Trends in meningococcal disease in Italy in 1988

Meningococcal disease in Italy decreased 15% in 1988 from the previous year (290 vs. 342 cases). The decline was particularly evident in military cases (1.7/100,000 in 1988 vs. 5/100,000 in 1987) reflecting the full coverage of bivalent serogroup (A + C) meningococcal polysaccaride vaccine in army recruits, achieved since January 1988. The highest proportion of cases was seen in people older than 25 years of age (25%). Serogroup C constituted 60% of the isolates, while 19% belonged to serogroup B. The proportion of strains resistant to sulphonamides was 45%, while 15% were resistant to Minocycline and none to Rifampin. Out of the five military cases, only one (due to serogroup C) was attributable to the vaccine failure. A single coprimary case, but no secondary cases occurred among civilians. These findings are consistent with the trends reported in Italy in the previous years.     

Changes in Fatty Acid Composition in Beef in Italy

Results from a study conducted in Italy concerning the updating of composition data of beef consumed in Italy are reported here. The study required a very wide sampling plan with regard to both animals and cuts to analyse. Data related to lipid composition of the most widely used type of beef consumed in Italy (young bull, 16–22 months old) show a reduction in total lipid content (which, according to the cuts, ranges between 1.8 and 10.2%) and a substantial change in fatty acid composition, with a high % of polyunsaturated fatty acids (mean 20% of total fatty acids). Such data have been confirmed by other studies conducted in Italy, and are in contrast with data reported in the tables of food composition from other countries, reporting a fatty acid composition characterized by a high fatty acid saturation degree. The occurrence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is probably due to the high ratio of phospholipids: triglycerides, occurring when the content in intramuscular lipid is very low; to the young age of animals; to the reduced activity of the rumen, where saturation of fatty acids occurs. It may be concluded that a fatty acid composition, which is particularly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, seems typical for Italian products.     

Occupational stress in nurses in psychiatric institutions in Taiwan

Nurses are known to be exposed to occupational stress. However, occupational stress is not well documented for nurses in psychiatric institutions in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the work-related stress and risk factors of nurses in psychiatric institutions in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was distributed to nurses at five state-owned psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan in 2001. Demographic information, working environment, and personal health status were inquired. Occupational stress was assessed based on the Chinese version of Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). General health status and mental health were evaluated by the International Quality of Life Assessment Short Form-36 (IQOLA SF-36). A total of 573 questionnaires were disseminated to nurses and 518 (90.4%) were satisfactorily completed by nurses, including 408 female full-time nurses who had been in their current work for more than 6 months. In the past one month, 17.2% of nurses reported being under significant stress often or always. Assault episodes were reported by 45.1% of nurses in the past 6 months. Among the nurses, 16.9%, 25.2%, 50.0%, and 7.8% belong to the "High strain", "Low strain", "Active", and "Passive" groups, respectively. Perceived occupational stress was associated with young age, widowed/divorced/separated marital status, high psychological demand, low workplace support, and threat of assault at work. Lower general health score was associated with low job control, high psychological demand, and perceived occupational stress. A lower mental health score was associated with low job control, high psychological demand, low workplace support, and perceived occupational stress. We concluded that nurses in psychiatric institutions are under significant stress related to work factors.     

2019年中国肿瘤流行病学研究进展

恶性肿瘤已成为中国居民的主要死因之一。近些年来,中国政府积极推进肿瘤预防和控制领域的研究工作,取得了很大的进步。本文简要汇总中国在肿瘤流行病学领域的研究进展,具体包括2019年的肿瘤负担、癌症危险因素及其干预、筛查和早期发现、癌症防治专项行动(2019-2022年)方案等方面,以期为我国肿瘤防治工作的有效开展提供技术支撑和理论依据。     

Changes in nursing administration in supporting transplantation in Brazil

This historical and bibliographic study aimed to understand how Nursing was organized to support care in transplantation. The HISA, LILACS, BDENF, PERIENF and DEDALUS databases were consulted, and thirteen references were found, ten of which were scientific articles, two were master's dissertations and one was a doctoral thesis. The span of time chosen for study ranges from the date of the first kidney transplant in Brazil (1965), to the date of publication of the last scientific article found in the databases mentioned above (2003). After reading these articles, the ones that were similar in topic were grouped together, thus creating the thematic axis for the presentation of the results. The results showed that the Nursing profession has played an important and active role in transplants ever since the first procedure in 1965.     

