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Aim To investigate the influence of specific intrapopula - tion genetic structures on interpopulation relationships. Special focus was the influence of island population isola - tion on the substructuring of the Croatian population, and the influence of regional population groups on the sub - structuring of Southeast European populations. Methods Autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci were analyzed by using four forensic parameters: matching probability (PM), power of discrimination (PD), power of exclusion (PE), and polymorphic information content (PIC) on a sample of 2877 unrelated participants of both sexes. A sample set comprising 590 participants was analyzed for the first time, and 2287 participants were included from previous studies. The analysis was performed with Power - Stats v. 1.2. Results The analysis of forensic parameters for all nine loci in the Croatian subpopulations showed the largest devia - tions in the populations of the islands of Korčula and Hvar. The smallest deviations were found in the mainland popu - lation. As for Southeast European populations, the largest deviations were found in the population of North Mace - donia, followed by Romania, Albanians from Kosovo, and Montenegro, while the smallest deviations were found in the population of Hungary. Conclusion The comparison of forensic parameters be - tween different subpopulations of Croatia and Southeast Europe indicates that the isolation of individual Croatian subpopulations and rare alleles in their gene pool affect the values of forensic parameters. Specific features of (sub) populations should be taken into account for appropriate sampling of the total population when creating a DNA da - tabase of STR markers.

Acromegaly is a rare disfiguring disease caused by hypersecretion of the growth hormone from the pituitary adenomas. Body proportions, including bones of the hand, have been widely used to estimate anthropometric measures, such as stature. The main aim of this study was to compare stature, hand length, and stature/hand length ratio in healthy and patients with acromegaly and evaluate the accuracy of using hand length for the estimation of stature in patients with acromegaly. A total of 44 patients with acromegaly were analyzed in comparison to the control group of 8944 phenotypically healthy individuals. Measurement data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests, linear categorical regression (in healthy populations, and ordinal regression (in patients with acromegaly). The results show that the criterion stature could be predicted with hand length in both male and female individuals with acromegaly, while the amount of variance explained is something higher in males. Both in males and females, the stature/hand length ratio is higher in healthy individuals compared to acromegalic ones. This information might be of use to endocrinologists, rheumatologists, forensic scientist as well as in research where anthropometric characterization is performed. Namely, stature estimation could be assessed inaccurately if acromegalic patients are included in the sample.

Goal: Mitochondrial haplogroup (hg) X was estimated to originate in the Near East cca 30 ka years ago. Its approximate prevalence in the general European population is 2%, with most sublineages belonging to the X2 clade. The X2 clade is far less common in Croatian insular populations according to our previous findings - 6 out of 13 detected X samples belong to a new, local variant based on specific mutations in both the control and coding region of the mitochondrial genome. The aim of this study was to fully explore mentioned 6 mitochondrial haplotypes found in islands of Rab and Cres. Materials and methods: Complete sequencing of one Rab and one Cres mitochondrial genome was performed using both Sanger sequencing and massively parallel sequencing with the Illumina® Human mtDNA Genome assay on MiSeq FGx™ instrument. Results: Sequenced samples indicate a novel lineage within the global mitochondrial X hg phylogeny according to both PhyloTree and Mitomap. The lineage is connected with the hg X3 by a common polymorphism G3531A in the coding region of the mitochondrial genome, but it lacks all other X3 defining mutations. Mutations specific for this lineage are T195C, C338T, A7518G, G7853A, A10113G, C10673T, C10920T, A11380G, A13614G, C13950T, A15903G, G15927A, T16136C and A16289G. Analysis of non-phylogenetic variants exposed a rare, A7518G mutation in the tRNA gene, which is predicted as possibly pathogenic by MitoTIP. Findings of different heteroplasmic mutation patterns between samples indicate a more distant kinship within the same mitochondrial lineage. Conclusion: Our finding indicates a recent local microdifferentiation process within hg X. Described lineage could possibly be marked as a new, island-specific X twig formed within the Croatian population. The extension of present research, including genealogical and clinical data, is needed to confirm further enrichment of existing mtDNA phylogeny and to establish possible functional manifestations of locally specific variants.

