Crucial moments in Czechoslovak radiobiology history.

If we consider the development of any specialization in our region in an historical context, we cannot separate the Czech and Slovak Republics. The 75 years together (with the exception of 1939-1945) were a period of narrow cooperation between Czech and Slovak Universities and Scientific Institutes, and Radiobiology is no exception, which is why the discussion falls to Czechoslovak Radiobiology, as opposed to Czech Radiobiology alone. Czechoslovak Radiobiology has gone through three important stages in its history, influenced also by international political-military situations. Here it is necessary to emphasize that the results obtained by Czechoslovak Radiobiology were and are comparable with foreign institutions. The first period, which dates back to 1895-1939, represents the initial discovery period of the mechanism and consequences of ionizing radiation on the body. The second period in 1939-1990 is considered to be the phase of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, their misuse for military purposes, along with detailed studies of radiation sickness and radiation protection, the majority of the results which were kept secret and could not be published at the time. The third period after 1990 is dedicated to the detailed study of post-radiation changes at the intracellular level with the aim to be used especially in radiotherapy and radiation protection, as well as the dangers of misuse of ionizing radiation by terrorists. Increased attention is also devoted to the effect of ionizing radiation on plants and their possible subsequent use.

[Preparedness of health system in Israel for mass emergencies]. / Pripravenost izraelského zdravotnictví na krizové situace.

The vast number of outbreaks of tension on the planet shows that it is impossible to underestimate the preparation level of population protection in emergencies. The possibility of a terrorist attack, including the use of particularly toxic or biological substances cannot be excluded or totally prevented at this point. In fact, there may not only be a terrorist attack. Rampant population migration increases the risk of the transmission of infectious diseases, even to considerable distances from the states where the epidemiological situation might not be completely under control. The current state of the Czech healthcare system in terms of preparedness for mass emergencies is insufficient and requires prompt correction, though not through hastily adopted measures. Ideally, looking into the success of the Israeli preparedness system, where the public has been exposed to high levels of threat from a variety of causes for decades, could greatly aid the Czech Republic in moving forward effectively. The number of victims of terrorist attacks there outpaces 10000, a fact that shows Israel is experienced in responding to emergency incidents.

Comprehensive treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

AIMS: Changing lifestyles, decreasing physical activity, which is increasing the number of degenerative joint diseases of various etiology, and certain dental procedures are increasing the number of patients complaining of pain in their temporomandibular joints. The aim of the study was to assess the benefits of comprehensive physiotherapy sessions in order to decrease the number of temporomandibular joint problems, thereby improving the patient's quality of life. METHODOLOGY: An examination by a dentist determined each patient's treatment plan, which consisted of a medical exam, physical therapy and education. Each form of treatment was applied 10 times at intervals of 7-14 days. The main goal of the therapeutic physical education was to redress the muscle imbalance in the mandibular joint. This was achieved by restoring balance between the masticatory muscles, along with releasing the spastic shrouds found in the masticatory muscles. The aim of education was to teach the patient exercises focused on the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. The intensity of the exercises and their composition were individually adjusted and adapted to their current state. Physical therapy consisted of the application of pulsed magnetic therapy, laser therapy, and non-invasive positive thermotherapy. RESULTS: The above procedure was conducted on a therapeutic group of 24 patients (3 men and 20 women). In the course of therapy, there were no complications, and all patients adhered to the prescribed regime. None reported any side effects. The mean treatment duration was 123 +/- 66 days. The outcome of the therapy was evaluated as described in the methodology, the degree of pain affecting the joint, and the opening ability of the mouth. In both parameters, there was a significant decline in patient pain. CONCLUSIONS: In a study devoted to tactics of rehabilitation treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders, the need for comprehensive long-term therapy, involving education, and learning proper chewing habits was made apparent for recovery and pain reduction. A priority in physical therapy, and combinations of pulsed magnetic therapy and hyperthermia-positive peloids, are also beneficial.

Micronuclei in lymphocytes from radon spa personnel in the Czech Republic.

PURPOSE: To assess the radiation exposure of radon spa personnel in Jáchymov, Czech Republic. METHODS: The frequency of micronucleus-containing cells and the percentage of centromere-free micronuclei (micronuclei containing only acentric fragments) was determined in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 42 individuals working at the Jáchymov spa and 42 control individuals. RESULTS: There was a highly significant increase in the frequency of micronucleus-containing cells as well as the percentage of centromere-free micronuclei in the lymphocytes of spa personnel versus controls. No individual dosimetry data were available. A comparison with results from currently active uranium miners suggests that the individuals examined at the Jáchymov spa had accumulated effective doses in the order of several tens of mSv, very similar to those of the miners. CONCLUSION: The spa personnel in Jáchymov needs to be monitored on an individual level.

