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Angioedema – Challenges of primary care and diagnostic-therapeutic treatment
No full textAngioedem (AE) iznenadno je i lokalizirano oticanje potkožnog i/ili submukoznog tkiva koje može predstavljati stanje opasno po život ako zahvati gornje dišne putove i vrat.
U ovom radu prikazuje se slučaj muškarca u dobi od 69 godina s izrazitim edemom jezika i ždrijela, nepoznate etiologije. Unatoč inicijalnoj farmakološkoj terapiji (adrenalin, kortikosteroidi, antihistaminici), nije došlo do regresije simptoma te se indicirala hitna traheotomija radi zbrinjavanja dišnog puta. Zbog sumnje na hereditarni angioedem (HAE) primijenjen je, u dva navrata, i rekombinantni ljudski inhibitor C1 esteraze te je nakon uspješnog primarnog zbrinjavanja pacijent premješten na OIL radi daljnjeg praćenja. Ponavljajuće epizode AE-a i odsutnost jasnog alergijskog okidača indicirali su 13-dnevnu hospitalizaciju zbog potrebe daljnje imunološke i internističke obrade.Angioedema (AE) is a sudden and localized swelling of the subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissue, which can become a life-threatening condition if it affects the upper airways and neck.
This paper presents the case of a 69-year-old male patient with pronounced swelling of the tongue and pharynx of unknown etiology. Despite initial pharmacological treatment (adrenaline, corticosteroids, antihistamines), no regression of symptoms occurred, and an emergency tracheotomy was indicated to secure the airway. Due to suspected hereditary angioedema (HAE), recombinant human C1 esterase inhibitor was administered on two occasions. After successful primary airway management, the patient was transferred to the ICU for continued monitoring. Recurrent AE episodes and the absence of a clear allergic trigger led to a 13-day hospitalization for further immunological and internal medicine evaluation
Estrogen Hormonal Therapy, Clinical Picture, and Course of Schizophrenia and Postpartum Disorders: Review of the Current State of Evidence
No full textAim: The aim of the paper is to evaluate the hormonal influence on mental disorders, especially schizophrenia and postpartum disorders. Materials and Methods: The paper consists of a literature review using the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, WHO ICTRP, and research4Life.org, covering the period 2000–2024. To increase the relevance of the results, only original articles based on clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were selected. A cohort study was also included. Particular attention was given to the role of estrogen/estradiol in schizophrenia, postpartum, and menopausal disorders. Results: Estrogens, particu- larly estradiol, show neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, trigger gene expression, and influence dopaminergic neurotransmission. Conclusion: Estrogen, as well as progesterone and allopregnanolone, have significant potential in the treatment of schizophrenia and postpartum disorders. This may contribute to a more favourable prognosis and may represent a novel therapeutic option for depressive conditions. Estrogen therapy may also be associated with reduced antipsychotic dosage and fewer side effects. Future research should focus on estrogen and other sex hormones as adjunctive treatments, considering dosage, safety, and treatment duration to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects
Production of fruit vinegar using traditional methods
No full textVoćni ocat fermentirani je proizvod dobiven dvostupanjskim biološkim procesom koji uključuje alkoholnu fermentaciju šećera pomoću kvasaca i naknadnu octeno-kiselinsku fermentaciju etanola pomoću bakterija octene kiseline. Ovaj rad donosi pregled metoda proizvodnje octa s naglaskom na tradicionalne metode proizvodnje, kao i utjecaj kvalitete sirovine, vrste mikroorganizma i tehnoloških postupaka na fizikalno-kemijska i senzorska svojstva konačnog proizvoda. Detaljno su opisane metode acetifikacije, uključujući površinsku (npr. Orleansku, Schützenbachovu) i potopljenu fermentaciju, te njihova učinkovitost u komercijalnoj proizvodnji. Istaknuta je važnost polifenolnog sastava sirovina za antioksidativnu aktivnost octa, kao i zdravstveni učinci konačnog proizvoda. Cilj je rada naglasiti potencijal voćnog octa kao funkcionalne hrane i važnog proizvoda, osobito iz aspekta zdravlja. Integracijom tradicionalnih metoda proizvodnje i tehnoloških inovacija moguće je postići visoku kvalitetu proizvoda te povećati njegovu ekonomsku isplativost, što može doprinijeti održivom razvoju ruralnih gospodarstavaFruit vinegar is a fermented product obtained through a two-stage biological process involving the alcoholic fermentation of sugars by yeast, followed by acetic acid fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. This paper provides an overview of the methods of