Caffeine Consumption in a Group of Adolescents from South East Poland-A Cross Sectional Study.

Caffeine is the most common psychoactive substance available to adults, as well as to children and adolescents. The safety of its use in younger age groups requires further research. The aim of this study was to evaluate caffeine intake, to identify products and drinks that are the main sources of caffeine intake in the diet of the subjects and the risk of excessive caffeine intake with the diet of adolescents, stratified by gender. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 adolescents aged 16-18 years from southern Poland. Black tea, cola-based soft drinks and milk chocolate were the most frequently consumed products containing caffeine in the diet of the examined persons. The average caffeine intake was 95.54 mg/day (1.54 mg/kg b.w.). In 12.2% of the subjects the dose of 3 mg/kg b.w./day was exceeded, and in over 41.3% the dose causing sleep disorders was exceeded. The dose causing anxiety was also exceeded in 18.1% of the respondents, significantly more often in girls than boys (p = 0.0487).

Risk Factors and Prevalence of Abdominal Obesity among Upper-Secondary Students.

Inadequate eating habits, as well as a low level of physical activity, influence adipose tissue deposition. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of central obesity in upper-secondary students and to determine the factors related to its occurrence. The survey included 309 participants, aged 16 to 18 years from Krakow (Poland). Anthropometric measurements were taken during the periodic assessment of students' health status. An anonymous questionnaire was used to assess the nutritional and non-nutritional risk factors of participants. According to different methods of measurement, abdominal obesity (AO) was observed in 15.5% (WC-waist circumference), 10.7% (WHtR-waist to height ratio) or 21.7% (WHR-waist to hip ratio) participants. Abdominal obesity (WC) was significantly associated with family history of excess body weight and higher economic status of the family. The risk of AO (WC) was significantly lower among adolescents who declared higher physical activity. Boys who eat first breakfasts have lower AO risk according to WHtR interpretation. Abdominal obesity in gender group was related to the self-esteem of one's own appearance according to WHtR and WC. Abdominal obesity was associated with the family environment and modifiable lifestyle factors and was dependent on gender.

Evaluation of Caffeine Consumption among Pregnant Women from Southern Poland.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant worldwide, including by pregnant women. Products containing caffeine should be limited in accordance with the recommendations for pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate consumption of caffeinated products and daily caffeine intake from food by pregnant women. The study was conducted on a group of healthy pregnant women: attendees of antenatal classes (n = 70) and patients of an outpatient gynecological clinic (n = 70) from Krakow (Southern Poland). A questionnaire about the frequency of consumption of selected foods and drinks containing caffeine was used. The average caffeine content in food products obtained from other Polish studies was used to estimate average daily caffeine intake in our study group. Mean daily caffeine intake was 49.60 ± 59.15 mg/day and the maximum was 498.0 mg/day. The main sources of caffeine were as follows: black tea (bags, leaf), instant coffee and ground coffee. No statistically significant differences in caffeine intake between the groups were found. A weak negative correlation (rs) = -0.28 (p = 0.0208) between month of pregnancy and caffeine intake was observed among attendees of antenatal classes. Mean daily caffeine intake did not exceed the maximum recommended dose in our study group.

Prevalence of food neophobia in pre-school children from southern Poland and its association with eating habits, dietary intake and anthropometric parameters: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of food neophobia in pre-school children and its association with eating habits, dietary intake and anthropometric parameters. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey performed in 2012-2013. The Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS) adapted by Wardle, Carnell and Cooke was used to assess the level of food neophobia. Dietary intake was measured using an FFQ and dietary records from three days. Anthropometric measurements were taken to determine children's nutritional status and BMI was computed based on Polish growth charts. Wilcoxon's rank test and Pearson's rank-correlation coefficient were applied to compare the level of food neophobia and frequency of consumption of food products and nutrient intakes. SETTING: Kindergartens in southern Poland located in or near Cracow. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and twenty-five pre-school children and their parents. RESULTS: Low neophobia was observed in 12·3 % and high neophobia in 10·8 % of the children examined. Children with a high level of neophobia were significantly less likely (P<0·05) to eat eggs, raw or cooked vegetables and legumes, whereas they tended to eat sweets and snacks more frequently; these foodstuffs were also eaten more often between meals. Because the neophobic children ate vegetables very rarely, their intakes of vitamin C (36 % of RDA) and thiamin (84 % of RDA) were far below the norms. No differences in anthropometric parameters according to level of food neophobia were observed. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of neophobia are associated with diet variation and may enhance the risk of nutritional deficiencies in children.

