Vojenské Zdravotnické Listy, 2005 (vol. 74), issue 2
Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances - Methodology of Professional Tests for Czech Army Needs
Miloą Sokol, Josef Fusek, Petr Navrátil
VZL 2005, 74(2):49-52 
The authors of this article present a drug testing survey carried out in some of the NATO armies (professional tests) and the analysis of the present status of this problem in the Czech Republic. Above all, they present a testing methodology proposal elaborated for Czech Army needs, including legislative and practical steps which should be performed to begin the professional testing in the Czech Army.
Domoic Acid - A Dangerous Neurotoxin
Vratislav Hrdina, Jiří Patočka, Vladimír Měrka, Radomír Hrdina
VZL 2005, 74(2):53-59
Domoic acid, an amino acid produced by some microscopic algae and diatoms from the sea phytoplankton, causes toxicity in some sea animals, especially shellfish. Their consumption can cause curious intoxications combined with neurodegeneration and central nervous system dysfunction. In many cases a loss of recent memory occurs. It means a reduced capability or an absolute inability to remember new knowledge. Our study presents basic information on this strange excitotoxin.
T-2 Toxin and Its Possible Misuse
Marie Vacková, Miroslav ©pliňo, Jan Smetana
VZL 2005, 74(2):60-62
The aim of this article is to highlight the possible misuse of T-2 toxin as a biological agent in the form of aerosol. In view of the fact that at present there are no antidotes, immunoprophylaxis or chemotherapy, this trichothecen mycotoxin can be considered as very dangerous with regard to its misuse for military or terrorist purposes.
Chemical Accident with Ammonia in Belgrade in 1998
Otakar J. Mika, Vlasta Neklapilová, Slavica Vucinic, Milos P. Stojilkovic
VZL 2005, 74(2):63-68
This article mentions the problem of manipulation with a toxic ammonia substance. The authors inform us about some chemical accidents with ammonia release in the world with a short description of the event. The basic characteristics of the hazardous ammonia substance, basic first aid steps and necessary measures are also mentioned. The history of and response to the accident of an ammonia tank in Belgrade in May 1998 is described in detail as the case study. The Serbian co-authors helped substantially to create this article. As long-term employees of the National Poison Control Centre in Belgrade, they participated actively in the rescue work and treatment...
Contribution of Chemical Warfare Agents to Medical Casualties in World War I
Aneta Cvachová
VZL 2005, 74(2):69-76
Chemical warfare agents were used in World War I by the German Army. It was the idea of Professor Fritz Haber, a future Nobel Prize holder, to use the toxic gas for military purposes. This caused the interconnection between academic research and the military industrial complex. Huge quantities of toxic agents were used by both sides during this war because they were well adaptable to static trench warfare, even though they were surprisingly substantially less lethal than conventional arms. This article discusses the synopsis of toxic chemical substances used in World War I and their contribution to medical casualties.
Radiation-Induced Enteritis: Intestinal Crypt Decrease in a Model of Irradiated Rats Depending on Time and Dose
Jan Österreicher, Daniel Driák, ©árka Průchová, Zdena Vilasová
VZL 2005, 74(2):77-80
In our model of male Wistar rats irradiated all over their bodies by a single dose, we measured crypt survival as a fundamental biodosimetric marker which will be compared to other biodosimetric markers. We examined the jejunum and the colon of rats and found no significant differences, although marked crypt decrease was measured as early as the 3rd day after the irradiation with a dose of 5 Gy.
Biodosimetry Part I: Practical Need of Biodosimetry and the Most Important Mechanisms Activated After Irradiation
Zdeňka Vilasová, Jan Österreicher, Jiřina Vávrová
VZL 2005, 74(2):81-84
This study analyzes possibilities of the use of biodosimetric methods in military practice. It also mentions information concerning limited use of these methods. Subsequently it contains a summary of the most important facts concerning radiation-induced mechanisms at the molecular level, in paticular those concerning p53 activation, induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and related activation of the MAP kinase pathway at the molecular level.