Relationship between periodontal diseases and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases - an overview. Part I.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: An increasing number of studies indicate that the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract are interconnected and that there is a potential causal link between non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and oral diseases. Therefore, following the example of the brain-gut axis, the concept of the gum-gut axis has now been put forward. The aim of the review is to assess the literature confirming the existence of the recently proposed gum-gut axis and the resulting relationships between non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases and oral diseases, especially periodontal diseases. REVIEW METHODS: The review sums-up information concerning the relationship between periodontal diseases and non-specific bowel diseases. A literature review was carried out by searching databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Previously, it was presumed that oral microflora and intestinal microflora remain separate. because it was considered that salivary microbes are killed by stomach and bile acids during translocation through the gastrointestinal tract. Presently, it has been confirmed that oral microorganisms have been found in the faeces of even healthy people. The comparison of oral and intestinal microbiomes of adults does not show full convergence; but pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum may act as the microbial bridge between periodontitis and IBD. SUMMARY: Dysbiosis of oral microflora may disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system, in this way increasing the development of periodontitis which, in turn, increases the risk of IBD and other complex systemic pathological processes. The gum-gut axis plays a crucial role in these associations. Additional studies are necessary to specify the role of nutritional intervention concerning oral and intestinal microbiome for precise health management.

Impact of dietary habits on the incidence of oral diseases.

BACKGROUND: Diet is a factor that can modify the course of caries, dental erosion and periodontal diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of dietary habits and the anthropometric parameters on oral health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 females and 45 males aged 19-21 years were examined in a cross-sectional study. Oral health was assessed utilizing selected dental indices: approximal plaque index (API), bleeding on probing (BoP), community periodontal index (CPI), and DMFT (D - decayed, M - missing, F - filled, T - teeth). In addition, dental erosion was assessed. Anthropometric measurements included body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, skinfold thickness, fatty and lean body mass, body fat percentage, and total body water. The frequency of consumption of food products was determined with the use of the Questionnaire on Food Products Frequency Intake. Student's t tests, the χ2 tests and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The average DMFT was 9.92, API was 52.97% and BoP was 20.46%. Dental erosion was observed in 44.21% of cases. A total of 11.58% of the study population were classified as CPI 0, 30.53% as CPI 1 and 57.89% as CPI 2. The consumption of crisps and cereal products increased caries (p = 0.003). Dental erosion was associated with the consumption of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and alcoholic beverages. The consumption of sugar, sweets and alcoholic beverages increased API and BoP. Caries rarely occurred in people who ate fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. The anthropometric parameters were associated with oral hygiene, gingivitis and body weight disorders (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Rational nutrition not only plays a role in the development of general systemic diseases, but also has an effect on oral health. Besides providing instructions on oral hygiene, dentists should also assess the eating habits of their patients.

Taste preferences of preschoolers and parents' contribution to shaping their children's eating habits in the context of obesity development.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Improper diet of children and their preference for sweet taste may be risk factors for the development of obesity and childhood caries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the taste preferences of preschoolers and to estimate the methods used by parents to shape the nutritional behaviour of their children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research covered 108 preschool children and 86 parents. All children completed a pictorial questionnaire containing images of 32 food products. The children expressed their preferences (I really like, I like, I don't like) by choosing the appropriate emoji. The questionnaire for parents concerned the diet of children on days off from kindergarten. The nutritional status of children was evaluated on the basis of the BMI. Children with normal weight/underweight and those overweight / obese were compared using χ2 or the exact Fisher test. RESULTS: Most preschoolers indicated that they liked the most crisps, jam, sweets, chocolate and sweet drinks. They also enjoyed fruits which are naturally sweet: apples (97%) and bananas (94%). The favourite vegetables were cucumbers (84%), potatoes (83%), and carrots (77%). Children had a tendency to make incorrect food choices. Fast food was very popular, while fish was disliked. Parents reported that children like meatless sweet dishes (crêpes, pancakes, dumplings). Such factors as unlimited access to sweets at home (p=0.05) and rewarding/motivation with sweets (p=0.013) were significantly associated with a child's overweight/obesity status. Excess body weight was found in 22.1% of children (overweight - 3.5 %; obesity -18.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Children had a clear preference for sweet taste. Reducing the consumption of sweets and increasing the nutritional awareness of parents and children may prevent the development of childhood obesity.

