Potential Source Apportionment and Meteorological Conditions Involved in Airborne 131I Detections in January/February 2017 in Europe.

Traces of particulate radioactive iodine (131I) were detected in the European atmosphere in January/February 2017. Concentrations of this nuclear fission product were very low, ranging 0.1 to 10 µBq m-3 except at one location in western Russia where they reached up to several mBq m-3. Detections have been reported continuously over an 8-week period by about 30 monitoring stations. We examine possible emission source apportionments and rank them considering their expected contribution in terms of orders of magnitude from typical routine releases: radiopharmaceutical production units > sewage sludge incinerators > nuclear power plants > spontaneous fission of uranium in soil. Inverse modeling simulations indicate that the widespread detections of 131I resulted from the combination of multiple source releases. Among them, those from radiopharmaceutical production units remain the most likely. One of them is located in Western Russia and its estimated source term complies with authorized limits. Other existing sources related to 131I use (medical purposes or sewage sludge incineration) can explain detections on a rather local scale. As an enhancing factor, the prevailing wintertime meteorological situations marked by strong temperature inversions led to poor dispersion conditions that resulted in higher concentrations exceeding usual detection limits in use within the informal Ring of Five (Ro5) monitoring network.

Tracking of airborne radionuclides from the damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactors by European networks.

Radioactive emissions into the atmosphere from the damaged reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (NPP) started on March 12th, 2011. Among the various radionuclides released, iodine-131 ((131)I) and cesium isotopes ((137)Cs and (134)Cs) were transported across the Pacific toward the North American continent and reached Europe despite dispersion and washout along the route of the contaminated air masses. In Europe, the first signs of the releases were detected 7 days later while the first peak of activity level was observed between March 28th and March 30th. Time variations over a 20-day period and spatial variations across more than 150 sampling locations in Europe made it possible to characterize the contaminated air masses. After the Chernobyl accident, only a few measurements of the gaseous (131)I fraction were conducted compared to the number of measurements for the particulate fraction. Several studies had already pointed out the importance of the gaseous (131)I and the large underestimation of the total (131)I airborne activity level, and subsequent calculations of inhalation dose, if neglected. The measurements made across Europe following the releases from the Fukushima NPP reactors have provided a significant amount of new data on the ratio of the gaseous (131)I fraction to total (131)I, both on a spatial scale and its temporal variation. It can be pointed out that during the Fukushima event, the (134)Cs to (137)Cs ratio proved to be different from that observed after the Chernobyl accident. The data set provided in this paper is the most comprehensive survey of the main relevant airborne radionuclides from the Fukushima reactors, measured across Europe. A rough estimate of the total (131)I inventory that has passed over Europe during this period was <1% of the released amount. According to the measurements, airborne activity levels remain of no concern for public health in Europe.

Low level air radioactivity measurements in Prague, Czech Republic.

Activity concentrations of radionuclides in the atmosphere have been monitored for over 21 years in the Czech Republic, at present at 10 sampling sites. Results of long-time observation of the radionuclides (137)Cs, (7)Be, (210)Pb, (22)Na, (40)K, (238)Pu, (239,240)Pu, (90)Sr, (85)Kr and (14)C and statistical analysis of the data from the monitoring site in Prague are given in the paper. In 2007 mean activity concentrations of monitored radionuclides at Prague monitoring site in Bq/m(3) were: (85)Kr, 1.6 x 10(+0); (14)C, 5.3 x 10(-2); (137)Cs, 6.8 x 10(-7); (7)Be, 4.3 x 10(-3); (210)Pb, 5.3 x 10(-4); (40)K, 1.8 x 10(-5); (22)Na, 3.5 x 10(-7); (90)Sr, 5-7 x 10(-8); (238)Pu, 1-2 x 10(-10) and (239,240)Pu, 1.7 x 10(-9).

[Changes of haemostasis in obese subjects during weight reduction]. / Zmeny hemostázy u obézních pri redukci hmotnosti.

