Search

Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate scientific literature on socio-economic inequalities and investigate the focus of such scientific research regarding the health outcomes in the Balkan countries. Materials and methods: A detailed systematic search was performed to summarize published data related to the socioeconomic inequalities in various health-related variables in Balkan geographic area, using different databases. Period between 1995 and 2017 was included. Results: A total of 66 studies were included in this systematic review, with a total of 161 combinations of examined health outcomes and socioeconomic determinants. The results from the two divided time-periods, 1990-2009 vs. 2010-2017, show that the majority of total published papers (out of 14 papers) from the first period were by Croatian scientists (42.8%), followed by Bulgarian (21.4%), and Serbian (14.3%) scientists. In the second period, more papers were published, a total of 52 papers. The countries with most published papers in this later period were Serbia (21.1%), Croatia (19.3%), Slovenia (15.4%), Bulgaria (11.5%) and Romania (11.5%). Among the papers published in the Balkans region during the 1995-2017 period, the results show that in 40% of the studies education was used as the socioeconomic determinant, followed by wealth index (17%) and employment (16%). The most commonly investigated health outcomes were obesity (13%), followed by smoking (7%), hypertension (7%), mental health (6%), cancer (6%) and diabetes (7%). Conclusion: Socioeconomic status has recently gained more attention from scientists from the Balkan countries, compared to the previous period. Health outcomes which were investigated in relation to the socioeconomic status are those with greatest burden of diseases. Cilj istraživanja: Svrha ove studije bila je sustavno procijeniti znanstvenu literaturu o socioekonomskim nejednakostima i istražiti fokus takvih znanstvenih istraživanja o zdravlju u balkanskim zemljama. Materijali i metode: Detaljno sustavno pretraživanje literature provedeno je sažimanjem objavljenih podataka vezanim uz socioekonomske nejednakosti kao odrednica različitih zdravstvenih ishoda na balkanskom geografskom području, koristeći različite znanstvene baze podataka. Promatrano razdoblje bilo je od 1995. godine do 2017. godine. Rezultati: U ovom sustavnom pregledu uključeno je ukupno 66 studija, s ukupno 161 kombinacijom ispitanih zdravstvenih ishoda i socioekonomskih determinanti. Rezultati dvaju vremenskih razdoblja, ranijeg 1990.-2009. nasuprot kasnijem 2010-2017. godine, pokazuju kako su znanstvenici iz Hrvatske objavili najveći broj radova (42,8%), a slijedili su ih bugarski (21,4%) i srpski (14,3%) znanstvenici. U drugom razdoblju objavljeno znatno više radova, njih ukupno 52. Zemlje s najviše objavljenih radova u ovom kasnijem razdoblju bile su Srbija (21,1%), Hrvatska (19,3%), Slovenija (15,4%), Bugarska (11,5%) i Rumunjska (11,5%). Među radovima objavljenim na području Balkana tijekom razdoblja od 1995. do 2017. godine, rezultati pokazuju da je u 40% studija korišteno obrazovanje kao socioekonomska determinanta, a slijedi indeks bogatstva (17%) i zaposlenje (16 %). Najčešće istraženi zdravstveni ishodi bili su pretilost (13%), zatim pušenje (7%), hipertenzija (7%), mentalno zdravlje (6%), tumori (6%) i dijabetes (7%). Zaključak: Znanstvenici iz balkanskih zemalja u novije vrijeme više pozornosti posvećuju socioekonomskom statusu, u usporedbi s ranijim razdobljem. Zdravstveni ishodi koji su istraživani u odnosu na socioekonomski status su oni koji imaju najveće opterećenje bolesti.

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati povezanost između količine i vrste konzumiranih alkoholnih pića na prisutnost hipertenzije u odraslih ispitanika s otoka Korčule. Ispitanici i metode: Presječno istraživanje provedeno je u okviru projekta „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“(HRZZ 8875). Uzorkovanje je bilo prigodno, ispitanici su pozvani na sudjelovanje u istraživanju preko svojih liječnika ili medija. Konačni uzorak ispitanika činilo je 1752 stanovnika s otoka Korčule. Prikupljanje podataka provedeno je korištenjem upitnika i provođenjem mjerenja tlaka i antropometrije. Upitnik je sadržavao pitanja o socio-demografskim podacima, povijesti bolesti i životnim navikama. U svrhu procjene konzumacije alkoholnih pića ispitanici su odgovorili o uobičajenoj količini konzumiranih pića tijekom prosječnog tjedna, odvojeno za crno vino, bevandu od crnog vina, bijelo vino, bevandu od bijelog vina, pivo i žestoka pića. Za testiranje razlike između skupina ispitanika korišteni su hi-kvadrat test i Mann-Whitney U test. Dodatno je korištena multivarijatna logistička regresija, kako bi se identificirali čimbenici koji su povezani s prisutnošću hipertenzije. Statistički značajnim rezultatima smatrali su se oni s P, Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the association between the amount and type of consumed alcoholic beverages and the presence of arterial hypertension (AH). Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted within the project "Pleitropy, genetic networks and pathways in isolated human populations: 10,001 Dalmatians“ (HRZZ 8875). Non-probability sampling approach was used, and subjects were invited by their physicians or trough media to participate in the study. Final sample was comprised of 1,752 volunteers from the Island of Korčula. Data were obtained using questionnaires and anthropometry and blood pressure were measured. Questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic section, disease history and lifestyle habits. In order to estimate consumption of alcoholic beverages, participants responded about the amount of their usual weekly consumption, separately for red vine, red vine mixed with water, white vine, white vine mixed with water, beer and liquor. For determining differences among groups of participants, we used chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U tests. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression was used for identifying factors associated with hypertension. The level of significance was set at P

