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Differential Effects of Rutin and Its Aglycone Quercetin on Cytotoxicity and Chemosensitization of HCT 116 Colon Cancer Cells to Anticancer Drugs 5-Fluorouracil and Doxorubicin
No full textBackground: Rutin and quercetin are natural flavonoids with a variety of beneficial health effects, including anticancer activity. In the present study, we compared cytotoxicity and chemosensitization of human colon cancer HCT116 cells to anticancer drugs 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin (DOX) by both compounds. Methods: The 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) test was used to determine cell viability. Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques were employed in the detection of expression of proteins involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. Results: Quercetin treatment resulted in reduced cell viability compared to rutin at the same dose, suggesting greater cytotoxicity than rutin against HCT116 cells. Quercetin was also a better chemosensitizer of DOX than rutin, further reducing cell viability. However, rutin was a better chemosensitizer of 5-FU than quercetin. All treatments induced apoptosis, with rutin and DOX inducing intrinsic and 5-FU inducing extrinsic apoptotic cell death. Autophagy was induced in all treatments and played a pro-survival role, with the exception of DOX treatment. Different treatment regimens specifically modulated cancer cell signaling pathways involved in the regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that rutin and quercetin, although structural analogs, act as specific modulators of signaling pathways in cancer cells, differentially affecting cancer cell cytotoxicity and chemosensitization to anticancer drugs, based on the presence of a free hydroxyl group at the C-3 position of the flavonoid backbone at quercetin or rutinose in rutin
Vrijednosti doznih indikatora za postupke standardne mamografije i digitalne tomosinteze u KBC-u Rijeka
No full textAim: The aim of the study is to determine typical values of dose indicators for standard mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis at the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, to assess whether the determined typical values of the dose indicators for standard mammography procedures are in accordance with the national diagnostic reference values and whether the determined typical values of the dose indicators for digital breast tomosynthesis are in accordance with the data published in current international publications. This is one of the first studies in the Republic of Croatia with the aim of determining typical values of dose indicators for digital breast tomosynthesis procedures. Participants and methods: Data from a total of 135 women who had undergone planar mammography and 285 women who had undergone digital breast tomosynthesis were analyzed. Median values of average glandular dose for standard mammography and tomosynthesis were calculated for a compressed breast thickness of 5-6 cm. Results: The median values of the average glandular dose for standard mammography at a compressed breast thickness of 5-6 cm at Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka are 1.51 mGy per projection, while for digital breast tomosynthesis, they are 1.99 mGy per projection. It was found that the values of the typical dose indicator for standard mammography procedures determined at the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka are lower than the national diagnostic reference values. The determined values of the typical dose indicator for digital breast tomosynthesis are consistent with the values published in recent international publications. Conclusions: The results of this study have shown that the values of the average glandular dose for planar mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis at the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka are in accordance with national and international recommendations.Cilj: Cilj rada je odrediti tipične vrijednosti doznih indikatora za postupke standardne mamografije i digitalne tomosinteze dojke na Kliničkom zavodu za dijagnostičku i intervencijsku radiologiju Kliničkog bolničkog centra Rijeka, utvrditi jesu li dobivene tipične vrijednosti doznih indikatora za standardne mamografske postupke u skladu s nacionalnim dijagnostičkim referentim razinama u Republici Hrvatskoj te utvrditi jesu li dobivene tipične