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition during infancy is a major contributor to growth rate. WHO recommendations to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed within the first six months and continue breastfeeding up to two years of age are rarely followed. Maternal socioeconomic status (SES) may also play a major role in growth patterns and mediate the association between breastfeeding and infant’s growth. The aim of this study was to identify the patterns of breastfeeding and infants’ growth in weight in Dalmatia, Croatia and investigate their association with maternal SES. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from Croatian Island’s Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS) was used. Participants were 83 infant-mother pairs from Dalmatia, Croatia. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistics 25.0. and WHO Anthro software 3.2.2. Differences between groups were tested using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test. The significance and strength of individual associations between WG (0-6 months) and WAZ at 6 months with independent variables were tested conducting simple linear regression (breastfeeding duration) and Spearman’s correlation (EBF, average monthly household income, maternal education, employment and number of household members). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in gender distribution with regards to location, breastfeeding duration, EBF duration and delivery mode. However, a significant difference (p

Goal was to determine the influence of island population isolation on the sub structuring of the Croatian population, and the influence of regional population groups on the sub structuring of Southeast Europe with regards to basic population genetic statistical parameters calculated using STR locus analysis. Bio-statistical analyzes were performed for a total sample of 2877 unrelated participants of both sexes from the area of Southeastern Europe was analyzed. Nine autosomal STR loci (D3S1358, vWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317, D7S82) were analyzed using standard F-statistics and population structure analysis (program STRUCTURE). The total coefficient of genetic differentiation of Croatian subpopulations calculated by the FST method is higher at the level of the Croatian population (0.005) than at the level of Southeast Europe (0.002). In the population of Croatia, the subpopulation of the island of Vis shows the most pronounced separation, and in the population of Southeast Europe the population of Albanians from Kosovo, then the populations of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary. The established higher structure of Croatian subpopulations in relation to the populations of Southeast Europe suggests the existence of a certain degree of genetic isolation, most likely due to the influence of endogamy within rural island populations. The total genetic differentiation coefficient of Croatian subpopulations calculated by the FST method is higher at the level of the Croatian population (0.005) than at the level of Southeast Europe (0.002). The established higher structure of Croatian subpopulations in relation to Southeast Europe suggest the existence of a certain degree of genetic isolation, most likely due to the influence of endogamy within rural island populations.

“unCoVer-Unravelling data for rapid evidence-based response to COVID-19” is a Horizon 2020-funded network of 29 partners from 18 countries. Formed with the aim to collect and use real-world data (RWD) resulting from response and provision of care to COVID-19 patients by health systems across Europe and elsewhere, unCoVer exploits the full potential of this information to rapidly address clinical and epidemiological research questions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. These heterogeneous datasets comprise from information on over 22 000 hospitalized patients, as well as registry data on over 1 900 000 COVID-19 cases across Europe, with continuous updates. So far, the datasets have been described, harmonized and integrated into a multi-user data repository operated through OpalDataSHIELD, an interoperable open-source server application. Federated data analyses, without sharing or disclosing any individual-level data, is being performed to resolve various research questions emerging from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia, is one of the partners on the unCoVer project, together with our related third-party – Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia, providing clinical data on COVID-19 patients. Special emphasis will be given to our specific experience and lessons learned from participating in this project (data acquisition, ethical and GDPR issues, data analyses, influence of restrictions related to COVID-19 pandemic).

The goal was to perform a meta-analysis of synthesized data and investigate the influence of specific intrapopulation genetic structures on interpopulation relationships. Special focus was the influence of island population isolation on the substructuring of the Croatian population, and the influence of regional population groups on the substructuring of Southeast Europe. A long-term goal is to develop a model of appropriate sampling of the total population when creating a database of genetic STR markers that would properly reflect all the characteristics of included subpopulations. Autosomal STR loci were analyzed using four forensic parameters (match probability, power of discrimination, power of exclusion and the degree of polymorphism) on a sample of 2877 unrelated participants of both sexes. The analysis was performed using the statistical package PowerStats v1.2. The comparison of forensic parameters between different subpopulations of Croatia and Southeast Europe indicates that the isolation of individual Croatian subpopulations and certain rare alleles in their gene pool affect the values of forensic parameters. Specific features of (sub)populations should be taken into account for appropriate sampling of the total population when creating a DNA database of STR markers.