Increase in social inequality in health expectancy in Denmark

AIMS: Health expectancy represents the average lifetime in various states of health and differs among social groups. The purpose of the study was to determine trends in social inequality in health expectancy since 1994 between groups with high, medium and low educational levels in Denmark. METHODS: The study was based on data from nationwide registers on educational level and mortality during the period 1994-2005 and data on health status derived from the Danish Health Interview Surveys carried out in 1994, 2000 and 2005. Expected lifetime in self-rated good and poor health, lifetime without and with longstanding illness and expected lifetime without and with long-lasting difficulties or restrictions were estimated by Sullivan's method. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2005, life expectancy at age 30 years increased by 1.9 years for men and 1.5 years for women with a low educational level. For people with a high educational level, the increase was 2.7 years for men and 2.2 years for women. The difference between people with low and high educational level in expected lifetime in self-rated good health increased by 2.0 and 1.3 years for 30-year-old men and women, respectively. The social gap also increased for other indicators. CONCLUSIONS: During the past 12 years, social inequality in life expectancy and health expectancy has increased in Denmark, but the proportion of the population with a low educational level has decreased.     

谈神经内科医院感染危险因素及护理对策

目的：了解引起神经内科住院患者医院感染的危险因素，采取有效的护理措施，以降低医院感染的发生率和死亡率。方法：结合多年临床经验，对医院感染不同的危险因素进行分析及提出护理对策。结论：神经内科医院感染发病率较高，获得途径以外源为主，针对主要危险因素的发生原因，我们应加强病房管理，严格执行消毒隔离制度，合理应用抗生素，加强基础护理和健康教育，缩短住院天数，以降低神经内科医院感染的发病率。     

Salmonellosis in Poland in 2000

In 2000, 22,799 cases of salmonellosis were reported to the sanitary epidemiological stations, incidence rate = 59.0 per 100,000 population. Above 65% of patients were hospitalized. The seasonal peak was noted in May and June. Most of cases (70%) were laboratory confirmed by isolation Salmonella strains types. Salmonella Enteriditis was the most frequent type: 91% of cases and 70% of infected healthy persons. Other serotypes--Typhimurium, Infantis, Hadar and Virchow, caused 5% Salmonella cases only. Seven types not registered in the country up to 2000 were identified (S. Bargny, Kimuenza, Kisii, Limete, Nitra, Rissen, Winterthur). The most affected age group were children under five (337.3/100,000). The most serious clinical syndromes and extraintestinal manifestations like septicaemia, arthritis, meningitis, osteomyelitis pneumonia and other, were observed in 87 patients with at least one non-fecal specimen culture-positive for non-typhoidal Salmonella. In older patients, other diseases like carcinoma, leukaemia, lupus erythematosus, contributed to Salmonella infection. Twelve of those patients had died.     

Dysentery in Poland in 1999

The year 1999 was the consecutive year of decrease in the number of cases notified as dysentery. Only 292 cases were notified and incidence rate was 0.76/100,000 inhabitants, while in 1998, 555 cases (incidence rate 1.44/100,000) were notified. Three death cases of old persons in their 79, 85 and 88 were notified as dysentery, all three in one house of social care in Pomerania region. Half of the cases were sporadic ones but half was found in 4 institutional outbreaks. Three outbreaks were due to S. sonnei infection, and one to S. flexneri 4a. S. sonnei was the dominant aetiological agent in 80% of all dysentery cases and S. flexneri was the next (20%). S. boydii and S. dysentery were not isolated. All S. flexneri strains were susceptible to nitriofuran drugs (nitrofuroxaside), amoxycillin with clavulonic acid, cefalosporin, nalidixid acid and chloramphenicol, but were resistant to cotrimoxazole and tetracycline.     