vrijednosti doznih indikatora za digitalnu tomosintezu dojke u skladu s podatcima objavljenim u recentnim međunarodnim publikacijama. Rad predstavlja jedno od prvih istraživanja u Republici Hrvatskoj čiji je cilj odrediti tipične vrijednosti doznih indikatora za postupke digitalne tomosinteze dojke. Ispitanici i metode: Analizirani su podatci 135 žena koje su podvrgnute standardnoj mamografiji te 285 žena kod kojih je učinjena digitalna tomosinteza dojke. Medijani vrijednosti srednje glandularne doze za standardnu mamografiju i digitalnu tomosintezu dojke izračunati su za debljinu komprimirane dojke od 5 do 6 cm. Rezultati: Medijan srednje glandularne doze za standardnu mamografiju po jednoj projekciji u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Rijeka iznosi 1,51 mGy za debljinu komprimirane dojke od 5 do 6 cm, dok za digitalnu tomosintezu iznosi 1,99 mGy. Utvrđeno je da su dobivene tipične vrijednosti doznih indikatora u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Rijeka za standardne mamografske postupke manje od nacionalnih dijagnostičkih referentnih razina. Dobivene tipične vrijednosti doznih indikatora za digitalnu tomosintezu dojke sukladne su vrijednostima objavljenim u recentnim međunarodnim publikacijama. Zaključci: Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da su vrijednosti srednje glandularne doze za standardnu mamografiju i digitalnu tomosintezu dojke u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Rijeka u skladu s nacionalnim i međunarodnim preporukama
MEDIA AND SELF-PERCEPTION OF PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
No full textUvod i cilj istraživanja: cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati utjecaj medija na samoprocjenu fizičkog izgleda kod različitih dobnih skupina. Istraživanje se temelji na sociokulturnom modelu percepcije tijela i ispituje odnos između izloženosti medijskim sadržajima, percepcije tjelesne slike i samopouzdanja.
Materijali i metode: u istraživanju je sudjelovalo 222 ispitanika podijeljenih u tri dobne skupine (18-29, 30-39 i 40+ godina). Podaci su prikupljeni online anketnim upitnikom koji je sadržavao sociodemografske varijable, Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) te posebno kreiran upitnik o percepciji fizičkog izgleda. Statistička analiza provedena je pomoću SPSS softvera, a korišteni su hi-kvadrat test i Spearmanov koeficijent korelacije na razini značajnosti p<0,05.
Rezultati su pokazali da mlađi ispitanici imaju nižu razinu samoprocjene fizičkog izgleda u usporedbi sa starijim skupinama. Postoji značajna povezanost između duljine izloženosti medijskim sadržajima i percepcije vlastitog tijela – ispitanici koji provode više vremena na društvenim mrežama i digitalnim medijima pokazuju veće nezadovoljstvo svojim izgledom. Žene su značajno sklonije osjećaju pritiska da odgovaraju idealima ljepote prikazanima u medijima u odnosu na muškarce.
Ovo istraživanje potvrđuje negativan utjecaj medijskih prikaza na percepciju tjelesne slike i samopouzdanje, osobito među mlađim generacijama i ženama. Rezultati naglašavaju potrebu za edukacijom o medijskoj pismenosti kako bi se smanjio negativan utjecaj nerealnih standarda ljepote na pojedince.Introduction and Research Objective: the aim of this study was to examine the impact of media on self-perception of physical appearance across different age groups. The research is based on the sociocultural model of body perception and investigates the relationship between exposure to media content, body image perception, and self-esteem.
Materials and Methods: the study included 222 participants divided into three age groups (18-29, 30-39, and 40+ years). Data were collected through an online survey that included sociodemographic variables, the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), and a specially designed questionnaire on the perception of physical appearance. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing the chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of p<0.05.
The results indicated that younger participants had lower self-perceived physical appearance compared to older groups. A significant correlation was found between the length of exposure to media content and body image perception—participants who spent more time on social media and digital media reported greater dissatisfaction with their appearance. Women were significantly more likely than men to feel pressure to conform to beauty ideals portrayed in the media.