Diet and Physical Activity as Determinants of Lifestyle Chosen by Women from Southern Poland.

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the lifestyle of Polish women (characterized by the quality of diets and levels of reported physical activity) and their characteristics such as age, place of residence, physical activity at work or school, reported health status, and BMI. The sample consisted of 882 women from Southern Poland. Diet quality and the level of physical activity were evaluated by the Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire established by the Polish Academy of Sciences. The lifestyle category (healthy, moderate, or unhealthy) was based on "Prohealthy Diet Index-10" and participant's self-assessed physical activity during their leisure-time. The lifestyle category was significantly associated with age, BMI, physical activity at work/school, and health. Moderate lifestyle (high or moderate levels of physical activity combined with low prohealthy diet) was the most commonly found classification in examined women. Age (>35 years old) and overweight are the main factors determining unhealthy lifestyle behavior. Healthy lifestyle is more often chosen by the women from big cities. More intensive efforts should be undertaken to increase the knowledge and awareness of the health benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The main goal should be concentrated on increasing the level of physical activity, especially in leisure time, and promoting the tenets of a well-balanced diet.

Dietary intake of antioxidants and fats in the context of coronary heart disease prevention among elderly people.

INTRODUCTION: Some literature data indicate that the proper intake of exogenic antioxidants from food and the proper intake of fats can offer significant protection against coronary heart disease. OBJECTIVES: The estimation of total antioxidant capacity of food intake on the basis of Dietary Antioxidant Index (DAI), together with an assessment of the contribution of particular food products in DAI, and the evaluation of consumption of all dietary fats and frequency of consumption of products that are a source of fats among elderly people in Krakow, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 143 persons (73 women and 70 men) aged 65-80 were studied. None of them was under specialist medical control, including cardiological control. DAI was investigated on the basis of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) which included 145 food items. DAI was measured using the method by Benzi and expressed as FRAP (the ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+, measured in mMol/l). The daily intake of fats was estimated using the 24-h nutritional recall. The frequency of fats consumption was estimated with the usage of FFQ. For statistical analysis, χ2 test was used. RESULTS: The mean value of DAI of all studied persons was 34.27 + 11.72 mMol/l. The largest percentage of those studied had FRAP values in the range 25-35 mMol/l. The highest contribution in the total DAI value was found in fruit (36.2%), grains and cereal-based products (23.6%), and beverages (24.0%). The consumption of vegetables was on the fourth position (7.1%). The contribution of the remaining food products was low. The consumption of total fats (about 70g/24h) and saturated fatty acids (14% of energetic value) exceeded the recommendations. The participation of mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diets was not in accordance with recommendations. The most frequently consumed fats were animal fats (sausages, butter) and cakes, but the consumption of vegetable oils, fish, nuts and seeds of oil plants was too low. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of elderly people made mistakes in their nutrition. The enrichment in natural antioxidants of the diets of elderly people and the normalization of their fats consumption should become an important element of primary and secondary prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases.

Overweight and obesity vs. simple carbohydrates consumption by elderly people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity belong to the alarming and constantly increasing problems of the 21st century among all age groups. One of the major factors enhancing these problems are simple carbohydrates commonly found in popular sweet drinks. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate the nutritional patterns of elderly people with diagnosed cardiovascular system diseases, and analysis of the relationship between consumption of simple carbohydrates and prevalence of overweight and obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 233 individuals hospitalized in the Clinic of Cardiology and Hypertension in Krakow, Poland, a group of 128 elderly people was selected (66 women and 62 men). Actual food consumption for each individual was assessed using a 24-hour nutrition recall. BMI values was calculated for assessment of nutritional status. Statistical analysis was performed on two groups: one with BMI <25kg/m2 and other with BMI≥25kg/m2. RESULTS: Overweight was stated among 33.8% of women and 50% of men, obesity among 27.7% of women and 17.7% of men. Results indicated that consumption of products rich in sucrose was associated with overweight and obesity. People with overweight and obesity statistically more often ate sweet products comparing to those with proper weight: 46.2 g vs 33.8g. The growing world-wide epidemic of overweight and obesity is one of the main priorities of preventive medicine remains changing eating patterns As observed in this study, one additional spoon of sugar consumed daily increases the risk of being overweight or obese by about 14%. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity was found among 60% of the examined elderly people. Correlation was found between rise in risk of obesity or overweight by about 14% with each additional spoon of sugar (5g) eaten every day.

