Search

With the increase in life expectancy, expectation of a longer healthy life is also increasing. Importance of consumption of certain foods is confirmed to have a strong effect on quality of life. One of the healthiest dietary patterns consistently associated with a range of beneficial health outcomes is the Mediterranean diet (MD). The aim of this study was to assess MD adherence in the population over 50 years of age, in Europe, with special reference to Croatia, and to assess regional differences and investigate the association with health-related indicators (disease incidence, body mass index (BMI), grip strength measure, control, autonomy, self-realization, and pleasure scale (CASP-12)). This research uses data from the SHARE project for the population over 50 years of age. The frequency of individual responses was analyzed (frequencies, cross tables, and appropriate tests of significance, depending on the data set), and logistic regression was used to connect adherence to the Mediterranean diet with health indicators. The results of the study indicate a positive correlation between adherence to the principles of the Mediterranean diet with CASP and self-perception of health, which the followers of the MD pattern predominantly rate as “very good” or “excellent” (37.05%) what is significantly different (p < 0.05) from individuals which do not follow the patterns of MD (21.55%). The regression models indicate significant changes in the measure of maximum grip strength also among MD followers (ORMEDIUM = 1.449; ORHIGH = 1.293). Data for EU countries are also classified by regions (Central and Eastern; Northern, Southern and Western Europe), additionally allocating Croatia, and the trends in meat, fish and egg consumption showed the greatest differences for Croatian participants (39.6% twice a week) versus participants from four European regions. Data for Croatia deviates from the European average also in terms of the proportion of overweight and obese persons in all observed age groups, of which the largest proportion is in the 50–64 age group (normal BMI: only 30.3%). This study extended the currently available literature covering 27 European countries, placing the findings in a wider geographical context. The Mediterranean diet has once again proven to be an important factor related to health-related behavior. The presented results are extremely important for public health services, indicating possible critical factors in preserving the health of the population over 50 years old.

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) is important for compensation of thermal dilatation effects and has significant applications in high-precision devices and instruments. Several materials with intrinsic negative expansion exist but are chemically complex, difficult to manufacture and their thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) are small, typically in the order of 10−5/K–10−6/K. Here we present a metamaterial with a large NTE, with TEC in the order of 10−3/K, enabled by thermo-osmosis of entrapped air molecules through a multitude of nanometer-thin layers. We have generated this material by holographically patterning a biopolymer (dichromated pullulan). The presented manufacturing process is quite simple and capable of generating large-area NTE materials. The concept of achieving (NTE) through thermo-osmosis is universal and can be extended to many other polymers. Our research, for the first time, introduces a relation between NTE and thermo-osmosis.

Aim To describe the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic pattern in Croatia during February-September 2020 and compare the case fatality ratio (CFR) between spring and summer. Methods National data were used to calculate the weekly and monthly CFRs, stratified by three age groups: 0-64, 65-79, and 80+ years. We also calculated the standardized mortality ratios (SMR) to offset the differences in age composition. Results The epidemic consisted of the initial wave, a trough in June, and two conjoined summer waves, yielding 17 206 coronavirus disease 2019 cases and 290 deaths. While the number of confirmed cases nearly quadrupled during summer, case fatality estimates decreased; CFR in spring was 4.81 (95% confidence interval 3.91-5.71), compared with 1.24 (1.06-1.42) in summer. The SMR for summer was 0.45 (0.37-0.55), suggesting that the case fatality risk halved compared with spring. Cardiovascular comorbidity was an important risk factor for case fatality (SMR 2.63 [2.20-3.13] during spring and 1.28 [1.02-1.59] during summer). The risk of death in ventilated patients remained unchanged (SMR 0.98 [0.77-1.24]). Conclusions The epidemic dynamics suggests summer decline in case fatality, except in ventilated patients. While the effect of comorbidity also decreased, cardiovascular comorbidity remained an important risk factor for death even during summer. A plethora of possible confounders and an ever-changing landscape of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Croatia require constant monitoring and evaluation, with an aim to prevent the uncontrolled spread of the virus and a disruption of health care functioning.

