Objectives: The BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene (vitamin D receptor) is one of the important genetic variants influencing the development of osteoporosis. Measurement and evaluation of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration in individuals with reduced bone mineral density are essential because deficiency of this hormone causes impaired bone mineralization, leads to low BMD (bone mineral density), and influences fracture formation. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the VDR gene BsmI polymorphism and 25(OH)D levels in Slovak postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 287 untreated postmenopausal women, who were divided into three groups based on T-scores: normal (CG = 65), osteopenia (OPE = 126), and osteoporosis (OPO = 96). DNA isolation was performed using a standard protocol. Genetic analyses of the BsmI (rs1544410) polymorphism of the VDR gene were performed using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Biochemical analysis of total 25(OH)D was performed in blood serum using the electrochemiluminescence method. Results: The chi-square test confirmed that the mutant T allele was not associated with the development of osteoporosis (p = 0.419). Through Kruskal–Wallis analysis, we found significant differences (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) in total 25(OH)D concentrations in individual genotypes of the BsmI variant of the VDR gene between the groups of women studied. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the VDR gene and its variant BsmI as well as 25(OH)D total may be relevant markers in the etiology of the search for individuals at risk of osteoporosis.

Evidence indicates that unhealthy eating habits constitute multilevel obstacles threatening health and well-being. Studies suggest that consumer choices have turned irremovably towards Western diets. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered one of the most effective in preventing and treating overweight and obesity, yet its results and associations are ambiguous. This explanatory research aims to examine the effect of the MD on anthropometric and biochemical variables in 181 females from an Eastern European country. The sample was divided into three distinct clusters based on age (tricenarian, quadragenarian, and quinquagenarian). Anthropometric and biochemical examinations in the three-month MD program plan failed to provide convincing evidence of the benefits of the MD on selected integrands. However, total body fat (FATP) values between groups showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.032) between groups A and C (p ≤ 0.029), which can be attributed to the age of the cohort (30–39 vs. 50–60 years). Values in groups A and B (p ≤ 0.001) and C and A (p ≤ 0.001) were significant between the cohorts but did not indicate any changes in visceral fat (VFATL) in the individual groups. The presented findings can have implications for further investigation and the development of more comprehensive instruments, incorporating critical add-on constituents that will be appropriate to monitor, evaluate, and predict body weight management in experimentation.

Objective: Health can be described as the state of homeostasis and optimal functioning across various bio-psycho-social dimensions and processes, allowing an individual to adapt and respond effectively to extrinsic and intrinsic challenges. Our thoughts, choices, behaviors, experiences, and feelings shape our existence. By transitioning from unconscious reactions to conscious responses, we can establish novel habits and behaviors, actively embracing positive shifts in our lifestyle.Subjects and methods: The presented examination focuses on the smartwatch (SW), analyzing the incorporation of potentially progressive attributes that could enrich our lifestyle pursuits. The objective is not the health disorders themselves but the employment of wearable devices to create a strong sense of coherence in the Straussian grounded theory approach. The study had no subjects.Results: The potential of the SW has been partially explored in lifestyle intervention, modification, research, and practice.Conclusion: Based on our examination, creating an innovative SW capable of aiding individuals in better comprehending their behaviors and motivating them toward comprehensive changes in their lifestyle is a challenging yet attainable endeavor. Our ambition is to bring into existence SW capable of comprehensively measuring and evaluating interoception, circadian rhythm (CR), selected lifestyle pillars, and their associated components, and seamlessly integrating them into current SW features. It focuses on boosting motivation, maintenance, and amelioration regarding one’s lifestyle. The novel approach strives to boost both immediate and underlying factors that actively contribute to improving one’s metacognition.

Objective: The primary objective was to comprehensively assess the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs562556 and rs2479409) in the PCSK9 gene with biochemical parameters - C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose (GLU), triglyceri...