A birth cohort study is a form of study that uses expectant mothers and their subsequent newborns as research participants. Data is collected in order to identify health consequences and overall health outcomes of environment and lifestyle on pregnancy and childbirth. The main aim of this paper is to review and summarize all cohort studies that have been carried out or are still being conducted in Europe in last 80 years, as well as general information such as aim of the study, number of participants and duration of follow-up. Gathering information was made easier by websites such as Birthcohorts, CHICOS and LifeCycle, where many of the cohorts and their sources are listed. The remaining data was found by searching Google Scholar, PubMed and similar webpages, using keywords ‘birth and pregnancy cohorts’, ‘infants’, ‘pregnancies’, ‘allergies’ and ‘childhood obesity’. Overall, 137 cohorts in 27 countries were found. Cohort studies are an efficient method for assessing cause and effect. The focus is on the general health and well-being of mothers and children and as such provides a good approach to establishing a link between risk factors and outcomes. In epidemiological research, especially those concerning some of the biggest problems of the 21st century, such as obesity, type II diabetes and coronary heart disease, cohort studies make a valuable contribution. In last 80 years the number of studies has been increasing and with it the number of new insights. Collaboration between different birth cohorts is crucial for further harmonization of collected data and their use in the public health systems worldwide.

Unatoč opsežnoj literaturi koja istražuje kvalitetu života i njene prediktore, psihološke varijable poput percepcije stresnih životnih događaja, simptoma depresije, lokusa kontrole i nade gotovo da nisu istraživane među trudnicama, pri čemu nema istraživanja u kojima su na istom uzorku obuhvaćeni prediktori kvalitete života mladih majki u razdoblju izolacije tijekom COVID -19 epidemije. I trudnoća i COVID-19 zatvaranje specifične su okolnosti u životu mladih žena koja mogu predstavljati rizik za njihovo metalno zdravlje, a tijekom 2020. i 2021. godine utvrđeno je kako su upravo žene s malom djecom s rizikom za razvoj smetnji i problema mentalnog zdravlja tijekom COVID-19 epidemije, što je bio dodatni poticaj za provođenje ovog istraživanja. Cilj je bio ispitati razliku u kvaliteti života na istom uzorku žena koje su bile trudnice u 18. do 28. tjednu prenatalnog razdoblja i mladih majki tijekom COVID-19 zatvaranja 2020. godine te istražiti odrednice i usporediti strukturu prediktora kvalitete života u trudnoći i tijekom COVID-19 zatvaranja. Navedenim dvjema točkama mjerenja obuhvaćene su 133 zdrave trudnice u dobi od 18 godina ili više, s jadranskih otoka Brača i Hvara, kao i susjednog kopnenog grada Splita i okolne Splitsko- dalmatinske županije. Primijenjene su skraćena verzija skala procjene kvalitete života, upitnika Svjetske zdravstvene organizacije (WHOQOL-bref), multidimenzionalna ljestvica zdravstvenog lokusa kontrole, Edinburška skala postnatalne depresije te procjene stresa i nade. Mlade majke procijenile su većom kvalitetu života tijekom COVID-19 u odnosu na kvalitetu života u trudnoći na sve četiri domene. Utvrđeni su različiti obrasci značajnih prediktora za četiri domene kvalitete života u dvije točke mjerenja te različita struktura prediktora u trudnoći i tijekom COVID-19 zatvaranja, pri čemu je odabranim prediktorima u trudnoći objašnjena znatno veća količina varijance kvalitete života u odnosu na razdoblje tijekom COVID-19.

Pojam “stres” se danas često susreće, a označava iscrpljenost uzrokovanu duševnim ili tjelesnim preopterećenjem organizma [1]. Utvrđeno je da tijekom stresnih razdoblja dolazi do disregulacije osi hipotalamus- hipofiza-nadbubrežna žlijezda (HPA) što dovodi do povećanih razina kortizola takozvanog “hormona stresa” koji sudjeluje u mnogim metaboličkim i imunomodulacijskim procesima [2]. Posljednjih desetljeća glazba se proučava kao nefarmakološka i neinvanzivna metoda snižavanja stresa poznata po svom smirujućem učinku [3]. Glavni cilj ovog istraživanja je detekcija i povezanost razine kortizola u trudnica s provođenjem slobodnog vremena u stvaranju i slušanju glazbe. Pretpostavka je da bi ispitanice s većom učestalošću glazbenih aktivnosti trebale imati bolje vrijednosti biokemijskih parametara i održavati normalan indeks tjelesne mase (BMI). Istraživanje će se provoditi na podacima prikupljenim tijekom provedbe projekta “Kohortna studija rođenih na istočnojadranskim otocima (CRIBS)” kako bi se razjasnili čimbenici povezani u kontekstu metaboličkog sindroma koji zahvaća sve veći dio populacije. Analizirani su uzorci seruma prikupljeni od zdravih trudnica u Splitsko- dalmatinskoj županiji (Hrvatska). Primijenjen je analitički protokol za određivanje kortizola u humanom serumu tekućinskom kromatografijom visoke učinkovitosti (HPLC). Preliminarnim rezultatima utvrđena je statitički značajna umjerena negativna povezanost kortizola i provođenja slobodnog vremena (stvaranjem i slušanjem glazbe) tijekom trudnoće (p