Relationship between dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and antioxidants level in plasma of Kraków inhabitants.

BACKGROUND: Some literature data indicate that antioxidant-rich food may significantly increase antioxidants in serum and decrease the oxidative stress but results are ambiguous. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the total antioxidant capacity of food intake among the inhabitants of Kraków, Poland on the basis of dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and evaluation the relation between DAI and the level of antioxidants in plasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Examination included 70 (37 women and 33 men) non-smoking inhabitants of Krakow aged 46.4 ± 13.7 years. DAI was investigated on the basis of Food Frequency Questionnaire including 145 food items. DAI was measured using the method by Benzi and expressed as FRAP (mMol/L). In plasma samples total antioxidant status (TAS) expressed as FRAP and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a marker of lipids peroxidation were measured. RESULTS: The mean value of DAI of all examined persons was 46.74 ± 25.5 mMol/L (in female group: 54.13 ± 27.7 mMol/L; in male group: 37.83 ± 19.5 mMol/L; p < 0.05). The highest contribution in total DWA value had fruits (48.7%) opposite to vegetables (9.3%). Statistically significant positive correlations between DAI and FRAP in plasma was found in all: r = 0.42 and in female: r = 0.54 groups (not significant in men group: r = 0.20). Statistically significant negative correlation of DAI with MDA (malonylaldehyde) in female (-0.49) and male (-0.51) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results confirmed the hypothesis that the intake of antioxidants in daily diet (measured as DAI) might increase antioxidants defense (measured by TAC as FRAP) and decrease oxidative stress (measured by MDA concentration in plasma). The dietary modification towards higher consumption of antioxidants (especially in men) should be highlighted in prevention of diseases in which oxidative stress play considerable role.

The Structure of Fats and Fatty Acid Consumption in Elderly People with Cardiovascular System Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cardiovascular system diseases having their origin in arteriosclerosis require special dietetic treatment. Among many nutritional components, fats in the diet (both their quantity and quality) play a very important role in primary and secondary prevention of these diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the estimation of total fats participation (saturated fatty acids, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol) in the Daily Nutritional Ration (DNR) of elderly people with cardiovascular system diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 128 persons (66 women and 62 men, mean age 73.2 ± 6.9) hospitalized in the 1st Clinic of Cardiology and Hypertension, UJCM in Kraków. Daily intakes of energy were estimated using the 24-h nutritional recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire. RESULTS: A higher consumption of fats and fatty acids was observed in men's diet than in women's diet. The percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids (10.6% M and W) was higher than dietary recommendations. The consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids was in accordance with nutritional recommendations. The participation in the diet of polyunsaturated fatty acids was insufficient versus the newest nutritional recommendations and was determined as 4.6% of energy in DNR in men and 4.1% of energy of DNR in women. CONCLUSIONS: The excessive amount of saturated fatty acids together with the insufficient amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet are the result of the excessive consumption of products which are a source of animal fat and insufficient consumption of plant fat, fish and seafood.

[A significance of measurement of breathing nervous regulation, respiratory resistance and spirometry in clinical toxicology - retrospective review].

