Browsing by Author "Jakovljević, B. (8412749400)"

Neuro-toxic effects of aluminium, with disorders mainly in motor coordination, have been proved in epidemiological studies of subjects professionally exposed to aluminium. However, there is, as yet, no adequate evidence that neurotoxicity of aluminium leads to progressive dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is likely that long-term use of drinking water with a high aluminium concentration, with pH about or less than 7.0, and with low fluoride concentration, is associated with the increased relative risk of Alzheimer's disease. The use of aluminium-containing antiacids, antiperspirants and beverages from aluminium cans, are probably of small importance concerning Alzheimer's disease. The relation of aluminium cumulated in the brain to onset of Alzheimer's disease is still unclear, as neuro-pathological lesions, which can be noticed in acute dementia caused with aluminium, significantly differ from those in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, morphological and biochemical characteristics of neurofibrillary tangles which occur in the brain after experimental injection of aluminium are different from the tangles in Alzheimer's disease. Results of the studies concerning aluminium concentrations in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease are incoherent. To resolve this scientific problem it is necessary to follow-up the prognosis of neurotoxic disorders caused by aluminium. It should be clarified as well whether aluminium in neuro-pathological findings of Alzheimer's disease is an artefact caused by alumino-silicates present in most reagents for tissue-staining.

Biological attacks can cause both an epidemic of infectious disease and of fear and panic. Epidemiological triangle chain models can be used to present both these types of epidemic. By merging these two triangles we suggest a new four-sided pyramidal model of bioterrorism attack and appropriate levels of prevention. Primordial prevention of biological attacks should comprise the impeding of access of both terrorists and biological agents to the territory. The primary prevention level should comprise internal surveillance of potential sources of agents and terrorists. Secondary prevention activities should be directed toward breaking both the epidemic of infectious disease and that of fear and panic. Tertiary prevention should include measures for repair following the attack. This is a task mainly for mental health professionals, curing and rehabilitating those affected by the epidemic of fear and panic. The suggested epidemiological model can be implemented into training programmes for detecting and responding to bioterrorist attacks around the world. © 2007 The Royal Institute of Public Health.