vinegar production, emphasizing traditional techniques, and evaluates the effect of raw material quality, microbial species, and technological processes on the physicochemical and sensory properties of the final product. Detailed descriptions of acetification methods, including surface fermentation (e.g., Orleans and Schützenbach methods) and submerged fermentation, and their efficiency in commercial production, are given. The importance of the polyphenolic composition of the raw materials for the antioxidant effect of the vinegar, and the associated health benefits, is emphasised. This overview aims to emphasise the potential of fruit vinegar as a functional food and valuable product, especially from a health perspective. By integrating traditional production methods with technological innovations, high product quality can be achieved and economic profitability improved, contributing to the sustainable development of the rural economy
ŠKOLSKI PROJEKT „ČITANJE MLADIH HRVATSKIH PISACA“
No full textU školskoj godini 2024./2025. učenici dvaju četvrtih razreda Klasične gimnazije u Zagrebu sudjelovali su u školskom projektu Čitanje mladih hrvatskih pisaca, koji je pokrenuo nastavnik Alen Orlić. U radu se navode poticaji za pokretanje toga projekta, objašnjava se tko su prema projektu mladi hrvatski pisci, navode se predstavljeni mladi hrvatski pisci i njihova djela u projektu te je dan osvrt na književne susrete s mladim hrvatskim piscima i na predstavljanje projekta u zagrebačkoj Knjižnici Božidara Adžije u kojoj je bila izložena i tematska izložba Čitanje mladih hrvatskih pisaca nastala zahvaljujući školskomu projektu. Na kraju rada predstavljeni su rezultati provedene ankete među učenicima u vezi s njihovim sudjelovanjem u projektu Čitanje mladih hrvatskih pisaca
Green dynamic capabilities in tourism: An integrative conceptual model for sustainable competitive advantage
No full textPurpose – This study aims to contribute to the development of scientific knowledge in Green
Dynamic Capabilities (GDC) and Environmental Sustainability, a recent and little explored
topic in the literature. The research was carried out to propose an integrative conceptual model
of GDC, which can be used by organizations as a guideline in the implementation of these
capabilities.
Methodology/Design/Approach – The research was carried out through a content analysis
of the Sustainability Reports of all the European companies reported in the Eikon database.
The choice of categories was based on Teece’s (2007) approach, which divides Dynamic
Capabilities into three dimensions: sensing, seizing, and transforming.
Findings – The research concluded that organizations are concerned with developing and
implementing GDC in their activities and are willing to invest time and resources to reap
the benefits of GDC. The results obtained from the research allowed the development of an
integrative conceptual model of GDC.
Originality – This study is one of the first to explore the concept of Green Dynamic Capabilities
and its application in organizations. The development of an integrative conceptual model of
GDC is a valuable contribution to the literature, as it provides a framework for understanding
and implementing these capabilities
Brza identifikacija vrsta ribe u sirovom i toplinski obrađenom ribljem mesu pomoću proteinskih biljega specifičnih za vrstu
No full textResearch background. The main problem regarding the authenticity of fish meat lies mainly in misleading labelling or substitution of species, like the replacement of valuable fish meat with species of lower value or species originating from illegal fishing. For these reasons, the need has arisen for adequate analytical methods to detect food fraud.
Experimental approach. The aim of this study is to differentiate six fish species—carp, mackerel, pike, pollock, salmon and trout—based on differences in their protein composition using two mass spectrometry methods. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time ff flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was employed to identify characteristic species-specific m/z values to differentiate raw and cooked fish meat. Additionally, liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–quadrupole–time tf flight (LC-ESI-Q-TOF) was used to determine specific amino acid sequences in carp and salmon, selected as model species.
Results and conclusions. Distinct species-specific m/z markers were identified for all six fish species, enabling their differentiation in both raw and processed form. In carp and salmon, hundreds of peptide sequences were detected, leading to the identification of a panel of peptide markers that determine both the fish species and the type of meat processing. The results confirm that mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches can serve as effective tools for the authentication of fish meat.
