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Author(s): Omar Bjanid [sup.1] , Piotr Adamczyk [sup.2] , Malgorzata Stojewska [sup.2] , Dagmara Roszkowska-Bjanid [sup.1] , Magdalena Paszyna-Grzeskowiak [sup.1] , Agnieszka Jedzura [sup.1] , Joanna Oswiecimska [sup.2] , Katarzyna [...]

INTRODUCTION Iodine is the key element in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Although endemic goiter, the most serious consequence of severe iodine deficiency, has practically disappeared in most developed countries, [...], BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were: (i) to determine iodine status of schoolchildren living in northeast Italy; (ii) to assess dietary habits and iodine status and (iii) to investigate the level of knowledge concerning iodine sufficiency and ways to ameliorate iodine status. METHODS: One thousand three hundred seventy-five consecutive 12-13 year-old completed questionnaires collecting demographic data and information about the use of iodized salt and food frequency habits. Iodine concentration in urine samples (UIC) and in commercially available milk samples has been measured. RESULTS: The median UIC was found to be 81 µg/l (95% confidence interval (CI) 74-87);40% of the subjects had an UIC of [greater than or equal to] 100 µg/l. Iodine deficiency was prevalent in subjects living in hilly areas. Median iodine concentration in milk was 264 µg/l. Only the combined use of iodized salt plus daily milk normalized UIC, resulting into a median value of 108 µg/l. A logistic regression model confirmed independent associations between low UIC and low intake of milk, use of non-iodized salt and geographical location (P CONCLUSIONS: Northeast Italy is still characterized by mild iodine deficiency. An adequate iodine status was achieved only when iodized salt was combined with daily milk intake. The national iodine prophylaxis program has led to greater consumption of iodized salt and, it is now used in 60-70% of the Italian households. The low level of awareness highlights the need for public programs to promote knowledge and efforts to improve iodine status. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2013) 67, 366- 370; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.44; published online 6 March 2013 Keywords: iodine; UIC; fortification; milk

Introduction Even though 300 million individuals suffer from asthma and 180,000 asthma-related deaths occur annually worldwide [1], there is still conflicting evidence on the rehabilitative effects of exercise on asthma, [...], This study investigated the effect of 8 weeks, three times weekly, of aerobic exercise (AE), diaphragmatic inspiratory resistive breathing (DR), and aerobic exercise combined with diaphragmatic inspiratory resistive breathing (CE) on pulmonary function and abdominal and thoracic dimensions and kinematics in asthmatics. Eighty-eight inactive, moderate-persistent asthmatics were matched and randomly assigned to AE, DR, CE, or non-exercise control (NE) groups (n = 22 each). AE subjects walked and/or jogged at 60% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. DR subjects performed diaphragmatic breathing combined with inspiratory resistive breathing at varying inspiration, expiration ratios. CE subjects utilized a combination of the AE and DR programs. AE, DR, and CE significantly (p [less than or equal to] 0.05) improved chest dimensions and kinematics during inspiration at the height of the second intercostal space, during inspiration and expiration at the height of the xiphoid process, and during inspiration and expiration at the height of the midpoint between the xiphoid process and umbilicus. All exercise interventions significantly improved FVC, [FEV.sub.1], PEF, and IVC, while MVV improved following AE and CE. However, CE proved superior to AE at improving FVC (p = 0.001), [FEV.sub.1] (p = 0.001), and IVC (p = 0.009). There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in any of the measured parameters in the NE group. CE produces adaptations greater than those for single-mode training in moderate-persistent asthmatics. The results suggest synergy rather than interference between aerobic exercise and diaphragmatic inspiratory resistive breathing and that this mode of training might be useful as an adjunct therapy in asthmatic patients. Keywords Chest excursion * Endurance training * Exercise * Spirometry

Abstract Exposure to specific environmental toxins, including polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and other halogenated organochlorines, has been shown to interfere with the production, transportation, and metabolism [...]