Cilj: Cilj rada je bio procijeniti pojavnost i specifične epidemiološke značajke raka vrata maternice stanovnica Zadarske županije od 2007. do 2016. godine te moguće razlike u odnosu na druge županije Hrvatske. Materijal i metode: Izvor podataka za bolesnice su bili agregirani podatci Zdravstveno-statističkih ljetopisa Zadarske i Istarske županije, Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo i Registra za rak. Državni zavod za statistiku je bio izvor podataka o stanovništvu. Standardizirane stope su izračunate na Europsko standardno stanovništvo 2013. godine (ESP 2013). Rezultati: U Zadarskoj županiji (ZŽ) u razdoblju od 2007. do 2016. god. od raka vrata maternice (RVM) ukupno je bilo 537 bolesnica. Prosječna godišnja stopa pobola, koja predstavlja približnu vrijednost stope prevalencije RVM za ZŽ istog razdoblja je 62,17/100 000. Novooboljelih od RVM u ZŽ u razdoblju od 2007. do 2014. godine je bilo ukupno 99. Prosječno godišnje je 12 novooboljelih. Prosječna godišnja dobno standardizirana stopa novooboljelih je 14,48/100 000. Počevši od dobne skupine 25-29 godina u svim petogodišnjim dobnim razredima do dobi 85 i više godina života registrirane su novooboljele od RVM. Dobno najmlađe novooboljele bile su u dobnom razredu od 25 do 29 godina. Najstarija novooboljela je bila dobi 85 i više godina. Najveći broj i najveće dobno-specifične stope incidencije su bili u kasnijoj fertilnoj dobi 40-49 godina, s 33 novooboljele, što čini 1/3 svih novooboljelih. Ukupno je od RVM 31 umrla u ZŽ u razdoblju od 2007.do 2016.godine. Prosječno godišnje su 3 umrle. Prosječna godišnja gruba stopa smrtnosti od RVM za ZŽ je iznosila 3,60/100 000. Najveći broj umrlih u jednoj godini je bio 5 umrlih (2009. i 2015.). Ni jedan smrtni ishod nije bio u 2016. godini. Ni jedne smrti od RVM nije bilo do 34 godine života. Najmlađa dob umrlih žena od RVM bila je u srednjoj fertilnoj dobi u dobnom razredu 35-39 godina, 2 umrle. Prema dobi najveći broj smrti je 5 umrlih u dobnom razredu 40-44 godine. Ukupno u fertilnoj dobi 15-49 godina je bilo 10 umrlih, a u poslijefertilnoj 50-64 godine 11 umrlih. U dobi ≥65 godina bilo je 10 umrlih. Od ukupno 31 umrle, 2/3 umrlih (21) pripadaju kategoriji prijevremenih smrti dobi prije 65 godina života. Najveća gruba dobno-specifična stopa smrtnosti je bila u dobnom razredu 80-84 godine (11,15/100 000). Slijedi dobni razred 40-45 godina (9,25/100 000). Najmanja gruba dobno-specifična stopa smrtnosti je bila za dobni razred 35-39 godina (3,65/100 000). Zaključak: Rezultati ovog rada su pokazali da u ZŽ u razdoblju od 2007. do 2016. godine najveći broj i najveće dobno-specifične stope incidencije RVM su bili u kasnijoj fertilnoj dobi 40-49 godina. U istom razdoblju ukupno je umrla 31 stanovnica ZŽ od RVM, koje po standardima suvremene zdravstvene zaštite razvijenih zemalja nisu smjele umrijeti., Aim: The aim of the work was to evaluate the appearance and specific epidemiological features of cervix cancer of the Zadar County population from 2007 to 2016 and the possible differences with reference to other counties in Croatia. Material and methods: The patient source of data were aggregated data from the Health-Statistics Chronicles of Zadar and Istria counties, Croatian Health Care Institute and Cancer Register. The Statistics State Institute was the source of data on the population. Standardized rates were calculated according to the 2013 European Standard for Population (ESP 2013). Results: In the period from 2007 to 2016 Zadar County had a total of 537 cervix cancer patients. The median annual morbidity rate, which represented an approximate value of cervix cancer prevalence rate for Zadar County during the same period, was 62.17/100,000. New cases of cervix cancer in ZC from 2007 to 2014 amounted to a total of 99. The annual average is 12 new cases. The average annual age standardizes rate of new cases is 14.48/100,000. Starting from the age group 25-29 years in all the five-year-period up to the group of 85 years of age and more, new cases of cervix cancer have been registered. The youngest age of new cases was from 25 to 29 years, and the oldest was of 85 years and more. The highest number and the highest age-specific incidence rate were in the later fertile age from 40 to 49 years with 33 new cases which made up 1/3 of all new cases. A total of 31 patients died of cervix cancer in ZC in the 2007-2016 period. An average of 3 patients died each year. The rough average mortality rate of cervix cancer in ZC was 3.60/100,000. The highest number of deaths in one year was 5 deaths (years 2009 and 2015). There was no mortality result in year 2016. None of the cervix cancer deaths were under the age of 34. The youngest cervix cancer death was in the average fertile age, the age group of 35-39 years, with 2 deaths. The highest number of deaths according to age was 5 deaths in the age group of 40-44 years. In the fertile period of 15-49 years of age, there were 10 deaths, while in the post-fertile period of 50-64 years of age there were 11 deaths. In the age ≥65 there were 10 deaths. 2/3 (21) of the 31 deceased belong to the category of early death age prior to 65 years of age. The highest rough age-specific mortality rate was in the age group of 80-84 years (11.15/100,000). The 40-45 years of age group followed (9.25/100,000). The lowest rough age-specific mortality rate was in the age group of 35-39 years (3.65/100,000). Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that in ZC, during the period from 2007 to 2016, the highest number and highest age-specific rate incidence of cervix cancer was in the late fertile age of 40-49 years. In that same period, a total of 31 ZC inhabitants died of cervix cancer, which, according to contemporary health protection standards in developed countries, should not have died.

