Comparison of chronotype and learning motivation in medical university students.

Background: People differ in their preferred time for intellectual activities. Morningness-eveningness preferences describe the preferred time for performing daily activities and are determined by chronotype. Chronotype reflects circadian preference in humans and is divided into morning, intermediate, and evening types.

Assessment of EN-RAGE, sRAGE, and its isoforms: cRAGE, esRAGE in obese patients treated by moderate caloric restriction combined with physical activity conducted in hospital condition.

Background: AGEs, their receptor (RAGE), and the extracellular newly identified receptor for AGEs product-binding protein (EN-RAGE) are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation.

Aim: We analyzed serum EN-RAGE, soluble RAGE (sRAGE), and their isoforms: endogenous secretory - esRAGE and cleaved - cRAGE concentrations in lean controls (n = 74) and in patients with obesity (n = 71) treated for three weeks with moderate calorie restriction (CR) combined with physical activity in a hospital condition.

Methods: Using the ELISA method, serum sRAGE, esRAGE, and EN-RAGE were measured before and after CR.

The multidirectional assessment of moderate caloric restriction and metformin treatment in obese patients.

Obesity treatment is often burdensome for patients. We used the combination of moderate caloric restriction (CR) with hypoglycemic metformin to assess their multidirectional effect in obese patients. One group was treated only with moderate CR (n=21) the second was treated with moderate CR and 800 mg metformin twice daily (n=23).

Seasonal Influence on Salivary Myeloperoxidase Diurnal Variations in Young Healthy Subjects: A Preliminary Study.

Background: The interaction between oxidative status markers and biological rhythms is considered particularly important in the pathogenesis of many diseases and more effective therapies. We aimed to determine if the salivary secretion of myeloperoxidase exhibits diurnal variations, and if the potential daily variability differs seasonally.

Methods: The study was performed in Poznan, Poland (52,25°N, 16,58°E) in 10 healthy male volunteers (age median 23.

Diurnal differences in urine flow in healthy young men in a light-controlled environment: a randomized crossover design.

Background: Older men often experience nocturnal urination difficulties, reflected by diurnal differences in maximum urine flow (Qmax). Since lower urinary tract symptoms and pathological comorbidities are frequent in older men, it remains unclear whether this diurnal variation is a physiological or pathological phenomenon. Our aim was to quantify the diurnal variability of Qmax in healthy young participants under varying daylight conditions in a stable environment to discern potential underlying causes of nocturnal urination difficulties.

Effect of the one-day fasting on cortisol and DHEA daily rhythm regarding sex, chronotype, and age among obese adults.

Introduction: Physiological and biochemical processes in the human body occur in a specific order and show rhythmic variability. Time dependence characterizes the secretion of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). One-day fasting implies alternating fasting days and eating days.

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) correlates with obesity-related parameters, and it is not easy to be modified by moderate caloric restriction in obese humans.

Deficiency of a soluble form of the advanced glycation end products receptor (sRAGE) is implicated in obesity-induced complications. Serum sRAGE is inclined to be modified by changes in body weight. We analysed serum sRAGE concentrations in patients with obesity undergoing moderate calorie restriction, which mimics the real-life situation and is not harmful to obese humans.

Effect of Flaxseed ( L.) Supplementation on Vascular Endothelial Cell Morphology and Function in Patients with Dyslipidaemia-A Preliminary Observation.

Context: Flaxseed has a characteristic fatty acids composition and unique phytonutrient profile that may have health-promoting properties.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of 10 weeks of supplementation with the flaxseed (28 g/day) on endothelial cells (EC) function, serum lipids and proinflammatory mediators in patients with mild and severe dyslipidaemia.

Materials And Methods: Eleven lean patients with severe dyslipidaemia treated with apheresis (group 1; 10 weeks treated in four phases: (i) ordinary diet, (ii) ordinary diet + flaxseed, (iii) ordinary diet (wash out), (iv) ordinary diet + placebo) and eleven obese patients with mild dyslipidaemia-not treated with apheresis (group 2; 10 weeks treated in two phases: (i) ordinary diet, (ii) low fat diet + flaxseed).

No Significant Effect of the Individual Chronotype on the Result of Moderate Calorie Restriction for Obesity-A Pilot Study.

Background: Chronotype is the pattern of the circadian rhythm that allows an individual to optimize times of sleep and activity. It has been observed that chronotypes may associate with some conditions and diseases, including obesity. It is not known, however, whether chronotypes determine the effectiveness of weight loss regimens.

Moderate Caloric Restriction Partially Improved Oxidative Stress Markers in Obese Humans.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in obesity. Therefore, we investigated whether moderate and short-term calorie restriction (CR) reflects a real-life situation, mediates weight loss, and improves oxidative stress markers. We analyzed oxidative stress markers in patients with obesity undergoing moderate CR.

Diurnal rhythms of urine volume and electrolyte excretion in healthy young men under differing intensities of daytime light exposure.

In humans, most renal functions, including urine volume and electrolyte excretions, have a circadian rhythm. Light is a strong circadian entrainment factor and daytime-light exposure is known to affect the circadian rhythm of rectal temperature (RT). The effects of daytime-light exposure on the diurnal rhythm of urinary excretion have yet to be clarified.

Seasonal differences in clock gene expression levels in buccal epithelial cells of obese men: a pilot study.