The experience of pregnancy challenges a belief in control over one's health ; internal beliefs, the extent to which one's health is influenced by oneself, chance or fate and other people’s influence (powerful others). Belief that their health is related to their own behavior could increase their Quality of Life (QoL). This study gives insights from the Croatian Islands’ Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS) conducted on Adriatic island populations of Hvar and Brač and neighboring mainland area of the Split-Dalmatian County. The aims of the study were to investigate determinants of the QoL of pregnant women with focus on health locus of control as potential predictor of QoL domains. The sample consisted of 286 healthy pregnant women, age 18 or older, 18 to 28 weeks of gestation, enrolled into study from February 2016 to June 2018. Comprehensive study of maternal health assessed WHOQoL-bref (Physical QoL, Psychological QoL, Social relationships and Environmental health domain), Adult Hope Scale, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales (MHLC), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the perceived stress appraisals and demographic questionnaire. Enrolment into the study and all scheduled visits were carried out at doctor's office where the pregnancy was routinely monitored and in the maternity unit in the University Hospital Center Split, Croatia. Inclusion criteria were 18 weeks or more of single pregnancy, not assisted with reproductive technology. Woman had significantly higher internal then external locus of control (p= .000) and then chance (p= .000). They believed that they are in control of their health, also that powerful other people (medical doctors) were responsible for their health in a more significant way then that their health is in control of chance or luck (p= .000). MHLC scale scores explained significant amount of the total variance on QoL in all four domains (3.5% to 4.7%). Together with other predictors, greatest variance was explained in Psychological health domain (42%) and the smallest in Physical health (25%). Differences in MHLC between women living at island and neighboring mainland were also found. Health outcomes left to chance lower Environmental health QoL (health accessibility and quality, opportunities for acquiring new information, etc.), especially in less connected areas as islands. With greater perception of all QoL domains but Physical, women believed more that powerful others are in control of their health outcomes, which could indicate that reliance on doctors and medical staff has an extraordinary importance in their lives. Understanding how health beliefs of women influence their QoL could have beneficial effects in establishing the best possible care standards and outcomes for women and newborns.

There is well known scientific acceptance of a relationship between psychological stress and eating behaviours. This study gives insights from the Croatian health study of school children and adolescence with focus on eating habits and perceived stress. The aims of the study were to investigate eating habits, psychical activity and some aspects of health appraisals of adolescents as potential predictors of perceived stress. The sample consisted of 482 healthy adolescents (243 girls ; 16 to 19), who participated in project in 2013/2014. Adolescents’ appraisals of food frequency consumption, physical activity habits, frequency of health difficulties within last six months, individual’s overall perception of their health (WHOQOL-bref) and perceived stress scale (PSS-10) were used. Subjective perception of stress of adolescents is slightly higher than average for this age for boys and even higher for girls. The selected set of predictors explained 35% variance of girl's perceived stress and 23.5% variance of boy's perceived stress. Eating habits explained significant amount of perceived stress (8.9% girls, 4.4% boys) but structure of predictors differs for girls and boys. As stress is higher, frequency of daily meals is smaller in boys and frequency of healthy meals within last seven days smaller in girls. Frequency of unhealthy meals within last seven days was not predictor of perceived stress. The greatest variance was explained by health related appraisals for both, boys and girls. Since selected set of predictors explained small amount of variance of boy’s perceived stress, additional variables and predictors of stress need to be regarded further. These findings support hypothesis that eating habits could contribute to stress of adolescents. Consequently, awareness related to changing eating habits under the stress could be of lifelong interest and should be taught during school years. Identifying predictors of stress in adolescents could promote development of prevention and treatment plans for supporting adaptive lifestyle of adolescents, especially those under the stress.

