First Midwives in the Town of Bjelovar, Croatia 1756-1856

Prve izučene (aprobirane) primalje dolaze u novoosnovani Bjelovar, jako vojno središte Vojne krajine početkom druge polovice XVIII. stoljeća zajedno s vojnim liječnicima, kirurzima i ljekarnicima, a većina njih je germanskoga podrijetla. U do sada neistraženom arhivskom materijalu za razdoblje 1756.-1856. pronađeni su podaci o 23 izučene primalje, od kojih je 14 bilo pukovnijskih i 9 gradskih primalja. Visok perinatalni pomor djece i majki i kriminalni pobačaji karakteristike su toga razdoblja. Uz model domicilnoga primaljstva: skrb za trudnice, rodilje, babinjače, novorođenčad i dojenčad, primalje u teškim porodima obavljaju krštenje iz nužde ugroženoj novorođenčadi ili su pak krsne kume zdravoj dojenčadi. Premda je u samom gradu Bjelovaru ustrojeno stručno primaljstvo, u okolici grada i dalje se porodi obavljaju bez stručne pomoći. Za razliku od većine tadašnjih gradova kontinentalne Hrvatske, pa i Dalmacije, u Bjelovaru postoji kontinuirano izučeno primaljstvo i zaštita materinstva od polovice XVIII. stoljeća.The first trained (certified) midwives came to the newly founded town of Bjelovar, a strong military centre of Vojna Krajina (Croatian province bordering Ottoman Empire), at the beginning of the 1750s, along with army physicians, surgeons, and pharmacists. Most were of German origin. The archival material investigated for the period 1756-1856 speaks of 23 certified midwives, of whom 14 were regimental and nine municipal. This period was characterised by high neonatal and maternal mortality rates and criminal abortions. Within the scope of the domiciliary midwifery model that included care for pregnant women, parturient women, neonates, and infants, midwives used to act as godmothers to newborns at risk, in periculo, or to healthy newborns. Although Bjelovar had professional midwifery service, the practice of unassisted childbirths continued in the town surroundings. Unlike other inland and coastal (Dalmatian) towns of the time, Bjelovar has had a continuous tradition of training midwives and maternal health care since the 1750s

User Interaction Templates for the Design of Lifelogging Systems

No abstract available

Supplementation of a western diet with golden kiwifruits (Actinidia chinensis var.'Hort 16A':) effects on biomarkers of oxidation damage and antioxidant protection

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The health positive effects of diets high in fruits and vegetables are generally not replicated in supplementation trials with isolated antioxidants and vitamins, and as a consequence the emphasis of chronic disease prevention has shifted to whole foods and whole food products.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We carried out a human intervention trial with the golden kiwifruit, Actinidia chinensis, measuring markers of antioxidant status, DNA stability, plasma lipids, and platelet aggregation. Our hypothesis was that supplementation of a normal diet with kiwifruits would have an effect on biomarkers of oxidative status. Healthy volunteers supplemented a normal diet with either one or two golden kiwifruits per day in a cross-over study lasting 2 × 4 weeks. Plasma levels of vitamin C, and carotenoids, and the ferric reducing activity of plasma (FRAP) were measured. Malondialdehyde was assessed as a biomarker of lipid oxidation. Effects on DNA damage in circulating lymphocytes were estimated using the comet assay with enzyme modification to measure specific lesions; another modification allowed estimation of DNA repair.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Plasma vitamin C increased after supplementation as did resistance towards H₂O₂-induced DNA damage. Purine oxidation in lymphocyte DNA decreased significantly after one kiwifruit per day, pyrimidine oxidation decreased after two fruits per day. Neither DNA base excision nor nucleotide excision repair was influenced by kiwifruit consumption. Malondialdehyde was not affected, but plasma triglycerides decreased. Whole blood platelet aggregation was decreased by kiwifruit supplementation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Golden kiwifruit consumption strengthens resistance towards endogenous oxidative damage.</p

