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The Connection Between Socioeconomic Factors and Dietary Habits of Children with Down Syndrome in Croatia
No full textChildren with Down syndrome often face significant feeding difficulties and health comorbidities that may contribute to undernutrition or obesity. This study assessed dietary habits and nutritional status among 104 children with Down syndrome in Croatia, representing 11.5% of this population. Results showed that over 30% of children aged 1 to 15 were overweight. Over 60% never consumed whole grain bread, while more than 50% avoided fish, nuts, or seeds. Despite rural families more frequently producing their own food (meat p = 0.009; fruits/vegetables p = 0.035), no significant improvement was observed in the children’s diets compared to their urban counterparts. Urban children consumed milk (p = 0.008) and fermented dairy (p = 0.005) more often. Children of university-educated mothers had higher vegetable (p = 0.031), meat (p = 0.025), olive oil (p = 0.003), and nut (p = 0.029) consumption, and a lower intake of processed meats (p = 0.008) and salty snacks (p = 0.040). Families spending less than 50% of income on food also showed significantly healthier dietary patterns. Feeding difficulties in children with Down syndrome are commonly associated with sensory sensitivities, oral-motor impairments, and comorbid medical conditions. These challenges are often intensified by parental anxiety, delayed introduction of diverse foods, and inadequate professional support. Collectively, these factors contribute to selective eating, poor nutrient intake, and disordered eating behaviors. This study underscores the need for individualized nutritional interventions that address the unique physiological and sensory requirements of both children and adults with Down syndrome. Effective strategies should extend beyond general dietary recommendations to include early exposure to a variety of food textures, specialized feeding support, and the management of coexisting health conditions. Family education and engagement play a crucial role in achieving positive nutritional outcomes. Empowering parents and caregivers—especially those in socioeconomically disadvantaged or rural communities—can facilitate the alignment of food accessibility with healthy dietary practices. The findings of this research offer valuable guidance for the development and implementation of national strategies aimed at enhancing the nutrition and long-term health of individuals with Down syndrome
Zeolite 5 A mediated palmitic acid detection in tomato seed oil by photoionization detector
No full textTomato seed oil (TSO) is an edible product characterized by a wide range of molecules, with beneficial effects on human health. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) formed from the degradation of fatty acids, are promising candidates for the characterization of vegetable oils. Hereafter, a sensor based on photoionization detector for palmitic acid is presented. The sensor exploits thermal emission profile analysis from a thin layer of zeolite 5 A. Emissive profiles were acquired through a Photoionization Detector (PID) at 100 degrees C. Specifically, the combination of use of zeolite with pore size of 5.1 & Aring; and an ultraviolet lamp of 10.9 eV allows selective adsorption and detection of palmitic acid in a solution of pentane and TSO. The PID-zeolite sensor was investigated using oils at different dilution and at different storage conditions (-20 degrees C, 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C). Results evidenced that pentane dilution plays a significant role in palmitic acid adsorption, with a maximum emissive profile at similar to 885 mu mol/L. Low temperature storage (-20 degrees C) of samples before analysis results in 1.5 times higher emission peak due to the formation of triple chain molecular arrangement of palmitic acid. Calibration evidenced a linear range from 0.45 mmol/L up to 1.8 mmol/L with a sensitivity of 34.65 ppm center dot mmol(-1)center dot L and an R-2 = 0.92. Real scenario analysis was performed a mixture of TSO with soybean oil (SO) at different storage stability. A significant emissive reduction in palmitic acid was observed in mixed oil, depending on its stability which allows for the evaluation of adulterated samples
Repeated CD107a Staining Enables Identification of Serial Degranulating NK Cells
No full textUpon repeated target cell contact serial degranulating NK cells are identified by multiple staining events using differentially labeled anti-CD107a (LAMP1) antibodies. This flow-cytometry-based method allows for the characterization and isolation of serial degranulating NK cells
Ruptura slezenske arterije: sveobuhvatan pregled kliničke prezentacije, dijagnoze i liječenja (prikaz slučaja)
