Nutritional behaviours and lifestyle before and during covid-19 pandemic: based on data from Polish and Turkish surveys.

Background: Students are a group particularly high risk of adverse effects from such restrictions introduced within counter transmission the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Fear felt of contracting the disease and social isolation can lead to consuming excessive amounts of energy with food, resulting in weight gain and eating disorders. Objective: The aim of the study was analysed selected lifestyle aspects of Polish and Turkish students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the existence of differences between the lifestyles of these individuals during the two periods. Material and methods: The study was conducted at the turn of 2020-2021 among 435 students, including 331 Polish and 104 Turkish students. The research instrument was an original questionnaire created in a Google Forms, consisting of metric and a proper part regarding lifestyle before and during the pandemic. Prior to the actual study, in order to verify whether the research tool is understandable, a pilot study was conducted, which included 40 individuals. The Wilcoxon test was used to examine the differences between the lifestyle of students before and during the pandemic. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both before and during the pandemic, most Polish students ate 4-5 meals daily (52.9% and 47.7%, respectively), while most Turkish students ate 3 meals (47.1% and 38.5%, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in: duration of sleep (p=0.001), way of spending one's leisure time (p=0.001) and type of physical activity (p=0.001) among the Polish and Turkish students before and during the pandemic. Conclusions: The results of this study showed changes in the lifestyle of both Polish and Turkish students during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. This indicates the need to develop interventions to prevent harmful behaviour and their health consequences in the future.

Evaluation of Malondialdehyde Level, Total Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stress Index in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Oxidative stress may play an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study included 94 adult patients with CRC (52 men and 42 women) and 26 hospitalized patients (12 men and 14 women) in whom CRC was excluded (control group). During hospitalization, blood serum samples were collected from both groups. Apart from that, anthropometric measurements were taken and other clinical data were analyzed. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were assayed. Subsequently, the relationship between the analyzed oxidative stress markers and selected clinical characteristics was investigated in both groups. The evaluation of oxidative stress marker values demonstrated that MDA and TAS levels were significantly higher in the control group than the CRC group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively), while TOS levels were significantly higher in the CRC group than the control group (p = 0.005). Significantly lower OSI levels were found in the control group than in the CRC group (p < 0.001). Similar results can be observed when performing ROC analysis (receiver operating characteristic curve). Preliminary statistical analysis demonstrated that MDA levels in the study group depend on the location of the primary tumour (p = 0.035). Based on the post hoc Tukey test, a relationship was demonstrated between the MDA level and the left and right side of the colon (p = 0.040). The results may be evidence for a higher level of oxidative stress, including a compromised antioxidative defence system, in patients with CRC.

Knowledge on risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus among secondary school students.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a set of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by improper action and/or secretion of insulin. Currently, diabetes is becoming a serious challenge in modern medicine, this disease affects 425 million people, and the forecasts indicate that by 2045 the number of cases will increase to 629 million. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge about risk factors for type 2 diabetes among secondary school students in the Silesian Province in Poland and to determine whether there are differences between the level of knowledge between girls and boys and between first-, second- and third-grade students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was conducted among 650 high school students. The research tool was the author's questionnaire. The obtained results were developed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and Statistica 13.3 (TIBCO Inc.). RESULTS: The definitions of type 2 diabetes were known to 63.9%. 91.8% of high school students indicated excessive body mass as a risk factor for morbidity, while 18.8% of people indicated the appropriate type of obesity increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Most of the students considered abnormal eating habits as an important factor increasing the occurrence of the disease (92.4%). The most numerous group of high school students were people with average level of knowledge (89.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of high school students about risk factors for type 2 diabetes was varied. The most numerous group were high school students characterised by the average level of knowledge. There were no statistically significant differences between the proportion of correctly provided responses by women and men. There were statistically significant differences between the proportion of correctly provided responses by first-, second- and third-graders. Our research shows that educational activities should be undertaken, especially about modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer Patients in terms of Selected Platelet Indices.

Mounting evidence suggests that inflammation, immune response, and coagulation status determine many processes during the carcinogenesis pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC). Inflammation strongly promotes tumor formation, progression, and metastasis. The systemic inflammatory response (SIR) may be reflected by simple indicators evaluated on the basis of peripheral blood morphology parameters. The indices are easily obtained by the peripheral blood test and could be promising biomarkers for CRC. We present the results of the retrospective study evaluating the potential relation between the platelet indices (platelet count (PC), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil platelet score (NPS), mean platelet volume (MPV), and MPV/PC ratio) and the clinicopathological features of CRC patients. The study included 247 patients (104 males and 143 females) aged 39-87 years with CRC stages II-IV. The complete blood counts with the automated differential counts were performed prior to the qualification to systemic treatment. High PC, high PLR, and NPS 0 were associated with older age and higher BMI of the patients. No link between the analyzed platelet indices and histological grade of the tumor, primary tumor location, and gender was noted. The patients aged ≥65 years were characterized by the higher MPV/PC ratio than the younger population. We observed a trend to the higher MPV/PC ratio among the patients with excessive body weight defined by BMI compared to BMI within normal limits. A higher frequency of PC > 400, NPS 1 and 2, and a trend to more frequent PLR ≥ 150 were observed in the subgroup with metastatic disease compared to individuals with CRC stages II and III. The presented results expand the knowledge on potential association between SIR parameters and other clinicopathological factors that should be considered during interpreting the prognostic and predictive value of the inflammation parameters.

