The Power of Movement: Linking Physical Activity with Nutritional Health and Blood Sugar Balance in a Dalmatian Type 2 Diabetic Population.

Background And Objectives: Regular physical activity (PA) and Mediterranean diet (MeDi) adherence independently improve glycemic control and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study examined the associations between PA, body composition (BC), MeDi adherence, and glycemic control in Dalmatian T2DM patients.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital of Split (November-December 2023) during an open call for T2DM patients.

Vitamin D Supplementation in Critically Ill-Narrative Review.

Background: Studies have shown a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients, and these patients are at higher risk for pneumonia and have increased incidence of sepsis and mortality. In this study, we reviewed available literature from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients and summarized the evidence in this narrative review.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials that included vitamin D supplementation as an intervention were eligible for inclusion.

Subacromial Pain Syndrome in Breast Cancer Survivors-Are Structural Shoulder Changes Verified by Ultrasound Clinically Relevant?

: Shoulder pain is a common treatment outcome in breast cancer survivors. While various risk factors and mechanisms for shoulder pain have been proposed, evidence is inconsistent. Increased risk of subacromial pain syndrome exists, which can lead to disability and reduced quality of life if untreated.

Decoding Pediatric Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Unraveling Symptoms Through Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance and pH Insights.

The relationship between symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and objective reflux measurements obtained through multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between LPR symptoms and objective reflux episodes and possible associations between fibreoptic ENT findings, eosinophil counts, and serum IgE levels with reflux episodes detected by MII-pH. In this prospective study, MII-pH monitoring, fiberoptic laryngoscopy, nasal swabs for eosinophils, total serum IgE levels, and symptom assessment (Reflux Symptom Index, RSI) were performed in all children with suspected LPR.

Diagnostic Value of the Alveolar-Arterial Oxygen Gradient in Pulmonary Embolism: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially serious condition characterized by the blockage of blood vessels in the lungs, often presenting significant diagnostic challenges due to its non-specific symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the alveolar-arterial (A-a) oxygen gradient as a diagnostic tool for PE, hypothesizing that it could enhance early detection when combined with other clinical markers. : We retrospectively analyzed 168 patients at the University Hospital Center Split.

Diminished DNA binding affinity of DMRT1 caused by heterozygous DM domain mutations is a cause of male infertility.

The most severe form of male infertility is idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a complete sperm absence in the ejaculate. We performed exome sequencing in the Croatian infertile brothers with NOA and found a variant in DMRT1 (Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1) gene that was further assessed by the EMSA assay and molecular dynamic simulations. We additionally screened for DMRT1 mutations in 1940 infertile men diagnosed with spermatogenic failure, 644 normozoospermic controls, and 105 females with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) recruited to the GEnetics of Male INfertility Initiative (GEMINI) or Estonian Andrology (ESTAND) cohorts.

The first case of alveolar echinococcosis from southern Croatia: progressive course of the disease in an immunocompromised patient.

Introduction: Alveolar echinococcosis is one of the most pathogenic zoonoses caused by the larval forms of . It is endemic in central Europe, but from 2001 to 2018, eight European countries reported their first cases of alveolar echinococcosis. These numbers testify to unprecedented spread of the infection.

Clinical and Radiological Features of an Adenovirus Type 7 Outbreak in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, 2022-2023.

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are known to be highly contagious pathogens. They are commonly associated with mild respiratory infections in young children but can also cause severe life-threatening infections. Human adenovirus types 4 and 7 have frequently been reported to cause pneumonia in immunocompetent youths and adults.

Assesment of Salivary and Serum Levels of HBD2 in Patients with Chronic Angioedema.

: Human β-defensin 2 (HBD2) is a protein that plays an important role in activating the immune system by modulating spinal pathways and the inflammatory response. According to previous research, HBD2 was proven to be important in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) (their values were significantly elevated in CSU patients, with a significant correlation between HBD2 levels and the percentage of peripheral basophils, suggesting that elevated HBD2 levels may be a potential marker of basophil and mast cell activation), which led us to additional research on the HBD2 molecule in isolated chronic angioedema. The aim of this research is to examine HBD2 values in the saliva and serum of patients with isolated angioedema, as a potential biomarker of the disease.

Pilot Study on the Effects of a Cosmetic Serum Containing Niacinamide, Postbiotics and Peptides on Facial Skin in Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The literature describes niacinamide, but also postbiotics and peptides, as ingredients that improve skin barrier function, but also affect melanin and sebum levels in individuals. However, the combined effects of these ingredients in a single cosmetic serum have not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, the aim of this randomized controlled study, conducted at the University of Split School of Medicine (Croatia), was to evaluate the effects of cosmetic products containing these active ingredients.

Obinutuzumab in Combination with Alternative Chlorambucil Schedules in Front-Line Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Study by KroHem, the Croatian Cooperative Group for Hematologic Diseases.

Obinutuzumab was approved for front-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in combination with chlorambucil pulses administered every 2 wks. Alternative schedules of chlorambucil enable the administration of higher total chlorambucil doses, and have better antileukemia activity. So far, evidence on the feasibility of combining obinutuzumab with alternative chlorambucil schedules is lacking.

Effectiveness of Bobath Therapy vs. Conventional Medical Gymnastics in Psycho-Social and Cognitive Status Improvement in Children with Mild Neurodevelopmental Delay: A Randomized Double-Blinded Prospective Cohort Study.

