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A report from Zagreb, Croatia discusses the increasing visibility of non-binary individuals and the need for inclusive policies and practices in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The research suggests that traditional ART services, designed for binary genders, must adapt to address the unique fertility needs of non-binary patients. This includes using gender-neutral language, providing comprehensive fertility assessments, and offering hormone therapy and fertility preservation options. The research emphasizes the importance of positive societal attitudes, inclusive environments in schools, and supportive legislation to prevent discrimination and promote mental health. Ensuring the well-being of children in non-binary families requires psychological support, inclusive healthcare, legal recognition, social support, and comprehensive education. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Zagreb in Croatia have conducted a study on the influence of chirality on the self-assembly and biological activity of ferrocene-containing peptides. They found that changing the order of two amino acids in the dipeptide sequence altered the hydrogen bonding patterns and affected the antiproliferative activity of the peptides. The study highlights structural variations that could lead to increased biological activity in similar ferrocene-based bioconjugates. The research was supported by the Croatian Science Foundation and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Zagreb in Croatia focuses on occupant-centric control (OCC) systems in buildings. The study investigates occupant preferences in control systems, including control access, automation level preferences, interface design, and data sharing. The results show that 55.6% of occupants are willing to interact with OCC by sharing data, with key influences being attitudes, social norms, ease of use, and user trust. The study provides important insights for OCC designers and building control practitioners to prioritize occupant needs and preferences. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Zagreb, Croatia examined the auditory brainstem response (ABR) findings of preschool children with different types of speech and language pathology. The study included 123 children diagnosed with speech language pathology and normal hearing, including those with developmental language disorder, autism spectrum disorder, articulation pathology, organic brain lesions, cognitive delay, and speech development delay. The study found that children with comprehension problems had longer ABR latencies, with the longest latencies observed in children with organic lesions and autism spectrum disorder. The research suggests a connection between language pathology and ABR latencies. This study has been peer-reviewed and published in Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Rudjer Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, Croatia presents data on the use of radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeters (RPLDs) in measuring doses in therapeutic proton beams. The study evaluated the dose dependence, long-term fading, and response of two types of RPLDs (GD-352M and GD-302M) in different configurations. The results showed a linear dose response for both types of RPLDs, with negligible long-term fading. However, GD-352M exhibited an under-response compared to treatment planning system (TPS) doses, indicating the need for correction factors. The research concluded that both types of RPLDs showed a slight decrease in response with an increase in linear energy transfer (LET). [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Zagreb in Croatia explores the role of the behavioral inhibition system in pathogen-induced disgust and its potential connection to frontal hemispheric asymmetries. The study found that individuals with high behavioral inhibition showed larger shifts in frontal asymmetry while viewing pathogen-related disgust-inducing stimuli, indicating a more reactive behavioral immune system. The researchers suggest further research to determine if there is evidence of a calibrated response between one's immune status and neural reactivity to pathogen threats. This study has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Periodicum Biologorum. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Children's Hospital Zagreb in Croatia discusses the use of probiotics in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in children. The most common FGIDs in children include infantile colic, constipation, functional abdominal pain (FAP), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The research highlights the use of specific probiotics, such as Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, for the treatment of infantile colic in breastfed infants. Limited evidence also suggests the potential benefits of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for IBS and L. reuteri DSM 17938 for FAP. This research has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Children's Hospital Zagreb in Croatia investigated the effects of an exercise program on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep quality in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in remission. The study involved 42 pediatric IBD patients who participated in a 6-month home-based exercise program. The results showed that the exercise program led to a significant decrease in the prevalence of impaired sleep quality, but did not have a significant impact on HRQoL scores. This research suggests that exercise may improve sleep quality in children with IBD. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the Rudjer Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, Croatia, explores the sex-related differences in the oxidant and antioxidant profiles of murine kidney and brain, with a focus on the regulation of Sirt3. The study found significant sex- and organ-specific differences in response to Sirt3 loss, with kidneys being more affected than brain tissue. Female knockout mice showed lower levels of protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation in the kidneys, but a larger decrease in these parameters in the brain compared to males. The research highlights the importance of considering tissue-specific responses and sex-related variations in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function and redox homeostasis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Zagreb in Croatia examined the effects of ischemic stroke on grafted Thy1-yfp-16 positive cells in mouse brains. The researchers induced stroke in mice and transplanted neural stem cells into their brains. They found a significant difference in the presence of certain neurons and astrocytes between the stroke group and the control group. The study suggests that Thy1-yfp-16 cells may be useful for transplantation and cell tracing studies. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at University Hospital Dubrava in Zagreb, Croatia, explores the concept of sensitivity to different types of threats in relation to mental health. The study suggests that some individuals are more sensitive to objective and widely accepted threats, known as "hard threats," while others are more sensitive to subjective and unpredictable threats, known as "soft threats." The research proposes that individuals who are sensitive to soft threats may be more resilient to hard threats. The study draws on data from outpatient visits following the 2020 Zagreb earthquake to support these hypotheses. The research has been peer-reviewed and is available in the journal New Ideas in Psychology. [Extracted from the article]

