Facial aesthetics and the assignment of personality traits before and after orthognathic surgery.

Processing and interpreting the face is generally very important because one is often required to make rapid decisions in life on the basis of meagre information. Ninety-two volunteers used a computer-assisted test battery to assess 40 profiles of patients (8 skeletal Class II and 8 skeletal Class III patients, each pre- and postoperatively, with 8 skeletal Class I photographs serving as controls). On a 7-point Likert scale the raters were asked to evaluate aesthetics and a few relevant personality traits (e.g. unintelligent, inhibited, aggressive, brutal). The photographs of the two patient groups were rated significantly less attractive and intelligent prior to surgery than the photographs of the control group. In respect of personality traits, the photographs of the skeletal Class III group differed more strongly from normal ones. In respect of aesthetics and intelligence, both patient groups benefited markedly from surgery. For some personality traits, significant interactions were found between the two groups on pre-post comparison. The method underlying the study is useful for evaluating the outcome of orthognathic surgery, but also indicates the strongly generalized and unconscious processes involved in the estimation of people's personality traits, especially when these concern deviations from the socially normal condition.

Effects of age, BMI, smoking and contraception on levels of Cu, Se and Zn in the blood of the population in the Czech Republic.

Variations in the levels of Cu, Se and Zn in blood were analyzed in relation to gender, age, BMI, smoking and hormonal contraception. The blood samples were collected from 3,207 blood donors (2,362 men, 845 women) during years 1996-2003. Blood concentrations of these elements were in the same range as those found for populations of other European countries. Significant differences exist between men and women, in blood concentration, for Cu (840 microg Cu.l(-1) vs. 970 microg Cu.l(-1), p<0.01) and Zn (6,780 microg Zn.l(-1) vs. 6,235 microg Zn.l(-1), p<0.01) only. The level of Cu in relation to age is increasing in men, but decreasing in women. The level of Se in relation to age increases regardless of sex. Concentrations of Zn rise with age in women group, only. Positive correlation was found between BMI and level of Cu only for group of men. For Se levels and BMI differences exist only in men namely between groups <20 and >35 (82 microg Se.l(-1) vs. 92 microg Se.l(-1)). Slight positive correlations exist between Zn concentration and BMI in women only. The significant differences were found between smokers and non-smokers for Cu in men (850 microg Cu.l(-1) vs. 830 microg Cu.l(-1)) and Se (81 microg Se.l(-1) vs. 84 microg Se.l(-1)). The smoking has not significant influence on concentration of Zn in the blood. The hormonal contraception significantly increases the concentration of Cu in blood (920 microg Cu.l(-1) vs. 1,270 microg Cu.l(-1), p<0.01). The levels of Se and Zn in blood are not influenced using hormonal contraception.

Determination of normal concentration levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se and Zn in hair of the child population in the Czech Republic.

Knowledge of normal levels of concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se and Zn) in the population serve, among others, in the designing of regulations of exposure limits and prevention of diseases caused by deficiency in essential trace elements. Concentrations of the named elements in the hair of children in the Czech population were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples of hair were collected during 1994- 2001 from 3,556 children (1,741 boys and 1,815 girls, average age 9.9 years). Mineralization in a microwave digestion system was used following a washing procedure. The accuracy of results was checked by means of the control materials CRM Human Hair GBW 07601. Values of concentrations of the trace elements in hair found for children were (in medians) 0.14 microg Cd.g(-1), 0.22 microg Cr.g(-1), 12 microg Cu.g(-1), 0.19 microg Hg.g(-1), 1.6 microg Pb.g(-1), 0.22 microg Se.g(-1) and 124 microg Zn.g(-1), respectively. Statistically significant differences between boys and girls were found for Cd, Cu and Zn. Concentrations of the elements under study correspond to the published values for the non-exposed population.

Determination of normal concentration levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn and Se in urine of the population in the Czech Republic.

