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Prehrambene navike rekreativaca
No full textAim: Physical activity (PA) is an important factor in maintaining health, and combined with a balanced diet, it forms the basis of a healthy lifestyle. A diet not aligned with proper nutritional guidelines and the intensity of PA can affect the body's functioning, hinder recovery after training, and increase the risk of injury. This study examines the PA among recreational athletes and explores their eating habits. Methods: An observational study was conducted using Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) minutes/week to determine the level of PA. Dietary data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The study involved 62 respondents, categorized into groups of moderately, intensively, and very intensively active recreational athletes and despite recognizing the importance of PA recreational athletes exhibited inadequate dietary habits. Higher intake of fats, cholesterol, and saturated fatty acids was observed, as well as lower intake of carbohydrates than recommended. Most vitamins and some mineral intakes exceeded recommendations. Significant differences between groups were noted only for folate and saturated fatty acid intake. Conclusion: Nutritional education by professional nutritionists is essential for recreational athletes to correct improper eating habits. The findings of this study can be applied in similar socioeconomic-cultural regions.Cilj: Tjelesna aktivnost važan je čimbenik očuvanja zdravlja, a u kombinaciji s uravnoteženom prehranom čini temelj zdravog načina života. Prehrana koja nije usklađena s pravilnim prehrambenim smjernicama i intenzitetom tjelesne aktivnosti može utjecati na funkcioniranje tijela, otežati oporavak nakon treninga i povećati rizik od ozljeda. Ova studija ispituje tjelesnu aktivnost kod rekreativnih sportaša i istražuje njihove prehrambene navike. Metode: Za određivanje tjelesne aktivnosti korišten je MET (eng. Metabolic Equivalent Task) minuta/tjedan. Podaci o prehrambenim navikama prikupljeni su pomoću upitnika o učestalosti unosa hrane (engl. Food frequency questionnaire, FFQ). Rezultati: U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 62 ispitanika, kategoriziranih u skupine umjereno, intenzivno i vrlo intenzivno aktivnih rekreativaca. Unatoč prepoznavanju važnosti tjelesne aktivnosti rekreativci su pokazali neadekvatne prehrambene navike. Uočen je veći unos masti, kolesterola i zasićenih masnih kiselina, kao i manji unos ugljikohidrata od preporučenog. Unosi većine vitamina i nekih minerala premašili su preporučene. Značajne razlike između skupina primijećene su samo za unos folata i zasićenih masnih kiselina. Zaključak: Edukacija o pravilnoj prehrani, pod vodstvom nutricionista, neophodna je kako bi rekreativci ispravili svoje nepravilne prehrambene navike. Nalazi ove studije mogu se primjeniti u sličnim socioekonomsko – kulturološkim regijama
Association of Dietary Inflammatory Index and Thyroid Function in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An Observational Cross–Sectional Multicenter Study
No full textBackground and Objectives: The available research suggests that dietary patterns with high inflammatory potential, as indicated by a high DII score, may exacerbate inflammation and potentially influence thyroid function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the inflammatory potential of a diet and thyroid function in adults with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Materials and Methods: A total of 149 adults diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were enrolled in this observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) was calculated using a 141-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The serum levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined. Results: The DII® scores ranged from −3.49 (most anti-inflammatory) to +4.68 (most pro-inflammatory), whereas three DII® tertile ranges were defined as +1.21, respectively. Participants in tertile 1 (more anti-inflammatory diet) had significantly higher levels of fT4 than those adhering to a more pro-inflammatory diet (p = 0.007). The levels of hsCRP and TSH appeared to increase with increasing the DII® score, but without statistical significance. A significant association was found between the DII® and TSH (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and between DII® and free thyroxine (β = 0.19, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, energy intake, and physical activity, a significant positive correlation remained between the DII® and TSH (β = 0.33, p = 0.002) and between the DII® and body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.14, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet appears to be beneficial in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, suggesting that dietary modification aimed at lowering DII® levels may be a valuable strategy to improve clinical outcomes in these patients