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi postoji li povezanost između mentalnog distresa i rizika za opstrukcijsku apneju tijekom spavanja u populaciji grada Splita i otoka Korčule, te utvrditi povezanost preostalih čimbenika rizika (dnevne pospanosti i trajanja spavanja) s mentalnim zdravljem. Materijali i metode: Presječno istraživanje, provedeno u okviru projekta „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“ (HRZZ 8875), obuhvatilo je 3653 ispitanika grada Splita i otoka Korčule. Upitnicima smo prikupili podatke o navikama spavanja, navikama ponašanja, riziku za opstruktivnu apneju u spavanju, procijenili mentalno zdravlje, anamnezom ispitali ranije dijagnosticirane kronične bolesti, a različitim metodama mjerenja prikupili smo podatke o antropometrijskim obilježjima i vrijednostima krvnog tlaka. U statističkoj analizi podataka korišteni su hi-kvadrat test, Mann-Whitney-jev test i Kruskal-Wallis-ov test, dok je za korelaciju korišten Spearaman-ov test rang korelacije. Multivarijatna analiza podataka za identifikaciju čimbenika povezanih s prisutnošću mentalnog distresa provedena je korištenjem logističke regresije. Rezultati: U istraživanju je sudjelovalo ukupno 3653 ispitanika, a mentalni distres bio je prisutan u 818 (22,4%) ispitanika, od kojih je 70,9% bilo žena. Najveći broj ispitanika s prisutnim mentalnim distresom bio je iz područja Blata i Smokvice (417 ispitanika). Ti ispitanici imali su najveću prevalenciju pušača (29,9%), najučestaliju prekomjernu pospanost (4,2%) te anamnestički najveći broj (tri i više) kroničnih bolesti (9,0%). Ispitanici koji su imali tri i više kroničnih bolesti imali su 2,37 puta veću vjerojatnost za prisutnost mentalnog distresa u odnosu na ispitanike bez kroničnih bolesti (OR=2,37; 95% CI 1,67-3,36; P, Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a relation between increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea and mental health in the population of the Korcula island and the city of Split, and in addition to examine connection between risk factors (daily sleepiness and sleep duration) and mental health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, conducted in the framework of the project "Pleiotropy, gene networks and pathways in isolated human populations: 10 001 Dalmatians" (HRZZ 8875), included 3,653 respondents from the island of Korcula and the city of Split. We collected data with questionnaires of sleep habits, behavioral habits, risk of obstructive sleep apnea, mental health assessments, history of early diagnosed chronic illnesses. Using various measurement methods we collected data on anthropometric characteristics and blood pressure values. Multivariate data analysis for identification of factors associated with the presence of mental distress was carried out using logistic regression. Results: A total of 3653 respondents participated in the study, and the mental distress was present in 818 (22.4%) respondents and 70.9% were women. The largest number of respondents with the present mental distress was from the area of Blato and Smokvica (417 respondents). These respondents had the highest prevalence of smokers (29.9%), most frequent excessively sleepiness (4.2%) and anamnestically largest (three and more) chronic diseases (9.0%). Respondents who had three or more chronic diseases had a 2.37 times greater probability for the presence of mental distress compared to subjects without chronic diseases (OR = 2.37; 95% CI 1.67-3.36; P

Objectives: To assess the association between the ability to identify odors and anthropometric characteristics, as well as dietary preferences and diet composition in a large population-based sample. Materials and Methods: Examinees from the city of Split, and two settlements on the Island of Korcula (Smokvica and Blato) were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric indices included in the analyses were BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, brachial width and neck circumference. Dietary preferences were assessed for bacon, pork chops, broccoli, ice cream, milk chocolate, cakes, sweet foods, salty foods, bitter foods, spicy foods, vegetables and fruit on a Likert scale. Mediterranean dietary score was calculated to obtain the overall dietary pattern. The statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA test, Spearman Rank correlation test, and finally, a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, where the outcome was a BMI≥30 kg/m2, and covariates included age, gender, education, material status, chronic diseases, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, Mediterranean diet score and odor identification ability. Results: There was a negative correlation between the ability of correct odour identification and age (Rho=-0.377, P, Ciljevi: Utvrditi postoji li povezanost između sposobnosti prepoznavanja mirisa i antropometrijskih obilježja, kao i prehrambenih preferencija i sastava prehrane u velikom uzorku iz opće populacije. Materijali i metode: U ovo presječno istraživanje uključeni su ispitanici iz grada Splita te dva naselja na otoku Korčuli (Smokvica i Blato). Antropometrijska obilježja uključivala su indeks tjelesne mase (ITM), opseg struka, omjer opsega struka i kukova, širina lakta i opseg vrata. Prehrambene preferencije su procijenjene za slaninu, svinjetinu, brokule, sladoled, mliječnu čokoladu, kolače, slatku hranu, slanu hranu, goru hranu, začinjenu hranu, povrće i voće koristeći Likertovu ljestvici. Indeks mediteranske prehrane izračunat je kako bi se dobio opći obrazac prehrane. Statistička analiza provedena je korištenjem hi-kvadrat testa, Kruskal-Wallisov testa, ANOVA testa, Spearman Rank korelacijskog testa i binarne logističke regresije, gdje je ishod bio BMI ≥30 kg/m2, a kovarijate su uključivale dob, spol, obrazovanje, materijalni status, kronične bolesti, pušenje, unos alkohola, tjelesnu aktivnost, mediteransku prehranu i sposobnost identifikacije mirisa. Rezultati: Pronađena je negativna korelacija između sposobnosti točne identifikacije mirisa i dobi (R =-0,377; P

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi učestalost različitih oblika preventivnog ponašanja i preventivnih pregleda u populaciji Korčule i grada Splita te utvrditi čimbenike koji su povezani s korištenjem preventivnih pregleda. Materijali i metode: Presječnim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 1156 stanovnika iz grada Splita i s otoka Korčule (Blato i Vela Luka). Istraživanje je provedeno u okviru projekta Hrvatske zaklade za znanost pod nazivom „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“. Podaci su prikupljeni korištenjem anketnog upitnika koji se sastojao od demografskih podataka (dob, spol), socioekonomskih pokazatelja (obrazovanje i materijalni status), antropometrijskih obilježja, vrijednosti izmjerenog krvnog tlaka, anamnestičkih podataka o postojećim kroničnim bolestima te navikama. U analizi podataka korišten je hi-kvadrat test, Mann-Whitney test i multivarijatna logistička regresija. Rezultati: Rezultati pokazuju kako su ispitanici iz Splita statistički značajno češće u zadnje 2 godine išli na pregled stomatologa (65,5% Korčula 73,0% Split; P=0,030), kontrolirali krvni tlak (66,7% Korčula, 75,7% Split; P=0,009), kontrolirali GUK (49,1% Korčula, 64,3% Split; P, Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of various forms of preventive behaviors and preventive examinations in the population of Korčula and the City of Split and to identify the factors associated with the use of preventive examinations. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1156 examinees from Korčula island (Blato and Vela Luka), and the City of Split. The study was performed as a part of the project named „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“. The data were collected using a questionnaire that consisted of demographic questions (age, sex), socioeconomic indicators (education and material status), anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure measurements, anamnestic data on existing chronic diseases and habits. The data were analysed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and multivariant logistic regression. Results: The results indicated that examinees from Split had statistically significantly more frequent dential check-up in the last 2 years (65.5% Korcula vs. 73.0% Split, P=0.030), controled their blood pressure (66.7% Korcula vs. 75.7% Split, P=0.009), controlled their blood glucose (49.1% Korcula vs. 64.3% Split, P

