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.     

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。     

Benzene in blood and phenol in urine in monitoring benzene exposure in industry

Determinations of benzene concentration in blood and of phenol in urine were made by head-space gas chromatography techniques on samples taken near the end of the work day from two groups of workers potentially exposed to low levels of benzene in the work-place atmosphere. Preliminary results suggest that benzene in blood is more reliable than phenol tests for assessing both exposure and uptake of benzene. Normal values of phenol in urine (10 mg/liter or less) were found in nearly all those cases in which benzene was detected in the blood.     

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.     

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 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.     

Dysentery in Poland in 2001

The notified number of dysentery cases is still very low, similar to the number reported in 2000. Only 128 cases were notified in the year 2001 (incidence 0.33/100,000 population) while 121 cases were notified in 2000 (incidence 0.31/100,000). No death due to dysentery was notified. The last three death cases were notified in 1999. Only one outbreak of foodborne infection due to S. sonnei involving 28 patients was registered, less than in 2000 when 2 outbreaks, one due to S. flexneri and one due to S. sonnei, and less than in 1999, when four outbreaks involving 146 patients were registered. S. sonnei remains the dominant etiological agent. It was isolated in 91% of notified dysentery cases and S. flexneri was isolated only in 10% of cases. S. dysenteriae and S. boydii were not found among persons examined bacteriologically by laboratory service of Epidemiological and Sanitary Stations. The external control of selective media used in 37 laboratories for routine bacteriological diagnosis of humans intestinal infections in the Sanitary--Epidemiological Stations (SSE) in Poland was performed. It was shown that the quality of the Mac Conkey medium was adequate for all 4 bacterial strains checked: S. sonnei, S. flexneri, S. Typhi and S. Enteritidis. All specimens of the SS medium were acceptable only for diagnosis of S. Enteritidis infections. The quality of media used in nearly 1/3 of SSE bacteriological laboratories was inadequate for diagnosis of S. flexneri infections and in some laboratories even not sufficient for diagnosis of infections due to S. Typhi and S. sonnei. In the period of low frequency of Shigella infections the external control of the quality of bacteriological media and laboratory procedures is needed and should be done regularly.     

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.     

Measles in Poland in 2001

The number of notified measles cases in Poland in 2001 was 133, incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was 0.3. The low incidence has been observed for the last 3 years. Only 73 out of 133 cases were serologically confirmed, 6 other cases were epidemiologically linked to the laboratory confirmed cases. Unvaccinated cases have accounted for almost half of cases. Differences in incidence were noticed across the country and ranged from 0 cases in Opolskie and Zachodniopomorskie voivodeships to 0.7/100,000 in Ma?opolskie and 1.0/100,000 in Swietokrzyskie voivodeship. The highest incidence was observed in the children one year of age (3.7/100,000) and seven years old (2.3/100,000), however, in general, the age distribution of cases has been shifted toward older ages with 44 cases (33% of all cases) in adults. A proportion of children 13-24 months of age vaccinated with first dose of measles vaccine was 77.1%, and proportion of seven years old children vaccinated with second dose of measles vaccine was 81.7%.     

Measles in Poland in 2003

In Poland 48 measles cases were registered in 2003 (0.13 per 100,000 population)--of which 65% were cases imported from Chechnya and Afghanistan. Measles outbreaks occurred in 3 centers for immigrants. In total, 31 cases were reported, of which 96.8% were unvaccinated, and 93.5% were under 15 years of age. Of 17 local cases, 5 (29.4%) cases occurred in unvaccinated persons, 3 (17.6%) in persons vaccinated with one dose and 7 (41.2%) in those vaccinated with two doses of measles vaccine (administered at the age of 13-15 months and 7 years). Among 12 vaccinated cases only one 2-year old child was recently vaccinated. The remaining cases were in the 3-7 and 10-24 age ranges. The most affected were infants (incidence 0.57 per 100,000), 1-year old (0.28) and 2-year old children (incidence 0.27). Cases among adolescents and adults over 15 years of age increased from 23.5% in 2002 to 47.1% in 2003. The increasing age of locally-acquired cases, together with constantly high immunization coverage indicates high effectiveness of vaccinations in Poland. Out of all reported cases 13 (38%) were hospitalized. There were no deaths due to measles in Poland in 2003. Poland participates in the WHO Measles Elimination Strategy. Presently, the most important is the maintenance of a sensitive and timely surveillance of measles and measles-compatible cases, with serologic confirmation of one rash-like illness per 100 000 population. The performance of the surveillance system is insufficient with only 55 measles-compatible cases reported in 2003 (15% of expected reports). Serologic confirmation of cases was also insufficient, with 22 cases (40.0%) confirmed by IgM ELISA test. These results indicate the need to maintain the high immunisation coverage and improve measles surveillance system.     

