C O N T E
N T S
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JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
ISSN:
1582-5388
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Editorial Evaluating health promotion - progress, problems and solutions Elena Lungu In the past 20 years there has
been an enormous growth in the volume of research which is relevance to
health promotion. This expanding research base has advanced knowledge and
improved understanding of the determinants of health in populations. There
are many different interpretations of what represents “value” from a health
promotion program (1). Among the
perspectives reflected in the literature is that of the population who
are to benefit from health promotion actions. Defining success in health promotion concerns assessment to
which an action achieves a valued outcome. Also, there is value placed on the
process by which these outcomes are achieved (2). The Ottawa Charter identifies
both valued outcomes and valued process in health promotion. The Charter defines health promotion as
the process of enabling people to exert control over the determinants of
health and thereby improve their health. Health promotion is an activity
directed towards enabling people to take action. Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Health Patterns and Determinants Natalie P Wyatt, Lucyna Kapka, Adolf Baumgartner, Ewa Siwinska, Danuta Mielzynska, Lisbeth E Knudsen , Diana Anderson Abstract. Aims. To investigate the
susceptibility to micronuclei in lead-exposed mother and child groups
employing fluorescence in situ hybridisation on micronuclei using
pan-centromeric DNA probes (MN-FISH assay). Materials and Methods. DOP-PCR (degenerate oligonucleotide primed
polymerase chain reaction)was used to generate a pan-centromeric DNA probe.
After labelling, the probe was applied to slides with micronuclei smears,
allowing the micronuclei to be examined for the presence of centromeric
signals. Results. Nine year–old
children (n=11) had a significantly lower (p<0.01) level of micronuclei
(both with, and without centromeric signals) in comparison with mothers
(n=11), and a significantly lower level of centromere negative micronuclei
was observed in the children (p<0.01). There was also a lower
non-significant level of centromere positive micronuclei induced in
comparison with centromere negative micronuclei. Conclusions. The higher rate of micronuclei induced in mothers
may arise through lead-exposure and increasing age, and the micronuclei
induced arise more from chromosomal fragmentation, than chromosomal
malsegregation. Key
words: Lead, micronuclei, FISH, mother-children pairs, susceptibility Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Natalie Wyatt, Christine Kelly,Vincenzo
Fontana, Domenico Franco Merlo, Donald Whitelaw, Diana Anderson Abstract. Aims.
2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo(4,5-f)quinoxaline (MeIQx) is one of the most abundant
heterocyclic amines (HAs) in cooked food, and has been subjected to numerous
toxicological procedures. Our aim was to assess the extent of DNA damage
induced by MeIQx in lymphocytes in the alkaline Comet assay, and to compare
various population sub-groups. Materials
and methods. The alkaline Comet assay was used to investigate lymphocytes
from 63 individuals (diabetic and non-diabetic, different ethnicities, sexes,
ages, diets, etc) in vitro. Results.
