A model small-scale field experiment was set up to investigate selenium (Se) uptake by four different varieties of broccoli plants, as well as the effect of Se foliar application on the uptake of essential elements for plants calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn). Foliar application of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) was carried out at two rates (25 and 50 g Se/ha), and an untreated control variant was included. Analyses of individual parts of broccoli were performed, whereby it was found that Se in the plant accumulates mainly in the flower heads and slightly less in the leaves, stems, and roots, regardless of the Se rate and broccoli variety. In most cases, there was a statistically significant increase of Se content in all parts of the plant, while there was no confirmed systematic influence of the addition of Se on the changing intake of other monitored elements. Selenization of broccoli leads to an effective increase in the Se content at a rate of 25 g/ha, whereas the higher rate did not result in a substantial increase of Se content compared to the lower rate in all varieties. Therefore, the rate of 25 g/ha can be recommended as effective to produce broccoli with an increased Se content suitable for consumption. Moreover, Se application resulted in an adequate increase of the main organic compounds of Se, such as selenocystine (SeCys2), selenomethionine (SeMet), and Se-methylselenocysteine (Se-MeSeCys).

Physical activity is an important salutoprotective component of health-related behaviour, which delays cardiovascular ageing and prolongs life. The aim of this research is to map the extent of physical activity carried out by adults in the Czech Republic, assess the influence of determinants of physical activity and examine the relationship between physical activity and subjective health complaints. The research sample consisted of 1,263 Czech adult respondents aged 22-93. The volume of physical activity decreases with age. Based on regression analysis, we identified the strongest predictors of physical activity such as age, gender and the personality dimensions of ascendancy and vigour (according to Gordon Personal ProfileInventory (GPP-I)). Men are more physically active than women, yet 51% of all respondents did not meet the minimum recommended amount of sports physical activity. It was confirmed that the higher extent of physical activity reduces the number of health complaints.