Recommendations of the Polish Society of Diabetology and the Lifestyle of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Own Research.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, diabetes is becoming a very serious challenge in medicine;type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is referred to as a noncontagious epidemic of the 21st century. The aim of the study is to assess the lifestyle of patients with type 2 diabetes, in particular eating habits, physical activity, and tobacco smoking, and to compare the obtained values with the latest recommendations of the Polish Society of Diabetology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group was comprised of 460 patients with type 2 diabetes, treated in the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic (n = 299) and the Clinical Department of Internal Medicine (n = 166). The study was conducted using a questionnaire, which included the Food Intake Frequency Questionnaire, 24 h dietary recall, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Abnormal excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids and salt and insufficient intake of dietary fiber was observed in the study group. Physical activity was insufficient in over 50% of the study group. In the study group, 17% of patients were smokers and the mean number of pack-years was 23. CONCLUSIONS: In the study group, excessive fat consumption (i.e.,saturated fatty acids) and dietary fiber deficiency were found in the daily diet.

Assessment of eating behaviours in adult residents of Greece and Poland - an original research.

BACKGROUND: The length and the quality of life are determined by, among other things, environmental factors. The place of residence is associated with certain differences in nutritional culture, with food traditions and customs being of great importance. Also, the location of a given country in a specific climate zone has an impact on the choice of food products and their preparation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse eating behaviours among adult residents of Greece and Poland as well as to investigate to what extent these behaviours are impacted by the place of residence of respondents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 633 randomized respondents at the age of 50 or older (312 Greeks and 321 Poles) were included in the study. The author's questionnaire was used in the research. RESULTS: A total of 41.07% of respondents, including 31.09% of Greeks and 50.78% of Poles, declared having 4-5 meals per day. Fish was consumed 1-2 times a week by 29.27% of respondents, including 23.40% of Greeks and 15.26% of Poles. Whole wheat bread was consumed several times daily by 20.7% of respondents, including 19.55% of Greeks and 21.81% of Poles. Coarse groats and pasta were consumed a few times weekly by 23.06% of respondents, including 25.64% of Greeks and 20.56% of Poles. CONCLUSIONS: Eating behaviours in adult Poles and Greeks are varied, with healthier eating habits in the latter group. There are significant differences between the intake of food products rich in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids by residents of Greece and Poland.

Selected lifestyle elements in adolescents attending high schools.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle encompasses, among other things, eating habits, physical activity, and the use of stimulants. Individual choices in this area have a direct impact on human health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the lifestyle in adolescents and to verify whether there is a relationship between selected lifestyle elements and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 304 students (160 women and 144 men) were included in the study. The study used an original questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to assess the correlations between gender and eating habits, physical activity and the use of stimulants among adolescents. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The students surveyed usually have 4-5 meals daily at 3-4-hour intervals (50.33% and 53.8%, respectively). They consume confectionery up to several times a week (35.2%), as declared by more women than men (41.9% of women and 27.8% of men). Adolescents usually practise physical exercise several times a week (36.51%), as reported by 29.38% of women and 44.44% of men. Occasional alcohol consumption was reported by 44.38% of women and 42.4% of men. A total of 61.92% of respondents were non-smokers, as declared by more women than men. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of adolescents lead an unhealthy lifestyle in terms of eating habits, alcohol consumption and smoking. Positive behaviours were observed for physical activity. Some lifestyle elements were correlated with gender. Women devote less time to physical activity compared to men. Men have a higher tendency to consume carbonated beverages and higher amounts of alcohol than women. The obtained research results indicate the need for health education.

Selected Oxidative Stress Markers in Colorectal Cancer Patients in Relation to Primary Tumor Location-A Preliminary Research.

Background and objectives: Ample evidence indicates that oxidative stress, including complex lipid peroxidation processes, may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. The goal of this study was to evaluate selected oxidative stress markers in patients with colorectal cancer depending on some clinical features, with particular attention paid to the location of the primary tumor. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 66 patients with colorectal cancer. The study consisted of two stages. The first stage involved the analysis of medical records; the second consisted of determining selected oxidative stress markers by measuring malondialdehyde as well as total oxidant and antioxidant status. Results: Of all patients, 43 (65.15%) had colon cancer, of whom 30 (69.77%) had a tumor on the left side and 13 (30.23%) had a tumor on the right side of the colon. Of all the patients, 23 (34.85%) had rectal cancer. The mean total oxidant and antioxidant status was 809.76 (SD ± 392.65) µmol/L and 253.19 (233.33-310.66) µmol/L, respectively. The mean malondialdehyde serum level was 2478.04 (SD ± 1397.05) ng/mL. The mean malondialdehyde serum concentration in patients with primary tumors located on the right side was higher in a statistically significant way compared with the remaining patients. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that the intensity of lipid peroxidation processes is correlated with the development of colorectal cancer, particularly on the right side. The results should be interpreted rather cautiously due to certain limitations of the study.