PMA-Zeolite: Chemistry and Diverse Medical Applications
No full textNumerous scientific studies have been conducted in recent decades with the aim to study targeted application of zeolites in various industries, ecology, agronomy and medicine. The biggest advances, however, have been documented in medical and veterinary research of the natural zeolite, clinoptilolite. Although the exact biological mechanisms of action of the zeolite clinoptilolite are not completely elucidated, obtained results point to its antioxidative, immunomodulatory and detoxifying effects, the latter partially based on release of soluble and bioavailable silica forms from the surface material. The studied zeolite clinoptilolite materials have different geographical origins which confer to the physicochemical differences in the material. In addition, the production process of the material for oral applications differs between different producers which also accounts for different properties of the surface upon mechanical activation. Recently, a well-characterized zeolite clinoptilolite material, namely the PMA-zeolite, has been tested in different clinical applications and has shown potential as supportive therapy in inflammatory conditions, osteoporosis as well as during tumor chemotherapy. We accordingly present a comprehensive review of the PMA-zeolite effects in the clinical applications and discuss its probable mechanisms of effect in vivo
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Croatian Survey
No full textAbstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection has spread uncontrollably worldwide. Among the most vulnerable groups in society are populations with multiple comorbidities, including individuals with Down syndrome (DS).
Aim: Our aim was to conduct an online survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on DS individuals in Croatia. We also explored the views of their parents and caregivers about the challenges they faced during COVID-19.
Methods: The anonymous online survey was launched in March 2022 and remained open until October 2022. Participants were conducted online through closed group on Facebook. The survey included questions about participant characteristics, medical information, clinical presentation of COVID-19, and challenges faced by the parents during COVID-19.
Results: A total of 268 surveys were collected and analysed. We found that age and body mass index of DS individuals were significantly and positively correlated with the clinical presentation of COVID-19. Lack of social activities, cancelled therapies, and psychological problems were the most frequently cited challenges during the pandemic.
Conclusion: Clinicians and caregivers should primarily be alert to the same COVID-19 signs and symptoms that occur in the general population (fever, cough, shortness of breath). Ongoing therapies, social activities, and psychological support should be cited as indispensable for maintaining physical health and emotional well-being in DS individuals
The Impact of Standard Cross‐Linking on the Corneal Optical Density–Age Relationship in Keratoconus After Mechanical Stripping of the Epithelium
No full textThe Role of Behavioral Factors on Chronic Diseases—Practice and Knowledge Gaps
No full textBackground: 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. Methods: 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. Results: The evidence highlights a significant association between behavioral risk factors and increased morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases. Public health interventions and policy changes targeting these modifiable behaviors have shown substantial potential in reducing the prevalence and impact of chronic conditions. Strategies such as smoking cessation programs, dietary improvements, physical activity promotion, and stress reduction are critical in mitigating these risks. Conclusions: Addressing modifiable behavioral factors is essential for the prevention and control of chronic diseases. Bridging the gap between current knowledge and effective implementation of interventions is crucial for improving population health outcomes. Public health strategies focused on modifying key behavioral risks can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases, thereby improving overall health and reducing healthcare costs