Micronuclei in lymphocytes from currently active uranium miners.

Micronuclei can be used as markers of past radiation exposure, but only few studies have dealt with uranium miners. In this paper, we report on micronuclei in lymphocytes from individuals currently working at Rozná, Czech Republic, the last functioning uranium mine in the European Union. A modified micronucleus-centromere test was applied to assess the occurrence of micronuclei in stimulated lymphocytes, as well as their content in terms of whole chromosomes or fragments. Compared with unexposed individuals, the miners had higher frequencies of micronucleus-containing lymphocytes and higher percentages of micronuclei without centromeres, and the differences were significant for both parameters (0.74 ± 0.60 vs. 0.50 ± 0.42, p = 0.017 and 49 ± 44 vs. 12 ± 21, p = 0.0002; means ± standard deviations). There were also significant correlations between one or other of these parameters on the one hand and various dose values on the other, in particular with a 'retrievable' dose, that is, a dose whose effect should still be recognisable in lymphocytes assuming a half-life of 3 years. The 'retrievable' dose at which a doubling of the micronucleus frequency was observed was around 35 mSv, corresponding to a total dose of 90 mSv received while working in the mines. Altogether, our data show that the micronucleus-centromere test is a valuable tool for the assessment of past radiation exposure in uranium miners. The scatter in the data is of course far too great to allow individual dosimetry, but for groups of a few dozen exposed individuals, the method can be used to monitor doses clearly below 100 mSv.

Comparison of Frequency of Home Births in the Member States of the EU Between 2015 and 2019.

Introduction. The disagreement of the general public's views on home births is practically identical for the professional public and specialists also. The core of the problem lies in the disunity between individual countries of the European Union-complete prohibition under the risk of committing a crime on one side and standard procedure perceived as something completely common on the other side. Methods. The authors focused on the prevalence of home births in individual EU countries, together with the proportion of neonatological mortality compared to the number of live births, which are data that, unlike home births, are mandatory in each EU Member State. Data on home births were obtained from available official and verified sources such as the Ministry of Health, reviews published by the WHO, or published peer-reviewed scientific and professional works. Secondary data were procured via Web of Science, Scopus, or PubMed. Results. The aim of the study was to trace the documented numbers of home births in the individual states of the European Union in the years 2015 to 2019, to analyze them with data on live births together and with data on infant mortality. A comparative analysis of the compiled data can be used to conclude which countries have the highest domestic birth rates and how the birth rate is manifested in these countries. Based on the analysis of available data, it can be determined that the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany have the highest share of domestic births. The link between home births and increased neonatal mortality has not been established. Eastern Europe countries have the highest neonatal mortality, namely Romania (1.19%) and Malta (0.63%). Conclusion. The Netherlands has the highest domestic birth rate per 100 000 inhabitants with a 5-year average of 161 922 (overall average of all live births 993.40), but is also in 11th place in neonatal mortality, together with Denmark and Belgium, which have 0.35% neonatal neonatal mortality. The country with the lowest neonatal mortality of 0.19% is Slovenia. The total average of all children born in 5 years (915 live births) is 1.422. When monitoring the number of domestic births in other countries in the years 2015 to 2019, an increasing tendency of this trend is observed.

Positioning Techniques to Improve the Ultrasound Evaluation of the Elbow.

We introduce an ergonomic positioning for sonographic scanning of elbow joint where the patient is lying semisupine on the examination bed. This is in contrast with the conventional positioning where the patient is sitting on the edge of the bed or across the table on a chair. Our proposed positioning is more comfortable for both the patient and ultrasound practitioner. It also allows immediate ultrasound-guided injections with lesser risk regarding a vasovagal syncope of the patient.

The effect of 808 nm and 905 nm wavelength light on recovery after spinal cord injury.