No full textAim: The aim of the paper is to present the complications of splenic artery aneurysm rupture, which include uncontrolled hemorrhage, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), multiple organ failure (MOF) and their treatment. Case report: A 29-year-old man came by ambulance to the emergency room because of severe epigastric pain radiating below the right costal arch, accompanied by sudden weakness, nausea, and profuse sweating. The initial radiological work-up (radiogram of the chest organs and abdominal x-ray) was normal, however, collection of perihepatic and intra-abdominal anechoic liquid was observed on the ultrasound of the abdomen. Based on the findings of free fluid and the patient’s severe condition, a computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis was indicated, which established the diagnosis of a ruptured aneurysm of the splenic artery and hemorrhagic ascites in the omental bursa. The patient underwent surgery with splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. Close postoperative monitoring and appropriate medical care ensured an optimal outcome. In the postoperative follow-up of the patient for six months, the patient is in good health, without the development of complications Conclusion: The presented case emphasizes the importance of early recognition, timely intervention and surgical treatment of splenic artery rupture. Adequate triage, a multidisciplinary approach and urgent radiological and surgical intervention are key to a good outcome and reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with this life-threatening condition.Cilj: Cilj rada je prikazati komplikacije rupture aneurizme slezenske arterije koje uključuju nekontroliranu hemoragiju, sindrom višestrukog zatajivanja organa (engl. multiple organ dysfunction syndrome; MODS), višestruko zatajenje organa (engl. multiple organ failure; MOF) te njihovo liječenje. Prikaz slučaja: Dvadesetdevetogodišnji muškarac došao je kolima hitne pomoći u objedinjeni hitni bolnički prijam zbog jake boli u epigastriju koja se širila ispod desnog rebrenog luka, praćena iznenadnom slabošću, mučninom i obilnim znojenjem. Inicijalna radiološka obrada, tj. radiogram grudnih organa i nativni radiogram abdomena bili su uredni, međutim na ultrazvuku abdomena uočena je anehogena tekuća kolekcija perihepatalno i intraabdominalno. Na temelju nalaza slobodne tekućine i teškog stanja pacijenta indicirana je kompjutorizirana tomografija abdomena i zdjelice na osnovi koje je postavljena dijagnoza rupture aneurizme slezenske arterije i hemoragični ascites u omentalnoj burzi. Bolesnik je podvrgnut operativnom zahvatu uz splenektomiju i distalnu pankreatektomiju. Pomno poslijeoperacijsko praćenje i odgovarajuća medicinska skrb osigurali su optimalan ishod. U poslijeoperacijskom praćenju bolesnika u trajanju od šest mjeseci bolesnik je dobrog zdravlja, bez razvoja komplikacija. Zaključak: Prikazani slučaj naglašava važnost ranog prepoznavanja, pravovremene intervencije i kirurškog liječenja rupture slezenske arterije. Adekvatna trijaža, multidisciplinarni pristup te hitna radiološka i kirurška intervencija ključni su za dobar ishod i smanjenje morbiditeta i mortaliteta povezanih s ovim stanjem opasnim po život
THE EFFECT OF AEROSOL FROM TOBACCO HEATING SYSTEM AND TOBACCO CIGARETTE SMOKE ON PERIODONTAL TISSUES AND ITS SPECIFIC MICROBIOME
No full textCiljevi istraživanja: Utvrditi i usporediti parodontni status putem parodontnih indeksa (PPD
(engl. Probing Pocket Depth, hrv. dubina sondiranja parodontnog džepa), GR ( engl. Gingival
Recession, hrv. recesija gingive), TM ( engl. Tooth Mobility, hrv. mobilnost zuba), FD ( engl.
Furcation Defect, hrv. furkacijski defekt), CAL ( engl. Clinical Attachment Level , hrv. razina
kliničkog pričvrstka), FMPS (engl. Full Mouth Plaque Score) i FMBS ( engl. Full Mouth Bleeding
Score) između skupina nepušača, pušača cigareta i pušača bezdimnih cigareta (IQOS).
Sekvenciranjem 16S rRNA gena parodontnih patogenih bakterija u nepušača, pušača cigareta i
korisnika IQOS-a dobit će se uvid u bakterijske vrste (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,
Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, Parvimonas micra,
Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium nodatum, Fusobacterium nucleatum) i odrediti te usporediti
ukupno bakterijsko opterećenje sve tri skupine.
Ispitanici i metode: Opažajno presječno istraživanje je uključilo 66 punoljetnih ispitanika (22
muškog i 42 ženskog spola) uparenih po dobi, spolu i pušačkom statusu. Formirane su tri skupine
:I.skupinu čine pušači običnih cigareta, II.skupinu korisnici sustava za zagrijavanje duhana
(IQOS), a III. skupinu nepušači. Ispitanici su dodatno podijeljeni u dvije podskupine ovisno o
prisutstvu ili odsutstvu parodontitisa (P).
