Interactions between Ciliate Species and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Vary Depending on the Morphological Form and Biomass of the Diazotrophic Cyanobacterium

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae can form extensive blooms from freshwater to the brackish environment and, being a diazotrophic species, contribute significantly to the nitrogen and carbon cycle. It occurs as single filaments or aggregates and could be used as an alternative nutrients source for bacteria and ciliates. Ciliates are a group of organisms playing a crucial role in the transfer of nitrogen from primary producers to higher trophic levels in aquatic food webs. The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of the cyanobacterium A. flos-aquae on the community of five ciliate species (Spirostomum minus, Euplotes aediculatus, Strobilidium sp., Vorticella sp. and Paramecium tetraurelia). The response of each species to the presence of a low/high cyanobacterial biomass and to the different morphological forms of A. flos-aquae (single filaments or aggregates) was demonstrated. The results of the experiment showed the variability of interactions between the cyanobacterium A. flos-aquae and ciliates and pointed out the possible benefits that A. flos-aquae provides to the ciliates (e.g., a substrate for the development of bacteria as food for ciliates or as a source of nitrogen and carbon)

Body mass index, functional fitness and nutritional behaviours of senior women from the Kraków population

Background. Body Mass Index (BMI) is dependent on, among others, diet and level of physical activity. Seniors are more prone to nutritional disorders than other population groups. Objective. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between BMI and nutritional behaviours as well as the functional fitness level of senior women. Materials and methods. The research was carried out among a group of 120 women aged 60-84, using the TANITA SC-330ST body composition analyser, the HOLTAIN anthropometer, the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test and the authordesigned nutritional behaviour questionnaire for seniors. Statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS 21 statistical package, applying the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA tests with comparisons of z tests at the significance level p<0.05. Results. In terms of the relationship between BMI and functional fitness indices, it was shown that women with normal weight obtained higher results for the lower body (p=0.043) and upper body agility tests than obese women (p<0.001). Females with normal BMI also obtained higher results in the endurance test than the overweight women (p=0.038). In terms of the correlation between BMI and nutritional behaviours, it was demonstrated that women with a healthy body mass more often ate varied, low-volume meals than those overweight (p=0.026). Women with correct weight ate fish, eggs and lean meat more often than obese women (p=0.036). Obese women consumed 3-5 portions of fruit and vegetables less frequently during the day than women with normal body mass (p=0.029) and those overweight (p=0.015). Obese women were less likely to eat sea fish at least 1-2 times a week than overweight females (p=0.040) and those with normal BMI (p<0.001). At the same time, women with a normal BMI indicated a higher degree of performed daily physical activity than the overweight women (p=0.028) and those with obesity (p=0.030). Conclusions. Women with normal BMI presented more rational nutrition habits and higher functional fitness than overweight and obese senior women

Interactions between ciliate species and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae vary depending on the morphological form and biomass of the diazotrophic cyanobacterium

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae can form extensive blooms from freshwater to the brackish environment and, being a diazotrophic species, contribute significantly to the nitrogen and carbon cycle. It occurs as single filaments or aggregates and could be used as an alternative nutrients source for bacteria and ciliates. Ciliates are a group of organisms playing a crucial role in the transfer of nitrogen from primary producers to higher trophic levels in aquatic food webs. The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of the cyanobacterium A. flos-aquae on the community of five ciliate species (Spirostomum minus, Euplotes aediculatus, Strobilidium sp., Vorticella sp. and Paramecium tetraurelia). The response of each species to the presence of a low/high cyanobacterial biomass and to the different morphological forms of A. flos-aquae (single filaments or aggregates) was demonstrated. The results of the experiment showed the variability of interactions between the cyanobacterium A. flos-aquae and ciliates and pointed out the possible benefits that A. flos-aquae provides to the ciliates (e.g., a substrate for the development of bacteria as food for ciliates or as a source of nitrogen and carbon)

Evaluation parameters of longitudinal and transverse arches of the feet in both non-weight bearing and weight-bearing conditions in children aged from 7 to 10