This study confirms the negative impact of media representations on body image perception and self-esteem, particularly among younger generations and women. The findings emphasize the need for media literacy education to reduce the negative effects of unrealistic beauty standards on individuals
Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects
No full textHoneydew honey (HH) is a distinctive type of honey known for its dark colour, high mineral and polyphenol content, and pronounced biological activity. This study continues previous research on beech and chestnut honeydew honeys by presenting a comprehensive analysis of linden honeydew honey (LHH) from Bosnia and Herzegovina—a variety that, until now, has not been characterised in detail. Physicochemical parameters confirmed its classification as HH, with high electrical conductivity (1.21 mS/cm) and low moisture (15.1%). GC-MS analysis revealed a unique volatile profile dominated by α-terpinolene (17.4%), distinguishing LHH from other HH types. The sample exhibited high total phenolic content (816.38 mg GAE/kg) and moderate antioxidant capacity (1.11 mmol TE/kg). Antimicrobial testing demonstrated strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with lower efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria. No cytotoxic effects were observed in HaCaT keratinocytes at concentrations up to 60 mg/mL, and wound healing assays showed improved scratch closure reaching approximately 30% after 24 h and 41% after 48 h compared to the control. These results indicate that LHH possesses promising bioactive properties and potential for dermatological application. Further studies with broader sample sets are needed to explore variability and confirm the therapeutic relevance of LHH in comparison to other honeydew types
Sources of information about complementary and alternative medicine commonly used by oncology patients and healthcare professionals
No full textComplementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasingly utilized in oncology care; however, significant disparities exist regarding the trusted sources of CAM information among oncology patients and healthcare professionals. This study aimed to systematically evaluate these information sources, their credibility, and their influence on medical decision-making. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sisters of Mercy University Hospital Center in Zagreb from November 2022 to May 2023. The sample consisted of 832 respondents, comprising 411 oncology patients and 421 healthcare professionals, including 100 physicians, 321 nurses, and technicians. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire based on modified CHBQ and IMAQ instruments. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied, including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test to identify differences among groups. The most common sources of CAM information for patients were family and friends (82.6%), while healthcare professionals were more inclined to use the internet and media (61.4%). Statistically significant differences in attitudes were identified between patients and healthcare professionals regarding their information sources (p < 0.05). These findings underscore a pressing need for standardized, evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) education that is tailored to both patients and healthcare providers. Addressing these disparities through targeted educational interventions could enhance informed decision-making, reduce misinformation, and optimize the delivery of integrative oncology care. Future research should focus on developing verified CAM information frameworks to ensure a more consistent and scientifically grounded approach in oncology settings
Epithelial Remodelling in Myopia After Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction
No full textIntroduction: We analyzed longitudinal epithelial changes after the treatment of myopia with keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) and the zonal change in epithelial thickness up to 12 months after SmartSight for myopic astigmatism with the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser. Methods: We used anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) data and analyzed changes in the epithelium after treatment to ascertain how much epithelium hyperplasia occurred after KLEx. Data from 80 eyes treated with SmartSight, with a complete follow-up from postoperative day 1 (POD1) to 12 months postoperative, were used. The mean age of the patients was 29 ± 6 years with a mean spherical equivalent (SEQ) of − 4.72 ± 1.97 diopters (D) (− 1.25 to − 9.88 D) and a mean magnitude of refractive astigmatism of 0.90 ± 0.89 D. Preoperative central epithelial thickness was from 46 to 67 µm. Results: Postoperative central epithelial thickness at 12-month follow-up was 3 ± 5 µm thicker than preoperatively. The other epithelial zones (nasal, superior, temporal, inferior) thickened by + 4 ± 4 µm. The epithelial change showed larger variability at POD1 and stabilized from 1 week onwards. Postoperatively, the change in epithelium was not different for the different zones, and it did not correlate with the achieved refractive changes for any zone at any time point. Conclusions: The changes in epithelial thickness after KLEx for moderate myopia with SmartSight were minimal, indicating a low level of epithelial hyperplasia without resembling a regression-inducing lentoid. Findings suggest that KLEx with SCHWIND ATOS has a subtle impact on the epithelial thickness (with postoperative epithelium becoming slightly thicker). However, the differences remain below any clinical relevance