The main objective of this research was to compare the Bobath concept and conventional medical gymnastics in psycho-social and cognitive habilitation of infants with mild neurodevelopmental delay, and determine whether there is a difference in their effectiveness. The study included 100 children up to 3 months of age who were diagnosed with a mild neuromotor disorder based on clinical examination, the Münich Functional Developmental Diagnostic Test for the first year of life, and the Ages and Stages questionnaire. The respondents were randomized into two groups, habilitated according to the Bobath concept or conventional medical gymnastics.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring-New Diagnostic Tool in Complex Pathophysiological Disorder of Glucose Metabolism in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

Obesity is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases, and its prevalence is still rising in children and adolescent populations. Chronic cardiovascular complications result in metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Key factors in the development of MS are insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation.

Melanoma's New Frontier: Exploring the Latest Advances in Blood-Based Biomarkers for Melanoma.

Melanoma is one of the most malignant cancers, and the global incidence of cutaneous melanoma is increasing. While melanomas are highly prone to metastasize if diagnosed late, early detection and treatment significantly reduce the risk of mortality. Identifying patients at higher risk of metastasis, who might benefit from early adjuvant therapies, is particularly important, especially with the advent of new melanoma treatments.

Evaluating Adverse Drug Reactions, Their Reporting Rates and Their Impact on Attitudes Toward Pharmacotherapy Among Female Patients with Schizophrenia: Insights and Implications from a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/objectives: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder usually managed with antipsychotics, which can cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that may impact patients' attitudes toward their treatment, as well as treatment adherence. This study aimed to assess the influence of ADRs and other factors on treatment attitudes among female patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Vrapče Psychiatry Clinic with 109 female schizophrenia patients.

Changes in the number and characteristics of tertiary hospital psychiatric admissions in south Croatia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study.

Background: There is mixed evidence on the impact of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on psychiatric hospital care for people with severe mental diseases, possibly due to regional differences. There is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Croatia, a country in South-Eastern Europe. Our study aimed to evaluate the number and characteristics of psychiatric hospitalizations in the year before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in south Croatia.

Is There a Correlation Between Quality of Life and Salivary Interleukin-6 in Patients With Oral Lichen Planus or Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Objectives: The aim of our study was to compare the salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration and the quality of life (QoL) in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) or burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Materials And Methods: A total of 160 subjects participated in the cross-sectional study. The unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was used as a reference for the determination of salivary IL-6 concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

Age estimation through sternal fusion and costal cartilage ossification using MSCT in a Croatian population: model development and application.

This study aimed to test age-related changes in sternal fusion and sternal-rib cartilage ossification on multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) images of the Croatian population. The additional aim was to develop models to estimate age and provide an interface for the model's application and validation. This retrospective study was conducted on 144 MSCT images of the sternal region, and the developed models were tested on 36 MSCT images.

Developing a fully applicable machine learning (ML) based sex classification model using linear cranial dimensions.

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications have elevated accomplishments in various scientific fields, primarily those that benefit the economy and society. Contemporary threats, such as armed conflicts, natural and man-made disasters, and illegal immigration, often require fast and innovative but reliable identification aids, in which forensic anthropology has a significant role. However, forensic anthropology has not yet exploited new scientific advances but instead relies on traditionally used methods.

Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia-A Survey-Based Study.

Aim: This study aims to assess Croatian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, while also identifying perceived barriers to AI and modern technology adoption and evaluating the need for further education and training.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2024 among general dentists in Croatia using a self-structured questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents filled out the questionnaire.

Secondary Primary Carcinoma Arising on the Flap Skin in the Oral Cavity-Case Series.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) causes considerable morbidity and mortality rates, posing a major global health burden. The management of the OSCC is multidisciplinary, but still the gold standard is surgical resection and reconstruction of the postablative defect. The appearance of secondary primary OSCC is not uncommon; however, it is quite rare that it appears on the skin of the flap that was used for reconstruction during the previous surgical therapy.

Diagnosis of West Nile virus infections: Evaluation of different laboratory methods.

Background: The diagnosis of West Nile virus (WNV) is challenging due to short-term and low-level viremia, flavivirus cross-reactivity, and long immunoglobulin M (IgM) persistence.

Aim: To evaluate different methods for WNV detection [reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), IgM/IgG antibodies, IgG avidity] in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine samples of patients with confirmed WNV infection.

Methods: The study included patients with confirmed WNV neuroinvasive infection ( = 62), asymptomatic WNV seropositive individuals ( = 22), and individuals with false-positive WNV IgM antibodies ( = 30).

Comparison of original and new South African formulae for age estimation in African Black and white children and adolescents using dental and hand-wrist methods.

Background: Methods for age estimation in children involve measurements of: (1) the projections of open apices and tooth heights (T), (2) the total area of the carpal bones and the epiphyses of the ulna and radius (HW), and (3) a combination of these parameters (THW). This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the original formulae for T, HW, and THW in Black South African (BSA) and White South African (WSA) samples of children and adolescents.

Materials And Methods: The sample comprised 556 subjects, 164 BSA (71 males and 93 females) and 392 WSA (171 males and 221 females) aged 6 to 16 years.