The Value of Body Plethysmography (sGaw) in the Assessment of Airway Hyperreactivity in Cough Variant Asthma.

: Cough variant asthma (CVA) is characterized by nonspecific symptoms and normal spirometric values, which makes diagnosis challenging. To diagnose CVA it is necessary to document airway hyperreactivity (AHR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of body plethysmography in the assessment of AHR using the methacholine challenge test (MCT).

Oral Carnosine Supplementation Preserves Vascular Function of Sprague Dawley Rats on a High-Salt Diet via Restored Antioxidative Defence.

: Following previous findings on high-salt (HS)-intake-related increase of oxidative stress, this study explored whether carnosine (CAR; β-alanyl-L-histidine), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, enhanced antioxidative defence and vascular function following HS, potentially via the NRF2 or HIF-1α signalling pathway. : Sprague Dawley rats (64, 8-10 weeks old, both sexes) were divided into four groups (n = 6/group): CTRL (0.4% NaCl), HS (4% NaCl for 7 days), CTRL + CAR (0.

Theoretical Study of Antioxidant and Prooxidant Potency of Protocatechuic Aldehyde.

In this study, the antioxidant and prooxidant potency of protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA) was evaluated using density functional theory (DFT). The potency of direct scavenging of hydroperoxyl (HOO) and lipid peroxyl radicals (modeled by vinyl peroxyl, HC=CHOO) involved in lipid peroxidation was estimated. The repair of oxidative damage in biomolecules (lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) and the prooxidant ability of PCA phenoxyl radicals were considered.

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.

White-Seeded Culinary Poppy ( L.) Se Biofortification: Oil Quality, Fatty Acid Profile, and Seed Yield.

The culinary poppy ( L.) has been used for centuries in everyday diets, especially for food, but also as a non-food source of health-promoting ingredients. In the present study, a field trial was set with white-seeded poppy varieties collected from farmers in Croatia.

Ambient air pollution and carcinogenic activity at three different urban locations.

Measurements of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were simultaneously carried out at three different urban locations in Croatia (Zagreb, Slavonski Brod and Vinkovci) characterized as urban residential (UR), urban industrial (UI) and urban background (UB), respectively. This was done in order to determine seasonal and spatial variations, estimate dominant pollution sources for each area and estimate the lifetime carcinogenic health risks from atmospheric PAHs. Mass concentrations of PAHs showed seasonal variation with the highest values during the colder period and the lowest concentration during the warmer period of the year.

Histological and histomorphometric evaluation of natural bovine bone substitute with hyaluronate in socket preservation-a report of three cases.

Tooth extraction is physiologically followed by resorption of alveolar bone. Surgical method which aims to minimise this reduction in alveolar bone with a goal to provide enough bone volume for dental implant insertion is called socket preservation. The purpose of this article was to asses clinical, histomorphometric and histological results of socket preservation conducted with natural bovine bone substitute with hyaluronate.

Unlocking the Unique Potential of : Exploring the Efficacy of Supercritical CO Extraction, with and Without Pre-Treatments.

Since ancient times, many plant species within the genus have been used due to their numerous health benefits, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, or diuretic activity. While many of the species within this genus were well known and described, All. or Pannonian thyme remains relatively unexplored despite its unique chemical composition and activity.

Macronutrient Intake and Food Categories' Contribution to Daily Energy Intake According to BMI in Primary School Children in Croatia.

Background: Nutritional status in childhood is associated with a number of short- and long-term health effects. The rising prevalence of childhood obesity highlights the necessity of understanding dietary patterns in children. The study provides an assessment of energy and macronutrient intake and food categories' contribution to energy intake in Croatian primary school children, according to BMI status.

First Detection of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Vectors in Croatia.

The West Nile virus (WNV) has recently become more widespread, posing a threat to both human and animal health. In Western Europe, most outbreaks have been caused by WNV lineage 1, while in Eastern Europe, WNV lineage 2 has led to human and bird mortality. The ability to appropriately manage this threat is dependent on integrated surveillance and early detection.

Cathelicidin in Urinary Tract Diseases: Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Potential of an Evolutionary Conserved Antimicrobial Protein.