Knowledge of normal levels of concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Se) in the population serves, among others, in design of regulations concerning health protection, determination of exposition limits and prevention of diseases caused by deficiency of trace elements. Concentrations of the named elements in urine of the Czech population were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. The urine has been collected during 1996-2000 from 1192 individuals (816 males and 376 females, average age 34.6 years) and 2008 children (1052 boys and 956 girls, average age 9.9 years). Mineralization in a microwave digestion system was used in sample preparation. The accuracy of results was checked by means of the Control Materials Seronorm 403,125 and BioRad 69,041. Values of concentrations of the trace elements in urine found for adult (medians) were 0.36 microgram Cd.g-1 creatinine, 10.6 micrograms Cu.g-1 creatinine, 0.68 microgram Hg.g-1 creatinine, 3.3 micrograms Pb.g-1 creatinine, 6.2 micrograms Se.g-1 creatinine, and 397 micrograms Zn.g-1 creatinine, respectively. Statistically significant differences between men and women have been found in the concentrations of Cu and Hg. In the juvenile population following concentrations have been found: 0.29 microgram Cd.g-1 creatinine, 16.1 micrograms Cu.g-1 creatinine, 0.32 microgram Hg.g-1 creatinine, 4.8 micrograms Pb.g-1 creatinine, 10.2 micrograms Se.g-1 creatinine and 460 micrograms Zn.g-1 creatinine. Statistically significant differences between boys and girls were found only in Cu and Hg concentrations. Concentrations of the studied elements correspond to the published values concerning population not exposed professionally.

Reference values for lead and cadmium in blood of Czech population.

This study aimed at determining blood concentrations of lead (B-Pb) and cadmium (B-Cd) in a group of 1215 healthy blood donors (895 males, 320 females) and 758 children (397 boys, 361 girls) aged 10 years, sampled in 1996-1998 in four districts of the Czech Republic. The analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The median B-Pb values were lower in children (34 mg/L) than in adults. In the group of adults, the level was significantly higher in men (46 mg/L) than in women (29 mg/L). In none of the groups the 90th percentile exceeded the value of 100 mg/L. The B-Cd values in adults depended on smoking habit (median non-smokers: 0.5 mg/L, male smokers--1.2 mg/L, female smokers--1.0 mg/L). In children, more than 50% of values were under the limit of detection. The obtained values were used to propose reference values for the Czech population.

Retrospective study of concentration levels of Pb, Cd, Cu and Se in serum of the Czech population in time period 1970-1999.

The retrospective study evolution of trends in concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Se in the population of the Czech Republic over 30 years period could be useful in design of regulations concerning health protection, prevention of diseases caused by deficiency of trace elements and have considerable economic importance. Concentrations of the named elements in the serum were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after mineralisation in a microwave digestion system. The 1433 samples of serum (730 males and 703 females, average age 48.7 and 49.1 years respectively) from a time period 1970-1995 were obtained from the Serum bank of National Institute of Public Health and volunteers (1999). Serum samples from the years 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1999 were examined. The accuracy of the results was checked by means of the Control material Seronorm Whole Blood 404,107 and Seronorm Serum 704,121, Nycomed. The concentration of Cd had a decreasing trend for the years 1975-1999 (0.82 microgram Cd.l-1 vs 0.47 microgram Cd.l-1). The levels of Pb are falling in the interval 1970-1980 (15.6 micrograms Pb.l-1 vs. 6.6 micrograms Pb.l-1). In year 1985 concentration of Pb increased (10.7 micrograms Pb.l-1) but subsequently decreased again (1995--6.4 micrograms Pb.l-1). In year 1999, it was 8.9 micrograms.l-1. The concentration of Cu decreased in period 1970-1990 (1525 micrograms Cu.l-1 vs. 990 micrograms Cu.l-1). From 1990 to 1999 the levels of Cu had an increasing tendency (1999--1060 micrograms Cu.l-1). Levels of Se in the interval 1970-1985 were surprisingly equal (58.1 micrograms Se.l(-1)-54.4 micrograms Se.l-1). However in the interval 1986-1990 the level of Se sharp declined (38.3 micrograms Se.l-1). Since 1990 levels of Se in serum increased again, up to 67.1 micrograms Se.l-1 in 1999. Statistically significant differences between men and women were found only in Cu and Pb concentrations. Concentrations of under study elements corresponded to the published values concerning unexposed population.

Determination of thirty-two elements in human autopsy tissue.