Utjecaj toksičnosti metala na reprodukcijsku funkciju u muškaraca

A combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors contributes to adverse effects on the reproductive health in men. Metals are pervasive in food, water, air, tobacco smoke, and alcoholic beverages. Experimental studies suggest that many metals have adverse effects on the male reproductive function. However, information about reproductive effects of human exposure to metals is scarce and/or inconsistent. This review summarises the information from epidemiological studies of the effects of metal exposure on reproductive function in men. Factors capable of affecting these relationships were identifi ed and discussed. A particular attention is given to the studies considering influence of concomitant exposure to various metals. These studies have generally confirmed that even moderate- to low-level exposure to lead affects certain reproductive parameters, and that exposure to cadmium affects the prostate function and serum testosterone levels. Adverse effects of mercury, manganese, chromium and arsenic on semen quality and altered serum hormone are less well documented. There is no clear evidence that boron exposure may impair reproductive health in men. Only a few studies have investigated reproductive effects of concomitant exposure to several metals and controlled for potential confounders. Future studies should consider the contribution of combined exposure to various metals and/or other factors that may influence individual susceptibility to reproductive health impairment in men.Postoje indikacije da kombinacija genetskih, okolišnih i čimbenika načina života pridonosi uočenom poremećaju reprodukcijskog zdravlja u muškaraca. Metali su široko rasprostranjeni u čovjekovu okolišu te u hrani, vodi, zraku, cigaretnom dimu i alkoholnim pićima. Rezultati eksperimentalnih istraživanja sugeriraju štetne učinke većine ispitivanih metala na mušku reprodukcijsku funkciju. Međutim, odgovarajuća su istraživanja u ljudi oskudna. Ovaj rad sažima rezultate dosadašnjih epidemioloških istraživanja o učincima izloženosti metalima na mušku reprodukcijsku funkciju. Poseban naglasak dan je istraživanjima koja su razmatrala utjecaj istodobne izloženosti različitim metalima uz čimbenike čovjekova načina života i njihovo međudjelovanje na reprodukcijske učinke. Objavljeni rezultati daju dovoljno dokaza o štetnom djelovanju olova i žive na neke reprodukcijske parametre te kadmija na poremećaj prostate i razinu testosterona u serumu, čak u uvjetima umjerene do niske razine izloženosti. Manje je dokaza o štetnom djelovanju na kvalitetu sjemena i razinu spolnih hormona nađeno za mangan. Podaci koji upućuju na moguće štetno djelovanje arsena ili kroma nisu dosljedni, dok o štetnom djelovanju bora na mušku reprodukcijsku funkciju nema jasnih podataka. Utjecaj potencijalno uzročnih varijabli uzet je u obzir samo u nekoliko radova. Stoga buduća istraživanja poremećaja reprodukcijskog zdravlja u muškaraca trebaju razmatrati doprinos istovremene izloženosti različitim metalima koji u kombinaciji s ostalim čimbenicima mogu utjecati na osobnu (pre)osjetljivost

Maternal blood cadmium, lead and arsenic levels, nutrient combinations, and offspring birthweight

Abstract Background Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are common environmental contaminants that have been associated with lower birthweight. Although some essential metals may mitigate exposure, data are inconsistent. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between toxic metals, nutrient combinations and birthweight among 275 mother-child pairs. Methods Non-essential metals, Cd, Pb, As, and essential metals, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn) were measured in maternal whole blood obtained during the first trimester using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Folate concentrations were measured by microbial assay. Birthweight was obtained from medical records. We used quantile regression to evaluate the association between toxic metals and nutrients due to their underlying wedge-shaped relationship. Ordinary linear regression was used to evaluate associations between birth weight and toxic metals. Results After multivariate adjustment, the negative association between Pb or Cd and a combination of Fe, Se, Ca and folate was robust, persistent and dose-dependent (p < 0.05). However, a combination of Zn, Cu, Mn and Mg was positively associated with Pb and Cd levels. While prenatal blood Cd and Pb were also associated with lower birthweight. Fe, Se, Ca and folate did not modify these associations. Conclusion Small sample size and cross-sectional design notwithstanding, the robust and persistent negative associations between some, but not all, nutrient combinations with these ubiquitous environmental contaminants suggest that only some recommended nutrient combinations may mitigate toxic metal exposure in chronically exposed populations. Larger longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings

Legislation on safety at work and handling of toxic substances in Croatia in the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th century

Prikazane su neke zakonske odredbe i propisi objavljeni u Hrvatskoj tijekom prošlog i na početku ovog stoljeća koji se odnose na mjere zaštite od štetnih tvari, otrova i ozljeđivanja prilikom rada u obrtnim, tvorničkim, poljodjelskim poslovima i drugim djelatnostima. Također se iznose odredbe u vezi sa zaštitom cjelokupnog stanovništva od štetnih učinaka pojedinih tvari, među kojima toksičnih metala (npr. olova, bakra, kositra, arsena), koje se mogu naći u različitim vrstama suda i/ili u bojama za bojenje jela, pića, igračaka, zidnih boja i tapeta. Izuzev sporadične odluke i djelovanja, briga za zdravlje radnika u to vrijeme nije bila organizirana. Zaključeno je da su odredbe i propisi o zaštiti od štetnosti na radu i u svakodnevnom životu nastajali postepeno kako se razvijalo znanje o korisnim i štetnim osobinama različitih tvari u ljudskoj uporabi.The paper deals with selected occupational safety and health regulations in Croatia in the last century and at the beginning\u27 of this century, which aimed at protecting the worker in crafts, industry, on farms and in various other occupations against the effects of toxic and other noxious substances and against injury at the workplace. Regulations relating to health protection of the general population from the adverse effects of particular substances are also discussed. Toxic metals (e.g. lead, copper, tin, arsenic) were to be found in various types of pottery or in the colouring matter for use in foodstuffs and drinks as well as in dyes used in the manufacturing of toys, paints and wall-paper. Apart from sporadic decisions and legal actions organized occupational health care was non-existent at that time. Laws and regulations concerning protection from occupational and non-occupational hazards came into force progressively, with developing knowledge about beneficial and adverse features of various substances in human use