In a group of 126 obese subjects hospitalized at the obesitological unit of the Gerontological and Metabolic Clinic, Faculty Hospital Hradec Králové the authors confirmed the effect of short-term modified fasting and a low energy diet on the body weight and body mass index They also proved the influence of weight reduction on normalization of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols. They did not prove however the influence of short-term modified fasting and a low energy diet on the concentration of some coagulation pareameters (fibrinogen, D-dimers, antithrombin). In the patients a decline of the fibrinolytic activity was observed and an increase of the fibrinolytic capacity. The authors found a close correlation between the decline of the inhibitor of plasminogen-1 activator, an indicator of the fibrinolytic activity, and body weight and lipid changes. The authors proved a close negative correlation between the rise of fibrnolytic capacity and changes of body weight and lipids. In conjunction with the presented results and based on data from the lierature it may be stated that a decline of body weight in obese subjects reduces the risk of the syndrome of insulin resistance. Activation of fibrinolysis in insulin resistance depends directly on the amount of visceral fat and changes of te fibrinolytic properties of blood in obese subsjects depend on the production of PAI-1 by adipocytes of visceral fat.

[Changes in selected biochemical parameters during a low-calorie reducing diet]. / Zmeny vybraných biochemických parametru v prubehu nízkokalorické redukcní diety.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Assessment of the effect of short term modified low calorie diet on body weight and body mass index (BMI). Assessment of the effect of modified low calorie diet on blood lipids and some biochemical parameters. METHODS: Before and after diet: body weight, BMI, whole blood count, platelet count, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, serum creatinine, uric acid, urea, bilirubin, AST, ALT, pH of urine and atherogenic index (CHOL-HDL/HDL). PATIENTS: 11 male, mean age 52 years and 19 female, mean age 53.3 years. THERAPY: Modified diet 14 days, 3.3 MJ daily, vitamins and minerals. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in platelet count, serum creatinine, urea, bilirubin, AST, ALT, pH of urine, HDL cholesterol and atherogenic index before and after modified low calorie diet. Significant loss of body weight and decrease of BMI, cholesterol and triglycerides occurred after modified diet. Serum uric acid significantly increased after weight loss. CONCLUSION: The present result's shows that a drop of serum cholesterol and triglycerides follows a significant loss of body weight after modified diet. Our result's shows a significant increase of uric acid levels after weight loss. There was no effect of body weight loss on other biochemical parameters.

[Changes in autonomic nervous system activity in obese individuals during weight reduction]. / Zmeny aktivity vegetativního nervového systému u obézních osob a pri redukci nadváhy.

The frequency analysis (fast Fourier transformation) of heart rate variability follow-up during modified orthostatic test is the non-invasive method used to the evaluation of vegetative nervous system (NS) activity. There are only few data about the changes of the parameters in the groups with civilization diseases or with the presence of the risk factors of coronary heart disease. In the groups of 82 volunteers (BMI 24.9 +/- 2.7 kg/m2) and 37 healthy obese people (BMI 36.1 +/- 4.9 kg/m2) we compare some of the vegetative NS parameters. In 16 volunteers we measured the vegetative NS activity changes during the weight reduction regimen (10 day's hospitalization, daily energy intake 3300 kJ, weight before 101.5 +/- 18.1 kg, after 97.5 +/- 17.1 kg, p < 0.0001). Acute reactions to the energy restriction were evaluated in 3 groups of 10 volunteers during 3 days of the energy intake 3200, 6600 and 13400 kJ. Obese persons show a slight decrease of both sympathetic and parasympathetic NS activity. In the supine position only few changes in the sympathetic/parasympathetic NS activity ration were observed. In the standing position in obese group drop of the most indexes and decrease of sympathetic/parasympathetic NS activity ratio were described. Significant correlations between sympathetic NS activity and lipid oxidation (r = 0.329, p < 0.01) as well as saccharide oxidation (r = -0.258, p < 0.05) were observed. During the weight reduction slight increase of the parasympathetic NS activity and higher one in the sympathetic NS activity were measured. The values after weight reduction regime are comparable with the control group of the lean persons. Different changes of the parameters were described in standing and in supine position. Acute reaction on the low-energy diet was observed in a few days. It shows a slight increase of the NS activity parameters. Relative increase mainly in the sympathetic nervous system activity doesn't depend on the degree of energy deficit only, but some subjective factors may play a role (age, psychological and psychosocial factors, agreeability of the diet, behavioral factors ...). In the group of obese persons non-specific changes of the vegetative NS activity were observed. They are modulated by some behavioral factors. The tendency to the higher parasympathetic NS activity confirms the MONA LISA theory of the origin of obesity. Important are the informations of the return of the indexes after overweight reduction.