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati povezanost između prehrambenih navika, posebice mediteranskog načina prehrane i elastičnosti arterijske stjenke, procijenjene pomoću brzine pulsnog vala u populaciji grada Splita i otoka Korčule i Visa te uz to utvrditi i povezanost drugih osobina s elastičnošću arterijske stjenke, posebice dobi, spola, antropometrijskih obilježja, obrazovanja, pušenja duhana, tjelesne aktivnosti, prisutnosti kroničnih nezaraznih bolesti i odabranih biokemijskih parametara. Materijali i metode: Presječnim analitičkim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 2.894 odraslih ispitanika, a u analizu je uključeno njih 320 (13,8%) s otoka Visa, 1540 (66,5%) s otoka Korčule te 457 ispitanika (19,7%) iz grada Splita (577 ispitanika je isključeno iz analize zbog nepotpunih podatka). Uzorkovanje je provedeno u razdoblju od prosinca 2011. godine do ožujka 2014. Ispitanici su dali uzorak krvi na tašte za biokemijske pretrage. Mjerenje brzine pulsnog vala provedeno je u ležećem položaju, natašte, korištenjem metode aplanacijske tonometrije, pomoću uređaja SphygmoCor (SphygmoCor v8, AtCor, Sydney, Australia). Podaci o prehrambenim i drugim životnim navikama te socioekonomski podaci i podaci o zdravstvenom statusu prikupljeni su pomoću upitnika. Za procjenu načina prehrane koji se smatra tradicionalnom mediteranskom prehranom korišten je MDSS zbroj (engl. Mediterranean Diet Serving Score) (69). U analizi podataka korišten je χ2 test, Fisherov egzaktni test, annWhitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test i multivarijatna logistička regresija. U modelu logističke regresije testirano je postoji li povezanost između mediteranskog načina prehrane i smanjene elastičnosti aortne stijenke (PWV≥10 m/s), pri čemu su u model uključene sljedeće varijable (čimbenici zabune): spol, dob, ITM, opseg trbuha, prisutnost kroničnih bolesti, sistolički i dijastolički tlak, koncentracija glukoze, kolesterola, HDL kolesterola, LDL kolesterola, triglicerida i fibrinogena, obrazovanje, pušenje i tjelesna aktivnost. Razina statističke značajnosti postavljena je na P, Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary habits, especially the Mediterranean diet and arterial stiffness assessed by puls wave velocity (PWV) in the population of the city of Split and of the islands of Korčula and Vis. Additionaly, we examined the association between arterial stiffness and other characteristics, namely age, gender, anthropometric characteristics, education, tobacco smoking, physical activity, presence of chronic diseases and selected biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross–sectional analytical study included 2,894 adult participants, and the analyses included 320 participants (13,8%) from the island of Vis, 1540 (66,5%) from the island of Korčula and 457 (19,7%) participantsfrom the city of Split (577 participantswere excluded from the analysis because of the incomplete data). Sampling was conducted in the period from December 2011 to March 2014. The respondents gave a fasting blood sample for biochemical tests. PWV measurement was done lying down, after overnight fasting, using applanation tonometry technique (SphygmoCor v8, AtCor, Sydney, Australia). Data on dietary and other lifestyle factors, socio-economic data and information on health status were collected by questionnaire. Mediterranean Diet Serving Score was used to determine Mediterranean Diet adherence (69). Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, MannWhitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis's test and multivare logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. Logistic regression model was used to assess the association between poor Mediterranean Diet adherence and increased aortic PWV (PWV ≥10 m/s), and the model included following confounding factors: gender, age, BMI, abdominal circumference, presence of chronic disease, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, HDL cholestreol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride and fibrinogen, education attainament, smoking and physical acitivity. Significance level was set at P

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati postoji li povezanost između pridržavanja obrasca mediteranske prehrane i koncentracije fibrinogena u plazmi te uz to ispitati u kolikoj se mjeri stanovnici Korčule pridržavaju tradicionalne mediteranske prehrane. Materijali i metode: Presječnim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 1647 stanovnika s područja otoka Korčule. Istraživanje je provedeno u okviru projekta „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“. Ispitanicima su izmjereni krvni tlak i antropometrijski pokazatelji, ispunili su niz upitnika o zdravlju i bolestima, načinu života i prehrambenim navikama te su provedene biokemijske analize, uključujući određivanje koncentracije lipida, glukoze i fibrinogena.. Rezultati: Koncentracija fibrinogena povećava s dobi i žene u većem postotku imaju povišene vrijednosti fibrinogena u odnosu na muškarce. Najviše prosječne vrijednosti indeksa tjelesne mase , kao i opseg struka i kukova , zabilježeni su u ispitanika kojima je koncentracija fibrinogena bila iznad 4,0 g/L. Sistolički je tlak bio je statistički značajno povezan s koncentracijom fibrinogena (P=0,001). U skupinama koje imaju normalne vrijednosti fibrinogena u plazmi (1,5-4,0 g/L), prosječna vrijednost sistoličkog tlaka iznosila je 130 mmHg, dok je u skupini ispitanika s fibrinogenom iznad 4,0 g/L prosječna vrijednost bila za 5 mmHg viša. Prosječna vrijednost dijastoličkog tlaka, s druge strane, u sve 3 skupine plazmatskih koncentracija fibrinogena iznosila 80 mmHg, ali je razdioba između skupina bila različita, što je uvjetovalo statistički značajnu razliku (P=0,009). Indeks mediteranske prehrane ≥14 bodova, koji bi ukazivao na dobro pridržavanje obrasca mediteranske prehrane, bio je prisutan u vrlo malom postotku ispitanika, njih samo 18%. U modelu logističke regresije indeks mediteranske prehrane nije bio značajno povezan s povišenom vrijednošću fibrinogena (OR=0,965; 95% CI 0,905-1,029), a čimbenici koji su bili povezani s povišenim vrijednostima koncentracije fibrinogena su spol i prisutnost kroničnih bolesti. Tako su muškarci imali za 55% manju vjerojatnost za povišenu koncentraciju fibrinogena u odnosu prema ženama (OR=0,450; 95% CI 0,248-0,819), a ispitanici koji su imali jednu ili dvije kronične bolesti imali su 2,3 puta veću vjerojatnost za povišenu koncentraciju fibrinogena u odnosu na ispitanike bez kronične bolesti (OR=2,338; 95% CI 1,365–4,007). Zaključak: Potrebni su dodatni napori u promoviranju mediteranske prehrane kao jednog od načina zdravog života, a ne samo kao terapijske mogućnosti kod već oboljelih osoba. Unatoč poimanju kako se stanovnici hrvatskih otoka i priobalja hrane prema principima mediteranske prehrane, u ovom istraživanju dobiveni su rezultati koji ukazuju na upravo suprotno., Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a relation between the Mediterranean diet and concentration of fibrinogen in the population of Korčula island, and in addition to examine how the inhabitants of the areas are sticking to the traditional Mediterranean diet. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 1647 patients from Korčula island. The study was performed as a part of the project named „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“. Respondents were invited to join the research through their family physicians and the media (posters in public places, radio and local newspaper). After the joining the study, respondents were taken the fasting blood picture to make all of the blood tests. A remaining blood was frozen to -80 degrees to ensure its stability for the future tests. The respondents also filled out a questionnaire which was consisted of several large sections: demographic data (age, gender, socioeconomic status), history of illnes, eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, questionnaire about sleeping habits and general health questionnaire. History of illness included the questions about presence of chronic diseases that have been diagnosed by a physician. Chronic diseases we took notes about were: hypertension, coronary heart disease, brain stroke, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, carcinoma, diabetes and gout. Results: With our study we confirmed that the concentration of fibrinogen increases with age. The group of respondents with high level of fibrinogen (4,0g/L and the lowest BMI (kg/m²), waist and hips circumference (cm) were in the group of respondents with the level of fibrinogen 4,0 g/L) average value of systolic pressure was 5 mmHg higher. The average value of diastolic pressure was in all of the three groups 80 mmHg,but the distribution between the groups was different and that made the information statistically significant (P=0,009). The index of Mediterranean diet ≥ 14, which would be suggestive that people really eat all components of the Mediterranean diet, was found only in 292 of total 1647 of the respondents. Conclusion: Further efforts are needed to promote the Mediterranean diet as one of the ways of healthy life , not only as therapeutic options for people that are already diagnosed with a chronic disease. Despite the perception of how people on the Croatian islands and coastal areas are maintaing their diet according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, in this study were obtained results that indicate just the opposite.