We investigated the effect of a Multiwave Locked System laser (with a simultaneous 808 nm continuous emission and 905 nm pulse emission) on the spinal cord after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The functional recovery was measured by locomotor tests (BBB, Beam walking, MotoRater) and a sensitivity test (Plantar test). The locomotor tests showed a significant improvement of the locomotor functions of the rats after laser treatment from the first week following lesioning, compared to the controls. The laser treatment significantly diminished thermal hyperalgesia after SCI as measured by the Plantar test. The atrophy of the soleus muscle was reduced in the laser treated rats. The histopathological investigation showed a positive effect of the laser therapy on white and gray matter sparing. Our data suggests an upregulation of M2 macrophages in laser treated animals by the increasing number of double labeled CD68+/CD206+ cells in the cranial and central parts of the lesion, compared to the control animals. A shift in microglial/macrophage polarization was confirmed by gene expression analysis by significant mRNA downregulation of Cd86 (marker of inflammatory M1), and non-significant upregulation of Arg1 (marker of M2). These results demonstrated that the combination of 808 nm and 905 nm wavelength light is a promising non-invasive therapy for improving functional recovery and tissue sparing after SCI.

Protective effect of 940 nm laser on gamma-irradiated mice.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the radioprotective features of 940 nm laser on the life span of mice, and absolute counts of blood cells and their proportions in gamma-irradiated mice. BACKGROUND DATA: An important feature of laser light is activation of mitotic division and differentiation of cells, which may be useful in activation of hematopoiesis in gamma-irradiated organisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were randomly assigned to 11 groups according to the type(s) of influence. Generally, mice were irradiated in three different ways: with laser at different fluences, with gamma irradiation, or by combination of laser at different fluences and gamma irradiation in a different order. Mice were treated with 940 nm laser at 3, 12, or 18 J/cm(2) and/or a lethal dose of gamma irradiation (8.7 Gy). Each group was randomly subdivided into two subgroups, in which the life span of the mice and blood cell counts (on 12th and 45th day after gamma irradiation) were analyzed. RESULTS: Laser (940 nm) at a fluence of 3 J/cm(2) significantly prolonged the life span of gamma-irradiated mice (p<0.05). In the same group, counts of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were higher on day 12 than in the gamma group. On day 45 after gamma irradiation, some signs of hematopoiesis repair were found in blood. There were no significant differences in counts of erythrocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, or the proportion of neutrophils between this group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, 940 nm laser at a fluence of 3 J/cm(2) demonstrates radioprotective features in an experiment with lethally irradiated mice. Mechanisms responsible for this effect will be investigated in further studies.

Radioprotective effects of amifostine (WR-2721) or cystamine on radiation damage and its repair in rats whole body exposed to fission neutrons.

Sulphur containing radioprotective drugs amifostine (gammaphos, WR-2721) or cystamine (disulfide of meracaptoethylamine) of Czechoslovak production were examined in whole body fission neutrons irradiated rats in the thermal column of reactor VVR-S. Using the split-dose technic the first sublethal neutron dose in the range 1-2 Gy was followed by second lethal exposures in the two time intervals (3 or 6 days) using whole body fission neutrons irradiations (3 days interval) or whole body gamma-irradiations (6 days interval) for LD50/30 evaluation within next 30 days survival observation. In other experiments the mean survival time (MST) in days was estimated in different rats group, when animals were whole body fission neutrons irradiated twice with 3-days interval using the total lethal doses of 4 or 5 Gy. Protected rats received amifostine (160 mg.kg(-1) i.p. and 200 mg.kg(-1) i.m.) or cystamine (40 mg.kg(-1) i.p. and 50 mg.kg(-1) i.m.), control rats obtained saline 20 min before beginning of irradiation in the amount of 0.5 ml.100 g(-1) of the rat's body weight. Non-significant DRF value 1.13 for WR-2721 i.p. was calculated in survival studies in rats twice neutron irradiated with 3 days interval (DRF 1.04 for cystamine). Chemical protectors were administered before each neutron exposure. MST of twice neutron lethal iradiated rats was prolonged not regularly by radioprotectors tested. WR-2721 and cystamine i.m. were not able to increase 6 days reparation processes after sublethal 2 Gy fission neutrons whole body irradiated rats.

Effectiveness of physiotherapy and GaAlAs laser in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment method commonly used in physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to monitor the function of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding tissues and compare the objective measurements of the effect of LLLT. BACKGROUND DATA: LLLT has been considered effective in reducing pain and muscular tension; thus improving the quality of patients' lives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TMJ function was evaluated by cephalometric tracing analysis, orthopantomogram, TMJ tomogram, and computer face-bow record. Interalveolar space between central incisors before and after therapy was measured. Patients evaluated pain on the Visual Analog Scale. LLLT was performed in five treatment sessions (energy density of 15.4 J/cm(2)) by semiconductive GaAlAs laser with an output of 280 mW, emitting radiation wavelength of 830 mm. The laser supplied a spot of ~0.2 cm(2). RESULTS: Baseline comparisons between the healthy patients and patients with low-level laser application show that TMJ pain during function is based on anatomical and function changes in TMJ areas. Significant differences were seen in the posterior and anterior face height. The results comparing healthy and impaired TMJ sagittal condyle paths showed that patients with TMJ pain during function had significantly flatter nonanatomical movement during function. After therapy, the unpleasant feeling was reduced from 27.5 to 4.16 on the pain Visual Analog Scale. The pain had reduced the ability to open the mouth from 34 to 42 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The laser therapy was effective in the improvement of the range of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and promoted a significant reduction of pain symptoms.

