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Measuring influencer marketing campaigns
No full textUtjecaj društvenih mreža već sada ima znatan utjecaj i van „online“ svijeta. Ideja korištenja slavnih osoba, a s time i njihovog utjecaja na druge, već je dobro poznata marketinška strategija. Influencer marketing uključuje partnerstvo između brendova i pojedinaca koji imaju značajan broj pratitelja na društvenim mrežama radi promicanja robne marke ili proizvoda za naknadu. Ovaj rad želi istražiti na koji se način mjere influencer marketinške kampanje te koje su glavne analizirane metrike kada se govori o njihovoj uspješnoj provedbi. Za analizu influencer marketing kampanje u ovom radu koristila se influencer kampanja provedena u razdoblju od 6 mjeseci na području 12 EU zemalja za sportsku odjeću, putem društvene mreže Instagram. Rezultati ukazuju da veći broj angažiranih influencera podrazumijeva i veći broj objavljenih postova, kao što i veći broj dark post objava podrazumjeva veći broj impresija na istima.The influence of social networks already has a significant influence outside the "online" world. The idea of using celebrities, and thus their influence on others, is already a well-known marketing strategy. Influencer marketing involves partnerships between brands and individuals who have a significant following on social media to promote a brand or product for a fee. This paper wants to investigate how influencer marketing campaigns are measured and what are the main analyzed metrics when talking about their successful implementation. For the analysis of the influencer marketing campaign in this paper, an influencer campaign conducted over a period of 6 months in the territory of 12 EU countries for sportswear, via the Instagram social network, was used. The results indicate that a greater number of engaged influencers implies a greater number of published posts, just as a greater number of dark post publications implies a greater number of impressions on them
Neuropharmacology and pharmacotherapy of neurodegenerative disorders with a etiology of pathological changes in basal ganglia - Parkinson's disease
No full textParkinsonova bolest jedan je od najčešćih neurodegenerativnih poremećaja, a procjenjuje se da pogađa 1-2% ukupne svjetske populacije. Kronična je i progresivna bolest, a kao najveći rizični faktor ističe se dob. Temeljni neuropatološki nalaz PB-a je odumiranje dopaminergičkih neurona nigrostrijatalnoga puta, što dovodi do velikih pomanjkanja u opskrbi striatuma dopaminom. Takvi procesi rezultiraju nastankom prepoznatljivih motornih simptoma PB: tremora u mirovanju, rigidnosti, bradikinezije koja vodi u akineziju i nestabilnosti posture. Glavna meta farmakoloških pristupa liječenja PB je dopaminergički sustav, u cilju smanjenja intenziteta motornih simptoma direktnim utjecajem na razine dopamina u mozgu. Tijekom prvih godina bolesti, najčešći izbor terapije je levodopa, prekursor dopamina, u fiksnoj kombinaciji s karbidopom. Nakon češće incidencije komplikacija i negativnih perifernih učinaka levodope, a koji se pojavljuju s godinama korištenja, prelazi se na druge agense. Agonisti dopaminskih receptora, selektivni inhibitori monoamin-oksidaze B, inhibitori katehol-O-metiltransferaze i antagonisti muskarinskih receptora samo su neki od njih. Navedeni agensi koriste se samostalno ili u kombinaciji s levodopom i karbidopom. Poveznica svih je, međutim, da djeluju kao olakšanje motornih i nemotornih simptoma PB; nemaju nikakvog učinka na uzroke i progresiju same bolesti. Posljednjih se godina intenzivno radi na proučavanju i razvoju novih oblika terapija za PB. Genska terapija i terapija matičnim stanicama, izvrsni su primjeri novih pogleda na mogućnosti liječenja neurodegenerativnih bolesti u budućnosti. Jedan od ambicioznih ciljeva takvih novih pristupa je i usađivanje novih neurona, uzgojenih iz matičnih stanica, u područje bolešću zahvaćenog nigrostrijatalnog puta. Ovakvi su pothvati, iako iznimno važni za budućnost, još uvijek u ranim stadijima istraživanja i u široj slici neprimjenjivi. Upravo zato, farmakoterapija i individualizirani pristup pacijentu u vidu administracije terapeutika, ostaju najvažnijim stupom u životu i poboljšanju kvalitete života pacijenata s PB.Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders and it is estimated that it affects 1-2% of total world population. It is a chronic and a progressive disease, age being the primary risk factor. Basic neuropathologic finding in PD is the death of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, leading to great deficiencies in striatal dopamine supply. These processes result in the onset of notorious motor symptoms of PD: resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia leading to akinesia and postural instability. The main target of pharmacological approaches to treating PD is the dopaminergic system, with a main goal of reducing the intensity of motor symptoms, directly influencing the brain dopamine levels. The most common therapeutic choice during the first years of the disease is levodopa, a dopamine precursor, in a fixed combination with carbidopa. After the incidence of complications and negative effects of levodopa on the periphery increases, which happens with years of administration, the second line agents become a therapy of choice. Dopamine receptor agonists, selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors and muscarinic receptor antagonists are just some of many. Said agents are used as monotherapy or combined with levodopa and carbidopa. A link between all of them is, however, their effects are only observed in alleviation of motor and non-motor symptoms of PD; they have no effects on the causes and progression of the disease itself. In recent years, intense efforts are being invested into research and development of new therapeutic forms for PD. Genetic and stem-cell therapy are exquisite examples of new outlooks for future possibilities in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. One of the ambitious goals of these novel approaches is implantation of new, stem-cell derived neurons into the affected area of the nigrostriatal pathway. This kind of ventures are, although very important for the future, still in the early stages of development and inapplicable in a broader perspective. Thus, pharmacotherapy and individualized patient approach in context of therapeutics administration, remain a most important pillar in life and improving life quality of patients with PD
Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Syndrome
No full textMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major health issue defined by central obesity and at least two more of the following factors: high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose. Managing MetS involves lifestyle changes, with the adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MeDi) playing a crucial role. MeDi, emphasizing the consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and improved glucoregulation. A randomized controlled trial showed that a low-carb MeDi resulted in a 30% lower relative risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to a low-fat diet. Additionally, meta-analytic data highlighted a strong inverse relationship between adherence to the MeDi and the incidence of diabetes. Furthermore, the MeDi’s anti-inflammatory properties help manage obesity-related low-grade chronic inflammation, crucial for weight management and the improvement of quality of life. The improvement of lipid profiles, reductions in low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, and an increase in HDL cholesterol were also found to be linked to MeDi adherence. However, despite its benefits, adherence to the MeDi varies widely, often being low to moderate in many Mediterranean populations. Improving adherence through physician advice and patient education is crucial for maximizing the MeDi’s potential to prevent and manage diabetes and diabetes-related complications
Neuroprotection by Anti-Oxidative Stress Response After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury – Do Extracellular Vesicles Count?
No full textTeška traumatska ozljeda mozga (tTOM) ozbiljna je i potencijalno životno ugrožavajuća ozljeda koju obično uzrokuje snažan udarac glavom ili djelovanje vanjske sile. Klinička manifestacija može jako varirati obuhvaćajući gubitak svijesti, kognitivno oštećenje, probleme s pamćenjem te senzorne, motorne i bihevioralne smetnje. tTOM zahtijeva hitno medicinsko liječenje jer se početna ozljeda mozga može dodatno pogoršati uslijed prateće hipoksije, hipotenzije i povišenog intrakranijskog tlaka. Akutno je zbrinjavanje stoga usmjereno na sprječavanje i/ili ublažavanje dodatnog oštećivanja mozga oslanjajući se pritom na makrofiziološke parametre. Međutim, bolje razumijevanje staničnih i molekularnih patofizioloških mehanizama omogućava detaljniji uvid u moždana zbivanja uz lakše kliničko vođenje bolesnika. U ovom preglednom članku prikazane su opće karakteristike tTOM‑a, kao i rane terapijske intervencije. Opisani su molekularni patofiziološki mehanizmi s naglaskom na oksidativni stres – jednim od glavnih štetnih intrakranijskih zbivanja tijekom akutnog tTOM‑a. Nadalje je raspravljena moguća uloga izvanstaničnih vezikula (IV) u antioksidativnom odgovoru nakon tTOM-a. Izvanstanične vezikule su nanočestice oslobođene iz stanica u tjelesne tekućine uključujući cerebrospinalnu (CST). Zbog raznovrsnog molekularnog sastava, izvanstanične vezikule iz CST-a mogu pridonijeti antioksidativnom odgovoru, ali i oksidativnom stresu, kako pokazuju nedavna istraživanja. Sveukupno uzevši, tTOM čine kompleksni i veoma dinamični patofiziološki procesi s ključnom ulogom oksidativnog stresa. Nedavno otkriveni posrednici antioksidativnog odgovora jesu izvanstanične vezikule koje su i sastavni dio CST‑a te mogu pomoći u otkrivanju podliježućih moždanih zbivanja. Daljnja ispitivanja trebaju otkriti pridonose li i u kojoj mjeri izvanstanične vezikule iz CST‑a antioksidativnom odgovoru nakon tTOM‑a.Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a serious and potentially life-threatening brain injury typically caused by a severe blow or impact to the head. The clinical manifestation can vary greatly and include loss of consciousness, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and sensory, motor, and behavioural disturbances. sTBI requires emergent treatment because the initial injury can be further aggravated by hypoxia, hypotension, and raised intracranial pressure. Acute management is therefore focused on preventing and/or mitigating additional damage to the brain by relying on macrophysiological parameters. However, a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of sTBI might offer additional insight into underlying processes in the brain and contribute to medical decision-making. Here we provide an overview of the main TBI features, including treatment in the acute phase. We describe the molecular pathophysiology with emphasis on oxidative stress as one of the major detrimental events in acute sTBI. Furthermore, we discuss if the anti-oxidative response after sTBI might be mediated by extracellular vesicles, nano-sized particles secreted by cells into body fluids including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). EVs were attributed different roles in oxidative stress, and as carriers of various macromolecules, CSF-EVs might further combat oxidative stress in sTBI. Taken together, sTBI has a complex and dynamic pathophysiology with oxidative stress playing a significant part. Newly discovered mediators of anti-oxidative response are EVs which are present in CSF and can reveal ongoing processes in the brain. Further studies are required to determine if and how CSF-EVs participate in anti-oxidative response in sTBI
Students’ attitudes toward euthanasia and abortion: a cross-cultural study in three Mediterranean countries
No full textIntroduction: Abortion and euthanasia are still one of the greatest bioethical challenges. Previous studies have shown that there are differences in attitudes towards these issues depending on socio-demographic characteristics and socio-cultural environment (country of residence). As part of the scientific research project EuroBioMed, we compared the attitudes of students from three Mediterranean countries towards abortion and euthanasia and examined them from the perspective of Mediterranean bioethics. Methods: A pen-to-paper survey was conducted on a convenient sample of students (N = 1097) from five universities and four fields of study (Medicine, Law, Theology and Philosophy) in Croatia, Greece and Italy to investigate their attitudes towards abortion and euthanasia. Three hypotheses were tested using t-test and ANOVA for differences in attitudes according to country, field of study, year of study, gender, religiosity, political orientation, financial status, and size of place of residence. Results: While attitudes towards abortion were not statistically significantly different between students from different countries, the analysis showed that students from Italy had more liberal attitudes towards euthanasia. Theology students had more conservative attitudes towards both abortion and euthanasia, while there were no differences between the other groups. Women, final year students, non-religious and politically left-oriented students had more liberal attitudes. Conclusion: The results provided an insight into students’ attitudes towards abortion and euthanasia. Knowledge of the attitudes of these future experts can be valuable for the discussion of these issues. These results also provided a basis for a better understanding of the construct of Mediterranean bioethic
Financing European Agriculture: Current State And Challenges
No full textAgriculture is one of the most important sectors that has marked the development of
European integration so far. Given its characteristics, limitations and sensitivity to global
trends, European agriculture continuously adapts to new challenges in the global business
environment. Therefore, EU assistance through funds and other available financial
instruments is imposed as a necessity. The chapter analyzes the trends in financing European
agriculture and presents the most important funds and financial instruments, with special
emphasis on the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the European Agricultural Fund
for Rural Development. Although there are significant resources, there are still limitations in
their utilization, which, along with the priorities of the new cohesion policy and the necessity
of achieving sustainable development, will represent the most important challenges of
European agriculture in the current financial perspective
Cardiometabolic Risk in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Hidden Burden of Inflammation and Metabolic Dysregulation