No statistically significant differences in susceptibility to DNA damage were
observed between subject covariates using linear regression (multivariate
analysis) techniques. However, using
non-parametric data analysis,
statistically significant
differences were seen between groups above and below 45 years of age. Conclusions. MeIQx produced highly
statistically significant, yet relatively low levels of alkali labile sites,
and single strand breaks in DNA in lymphocytes. There were no differences in
susceptibility in population sub-groups to this dietary compound. Keywords: Heterocyclic amines:
2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo(4,5-f)quinoxaline, MeIQx, Comet Assay,
susceptibility Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Spondyloarthritis
– associated HLA-B phenotypes in northeastern Romania population Venera Vasilica Vasilca, Elena Rezuş,
Petru Cianga, Florin Zugun – Eloae, E. Carasevici Abstract. Aim: The
aim of our survey was to identify spondyloarthritis – associated to HLA -B
phenotypes in the population from north-eastern part of Romania. Genetic (HLA
or non-HLA genes) and infectious factors are involved in determining
spondyloarthritis susceptibility and severity. The most frequent association
is with HLA-B27 antigen, but the extent
of association of this antigen with spondyloarthritis depends on the ethnical
and geographical context of the population investigated. Patients and method: HLA-B antigens
were determined using the CDC-NIH (complement- dependent- cytotoxicity-
National Institute of Health) assay. We compared the frequency of HLA-B
antigens expression in the study group, consisting of 40 spondyloarthritis
patients (35 with ankylosing spondilitis) and the control group, including
100 healthy people. Results and
conclusions: HLA-B27, HLA-B7 and HLA-B35 antigens were expressed more
frequently in patients with spondyloarthritis compared to controls. The
difference was statistically significant for HLA-B27 and HLA-B7 antigens (p =
0.009 and p = 0.041). Although HLA-B35 was present in 31.4% of the patients
it did not involve a significant risk for developing ankylosing spondilitis
compared to controls (p = 0.445). Key words: spondiloarthritis, HLA and non HLA genes, HLA-B27 antigen,
susceptibility Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF The main sources of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in milk
processing plants Luminiţa Minea, Oana
Drug, Cristina Câmpeanu, Marieta Vasilov, Doina Bucşă, Daniela Mircea,Cecilia Gafencu,
Lămâiţa Puiu-Berizinţu, Manuela Cibi Abstract: The
zoonotic Listeria monocytogenes is mainly transmitted to human trough the food-borne route. This bacterium is often
found in the environment of food processing plants. In the period
2002-2004 it was studied the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes. in 9 dairy
processing plants in 5 counties of Moldova territory. The aim of the study
was to identify the major sources and route for the dairy products
contamination. Among the 196 analysed samples of dairy products, 20,4% were
identified as being contaminated with Listeria spp., from which 3.57% with
Listeria monocytogenes. The highest frequency of Listeria monocytogenes contamination
was registered in raw milk (10.53%) and brining maturated cheeses (9.67%).
There were analyzed 254 surface swabs. In 29.92% of samples it was noticed
the presence of Listeria spp, from which Listeria monocytogenes in 6.3%,
especially in the raw milk reception area (8.7%) The examination of working
persons revealed that Listeria monocytogenes was most frequently isolated
from feces comparing with nasal secretions and hands. This study indicates
that Listeria monocytogenes is commonly in the dairy industrial environment including food handlers. Correct disinfection
and hygiene will prevent or at least diminish cross-contamination of
the food-products. Key words: dairy-products, sources, food processing, environment,
Listeria monocytogenes Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Cytogenetic and respiratory changes in the occupational exposure by
ionizing radiation Irina Anca Popescu,
Doina Havârneanu, Iulia Roman, Doina Popa, Irina Alexandrescu Abstract. Aim. The
study was aimed to investigate the respiratory/cytological and cytogenetic
changes in subjects at risk of occupational ionizing radiation by new
national recommendations and other sensitive methods. Material and methods. There were investigated 30 subjects, 18
females – 60%, from diagnostic nuclear medicine/radiotherapy and
radiochemistry laboratory with a mean exposure length of 14.2±6.8 years to
gamma radiation. They were investigated by: physical, E.N.T and pulmonary
function exams, as hematological tests for blood cells` count and morphology,
cytological exams in both sputum and oral exfoliated cells. Cytogenetic
investigation consisting in micronuclei (MN) test in peripheral lymphocytes
culture cells was performed in all subjects as well as individual dosimetry. Results. There were diagnosed
allergic rhinitis (20%) and contact dermatitis (11.1%) at
radiopharmaceuticals preparation and use, without any impairment of lung
function. In 8.3% Co-therapy subjects there were diagnosed chronic rhinitis,
correlated with under 10 years of gamma-rays exposure (p<0.05).