The exogenous central nervous system depressants such opioides, alcohol and carbon monoxide may affect nervous respiratory regulation and lead to disturbances in respiratory system efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the breathing nervous regulation and ventilatory efficiency in patients treated in Clinical Toxicology, UJCM in Krakow in the period 1994- 2000. Methods: There were 385 persons under examination: 144 alcohol abusers and 70 opiate abusers (group I), 91 persons treated because of acute carbon monoxide poisoning (group II) and 80 healthy persons - control group. The examinations performed before and after treatment included measurements of respiratory pattern parameters, occlusion pressure and evaluation of ventilatory efficiency determined on the basis of "flow-volume" loop results, spirometry and the measurements of respiratory tract resistance. Results: The central respiratory drive (VT/T(in) index) and the parasympathetic control of breathing cycle (T(in)/ T(tot) index) were similar in alcohol and opiate abusers in the initial examination but in abusers classified to methadone maintenance treatment programme the VT/T(in) index was elevated. After treatment the values of both indices were similar. In the group of acute CO poisoned patients the disturbances in breathing regulation were connected with increased value of the VT/Tin parameter and the diminished of T(in)/T(tot) value. After treatment in the slightly CO poisoned patients the both respiratory pattern components were comparable to the healthy control group but in the moderately and severely poisoned group the VT/T(in) index was elevated and the T(in)/T(tot) index was lessened compared to the controls. The values of respiratory resistance were higher than upper level of normal values (except participants of methadone programme). The bronchial obturation was most often stated disturbance in respiratory system efficiency, especially in alcohol abusers. Ventilatory parameters in moderate and severe CO poisoned were significantly lower than in the slightly poisoned patients. Conclusion: Presented methods of evaluation of respiratory system efficiency and nervous breathing regulation are of special value and should be implemented in clinical toxicology as essential to diagnosis and monitoring, especially in case of alcohol and drug dependent patients and in patients poisoned with central nervous system depressants.

Dietary Patterns Seem to Influence the Development of Perfusion Changes in Cardiac Syndrome X Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is linked with changes in the heart's micro-vasculature, without significant changes in main coronary vessels. According to ESC 2013 stable coronary artery disease criteria, CSX was replaced by Microvascular Angina (MA). While no changes in main coronary vessels are present, most patients still suffer from angina-like chest pains, which significantly diminish their quality of life. CSX is recognized among other coronary diseases and is now considered to be a form of stable angina. In most CSX patients we can visualize perfusion changes in the left ventricle. OBJECTIVES: Since it is well known that the kind of diet can greatly influence the development of coronary disease, our aim was to evaluate the influence of diet on the myocardial perfusion in the group of patients who were diagnosed of CSX. In addition, we tried to verify whether there is any correlation between dietary patterns and perfusion changes visualized in this group of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Toward this goal we screened for the presence of CSX a group of 436 women who suffered from angina-like symptoms and whose routinely performed angiography revealed no changes in coronary vessels. Out of these, 55 women with CSX diagnosis, completed questionnaires regarding their nutritional patterns and underwent both myocardial perfusion studies (MPI) and exercise tests. RESULTS: In the studied group dietary patterns were far from normal values, with the majority of women consuming too much protein, animal fats and sugars in their daily diet, and too low amounts of complex carbohydrates and oils. We were not able to find definite correlations between diet and perfusion changes; however, women whose diet included too high fat and protein intake, seemed to have worse perfusion pattern in MPI. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional pattern seems to have an impact on development of myocardial perfusion changes in CSX patients.

[Diet with high antioxidant capacity as important factor in primary and secondary prevention of asthma]. / Dieta o wysokim potencjale antyoksydacyjnym jako wazny czynnik w pierwotnej i wtórnej prewencji astmy oskrzelowej.

UNLABELLED: In primary and secondary prevention of diseases resulted from antioxidant failure and changes towards oxidation processes (autoimmunological/allergic diseases, especially asthma) intake of exogenic antioxidants from food is crucial. The aim of the study was to estimate diet antioxidant capacity (measured as DWA values) among healthy inhabitants of Krakow and assess which food products had the main contribution in DAI, in order to give the indications for people suffering from bronchial asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 478 persons: 350 of healthy inhabitants of Krakow and two specific subpopulations: 48 men with high level of physical activity and 80 students from Jagiellonian University and Technical Academy. Dietary antioxidant index (DWA) was investigated on the basis of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In the FFQ 145 food items were classified into groups such as fruit and dried fruits, vegetables and vegetable oils, sweets, grains and cereal-based products, mixed dishes, fresh herbs, spices and beverages. The total antioxidant capacity of food intake was measured using the method developed by Benzi. This method exploits the ability of the sample to reduce ferricions to ferrousions (FRAP). RESULTS: The total antioxidant capacity (measured as DWA) of diet of 225 examined women was higher than calculated from 253 men and statistically significant (82.7 Mmol/l vs 49.1 Mmol/l). Moreover FRAP values of particular groups of food products were higher in case of women than men. The highest contribution in total DWA value had fruits and subsequently: cereals, juices and beverages. Unfortunately, examined people consumed to low amount of vegetables, fresh herbs and spices, which have well-documented antioxidant property. CONCLUSIONS: DWA values of healthy individuals presented in this study may be treated as a low reference value of antioxidant capacity for diets of asthmatic people. Enrichment in natural antioxidants diets of asthmatic individuals (mainly men), should become an important element of primary and secondary prophylaxis in bronchial asthma.