Legislation on safety at work and handling of toxic substances in Croatia in the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th century

Prikazane su neke zakonske odredbe i propisi objavljeni u Hrvatskoj tijekom prošlog i na početku ovog stoljeća koji se odnose na mjere zaštite od štetnih tvari, otrova i ozljeđivanja prilikom rada u obrtnim, tvorničkim, poljodjelskim poslovima i drugim djelatnostima. Također se iznose odredbe u vezi sa zaštitom cjelokupnog stanovništva od štetnih učinaka pojedinih tvari, među kojima toksičnih metala (npr. olova, bakra, kositra, arsena), koje se mogu naći u različitim vrstama suda i/ili u bojama za bojenje jela, pića, igračaka, zidnih boja i tapeta. Izuzev sporadične odluke i djelovanja, briga za zdravlje radnika u to vrijeme nije bila organizirana. Zaključeno je da su odredbe i propisi o zaštiti od štetnosti na radu i u svakodnevnom životu nastajali postepeno kako se razvijalo znanje o korisnim i štetnim osobinama različitih tvari u ljudskoj uporabi.The paper deals with selected occupational safety and health regulations in Croatia in the last century and at the beginning\u27 of this century, which aimed at protecting the worker in crafts, industry, on farms and in various other occupations against the effects of toxic and other noxious substances and against injury at the workplace. Regulations relating to health protection of the general population from the adverse effects of particular substances are also discussed. Toxic metals (e.g. lead, copper, tin, arsenic) were to be found in various types of pottery or in the colouring matter for use in foodstuffs and drinks as well as in dyes used in the manufacturing of toys, paints and wall-paper. Apart from sporadic decisions and legal actions organized occupational health care was non-existent at that time. Laws and regulations concerning protection from occupational and non-occupational hazards came into force progressively, with developing knowledge about beneficial and adverse features of various substances in human use

Health care for workers and disabled persons in Varaždin in the past

Do polovice XVIII stoljeća u Varaždinu nije postojala nikakva industrija, niti manufaktura, pa je logično da liječnici nisu ni pomišljali na eventualnu etiopatogenetsku vezu štetnih faktora rada i radne okoline sa zdravljem čovjeka. Tek početkom stvaranja industrije javljaju se pojedinci koji pomišljaju i na takve štetnosti, pa među podacima o djelatnosti starih varaždinskih liječnika nalazimo i takve koji pokazuju da su se neki od njih entuzijastički bavili problemom utjecaja rada i radne okoline na čovjekovo zdravlje iako se ne može govoriti o bilo kakvoj organiziranoj aktivnosti kojom se danas bavi medicina rada. Ima i podataka o pokušajima zbrinjavanja invalida odnosno da se osposobe za bilo kakav rad prema preostalim radnim sposobnostima. Posebno je zanimljiv lik kovača izrađen na poklopcu cehovske škrinje kovačkog ceha iz druge polovice XVII ili najkasnije prve polovice XVIII stoljeća koji pri radu nosi naočale. Postoje mišljenja nekih povjesničara medicine da su to zaštitne naočale pri radu. Organizirana zdravstvena briga za radnike Varaždina d okolice započinje osnivanjem obligatnog zdravstvenog osiguranja temeljenog na zakonu zaključkom zajedničkog Ugarsko-hrvatskog sabora godine 1891. Praktična provedba tog zakona datira od 28. siječnja 1894. za područje bivše varaždinske županije.Until the second half of 18th century there was no industry or manufacture in Varaždin so that physicians assumed no etiopathogenetic connection between harmful effects of work and working environment and human health. Only with the development of industry did some physicians start to think of such harmful effects and data on the activity of Varaždin physicians of that time show that some of them were enthusiastically concerned with the problem of the effect of work and working environment on human health. However, there was no organized activity such as the one performed today by occupational health. Some attempts are also known to have been made to provide medical care for disabled persons, that is, to make them capable of any work according to their residual working capacity. A figure of a blacksmith wearing glasses at work found on the cover of the box of the blacksmiths\u27 guild dating from the second half of 17th century or the first half of 18th century is particularly interesting in this respect. Some medical historians think that these were protective glasses. Organized health care for the workers of Varaždin and its surrounding began with the institution of obligatory health insurance based on the law passed by the joint Hungarian and Croatian Diet in 1891. The practical application of this law dates from 28th January 1894 for the region of the former Varaždin Parish