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati postoji li povezanost između mediteranske prehrane i učestalosti dijabetesa tipa 2 u populaciji grada Splita i otoka Korčule te uz to ispitati koliko se stanovnici istraživanih područja pridržavaju tradicionalne mediteranske prehrane. Materijali i metode: Presječnim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 2.153 ispitanika koji su podijeljeni u 3 skupine s obzirom na područje u kojemu je provedeno istraživanje. Prva skupina dolazi iz grada Splita gdje je uzorkovanje provedeno tijekom svibnja 2013. godine (n=246). Druga skupina dolazi s otoka Korčule, gdje se uzorkovanje provodilo od travnja do prosinca 2012. godine (naselje Smokvica; n=958) te treća skupina uzorkovana od rujna 2013. do veljače 2014. godine u Blatu na Korčuli (n=981). Prikupljanje podataka provedeno je u okviru projekta „10.001 Dalmatinac – Hrvatska Biobanka“ (MZOŠ 216-1080315-0302). Ispitanici su s obzirom na svoje zdravstveno stanje bili podijeljeni u 3 skupine: prva skupina uključivala je sve ispitanike bez obzira na dijagnozu dijabetesa tipa 2 i kronične bolesti, drugu skupinu činili su ispitanici bez kroničnih bolesti, ali s ranije dijagnosticiranim dijabetesom i treća skupina su bili zdravi ispitanici (bez dijagnosticirane kronične bolesti i dijabetesa tipa 2). U analizu su uključeni dob, spol, mjesto gdje ispitanici žive, razina obrazovanja, i ponašajni čimbenici rizika: pušenje, način prehrane i tjelesna aktivnost. Za procjenu načina prehrane koji se smatra tradicionalnom mediteranskom prehranom korišten je MDSS zbroj (engl. Mediterranean Diet Serving Score) (8). U analizi podataka korišten je χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test i Spearmanov test rang korelacije. Razina statističke značajnosti postavljena je na P, Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a link between the Mediterranean diet and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the population of the city of Split and Korčula, and in addition to examine how the inhabitants of the areas are sticking to the traditional Mediterranean diet. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 2,153 patients who were divided into 3 groups according to the area where the research was conducted. The first group comes from the city of Split, where the sampling conducted during May 2013 (n = 246). Another group comes from the island of Korčula, where sampling was conducted from April to December 2012 (Smokvica; n = 958) and the third group sampled from September 2013 to February 2014 in the town of Blato (n = 981). Respondents were then, given their state of health, divided into 3 groups: the first group included all respondents, regardless of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and chronic diseases, the second group were patients with no chronic diseases, but were previously diagnosed diabetes and a third group were healthy subjects (with no diagnosed chronic disease and type 2 diabetes). The analysis included age, gender, their residency, level of education, and behavioral risk factors: smoking, diet and physical activity. For the assessment of diet that is considered a traditional Mediterranean diet was used MDSS sum (Eng. Serving Mediterranean Diet Score) (8). In analyzing the data, the χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman rank correlation were used. The level of significance was set at P

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja je utvrditi povezanost između prosječnog trajanja spavanja i pojedinih kliničkih fenotipova s obzirom na ITM i metabolički status (metabolički zdravi normalne tjelesne mase, metabolički zdravi prekomjerne tjelesne mase, metabolički zdravi pretili, metabolički nezdravi normalne tjelesne mase, metabolički nezdravi prekomjerne tjelesne mase, metabolički nezdravi pretili). Materijali i metode: Presječnim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 3515 ispitanika koji su podijeljeni u tri skupine, s obzirom na vrijeme prikupljanja uzorka. Prva skupina ispitanika dolazi s otoka Korčule (uzorkovanje je provedeno od ožujka do studenog 2007. godine; n=859, 24,4%), druga skupina iz grada Splita (uzorkovanje je provedeno od listopada 2008. godine do ožujka 2009. godine; n=1002, 28,5%), dok je treća skupina ispitanika također s otoka Korčule (uzorkovanje je provedeno u nekoliko navrata tijekom 2012. i 2013. godine; n=1654, 47,1%). Definicija metaboličkog sindroma, odnosno metaboličkog zdravlja postavljena je uz pomoć Joint Interim Statement definicije. Ispitanici su s obzirom na prosječno trajanje spavanja podijeljeni u tri skupine: one koji spavaju manje od 7 sati, oni koji spavaju između 7 i 9 sati i oni koji spavaju ≥9 sati na dan. U analizu su uključeni dob, spol, mjesto gdje ispitanici žive, razina obrazovanja, i ponašajni čimbenici rizika: pušenje, način prehrane i tjelesna aktivnost. U analizi podataka korišten je χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test i Spearmanov test rang korelacije. Razina statističke značajnosti postavljena je na P, Objective: The main aim of the thesis was to establish the correlation between average sleep duration and clinical phenotypes, regarding BMI and metabolic status (metabolically healthy normal weight; metabolically healthy overweight; metabolically healthy obese; metabolically unhealthy normal weight; metabolically unhealthy overweight; metabolically unhealthy obese) Method: Research was conducted as cross-sectional study that included a total of 3515 participants from Split and Korčula. They were divided into three groups. The first group was based on individuals from Korčula (data was collected from March to November 2007; n=859, 24.4%), second group on individuals from Split (data was collected from November 2008. to March 2009; n=1002, 28.5%), while the third group was also from Korčula (data was collected during 2012. and 2013; n=1654, 47.1%). Metabolic syndrome and metabolically healthy status were defined using Joint Interim Statement definition. Participants were divided into 3 groups regarding average sleep duration (

