The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-enriched hen eggs consumption on IgG and total plasma protein N-glycosylation in healthy individuals and cardiovascular patients.

This study determined the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs)-enriched hen eggs consumption on immunoglobulin G (IgG) and total plasma protein N-glycan profiles and inflammatory biomarkers level in healthy individuals (N = 33) and cardiovascular (CV) patients (N = 21). Subjects were divided to Control-Healthy and Control-CV subgroups [consumed three regular hens' eggs/daily (249 mg n-3 PUFAs/day)], and n-3 PUFAs-Healthy and n-3 PUFAs-CV subgroups [consumed three n-3 PUFAs-enriched hen eggs/daily (1053 mg n-3 PUFAs/day)] for 3 weeks. Serum-free fatty acids profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 and 10 (IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured.

Oxidative Stress in Ischemic Heart Disease.

One of the novel interesting topics in the study of cardiovascular disease is the role of the oxidation system, since inflammation and oxidative stress are known to lead to cardiovascular diseases, their progression and complications. During decades of research, many complex interactions between agents of oxidative stress, oxidation, and antioxidant systems have been elucidated, and numerous important pathophysiological links to na number of disorders and diseases have been established. This review article will present the most relevant knowledge linking oxidative stress to vascular dysfunction and disease.

The Role of Perceived Social Support in Assessing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in Veterans.

This study aims to establish the effect of self-perceived social support on the intensity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life (MHRQoL) in veterans more than two decades after exposure to trauma in the Homeland War in Croatia, which took place from 1990 to 1995. The sample comprised 259 Croatian Homeland War veterans diagnosed with PTSD, with at least 6 months of combat experience. Among them, 90 subjects had also experienced imprisonment in enemy prison camps (at least 1 month of captivity).

Optic neuritis as a presenting feature of Behçet's disease: case-based review.

Behçet's disease (BD) is vasculitis affecting vessels of variable sizes characterized with recurrent oral and/or genital aphthous ulcers accompanied by cutaneous, ocular, articular, gastrointestinal, and/or central nervous system inflammatory lesions. The disease is characterized by recurrent attacks and remissions of different durations, which is one of the reasons why the diagnosis is, in most cases, made several years after the onset of first symptoms. We present a 24-year old male, with South Eastern European heritage, with relapsing bilateral optic neuritis as a first symptom of the disease, followed by aseptic meningitis 2 years, and vascular manifestation 3 years after onset, which finally led to the diagnosis of Behçet's disease.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care Conversations with Older People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Croatia-A Pilot Study.

Despite the progressive nature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its association of high morbidity and mortality with severe COPD, and the view that discussions between patients and clinicians about palliative care plans should be grounded in patients' preferences, many older patients do not receive timely end-of-life care (EOLC) discussions with healthcare professionals (HPs), potentially risking inadequate care at the advanced stages of the disease. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate EOLC discussions and resuscitation issues as a representative and illustrative part within EOLC in older patients with COPD in the University Hospital Center Osijek, Slavonia (Eastern Region), Croatia, as such data have not yet been explored. The study was designed as cross-sectional research.