Despite being one of the most common infectious diseases, urinary tract infections (UTIs) still represent a challenge for clinicians to diagnose and treat, especially in the era of growing antibiotic resistance among uropathogenic bacteria. Recent studies investigating the pathophysiology of UTIs have discovered the prominent role of antimicrobial peptides in the urinary tract defense system. Cathelicidin is an evolutionary conserved antimicrobial peptide encoded by one single gene in humans.

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.

Advancing Field-Based Vertical Jump Analysis: Markerless Pose Estimation vs. Force Plates.

The countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) is widely used in sports science and rehabilitation to assess lower body power. In controlled laboratory environments, a complex analysis of CMJ performance is usually carried out using motion capture or force plate systems, providing detailed insights into athlete's movement mechanics. While these systems are highly accurate, they are often costly or limited to laboratory settings, making them impractical for widespread or field use.

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.

The Interplay of Uterine Health and Obesity: A Comprehensive Review.

Uterine physiology encompasses the intricate processes governing the structure, function, and regulation of the uterus, a pivotal organ within the female reproductive system. The escalating prevalence of obesity has emerged as a significant global health issue, profoundly impacting various facets of well-being, including female reproductive health. These effects extend to uterine structure and function, influencing reproductive health outcomes in women.

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.

Angiotensin II Exposure In Vitro Reduces High Salt-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Modulates Cell Adhesion Molecules' Expression in Human Aortic Endothelial Cell Line.

: Increased sodium chloride (NaCl) intake led to leukocyte activation and impaired vasodilatation via increased oxidative stress in human/animal models. Interestingly, subpressor doses of angiotensin II (AngII) restored endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity, which was impaired in a high-salt (HS) diet in animal models. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effects of AngII exposure following high salt (HS) loading on endothelial cells' (ECs') viability, activation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

The Antidiabetic Effect of Grape Skin Extracts of Selected Indigenous Croatian White Grapevine Varieties.

Grape skin is an excellent bioactive compound source with numerous beneficial health effects. This study aimed to determine and compare the antidiabetic potential of the grape skin of indigenous Croatian white grapevine varieties. The grape skin extracts (GSEs) were assessed for total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and inhibition potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, enzymes responsible for carbohydrate metabolism.

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Activity, Chemical Composition, and Elements of Merlot Wine Stored in Toasted Oak Barrels.

Wine ageing represents an important stage during wine production when the final wine composition is formed. In this study, 2020 and 2021 vintage Merlot red wines were subjected to 12-month ageing in a stainless-steel tank, Excellence oak barrels with medium, medium-plus and medium-long toasting, and a Premium oak barrel with medium toasting. The aim was to investigate the influence of different ageing vessels on the main chemical composition, element content, phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and wine colour during ageing.

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.

Predicting Clinical Dishonesty Among Nursing Students: The Impact of Personal and Contextual Factors.

Background/objectives: Numerous studies have examined nursing students' academic dishonesty; however, there is still a gap in understanding the predictors of such behavior. This study aimed to identify personal (intrapersonal and interpersonal) and contextual factors predicting nursing students' dishonesty during clinical training.

Methods: A two-phase, prospective, predictive study was conducted at a nursing faculty in Croatia.

Relationship Between Psychological Factors and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: Low back pain has frequently been mentioned as the most common sort of chronic pain, and numerous studies have confirmed its influence on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite a great deal of research demonstrating the important part that psychological factors play in explaining HRQoL, a therapeutic setting that prioritizes the physical domain still predominates. For this reason, the aim of this study is to assess the relationship between age, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, pain-related anxiety, chronic pain acceptance and the psychological and physical dimensions of HRQoL in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

The Role of Behavioral Factors on Chronic Diseases-Practice and Knowledge Gaps.

Behavioral factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, poor diet, and physical inactivity, but also sleep deprivation and negative social connections, play a critical role in the development and progression of major chronic diseases. These include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancers. : The objective of this review is to explore the influence of these modifiable risk factors on the global burden of chronic diseases and assess the potential impact of public health interventions and policy changes.