Perioperacijske i poslijeoperacijske komplikacije te ishod nakon radikalne prostatektomije otvorenim, laparoskopskim i robotski asistiranim pristupom
No full textProstate cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies globally. This study evaluated perioperative and postoperative complications following radical prostatectomy, comparing three distinct surgical approaches: the conventional open technique and two minimally invasive procedures-laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci system. The focus was on common complications, including urinary dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, blood loss, transfusion requirements, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and operative duration. The analysis highlighted notable differences among the surgical techniques, particularly in urinary and erectile dysfunction, blood loss, and transfusion rates. The findings underscored that the da Vinci robotic system represents a technologically advanced method, outperforming the other approaches in these aspects. Laparoscopic surgery yielded better outcomes compared to the open approach. Differences in hospital stay were minimal across all techniques. The comparative analysis of surgical techniques for radical prostatectomy indicates that the robotic-assisted approach is associated with reduced urinary and erectile dysfunction, lower blood loss, decreased transfusion rates, and shorter hospital stays, showcasing its advantages over the other two techniques. Laparoscopy demonstrated superior results compared to the open approach. However, the open technique had a shorter operative time, followed by robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopy. Differences in hospital stay across the techniques were minor.Rak prostate jedna je od najčešćih malignih bolesti na globalnoj razini. Ovo istraživanje procijenilo je perioperacijske i poslijeoperacijske komplikacije nakon radikalne prostatektomije, uspoređujući tri različita kirurška pristupa: konvencionalnu otvorenu tehniku i dvije minimalno invazivne metode – laparoskopsku kirurgiju i robotski potpomognutu kirurgiju pomoću sustava da Vinci. Fokus je bio na uobičajenim komplikacijama, uključujući urinarne disfunkcije, erektilne disfunkcije, gubitak krvi, potrebu za transfuzijom, poslijeoperacijsku bol, duljinu boravka u bolnici i trajanje operacije. Analiza je ukazala na značajne razlike među kirurškim tehnikama, posebice u urinarnim i erektilnim disfunkcijama, gubitku krvi i stopama transfuzije. Rezultati su pokazali da sustav da Vinci predstavlja tehnološki naprednu metodu nadmašujući ostale pristupe u ovim aspektima. Laparoskopska kirurgija dala je bolje rezultate u usporedbi s otvorenim pristupom. Komparativna analiza kirurških tehnika za radikalnu prostatektomiju pokazuje da je robotski potpomognuta metoda povezana sa smanjenim urinarnim i erektilnim disfunkcijama, manjim gubitkom krvi, smanjenim stopama transfuzije i kraćim boravkom u bolnici, što potvrđuje njezine prednosti u usporedbi s ostalim dvjema metodama. Laparoskopska kirurgija pokazala je bolje rezultate u usporedbi s otvorenim pristupom. Međutim, otvorenu tehniku obilježava kraće trajanje operacije, nakon nje po trajanju slijede robotski potpomognuta kirurgija i laparoskopija. Razlike u duljini boravka u bolnici bile su minimalne među tehnikama
Foreign direct investment: trends and determinants in Common Wealth Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of Uganda
No full textBackground: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has emerged as a significant driver of economic
growth in Uganda, with recent trends indicating a notable increase in FDI inflows across various
sectors. After Uganda’s independence in 1962 to date the country embarked on rolling out policies
and establishing structures to boost FDI as a vehicle for economic growth and development. This
study was set out to analyze the trends, determinants and impact of FDI in Uganda as a common
wealth country.
Methods: Analysis and synthesis of past and recent data on FDI flows was conducted particularly
in sectors like; Agriculture, hunting, and forestry, mining, and manufacturing, electricity gas and
water, construction, telecommunications, energy, and financing, insurance, and business services,
reflecting growing investor confidence in Uganda's economic prospects. The study utilized both
quantitative and qualitative research methods to provide a comprehensive analysis of FDI in
Uganda within the broader African context. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM)
technique was used to address indigeneity concerns, specifically the Blundell and Bond estimator.
The two-step system GMM with the collapsed instrument matrix option, using Stata's xtabond2
was then applied, with Windmeijer’s finite sample corrections for standard errors to address
downward bias.
Results: Key determinants shaping FDI inflows include; market size, labour cost, level of
investment risk, advanced infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and higher income levels, openness
to international trade through for instance; removal of exchange controls, already existing
investments, and lastly stable fiscal and monetary policies. Despite the positive impact of FDI on
economic growth, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and regulatory hurdles persist,
necessitating targeted policy interventions. By addressing these challenges and leveraging FDI
effectively.