Blindness in adolescents in Israel

Adolescents with blindness or visual impairment, in order to go through the trying time of adolescence, require extra strength to overcome their disability. This short communication looks at prevalence data for blindness in children and adolescents that range from about 3 per 10,000 children in developed countries (60 blind children per million total population) to 15 per 10,000 in the poorest countries (600 blind children per million total population). Data from the year 2000 in Israel showed a total of 18,509 persons with blindness registered in Israel, including 168 children between the age 0-5 years and 788 between 6-18 years. Children and adolescents comprised 5.2% of the total with a small male dominance (520 males, 436 females). The total prevalence rate for children and adolescents (0-18 years) in Israel was 4.5 per 10,000 and 5.3 per 10,000 for the 6-18 year olds. The causes of blindness for children and adolescents in Israel are also presented, with optic atrophy the most common cause.     

Dysentery in Poland in 2003

The notified number of dysentery cases is the lowest in this century and even every year decreasing. Only 75 cases were notified in the year 2003 (incidence rate 0.20/100 000 population) while 220 cases were registered in 2002 (incidence 0.58/100 000 population). No one death case was notified. The last three death cases were notified in 1999. Only one outbreak of dysentery (due to S. flexneri 2a) was registered involving 23 patients/111 residents of Social Home for Mentally Disabled Men. Source of infection was probably one of residents who were infected during an outbreak of dysentery in the same institution four years earlier in 1999. The outbreak changed the overall etiology of dysentery cases in 2003: 52% was due to S. sonnei, but 46% was due to S. flexneri and 2% to S. dysenteriae 2, S. boydii were not found among persons examined bacteriologically by laboratory service of Epidemiological and Sanitary Service. The external quality control of procedures for selective investigation of Shigella infections in stool probe was done in 37 laboratories of Sanitary Epidemiological Stations with the use of control strain S. boydii 6. It was shown that in nearly all laboratories the strain was unable to grow on media SS and Hektoen after enrichment in the phosphate selenine--medium (SF) used by them. In the period of low frequency of Shigella infections the external control of the quality of bacteriological media and laboratory procedures is needed and should be done regularly.     

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.     

Pertussis in Poland in 2002

Reemergence of pertussis in a form of epidemic was observed in Poland in 1997/1998. It is rather sustained trend of increased incidence and shift in the age of infected. It may be due to the level of immunity decreasing with age, since according to the vaccination calendar in Poland, last pertussis vaccination is given before the age of two. 1788 cases were reported in 2002, a slight drop from the previous year (2411 in 2001) More cases occurred among females (1043 cases, 5.3/100,000) than among males (745 cases, 4.0/100,000) and in urban areas (5.7/100,000) than in the rural ones (3.0/100,000). Big differences in numbers of cases reported between different districts and between urban and rural areas bring strong possibility of insufficient sensitivity of the surveillance in many regions of Poland. It is concluded that increase of pertussis incidence in Poland, brings urgent need of additional vaccination in the age of 6 to secure protection for the older age groups. Additional dose of pertussis vaccine was included in vaccination calendar for 2003.     

Pertussis in Poland in 2003

Since reemergence of pertussis in Poland since 1997/1998 shift of incidence toward older groups of age was observed. Possible explanations include decreased effectiveness of used whole cell pertussis vaccine and lack of booster vaccinations in the age older than two. At least this last possibility was eliminated by introduction of additional dose of DTaP at the age of 6. Though effects of this change may be observed within several oncoming years. 2034 cases were reported in 2003, a slight increase from the previous year (1788 in 2002) More cases occurred among females (1159 cases, 5.9/100,000) than among males (875 cases, 4.7/100,000) and in urban areas (6.8/100,000) than in the rural ones (2.9/100,000). Big differences in numbers of cases reported between different districts and between urban and rural areas bring strong possibility of insufficient sensitivity of the surveillance in many regions of Poland.     

Influenza in Poland in 2003

Following two years of low influenza incidence in Poland, the activity of this disease markedly increased in 2003. In total 1,216,285 cases of influenza like illness were registered (incidence 3,184.4 per 100,000). Regionally the incidence ranged from 1,195.7 in Zachodniopomorskie to 5,719.7 per 100,000 in Mazowieckie. Children and adolescents under 15 years of age accounted for 41.7% of all cases (507,102 cases, age specific incidence 7,579.0 per 100,000). In this age group the incidence varied regionally from 2,718.1 in Podlaskie to 14,087.6 per 100,000 in Mazowieckie. 3,128 patients (0.26% of all cases) required hospital admission. There were 141 deaths due to influenza (mortality 0.12%) in 2003, in 78.7% these were persons over 70 years of age. Nineteen strains of influenza virus were isolated in 2003 in Poland, including 15 strains of subtype A(H3), 3 strains of subtype A(H1) and one strain of type B. Besides, in other 10 cases influenza A infection was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence test. All isolated influenza strains were antigenically similar to the vaccine strains recommended for the epidemic season 2002/03 and 2003/04.     

