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Journal Article 2015; 36(Suppl 1): 126-132 PubMed PMID: 26757111 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Cadmium:analysis, Chromium:analysis, Czech Republic, Fishes, Geologic Sediments:chemistry, Lead:analysis, Mercury:analysis, Metals, Heavy:analysis, Muscle, Skeletal:chemistry, Poisoning, Rivers, Water Pollutants, Chemical:analysis, Zinc:analysis,.   

OBJECTIVES: The monitoring survey to assess the environmental pollution status of the river Morava--was carried out in 2014.

DESIGN: This study presents the concentrations of heavy metals (Hg, Cr, Zn, Pb and Cd) in the water, sediment and muscle tissue of fish from the middle and lower reaches of the Morava river basin (Bečva, Dřevnice, Haná, Kyjovka and Morava rivers), in the Czech Republic. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used for the analysis of toxic metals. European chub (Squalius cephalus) was chosen as a reference fish species for the comparison of monitored localities.

RESULTS: Results showed a positive significant correlation between concentration of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn in muscles and age of fishes (p<0.05). The contents of the analyzed metals in European chub muscles were low Hg 0.049-0.402, Pb 0.005-0.035, Cd 0.006-0.026, Cr 0.016-0.042 and Zn 5.59-64.31 mg.kg(-1) wet weight basis and did not exceed the values of limits admissible in the Czech Republic.

CONCLUSIONS: The contents of the analyzed metals in European chub muscles were low at monitoring sites and did not exceed the values of limits admissible in the Czech Republic....

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Comparative Study 2015; 36(Suppl 1): 141-146 PubMed PMID: 26757110 Citation  Keywords:  Aminobenzoates:pharmacology, Anesthetics:pharmacology, Animals, Clove Oil:pharmacology, Cyprinidae, Ethylene Glycols:pharmacology, Etomidate:pharmacology, Gills:drug effects, Glutathione Reductase:drug effects, Liver:drug effects, Muscle, Skeletal:drug ef.   

OBJECTIVES: Currently, many questions regarding the effect of anaesthetics to fish remain unresolved. Fish species may differ widely in their response to an anaesthetic, the screening of dosages is often necessary. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of tricaine methane sulphonate (MS 222), clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol and Propiscin on haematological profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes in barbel (Barbus barbus).

DESIGN: The haematological profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes of barbel were evaluated immediately after a 10 min anaesthesia (MS 222--100 mg.L(-1), clove oil--33 mg.L(-1), 2-phenoxyethanol--0.4 mg.L(-1), Propiscin--1.0 mg.L(-1)), and 24 h after anaesthesia.

RESULTS: The 10 min exposure in the recommended concentrations of tested anaesthetics have no significant effect on haematological profiles, levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and activity of glutathione reductase of barbel. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly decreased (p<0.01) in the muscle in all experimental groups. The activity of SOD showed a significant decrease (p<0.01) in the liver 24 h after all anaesthetics; however in the gill the activity of SOD was significantly increased (p<0.01) in Propiscin (10 min). The activity of catalase (CAT) was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the muscle 24 h after all anaesthetics.

CONCLUSIONS: The observed effects on barbel antioxidant systems may be a defence against oxidative damage. The results of this study suggest that the antioxidant systems of barbel are altered by Propiscin anaesthesia, but are slightly affected by MS 222, clove oil, and 2-phenoxyethanol anaesthesia....

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Journal Article 2015; 36(Suppl 1): 106-113 PubMed PMID: 26757109 Citation  Keywords:  Desulfovibrio:drug effects, Humans, Intestine, Large:microbiology, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Microbial Viability:drug effects, Salicylamides:pharmacology,.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our work was to evaluate effect of selected salicylamides on cell viability of sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio piger Vib-7 isolated from the human large intestine, as well as to assess antimicrobial activity and biological properties of these compounds.

METHODS: Microbiological, biochemical, biophysical methods, and statistical processing of the results were used.

RESULTS: An antimicrobial activity and biological properties of salicylamides against intestinal sulfate-reducing bacteria was studied. Primary in vitro screening of the synthesized selected salicylamides was performed against D. piger Vib-7. Adding 0.37-1.10 µmol.L(-1) (N-(4-bromophenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide, 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide, 5-chloro-N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide, 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-(4-nitrophenyl)benzamide and 4-chloro-N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide) caused decrease in biomass accumulation by 8-53, 64-66, 49-50, 82-90, 43-46% compared to control, respectively. The studied compounds completely inhibited the growth of D. piger Vib-7 under the effect of 30 µmol.L(-1). Moreover, addition of the compounds in the culture medium inhibited the process of dissimilation sulfate dose dependently. Treatment with salicylamides led to the bacterial growth inhibition which correlated with the level of inhibition of sulfate reduction. The data on relative survival of D. piger Vib-7 cells and cytotoxicity of salicylamides are consistent to our research in previous series of the biomass accumulation experiments.