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the concentrations of 32 elements in the human liver and kidney and 20 elements in the bone, obtained from 70 autopsied dead individuals (54 males, 16 females) between 18 and 76 yr of age from the North Bohemia territory of the Czech Republic. Geometric means, median, minimal-maximal range, as well as distribution and correlation analysis were calculated. Some significant differences among tissue concentrations of trace elements of the women and men were found. In the liver, medians of the concentrations of some elements were higher for men than that for women (Al: 770 vs 610 microg/kg; As: 42 vs 27 microg/kg; Cd: 1800 vs 1390 microg/kg; Rb: 3955 vs 3210 microg/kg; V: 160 vs 105 microg/kg). On the contrary, the content of other elements for men was lower (Bi: 0.8 vs 3.2 microg/kg; Cr: 57 vs 72 microg/kg; Hg: 228 vs 325 microg/kg; Zn: 57.1 vs 68.5 mg/kg). In the kidney of men, there were higher contents of Al (360 vs 245 microg/kg) and Hg (135 vs 75 microg/kg) and lower contents of Zn (47.7 vs 59.7 mg/kg) and I (135 vs 220 microg/kg) than those of women. In the case of bone, the concentrations of Cu and Rb were higher for men (1410 microg Cu/kg and 405 microg Rb/kg, respectively) than for women (655 microg Cu/kg and 285 microg Rb/kg, respectively). On the contrary, the content of Mn was considerably lower for men (110 microg Mn/kg) than for women (215 microg Mn/kg).

The concentration levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn and Se in blood of the population in the Czech Republic.

Knowledge of normal levels of concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Se) in the population serves, among others, in design of regulations concerning health protection, determination of exposure limits and prevention of diseases caused by deficiency of trace elements. Concentrations of the named elements in whole blood of the Czech population were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. The blood was collected during 1996-1998 from 1,216 blood donors (896 males and 320 females, average age 33 years) and 758 children (397 boys and 361 girls, average age 9.9 years). Mineralisation in a microwave digestion system was used in sample preparation. The accuracy of results was checked by means of the Control material Seronorm Whole Blood 404107 and Seronorm Serum 704121, Nycomed. Values of concentrations of the trace elements in blood found for adult (medians) were 0.7 microgram Cd.l-1, 800 micrograms Cu.l-1, 0.78 microgram Hg.l-1, 41 micrograms Pb.l-1, 76 micrograms Se.l-1, and 5,800 micrograms Zn.l-1, respectively. Statistically significant differences between men and women have been found in the concentrations of Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn. In the juvenile population following medians of concentrations have been found: 0.15 microgram Cd.l-1, 1,047 micrograms Cu.l-1, 0.46 microgram Hg.l-1, 34 micrograms Pb.l-1, 69 micrograms Se.l-1, and 8,180 micrograms Zn.l-1. Statistically significant differences between boys and girls were found only in Pb and Zn concentrations. Concentrations of the studied elements correspond to the published values concerning population not exposed professionally.

Gustometry of diabetes mellitus patients and obese patients.

The sensation of adequate taste detection can be associated with satisfaction of food intake. The impairment of taste detection may be associated with the development of obesity. Taste detection is determined hereditarily, but it can be influenced also by the occurrence of neuropathy. To find an explanation for these phenomena, we investigated 73 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) 2 (i.e., non-insulin-dependent DM); 11 patients with DM 1 (i.e., insulin-dependent DM); 12 obese patients (body-mass index >30) without DM; and 29 control patients. All subjects underwent electrogustometric examination with Hortmman's electrogustometer. During this examination, we obtained electrical thresholds of taste by stimulating appropriate parts of the tongue. We stimulated the apex, middle, and near tongue radix areas on both sides. The resulting value is the average on the left and right sides of the mentioned areas. We considered a value of less than 40 microA to be normal. Values in excess of 100 microA are considered as hypogeusia. Values between 40 and 100 microA are taken as borderline, and ageusia is in excess of 500 microA. According to these criteria, in the DM 2 group, we found 40% of patients with hypogeusia, whereas in the DM 1 group, we found 33% of patients; 25% of patients were in the obese group. Among normal subjects (people without obesity or DM), no hypogeusia was found. We found ageusia in 5% of patients with DM 2, in 3% of patients with DM 1, and in 14% of obese patients. Among normal subjects, we found no ageusia. These results support the hypothesis that diminished taste detection can evoke hyperphagia and later obesity.

