Marija Jevtic

Cardiovascular diseases and air pollution in Novi Sad, Serbia

ObjectivesA large body of evidence has documented that air pollutants have adverse effect on human health as well as on the environment. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was an association between outdoor concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and a daily number of hospital admissions due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Novi Sad, Serbia among patients aged above 18.Material and MethodsThe investigation was carried out during over a 3-year period (from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009) in the area of Novi Sad. The number (N = 10 469) of daily CVD (ICD-10: I00–I99) hospital admissions was collected according to patients’ addresses. Daily mean levels of NO2 and SO2, measured in the ambient air of Novi Sad via a network of fixed samplers, have been used to put forward outdoor air pollution. Associations between air pollutants and hospital admissions were firstly analyzed by the use of the linear regression in a single polluted model, and then trough a single and multi-polluted adjusted generalized linear Poisson model.ResultsThe single polluted model (without confounding factors) indicated that there was a linear increase in the number of hospital admissions due to CVD in relation to the linear increase in concentrations of SO2 (p = 0.015; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.144–1.329, R2 = 0.005) and NO2 (p = 0.007; 95% CI: 0.214–1.361, R2 = 0.007). However, the single and multi-polluted adjusted models revealed that only NO2 was associated with the CVD (p = 0.016, relative risk (RR) = 1.049, 95% CI: 1.009–1.091 and p = 0.022, RR = 1.047, 95% CI: 1.007–1.089, respectively).ConclusionsThis study shows a significant positive association between hospital admissions due to CVD and outdoor NO2 concentrations in the area of Novi Sad, Serbia.

Environmental noise in Novi Sad 1985-2016

Introduction. Noise is recognized as a physical hazard in the environment, and if it causes adverse effects to human health, it is recognized as a risk. Also, it is a harmful outdoor sound created by human activity. The aim of this paper was to present the history of environmental noise measurements in Novi Sad, as well as the indicators, methods, standards and results during three decades. Material and Methods. From 1985 to 2011, the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina conducted noise measurements presented as the equivalent continuous sound pressure levels, which were, at the same time, the rating equivalent continuous levels, due to the representativity of the measurement conditions and measurement sites selection. Since 2011, the measurements have included the basic noise indicators - daily, evening, night and total noise, while the measurement sites were ranked in accordance to the European Environmental Noise Directive. Results. There is a lot of available data about environmental noise in Novi Sad from 1985 - 2016, but only the data from five representative measurement sites are presented in the paper. The linear trends of daily and night noise from all the measurement sites show a fall, but it does not mean that the environmental noise is reduced. All the data show that the minimum and maximum values are getting close to each other, which indicates that environmental noise is evenly distributed and is present everywhere. Conclusion. Based on the 30 -year results, always using modern methodology and equipment, as well as expert knowledge, it may be concluded that the environmental noise in Novi Sad presents a long-lasting physical hazard.

The Impact of Organic Agriculture on Biodiversity Conservation and Milk Quality for Traditional Cheese Production

Summary Organic farming represents agricultural practice that could contribute to the preservation of biological diversity and breeding of cows with the most desired milk quality attributes. Milk composition could vary widely according to genetic diversity of the animals and different feeding systems. These are related to higher dry matter content, fat, protein and a more favorable ratio of the saturated/unsaturated fatty acids, which is important in traditional cheese production. Standard chemical analyzes were performed and this paper shows the differences in the chemical properties and the fatty acid profile of milk, depending on the different breeds and breeding methods of animals. Simmental milk (indoors) was most abundant in dry matter and fat (13.01 and 4.30%, respectively) while protein and casein level was the highest in the Busha milk (3.67 and 2.63%, respectively). Holstein Friesian milk (organic) possessed a more constant composition and, together with Busha appropriate hygienic quality of milk (low level of somatic cells and total bacteria count). Also, milk from Holstein Friesian cows (organic) was disposed with better nutritional quality and more desirable fatty acid profile (SFA (63.40%), MUFA (30.79%) and PUFA (5.72 %)). On the other hand, Holstein Friesian (conventional) milk contained SFA (67.45%), MUFA (29.27%) and PUFA (3.28%) while Simmental (indoors) higher values of SFA (71.21%) and less MUFA (25.39%) and PUFA (3.40%). There are various ways to preserve biodiversity and the application of organic production standards in the traditional cheese production contributes to obtaining safer, quality products which are more recognizable on the market.

Pneumonia: Features registered in autopsy material.

Background: Despite improvements in clinical practice, pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Pathologic findings from autopsy reports could provide more precise and valid data on characteristics of pneumonia patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed autopsy reports of deceased patients admitted to the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina in Sremska Kamenica, Serbia, between 1994 and 2003. The patients were classified into two groups: group 1 (n = 161) comprised patients in whom pneumonia was the main cause of death, while group 2 (n = 165) consisted of patients in whom pneumonia was confirmed at autopsy but had various different causes of death. Results: From 1776 patients who underwent autopsy 326 (18.3%) were diagnosed with pneumonia. The most common underlying diseases were atherosclerosis (29.4%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (26.7%), and malignancies (20.2%). Pneumonia was the main cause of death in 161 cases (group 1) while in group 2 major causes of death were heart failure (HF) (26.7%), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (16.4%), and pulmonary embolism (PE) (10.9%). Multilobar involvement (91% vs.27%), pulmonary effusion (29% vs.14%), and lung abscess (23.6% vs.8.5%) were more frequently found in group 1, compared to group 2. Conclusion: In patients with pneumonia who underwent autopsy most common underlying diseases were atherosclerosis, COPD, and malignancies, while major causes of death were: progression of pneumonia, HF, AMI, and PE.

Energy, biological and salt content values in public mass catering meals dedicated to children in elementary schools in City of Novi Sad

M Jevtic, J Bjelanovic, R Velicki, M Popovic University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Novi Sad, Serbia Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia Contact: marijamd@eunet.rs, marija.jevtic@uns.ac.rs Issue/problem Irregular nutrition, regarding the energy intake and biological value, is a major public health problem – often considered as a risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this paper is to present data of 4-year (2008-2011) program on monitoring and correction of energy, biological and salt (sodium chloride) values in single daily meals (breakfast or lunch) of public elementary schools, in Novi Sad. Description of the problem Relating to the established 4-year program, 963 daily meals were sampled from school canteens. Energy, biological values and salt content in acquired samples were evaluated using standardized methods. Descriptive statistics were presented for categorical variables as frequencies and compared between groups by using the Pearson 2 test. Continuous variables, expressed as means standard deviation were compared between groups by using the Student t test. Results The average annual energy value of the controlled daily meals during the first year of the project was 1539.23 255.20 g; and increase was observed during the final year 1602.04 288.04 g (p > 0.05). The average annual salt content value was reduced from 8.62 1.55 g (first year) to 3.58 0.87 g (final year) (p < 0.0001). Content of macronutrients: proteins, fats and carbohydrates was in the concordance with recommended daily intake values of 10-15%, up to 30% and 55-75% respectively. Conclusions During the four year period, energy and biological values of meals were satisfactory and in accordance with current legislatives in Republic of Serbia and World Health Organization recommendations for population nutrition from 1998. The program on salt reduction in meals in schools has been implemented successfully, salt content dropped significantly, but the established goal of 5g intake per day is still to be reached. Key message Continuing education and cooperation with all entities responsible for children’s health is necessary for the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases in adulthood.