CONCLUSIONS: A significant cytotoxic activity under the influence of salicylamides was determined. These results are consistent with a data on bacterial growth and inhibition process of dissimilation sulfate. The strongest cytotoxic effect of the derivatives was observed in compounds of 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide and 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-(4-nitrophenyl)benzamide which showed low survival and high toxicity rates....

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Journal Article 2015; 36(Suppl 1): 5-12 PubMed PMID: 26757108 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases:metabolism, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1:metabolism, Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A:metabolism, Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System:metabolism, Cytochrome P450 Family 2, Ethinyl Estradiol:metaboli.   

OBJECTIVES: 17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) is an endocrine disruptor that is an ingredient of oral contraceptives. Here, EE2 metabolism catalyzed by cytochromes P450 (CYP) was studied. Two model organisms, rat and ligninolytic fungus Pleurotus ostreatus, were used.

METHODS: To resolve the role of rat and/or fungal CYPs in EE2 oxidation, microsomes were incubated with EE2 and NADPH or cumene hydroperoxide. Using Supersomes™, we examined which of rat CYPs oxidize EE2.

RESULTS: EE2 is effectively degraded by P. ostreatus in vivo. In vitro, EE2 is metabolized by CYPs by the NADPH-dependent and organic hydroperoxide-dependent mechanisms. Rat hepatic microsomes metabolize EE2 in the presence of NADPH to three products; two of them are hydroxylated EE2 derivatives. Using rat Supersomes™ we found that EE2 is hydroxylated by several rat CYPs, among them CYP2C6 and 2C11 are most efficient in 2-hydroxy-EE2 formation, while CYP2A and 3A catalyze EE2 hydroxylation to the second product. On the contrary, the products of the NADPH-dependent hydroxylating reactions were not detected in Pleurotus ostreatus. During the reaction of EE2 in microsomes isolated from rat and P. ostreatus in the presence of the alternate oxidant, cumene hydroperoxide, another metabolite, different from the above mentioned products, is generated. Rat CYP1A1 is the most efficient enzyme catalyzing formation of this EE2 product.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that CYPs play a role in EE2 metabolism in rat and P. ostreatus. To our knowledge this is the first finding describing ligninolythic fungal metabolism of EE2 by CYP in the presence of cumene hydroperoxide....

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Journal Article 2015; 36(Suppl 2): 69-77 PubMed PMID: 26748530 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Czech Republic:ethnology, Emigrants and Immigrants:statistics & numerical data, Employment:statistics & numerical data, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Social Class,.   

: The aim of this article is to acquaint the general public with select socioeconomic status (SES) parameters (type of work, education level, employment category, and net monthly income) of select nationalities (Ukrainians, Slovaks, Vietnamese, Poles, and Russians) from a total of 1,014 immigrants residing in the Czech Republic. It will also present a subjective assessment of socioeconomic status and its interconnection with subjective assessment of health status. This work was carried out as part of the "Social determinants and their impact on the health of immigrants living in the Czech Republic" project (identification number LD 13044), which was conducted under the auspices of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) agency. Quantitative methodology in the form of a questionnaire was selected to facilitate the research aim. Data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson chi-square test, adjusted residual analysis, and multivariate correspondence analysis. The results of these tests demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between subjective assessments of socioeconomic status and the following related select characteristics: type of work performed (manual/intellectual), employment categories, education, and net monthly income. Results indicate that those situated lowest on the socioeconomic ladder feel the poorest in terms of health; not only from a subjective perspective, but also in terms of objective parameter comparisons (e.g. manual laborers who earn low wages). As the level of subjective SES assessment increases, the level of subjective health assessment increases, as well. Thus, the relationship has a natural gradient, as was described by Wilkinson and Marmot in 2003. Our study found no evidence of a healthy immigrant effect. Therefore, it was not possible to confirm that health status deteriorates with length of residence, or that the health status of immigrants with a residence duration of less than 5 to 10 years is statistically significantly better than immigrants who have resided in the Czech Republic for 10 years or more. We conclude that, by increasing the education levels of immigrants, or actively selecting qualified foreign workers (according to set criteria), the number of people in the Czech Republic who positively assess their health status will surge. In terms of prevention, it is essential to focus on manual laborers and to differentiate specific methods to improve their health status (e.g. awareness-raising campaigns in large plants and factories), given that they comprise the weakest group in this regard....