Novelty and scientific contribution. This study shows that it is possible to use two complementary mass spectrometry techniques for reliable and rapid authentication of fish species. The identification of specific peptide markers and species-specific m/z values contributes to the improvement of food authenticity control and provides a powerful approach to the detection of fish meat adulteration.Pozadina istraživanja. Glavni problem utvrđivanja autentičnosti ribljeg mesa je prvenstveno zavaravajuće označavanje ili zamjena vrsta, primjerice zamjena vrijednih vrsta ribe onima niže vrijednosti ili vrstama koje potječu iz nezakonitog ribolova. Zbog toga se javlja potreba za pronalaskom odgovarajućih analitičkih metoda, koje mogu poslužiti za otkrivanje patvorene hrane.
Eksperimentalni pristup. Svrha je ovoga istraživanja bila odrediti šest vrsta riba — šarana, skušu, štuku, oslića, lososa i pastrvu — na osnovu njihovih razlika u sastavu bjelančevina, pomoću dviju metoda masene spektrometrije. Metoda MALDI-TOF MS (matricom potpomognuta ionizacija laserskom desorpcijom s analizatorom vremena preleta) korištena je za identifikaciju karakterističnih m/z vrijednosti specifičnih za vrstu, u svrhu razlikovanja sirovog i kuhanog ribljeg mesa. Osim toga, metoda LC-ESI-Q-TOF (tekućinska kromatografija spregnuta s elektrosprej ionizacijom uz kvadrupolni analizator mase i vremena preleta) korištena je za određivanje specifičnih aminokiselinskih slijedova u mesu šarana i lososa, odabranim kao modelne vrste.
Rezultati i zaključci. Za svih šest ispitivanih vrsta riba identificirani su jasno prepoznatljivi m/z biljezi specifični za vrstu, što omogućuje njihovo razlikovanje u sirovom i termički obrađenom ribljem mesu. U šaranu i lososu detektirane su stotine peptidnih sekvencija, čime je definirana skupina peptidnih biljega koja omogućuje određivanje vrste ribe i načina obrade ribljeg mesa. Dobiveni rezultati potvrđuju da proteomski pristupi temeljeni na masenoj spektrometriji mogu biti učinkoviti alati za autentifikaciju ribljeg mesa.
Novina i znanstveni doprinos. Ovo istraživanje pokazuje da se za pouzdanu i brzu identifikaciju vrsta riba mogu upotrijebiti dvije komplementarne tehnike masene spektrometrije. Identifikacija specifičnih peptidnih biljega i m/z vrijednosti karakterističnih za pojedine vrste pridonosi unapređenju kontrole autentičnosti hrane, te predstavlja dobru osnovu za učinkovito otkrivanje patvorenog ribljeg mesa
Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Peptidoglycan Monomer and 1-Adamantylamine Protect Dopaminergic Neurons Against Oxidative Damages Induced by L-Dopa
No full textParkinson's disease (PD) is progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by a loss of dopaminergic neurons, inflammation and oxidative stress and most commonly treated with L-Dopa. Long-term use of L-Dopa is associated with motor complications and side effects, highlighting the need for improved formulations. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) represent promising nanocarriers for improving drug delivery and reducing drug-induced toxicity. Building upon our previous work, where we demonstrated reversible binding of L-Dopa by AuNPs functionalized with peptidoglycan monomer (PGM-AuNPs) or 1-adamantylamine (Ad-AuNPs), we present here the intracellular uptake, biocompatibility, and antioxidative potential of such nanoformulations in vitro, using SH-SY5Y cells differentiated in dopaminergic neurons. Both AuNPs showed good biocompatibility, and no cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations. Intracellular uptake of AuNPs was confirmed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, with greater internalization seen for PGM-AuNPs compared to Ad-AuNPs. Finally, both AuNPs demonstrated the antioxidative effect under L-Dopa induced stress. These findings suggest that PGM- and Ad-AuNPs hold potential as effective nanocarriers while reducing L-Dopa induced oxidative stress
Molecular Weight Dependent Adsorption of Polyacrylic Acid on Porous and Nonporous Alumina Influenced by pH and Surface Accessibility
No full textThe adsorption of polymers at solid–liquid interfaces is fundamental to processes such as flocculation, dispersion, and surface modification. While polymer adsorption density typically increases with molecular weight, this study demonstrates that substrate porosity can invert this trend. The adsorption behavior of polyacrylic acid (PAA) with molecular weights of 5000, 150000 and 800000 g mol–1 was investigated on two types of alumina powders: porous Linde A and non-porous AKP-50. Comprehensive characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurements, particle size analysis, Brunnauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption, and mercury intrusion porosimetry confirmed the highly porous structure of Linde A and the compact, non-porous nature of Sumjitomo