Trends in changes in plant fiber consumption in Poland

The purpose of the study was an analysis of changes in the consumption of plant fibre in Poland in the period 1950-1987. The analysis included plant fibre content in four groups of products considered as the main source of fibre in diet: cereals, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. A reduction was noted in the consumption of plant fibre in general, and the fibre present in cereals and potatoes, while that present in fruit and vegetables has increased. The pattern of plant fibre consumption in Poland is becoming ever more similar to that in highly developed countries. Systematic studies are proposed on the consumption of plant fibre by various groups of the population. It would be indicated to explain to the population the importance and role of plant fibre and introduction for marketing of food providing this fibre, in the first place increased supply of brown bread.     

Salmonellosis in Poland in 2003

Total number of salmonellosis cases sharply decreased. In 2003, 16 617 cases were reported (20 688 in previous year), incidence rate = 43.5 per 100 000 population. 72.7% of patients were hospitalized, but percentage of hospitalized cases with extraintestinal manifestations was much higher--above 90%. The seasonal peak was observed as in previous years in July and August. The most frequent isolated type remained Salmonella Enteritidis--above 85% of cases. Only three other serotypes (Hadar, Typhimurium and Infantis) were detected in all of 16 voivodeships of Poland. The age, sex, urban/rural distribution of salmonellosis cases remains stable; the highest incidence was registered among children aged 2 (425.5/100 000). Extraintestinal manifestations of salmonellosis (septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia peritonitis and other) were observed in 121 patients (the highest number since 1994).     

Salmonellosis in Poland in 2001

Total number of salmonellosis cases has been gradually falling down since the year 1988. In 2001, 19,881 cases were reported to the sanitary epidemiological stations, incidence rate = 51.5 per 100,000 population (22,799 in the previous year). Over 52% of patients were hospitalized, but percentage of cases with extraintestinal manifestations was higher--over 88%. The seasonal peak was noted in July and August, which was two months later than in 2000. The decreasing trend in confirmation of clinical diagnosis can be observed since 1995 when Salmonella strains were isolated in 91% of patients, but in 2000 only 66% of cases were bacteriologically confirmed. Salmonella Enteritidis was the most frequent type: 88% of cases and 69% of infected healthy persons. Only four other serotypes (Typhimurium, Infantis, Hadar and Virchow) were identified in all of 16 voivodeship of Poland. The age, sex, urban/rural distribution of salmonellosis remain stable. The highest incidence was registered among children one year old (423/100,000). Extraintestinal manifestations of salmonellosis (septicaemia, meningitis, pneumonia, peritonitis, appendicitis and other), were observed in 93 patients with at least one non-fecal specimen culture-positive for non-typhoidal Salmonella. In older patients, other diseases like carcinoma, leukaemia, lupus erythematosus, contributed to Salmonella infection. Twelve of those patients died.     

Rabies in Poland in 2003

In Poland 399 cases of animal rabies were reported in 2003. Mass oral vaccination of wild animals against rabies, which was introduced in 1993, seems to show a positive impact on the epizootic situation of rabies in Poland. In 2003 we observed about three-fold decrease in number of animal rabies cases. The outbreak of animal rabies, which started in 2001 in Wielkopolskie voivodeship, was still present. About 42% of rabies cases were reported from this province. Moreover sources of wild and domestic animal rabies are present in the north-east, east, and south-east of the country. Out of 7 155 persons vaccinated in Poland against rabies, 519 (7%) were bitten by or had contact with a rabid animal. Main reason for vaccination against rabies was exposure to an animal category C--rabies not excluded (5 790 cases, 81%) or category D--animals healthy at the moment of an exposition (846 cases, 12%).     

Rabies in Poland in 2000

In Poland in 2000, one case of human rabies was reported. It has been the first case of human rabies since 1986. The person with rabies was bitten by cat and has not received post-exposure treatment. Mass oral vaccination of wild animals against rabies which was introduced in 1993, showed a positive impact on the epizootic situation of rabies in Poland. However, we observed two-fold increase of animal rabies cases this year. Sources of wild and domestic animal rabies are present on the north-east, east, and south-east parts of the country, uncovered by oral vaccination. Out of 9,210 persons vaccinated in Poland against rabies, 2,587 (19%) were bitten by or were in contact with a rabid animals. Main reason for vaccination against rabies were contacts with animals category C (rabies not excluded, 5,741 cases; 62%) or category D (animals healthy during the exposition, 882 cases; 10%).     