Various biological processes show seasonal variations in humans, including important metabolic pathways. Seasonal changes in gene expression may affect annual differences in human immunity. We hypothesized that seasonal changes occur in clock gene expression levels that are associated with body mass index.

Physical disuse contributes to widespread chronic mechanical hyperalgesia, tactile allodynia, and cold allodynia through neurogenic inflammation and spino-parabrachio-amygdaloid pathway activation.

Physical disuse could lead to a state of chronic pain typified by complex regional pain syndrome type I due to fear of pain through movement (kinesiophobia) or inappropriate resting procedures. However, the mechanisms by which physical disuse is associated with acute/chronic pain and other pathological signs remain unresolved. We have previously reported that inflammatory signs, contractures, disuse muscle atrophy, spontaneous pain-like behaviors, and chronic widespread mechanical hyperalgesia based on central plasticity occurred after 2 weeks of cast immobilization in chronic post-cast pain (CPCP) rat model.

Flaxseed ( L.) Supplementation in Patients Undergoing Lipoprotein Apheresis for Severe Hyperlipidemia-A Pilot Study.

Being rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, flaxseed ( L.) is thought to be able to decrease lipid levels and dampen inflammation. In this pilot study, we aimed to determine whether flaxseed supplementation could improve the profiles of lipids and inflammatory mediators in patients with severe hyperlipidemia resistant to conventional lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy and requiring lipoprotein apheresis.

Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) oil impact on the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils in the obese patients.

Context: Amaranth and canola oils have been used traditionally. Amaranth has been identified as being of interest because of its outstanding nutritive value. Amaranth oil is a rich source of highly unsaturated fats and so could be a valuable dietary alternative for individuals affected with obesity.

Seasonal differences in rhythmicity of salivary cortisol in healthy adults.

The existence of seasonal changes in secretion of stress hormones and inflammatory mediators by humans is not certain. Here, we aimed to determine whether concentrations of cortisol and IL-6 displayed seasonal rhythmicity. The study was performed in Poznań, Poland (52°N, 16°E) in 7 healthy female volunteers (age 22.

Do medical students adhere to advice regarding a healthy lifestyle? A pilot study of BMI and some aspects of lifestyle in medical students in Poland.

Background: The components of lifestyle of medical students, with comprehensive reporting of their physical activity and drinking and eating behavior, are rarely evaluated. Being overweight (increased body mass index - BMI) is associated with health problems, an unhealthy lifestyle (inadequate sleep, diet and exercise) being implicated.

Objectives: The aim was to determine if there were discrepancies between assessments of actual lifestyle and advice regarding the principles of a healthy lifestyle.

Weight loss-dependent and -independent effects of moderate calorie restriction on endothelial cell markers in obesity.

Endothelial cell dysfunction in obesity can be reduced by calorie restriction (CR), however it is unclear whether this benefit requires a concomitant weight loss or is it simply related to the reduced calorie intake per se. In our study serum was drawn from 41 obese women who were undergoing an 8-week dietary intervention with 15 - 30% energy deficit, and from 48 age- and sex-matched controls of normal weight. Serum was analysed for biomarkers of endothelial cell function, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Age-related limitations of interleukin-6 in predicting early mortality in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine whose levels increase significantly during myocardial infarction (MI). It has been hypothesised that the concentrations of IL-6 at admission may be useful in prognosticating long-term outcomes. It is unclear, however, whether IL-6 could improve the prognosis of early mortality in MI.

Contribution of daily and seasonal biorhythms to obesity in humans.

While the significance of obesity as a serious health problem is well recognized, little is known about whether and how biometerological factors and biorhythms causally contribute to obesity. Obesity is often associated with altered seasonal and daily rhythmicity in food intake, metabolism and adipose tissue function. Environmental stimuli affect both seasonal and daily rhythms, and the latter are under additional control of internal molecular oscillators, or body clocks.

Arterial pressure oscillation and muscle sympathetic nerve activity after 20 days of head-down bed rest.

Both spectral power within the low-frequency component, i.e., 0.

Seasonal differences in melatonin concentrations and heart rates during sleep in obese subjects in Japan.

During the past several decades, obesity has been increasing globally. In Japan, obesity is defined by a BMI of 25 kg/m² or over; 28.6 % of men and 20.

Attenuated thermoregulatory responses with increased plasma osmolality in obese subjects during two seasons.

Obese subjects may be more vulnerable to injury from heat stress, and appear to be less efficient at thermoregulation. Sweat rate, tympanic temperature and osmolality in obese subjects were investigated in Japan during two seasons. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity, thermoregulatory response and season.

Effects of living at two ambient temperatures on 24-h blood pressure and neuroendocrine function among obese and non-obese humans: a pilot study.

The effects of environmental temperature on blood pressure and hormones in obese subjects in Japan were compared in two seasons: summer vs winter. Five obese (BMI, 32 ± 5 kg/m(2)) and five non-obese (BMI, 23 ±3 kg/m(2)) men participated in this experiment at latitude 35°10' N and longitude 136°57.9' E.

No effects of acclimation to heat on immune and hormonal responses to passive heating in healthy volunteers.

Heat acclimation results in whole body-adaptations that increase heat tolerance, and might also result in changed immune responses. We hypothesized that, after heat acclimation, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and the lymphocyte count would be altered. Heat acclimation was induced in 6 healthy men by 100 min of heat exposure for 9 days.