom the majority (73%) were aged 21-30 years. City dwellers constituted 86%, whilst those remaining were from small towns (14%). Black tea was drunk by 80% of whom 39% did so daily, whilst green tea was drunk by 72% of whom 17% did so daily. Determinants affecting the amounts of tea drinking were principally gender, education, place of residence and number of household members. Women significantly drank more than one cup of green tea daily compared to men. Those with a higher education significantly drank more than one cup of black tea daily compared to those with lower education levels. Homeowning subjects with 2 household members significantly drank more than one cup of green tea daily than the others. The average daily intakes of polyphenols from black tea in those who drank so regularly was 503 mg and that for green tea was 361 mg. CONCLUSIONS: The main source of tea polyphenols was found to be black tea as this was drunk more often than green tea. There is a need for promoting more green tea to be drunk as a source of polyphenols.

Different techniques for aortic valve repair and the associated root reconstruction - prospective long-term follow-up of the first 100 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The advantages of aortic valve and aortic root reconstructive surgery include the provision of natural postoperative valve hemodynamics and the avoidance of prosthetic valve-related complications. A systematic approach based on functional classification of aortic regurgitation allows standardization and reproducibility. Its potential applicability, however, is limited by the relative lack of long-term follow-up data. AIM: To achieve the long term results of aortic valve and root repair in prospectively recruited group of 100 patients operated on during first seven years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between the years 2003 and 2013, 225 consecutive patients (175 male, 50 female, mean age 51.3 years) with severe aortic regurgitation and aortic root enlargement underwent aortic valve repair or sparing surgery. The first 100 patients operated between 2003 and 2009 were prospectively enrolled in the study in order to achieve a 105-month follow-up. They underwent aortic valve repair and associated aortic root reconstruction. This prospective study is aimed at assessing the major endpoints of overall survival and freedom from reoperation. Additionally, log-rank testing for the risk factors associated with overall mortality, reoperation, and aortic valve repair failure was performed. RESULTS: Among 225 patients, early mortality occurred in the case of 5 patients (2.2%), while 6 (2.5%) patients experienced early valve failure. In a prospective analysis performed on the first 100 patients, long-term results achieved with Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a survival rate of 93% and freedom from reoperation at the level of 91.3%. The risk factors for overall mortality included NYHA class, creatinine level, and perioperative root replacement as reimplantation. Redo operation was associated with bicuspid aortic valve and perioperative leaflet resection with pericardial patch repair. CONCLUSIONS: One hundred and five month follow-up data from this prospectively analyzed cohort of patients prove that aortic valve repair associated with aortic root reconstruction can be performed with satisfactory results.

Short-term effects of combination of several physiotherapy methods on the respiratory function - a case report of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate the positive effects of combination of several physiotherapy methods on the respiratory function on example of a case report. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 years old girl with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), right thoracic (primary curve, Cobb angle = 40°, AVR = 12°) and left lumbar (secondary curve, Cobb angle = 33°, AVR = 24°) participated in the study. She was 2 years after menarche. She underwent stationary (in-patient) treatment for 3 weeks with use of standard medical care (DoboMed). Treatment also included manual therapy (OMT Kaltenborn-Evjenth) and Dynamic Brace System (DBC) device, produced by Meditrack. Then she continued exercises at home. Respiratory system function was analyzed with use of SpiroPro electronic spirometer (Jaeger) and the strength of respiratory muscles with use of portable digital pressure meter equipped with the Omega PX 25 ± 35 kPa pressure transducer. Range of movement of the spine was examined with Rippstein V plurimeter, angle of apical trunk rotation (ATR) with the Bunnell scoliometer. Measurement was performed 4 times: before treatment, after one week and 3 weeks after the beginning of the treatment and 3 months after finalization of the treatment period. RESULTS: Examination showed that DoboMed medical care treatment, manual therapy and use of DBC device in period of 3 weeks caused improvement of respiratory parameters (MIP - maximal inspiration pressure by 6.7%; MEP - maximal expiratory pressure by 12.6%, PEF - peak expiratory flow by 16.1%). Spinal range of lateral movement and angle of apical trunk rotation has also improved. CONCLUSION: In short term treatment, the manual therapy aided with DBC system has improved the respiratory parameters and trunk morphology values. Such a composition of various physiotherapy methods can help to conduct further specialized exercises of DoboMed method.