Chronic treatment with zinc hydroaspartate induces anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activity in rats.

BACKGROUND: The previous study indicated the enhancement of the anti-inflammatory effect of ketoprofen by acute and sub chronic administration of zinc hydroaspartate. METHODS: The present study examined anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic and analgesic activity induced by chronic (14 days) administration of ZHA (30 mg/kg, po), with a combination of a single administration of ketoprofen, in rats. Moreover, the zinc concentration in serum and stomach mucosa was also determined. RESULTS: Chronic ZHA po administration exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and enhanced the effect induced by ketoprofen. Likewise, ZHA administration demonstrated anti-ulcerogenic activity. While ZHA alone did not exhibit analgesic action, it enhanced the effect of ketoprofen. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated for the first time that chronic treatment with zinc salt exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Besides, anti-ulcerogenic activity and the enhancing properties of zinc to ketoprofen induced anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity were also shown.

Characteristics of the peanut chain in Europe - implications for peanut allergy.

BACKGROUND: Peanuts are one of the main food allergens, occasionally responsible for life-threatening reactions. Thus, many studies have tried to fi nd a connection between peanut allergy prevalence and processes in the peanut chain that may contribute to the peanut allergenicity. To inform this discussion, this paper outlines experiences in peanut cultivation, trade and processing in Europe, focusing on four European countries with different peanut experiences (Poland, Bulgaria, Spain and the UK). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Results here are based on documentary analysis and semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 32 experts involved in various stages of the peanut chain, including peanut farmers, processors, traders, food technologists and manufacturers. RESULTS: A common peanut chain diagram has been drawn considering shelled and in-shell peanuts. The analysis of each stage of peanut processing has been made in accordance with this peanut chain schema. Thermal and mechanical processes are discussed alongside the resultant end peanut products available for European consumers. The paper also analyses the main trends of peanut trade in Europe. The results suggest that the majority of peanut products in Europe are roasted, implying enhanced exposure of the population to more allergenic peanuts. CONCLUSION: The presented schema and related discussion bring together diverse aspects of peanut production, trade and processing. The main factor associated with the increased allergenicity of peanuts appears to be high temperature roasting. Frying and boiling are also thermal processes, but fried and boiled peanuts have been associated with reduce peanut allergenicity. Neither country of origin nor cultivar type appear to be related to differential peanut allergenicity. More research is needed as regards the impact of various additives, such as chocolate (which is also considered an allergen) on the allergenicity of peanut products. The use of peanuts in non-food products also needs more investigation.

Serum zinc level in depressed patients during zinc supplementation of imipramine treatment.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent major depression is associated with decreased blood zinc concentrations that may be increased by effective antidepressant therapy. Some clinical investigations point to alterations of the zinc level in blood as a potential marker of depression. METHODS: A placebo-controlled, double blind study of zinc supplementation to imipramine therapy was conducted on sixty patients fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for major depression (18-55 years old, 40 females, 20 males). Moreover, a group of 25 healthy volunteers was recruited (16 females, 9 males). Blood samples were drawn for the assay of serum zinc once from the control subjects and four times (before, and then 2, 6 and 12 weeks after the beginning of treatment) from the depressed subjects. RESULTS: We report that: 1) the serum zinc level was significantly lower (by 22%) in depressed patients than in healthy volunteers, 2) all groups demonstrated a gradual increase in zinc concentrations over the period of imipramine treatment with or without zinc supplementation, 3) treatment-resistant patients demonstrated lower concentrations of zinc (by 14%) than treatment-non-resistant patients, 4) zinc concentrations were higher in zinc-supplemented patients than in placebo-supplemented patients, 5) zinc supplementation increased zinc concentrations over the period of treatment, and 6) at a 12-week imipramine treatment, a significant negative correlation was demonstrated between the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the serum zinc level together with a concomitant increase in serum zinc in patients in remission. CONCLUSIONS: Serum zinc is a state marker of depression.

[An attempt to precise indications for treatment with systemic cryotherapy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Próba sprecyzowania wskazan dla leczenia krioterapia ogólnoustrojowa chorych na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów.

