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The behaviour regarding the fluid intake in adolescents and young adults is an important issue, since these data may provide information about the health consciousness of the next generation. Inappropriate daily beverages intake for a long period can have adverse effects on human health. Positive effects of maintenance of good hydration are known in the prevention of chronic diseases like urolithiasis, bladder or colon cancer, hypertension, obesity, or constipation. In the present study, we examine the various factors of beverage intake by university students. Data from 3020 students of the Czech and Slovak universities were collected in 2016–2018 to evaluate their daily fluid intake and the characteristics of beverage consumptions. We found that gender, country, frequency of daily water intake, nutrition literacy, and some other factors influence whether a student reports having a daily water intake of more than 1.5 litres. Our respondents have preferences for beverages, based on taste and health effects primarily, prices and availability were secondary. We present the suggestions for a more balanced beverage intake for the studied age group.

Introduction and objective Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been used commercially since 1929 as dielectric and insulating non-flammable substances, additives for paints, etc. In Slovakia, 60 chemical production workers highly exposed to PCBs (mainly to Delor 103) were studied with duration of exposure ranging from 3 months to 19 years. Material and methods Clinical examinations of skin, skin histology and laboratory tests concerning lipid metabolism, iron metabolism and levels of copper provided comparisons with a control group of healthy individuals and/or the upper limits of normal values. Results Skin changes were found in 47 % of individuals. In most cases, milia-like efflorescences (57.14 %) occurred, as well as comedones (55.35 %); other symptoms occurred in a smaller number of workers. Hyperkeratosis, acanthosis of the epidermis (particularly in hair follicles), and a cellular infiltration of the corium were all found through histology. The intensity of cutaneous affections was associated with the changes in laboratory tests. Elevated triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids were found in exposed workers. After a further two years, a significant increase in triglycerides was found in exposed individuals when compared with the control group. In addition, a significant increase in serum levels of copper, and total and unsaturated iron-binding capacity was detected. Conclusions Anamnesis showed that some people directly exposed to PCBs may develop skin changes after three months of occupational exposure. The results represent a unique snapshot of worker exposure at a given location, representing the basis for comparison with the population who grew up in the area and still live there today.

Background: Salmonella infections are caused by non-typhoid salmonellas which are transmitted from animals to human with typical clinical symptoms including severe diarrhea with fever, etc. (Balint...