The 'age+5' rule: comparisons of dietary fiber intake among 4- to 10-year-old children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine children's sources of dietary fiber and to identify the food group choices made by those who met the "age+5" rule, which recommends that children daily consume an amount of fiber that is equal to their age plus an additional 5 g fiber. DESIGN: This study used 24-hour dietary recalls and 1-day food records to assess the nutrient intake and food group choices of children who did and did not meet the recommendations of the age+5 rule. SUBJECTS: The 1989-1991 US Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals provided the study sample of 603 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years and 782 children between the ages of 7 and 10 years. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Differences in nutrient and food group intakes between age categories were determined by t tests. RESULTS: Only 45% of 4- to 6-year-olds and 32% of 7- to 10-year-olds consumed adequate fiber to meet the age+5 rule. Those who met the age+5 rule did so by consuming significantly more high- and low-fiber breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Children with low fiber intakes had significantly higher energy-adjusted intakes of fat and cholesterol, whereas those who met the age+5 rule had significantly higher energy-adjusted intakes of dietary fiber, vitamins A and E, folate, magnesium, and iron. APPLICATIONS: The majority of the children had low intakes of dietary fiber, suggesting that they are at risk for future chronic disease. Parents and school foodservice personnel should strive to offer fiber-rich foods to children so their acceptance and consumption of them will be increased.

Population-based biomonitoring in the Czech Republic--the system and selected results.

In the framework of the system of monitoring the environmental impact on population health, the concentration of lead, cadmium and selenium in blood and cadmium in urine was measured in adults (n = 670), children (n = 599) and umbilical blood (n = 549) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Furthermore, cytogenetic analysis of peripheral lymphocytes in all population groups under study was investigated. The median blood Pb level for the overall group of adults (47.8 micrograms/l, i.e. 0.23 mumol/1) was significantly higher in men (51.5 micrograms/l, i.e. 0.25 mumol/l). Smoking significantly influenced the blood Pb level in women. The 90th percentile in no group exceeded the value of 100 micrograms/l (0.48 mumol/l). The median blood Cd level in adults (0.9 microgram/l, i.e. 0.008 mumol/l) depends on smoking habit (1.25 micrograms/l, i.e. 0.01 mumol/l). The median urine Cd level was 0.585 microgram/g creatinine (0.59 mumol/mole creatinine) in adults and 0.37 microgram/g creatinine (0.37 mumol/mole creatinine) in children. The median blood Se level (53.5 micrograms/l, i.e. 0.68 mumol/l) was found to be higher in the group of non-smokers (57.5 micrograms/l, i.e 0.73 mumol/l). Lead and selenium level were significantly lower in the umbilical blood. Cytogenetic analysis results showed age-dependent average percentages of aberrant cells: 1.1% in umbilical blood, 1.27% in children and 1.71 in adults in line with the reference values for the Czech population.

Development needs of faculty in foodservice management.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the development needs of foodservice management (FSM) faculty originally prepared in other fields. DESIGN: Application of qualitative research methodologies to description and comparison of the perspective of three groups: faculty themselves, leaders in foodservice industry, and educators in advanced-degree programs. SUBJECTS: Purposive sampling of organization directories was used to recruit faculty members for two surveys (142 and 62 respondents) and four focus groups; 15 representatives from industry, professional organizations, and education (through an advisory committee); and 11 foodservice administration advanced-degree programs (through survey and study of program catalogs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Faculty competencies needed were compared from the three perspectives. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Descriptive statistics plus chi 2 determinations were used to make comparisons. OUTCOMES: All three sources identified needs that could be classified into one of three groups: acquisition of theory, mastery of applications, and personal qualities. Theoretical groundwork needed included food science/quantity food production, financial and personnel management, marketing, customer satisfaction, and use of computer and other technologies. Although only 44% of faculty respondents had advanced degrees in FSM, their graduate study in other areas was applicable in meeting many of the competencies. Almost all faculty had some FSM industry experience-a high priority from all perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: Most faculty were involved in development activities and reported success in acquiring knowledge and application competence. The faculty members' lack of identification with FSM and their feelings of isolation were more problematic.