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Journal Article 2015; 36(Suppl 2): 62-68 PubMed PMID: 26748529 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Czech Republic:ethnology, Family Relations:ethnology, Female, Humans, Male, Masculinity, Roma:ethnology,.   

: This article is intended to describe the current hegemonic masculinity within the Roma family structure in the Czech Republic, with regard to changes related to developments in the majority society and the current socioeconomic situation of the Roma. The theoretical context of this article is based on the paradigm of masculine hegemony as it exists and has existed in the Roma families. Data for the study came from semi-structured interviews with 30 Roma females and 30 Roma males living as couples, in three Czech cities. The main finding reveals a dichotomy between the traditional roles of Roma women, i.e. care for the family and the household, and the present functions, i.e. contributing to the family income through social benefits. We observed a decline in the traditional role of Roma men, who were often unemployed. We related the change in the roles of men to the "non-functionality of the men", contributing to the emerging potential for emancipation of Roma women. However, the traditional patriarchal Roma family is structured such that men are given the main decision making powers, which has slowed changes in marginalized Roma families. Additionally, social pressures against women as well as socially conditioned pressures that act to preserve hegemonic masculinity, have largely prevented the realization of the potential for emancipation of Roma women, or if a woman tries to leave her non-functioning husband....

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Journal Article 2015; 36(Suppl 2): 54-61 PubMed PMID: 26748528 Citation  Keywords:  Delivery of Health Care, Homeless Persons, Humans, Social Welfare,.   

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to answer the main research question, which reads: "How is the issue of homelessness presented in the relevant literature?" Basic terms related to homelessness and homeless people are defined at the beginning of the article. Homelessness is a complex social problem, with many factors contributing to its origin and development that can, in principle, be divided into objective and subjective factors.

METHODS: A qualitative research strategy was chosen to address the main research question. Analysis of documents using content analysis was used as the research tool. The research sample consisted of three articles, two chapters, and two subchapters in a monograph. The three analyzed sources were in English, three in the Slovak language, and one in the Czech language.

RESULTS: It was found that the issue could be viewed from both health-related and social perspectives. None of the authors, whose publications were analyzed, preferred a "purely" health-related or a "purely" social welfare view of the issue of homelessness. We identified three types of perspectives (approaches) related to the care of homeless people: health & social, preferred health care, and preferred social care. Both components of care are more or less represented in each of the three types of care.

CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the issue of homelessness cannot be viewed from a single perspective (either health or social), since it requires an interdisciplinary approach and cooperation of both healthcare professionals and social welfare experts to address the unfavorable social situations associated with homelessness....

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Journal Article 2015; 36(Suppl 2): 48-53 PubMed PMID: 26748527 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Czech Republic, Emigrants and Immigrants:statistics & numerical data, Female, Hospitalization:statistics & numerical data, Humans, Insurance, Health:statistics & numerical data, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care:ethnology, Young .   

OBJECTIVE: This investigation examined to what extent a selected group of immigrants in the Czech Republic receive healthcare for primary prevention and inpatient care. A partial aim of the research was to confirm the connection between immigrant health and their social situation.

METHODS: Using a quantitative study technique, 1,014 legally established immigrants (Vietnamese, Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, and Slovak) between 18-65 years of age were interviewed. The selection of respondents was conducted using purposive selection. The stratification of the group was determined by nationality, age, and gender.

RESULTS: Long-term illnesses were found significantly more frequently among Ukrainian immigrants and less frequently among Vietnamese immigrants. About half of the respondents had visited a GP and dentist in the previous year and 11.5% of respondents had been hospitalized in inpatient departments. Most of the surveyed immigrants had public health insurance (77.9%), one-fifth had contractual health insurance (19.6%) and 2.5% did not have health insurance. In statistical terms, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, and Russian immigrants had commercial insurance more often than Polish and Slovak immigrants. The utilization of public health insurance and healthcare among immigrants grew significantly in correlation with length of residency. The use of GPs for preventive health care also grew in correlation with knowledge of the Czech language. We found that less than nine percent of immigrants reported needing hospitalization for an illness, but were not hospitalized.

CONCLUSION: Currently, immigration represents one of the most burning and sensitive global challenges. The outcome of this research clearly shows that improving immigrant Czech language skills and giving all legally established immigrants access to Czech public health insurance are important steps needed to increase access to healthcare for immigrants in the Czech Republic....

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