No full textPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that extends beyond musculoskeletal and dermatologic involvement to elevate cardiometabolic risk. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of systemic inflammation in metabolic dysregulation, accelerating insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to the increased burden of cardiovascular disease in PsA. This review explores the intricate interplay between inflammatory mediators—such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17),—adipokine imbalances, and lipid metabolism abnormalities, all of which foster endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The dysregulation of adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, further perpetuates inflammatory cascades, exacerbating cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the metabolic alterations seen in PsA, particularly insulin resistance and lipid dysfunction, not only contribute to cardiovascular comorbidities but also impact disease severity and therapeutic response. Understanding these mechanistic links is imperative for refining risk stratification strategies and tailoring interventions. By integrating targeted immunomodulatory therapies with metabolic and cardiovascular risk management, a more comprehensive approach to PsA treatment can be achieved. Future research must focus on elucidating shared inflammatory and metabolic pathways, enabling the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to mitigate both systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic complications in PsA
Cogitare, Intelligere, Concludere (collectio causarum iuris Romani)
No full textPublikacija Cogitare, Intelligere, Concludere autorska je knjiga iz područja rimskoga prava
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Induced by Microplastics: An Endpoint in the Liver–Eye Axis
No full textThere is a significant, rather than just anecdotal, connection between the liver and the eyes. This connection is evident in noticeable cases such as jaundice, where the sclera has a yellow tint. But this can be seen through even more subtle indicators, such as molecules known as hepatokines. This relationship is not merely anecdotal; in some studies, it is referred to as the “liver–eye axis”. Ubiquitous environmental contaminants, such as microplastics (MPs), can enter the bloodstream and human body through the conjunctival sac, nasolacrimal duct, and upper respiratory tract mucosa. Once absorbed, these substances can accumulate in various organs and cause harm. Toxic substances from the surface of the eye can lead to local oxidative damage by inducing apoptosis in corneal and conjunctival cells, and irregularly shaped microparticles can exacerbate this effect. Even other toxicants from the ocular surface may be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Environmental toxicology presents a challenge because many pollutants can enter the body through the same ocular route as that used by certain medications. Previous research has indicated that the accumulation of MPs may play a major role in the development of chronic liver disease in humans. It is crucial to investigate whether the buildup of MPs in the liver is a potential cause of fibrosis, or simply a consequence of conditions such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Intestinal Microbiota Modulation by Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
No full textNumerous factors are involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which are responsible for its development and progression as an independent entity, but also thanks to their simultaneous action. This is explained by the hypothesis of multiple parallel hits. These factors are insulin resistance, lipid metabolism alteration, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory cytokine liberation, gut microbiota dysbiosis or gut–liver axis activation. This is a systematic review which has an aim to show the connection between intestinal microbiota and the role of its disbalance in the development of NAFLD. The gut microbiota is made from a wide spectrum of microorganisms that has a systemic impact on human health, with a well-documented role in digestion, energy metabolism, the stimulation of the immune system, synthesis of essential nutrients, etc. It has been shown that dysbiosis is associated with all three stages of chronic liver disease. Thus, the modulation of the gut microbiota has attracted research interest as a novel therapeutic approach for the management of NAFLD patients. The modification of microbiota can be achieved by substantial diet modification and the application of probiotics or prebiotics, while the most radical effects are observed by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Given the results of FMT in the context of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and NAFLD in animal models and scarce pilot studies on humans, FMT seems to be a promising treatment option that could reverse intestinal dysbiosis and thereby influence the course of NAFLD