Determination of some metals in biological samples for monitoring purposes.

The biological monitoring of toxic and essential metals in biological material is important for the study of influence of environmental conditions on the human body. In this work, the determination of Cd, Pb and Hg in blood, urine and hair of children has been performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The electrothermal atomisation with Zeeman background correction was used for Pb and Cd determination and mercury was determined using Trace Mercury Analyser TMA 254. Methylmercury in hair was determined simultaneously. To check the method, SRM Lyphochek Urine Metal control--Biorad, Seronorm Trace Elements--Nycomed and GWB Human Hair (China) were used. The group of more than 100 children were chosen for the study. Statistical tests were used for the evaluation of the obtained results. The concentrations of all elements in all types of samples correspond to the "normal contents" published for the non-exposed population.

Comparison of concentration of Cu and Zn in children population.

The biological monitoring of essential metals in blood, urine and hair became important for the control of biological processes and for the study of the influence of environmental conditions on the human organism. To determine the normal level of copper and zinc in the children population group of Central Bohemia (Benesov), 98 samples of whole blood, 133 samples of urine and 135 samples of hair have been analysed by means of atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mineralisation of blood and hair samples in the microwave oven and 3-fold dilution of urine were used for the sample preparation. Arithmetic and geometric means as well as median and ratio Zn/Cu were calculated. The concentration of the elements under study in all samples did not differ from the values published in the literature. Some differences between girls and boys have been found.

[The effect of food supplementation with organically bound chromium on indicators of compensation in diabetic children and adolescents]. / Vliv pridavku organicky vázaného chromu v potrave na nekteré ukazatele kompenzace cukrovky u deti a dospivajicich.

To the food of 33 diabetic patients typ I (in the age of about 15 years) organically bound chromium was added for 6 weeks. The influence on the metabolic compensation could not be proven, although in some individuals of this group the favorable effect of chromium can not be excluded.

Incorporation of C14-thymidine and C14-uridine nucleosides into nucleic acid molecules in the liver of mice exposed to trivalent arsenic in drinking water.

The effect of trivalent arsenic on the C14-thymidine and C14-uridine incorporation into the liver nucleic acid molecules was studied in groups of mice exposed to 3.3 mmol . l-1 sodium arsenite in drinking water for 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days. In each exposure group, 18 h before the animals were killed by decapitation, six to ten mice were injected with 0.1 ml of C14-thymidine or C14-uridine of an activity of 0.37 MBq. The radioactivity of liver DNA and liver RNA fractions isolated and separated by extraction from the mouse liver homogenate was measured on a Betazcint BZ 5,000 scintillation counter and expressed as cpm . mg-1 of isolated nucleic acids. Initially, the rates at which the labeled thymidine and uridine nucleosides incorporated into the nucleic acid molecules showed a marked drop below the control value, then started to rise again, continuing to gradually increase as the time of arsenic exposure was increasing; they attained the control value on day 8, and at the last interval of observation (i.e. at 32 days of exposure to arsenic) they reached, respectively, 143% and 127% of the control value. The initial drop in the rate of nucleoside incorporation is believed to reflect the general metabolic inhibition caused by arsenic; the subsequent enhancement of the process of incorporation is ascribed to the induction of enzymes that are involved in the development of a tolerance for arsenic.

Biliary excretion of 74As and its distribution in the golden hamster after administration of 74As (III) and 74As (V).

Biliary excretion of arsenic and its distribution in the organism were studied in golden hamsters after administration of Na3(74)AsO3 and Na2H74AsO4 solutions. Significant differences between the two valency forms of arsenic were found in the biliary excretion rate as well as in the cumulative biliary excretion of 74As. The arsenic biliary excretion after treatment with 74AS [III] [4.98 /+- 7.1, or 0.6 [0.2 - 1.1] percents of the administered dose] than that after 74As [V] application. On the other hand, arsenic excretion in the urine and stool were higher after the administration of pentavalent arsenic. The contents of 74As in the liver, kidneys, blood plasma and GIT wall were higher after the application of 74As [III]. It has been again confirmed tha compared to rats the hamster [similarly as the other laboratory animals] exhibits a significantly lower concentration of 74As in red blood cells [differences ranged by 2 orders of magnitude].