Salt caves as simulation of natural environment and significance of halotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Human activity usually leads to a deterioration in air quality; therefore, searching for places that simulate an environment without pollution is important. Artificial salt caves play crucial role, as a kind of therapy, known as halotherapy, based on treatment in a controlled air medium that simulates a natural salt cave microclimate. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of awareness about the existence of salt caves, basic knowledge about the purpose for their presence among people who bought salt caves sessions, and checking their subjective estimation of salt caves influence on their well-being. MATERIAL & METHODS: 303 inhabitants (18-51-years-old) of 3 randomly chosen cities of southern Poland were surveyed using a validated author's questionnaire. Both genders were represented in comparable numbers. RESULTS: It was be observed that knowledge about the existence of salt-caves is common - 94% of respondents. 96 persons bought at least 3 salt caves sessions. The majority of women, did this for therapeutic reasons (57%), and men for both therapeutic and relaxation reasons (both 39%). Both among women and men, the dysfunctions intended to be cured by sessions included problems with throat, larynx or sinus. Depression as a reason for buying sessions was mentioned only by women. In general, those who attended felt better after sessions in salt caves. CONCLUSION: Besides the health benefits, people do not have free time for rest and activities in clean air; moreover, stress is inseparable from everyday life, and for that reasons salt caves become places that help to support a proper lifestyle.

Influence of diet on oral health in young adults--pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Diet is a factor that can modify, among others, the course of caries, dental erosive lesions and periodontal disease. It is important to know the influence of diet on the clinical oral condition in young adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 women and 20 men aged 19-21 participated in the study. During a clinical examination of the patients the following clinical indices were estimated: Ap- proximal Plaque Index (API), Bleeding on Probing (BOP) and DMFT indices. The frequency and quality of food products consumed were noted in a special questionnaire. Results with p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average API value for the female participants was 77.37%, BOP--23.84% and DMFT--9.9. The t-test results for independent samples showed that women who consumed meat and meat products two times a week or more, had statistically higher API (p = 0.01) and BOP (p = 0.05) values, than the mean value for these indexes. Women who consumed grain products and grain-based products two times a week or more, had higher API values compared to the mean value for this index (p = 0.02). The average API value for the male participants was 34.25%, BOP--10.15% and DMFT--9.05, respectively. Men who consumed milk and dairy products three times a week or less had statistically lower API (p = 0.05) and BOP values (p = 0.02), relative to the mean index values. CONCLUSIONS: The chemical composition and texture of the food intake can affect oral health. Besides instruction in oral hygiene, doctors and dentists should also assess the eating habits of their patients.

Dietary acrylamide exposure in chosen population of South Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Acrylamide is used for wide range of industry purposes and it is produced in food during heating process. Foods with high acrylamide concentration include French fries, chips, bread crust, cereal, different baked goods. The electrophilic nature of acrylamide allows to interact with biological molecules. It is easily absorbed via the ingestion, inhalation or through the skin. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of dietary exposure to acrylamide in chosen population with respect to different age groups in South Poland and assessment of health risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Food consumption survey was conducted among 3 southern provinces in Poland. Studies involved 1470 participants. A semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used. Consumption data of individuals were calculated into µg/kg(bw)/day. Statistics was calculated for both whole group and different age groups. MOE values were calculated. RESULTS: Average acrylamide intake was 0.85 ± 0.82 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw) per day and calculated 95th percentile was 1.70 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw)/day. In general total dietary exposure decreased with age from 1.51 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw)/day for the youngest group (6-12 years old) to 0.67 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw)/day for the oldest one (42-60 years old). The main contributor of acrylamide in diet in all age groups are bakery products. The MOE values calculated for average acrylamide exposure in diet was 212 and 365 for BMDL10 0.18 and 0.31 mg/kg(bw)/day. CONCLUSIONS: Young population consume the highest amount of acrylamide thus any efforts should be done to rise their nutritional knowledge and to decrease intake of high acrylamide products (crisps and French fries). The need for promotion of knowledge how to decrease acrylamide level especially in home-made food regardless of age is necessary.