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati postoji li povezanost između mediteranske prehrane i razine lipida u krvi u populaciji otoka Korčule i grada Splita te uz to istražiti obrazac mediteranske prehrane u navedenoj populaciji. Materijali i metode: Presječno istraživanje, provedeno u okviru projekta „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“ (HRZZ 8875), obuhvatilo je 2145 ispitanika s otoka Korčule i grada Splita. Upitnikom koji su ispitanici ispunili prikupljeni su podaci o dobi, spolu, zdravstvenom statusu, socioekonomskom statusu te prehrambenim i ostalim navikama (konzumacija alkohola, pušenje, tjelesna aktivnost). Pridržavanje mediteranskom načinu prehrane određeno je indeksom koji uključuje 14 skupina namirnica koje predstavljaju osnovne sastavnice mediteranske prehrane (108). Nadalje, ispitanicima je izmjerena tjelesna masa i visina, opseg struka i kukova, sistolički i dijastolički tlak te izračunat indeks tjelesne mase. Svaki ispitanik je nakon potpisivanja informiranog pristanka dao uzorak krvi na tašte te su biokemijskom analizom dobivene vrijednosti glukoze, kreatinina, urične kiseline, ukupnog kolesterola, LDL kolesterola, HDL kolesterola i triglicerida u krvi. U statističkoj analizi podataka korišten je hi-kvadrat test, Kruskal-Wallis test i Spearmanov test rang korelacije te logistička regresija. Rezultati su smatrani statistički značajnima ukoliko je P vrijednost iznosila 30 kg/m2 povezan s nižom razinom HDL-a i s višom razinom triglicerida u krvi. Pušenje je bilo povezano s nižom koncentracijom HDL-a (OR=2,46; 95% CI 1,57-3,86) i većom koncentracijom triglicerida (OR=1,73; 95% CI 1,22-2,45). U skupini ispitanika koji imaju jednu ili više kroničnih bolesti u anamnezi ITM >25 kg/m2 bio je povezan s većom razinom triglicerida u krvi (OR=1,63; 95% CI 1,01-2,64), dok je učinak na smanjenje HDL-a bio vidljiv samo kod ispitanika s ITM >30 kg/m2 (OR=4,64; 95% CI 2,07-10,38). Nije se pronašla statistički značajna povezanost između nižeg indeksa mediteranske prehrane i vrijednosti lipidnih markera u krvi niti kod zdravih ispitanika niti onih koji imaju od ranije dijagnosticiranu jednu ili više kroničnih bolesti. Zaključak: Dob, indeks tjelesne mase i pušenje predstavljaju rizične čimbenike za povećanje lipida u krvi. S obzirom na trend povećanja potrošnje hipolipemika u populaciji sve većeg broja osoba s dislipidemijom te rastuće pojavnosti „zapadnjačkog“ načina života i prehrane, upravo bi integriranje mediteranske prehrane u svakodnevni život moglo biti ključ ostvarenja nekih na zdravlje povoljnih učinaka. Nažalost, u istraživanoj populaciji pronađena je niska razina pridržavanja smjernica mediteranske prehrane, a visoka učestalost rizičnih čimbenika za kronične bolesti, kao i tih bolesti također, zbog čega postoji jasna potreba za javnozdravstvenom intervencijom i promocijom tradicionalnog i zdravog mediteranskog stila života i prehrane., Objectives: The main objective of this study was to examine whether there is a link between the Mediterranean diet and blood lipid levels in the population of the island of Korcula and the city of Split, and in addition to examine the pattern of the Mediterranean diet in that population. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study, conducted in the framework of the project "Pleiotropy, gene networks and pathways in isolated human populations: 10 001 Dalmatians" (HRZZ 8875), included 2,145 respondents from the island of Korcula and the city of Split. Using the survey, data was collected on age, sex, health status, level of education, dietary and other habits (drinking, smoking, physical activity). Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was determined by index score, which includes 14 groups of foods that are basic components of the Mediterranean diet (108). Furthermore, the respondents were measured body weight and height, waist circumference and hip circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index was calculated. After signing the informed consent, fasting blood sample was taken from each participant and the biochemical analysis was performed in order to measure glucose, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In statistical analysis of the data chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis's test, Spearman's rank correlation test and logistic regression were used. Results were considered statistically significant if the P value was 30 kg/m2 was associated with lower concentration of HDL and higher levels of triglycerides in the blood. Smoking was associated with a lower concentration of HDL (OR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.57 to 3.86) and a higher concentration of triglycerides (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.22 to 2.45). In the group of subjects having one or more chronic disease in their history, BMI >25 kg/m2 was associated with higher triglyceride levels (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.64), while the effect on decrease in HDL was seen only in patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (OR = 4.64; 95% CI 2.07 to 10.38). Statistically significant association between a lower index value of the Mediterranean diet and lipid markers in blood was not found in healthy subjects nor in those who have previously been diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases. Conclusion: Age, body mass index and smoking are risk factors for the increase in blood lipids. Given the trend of increasing consumption of lipid lowering drugs in the population of a growing number of people with dyslipidemia and the growing incidence of "Western" lifestyle and diet, just integrating the Mediterranean diet in everyday life could be the key to achieving some beneficial effects on health. Unfortunately, a low level of compliance with the guidelines of the Mediterranean diet was found in the studied population along with a high prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases, and of these diseases as well, therefore there is a clear need for public health intervention and promotion of traditional and healthy Mediterranean lifestyle and diet.