The prospective studies included 178 patients (43 men and 135 women) aged 30 to 68 years, treated because of rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.). All of them were subjected to systemic cryotherapy, considerin the total antioxidant states in the serum registered before and after the cryotherapic treatment. Fluctuations of serum antioxidants were referred to selected clinical factors such as: sex, age, duration and progression of the disease. It was confirmed that among patients with R.A., the most beneficial clinical effects obtained through systemic cryotherapy may be expected in women aged up to 49 years, in whom the disease lasted no longer than 3 years and is in the Ist of IInd period (phase).

[Influence of nutrition on selected metabolic cardiovascular risk factors among female residents of Krakow]. / Wplyw zywienia na wystepowanie wybranych metabolicznych czynników ryzyka chorób ukladu krazenia wsród mieszkanek Krakowa.

The study involved influence of nutritional factors on select anthropometrical and lipid indices (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) in female residents of Krakow who were voluntarily participating in the investigation. Only women free of diagnosed cardiovascular diseases were included. The study group consisting of 100 women aged 30-65 years, was divided into two groups: pre-menopause (PM, n=47) and after menopause (AM, n=53). The anthropometrical measurements, % of fat tissue - Tanita scale and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The energy value and the consumption of basic nutrients intake were calculated using 24-hour recalls from the day before the examination. The AM group presented higher anthropometrical and metabolic risk profile: overweight and obesity (BMI-PM = 25.51 +/- 4.16 kg/m2; AM = 28.28 +/- 4.89 kg/m2) and central adiposity type (WC-PM = 81.04 +/- 10.00 cm; AM = 86.46 +/- 11.73 cm); lipids (Total cholesterol-PM = 5.14 +/- 0.87 mmol/l, AM = 5.67 +/- 1.10 mmol/l; LDL-chol-PM = 2.98 +/- 0.90 mmol/l, AM = 3.40 +/- 0.93 mmol/l; HDL-chol-PM = 1.65 +/- 0.39 mmol/l; AM = 1.63 + 0.46 mmol/l). The irregular participation of fatty acids, proteins from plant sources and dietary fibers in daily diet were found (%Energy PM: SFA = 11.66 +/- 4.34, MUFA = 10.91 +/- 4.04, PUFA = 4.76 +/- 2.75, Keys index = 41.89 +/- 14.91; %EnergyAM: SFA = 11.48 +/- 3.86, MUFA = 11.02 +/- 4.12, PUFA = 4.89 +/- 2.92, Keys index = 40.87 +/- 14.4). Women in the AM group represented healthier nutritional behaviors. Results presented indicate that in further study concerning evaluation of nutrients consumption among women the fact of natural menopause should be considered.

Antepartum/postpartum depressive symptoms and serum zinc and magnesium levels.

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between depressive symptoms and serum zinc and magnesium level in antepartum and postpartum women. All women received standard vitamin, zinc and magnesium supplementation. Sixty-six pregnant women in the Czerwiakowski Hospital in Kraków were assessed for prepartum depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Sixty-two and fifty-eight women were also assessed for postpartum depressive symptoms (using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Rating Scale, EPDRS) at 3 and 30 days after delivery, respectively. Serum zinc and magnesium levels were also determined at these time points, however, the number of examined subjects were diminished. A significantly higher EPDRS score (by 45%), indicating severity of depressive symptoms, was found on the 3rd day after childbirth compared with the 30th postpartum day. Moreover, the early post-delivery period (3rd day) was characterized by a 24% lower serum zinc concentration than that found on the 30th day after childbirth. BDI scores assessed a month before childbirth revealed mild depressive symptoms, which was accompanied by a serum zinc concentration similar to that found on the 3rd day after delivery. No significant alterations were found in the magnesium levels between these time points. The present results demonstrated a relationship between severity of depressive symptoms and decreased serum zinc (but not magnesium) concentration in a very specific type of affective disorder, the postpartum depression.

[Selected risk factors for coronary heart disease in a group of women aged 30-65 in Kraków]. / Wybrane czynniki ryzyka choroby niedokrwiennej serca w grupie kobiet w wieku 30-65 lat mieszkajacych w Krakowie.

Mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases (CD) in Poland are almost twice higher than in the European Union countries. The mortality caused by CD has paid the attention on the fact that it increases relatively among women in comparison to men. Epidemiological observations conducted in female groups indicated that the ischaemic heart disease (IHD) appears more frequently after menopause. The aim of the study was to evaluate some IHD risk factors in the group of women aged 30-65 from Kraków. The study included 95 women, without IHD diagnosis, voluntarily registered to the practice of nurses group. The menopause occurrence and selected possible to modify CD risk factors as a concentration of the total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and also blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference were assessed. The smoking of tobacco was estimated by an objective method (the level of carbon monoxide in breath out--smoke check). The level of depression was evaluated with the use of Beck Inventory Scale. The results were calculating using Statistica Pl 6.0 programme. The investigated group, especially women after natural menopause, had higher CD risk factors such as: hypercholesterolemia, systolic hypertension, overweight, tobacco smoking, CRP and depression. The tobacco smoking appeared more often in the group after menopause because of other reasons and in the group of women with regular menstruation. The rate of depression was also higher among women after menopause because of other reasons.

Effect of imipramine treatment on plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity in chronic mild stress in rats.

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) which catalyzes conversion of dopamine into noradrenaline, may be a good blood marker of unipolar depression. Therefore, we studied the effect of classic antidepressant drug imipramine (10 mg/kg ip) on activity of this enzyme in plasma of rats subjected to chronic mild stress (CMS), the model of anhedonia. CMS induced reductions in DBH activity by the second day and 5th week of stress duration. Imipramine treatment minimized these CMS-induced reductions. The data indicate that, similarly to human depression, CMS also affects DBH activity, and, moreover, the CMS-induced alterations are normalized by imipramine treatment.

Pattern recognition methods in evaluation of the structure of the laboratory data biominerals, antioxidant enzymes, selected biochemical parameters, and pulmonary function of welders.

A wide set of biochemical and spirometrical parameters was applied to a group of 41 welders. The obtained parameters were analyzed by the pattern recognition method: principal-components analysis (PCA) and mutual contribution analysis (MCA). The aim of the investigation was to find out which of 23 parameters had an influence on the pulmonological indices of COPD. It was found that PCA gave a substantial reduction of dimensionality. The most relevant parameters were Fe, Zn, Cu (all elements in blood, not in hair), FEV1, MEF50, bilirubin, TAS, and SOD. Only the relationships of MEF50, Cu, and TAS were statistically valid.

Influence of some anthropometric parameters on the risk of development of distal complications after mastectomy carried out because of breast carcinoma.

The analysis included 46 women after radical breast amputation because of cancer with which lymphoedema occurred in the upper limb, as well as 51 women in whom no lymphoedema occurred during the period of the observation. Both groups were subjected to a comparative analysis as for height, body mass, and weight-height indexes: BMI, Quetelet, Rohrer, and Pignet-Verwaeck. The results show that women with high body mass, obesity (BMI > 30.0), and high values of the Quetelet (>370), Rohrer (>1.59), and Pignet-Verwaeck (>93.1) indexes are threatened to a significant degree with lymphoedema of the upper limbs after cancer-related mastectomy. On the other hand, slim body build and low index values appear to be a factor protecting from the occurrence of lymphoedema of the upper limb.

[The contribution of food and airborne allergens in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis]. / Udzial alergenów pokarmowych i powietrznopochodnych w patogenezie atopowego zapalenia skóry.

Food hypersensitivity and airborne allergens may play a role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the kind of food and airborne allergens which may most often induce and intensify AD lesions and also to assess the variability and the kind of allergens leading to AD. The subjects of this study were 610 persons, aged 3 months-70 years. The clinical status of the patients was estimated by an atopic dermatitis symptom score scale (SCORAD). The laboratory examinations differentiated inflammatory processes from allergic reactions. The skin prick tests (SPT), serum total IgE and specific IgE-antibody levels to chosen food products and standard airborne allergens with the immuno-enzymes method ELISA-DPC were performed. The elevated values of the total IgE were proved in 46.1% children from group 0-15 years and in 31.4% of adolescents and adult persons (above 15 year of age). On the basis of positive SPT and positive specific IgE values it was shown, that most frequent food allergens were: egg protein (13.0%), cow milk (9.5%), egg yolk (8.4%), wheat (3.6%) and chocolate (1.8%). The most often airborne allergens connected with AD were: grass (11.6%), moulds (10.2%), house dust mites (9.3%), pollen like hazel (8.0%) and weeds (6.7%), animal allergens coming from cats (7.2%) and dogs (6.1%). The food hypersensitivity was particularly manifested in children. It may be the predictor of potential future development of allergic disease as well as the indicator of the allergic march.

