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Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the content of specific fatty acids in the diet and adipose tissue in a selected group of inhabitants of Lower Silesia in Poland., Methods: The study group consisted of 95 inhabitants of Wroclaw and surrounding villages (22 men and 23 women from the urban area, 23 men and 27 women from the rural area). Fatty acid content in subcutaneous fat samples was assessed by gas-chromatography. Dietary assessment was carried out using food frequency questionnaire. Dietary intake was analyzed using computer programme The Food Processor SQL 10.5.2 produced by ESHA Research USA, with a Polish database., Results: Mean daily energy and fatty acids intake was significantly higher among rural than urban inhabitants. Intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), mainly from rapeseed oil, in urban inhabitants was 1.5 g/day in men and 1.6 g/day in women, and in rural inhabitants 2.6 g/day and 2.1 g/day, respectively. Dietary n-6 to n-3 ratio was higher among urban compared to rural inhabitants (6.7 vs. 5.5 among men and 6.4 vs. 5.5 among women, respectively). Content of ALA in adipose tissue was higher in rural women than in urban men (1.08% vs. 0.92% of total fat). Content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in adipose tissue in rural men (0.04% of total fat) and women (0.05% of total fat) was higher than in urban men (0.01% of total fat). The positive correlation (r=0.43) between the level of EPA in adipose tissue and percentage of energy from dietary EPA was observed among rural men. Overall, positive correlations were found between saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) n-3 level in adipose tissue and percentage of energy from these fatty acids in a diet (r=0.20 and r=0.22, respectively)., Conclusions: Mean daily n-3 fatty acid intake in urban inhabitants was lower than the recommended daily consumption in Poland. The positive correlation between fatty acids level in adipose tissue and dietary fatty acid intake was observed only for EPA among rural men, and in the all-study population for SFA and PUFA n-3. A high n-6 to n-3 ratio in the study group was observed.

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is still one of the greatest, avoidable, singular causes of death. Although students of medical faculties are expected to have solid knowledge about smoking hazards, a significant number of them still smoke., Aim: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge on tobacco dependence in a sample of students at the Medical University in Wroclaw., Material and Methods: Between 2009-2011, non-compulsory lectures on the diagnosis and treatment of tobacco dependence were provided for 3(rd) to 6(th) year students of medicine at the Medical University in Wroclaw (170 students). The questionnaire contained 10 questions about smoking-related diseases and medicines used in tobacco dependence treatment., Results: 21% of students smoked cigarettes and 79% were never smokers. 36% of the study group was exposed to passive smoking at the university. Nearly 80% of survey respondents agreed with the statement that cigarette smoking can lead to psychological addiction as strong as drug addiction, but more than 12% of the respondents perceived smoking just as a strong habit. Only 6 out of 10 surveyed students recognised tobacco dependence as an illness classified in an international classification of diseases and health problems (ICD-10). The correct amount of the chemical substances to be found in tobacco smoke was known by 67.1% of all surveyed students. The vast majority of the surveyed students indicated correctly 2 brands of nicotine replacement therapy, but none of them could name even one chemical and corresponding trade name of the pharmaceutical with central effect., Conclusions: The level of knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of tobacco dependence among the students of the Medical Faculty in Wroclaw Medical University is low, and requires improvement through educational activities at both facultative and compulsory study level. Special attention should be paid to pharmaceutical treatment of the tobacco dependence syndrome.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population of Świętokrzyskie Province in Poland., Methods: Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) in the Polish-Norwegian Study (PONS) was measured in 2,567 females and 1,287 males. Anthropometric measurements included fat mass, height, weight, waist and hip circumference. BMI and WHR were calculated., Results: Data showed that 52% of males and 42% of females were overweight (25.0 ≤ BMI<30.0 kg/m2), and the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) was 35% in both genders. The average BMI was higher in males (28.5 kg/m2) than in females (28.2 kg/m2). Analysis of WC showed that 36% of males and 45% of females had abdominal obesity, whereas measurements of WHR showed abdominal obesity in 64% of males and 79% of females. Generally, the prevalence of obesity was higher in the older age group (55-64 years) and in rural inhabitants. The prevalence of overweight increased with educational level, but the prevalence of obesity decreased with level of education in both males and females., Conclusions: Almost 80% of the PONS population were either overweight or obese; therefore, the PONS population is at increased risk of developing obesity-related diseases.

Objective: The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate selected mineral and vitamin intake of the Polish-Norwegian Study (PONS) participants., Methods: Daily mineral and vitamin intake of PONS study participants was estimated using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Overall, 3,862 inhabitants of Świętokrzyskie Province aged 45-64 (2,572 females and 1,290 males) enrolled in the study., Results: Mean calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium intake were, in males: 660.6 mg/day, 15.4 mg/day, 218.5 mg/day, 889.3 mg/day, 2,453.4 mg/day and 2,571.5 mg/day, and in females: 703.6 mg/day, 13.9 mg/day, 220.8 mg/day, 916.3 mg/day, 2,497.3 mg/day and 2,301.8 mg/day, respectively. Iron and sodium intake was significantly higher in males compared to females. Calcium intake was lower in males than in females and in participants aged 55-64 then those aged 45-54. Estimated daily sodium intake was similar among individuals with and without hypertension. Mean vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, A and E were, in males: 80.1 mg/day, 1.3 mg/day, 1.5 mg/day, 1.6 mg/day, 8,454.0 IU/day and 5.4 mg/day and in females: 83.7 mg/day, 1.1 mg/day, 1.6 mg/day, 1.6 mg/day, 9,494.6 IU/day and 4.9 mg/day, respectively. Females had a higher intake of vitamin C and A , while males had higher thiamin and vitamin E intakes. Higher daily vitamin C intake was observed in the younger than in the older group, and in participants with higher education than those with a lower level of education., Conclusion: Significant differences were observed in daily intake of some vitamins and minerals by gender, age, level of education, and place of residence. Some participants had a lower intake of some minerals and vitamins than Polish recommendations.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of participants in the Polish-Norwegian Study (PONS)., Methods: The presented study comprised 3,862 inhabitants of Świętokrzyskie Province aged 45-64 (2,572 females and 1,290 males). Daily intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat and fatty acid were estimated using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)., Results: Energy intake was significantly higher in males than females (1,461.4 vs 1,320.7 kcal/day), and in participants aged 45-54 than in those aged 55-64 (1,409.5 vs 1,338.5 kcal/day). The percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids was higher than dietary recommendations. Protein, fat and carbohydrate intakes were significantly higher in males compared to females, and in younger than in older group. Daily cholesterol intake was significantly higher in males compared to females and in younger than in older group. People with a higher level of education had a higher energy, protein and fat intake., Conclusion: Under-reporting of energy intake was observed in a significant percentage of participants, especially in males. Gender, age and education status had statistically significant impact on dietary intake. Increase in the intake of dietary fibre, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids with diet by the studied participants will make the diets more healthy.