Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3)
Influence of cadmium and zinc sulphates on the function of human T lymphocytes in vitro
Petanová J., Fučíková T., Bencko V.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):137-140
Substances present in our environment influence the whole organism, including the immune system. Metals are one of the principal parts of these substances. It is generally supposed that they may have stimulating effect on immunity system in low concentrations in comparison with high concentrations in which they are toxic, with variations of each metal. There are differences between for example cadmium and zinc, and cadmium is toxic in low concentrations either. The effect of cadmium on the immune system has not been studied so deeply as the influence of zinc. In our work, we are interested in the study of immunomodulation caused by cadmium in comparison...
The state of health of the Romany population in the Czech Republic
Nesvadbová L., Rutsch J., Kroupa A., Sojka S.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):141-149
The health state pilot study of Romany nationality people (432 adults and 105 children) intended on relationship between social characteristics and presentation of health problems, further on the index of absence from work due to illness and mutual relations. The frequent occurrence of diagnostic groups E10-14, F70-79 and M00-99 was found among the group of men. The results of investigation are valid in particular for our examined group.
New serovars of Plesiomonas shigelloides - 1992-1998
Aldová E.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):150-151
Most of the 26 new O (O77-O102) and 10 new H (H42-H50) and H1a1d antigens were found in various P. shigelloides strains isolated from man and other mammals, birds, fish, and water and water insects, not only in the Czech Republic but also in 12 foreign countries.
Mortality of the population in Slovakia: past and present
Pleško I., Zatoński W.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):152-159
This contribution presents an analysis of the health status of the Slovakian population using trends in overall mortality, death rates from major diseases, and of other health indicators. The health status of the Slovak population at the beginning of this century as well as at the time of the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918 was very bad. This situation is demonstrated by the extremely high infant mortality rate, short life expectancy and enormous mortality from infectious diseases, particularly from tuberculosis. Despite progress before the Second World War, only in the postwar period was the health status comparable with other developed countries...
The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the trivalent vaccine, Trimovax™, indicated for prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella, in 12-month-old children in Belarus
Samoilovich E.O., Kapustik L.A., Feldman E.V., Yermolovich M.A., Svirchevskaya A.J., Zakharenko D.F., Fletcher M.A., Titov L.P.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):160-163
In the Republic of Belarus, immunization of children against measles and mumps had been carried out using monovalent preparations according to the national schedule of measles vaccination at 12 months of age and mumps vaccination at 24 months of age. A rise of rubella incidence in the last few years (i.e., for the official registration period 1980 to 1998, there was an increase from 72.2 to 607.5 cases per 100,000 population) made it necessary to implement immunization against this infection, as well. Therefore, in 1996, combined vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella of 12-month-old children was carried out for the first time in a clinical...
Influence of some antibiotics on lipase and hydrophobicity of Acinetobacter baumannii
Hoštacká A.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):164-166
Effect of four antibiotics (cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime and ofloxacin) at subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) (1/4, 1/8 or 1/16 of the MICs) on lipase and cell surface hydrophobicity of a clinical isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii 16265 was studied. Lipase activity in the majority of the cases was not significantly changed. Small alterations were drug and concentration dependent. The most efficient ceftazidime at 1/4 of the MIC reduced lipolytic activity to 78.7 % of the control value. On the other hand, all beta-lactam antibiotics mainly at the highest concentration (1/4 of the MICs) most effectively decreased surface hydrophobicity...
The assessment of risk to acquired hypothyroidism from exposure to PCBs: a study among Akwesasne Mohawk women
Sukdolová V., Negoita S., Hubicki L., DeCaprio A., Carpenter D.O.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):167-168
PCBs are a family of 209 chemical compounds, each of which consists of two benzene rings and 1 to 10 chlorine atoms. Their long-term stability and dispersion into the environment and the food chain have caused concern about their impact on humans and the environment. Native American communities are believed to be at particularly high risk of such exposure since they typically are more dependent than other populations on local fish and game as a food source. We have evidence for a significant excess in incidence and prevalence of hypothyroidism among Mohawks, particularly older women, as compared to other populations. The goal of the current project...
