Plutonium, 137Cs and 90Sr in selected invertebrates from some areas around Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Results are presented for (137)Cs, (90)Sr and plutonium activity concentrations in more than 20 samples of terrestrial invertebrates, including species of beetles, ants, spiders and millipedes, collected in the highly contaminated area of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. The majority of samples were collected in Belarus, with some also collected in the Ukraine. Three other samples were collected in an area of lower contamination.

Effects of sex work on the prevalence of syphilis among injection drug users in 3 Russian cities.

Objectives: We examined risk factors for syphilis infection among injection drug users in 3 Russian Federation cities, focusing particular attention on the potential roles of gender and sex work.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of injection drug users in Moscow, Volgograd, and Barnaul, collecting behavioral data and testing for antibodies to Treponema pallidum. Associations between presence of antibodies to T pallidum and covariates were explored.

Barriers to accessing drug treatment in Russia: a qualitative study among injecting drug users in two cities.

Objectives: To assess factors influencing access to drug treatment among injecting drug users (IDUs) in two Russian cities.

Methods: Eighty-six qualitative interviews were conducted with IDUs in Volgograd and Barnaul in 2003. IDUs were recruited through local drug treatment services, needle exchanges, and drug user networks.