Botulism in Poland in 2000

A total of 72 cases of botulism were registered in Poland in 2000, with corresponding incidence 0.19 per 100,000 population. In the rural areas 56 (incidence 0.38), and in the urban areas 16 (incidence 0.07) cases were registered. In 2000, there were 46 outbreaks of one person, 7 outbreaks of two people, and 4 of three people noted. Meat dishes were the main vehicle of the botulinum toxin (41 cases; 56.9%). Of them, prevailed homemade conserves (bottling jars) prepared from pork meat (18.1%). Home made sausages were associated with 13.9%, canned fish with 12.5%, sausages of commercial production--with 12.5%, and dishes from poultry with 11.1% cases. Two deaths from botulism were registered in Poland in 2000.     

Botulism in Poland in 2002

A total of 85 foodborne botulism were registered in Poland in 2002, with corresponding incidence 0.22 per 100,000 population. In rural areas were registered 67% of cases and in urban areas--33% (adequately--incidence 0.39 and 0.12). There were 53 outbreaks of one person noted, 11 outbreaks of two people, 2 outbreaks of three, and 1 outbreak of four people. Meat dishes were the main vehicle of botulinum toxin (58 cases; 68.2%). Out of them, home made conserves (bottling jars) prepared from pork meat (23.5% of cases) and commercial produced sausages (20.0%) prevailed as vehicles. Five deaths (three men and two women) from foodborne botulism were registered in Poland in 2002.     

Botulism in Poland in 2003

A total number of 78 foodborne botulism cases were registered in Poland in 2003, (incidence rate 0.20 per 100 000 population), in rural areas--46 cases (incidence 0.31) and in urban areas--32 cases (incidence 0.14). There were noted 48 sporadic cases, 8 outbreaks of two persons and 1 outbreak of three, four and five people. Meat dishes were the main vehicle of botulinum toxin, especially home made bottling jars prepared from pork meat (24.4% of cases). Two deaths from foodborne botulism were registered.     

Malaria in Poland in 2000

In 2000, 24 malaria cases were registered in Poland. All of them were imported, mainly from Africa (15 cases). Plasmodium falciparum infection was confirmed in 15 cases, P. vivax--in seven. Among 24 malaria cases 22 were men and 20 in 20-49 years old group. Eleven persons travelled abroad in the connection with their job, six--as tourists, three--came from malaria endemic or epidemic countries. In 2000, 25-year old man with malaria falciparum died.     

Rabies in Poland in 2001

In Poland in 2001, no case of human rabies was reported. Mass oral vaccination of wild animals against rabies, which was introduced in 1993, seems to show a positive impact on the epizootic situation of rabies in Poland. However, this year is the second one when we observed an increase in number of animal rabies cases. This year outbreak of animal rabies starts in Wielkopolskie voivodeship where we observed six-fold increase of animal rabies cases. Moreover sources of wild and domestic animal rabies are present on the north-east, east, and south-east of the country. Out of 9210 persons vaccinated in Poland against rabies, 3080 (33%) were bitten by or were in contact with a rabid animal. Main reason for vaccination against rabies was exposure to an animal category C--rabies not excluded (6747 cases, 73%) or category D--animals healthy at the moment of an exposition (1147 cases, 12%).     

Salmonellosis in Poland in 2002

Total number of salmonellosis cases slightly increased. In 2002, 20,688 cases were reported (19,881 in previous year), incidence rate = 54.1 per 100,000 population. 68% of patients were hospitalized, but percentage of hospitalized cases with extraintestinal manifestations was much higher--above 91%. The seasonal peak was observed as in previous year in July and August. Since 1995 (when Salmonella strains were isolated in 91% patients) decreasing trend in confirmation of clinical diagnosis is observed. The most frequent isolated type remained Salmonella Enteritidis--above 86% of cases. Only four other serotypes (Typhimurium, Hadar, Virchow and Infantis) were detected in all of 16 voivodeships of Poland. The age, sex, urban/rural distribution of salmonellosis cases remains stable; the highest incidence was registered among children aged 2 (474.0/100,000). Extraintestinal manifestations of salmonellosis (septicaemia, meningitis, pneumonia peritonitis and other) were observed in 113 patients (the highest number since 1994).