Rezultati: Pronađene su statistički značajne više vrijednosti PPD, GR, FMPS, FMBS i CAL-a u
pušača običnih cigareta u odnosu na druge dvije skupine. Vrijednosti PPD i CAL-a su bile
statistički značajno manje u skupini konzumenata IQOS-a. Prevalencija parodontnih patogena u
subgingivnom dentalnom plaku je veća u pušača bez obzira da li se duhan zagrijava ili sagorijeva.
Parodontitis ima izraženiji učinak na ukupno bakterijsko opterećenje i raznolikost subgingivno
smještenih bakterija u odnosu na efekt koji ima izloženosti duhanu.
Zaključak: Izlaganje aerosolu grijanog duhana ima manje štetan utjecaj mjerljiv parodontnim
indeksima PPD i CAL nego dim obične cigarete. Na količinu subgingivnih parodontnih patogena
više utječe parodontitis nego pušenje, neovisno o tome da li se pritom duhan zagrijava ili gori.
Pušenje običnih cigareta pokazuje tendenciju povećanja broja parodontopatogenih bakterija.Objectives: To determine and compare the periodontal status, by using periodontal indices (PPD
(Probing Pocket Depth), GR (Gingival Recession), TM (Tooth Mobility), FD (Furcation Defect),
CAL (Clinical Attachment Level), FMPS (Full Mouth Plaque Score) and FMBS (Full Mouth
Bleeding Score) between groups of non-smokers, cigarette smokers and IQOS users. By
sequencing the 16S rRNA genes of periodontal pathogenic bacteria in non-smokers, cigarette
smokers and IQOS users, we will gain insight into the bacterial species (Aggregatibacter
actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia,
Parvimonas micra, Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium nodatum, Fusobacterium nucleatum) and
determine and compare the total bacterial load in all three groups.
Patients and methods: An observational cross-sectional study included 66 adult subjects (22 male
and 42 female) matched according to age, gender and smoking status. Three groups were formed:
group I. group included smokers of regular cigarettes, group II. included users of the tobacco
heating system (IQOS), and non-smokers were in the III. group. The subjects were further divided
into two subgroups depending on the presence or absence of periodontitis (P).
Results: A statistically significant higher values of PPD, GR, FMPS, FMBS and CAL were found
in regular cigarette smokers compared to the other two groups. PPD and CAL values were
statistically significantly lower in the group of IQOS consumers. The prevalence of periodontal
pathogens in subgingival dental plaque is higher in smokers regardless of whether the tobacco is
heated or burned. Periodontitis has a more pronounced effect on the total bacterial load and the
diversity of subgingival bacteria compared to the effect of tobacco exposure.
Conclusion: Exposure to the aerosol of heated tobacco has a less harmful effect measured by the
periodontal indices PPD and CAL than the smoke of ordinary cigarettes. The amount of
subgingival periodontal pathogens is more affected by periodontitis than by smoking, regardless
of whether the tobacco is heated or burned. Smoking classic cigarettes shows a tendency to
increase the number of periodontopathogenic bacteria
EVALUATION AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF CALCIFICATIONS IN ILIAC ATERIES AMONG PATIENTS WHO HAVE UNDERGONE KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
No full textCilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja bio je procijeniti učestalost kalcifikacija ilijačnih arterija kod bolesnika u kojih je učinjena transplantacija bubrega te procijeniti povezanost između kalcificiranosti arterija i ishoda transplantacije. Drugi cilj bio je procijeniti razinu biljega koštane pregradnje i njihovu moguću povezanost sa kalcificiranošću ilijačnih arterija. Materijali i metode: U prospektivno istraživanje uključeno je 79 primatelja bubrežnog presatka u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Rijeka. Procjena opsežnosti kalcifikacija ilijačnih arterija učinjena je na preoperativnom pregledu abdomena i zdjelice računalnom tomografijom (CT). Analizirane su obje zajedničke i vanjske ilijačne arterije, a kalcificiranost je procijenjena semikvantitativno te je za svakog pacijenta izračunat pelvični kalcifikacijski zbroj (PKZ). PKZ se kretao od 0 (bez kalcifikacija) do 44 (ekstenzivne kalcifikacije). Temeljem PKZ vrijednosti, bolesnici su dodatno podijeljeni u tri jednako velike skupine (PKZ skupina 1-3). Kliničke ishode kod bolesnika pratili smo kroz najmanje godinu dana, a oni su uključivali preživljenje bolesnika, preživljenje presatka, funkciju presatka nakon godinu dana (serumska vrijednost uree i kreatinina te scintigrafija bubrega) te pojavnost velikih srčanožilnih događaja (MACE). Rezultati: Srednja dob bolesnika iznosila je 59 godina, većina su bili muškog spola (63%). Kod 77,2% bolesnika kalcifikacije su bile prisutne na barem jednom arterijskom segmentu, njihova opsežnost je bila povezana s dobi bolesnika, a značajno je bila veća u zajedničkim ilijačnim arterijama u usporedbi s vanjskim ilijačnim arterijama (P < 0,001). Jednogodišnje preživljenje bolesnika bilo je 95%, a