Wstęp: Architekturę zewnętrzną stopy tworzy system łuków podłużnych i porzecznych, które rozciągają się pod wpływem obciążenia i powracają do stanu wyjściowego w odciążeniu. Celem pracy jest analiza parametrów wysklepienia podłużnego oraz poprzecznego stóp w warunkach odciążenia oraz obciążenia masą własną. Materiał i metoda: Do badań przystąpiło 182 uczniów (91 chłopców oraz 91 dziewczynek), w wieku od 7 do 10 lat. Metodą wykorzystaną w pracy była metoda fotogrametryczna, oparta na zjawisku mory projekcyjnej. Zdjęcia stóp wykonano w warunkach odciążenia, a następnie równomiernego obciążenia ciężarem własnym. Analizie statystycznej poddano wartości kąta Clarke’a oraz wskaźnika Wejsfloga. Wyniki: Wyliczając dane dla całej grupy zaobserwowano istotną statystycznie różnicę w wartościach analizowanych parametrów otrzymanych w badaniu w odciążeniu oraz obciążeniu. Podobne wyniki uzyskano uwzględniając w analizie statystycznej płeć i wiek badanych. Wnioski: 1. W badaniu w obciążeniu, wraz z wiekiem, dzieci charakteryzowały się gorszym wysklepieniem poprzecznym. 2. W badaniu w obciążeniu, wraz z wiekiem, dzieci charakteryzowały się lepszym wysklepieniem podłużnym stóp.Introduction: External architecture of foot is formed by a system of longitudinal and transverse arches that are stretched under load and return to baseline at relieving. The aim of this study is to analyze the parameters of longitudinal and transverse arches of the feet in both nonweight bearing and weight-bearing conditions. Material and methods: 182 pupils joined the study (91 boys and 91 girls), aged from 7 to 10. The method used in the study has been photogrammetric method, based on the moira phenomenon. Photos of the feet were taken in non-weight bearing and then balanced weight-bearing conditions. Photograms of right foot were used for the analysis. Clarke’s angle and Wejsflog index values have been analyzed. Results: Calculating the data for the whole group a statistically significant difference in the values of the parameters received in the non-weight bearing and weightbearing state has been observed. Similar results have been observed when taking into account the gender and age of the respondents. Conclusions: 1. With the age of children, they characterized by a lower transverse arch in a study with weight-bearing conditions. 2. With the age of children, they characterized by a better longitudinal arch in a study with weight-bearing condition

Satisfaction with Life and Nutritional Behaviour, Body Composition, and Functional Fitness of Women from the Krak&oacute;w Population Participating in the &ldquo;Healthy Active Senior&rdquo; Programme

Pro-health behaviours are related to a person&rsquo;s personal resources. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between satisfaction with life (SWL), nutritional behaviours, somatic indices, and functional efficiency of senior women. The research was conducted among 120 women aged 60&ndash;84 (Me = 65) participating in the &ldquo;Healthy Active Senior&rdquo; project at the University of Physical Education in Krak&oacute;w. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the proprietary validated questionnaire of nutritional behaviour were used. Body composition was assessed using the method of bioelectrical impedance (TANITA SC-330ST analyser), while physical fitness was evaluated via the Senior Fitness test (Fullerton Functional Fitness Test). Correlations between the variables were measured by implementing Spearman&rsquo;s R signed-rank correlation coefficients (with p &lt; 0.05). Positive correlations between SWL and selected nutrition behaviours have been demonstrated, including eating 5&ndash;6 meals (p &lt; 0.001) and drinking at least 2 litres of fluids a day (p = 0.023), consuming cereal products daily, including whole-grains (p = 0.001), avoiding alcoholic beverages (p = 0.030), and applying vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.010). At the same time, negative correlations between SWL and limiting the consumption of red as well as processed meats (p = 0.002), animal fats (p = 0.046), and the preference for vegetable oils in one&rsquo;s diet (p = 0.023) were shown. Significant correlations between satisfaction with life and two indicators of functional fitness were also confirmed: negative&mdash;with the variable &lsquo;2.44-m Get-Up and Go&rsquo; (p = 0.003); and positive&mdash;with the &lsquo;2-Minute Step in Place&rsquo; test (p = 0.034). The relationships between SWL and somatic indices did not reach the level of statistical significance. Among the women participating in the &ldquo;Healthy Active Senior&rdquo; programme, correlations between SWL and rational nutritional behaviours, as well as indices of functional fitness, were found (mostly positive), while the trends in these areas were not fully unambiguous, suggesting the validity of conducting further research