Perceived quality of life (QoL) in adolescents can be useful in identifying their subgroups at risk of engaging in health-compromising behaviors. Establishing healthy nutritional behaviors and physical activity is important during adolescence, since habits established in this period often persist into adulthood. This study gives insights from the Croatian Health Study of School Children and Adolescence, with focus on QoL of adolescents. The aims of the study were to investigate eating habits, psychical activity and some aspects of self- assessed health of adolescents as potential predictors of their QoL. The sample consisted of 482 high-school students 16-19 years old (243 girls), who participated in project in 2013/2014. Adolescents’ assessment of food frequency consumption, extra-curricular physical activities, frequency of health difficulties within last six month and QoL (WHOQOL-bref) were used. Boys reported higher levels of QoL than girls in Physical health and Psychological domains. The greatest variance was explained in Physical health for boys (31.5%) and girls (43.2%) and smaller amounts in Psychological domain (18.5% boys, 32% girls), Social relationship (17.1% boys, 19.1% girls) and in Environmental health (16.4% boys, 21.4% girls). Structure of predictors differed for girls and boys in all four domains. The greatest variance was explained by self- perceived health in both boys and girls. More frequent emotional health difficulties within last six months were associated with smaller QoL in all domains, except in boys in Environmental domain. Greater adolescent’s overall perception of their health was associated with higher QoL in all domains, except in Social relationship domain in both boys and girls. More frequent physical health difficulties within last six months were associated with smaller Physical QoL in both boys and girls. Frequency of healthy meals within last seven days predicted Physical QoL in girls ; contrary, more frequent unhealthy meals were associated with better Social relationship in boys. Higher frequency of leisure time physical activities was associated with better results in Social and Environmental domain in girls and more frequent physical activities within last seven days were associated with better Psychological and Social relationship QoL in boys. The selected set of predictors significantly predicted adolescents’ QoL, especially Physical and Psychological domain. These findings support hypothesis that eating habits, physical activity and some aspects of self-assessed health could contribute to QoL of adolescents. Additional variables and predictors of QoL domains need to be examined further. Identifying predictors of QoL could promote prevention and treatment plans for supporting adaptive lifestyle of adolescents.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose level in pregnancy on the anthropometry of newborns. The sample consisted of 171 healthy pregnant women and their newborns from the Croatian Islands' Birth Cohort Study. Peripheral blood of pregnant women was taken in the second trimester and fasting glucose values >5.1 mmol/l were considered elevated. Anthropometric variables (body weight, height and waist circumference) were measured according to the International Biological Program. Pre- pregnancy BMI and fasting glucose levels during pregnancy were significantly positively correlated (p

The main goal of this study was to test the association of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose level in pregnancy on birth size of newborns. The sample consisted of 177 healthy pregnant woman and their newborns from the islands (Hvar and Brač) and the mainland (Split- Dalmatian County) who are participants in the Croatian Islands Birth cohort Study (CRIBS). Anthropometric variables (body weight, height and waist circumference) were measured according to the International Biological Program. Peripheral blood of pregnant women was taken between 22nd and 26th week of gestation, and fasting glucose values >5.1 mmol/L were considered elevated. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS10.0 for Windows. There was a significant positive correlation between pre-pregnancy BMI and fasting glucose levels during pregnancy as well as between pre- pregnancy BMI and birth weight, length, and head circumference of the newborns. Hyperglycemic women gave birth to significantly heavier newborn girls then normoglycemic women (p

The aim of this study was to compare the data on height of Hvar islanders collected from two transversal studies (1978/1979 and during the 1994). The first field research covered a total of 935 inhabitants of the island (484 males and 451 females) aged between 20 and 72 years, from five villages of the western part (Dol, Vrbanj, Svirče, Vrisnik, Pitve) and four villages of the eastern part of the island of Hvar (Poljica, Zastražišće, Gdinj, Bogomolje). The second field research was carried out in 1994 that enrolled total of 189 participants (82 males and 107 females) from the villages Dol, Vrbanj, Svirče, Zastražišće, Gdinj and Bogomolje. Comparison of data on Hvar adults since these two periods demonstrated a secular increase in average height for females and males in all investigated villages except in the village of Gdinj. Negative secular trend in village of Gdinj was observed for both female and male inhabitants. Possible explanation for this trend could be the specific migratory patterns and traditional practice of endogamy.