Conclusions: Uganda can harness its full potential for sustained economic development and
prosperity through FDIs
Stakleni prikazi Zemljine površine
No full textTema završnog rada je prikaz reljefnih Zemljinih površina uporabom različitih tehnika obrade stakla. Staklo, kao materijal, pri izradi nudi puno mogućnosti pri plastičnom prikazu Zemljine površine, stoga je materijal izbora pri izradi iste. Inspiraciju sam osim u osobnim putovanjima pronašla u aplikacijama „Google Earth“ i „Google Maps“ koje su mi na precizan i detaljan način približile raznolikost Zemljine površine i omogućile što realnije prenošenje u rad. Svaki od komadića, koji u konačnici tvore cjelinu, je specifičan i unikatan, a izgledom podsjeća na hladne ledenjake sjevernog i južnog pola, šume, rijeke i planine srednje toplih klimatskih zona te na pustinje, more i oaze najtoplijih područja prikazanih u središnjem dijelu rada
Journals Operating Predatory Practices Are Systematically Eroding the Science Ethos: A Gate and Code Strategy to Minimise Their Operating Space and Restore Research Best Practice
No full textScientific research seeks to extend knowledge and understanding, an activity that perhaps more than any other advances society and humanity. In essence, it is the search for truth. But, because it seeks new knowledge, there is little or no benchmark for appraisal of the plausibility or validity of the immediate conclusions drawn from new information gained, no instant confirmation. For this and other reasons, the science ethos requires the highest level of rigour to ensure the highest level of probability that new findings are true, or at least the most plausible under the prevailing circumstances and state of knowledge. Research is only as good as its degree of rigour. Rigour comes through intensive and comprehensive scientific training and mentoring that teaches critical and agnostic evaluation of new results, self-scrutiny and self-criticism. Additional rigour comes via independent scrutiny and validation: peer review of results and interpretations submitted as publications, and peer repetition of key experiments. However, the current proliferation of publication vehicles whose business model is based on maximisation of papers published, and the revenue stream of article processing charges (APCs) they generate, is promoting an insidious degradation of rigour and quality standards of reviewing-editing practices. Such predatory practices result in the systematic degradation of research quality and its "truthfulness". Moreover, they undermine the science ethos and threaten to create a new generation of scientists that lack this ethos. These trends will inevitably progressively erode public trust in scientists and the research ecosystem. This Editorial is a call for action to all actors, in particular leaders, in scientific research to oppose predatory practices in science dissemination-to restrict the operational space of those responsible for such practices-in order to restore and maintain research rigour and the science ethos and to prevent a downward spiral of research quality. It proposes two linked actionable solutions to the problem, one for the "pull" element of predatory practices and one for the "push" element of research ecosystem management practices, especially those promoting the publish or perish mentality, that drive authors to publish in journals with predatory practices. To counter the "pull", we propose a solution based on the principle of prevention, rather than cure, and list a number of essential policy decisions and actions that should be taken at all levels of the science chain/cloud to achieve this. A central plank of the concept is journal accreditation, without which a journal would be ineligible for payment of APCs from public funds. For accreditation, a journal would need to convincingly demonstrate adoption of a prescribed journal code of conduct. Ideally, accreditation would also be required for inclusion in journal indexing and ranking services and bibliographic databases. To counter the "push", we propose a top-down imposition of a cultural change in science management that ensures merit-based success of scientists and their careers, research best practice, improved education and mentoring of younger scientists in the science ethos and greater support of them in their careers. This must include explicit recognition of the crucial role of peer reviewing for the good health of the research enterprise, its incentivisation and appropriate appreciation of the time and effort involved. To orchestrate this change, we propose the creation of a multi-stakeholder alliance whose brief is to develop the framework and implementation strategy for changes in the research ecosystem. This Editorial also exhorts all actors to embrace the principle of publish less, publish better and to use public funding provided by tax revenues more effectively to perpetually raise the bar of science quality, dissemination and potential to advance humanity