Cilj istraživanja: Cilj istraživanja bio je ustanoviti prevalenciju metaboličkog sindroma u populaciji otoka Korčule i grada Splita te uz to ustanoviti koji čimbenici su povezani s prisutnošću metaboličkog sindroma, poglavito dob, spol, socioekonomski status, pušenje, tjelesna aktivnost i način prehrane. Materijali i metode: Presječnim istraživanjem obuhvaćeno je 3847 ispitanika koji su podijeljeni u 4 skupine s obzirom na mjesto stanovanja ispitanika. Prva skupina ispitanika dolazi s otoka Korčule, iz područja grada Korčule i okolnih naselja (uzorkovanje je provedeno 2007. godine; N=969). Druga skupina dolazi iz grada Splita (uzorkovanje je provedeno tijekom 2008/09. godine; N=1012). Treća skupina ispitanika dolazi također iz Korčule (naselje Smokvice i okolna naselja; uzorkovanje je provedeno 2012. godine; N=879). Četvrta skupina dolazi iz Blata na Korčuli (uzorkovanje je provedeno 2013/14. godine; N=987). Prikupljanje podataka provedeno je u okviru projekta „Pleitropija, genske mreže i putevi u izoliranim ljudskim populacijama: 10.001 Dalmatinac“ (HRZZ 8875). Za potrebe ovog istraživanja korišteni su podaci o spolu, dobi, zdravstvenom statusu (anamneza), socioekonomskom statusu i navikama, poput pušenja duhana, konzumacije alkohola i načinu prehrane. Uz to, provedena su i antropometrijska mjerenja i mjerenje krvnog tlaka. Za potrebe prikaza prevalencije metaboličkog sindroma korištena je gruba stopa prevalencije (engl. crude prevalence rate), kao i dobno standardizirana stopa prevalencije (engl. age-standardized prevalence rate), koja je izračunata korištenjem nove europske standardne populacije. U analizi podataka korišten je χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test i Spearmanov test rang korelacije. Također, korištena je i multivarijatna logistička regresija, za potrebu identifikacije čimbenika koji su povezani s prisutnošću metaboličkog sindroma. Rezultati: Gruba stopa prevalencije metaboličkog sindroma u ispitanom uzorku (N=3715) iznosila je 42,2%. U promatranim naseljima najviša gruba stopa prevalencije zabilježena je u podskupini ispitanika iz grada Korčule, čak 48,9%, a slijedili su ispitanici iz Smokvice s grubom stopom prevalencije od 46,3%, dok je u gradu Splitu bilo 36% ispitanika s postavljenom dijagnozom metaboličkog sindroma. Od pojedinačnih sastavnica, najučestalija je bila prisutnost povećanog opsega struka (između čak 72-80%), a slijedio je povišeni krvni tlak (između 45-68%), povišena koncentracija glukoze (između 36,7-42,7%), povišena koncentracija triglicerida (između 26,9-34,4%), dok je učestalost snižene koncentracije HDL kolesterola bila najmanje zastupljena od svih sastavnica (između 12,5-21,8%). Dobno standardizirana stopa prevalencije metaboličkog sindroma u ukupnom uzorku iznosila je 25%, u poduzorku žena iznosila je 22,8%, a u poduzorku muškaraca 28,5%. U odnosu na čimbenike rizika, statistički značajna povezanost s metaboličkim sindromom u modelu logističke regresije zabilježena je za stariju životnu dob (u dobnoj skupini od ≥65 godina OR=9,49; 95% CI 6,67-13,50, a u dobnoj skupini 35-65 godina OR=5,11; 95% CI 3,77-6,94, sve u odnosu na najmlađe ispitanike), muški spol (OR=1,38; 95% CI 1,14-1,68), mjesto stanovanja (samo Blato u odnosu na Split – OR=0,78; 95% CI 0,62-0,98), razinu obrazovanja (OR=0,92; 95% CI 0,89-0,94), status nepušača (OR=0,79; 95% CI 0,64-0,97) i umjerenu razinu tjelesne aktivnosti (OR=0,78; 95% CI 0,65-0,94), dok prehrambene navike nisu bile povezane s prisutnošću metaboličkog sindroma. Zaključak: Metabolički sindrom postao je golem javnozdravstveni problem, kako u svijetu tako i u Hrvatskoj. Potrebna su daljnja istraživanja za utvrđivanje povezanosti čimbenika rizika za razvoj metaboličkog sindroma, a sve u svrhu unaprjeđenja metaboličkog zdravlja populacije Dalmacije i cijele Republike Hrvatske., Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the population of the island of Korcula and the city of Split, and in addition establish which factors are associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome, particularly age, sex, socioeconomic status, smoking, physical activity and diet. Method: A cross-sectional study included 3847 patients who were divided into 4 groups according to the place of residence of the respondents. The first group of participants comes from the island of Korcula, area of the town of Korcula and surrounding villages (sampling was conducted in 2007; N = 969). Another group comes from the city of Split (sampling was carried out during 2008/09; N = 1012). A third group of subjects comes also from Korcula (town Smokvica and the surrounding villages, sampling was conducted in 2012; N = 879). A fourth group comes from Blato on Korcula (sampling was conducted in 2013/2014; N = 987). Data collection was conducted in the project "Pleitropy, gene networks and pathways in isolated human populations: 10 001 Dalmatians "(HRZZ 8875). For the purposes of this research we used data on gender, age, health status (health history), socioeconomic status and habits, such as smoking tobacco, alcohol consumption and diet. Additionally, there were conducted anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. To show the prevalence of metabolic syndrome it was used crude prevalence, as well as the age-standardized prevalence, which is calculated using the new European standard population. In analyzing the data, the χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's rank correlation test were used. Also, it was used multivariate logistic regression, to the purpose to identify factors that are associated with the presence of the metabolic syndrome. Results: Rough prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the sample (N = 3715) was 42.2%. In the observed settlements highest crude prevalence rates recorded a subset of patients from the town of Korcula, even 48.9%, followed by respondents from Smokvice with rough prevalence rate of 46.3%, while in the town of Split were 36% of respondents with a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Of the individual components, the most common is the presence of increased waist circumference (even between 72-80%), and was followed by high blood pressure (between 45-68%), elevated blood glucose (from 36.7 to 42.7%), elevated triglycerides (between 26.9 to 34.4%), while the incidence decreased HDL cholesterol was the least represented of all components (from 12.5 to 21.8%). Age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the total sample was 25%, in the sub-sample of women was 22.8% and in the subsample of men 28.5%. With regard to risk factors, statistically significant correlation with the metabolic syndrome in the logistic regression model was recorded for, old age (in the age group of ≥65 years OR = 9.49; 95% CI 6.67 to 13.50, and in the age group 35-65 years OR = 5.11; 95% CI 3.77 to 6.94, as compared to the youngest respondents), male gender (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.68), place of residence (only mud compared to Split - OR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.98), educational level (OR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.89-0.94) the status of non-smokers (OR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.97) and a moderate level of physical activity (OR = 0.78; 95% CI from 0.65 to 0.94), while eating habits were not related with the presence of the metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome has become a huge public health problem, both worldwide and in Croatia. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between risk factors for the development of the metabolic syndrome, with the purpose of improving metabolic health of the population of Dalmatia and all over the Croatian.