Hematological effects were of lymphopenia positively correlated with very
long-term radiation exposure. In 6.6% cases were revealed numerical disorders
of MN in peripheral lymphocytes and 16.6% subjects had associated structural
lymphocytes damages significant correlated with a high exposure level
(p<0.001). Incidence of high MN number in oral exfoliated cells correlated
both in blood in 3.3 % subjects. Sputum cytology was of type I and II in 80%,
respectively 16.6% cases with 1 case of MN presence. Individual dosimetry
showed admitted legal values. Conclusions.
Staff involved in the use of ionizing radiation, recently monitored in Key
words: ionizing radiation, gamma emitters, occupational exposure,
respiratory/ cytological and effects, cytogenetic exam Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Cervical Cancer – etiology, prevention, intervention and therapy William W. Au Abstract. Cervical
cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality
around the world. The development of CC involves major factors as the
infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), estrogen imbalance, high
sexual activities and cigarette smoking. Knowledge of the categories of risk
factors is used to develop prevention strategies for CC, of major interest
being the metabolism of environmental chemicals that contain carcinogens,
such as in cigarette smoking. The most important strategy could be the
reduction of the ackuired risk factors to CC such as modification of sexual
activities in order to reduce infection with high risk HPV and quitting the
cigarette smoking habit. Implementation of these modification need to be
adjusted according local population,
taking into account the different impact of risk factors to different
population, as our research has shown. The development of vaccine to prevent
infection and therefore CC is a major world-wide effort. Key words: cervical cancer, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV),
carcinogens,cigarete smoke-specific DNA, oxidation reaction. Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Tumour angiogenesis, as a predictor in cervix carcinoma R.
Pandeli, L.G. Cozma, C. Anton, A. Negura Abstract. Cervical
carcinoma is one of the leading causes of female death worldwide due to
cancer. The aim of this study is to correlate tumour angiogenesis
expressed as microvessels density
(MD) with proliferative activity. Clinical data were obtained from case
notes. Materials and methods: Paraffin-embedded samples from 36 patients with cervical carcinoma were
assessed for pattern, Ki
67 and CD34
expression in
immunohistochemical analyse. Biotinylated secondary antibodies and the
streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex were applied according to the
manufacturer`s instructions (LSAB2 kit, DAKO, Denmark). Target
retrieval solution was used . Results and Conclusions: Microvessels density
(MD) is an important parameter predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) and
mean survival time.MD was significantly correlated with proliferation index ( KI67) and
offers the possibility to individualize treatment in patients with highly
vascularised tumours in early clinical stages. Key
words: Cervical carcinoma, microvessel density, proliferating index. Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Survey of primary care physician’s attitudes on communicable disease
surveillance in Iasi district Roxana Alexandrescu,
Angela Romaniuc Abstract. A survey
based on a confidential questionnaire addressed to one doctor from every
primary health care centre from Iasi district. The GPs’ attitudes in
surveillance of certain communicable diseases and their opinions on the
existing system were investigated. The results were compared with an
objective evaluation of the same diseases based on eight criteria. In this study, GPs were more
interested in surveillance of severe diseases, with or without high
incidence (i.e. tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV-infection or sexually
transmitted diseases) and less interested in diseases which are not specific
to this study area (West Nile infection) or those having rare occurrence or
being eliminated as a result of the vaccination (pertussis and respectively
diphtheria). The same diseases were found on the top of the list resulted
from the analysis per criteria. Some demographic characteristics (i.e.
location of the practice, age of the doctor or proportion of the children in
the assisted population) influenced the GPs’ choices they made in this
exercise on epidemiological surveillance of communicable diseases. Key
words: communicable diseases, survey, Iasi district Ü FULL
TEXT.PDF Agricultural Safety and Health Arthur L. Frank Abstract.
Worldwide some seventy
percent of all workers are engaged in agriculture. While there are
differences between developed and developing countries, there are
similarities as to the hazards faced, and as the developing world uses more
farm related chemicals and more equipment
hazards seen in the developed countries will be seen more frequently
in developing countries. Much of the risk of agricultural work can be
diminished by appropriate preventive measures. Key
words: agriculture, health, hazard Ü FULL
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