Effective strategies and a ten-point plan for cardio-kidney-metabolic health in Croatia. An expert opinion
No full textKardiovaskularne bolesti (KVB) su vodeći uzrok pobola i smrtnosti diljem svijeta pa tako i u Hrvatskoj. Budući da je u većine bolesnika prisutno više poremećaja i bolesti kojima su u podlozi u najvećem dijelu isti čimbenici rizika, te kako je nužno svakom bolesniku pristupati kao osobi sa svim poremećajima, danas se govori o novoj paradigmi – kardio-reno-metaboličkom (KRM) sindromu i kardio-reno-metaboličkom zdravlju, u što je neizostavno uključeno i zdravlje mozga. Povišen sistolički arterijski tlak, LDL-kolesterol, pušenje, debljina, šećerna bolest, oštećena bubrežna funkcija, tj. kronična bubrežna bolest, u podlozi kojih je nedovoljno tjelesne aktivnosti, nezdrava prehrana s prekomjernim unosom kuhinjske soli zajedno s onečišćenjem zraka vodeći su uzroci ukupnoga pobola i smrtnosti od KRM bolesti, a napose smrtnosti od KVB. Stručnjaci iz raznih područja ključnih za
KRM zdravlje napisali su ovaj dokument s ciljem da bude sastavni dio nacionalnog plana za prevenciju kroničnih nezaraznih bolesti s fokusom na KVB koji treba postati obvezujući, a utemeljen na postojećim smjernicama stručnih društava. Naglašena je važnost pravovremenog probira i postavljanja dijagnoze, no težište je stavljeno i na nužnost organiziranja i provođenja mjera primordijalne i primarne prevencije. Istaknuta je važnost multidisciplinarnoga pristupa i trajnog obrazovanja opće populacije i bolesnika kako bi se promijenile loše životne navike i povećala ustrajnost uzimanja lijekova, ali isto tako podizanje zdravstvene pismenosti zdravstvenih radnika, napose liječnika kako bi se smanjila klinička inercija.Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in Croatia. Since most patients have multiple disorders and diseases caused largely by the same risk factors, and as it is essential to approach each patient as a person with all disorders, today we are talking about a new paradigm – cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) syndrome and cardio-renal-metabolic health, which necessarily includes brain health. Elevated systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, impaired renal function or chronic kidney disease, which all stem from insufficient physical activity, unhealthy diet with excessive intake of table salt, and air pollution, are the leading causes of overall morbidity and mortality from CRM diseases, especially mortality from CVD. Experts from various fields key to CRM health have written this document with the
aim of integrating it as part of the national plan for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases with a focus on CVD, which should become mandatory and be based on the existing guidelines of professional societies. The importance of timely screening and diagnosis has been emphasized, but there is also a focus on the necessity of organizing and implementing measures for primordial and primary prevention. The significance of a multidisciplinary approach and continuous education of the general population and patients to change bad lifestyle habits and increase medication adherence has been highlighted, as well as improving health literacy among healthcare workers, especially doctors, to reduce clinical inertia
Screening for TORCH Antibodies in Croatian Childbearing-Aged Women, 2014–2023
No full textTORCH infections usually result in mild maternal morbidity, but may cause severe congenital abnormalities. Therefore, it is important to detect maternal infections, monitor the fetus after the disease has been recognized, and define the seronegative women who are at risk of primary infection during pregnancy. From 2014 to 2023, serum samples from 1032 childbearing-aged and pregnant women (16–45 years) were tested for IgM/IgG antibodies to the most common TORCH pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus (RUBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2). The overall IgG seroprevalence rates were 20.1% for T. gondii, 91.3% for RUBV, 70.5% for CMV, 66.8% for HSV-1, and 3.5% for HSV-2. Only HSV-2 seroprevalence was age-related, with a significant progressive increase in seropositivity from 0% in those aged less than 26 years to 9.3% in those older than 40 years. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was higher in residents of suburban/rural areas than in residents of urban areas (27.4% vs. 17.1%). In addition, participants from continental regions were more often toxoplasma-seropositive than those from coastal regions (22.2% vs. 15.3%). HSV-1 seroprevalence was also higher in suburban/rural areas (71.7% vs. 64.7%). Obstetric history was not associated with TORCH seropositivity. Univariate and multivariate risk analysis showed that suburban/rural areas of residence and continental geographic regions were significant risk factors for T. gondii seroprevalence. Furthermore, suburban/rural area of residence was a significant risk factor for HSV-1 seroprevalence, while older age was a significant risk factor for HSV-2 seroprevalence. A declining trend in the seroprevalence of all TORCH pathogens was observed compared to previous Croatian studies (2005–2011). Similarly, the proportion of women simultaneously IgG-seropositive to two or three pathogens decreased over time. The maternal serology before pregnancy could potentially reduce the burden of congenital TORCH infections