Nutrition behaviours and the occurrence of depressive symptoms among the students in the institutions of higher education in Silesia (Poland)

Background: Depressive symptoms may appear at any age, yet they are most likely to be observed among young people aged 20-30. According to numerous scientific records, a properly balanced diet may prevent depression or enhance a therapeutical process. Objective: The aim of the study was the assessment of nutrition behaviours and prevalence of depressive symptoms among the students, as well as investigation whereas there is a connection between these variables and the sexes of the examined group. Furthermore, the aim was to determine, whether there is a relation between proper nutrition behaviours and an intensification of depressive symptoms. Material and methods: The research was conducted on a group of 959 students. In order to collect that data on nutrition behaviours an original anonymous questionnaire was used. In order to collect the data on a depressive symptoms occurrence Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used. Results: Recommended number of meals was taken by 54.95% of students, including 59.20% of women and 48.56% of men. Only 6.25% of students, including 6.94% of women and 5.22% of men, ate a recommended number of 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables. 11.16% of students, including 10.94% of women and 11.49% of men, drank at least 2 glasses of milk or dairy fermented products. 22.84% of students presented depressive symptoms. 11.57% of the examined people suffered from mild depression, 7.1% - of moderate depression and 4.17% ­ of a severe one. Conclusions: It was found that there are relations between nutrition behaviours and sexes of the examined people. Women tend to present more beneficial behaviours. Almost every fourth student presented depressive symptoms ­ an intensification of the symptoms was more frequent among women. A growth in the rate of proper nutrition behaviours was connected with a drop in the depressive symptoms.

Eating behaviours of primary school pupils from Slaskie, Malopolskie and Opolskie Voivodeships in Poland

Background: Nutrition is one of the major environmental factors affecting children's physical development and health, with nutrition mistakes made in early years of life having short- and long-term health consequences. Objective: This study has been aimed at evaluating eating behaviours of primary school pupils and determining whether there are relationships between pupils' eating habits and their area of residence. Material and methods: The study was conducted in primary schools located in the following voivodeships (administrative units) in Poland: Slaskie, Opolskie and Malopolskie, on a total sample of 1138 pupils. A survey specially designed for the purpose of this study was used to investigate the pupils' eating behaviours. The findings were then analysed with the use of MS Excel 2010 and Statistica 12.0 software. Results: According to the survey, 61.42% of pupils in our study ate the recommended number of meals daily. 72.74% reported eating breakfast daily, 66.17% stated they ate packed lunch/midmorning snack daily, 17.49% reported eating wholemeal bread more than once daily, whilst milk and natural yoghurt were consumed daily by 20.04% and 10.81% of pupils, respectively. Sweets and salty snacks were excluded from the diet of 2.2% and 3.08% of pupils respectively. 6.59% of pupils reported not eating fast food at all. Conclusions: The eating behaviours of primary school pupils differ. Regional variations in eating behaviours have been found to exist, revealing a correlation between the pupils' area of residence (voivodeship) and some eating behaviours. The largest number of healthy eating behaviours were reported by pupils from Malopolskie Voivodeship.

Selected eating behaviours of girls and boys attending sport-oriented classes

Background: Eating behaviours play a key role in lives of young people who stay physically active. They influence both their correct development and performance. Objective: Evaluation of selected eating behaviours of girls and boys attending sport-oriented classes and identification of differences between eating behaviours of studied groups. Materials and Methods: 460 students attending sport-oriented classes in Poland participated in the study. A questionnaire prepared by the author of the study was the research tool. The data was gathered in Microsoft Office Excel 2010 worksheet. Statistical analysis was made with the use of StatSoft, Inc. Statistica version 10.0. Results: The questioned students most often had 4-5 meals a day- such an answer was given by 59.09% of the boys and 41.38% of the girls. 55.59% and 41.95% of them respectively had breakfast within 30 minutes from waking up and 41,96% of the girls and 39.51% of the boys had supper 2-3 hours before going to sleep. Whole meal bread and/or groats were most frequently consumed a few times a day as it was declared by 50.35% of the boys and 45.98% of the girls. The highest percentage of the respondents consumed vegetables at least once a day (31.61% of the girls and 31.47% of the boys). 44.83% of the girls and 40.9% of the boys declared eating fruit a few times a day. Conclusions: Studied eating behaviours of girls and boys in sport-oriented classes are largely wrong and require correction. The analysis of the gathered data indicated statistically significant differences between boys' and girls' eating behaviours, however, the boys' habits were better.