Cardiotoxicity of Iron and Zinc and Their Association with the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response in Humans.

This study was designed to examine the association between myocardial concentrations of the trace elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn and the expression of mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) elements and the age of patients who received heart transplantation or a left-ventricular assist device (ageHTx/LVAD). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn in the myocardium of control subjects and patients undergoing heart transplantation or left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We used ELISA to quantify the expression of UPRmt proteins and 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which served as a marker of oxidative-stress-induced lipid peroxidation.

Developing PRISM: A Pragmatic Institutional Survey and Bench Marking Tool to Measure Digital Research Maturity of Cancer Centers.

Background:  Multicenter precision oncology real-world evidence requires a substantial long-term investment by hospitals to prepare their data and align on common Clinical Research processes and medical definitions. Our team has developed a self-assessment framework to support hospitals and hospital networks to measure their digital maturity and better plan and coordinate those investments. From that framework, we developed PRISM for Cancer Outcomes: PR: agmatic I: nstitutional S: urvey and benchM: arking.

Diurnal changes of corneal epithelial and stromal thickness maps and visual quality in mild form of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Purpose: To investigate the functional and structural daily variations in eyes with a mild form of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

Methods: This prospective study included 30 eyes with the mild form of FECD. Subjects underwent functional and structural testing at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM.

Assessment of Salt, Potassium, and Iodine Intake in the Croatian Adult Population Using 24 h Urinary Collection: The EH-UH 2 Study.

Unlabelled: Cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Croatia, are linked to the high prevalence of hypertension. Both are associated with high salt intake, which was determined almost two decades ago when Croatian Action on Salt and Health (CRASH) was launched. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate salt, potassium, and iodine intake using a single 24 h urine sample in a random sample of the adult Croatian population and to analyse trends in salt consumption after the CRASH was intensively started.

Comparative Targeted Metabolomics of Ischemic Stroke: Thrombi and Serum Profiling for the Identification of Stroke-Related Metabolites.

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability in the world. Rapid diagnosis and intervention are crucial for reducing its consequences on individuals and societies. Therefore, identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection, prognostics, and therapy can facilitate the early prediction and prevention of stroke.

Is vitamin D associated with disease activity in patients with axial or peripheral spondyloarthritis? A real-life study.

Vitamin D plays important role in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, which in turn rose an interest for investigating association of its deficiency with disease activity. In this research we aimed to evaluate this matter in the context of spondyloarthritis (SpA), together with treatment modalities and bone density in people diagnosed with axial or peripheral SpA in real-life setting. In our study we enrolled 99 patients with diagnosis of SpA treated at the tertiary level rheumatology department.

Laboratory medicine and sports: where are we now?

Laboratory medicine in sport and exercise has significantly developed during the last decades with the awareness that physical activity contributes to improved health status, and is present in monitoring both professional and recreational athletes. Training and competitions can modify concentrations of a variety of laboratory parameters, so the accurate laboratory data interpretation includes controlled and known preanalytical and analytical variables to prevent misleading interpretations. The paper represents a comprehensive summary of the lectures presented during the 35 Annual Symposium of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

Understanding Adult Central Nervous System Hemangioblastomas: A Systematic Review.

Background: Adult hemangioblastomas (HBs) are rare World Health Organization central nervous system (CNS) grade 1 tumors, particularly affecting the posterior cranial fossa. They exhibit a gender bias, impacting men in their fifth and sixth decades of life and manifesting sporadically or as part of von Hippel Lindau disease. Understanding the intricacies of CNS HBs is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Globalization of clinical research in oncology: Status, challenges, and future directions.

Purpose: Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, and its burden is increasing around the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet, cancer research has historically been conducted primarily in high-income countries (HICs).

Methods: In this review, we describe the results of our literature search into the current state of international cancer trials, including the benefits, challenges, limitations, and ethical concerns regarding the international conduct of HIC-led trials.

Middle Ear Neuroendocrine Tumor: Case Report of a Tympanic Adenoma.

Middle ear neuroendocrine tumors (MeNETs) are an exceptionally rare occurrence. These benign tumors stem from the tympanic mucosa and can easily be misinterpreted by the clinician and the pathologist. Clinical characteristics, otoscopic findings and medical imaging in these cases are non-specific.

Pure arterial malformation of the fetal PCA treated with flow diverter stent-case report and literature review.

Introduction: Thirty-three-year-old female underwent diagnostic work-up for chronic headaches.

Case Report: Cerebral DSA on the right side showed fetal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) with unusually shaped arterial malformation on its proximal part. Malformation was formed by multiple convolutions and loops with no arteriovenous shunting.

Multimodality Imaging of Cardiac Myxomas.

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign cardiac neoplasms. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality used to analyze cardiac masses, allowing the detection of tumor location, size, and mobility. However, additional imaging techniques are required to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate tissue characteristics of the mass, and assess potential invasion of surrounding structures.

Long term false positive hsTnI on Alinity I probably caused by macrotroponin complex: Case report.

Elevated troponin levels are often indicative of various cardiac diseases; however, analytical interference can lead to false positive troponin concentrations. We present the case of a 48-year-old female patient with persistently falsely elevated high sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) probably caused by the presence of macrotroponin. Laboratory testing included determination of hsTnI using various analytical methods, serial dilutions and determination of heterophilic antibodies and other autoimmune antibodies.

Ocrelizumab in people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis: A real-world multicentric study.

Background: Ocrelizumab is the only disease-modifying therapy (DMT) approved for the treatment of people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (pwPPMS).

Objectives: To provide real-world evidence of ocrelizumab effectiveness and safety in pwPPMS in Croatian MS centers.

Methods: A retrospective observational multi-center study of pwPPMS who were started on ocrelizumab in 7 MS centers in Croatia.

Periodontal Disease in Patients with Ischemic Stroke - an Exploratory Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the periodontal disease parameters in patients with ischemic stroke.

Materials And Methods: The study included 21 patients with ischemic brain stroke and a control group that was matched in number, age, and gender. All participants underwent a standard periodontal examination.