Cilj istraživanja je utvrditi promjene u načinu provođenja slobodnog vremena trudnica prije i tijekom trudnoće te utvrditi neke psihosocijalne odrednice zadovoljstva životom trudnica na otocima i susjednom kopnu. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 326 žena u razdoblju od 18 do 28 mjeseca trudnoće. Osim sociodemografskih varijabli obrazovanja, subjektivne procjene materijalnog stanja obitelji i broja članova kućanstva sudionica primijenjeni su instrumenti koji mjere zadovoljstvo životom, učestalost korištenja slobodnog vremena, uznemirenost stresnim događajima, dimenzije zdravstvenog lokusa kontrole, depresivne simptome te izraženost nade. Smanjena je čestina korištenja svih oblika slobodnog vremena trudnica u trudnoći pri čemu je utvrđena je statistički značajna promjena u korištenju aktivnijih oblika slobodnog vremena trudnica (tjelovježba, rekreacija na otvorenom, vrtlarstvo, putovanja, umjetnost i obrt, hobiji, vjerske i duhovne aktivnosti kartanje, piće, slušanje glazbe, računarstvo i igranje igrica) dok nema razlike u čestini čitanja knjiga, gledanja TV i filmova, u vremenu provedenom s obitelji i prijateljima te pripremi hrane i kuhanju prije i poslije trudnoće. Odabranim prediktorskim varijablama objašnjeno je 38, 2% varijance zadovoljstva životom trudnica, pri čemu su sa zadovoljstvom životom izravno ili neizravno povezani subjektivna procjena materijalnog stanja obitelji, promjena u načinu korištena slobodnog vremena trudnica, moćni drugi kao dimenzija lokusa kontrole, depresivni simptomi i nada. Što je bolja subjektivna procjena materijalnog stanja u obitelji, izraženija nada i vjerovanje trudnica da moćni drugi imaju kontrolu nad njihovim zdravljem te manji broj depresivnih simptoma trudnica, izraženije je njihovo zadovoljstvo životom. Također, što je veća razlika u korištenju slobodnog vremena prije i za vrijeme trudnoće veće je zadovoljstvo životom trudnica. Navedeno ukazuje na veće zadovoljstvo životom trudnica koje u većoj mjeri vode brigu o vlastitom slobodnom vremenu i aktivno se prilagođavaju trudničkom statusu. Osim smjernica za buduća istraživanja u izlaganju će se diskutirati praktične implikacije dobivenih rezultata.

Health benefits of physical activity during pregnancy include reduced risk of excessive gestational weight gain and conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and preterm birth. The ongoing CRoatian Islands Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS) is the first cohort study in the South-Eastern Europe with an aim to assess the prevalence of risk factors (biological, environmental and behavioral) for the Metabolic Syndrome in populations from Dalmatian islands of Hvar and Brač and coastal Split city with its surroundings. At the time of writing, Over 350 pregnant women and 220 of their newborns have been involved in the study. Here we present the preliminary results of testing the association of mothers` self- estimated physical activity during pregnancy with newborns` anthropometric characteristics (birth weight, length and head circumference) using the data from questionnaires and obstetric records of 116 mother – newborn pairs. The difference in weight-at-birth was detected between newborn girls whose mothers were from Low vs. Intensive physical activity categories, as well as from Moderate vs. Intensive physical activity categories. In addition to that, the significant difference in weight-at-birth and height/length-at-birth was detected between newborn boys whose mothers were from Moderate vs. Intensive physical activity categories (p

During the last decade it has become increasingly evident that genetic variants can explain only a portion of individual's susceptibility to non-communicable complex diseases. The spotlight of research therefore shifted to mechanisms of epigenetic modifications as central players in gene- environment interplay. The transgenerational propagation of both genetic variants and epigenetic programming can contribute to an increased risk of complex diseases. In this work we are presenting data of 150 mother-child dyads collected within the longitudinal CRIBS study focusing on the main constituents of the metabolic syndrome (cardiovascular diseases and obesity), but also other diseases that emerge in family history. We show incidence of diseases in mother’s families, biochemical parameters of mothers related to diseases and a plan of risk prediction and possible interventions based on environ-mental exposure and hereditary factors in mothers and their offspring.