Rubella in Poland in 2002

In Poland, 40,518 cases of rubella were registered in 2002 (incidence 106 per 100,000 population), including 2 cases of congenital rubella syndrome (incidence 0.57 per 100,000 live births). A 52% decrease in incidence was noted with respect to the epidemic year 2001. Across the voivodeships the incidence ranged from 227.7 per 100,000 in wielkopolskie to 21.4 per 100,000 in warminsko-mazurskie. As in 2001 urban areas registered slightly lower incidence than the rural areas (104.2 and 108.9 respectively). The incidence in men (120.2) was 24% higher than in women (91.9) and this difference appears to increase with routine vaccination of 13-year old girls. The highest incidence was observed in children aged 7 (1,023.2 per 100,000), 8 (930.7) and 9 years (859.6). Approximately 0.4% of cases required hospital admission. No rubella deaths were registered.     

Influenza in Poland in 2002

In 2002 the number of cases of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) registered in Poland amounted to 228,055. This is 39.5% of the number of cases recorded in 2001. The highest influenza incidence was found in Mazowieckie voivodship (2297.5 per 100,000), while the lowest incidence was registered in Swietokrzyskie voivodship (104.1) and Lubelskie voivodship (117.6). In children aged 0 to 14 years the number of influenza and ILI cases amounted to 104,552 (incidence of 1511.9 per 100,000) and this is 46% of the total number of cases recorded in 2002. The number of patients referred to hospitals amounted to 223, including 92 children aged 0-14 years. There were isolated 10 influenza strains, including 7 strains of subtype A (H3N2) and 3 strains of subtype A (H1N1). Immunofluorescence test carried out in 57 specimens did not confirm infection with influenza virus. Sero-surveys showed the lowest antihemagglutinin antibody levels in the age groups 0-3 and 4-7 years, while the highest in people aged 8-14 and 15-25 years.     

Viruses in acute gastroenteritis in children in Pune, India

A 2-year study from January 1981 to December 1982 was undertaken to determine the role of viruses in the causation of diarrhoea in hospitalized children in Pune, Maharashtra State, India. The stool samples of 426 children (213 diarrhoeal and 213 non-diarrhoeal controls) were investigated by electron microscopy and ELISA for the presence of viruses. Six morphologically distinct viruses were visualized: rotavirus, coronavirus-like particles (CVLP), adenovirus, astrovirus, calicivirus and small round virus-like particles (SRV). Rotavirus was detected in 28.6% of the diarrhoeal patients and in 1.4% of the controls. The frequency of infection with rotavirus was highest in the children aged less than 5 years. The mean age of rotavirus-positive patients was 11 months. Although rotavirus was detected in almost every month, there has a seasonal trend for colder months when CVLP cases were fewest. However, the prevalence of CVLP was greater in the control group (23.0%) rather than in those with diarrhoea (8.9%). In the control group, CVLP were detected more frequently during the summer months. An inverse relationship between CVLP and rotavirus was observed in children. Adenovirus, astrovirus, calicivirus and SRV were detected in a small proportion of children with and without clinical symptoms of gastroenteritis.     

Changes in social inequalities in health in the Basque Country

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of the inequalities in self reported health between socioeconomic groups and its changes over time in the Basque Country (Spain). DESIGN: Cross sectional data on the association between occupation, education and income and three health indicators was obtained from the Basque Health Surveys of 1986 and 1992. Representative population samples were analysed. In 1986 the number of respondents was 24 657 and in 1992, 13 277. SETTING: Basque Country, Spain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effect of socioeconomic position on health and the magnitude of social inequalities in health were quantified using the odds ratios based on logistic regression analysis, and the Relative Index of Inequality. RESULTS: As was expected, social inequalities in self reported health existed in both surveys, but the social gradient was greater in 1992. Social differences varied according to gender and health indicator. According to education an increase in social inequalities was observed consistently in all the health indicators except long term conditions in women. A consistent increase in inequalities in limiting longstanding illness was also observed according to all socioeconomic indicators. CONCLUSIONS: These results agree to a large extent with those of previous studies in other countries. In this context the unequal distribution of material circumstances and working conditions between socioeconomic groups seem to play a major part in health inequalities. The worsening of the labour market during this period and the onset of a new economic recession may explain the increase in social inequalities over time.