Cilj: Glavni cilj istraživanja je ispitati postoji li povezanost između okusa za slatko i načina prehrane, posebice utjecaj na učestalost konzumacije namirnica koje imaju slatki okus te povezanost osjeta okusa s antropometrijskim obilježjima ispitanika. Materijali i metode: Ispitanici koji su se uključili u projekt „10.001 Damatinac – Hrvatska Biobanka“ (MZOŠ 216-1080315-0302) bili su dijelom ovog istraživanja. Ispitanicima je izmjerena tjelesna masa i visina (i izračunat ITM), opseg struka i opseg bokova (i izračunat omjer opsega struka i bokova), provedeno je testiranje praga osjeta i doživljavanje intenziteta I hedonizma slatke otopine saharoze. Pomoću ankete su prikupljeni podaci o načinu prehrane, hedonizmu za pojedine namirnice, pušenju, tjelesnoj aktivnosti i razini obrazovanja. Osim toga, svakom ispitaku određena je koncentracija glukoze natašte, koncentracija ukupnog kolesterola, LDL kolesterola, HDL kolesterola i trglicerida. U analizi podataka korišten je hi-kvadrat test, Kruskal-Wallis-ov test i Spearmanov test rang korelacije. Zbog velikog broja provedenih statističkih testiranja, primijenjena je Bonferroni korekcija granične vrijednosti statističke značajnosti rezultata, koja je postavljena na P, Objectives: The main objective of the study is to examine whether there is a correlation between the taste of sweet and diet, in particular the impact on the frequency of consumption of foods that has a sweet flavor, and the linkage of taste with anthropometric characteristics of the subjects. Patients and Methods: Examinees who were involved in the project "10,001 Damatinac - Croatian Biobank" (MSES 216-1080315-0302) were part of this study. Examinees were measured body weight and height (and calculated BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference (and calculated the ratio of waist and hips circumference), the testing of threshold of sensation and experience of the intensity and hedonism for the sweet sucrose solution were conducted as well. Using the survey, data was collected on diet, hedonism for certain foods, smoking, physical activity and level of education. In addition, each was determined by fasting plasma glucose, serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and tryglicerides. In analyzing the data, the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis's test and Spearman test of rank correlation were used. Because of the large number of statistical tests carried out, the Bonferroni correction was applied of the threshold of statistical significance of the result, which is set at P

U skupinu krvlju prenosivih bolesti ubrajamo infekcije koje predstavljaju jedan od najvećih globalnih opterećenja zdravstvenih sustava. Njihova učestalost i proširenost mjeri se u milijunskim brojkama, a od infekcija od interesa (HIV, HBV, HCV) najveći globalni teret je ipak HBV infekcija. Međutim, HIV infekcija je zbog svojih specifičnih epidemioloških značajki dobila na posebnom značaju u ovom radu. Rizične skupine za spomenute infekcije su: zdravstveni radnici, intravenski korisnici droga, novorođenčad zaraženih trudnica, osobe homoseksualne orijentacije, primatelji organa i transfuzija krvi, ali i ljubitelji ukrašavanja tijela tetovažama i piercing–om. Farmakološka industrija nema razvijenu pre-ekspozicijsku profilaksu za sve navedene infekcije pa se u uvjetima gdje nema podizanja svijesti, kao što su manje razvijene zemlje, infekcije neumoljivo šire. Dijagnostika spomenutih infekcija oslanja se na serološku i molekularnu laboratorijsku dijagnostiku, a razvijena je do zavidnog nivoa. Serološki testovi koje se izvode rutinski su ELISA i IFA testovi, a od molekularnih PCR, TMA i Western blotting. Najveća prednost dijagnostičkih postupaka je razvitak point-of-care testova (POCT), a najveći problem predstavlja fenomen dijagnostičkog prozora (window period). Infections are blood-borne diseases which pose the greatest burden to the health care systems worldwide. Their incidence and prevalence are measured in millions, but what concerns us the most among the infections of interest (HIV, HBV and HCV) is the HBV infection which represents the greatest threat to world’s population. However, due to its specific epidemiological features, HIV infection was discussed in more detail. Risk groups for mentioned infections are: health workers, drug addicts, newborns of infected pregnant women, homosexuals, recipients of organs and blood transfusions as well as tattoos and body piercing fans. Unfortunately, pre-exposure prophylaxis for all these infections has not yet been developed by pharmaceutical industry. Consequently, the infections are spreading relentlessly, especially in less developed parts of the world where the awareness of such diseases is practically nonexistent. Diagnostics of the infections, which has developed to an enviable level, relies on serological and molecular laboratory diagnostics. Serological tests that are performed routinely are ELISA and IFA tests; molecular ones are PCR, TMA and Western blotting. The biggest advantage of diagnostic procedures is the development of point-of-care tests (POCT), while their biggest problem is the phenomenon of the diagnostic window (window period).

Pubertal timing varies considerably and has been associated with a range of health outcomes in later life. To elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms, we performed multi-ancestry genetic analyses in ~800,000 women, identifying 1,080 independent signals associated with age at menarche. Collectively these loci explained 11% of the trait variance in an independent sample, with women at the top and bottom 1% of polygenic risk exhibiting a ~11 and ~14-fold higher risk of delayed and precocious pubertal development, respectively. These common variant analyses were supported by exome sequence analysis of ~220,000 women, identifying several genes, including rare loss of function variants in ZNF483 which abolished the impact of polygenic risk. Next, we implicated 660 genes in pubertal development using a combination of in silico variant-to-gene mapping approaches and integration with dynamic gene expression data from mouse embryonic GnRH neurons. This included an uncharacterized G-protein coupled receptor GPR83 , which we demonstrate amplifies signaling of MC3R , a key sensor of nutritional status. Finally, we identified several genes, including ovary-expressed genes involved in DNA damage response that co-localize with signals associated with menopause timing, leading us to hypothesize that the ovarian reserve might signal centrally to trigger puberty. Collectively these findings extend our understanding of the biological complexity of puberty timing and highlight body size dependent and independent mechanisms that potentially link reproductive timing to later life disease., Competing Interests: Competing interests J.R.B.P. and E.J.G. are employed by Adrestia Therapeutics. D.J.T. is employed by Genomics PLC. D.L.C. and J.P.B. are employed by GSK. E.T. is employed by Pfizer. D.A.L. has received support from Roche Disgnostics and Medtroic Ltd for work unrelated to the research in this paper. T.D.S. is co-founder and stakeholder of Zoe Global Ltd. P.A.F. conducts research funded by Amgen, Novartis and Pfizer, he received Honoraria from Roche, Novartis and Pfizer. M.W.B. conducts research funded by Amgen, Novartis and Pfizer.