[Energy and selected nutrients content in pre-school children diet of Warsowia district]. / Zawartosc energii i wybranych skladników w racjach pokarmowych przedszkoli z rejonu warszawskiego.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of energy and selected nutrients content in 10 days menus (spring period) from 5 kindergartens situated in mazowiecki district. The kindergartens were located in Zyrardów, Dziekanów, Warsaw, Lomianki and Nowa Iwiczna. It was shown that amount of energy and macronutrients was unproper. Most of the food rations contained too much energy, from fat and protein, and too little from carbohydrates. Planned pre-school nutrition was not balanced properly in the meaning of energy and nutrients amount.

[Selected vitamins content in pre-school children diet in Warsaw and regions]. / Zawartosc wybranych witamin w racjach pokarmowych przedszkoli na terenie Warszawy i okolic.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of selected vitamins in the decade menus collected from five kindergartens in Warsaw and regions. The evaluation was done for 10 days menus of spring period Results shown the planned pre-school nutrition was not balanced properly related to too much amount of vitamin A, E, vitamin B and niacin and too little vitamin D and folate.

[Diet quality and mortality in elderly people living in Warsaw Region]. / Jakosc diety a umieralnosc osób starszych zamieszkalych w rejonie warszawskim.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between indicators of diet quality and all-cause mortality in a group of elderly people. The study was carried out among 411 participants aged 75-80 years (190 men and 221 women). During this study 78 men (42%) and 79 women (36.6%) died. Quality of diet was evaluated using following indicators: Greek Mediterranean Diet Score (GMDS), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Diet Quality Index (DQI), and Diet Quality Index-Revised (DQI-R). Among men there were not significant relationships between all-cause mortality and diet quality measured by the indicators. While the risk of all-cause mortality was statistically significantly lower in women with lower HDI (RR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.37-0.99) and DQI-R (RR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37-0.96) compared to women with higher quality of diet. A similar tendency was shown for MDS indicator (RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.40-1.05). It was concluded that indicators used to assessment of diet quality were not good predictors of mortality in Polish population. Therefore to continue study in this field it is necessary to create new diet quality indicator more suitable to nutritional habits in Poland.

[Influence of chosen lifestyle and diet factors on mortality among elderly people living in Warsaw and surrounding villages]. / Wplyw wybranych czynników stylu zycia i czynników zywieniowych na umieralnosc osób starszych zamieszkalych w Warszawie i wsiach rejonu warszawskiego.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between lifestyle factors, nutrients intake and all-cause mortality in a chosen group of elderly participants. The study was carried out among 411 participants aged 75-80 years (190 men and 221 women). During this study 78 men (42%) and 79 women (36.6%) died. In men higher risk of death (by 147%) was observed among participants with lower physical activity and intake of saturated fatty acid below median (32.7 g/d). In women higher risk of death was observed among participants with lower level of education (by 109%), lower physical activity (by 96%), smoking (by 336%), supplement used (by 56%), intake of protein below median (74.7 g/d), intake of dietary fiber above median (18.3 g/d) and intake of phosphorus above median (1167 mg/d). Research on survival set one direction for future studies in the field of nutritional epidemiology. Development of this part of science about nutrition in Poland may help to establish specific for elderly people directions for nutrition improving.

[Students nutrients intake and risk of cardiovascular diseases]. / Sposób zywienia mlodziezy akademickiej a ocena zagrozenia chorobami ukladu krazenia.

The aim of this study was to assess nutrients intake and to take some anthropometric measures relevant to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study was conducted in spring 2008 among 93 students of SGGW aged 22-24. Obtained results indicated that the mean energy intake was 2029 kcal/per person/day (86% of recommended level), fat--75.2 g/per person/day (33% intake of energy), cholesterol 304 mg/per person/day, dietary fiber 19.6 g/per person/day, potassium 2996 mg/per person/day (85% of recommended level), sodium from products--2199 mg/per person/day and salt--8.8 g/per person/day. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of students was 22.0 kg/m2, fat content and water in body were respectively: 25.8% and 53.0%, the mean blood pressure was 114/76 mm Hg and pulse 74 beats/per minute. Statistical analysis showed significantly higher intake of protein (by 17%) in people with adequate body mass than in students with malnutrition, and higher intake of dietary fiber (by 25%), potassium (by 21.3%) and NaCl (by 31.1%) in obese participants than in people with adequate body mass. Data showed significantly higher fat content in body (by 26.6%) and higher systolic blood pressure (by 5.2%) in students with BMI > 25.0 kg/m2 than in students with BMI = 20.0-24.9 kg/m2. Statistical analysis showed positive correlation between value of BMI and fat content in body, intake of dietary fiber, intake of potassium and systolic blood pressure among students of SGGW. Positive correlation was obtained also between measure systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, intake of cholesterol, intake of saturated fatty acid and intake of energy among participants.