jednogodišnje preživljenje presatka 92,4%. Kod bolesnika iz PKZ skupine 3 zabilježeno je značajno kraće jednogodišnje preživljenje bolesnika i presatka u usporedbi s onima iz PKZ skupine 1 i PKZ skupine 2 (P = 0,006 i P = 0,008). Nije bilo značajne razlike u parametrima bubrežne funkcije i razini biljega koštane pregradnje ovisno o PKZ-u ili među različitim PKZ skupinama. MACE je zabilježen u 18,9% bolesnika, no unatoč većoj učestalosti u PKZ skupini 3 razlika između skupina nije dosegnula statističku značajnost. Zaključak: Većina primatelja bubrežnog transplantata imala je kalcifikacije na barem jednom arterijskom segmentu. Bolesnici s većom kalcificiranošću arterija (PKZ skupina 3) imali su kraće ukupno preživljenje kao i kraće preživljenje presatka. Kalcificiranost ilijačnih arterija određena s PKZ ima potencijalnu ulogu u predviđanju kliničkih ishoda nakon transplantacije bubrega uključujući preživljenje i bolesnika i presatka.Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the incidence of iliac artery calcifications in kidney transplant (KT) patients and the relationship between arterial calcifications and renal transplant outcomes. Additionaly, we aimed to assess the level of bone remodeling biomarkers and their potential correlation with the severity of iliac artery calcifications. Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved 79 KT recipients at the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka. All patients underwent pretransplant abdominopelvic computerized tomography (CT) scans. Quantification of iliac arteries calcifications was performed by evaluating common and external iliac arteries bilaterally, resulting in a pelvic calcifications score (PCS) for each patient as a semiquantitative measure of vascular calcifications. PCS ranged from 0 (no calcifications) to 44 (extensive calcifications). Based on PCS values, patients were divided into three equal-sized groups (PCS group 1-3). Post-transplant outcomes were monitored for a minimum of one yeer and included patient survival, graft survival, graft function (serum value of urea and creatinine, renal scintigraphy) and incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: The median patient age was 59 years, with a majority being male (63%). 77.2% of the patients had calcifications in at least one arterial segment, the severity of calcifications correlated with patient age, with a significantly higher incidence in the common iliac arteries compared to the external iliac arteries. (P < 0.001). One-year patient survival was 95%, and one-year graft survival was 92.4%. Patients categorized in PCS group 3 had significantly lower one-year patient and graft survival compared to those in PCS group 2 and group 1 (P = 0.006 and P = 0.008, respectively). No significant differences were observed in renal function parameters or bone remodeling biomarker levels depending on PCS value or different PCS groups. MACE occurred in 18.9% of patients, and although the incidence was higher in PCS group 3, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that a significant majority of KT recipients exhibit calcifications in the iliac arteries. Patients with a higher burden of calcifications (PCS group 3) had lower overall and graft survival rates. The presence of iliac artery calcifications, as assessed by PCS, has potential predictive value for transplant outcomes, including both patient and graft survival
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
The Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Narrative Review
No full textObesity, a global health concern of increasing significance, is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation (LGCI) that significantly contributes to metabolic dysfunction. This narrative review explores the intricate pathophysiological mechanisms driving LGCI in obesity, emphasizing the role of adipose tissue, immune cell activation, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Hypertrophic adipocytes and infiltrating immune cells, particularly macrophages, release a cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation. These mediators disrupt insulin signaling through JNK and NF-κB pathway activation, leading to systemic insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications, gut dysbiosis and other metabolic disorders. The review further discusses therapeutic strategies to mitigate obesity-related LGCI, focusing on lifestyle interventions, nutritional approaches, and pharmacological agents. Physical activity, specific nutrients, and dietary patterns can modulate inflammatory responses, while anti-obesogenic medicines and bariatric procedures offer additional avenues for intervention. By understanding and addressing the root causes of inflammation in obesity, healthcare professionals can develop targeted strategies to improve metabolic health and overall well-being of individuals with obesity and, ultimately, prevent and manage the wide-ranging complications associated with this condition
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