Hemangioma curative effect of PDL, alexandrite, Er:YAG and CO(2) lasers.

OBJECTIVE: Hemangioma is a mesenchymal benign tumor formed by blood vessels. Anomalies affect up to 10% of children and they are more common in females than in males. The aim of this study was to evaluate hemangioma treatment using four different types of lasers, namely, alexandrite, Er:YAG, CO(2), and pulsed dye laser (PDL). BACKGROUND DATA: The argon laser was the first to be used for dermatological patients, namely, with port wine stains (PWS) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A variety of different lasers and light sources were useful in the treatment of vascular lesions, e.g., KTP, Nd:YAG, CO(2), PDL, and Er:YAG. METHODS: A group of 869 consecutive patients with hemangioma was retrospectively reviewed. The patients including in our study were divided into four groups according to the type of laser used: Alexandrite laser (n=85, 58 women and 20 men), CO(2) laser (n=78, 58 women and 20 men), Er:YAG laser (n=105, 87 women and 18 men), and PDL laser (n=601, 453 women and 148 men). All patients were treated in one session without anesthesia application. The ablative systems vaporized the tissues until the hemangioma was removed. The non-ablative systems used one shot, which destroyed the hemangioma blood vessels. RESULTS: For the treatment efficacy analysis, the following factors were evaluated: therapeutic effect (yes vs. no), loss of pigment (yes vs. no), and appearance of scar (yes vs. no). From results it was evident that the therapeutic effect of all the lasers except alexandrite was very high; almost 100%. In the CO(2) and the Er:YAG laser groups a high percentage of side effects was also observed. Exposure to these lasers caused loss of pigment and scar formation in many cases. The best therapeutic effect, with only minor side effects, has been achieved with the PDL laser. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that PDL (595 nm, 1.5 ms, 7 mm, 9 - 11 J/cm(2)) had optimal effect without scars. Er:YAG or CO(2) laser radiation with specific characteristics was also useful for small superficial lesions.

Contraindications in noninvasive laser therapy: truth and fiction.

OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive laser therapy is a treatment method employed in many disciplines. This review article points out instances when it appears to be effective to administer such therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noninvasive laser therapy has a number of suitable applications that cause minimal damage to the patient. Many patients are not sent to institutions equipped with relevant instruments, since physicians are burdened by a number of contraindications, many of which are incorrect. The purpose of this article was to divide these contraindications into the following three groups: correct indications, indications doubtful under certain conditions, and incorrect indications. DISCUSSION: We consider the following contraindications as correct: history of a histologically demonstrated malignant carcinoma; irradiation of the neck region in hyperthyreosis; epilepsy; exposure of the retina; and exposure of the abdomen during pregnancy. The contraindications that are doubtful under certain conditions are as follows: fever and infectious diseases; certain blood diseases; heavy blood losses; neuropathies; and irradiation in the region of gonads. The other contraindications reported in the literature are considered to be incorrect.

Contribution of phototherapy to the treatment of episiotomies.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was an objective consideration of possible benefits of phototherapy implemented with therapeutic laser or possibly polarized light in treating episiotomy, which is the most frequent obstetric intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, the authors treated a total of 2,436 women. The light sources were as follows: a laser of a wave length 670 nm, power 20 mW, with continuous alternations of frequencies 10 Hz, 25 Hz, and 50 Hz, a polarized light source of a 400-2,000 nm wavelength in an interval of power 20 mW and frequency 100 Hz and a monochromatic light source of a 660 nm wavelength and power 40 mW, with simultaneous application of a magnetic field at an induction 8 mT. RESULTS: The work demonstrated high healing effects with minimum secondary complications in the treatment of episiotomies using a therapeutic laser at an energy density of 2 J/cm(2). The application of polarized light at an energy density of 5 J/cm(2) also exerted favorable therapeutic effects.