AKP-50. Adsorption experiments performed at pH 4, 7, and 10 revealed a complex interplay between polymer molecular weight, substrate porosity and pH. On non-porous AKP-50, adsorption density increased with molecular weight, consistent with established theory. In contrast, on porous Linde A, the lowest molecular weight PAA exhibited the highest adsorption density, attributed to greater accessibility within narrow pores. This reverse trend was most pronounced at low pH (4), where the polymer chains are coiled. At high pH, where the chains are elongated due to ionization, adsorption density became almost independent of molecular weight, as larger molecules could also enter the pore structure. A correlation between polymer molecular size and alumina pore size distribution was established, and a model of selective pore accessibility is proposed. These findings challenge conventional understanding and highlight the critical influence of substrate morphology and environmental conditions on polymer adsorption, providing valuable insights for the design of tailored polymer-based surface treatments and dispersants
Individual and Contextual Factors of Teachers and Professional Associates in the Context of Ensuring an Effective Inclusive Environment
No full textU okviru razumijevanja uloge i važnosti inkluzivnoga obrazovanja i prihvaćanja
razlika, a u kontekstu ovoga istraživanja, važno je istaknuti da
je navedeni diskurs usmjeren na uvažavanje i prihvaćanje razlika kao poticaja
u odgojno-obrazovnome radu, a ne prepreke, uz ravnomjernu optimizaciju
organizacijskih, kadrovskih, materijalnih pretpostavki za uspješnu
inkluziju. Cilj je istraživanja utvrditi izraženost pojedinih dimenzija ličnosti
kod učitelja i stručnih suradnika te utvrditi razinu percepcije školske
klime i socijalne podrške nadređenih i ostalih kolega kod učitelja i stručnih
suradnika. Socijalna interakcija i podrška u okviru ovoga istraživanja podrazumijeva
važnost jasnoga pozicioniranja svakoga ključnog suradnika u
organizaciju i provedbu odgojno-obrazovne inkluzije prihvaćanjem svakoga
sudionika kao jednako važnoga u radu. Danas je koncept inkluzivnoga
odgoja i obrazovanja u nekim zemljama temeljno načelo koje se prepoznaje
u različitim modelima školovanja, a koji se neprestano vrjednuju i unaprjeđuju
u smislu povećanja kvalitete cjelovite odgojno-obrazovne prakse. Osobine
ličnosti, koje su dio istraživačkoga konteksta ovoga rada, prezentiraju
se prikazom ekstraverzije, savjesnosti, emocionalne stabilnosti i ugodnosti.
Ističe se njihova velika važnost u kontekstu provedbe obrazovne inkluzije,
posebno kod nastavnika i stručnih suradnika koji su ključni dionici inkluzivnih
obrazovnih politika. U istraživanju su sudjelovala ukupno 232 odgojna
djelatnika (140 iz Dalmacije i 92 iz Slavonije, 145 iz redovne osnovne
škole te 87 iz posebnih odgojno-obrazovnih ustanova), od čega 78 učitelja
predmetne nastave, 61 učitelj razredne nastave, 55 učitelja edukacijskih
rehabilitatora te 38 stručnih suradnika. Kako su rezultati istraživanja pokazali
da su utvrđene statistički značajne pozitivne korelacije podrške nadređenih
i kolega s inkluzivnim okruženjem te da se istovremeno nisu pokazale
statistički značajne korelacije školske klime i inkluzivnoga okruženja, s
visokom se tendencijom naglašava potreba za jasnom ulogom svih ključnih
dionika u procesu inkluzije. Stoga je važno istaknuti da u profesionalnome
razvoju učitelja i stručnih suradnika treba uzeti u obzir ne samo znanstvene
i stručne kompetencije nego i osobine ličnosti koje podržavaju inkluzivne
vrijednosti kao temeljan preduvjet kvalitetnoga inkluzivnog okruženjaIn understanding the role and importance of accepting differences, and in
the context of this research, it is important to emphasize that the aforementioned
discourse is focused on appreciating and accepting differences
as incentives in educational work, rather than obstacles, with a balanced
optimization of organizational, personnel, and material prerequisites for
successful inclusion. The aim of the research is to determine the expression
of individual personality dimensions in teachers and professional
associates and to determine the level of perception of the school climate
and social support from superiors and other colleagues in teachers and
professional associates. Social interaction and support in the context of
this research implies the importance of clearly positioning each key associate
in the organization and implementation of educational inclusion,
accepting the importance of each stakeholder as equally important in the