Effect of modified fasting on fibrinolytic capacity.

Aim of the study was to assess the effect of modified fasting on body weight and BMI, and the effect of modified fasting on blood lipids. We aimed also at modulation on fibrinolytic components by modified fasting.

[Non-invasive methods for evaluation of body composition during weight reduction]. / Vyuzití neinvazivních metod hodnocení telesného slození v prubehu redukce hmotnosti.

As a result of positive energetic balance of organism, there is a cumulation of an excessive energy in the adipose tissue. Adipose tissue repletion represents the main characteristic of obesity. The objective of our work was to perform the comparative study for the evaluation of selected noninvasive methods used for the determination of body composition. We analysed the results of 4 methods of the body composition measurement: bioelectrical impedance (BIA), physical anthropometry (ANTHR), Deurenberg's calculation (FORM) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEN). The most statistically significant correlation was proved between the results of BIA and results of DEN method (r = 0.9145), and results of BIA and FORM method (r = 0.9014).

[Distribution of transverse dimensions of the patella in the adult population. Relation to the development of the patellar component in knee joint prosthesis]. / Rozptyl transverzálního rozmeru pately v dospelé populaci. Vztah k vývoji patelární komponenty náhrad kolenního kloubu.

The development and manufacture of the patellar component was associated with a more detailed osteometric investigation of the patella and evaluation of its range of sizes in our population. Evaluation of data 1042 probands (477 women, 565 men) proved: a) there are no significant lateral differences of transversal dimensions of the patella and femoral condyles; b) The mutual relationship of the above mentioned dimensions does not correlate, and thus no conclusions can be drawn from the transversal breadth of the condyles on the dimensions of the patella; c) The range of patellar diameters in the population is very wide, and to meet demands, it will be necessary to manufacture patellar components in cca five sizes.

Changes in the activity of thrombocytes by smoking.

Platelet function was investigated in 11 healthy non-smokers, 11 medium smokers (less than 10 cigarette/day) and 11 heavy smokers (greater than 20 cigarette daily). Cigarette consumption was in medium smokers 6.2 cigarette/day, and in heavy smokers 30.7 cigarette/day. Erythrocyte count, platelet count, plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and circulating platelet aggregates showed no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. Thromboxane B2 level in plasma was higher in heavy smokers (20.1 +/- 17.3 pg/0.1 ml) than in non-smokers (58.8 +/- 37.1 pg/0.1 ml) and medium smokers (65.4 +/- 32.1 pg/0.1 ml) (P less than 0.01). Platelet factor 4 level was high in non smokers prior to smoking 1 cigarette and normal in medium and heavy smokers. Plasma concentration of beta thromboglobulin and 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha showed no significant changes between non-smokers and heavy smokers. No dependence on smoking 1 cigarette was found in any group. The data suggest that long term cigarette smoking increases platelet activity manifested by an increased activity of thromboxane A2. Cigarette smoking contributes to the development of coronary artery disease also by means of activation of platelet functions.

[Secular acceleration of the physical development of Czech school children (author's transl)]. / Säkulare Akzeleration in der Entwicklung der tschechischen Schuljugend.

The presented contribution reports on the acceleration of physical development and pubescence of school children, based on anthropometrical studies dating of 1895, 1951, 1961 and 1971. Since 1895 the acceleration for the development has been recorded by .2 to 2.5 years. The acceleration of the growth of body height and mass was less during 1961--1971 than within the period of 1951--1961. The higher mean values found 1971 in children and youth of Prague suggest that possible secular acceleration in our adolescents has not been terminated so far.