The disturbances of the zinc concentration in the blood in selected neoplasms.

A study was carried out on 92 patients (58 males and 34 females) aged 42-76 treated for malignant neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract (54 patients with colorectal carcinoma, 38 with gastric carcinoma). In all patients, the zinc serum concentration was measured and the results obtained were referred to some epidemiological-clinical factors (sex, age, primary cause of cancer, the stage of clinical progression, and histological type). The results showed that the most pronounced hypozincemia occurred in male patients with mucous membrane carcinoma of the stomach.

[The chronic DIC associated with the neoplastic disease in patients of an advanced age]. / Przewlekly DIC towarzyszacy chorobie nowotworowej u chorych w starszym wieku.

The analysis included 80 patients (48 men and 32 women) aged 65 to 87 years, treated because of cancer of the stomach (34 causes) or of the large bowel (46 causes). In all the patients as well as in a control group made up of persons who were treated because of non-neoplastic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract the determinations were conducted of selected coagulological parameters: fibrinogen and D-dimer concentration, antithrombin III (AT III) activity, kaolin-cephalin index (APTT), prothrombin (PT), thrombin time (TT) and number of thrombocytes in the blood. The analysis of the results obtained showed that hemostasis disturbances of a chronic DIC character occur in 82.5% of persons of an advanced age ill with a cancer of the stomach or of the large bowel.

[The efficacy of the Helicobacter pylori eradication in people of an advanced age]. / Skutecznosc eradykacji zakazenia Helicobacter pylori u ludzi w starszym wieku.

In a group of 112 patients aged 65 to 72 years with chronic gastritis (48 persons), a peptic ulcer (30 persons), a duodenal ulcer (34 persons) bacteriological examinations were conducted aiming at determining the sensitivity to antibiotics of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from the month (gingival pockets), the stomach or duodenal mucous, from stool samples and from the skin of the hands. The sensitivity to antibiotics was tested with the diffusive-disc method taking into consideration 23 chemotherapeutic agents. It was shown that with the use of single antibiotics the chance of efficiently elimination the H. pylori infection from the area of the whole alimentary canal (month, stomach, duodenum, large bowel) amounted to 14.3-35.7% depending on the chemotherapeutics used, where with the use of a two-medicine therapy (metronidazol + amoxycillin) it increased to 42.9%. This means that in people of an advanced age the chemotherapy carried out with the aim of liquidating the infection in the stomach or duodenum mucousa creates possibilities for the H. pylori infection to persist in other parts of the alimentary canal ranging from 64.3 to 85.7%. This way the patient treated may then undergo self-infection as well as be a source of infection for other persons.

[The disturbance of the magnesium management in patients in grave clinical status]. / Zaburzenia gospodarki magnezowej u chorych w ciezkim stanie klinicznym.

The analysis included 46 patients (27 men and 19 women), aged 41 to 76 years, who required intensive medical care because of a grave clinical state. In all af them, as in a group of patients treated because of illnesses identical to those of the basic group but not requiring intensive medical care (CG), as well as in a reference group (RG)--blood donors, the determinations were conducted of the magnesium concentration in the serum with the flame atomic absorptive spectrometry method. It was confirmed that in the patients in grave clinical state the average concentration in the serum of that element was statistically significantly lower that in the other groups (CG and RG). The average magnesium concentration also differs statistically really between the CG and RG. A critical value was also determined of the magnesium concentration in the serum raising 5.78 micrograms/ml, which may be the prognosis of the metabolic disturbances leading to a grave clinical state.

The importance of determination of magnesium concentration in the serum of patients with cancer metastases to the liver.

The study was carried out on 48 patients (26 male and 22 female), aged 52-76 diagnosed as having cancer metastases to the liver. The serum level of magnesium in the studied group and also in two other groups (the first consisting of 48 blood donors and the second of 50 patients suffering from cancer of a non-disseminated nature) was measured by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The results of the study showed that cancer metastases to the liver significantly decrease the mean level of magnesium in serum compared to the other two groups. It was shown that a magnesium level below 12.76 micrograms/ml in cancer patients increased the risk of cancer metastases to the liver.