work. Today, the concept of inclusive education is a fundamental principle
in some countries that is recognized through various models of schooling,
which are constantly evaluated and improved in terms of increasing
the quality of comprehensive educational practice. Personality traits that
are part of the research context of this work are presented through the
presentation of extraversion, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and
agreeableness. They stand out as being of great importance in the context
of implementing educational inclusion, especially among teachers and
other educational staff who are key stakeholders in inclusive education
policies. As the results of the research showed that there were statistically
significant positive correlations of support from superiors and colleagues
with an inclusive environment, and that at the same time no statistically
significant correlations of school climate and inclusive environment were
shown, the need for a clear role of all key stakeholders in the inclusion
process is emphasized with a high tendency. To that extent, it is important
to point out that in the professional development of teachers and professional
associates, not only scientific and professional competencies should
be taken into account, but also personality traits that support inclusive
values as a fundamental prerequisite for a quality inclusive environment
MORFOTEKTONSKA ANALIZA S CILJEM IDENTIFIKACIJE AKTIVNIH RASJEDA SLIJEVA CIKANDANG, JUŽNI DIO ZAPADNE JAVE, INDONEZIJA
No full textThis study aims to find possible active faults by analysing the morphotectonic features of the Cikandang Watershed in West Java, Indonesia. Morphometric indices including drainage density (Dd), lineament density (Ld), and bifurcation ratio (Rb) were computed using digital elevation models, topographic maps, and geological maps using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. As demonstrated by the different drainage patterns and lineament alignments that show tectonic activity, the analysis shows that tectonic forces substantially impact the watershed’s shape. Higher Rb levels in sub-drainages suggest tectonic activity, while elevated Dd and Ld values indicate areas that are more susceptible to tectonic movements. These indices show possible active fault zones and strongly correlate with those shown on regional geological maps, especially in the watershed’s centre and northern regions. In line with earlier studies that connected geomorphic indices to tectonic activity, the findings support the importance of these indicators in identifying active faults. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive morphotectonic assessments in determining earthquake hazards, providing vital information for disaster risk management and spatial planning in tectonically active areas. Through the alignment of geomorphic indices with geological features, the study pinpoint’s fault zones that need continuous observation, promoting safer community development and more resilient infrastructure in West Java’s earthquake-prone areas.Cilj je istraživanja pronaći moguće aktivne rasjede analizom morfotektonskih značajki slijeva Cikandang u Zapadnoj Javi, Indonezija. Morfometrijski indeksi, uključujući gustoću drenažne mreže (Dd), gustoću lineamenata (Ld) i omjer bifurkacije (Rb), izračunani su pomoću digitalnih modela reljefa, topografskih i geoloških karata korištenjem Geografskoga informacijskog sustava (GIS). Kao što je prikazano različitim oblicima drenažne mreže i orijentacijom lineamenata koji upućuju na tektonsku aktivnost, analiza pokazuje da tektonske sile znatno utječu na oblik slijeva. Više Rb vrijednosti u pojedinim dijelovima drenažne mreže upućuju na tektonsku aktivnost, dok povišene vrijednosti Dd i Ld upućuju na područja koja su podložnija tektonskim pokretima. Ti indeksi upućuju na moguće aktivne rasjedne zone i jako koreliraju s onima prikazanima na regionalnim geološkim kartama, posebno u središnjemu dijelu slijeva i sjevernim regijama. U skladu s ranijim studijama koje su povezivale geomorfološke indekse s tektonskom aktivnošću rezultati podupiru važnost tih pokazatelja u identificiranju aktivnih rasjeda. Ovo istraživanje naglašava važnost provedbe sveobuhvatnih morfotektonskih analiza u određivanju opasnosti od potresa pružajući ključne informacije za upravljanje rizikom od katastrofa i prostorno planiranje u tektonski aktivnim područjima. Usklađujući geomorfološke indekse s geološkim značajkama, ovo istraživanje uputilo je na rasjedne zone koje je potrebno kontinuirano promatrati promičući sigurniji razvoj zajednice i nužnost otpornije infrastrukture u potresnim područjima Zapadne Jave