Outcomes of Ixazomib Treatment in Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Insights from Croatian Cooperative Group for Hematologic Diseases (KROHEM)
No full textBackground and Objectives: Ixazomib, used in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IRd), has shown efficacy in clinical trials for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Materials and Methods: This study evaluates the real-world effectiveness and safety of IRd in Croatian RRMM patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 164 RRMM patients treated with ixazomib at nine Croatian haematology centres from November 2016 to February 2023. Data on patient demographics, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected and analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models in R. The median age at ixazomib initiation was 66 years (range 40–91). Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 65.8%, with 42% of patients achieving a very good partial response (VGPR) or better. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15.4 months, while median overall survival (OS) was 28.2 months. Hematologic toxicities included anaemia (53%), neutropenia (50%), and thrombocytopenia (45%). Infective complications, primarily COVID-19 and pneumonia, were reported in 38% of patients. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies, indicating manageable adverse events. Ixazomib-based therapy is effective and well tolerated in a real-world Croatian RRMM population. Conclusions: The findings align with clinical trial results, demonstrating the applicability of ixazomib in routine clinical practice. Further studies are needed to optimise treatment sequencing and improve patient outcomes
Utjecaj inicijalnog liječenja na ponovne hospitalizacije bolesnika s akutnom upalom žučnjaka u Općoj bolnici Šibensko-kninske županije
No full textUvod: Rana laparoskopska kolecistektomija predstavlja metodu izbora liječenja bolesnika s akutnom
upalom žučnjaka, no u svakodnevnoj praksi ovi bolesnici često se liječe konzervativno. Rane ponovne
hospitalizacije (<30 dana) potencijalni su indikator kvalitete rada bolničke zdravstvene skrbi, a njihova
povezanost s inicijalnim modalitetom liječenja akutne upale žučnjaka u Republici Hrvatskoj do sada nije
istraživana.
Ispitanici i metode: Ovo je retrospektivno istraživanje provedeno u razdoblju od 2010. – 2023. godine
kojim je analiziran utjecaj inicijalnog modaliteta liječenja akutne upale žučnjaka (konzervativno naspram
kirurškoga) na ponovne hospitalizacije u Općoj bolnici Šibensko-kninske županije. Sekundarni ciljevi
istraživanja su smrtnost, potreba za liječenjem u jedinici intenzivnog liječenja, duljina hospitalizacije i
troškovi liječenja.
Rezultati: Ukupno je uključeno 130 bolesnika, od čega 45 žena (34,6%). Medijan dobi bolesnika bio
je 72 godine (raspon 22 – 94 godine). Inicijalno liječenje bilo je operacijsko u 44 bolesnika (33,8%), a
konzervativno u 86 bolesnika (66,2%), dok je broj ponovnih hospitalizacija iznosio 9 (6,9%).
Konzervativno liječeni bolesnici bili su stariji, s težim komorbiditetom, te višim bilirubinom i jetrenim
enzimima (p<0,050 za sve analize). U neselekcioniranoj kohorti, trajanje hospitalizacije bilo je statistički
značajno dulje u konzervativno liječenih bolesnika (medijan 9 naspram 7 dana; p=0,003), no bez razlike u
smrtnosti, potrebi za liječenjem u JIL-u, troškovima i ponovnim hospitalizacijama (p>0,050 za sve analize).
Kada su bolesnici upareni za spol, težinu bolesti i komorbiditet, ponovne hospitalizacije bile su statistički
značajno češće u skupini konzervativno liječenih bolesnika (18,4% naspram 2,6%; p=0,025).
Zaključak: Primarno kirurško liječenje predstavlja definitivno liječenje akutne upale žučnjaka. Ima
podjednaku smrtnost i financijsko opterećenje kao konzervativno liječenje, te smanjuje broj ponovnih
hospitalizacija. Rana laparoskopska kolecistektomija predstavlja metodu izbora liječenja za većinu
bolesnika s akutnom upalom žučnjaka u Općoj bolnici Šibensko-kninske županije