Participation of Chlamydia pneumoniae in an epidemic of respiratory infections in Slovakia
Kováčová E., Kazár J.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):169-171
In human sera collected in three regions of Slovakia during an epidemic of respiratory infections, both genus-specific chlamydial and species-specific anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies, as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microimmunofluorescence test, respectively, were found. Based on seroconversion or significant rise of antibody titers and detection of antibodies of IgM class, an acute C. pneumoniae infection was indicated in 21 of 298 (7.0 %) patients tested. The results obtained bring the first evidence on the role of C. pneumoniae as respiratory pathogen in Slovakia.
HIV infection and sexual behaviour among homosexual and bisexual men in Bratislava
Staneková D., Habeková M., Wimmerová S., Grambličková I.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):172-175
Objective: To determine sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence in a sample of homosexual and bisexual men in Bratislava. Patients and methods: Participants were recruited at gay discotheque in Bratislava in February and June 1996. Saliva samples were collected for testing the presence of anti-HIV antibodies and a questionnaire regarding sexual practice was completed. Results: In the study 170 men (1st discotheque) and 124 men (2nd discotheque) were enrolled. The prevalence of antibodies against HIV was 5.4 % and 1.6 %, respectively. A group of 119 attenders (mean age: 25 years) was voluntarily questioned about their sexual lifestyle...
Potential foci of Lyme borreliosis in towns
Nadzamová D., Peťko B., Štefančíková A., Čisláková L., Štěpánová G., Šeba M.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):176-178
In 1997 the presence of ticks Ixodes ricinus infected with the agent of Lyme borreliosis was detected on the vegetation of Kosice urban agglomeration. The density of ticks on the vegetation of pericentral area islands of forest stands and neglected gardens was 2.4 times lower than that observed in a peripheral park forest. Only sporadical findings of ticks were reported from the industrial central part of town with remnants of uncultivated vegetation. Central parks and housing estates were actually tick-free. Borrelia-infected ticks, from 12.8 to 15 % were found in the park forest and pericentral areas. The results indicate potential risks for...
Comparative analysis of results from studies of goitre in children from Bulgarian villages with nitrate pollution of drinking water in 1995 and 1998
Vladeva S., Gatseva P., Gopina G.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):179-181
The role of nitrates in goitre genesis has been discussed for a long time. In the present report a comparative analysis is made of results obtained in villages with nitrate pollution of the drinking water. In two pairs of villages children aged between 3 and 14 were included, whose thyroid status was investigated by a clinical examination. The study was carried out in 2 stages - in 1995 and 1998. In this period the goitre incidence was significantly reduced in both sexes. Both investigations showed a higher relative risk of goitre in children exposed to water pollution by nitrates. In the first, as well as in the second examination, goitre was diffuse....
Effect of recirculation air cleaners on indoor air quality in a children's home
Lajčíková A., Mathauserová Z., Klánová K.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):182-185
The subject of this study was to assess the efficacy of the air cleaners provided by the Czech Power Company ČEZ, J.S.C., and the foundation Social and Therapeutic Help Fund, Prague, to selected children's homes within the framework of the project "Clean air for flooded Moravia". The study was conducted in a children's home in Ostrava-Hrabova. It was concluded that the air cleaners represent an effective mean for improving indoor air quality.
Dietary guidelines in the Czech Republic. I.: Theoretical background and development
Brázdová Z., Fiala J., Bauerová J., Hrubá D.
Cent Eur J Public Health 2000, 8(3):186-190
Setting dietary guidelines for the healthy population of the Czech Republic has respected the methodical steps suggested by authors as follows: consideration of dietary guidelines was preceded by the consensus on general goals and methods, e.g. health and well-being promotion at the population level. The guidelines cover a total diet, not only a part of it and have to be realistic, with respect to actual frequency of food in majority of population. The second step was the declaration of nutritional goals with respect to achieving the RDI. The third step was dividing the food into defined food groups according to the following criteria: the food contained...