Homocysteine is an amino acid involved in several key metabolic processes. In the general population hyperhomocysteinaemia is an indicator of vascular disease, while in normal pregnancy homocysteine blood levels falls. The objective of this study was to examine associations of homocisteine in pregnant women with possible predisposing factors (older age, smoking status, physical inactivity, hypertension), pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, small/normal/large for gestational age) and newborns` anthropometry (measures z- standardized according to WHO). Fasting homocisteine concentration, taken between 22nd and 26th week of gestation, were determined in 116 women, participants in the CRoatian Islands` Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS). Homocisteine below than referent range (3.4- 20.4 µmol/L) was determined in 19 women (16.4%) while its concentration in others was within the referent range. None of the investigated predisposing factors was significantly associated with predicting homocisteine level, nor were pregnancy outcomes. Newborns of mothers with homocisteine

Introduction: Physical activity during pregnancy brings benefits like increased cardiorespiratory fitness, reduced risk of excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, etc. The ongoing CRoatian Islands Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS) is the first cohort study in the South- Eastern Europe. The aim of the project is to assess the prevalence of risk factors (biological, environmental and behavioral) for the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in populations from Dalmatian islands Hvar and Brač and coastal Split city with surroundings, the Mediterranean area with very high prevalence of the MetS. Material and methods: So far, over 350 pregnant women and 220 of their newborns have been involved. Here we present the preliminary results of testing the association of mothers` selfestimated physical activity during pregnancy with newborns` anthropometric characteristics (birth weight, length and head circumference) using data from questionnaires and obstetric records of 116 mother – newborn pairs. Results: The difference in weight-at- birth was detected between newborn girls whose mothers were from Low vs. Intensive physical activity categories, as well as from Moderate vs. Intensive physical activity categories. In addition to that, the significant difference in weight-at- birth andheight/length-at-birth was detected between newborn boys whose mothers were from Moderate vs. Intensive physical activity categories (p

The intrauterine environment affects fetal growth and development. Healthy women with no history of chronic diseases, who concieved naturally and had singleton pregnancies have been participating in the CRoatian Islands` Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS), an ongoing project in the Eastern Adriatic, Croatia, aiming to assess the prevalence of risk factors for the Metabolic Syndrom. Fasting blood lipids (tot- Chol, Trig, HDL-Chol and LDL-Chol), glucose and homocysteine levels were determined in 94 pregnant women (taken between 22th and 26th week of gestation). We investigated their association with possible predisposing factors (age, gestational age, level of education, obesity and smoking status), newborns` anthropometric measures (weight, lenght and head circumference) and with adverse pregnancy outcomes (pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, small/large for gestational age). Among the blood lipids, the largest divergence was found in triglyceride levels (mean 4.2±1.1, range 0.9-11), with elevated values (>1.7 mmol/L) present in >75% of the examinees. Smokers, in comparison to non-smokers, had significantly lower HDL-Chol levels and women older than 30 years had significantly higher tot-Chol than younger ones. Women with higher mean glucose levels (but within the normal range) gave birth to children with significantly higher weight- at-birth z-standardized according to WHO, and women with low homocysteine levels (

Concentration of lipoprotein (a), Lp(a), an important part of the clinical biomarker profile for atherosclerosis, in blood plasma varies both between and among populations. The elevated Lp(a) level in pregnancy were recognized as a risk factor for thrombosis and/or pre-eclampsia, but the referent values for uneventful pregnancies are yet undefined. The objective of this study was to test the association of fasting Lp(a) levels, taken between 22nd and 26th week of gestation, with possible predisposing factors (older age, smoking status, physical inactivity, hypertension, gestational diabetes), pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, small/normal/large for gestational age) and newborns` anthropometric measures in 113 women (age range 19.8-41.7 yrs, mean 30.6±4.6 yrs) from the CRoatian Islands` Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS). In these women, with no history of chronic disease prior to pregnancy, Lp(a) leves varied largely, from 1.0 mg/dl to 127.3 mg/dl (median 13.1 mg/dl), but most of the women (88.5%) had Lp(a) 35 yrs), smoking statuts (both current and ex-smokers) and hypertension in predicting Lp(a)≥50 mg/dL (p=0.017, Cox & Snell R2=0.162, Nagelkerke R2=0.333). Nor logistic, neither linear regression models used for the estimation of adjusted associations between Lp(a) and birth weight, length and head circumference, all z- standardized according to WHO, showed significant associations. In the CRIBS sample, elevated Lp(a) levels were not found to be a predictive biomarker for the pregnancy outcome and neonatal size.

