Relationship Between the Use of Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches for Monitoring Physical Activity and the Sociodemographic Characteristics of Long-Term Care Residents During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

: The use of wearable fitness technology is a trend nowadays and has significant potential in promoting an active lifestyle among long-term care (LTC) residents. The objectives of this observational study were to examine the use of fitness trackers and smartwatches for monitoring physical activity and to analyze the relationship between the use of these technological solutions and the sociodemographic characteristics of LTC residents during the COVID-19 lockdown. : Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 198 LTC residents stationed in eleven organizational units that provide long-term accommodation services for older adults in the city of Zagreb in Croatia.

Effects of Semaglutide Treatment on Psoriatic Lesions in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with relapsing nature. Estimates are that approximately 2-3% of the world's population suffers from this disease. More severe forms of psoriasis are conditions of high inflammation, which is confirmed by the clinical picture and numerous inflammatory parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines and homocysteine, which vary with disease activity.

Tetracyclines in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Roles, Effectiveness, and Safety Insights.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation, joint pain, and progressive cartilage and bone erosion. Despite advancements in RA management with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, some patients remain refractory to conventional treatments. Tetracyclines, such as minocycline and doxycycline, exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, making them potential supplementary treatments.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prescribing Practices for Dental Implant Placement in Croatia: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

: This study aimed to explore antibiotic prescribing practices for dental implant placement in Croatia. : We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study including dentists in Croatia who perform dental implant therapy. The questionnaire assessed the dentists' age, working experience, education level, and whether they use antibiotics for dental implant placement, as well as the choice of antibiotics, timing, and reasons for antibiotics use.

Adenoviral Pneumonia Outbreak in Immunocompetent Adults-A Missed Antimicrobial Stewardship Opportunity?

: While the concept of viral community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) changed with COVID-19, the role of non-influenza viruses as a cause of CAP is less clear. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical course, risk factors, inflammatory profiles, antibiotic use, outcomes and complications of adenoviral (AdV) CAP. : A prospective, non-interventional, observational cohort study included consecutively hospitalized immunocompetent adult patients with AdV CAP during an 18-month period.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Obligatory Myiasis-Causing Species in Wild Cervids in Croatia.

The infestation of ruminants by fly larvae of the Oestridae family can lead to nasopharyngeal or subcutaneous myiasis, which can harm animal welfare and productivity on sheep and cattle farms. The infestation of wild ruminants allows them to serve as reservoirs for subsequent transfer to domestic animals. The fly species most commonly responsible for myiasis have been well studied in many parts of the world, but less so in southeastern Europe.

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Algae-Derived Compounds in Hematological Malignancies.

Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds that have a wide range of beneficial effects on human health and can show significant potential in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These diseases often pose a therapeutic challenge despite recent advances in treatment (e.g.

Expression Pattern of AIFM3, VGLL4, and WNT4 in Patients with Different Stages of Colorectal Cancer.

Background/objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant health burden, and its delayed diagnosis at advanced stages leads to poor survival outcome. Detection of known and novel prognostic markers is essential. In this study, the status of likely prognostic markers-the apoptotic inducing factor (AIFM3), vestigial-like family member 4 (VGLL4), and WNT4-was evaluated.

Prenatally Diagnosed Cardiac Tumors and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A Single-Center Experience.

Background/objectives: Cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR), the most frequently occurring fetal cardiac tumor, is often an early marker of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). This study evaluates outcomes of fetuses with prenatally diagnosed cardiac tumors managed at a single tertiary center.

Methods: Medical records of fetuses diagnosed with cardiac tumors between 2009 and 2024 were retrospectively reviewed.

Acute Neurotoxicity in Children Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: A 10-Year Single-Centre Experience.

: Recent advances in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) management provide higher survival rates at the cost of increased toxicities. Acute neurotoxicity affects up to 10% of patients, requiring rapid recognition and treatment. : A retrospective observational study was performed to determine the frequency, clinical manifestations, radiological characteristics, treatment options and outcome of acute neurological adverse events in pediatric patients with lymphoid malignancies at the Department of Oncology and Hematology, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Croatia.

Repetitive Mild but Not Single Moderate Brain Trauma Is Associated with TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43 Mislocalization and Glial Activation in the Mouse Spinal Cord.

: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs after a sudden mechanical force to the skull and represents a significant public health problem. Initial brain trauma triggers secondary pathophysiological processes that induce structural and functional impairment of the central nervous system, even in the regions distant to the lesion site. Later in life, these changes can be manifested as neurodegenerative sequalae that commonly involve proteinopathies, such as transactive DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43).

A Systematic Review of Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT) in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) Management: Efficacy, Safety, and Future Perspectives.

Background/objectives: Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) is gaining attention as a non-invasive treatment option for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), offering an alternative to traditional surgeries and medications. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness, safety, and potential of MLT in glaucoma management.

Methods: This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Is There a Role for Daratumumab Retreatment in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic disease characterized by the clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells that accumulate in the bone marrow, leading to osteolytic bone disease, hypercalcemia, anemia, and renal dysfunction. Daratumumab was the first monoclonal anti-CD38 antibody approved for the treatment of MM, initially in relapse/refractory settings and, more recently, for newly diagnosed patients. Increased first-line usage of daratumumab will also substantially change treatment approaches for patients with relapsed/refractory disease.

Rat Sarcoma Virus Family Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Pathogenetic and Clinical Implications.

Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) comprise a group of genetically heterogeneous hematological malignancies that result in the abnormal growth of leukemic cells and halt the maturation process of normal hematopoietic stem cells. Despite using molecular and cytogenetic risk classification to guide treatment decisions, most AML patients survive for less than five years. A deeper comprehension of the disease's biology and the use of new, targeted therapy approaches could potentially increase cure rates.

The VaMa (Vatavuk and Marić) Artificial Intraocular Lens Capsule: A Novel Device and Method for Reversible Secondary Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients with Aphakia Without Efficient Capsular Support.

We describe a novel experimental device, the VaMa (Vatavuk and Marić) artificial intraocular lens (IOL) capsule, and a method that enables all IOL types to be implanted in the bag. We present the application of the device and the procedure in patients with aphakia and native capsule damage and without efficient capsular support. The VaMa device and the method facilitate IOL exchange due to refractive errors and, in the case of their invention, the implementation of superior IOLs in the future.

The Relationship Between the Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota and the Response to Immunotherapy in Patients with Cancer.

The intestinal microbiota is an important part of the human body, and its composition can affect the effectiveness of immunotherapy. In the last few years, the modulation of intestinal microbiota in order to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy has become a current topic in the scientific community, but there is a lack of research in this area. In this review, the goal was to analyze the current relevant literature related to the modulation of intestinal microbiota and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer.

Polo-like Kinase 1 Expression as a Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Two-Center Study.

: Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is more frequently characterized by poorly differentiated, aggressive tumors, often diagnosed at advanced stages, and associated with worse prognoses. Despite these differences, current treatment guidelines do not distinguish between EOCRC and late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC). Elevated expression of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) has been linked to advanced disease stages and poorer treatment outcomes, including resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Antioxidant Activity of Honey Bee Products.

Antioxidants have gained significant importance in modern nutrition [...

Neurotoxic Effect of Myricitrin in Copper-Induced Oxidative Stress Is Mediated by Increased Intracellular Ca Levels and ROS/p53/p38 Axis.

Although commonly appreciated for their anti-oxidative and neuroprotective properties, flavonoids can also exhibit pro-oxidative activity, potentially reducing cell survival, particularly in the presence of metal ions. Disrupted copper homeostasis is a known contributor to neuronal dysfunction through oxidative stress induction. This study investigated the effects of myricitrin (1-20 μg/mL) on copper-induced toxicity (0.

Green Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Antioxidant Activity Investigation.

This study explores the green extraction of phenolic antioxidants from fruit using choline-chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvents. Sixteen DESs, prepared by combining choline chloride with various hydrogen bond donors, were characterized for their physical properties, including viscosity, polarity, and pH, and applied to extract phenolics from . High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantified key phenolic compounds, including neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid, quercetin derivatives, and cyanidin derivatives, as well as total phenolic acids, flavanols, and anthocyanins.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Crohn's Disease.

: Our study describes hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an additional therapy in the conservative treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and its benefit in the early postoperative period to prevent surgical complications and improve gastrointestinal motility. : This retrospective study evaluated HBOT in patients hospitalized at the Clinical Hospital Center Split for complications of CD between 2015 and 2020. Patients (N = 61) aged 19 to 67 with perianal fistulas, abscesses, fistulas, obstruction, stenosis, or bleeding were included, excluding those with ulcerative colitis or requiring intensive care.

The Impact of Weighting Factors on Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Image Quality in Non-Contrast Head Examinations: Phantom and Patient Study.

: This study aims to evaluate the impact of various weighting factors (WFs) on the quality of weighted average (WA) dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) non-contrast brain images and to determine the optimal WF value. Because they simulate standard CT images, 0.4-WA reconstructions are routinely used.

Cardiac Markers in Pediatric Laboratory Medicine: Critical Review.

Currently, there are no validated guidelines or recommendations for how to interpret cardiac biomarkers in the pediatric population. The most commonly used cardiac biomarkers are cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides, but the clinical value of common cardiac biomarkers in pediatric laboratory medicine is restricted due to age- and sex-specific interpretations, and there are no standardized cut-off values. The results from the studies on reference values, as well as results from clinical studies, are difficult to compare with identical studies due to the heterogeneity of subject characteristics (gestational and chronological age, sex, pubertal status, menstrual cycle, exercise), assay characteristics (type of assay, generation of assay, analytical platform used), and experimental protocol characteristics (prospective or retrospective studies, reference population selection, patient population selection, inclusion and exclusion criteria, number of subjects).

Laryngeal Carcinoma Characteristics Associated with Positive Margins and Endoscopic Understaging.

: The study aims to analyse the factors associated with positive margins and endoscopic understaging in laryngeal carcinoma. It also aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in comparison to White Light Endoscopy (WLE) and other diagnostic methods. : In this retrospective comparative cohort analysis, 206 patients who underwent endoscopic laser surgery for T1 and T2a glottic squamous cell carcinoma between 1 January 2016 and 30 April 2023 were included.

The Effect of the Glucosinolate Sinigrin on Alterations in Molecular Biomarkers of the Myocardium in Swiss Mice.

Glucosinolates are chemically stable compounds that exhibit biological activity in the body following hydrolysis catalyzed by the enzyme myrosinase. While existing and studies suggest that the hydrolysis products of glucosinolates predominantly exert beneficial effects in both human and animal organisms, some studies have found that the excessive consumption of glucosinolates may lead to toxic and anti-nutritional effects. Given that glucosinolates are primarily ingested in the human diet through dietary supplements and commercially available cruciferous vegetables, we investigated the effects of the glucosinolate sinigrin on molecular markers in the myocardia of healthy Swiss mice.