Quality of life and social determinants of anxiolytics and hypnotics use in women in Poland: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of studies show a substantially higher consumption of anxiolytics and antidepressants among women than among men and in the age bracket above 45 years. AIMS: To analyse association between the use of hypnotics/anxiolytics, and various characteristics of Polish women, including health-related quality of life. METHOD: One thousand, five hundred and sixty (1,560) women aged 45-60 years completed a questionnaire dealing with the use of hypnotics/anxiolytics, demographic characteristics, environmental and work stress exposure, and self-reported quality of life (SF-36 form). RESULTS: The following variables were revealed as the predictors of hypnotic/anxiolytic use on univariate analysis: age; social pension; stress at work and environmental stress; hormone replacement therapy; headache; palpitations; mood swings or increased muscular tension; anger; duration of symptoms longer than one week; consulting a specialist; and low physical and mental health-related quality of life. The significant protective factors included: vocational and tertiary education; job satisfaction; and home as place of rest. The independent predictors of anxiolytic/hypnotic use included consulting a specialist and symptoms lasting more than one week, while job satisfaction and home as place of rest were the independent protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: The use of hypnotic/anxiolytic medication is strongly associated with environmental and psychosocial characteristics of women between 40 and 65 years of age.

[Controversial issue in biotechnology--students' opinions]. / Kontrowersje wokól problemów biotechnologii w opinii studentów.

Discovery of DNA structure gave the chance for creation organisms, that are called genetically modified organisms (GMO). Birth of Scottish sheep called Dolly in 1996 can be treated as a turning point in GMO issue. Next years have brought development of genetic techniques that help to insert genes that usually come from a different species and create organisms with modified features. The aim of such work is gaining or emphasis on specific desirable features, that leads to better quality of product. Such genetic changes can be controlled only in limited scope. This problem makes GMO-issue vivid and there are many opponents and proponents. The aim of our study was an assessment of knowledge connected with GMO and tendency to buy genetically modified food instead of natural one. 745 students from medical departments in south Poland took part in survey. Questionnaire was originally constructed and validated. Terms connected with biotechnology and GMO were, in general, well known. Only the term "genetically modified animals" for 50% of surveyed individuals were unknown. The majority does not prefer GMO food and does not assess GMO influence on humans health and natural environment positively. Moreover, interviewed people do not feel satisfied with the knowledge about GMO, that they have obtained from school or university.

[Different aspects of food consumed by contemporary people]. / Rózne oblicza zywnosci spozywanej przez wspólczesnego czlowieka.

In accordance with the expectations of contemporary people food is to be not only a source of nutritional components but also a mean of realization of new goals. The food is to help in good health and beauty maintaining, in shaping the desired body look, in improving physical condition, in stress reduction, in deleting the process of getting old. The food should prevent from some diseases such as diseases of cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and immunological system. As a result of such needs a few groups of new products of nonconventional food were created: functional food, fortified food, dietary supplements, ergogenic aids for sportsmen, nutraceuticals. The aim of this article is to show both positive and negative aspects of consumption of new generation food, created in order to fulfill human needs and expectations.