Physical activity during pregnancy is generally considered safe and beneficial for both the pregnant woman and her fetus. Focusing on modifiable risk factors such as eating habits and physical activity to achieve a healthy weight prior to conception could increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Numerous health benefits are associated with achieving optimal diet and physical activity behaviours during and after pregnancy. Understanding predictors of these behaviours is an important public health consideration. The overall aim was to investigate pregnant women’s physical activity and its associations with maternal lifestyle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes using the data from the CRIBS study (Croatian Islands’ Birth Cohort Study).

The ongoing CRoatian Islands Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS) is a national project and the first birth cohort study in the South-Eastern Europe designed to follow a representative sample of about 500 pregnant women and their children up to two years of age. The aim of the project is to assess the prevalence of risk factors (biological, environmental and behavioral) for the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in populations from Croatian Dalmatian islands (Hvar and Brač) and mainland population (city of Split with surroundings), the Mediterranean area with very high prevalence of the MetS. So far, over 300 pregnant women and 150 of their newborns have been involved in the study. Here we present the preliminary results of testing the association of maternal diet in pregnancy with newborns` anthropometric parameters (birth weight, length and head circumference) using the data from questionnaires and obstetric records. Initially we included 131 mother – newborn pairs from the population of Split (N=71) and islands of Brač and Hvar (N=60) in this report but, since nine newborns were preterm, further analyses were performed for the remaining 122 children whose mothers filled out two questionnaires. An excessive food frequency questionnaire was filled out during the second trimester (around 32nd week of gestation) and the data on the socioeconomic status (SES) (educational level, marital status and income), lifestyle characteristics (smoking and self-estimated physical activity) and reproductive health background were collected in a different questionnaire during the first trimester of pregnancy. Information on birth weight, length, head circumference and infant sex were taken from obstetric records. Statistical analysis included the factor analysis of 20 food items with a factor loading coefficient >0.20 from validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and the associations between the food items and the estimated factor scores were measured using Pearson`s correlations. We also conducted a multivariate linear regression analysis for each factor including mothers` characteristics (age, SES status – income and level of education, lifestyle characteristics - years of smoking) to assess independent associations. The estimated factor scores, age, level of physical activity, smoking and socioeconomic status were further used as independent variables in the logistic regression with the weight-at-birth, height-at-birth and head circumference-at- birth, for the lowest and the highest 15% of newborns as dependent variables. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 11.0. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant for all the analyses. Pregnant women were between the ages of 19.6 and 41.7 (mean age 30.54±4.37 years) and they gave birth to 69 girls and 53 boys. In comparison to newborn girls, newborn boys from the CRIBS study had significantly higher length-at-birth (51.28±1.75 cm vs. 50.48±1.77 cm, p

The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) on Eastern Adriatic islands is higher than in neighboring mainland area. The CRoatian Islands` Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS) is an ongoing 3-year-project with an aim to assess the prevalence of known risk factors for MetS. The CRIBS sample consists of pregnant women from Dalmatian islands Brač and Hvar and nearby coastal town Split and its surroundings, who had no history of chronic diseases (particularly MetS), who conceived naturally and had singleton pregnancies, and their newborns. We tested the association of possible predisposing factors for MetS (age, smoking, prepregnancy BMI, fasting blood biochemical parameters) and newborns` anthropometric measures. In this preliminary sample (n=131, age range 19.8-41.7 yrs, mean 30.6±4.6 yrs), 28.3% of women reported smoking in pregnancy and 22.2% reported being exposed to passive smoking. 17.9% of all the women were overweight and 4.7% were obese. In comparison to underweight women (

The aim of this preliminary study is to analyze genetic specificity of Kosovo Albanians comparing with neighboring populations using new genetic tool - MEDISCOPE gene chip, to investigate the feasibility of this approach. We collected 37 DNA samples (9 Croats, 17 Albanians from Croatia and 11 Albanians from Kosovo) from unrelated males born in Croatia and Kosovo. Additionally, samples were expanded with female individuals and mtDNA analysis included a total of 61 samples (15 Croats, 23 Albanians from Croatia and 23 Albanians from Kosovo). This pilot study suggests that the usage of the MEDISCOPE chip could be recognized as an efficient tool within recognition of the population genetic specificity even within extremely small sample size.