A report from researchers at the University of Zagreb discusses the impact of metamorphosis on the concentrations of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors in caddisflies. The study found that adult caddisflies had the highest concentrations of these contaminants compared to larvae and pupae, indicating that metamorphosis plays a role in increasing the body burden of these compounds. The researchers emphasize the importance of including adult caddisflies in habitat quality assessments, as they can transport contaminants from aquatic to terrestrial environments. The study was funded by the Croatian Science Foundation and Unity through Knowledge Fund. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce in Zagreb, Croatia, aimed to evaluate the subjective transition outcomes of transgender and gender-diverse individuals based on their transition status. The study divided 70 participants into two groups: those who had completed mandatory psychiatric and psychological evaluations and those who had undergone gender-affirming medical treatment. The results showed that individuals who had undergone gender-affirming medical care reported better overall functioning compared to those who had only completed the evaluations. Both groups reported high levels of satisfaction with their decision. The study suggests that gender-affirming medical care is beneficial to the overall functioning of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Dubrava University Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, examined the impact of a care transfer model led by a hospital clinical pharmacist on reducing hospital readmissions in elderly patients. The study included 182 patients in the intervention group and 171 in the control group. The results showed that the intervention group had significantly lower rates of hospital readmissions compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that hospital clinical pharmacists should play a role in designing and coordinating the transfer of care between hospitals and primary care. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Zagreb in Croatia explored a novel biocatalytic route for the synthesis of a statin side chain precursor, which is used to lower blood cholesterol levels and combat cardiovascular disease. The researchers used an enzyme reaction engineering approach to determine the kinetics of the reactions involved in the cascade synthesis and optimize the process. Through simulations, they identified the best reactor mode and reaction conditions to achieve the highest yield of the desired product. This study provides valuable insights into the production of statins and offers an alternative synthesis route. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University Hospital Centre Zagreb in Croatia discusses the incidence and outcome of late acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in 2017. The study found that chronic GvHD occurred in 43% of adult transplant patients and 50.2% in the adult at-risk cohort. The use of certain prophylactic treatments was associated with a lower incidence of chronic GvHD. The research suggests that preventing severe forms of GvHD could improve survival and quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Croatia examined the variability in counting band neutrophils in the white blood cell differential among different laboratories. The study found that there was a high degree of inter-observer variability in enumerating band neutrophil counts, prompting the need for action on a national level. The study involved seven large Croatian hospital laboratories and revealed that the coefficient of variation for band neutrophil counts ranged from 15.4% to 62.4%. The study suggests that the current practice of including bands as a separate cell entity within the white blood cell differential should be reconsidered. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Zagreb in Croatia aimed to understand how teachers evaluate their own competences for inclusive teaching and the support they provide to learners with disabilities. The study involved 263 teachers from regular primary schools in central Croatia who completed a questionnaire. The results showed that teachers do not consider themselves competent for inclusive teaching, but they do support learners with disabilities. The study suggests a need for teachers' ongoing education in inclusive teaching, especially in unusual circumstances like a pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of teachers' professional development and acquisition of new competences. The researchers recommend reforming education processes to promote the complete development of every learner, as outlined in the National Strategy of Development until 2030. The study was published in the Croatian Journal of Education and was peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University Hospital Sveti Duh in Zagreb, Croatia, examined the differences in lupus anticoagulant mixing tests depending on the mixing media used. The researchers prepared four types of mixing media and analyzed 45 plasma samples. The results showed that the median values of mixing studies with commercial lyophilized normal pool plasma (NPP), commercial internal quality control (IQC), and a patient did not differ significantly. However, the median value of a mixing study with home-made NPP was significantly higher. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended the use of commercial lyophilized NPP for future lupus anticoagulant mixing studies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, investigated the potential use of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) as a marker for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The study found no significant difference in uNGAL concentration or uNGAL/creatinine levels between T1DM patients and healthy subjects, or between T1DM subjects with different levels of albuminuria. Therefore, the researchers concluded that uNGAL should not be recommended as a single marker for detecting DKD in this population. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Zagreb in Croatia discusses the management of end-stage carcinoid heart disease, a rare complication of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). GEP-NENs are often diagnosed in advanced stages, making curative treatment difficult. Cardiovascular complications, such as tricuspid and pulmonary valve disease, are the leading cause of death in these patients. The report presents a case study of a 35-year-old patient with extensive liver metastases and right-sided heart failure. The study emphasizes the importance of early detection and monitoring of carcinoid heart disease and tumor burden to improve patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Zagreb explores the potential for therapeutic reading by integrating literature with psychology. The study focuses on the use of emotional conceptual metaphors as a means of communication between the two systems. The researchers suggest that these metaphors could serve as a medium for translating emotions between literature and psychology. For more information, the study can be found in the journal Primerjalna književnost. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Zagreb in Croatia explores the effectiveness of epidurolysis in treating low back pain. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects many adults worldwide. The study suggests that if conservative treatments fail to provide relief, minimally invasive interventions such as epidural steroid injections or percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis can be considered. Epidural lysis of adhesions (LOA) is identified as an important element in the treatment of refractory low back pain. The study provides evidence-based insights into this treatment approach. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Croatia explored the relationship between work ability and depressive and anxiety symptoms in employed women with breast cancer. The study found that work ability was negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. The researchers also discovered that baseline depressive and anxiety symptoms affected work ability not only through persisting symptoms but also through physical symptoms. The study suggests that efforts to improve psychological health may lead to improvements in both psychological and physical health, as well as work ability. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from researchers at Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb, Croatia discusses the use of minimally-invasive pain management techniques in cancer pain. The research suggests that invasive procedures can be a safe and effective option for cancer pain therapy, particularly for patients who do not respond well to opioids or experience significant side effects. The report highlights various interventional techniques, such as celiac plexus block and hypogastric neurolytic block, which have shown effectiveness in treating specific types of cancer pain. Additionally, intrathecal and epidural analgesia are mentioned as promising options for long-term pain management in home settings. Overall, the research emphasizes the importance of integrating invasive procedures with opioid therapy as part of a multimodal approach to cancer pain treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from investigators at the School of Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia discusses evidence-based strategies for multimodal postoperative pain management. The report emphasizes the importance of effectively treating postoperative pain, as poorly controlled pain can lead to serious complications and prolonged hospital stays. The authors highlight the value of procedure-specific postoperative pain management guidelines, which consider patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and the balance between analgesic efficacy and adverse events. The report also explores preventive and multimodal strategies for acute pain therapy, pharmacotherapy of multimodal analgesia, and local and regional techniques for specific surgical procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Zagreb in Croatia compared the effectiveness of artificial neural network (ANN) analysis and traditional statistical analysis in the splenectomy-middle carotid artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. The study found that ANN analysis, which uses advanced statistical methods, was able to accurately predict the effects of splenectomy in reducing brain infarct size in the MCAO model. This suggests that ANN analysis could potentially reduce the need for large animal sample sizes in experimental biomedical research. The study was supported by various organizations, including the European Union and the Croatian Science Foundation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb in Croatia explored the role of troponin I as an indicator of cardiac damage in children. The study involved 70 children under 24 months of age who underwent ventricular septal defect repair or partial cavopulmonary anastomosis. The researchers found that while serum troponin I levels showed expected elevations and subsequent decreases, troponin I could not be detected in most urine samples. The study suggests that factors such as the isoelectric point of troponin I, urinary concentrations of salts and urea, variations in urine acidity, and low protein concentration in urine may contribute to the inability to detect troponin I in urine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Zagreb, Croatia discusses the rare condition known as mirror syndrome or Ballantyne syndrome. Mirror syndrome is characterized by maternal edema, which mirrors the edema seen in the fetus and placenta. The report presents a case study of a 37-year-old pregnant woman with fetal dilatative restrictive cardiomyopathy and hydrops, who developed mirror syndrome and experienced complications during labor. Genetic testing revealed two gene variants of uncertain significance. The study emphasizes the importance of antenatal counseling, appropriate management of complications, and understanding the clinical significance of gene variants. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Children's Hospital Zagreb in Croatia discusses the use of parenteral iron therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). While oral iron is the preferred first-line therapy, some children may not respond due to various reasons. The report highlights the limited but promising evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron formulations in pediatric patients. The author emphasizes the need to consider parenteral iron therapy for children who do not respond to oral therapy. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Zagreb in Croatia explores the use of Google Trends data as a tool for measuring collective behavior and constructing leading indicators in the social sciences. The researchers provide a step-by-step guide for constructing Google Trends indicators, comparing different estimation strategies and evaluating the significance of data transformations. They also present a case study on US retail trade to demonstrate the utility of their methodological framework. The research concludes by offering a detailed and user-friendly R code for replicating the analysis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Zagreb, Croatia, presents the methodology of the Total Diet Study (TDS-Zagreb), which aims to estimate dietary exposure to pesticide residues in male adolescents. The study extracted a list of core foods from the European Food Safety Authority's Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database and modified it using data from the Slovenian food consumption survey. The study found that the types of consumed foods did not differ significantly between Croatian adults and Slovenian adolescents, and specific foods with low intake but expected to contribute to pesticide exposure were added to the list. This study is the first of its kind in southeastern European countries, including Croatia. [Extracted from the article]