Comparative studies on promotion of health and life style of hospital staff in Sweden and Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, an increase has been observed in the number of patients suffering from diseases which are the consequence of an anti-health life style; therefore it is necessary to undertake proper actions in this area, including those addressed to hospital staff. OBJECTIVES: 1) Comparison of self-reported state of health and life style between hospital staff in Sweden and Poland, and the motivation of these employees to change the to-date life style for one that is more health promoting. 2) Presentation, based on Swedish experiences in the field of health promotion in hospitals, of the possibilities to implement these changes in Polish conditions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study covered the staff from the following hospitals: 1) hospitals in Östergötland County, Sweden, and 2) the Ludwik Perzyna Regional Polyclinical Hospital in Kalisz, Poland. The studies were conducted in parallel in Sweden and in Poland during the fourth quarter 2010. The research instrument was a questionnaire form. RESULTS: The following measures should be undertaken by the staff of Polish hospitals: an increase in the consumption of fruit and vegetables, physical activity, organization of workshops aimed at the shaping of skills of coping with stress and relieving stress, assistance in reducing body weight and increasing physical activity. Obligatory breaks at work should be introduced for the consumption of meals and intake of beverages, including water, promotion of fluid replacement would reduce fatigue. An obligatory lunchtime would allow each employee to consume a decent meal, and consequently have respite away from one's own work activities. In order to have a well-functioning staff an employer should, in his/her own interest, decrease potential sick absenteeism, provide incentives for motor activity, e.g. by the organization of groups, reduction of weekly working time on behalf of documented physical activity, or financial support for the purchase of tickets for various forms of physical exercises. Promotion of collective exercise, e.g. common nordic walking for 30 min. during lunch, competition in the largest number of steps made. Promotion of healthy nutrition by the preparation of recipes for meals, several exemplary healthy meals in the form of a healthy alternative breakfast. During this event, a basket of fruit is provided, instead of cakes and sweets. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The life style of the staff of health care facilities is more health promoting in Sweden than in Poland. 2) It is possible to change the life style of employees of health care facilities into one that is more health promoting. Changes in this area have been made in Sweden with a great success; therefore, it is worthwhile implementing in Poland these Swedish experiences which may function also in Polish conditions. 3) The foundations of health promotion in enterprises have been known for a long time; however, considering the fact that the comparative studies show that these foundations are more advanced in Sweden, it is necessary that Polish employers devote more attention to this problem, and become interested in Swedish experiences in this area.

Digestive complaints in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

The aim of this study was to assess the severity and frequency of complaints affecting the digestive system in 57 patients with hematological malignancies, who underwent allogeneic (Group I, n = 22) and autologous (Group II, n = 35) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapy-related toxicities affecting the digestive system (mucositis, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea) were assessed according to the WHO scale for organ toxicity. Selection of the feeding route (oral or parenteral) depended on the tolerance to oral nutrition. Parenteral nutrition (PN) was introduced when oral intake represented ≤ 50% of the total energy requirement over 2 days. PN was started in the third 24-h period. 63.6% of patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation and 54.3% of patients undergoing autologous transplantation needed PN. Ailments affecting the digestive system began in both groups during the administration of conditioning chemotherapy and gradually decreased in the posttransplantation period. Mucositis grade 3/4 requiring PN was observed in 85% patients in Group I and 52.7% patients in Group II. In Group I, grade 3 diarrhea was observed only in patients requiring PN. Severe grade 3/4 organ toxicity from chemotherapy was the main indication for PN in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

[Hygienic and epidemiological aspects of Escherichia coli infections in light of recent epidemic in European Union countries 2011]. / Higieniczne i epidemiologiczne aspekty zakazenia bakteriami Escherichia coli, w kontekscie wydarzen w Unii Europejskiej w 2011r.

The events of the spring 2011 linked to the outbreak of a new strain of Eschericha coli bacteria reflected worldwide in the media. Just like two years earlier in the case of pandemic influenza A-H1N1, also this time there was panic in media, flood of news, often contradictory and mutually exclusive information and attempts to make reliable evaluations of what exactly been happening. Known for decades Eschericha coli bacterium, probably as a result of human activity (excessive use of antibiotics) appeared in the form of new, dangerous strain. What's worse, it was also shown that both European Commission and WHO agencies are having serious problems while dealing with similar, outbreak-like situations. The problem is not with dealing with epidemic itself, but rather with population hysteria, public opinion and media in general. In this article an attempt has been made to characterize the bacteria Escherichia coli, the most common form of infection and health threats, as well as a brief description of the epidemic in 2011 and actions taken by European Union and governments of countries where disease appeared.