Nesigurnost oko novonastale prijetnje od koronavirusa potaknula je pojedine zemlje na usvajanje raznih mjera za suzbijanje bolesti (engl. disease control measures, DCMs). Ovim istraživanjem usporedili smo mjere za suzbijanje bolesti i epidemijske krivulje u Hrvatskoj, Sloveniji, Federaciji Bosne i Hercegovine i Srbiji u prva tri mjeseca epidemije COVID-19. Analizirani su podaci iz otvorenih izvora o potvrđenim slučajevima COVID-19 i mjerama suzbijanja bolesti. Za usporedbu među zemljama korišteno je sedam referentnih mjera suzbijanja bolesti: zatvaranje obrazovnih institucija, potpuno zatvaranje zemlje (engl. lockdown), zatvaranje granica, zabrana javnog prijevoza, ograničenje kretanja unutar zemlje, ublažavanje mjere zaključavanja i ponovno otvaranje granica. Zabilježeno je proteklo vrijeme od prvog otkrivenog i potvrđenog slučaja bolesti COVID-19 do uvođenja svake mjere za suzbijanje bolesti, kao i vrijeme od proglašenja epidemije do uvođenja svake pojedine mjere. Rezultati usporedno opisuju vremenski tijek uvođenja mjera za suzbijanje bolesti u analiziranim zemljama u odnosu na broj potvrđenih slučajeva., The uncertainty surrounding the emerging coronavirus threat prompted countries to adopt various disease control measures (DCMs). This study compares the DCMs and the epicurves in Croatia, Slovenia, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia in the first three months of COVID-19 epidemic. The open-source data of COVID-19 confirmed case and the DCMs were analyzed. For comparison between countries, seven benchmark DCMs were used: closure of educational institutions, complete lockdown, borders closure, public transport ban, restriction of movement within the country, easing of the lockdown measure, and the borders re-opening. The time passed from the first detected and confirmed COVID-19 case and each DCM was recorded as well as the time between the epidemic declaration and each DCM. The results describe comparatively the time flow of the DCMs across the countries and relative to the number of confirmed cases.

On islands and in island communities, especially smaller and more isolated ones, epidemics were often of greater intensity and left more significant consequences than on the mainland. The unique characteristics of an island (size, remoteness, isolation, small population size, and several manageable access points) affect the transmission of mainland epidemics and their frequency. The current global COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to investigate how the infection and epidemiological measures affected the life and death of island communities. The pandemic has brought mass death into our daily lives and altered the way people grieve, commemorate and remember their deceased. This paper presents the experiences and feelings of people during the COVID-19 pandemic on Croatian islands, with a focus on death, funerals, mourning, and the loss of family members. Due to the impossibility of carrying out the usual practices related to the funeral because of COVID-19 restrictions, the process of mourning and dealing with the loss of loved ones was difficult. Island communities accepted the new rules and adapted to the new circumstances but indicated that island-specific and more flexible crisis management should be applied during this health crisis. Some epidemiological measures, such as social distancing, internal island travel restrictions, and reduced gatherings, were highlighted by islanders as challenging and sometimes unnecessarily strict for some islands and their specific situations. For family members of those who died from COVID-19, additional factors and challenges have complicated their loss. Digital and social media were used to connect people and helped in coping with mourning in solitude and isolation. In this global pandemic, island communities responded to the impact of pandemic crises and adapted to new circumstances of the “new normal”.

A series of single-molecule dysprosium (Dy3+) complexes consisting of β-diketonate ligands, L1 = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butadionate and L2 = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3-butadionate, as water-containing complexes, and the auxiliary triphenylphosphine oxide (tppo) ligand as water-free complexes were investigated as potential white-light emitters. The coordination environment and choice of the ligands play an important role in the behavior of the yellow/blue emission of the Dy3+ complexes (Y: 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 – yellow, and B: 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and ligand phosphorescence – blue) based on the sensitization efficiency of the Dy3+ ion by the ligands. By introducing the auxiliary tppo ligand in the complex, the relative intensity of the Dy3+ emission increases due to a more efficient sensitization of the Dy3+ ion. The CIE (Commission International d’Eclairage) coordination at room temperature for water-containing, DyL1H2O (0.340, 0.333), and DyL2H2O (0.270, 0.249), and for water-free complexes, DyL1tppo (0.364,0.391) and DyL2tppo (0.316, 0.331), are close to the coordinates of ‘ideal’ white light (0.333, 0.333). The CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) values at room temperature for DyL1H2O (5129 K), DyL2H2O (18,173 K), and DyL2tppo (6319 K) correspond to ‘cold-white-light’ emitters, while the DyL1tppo (4537 K) matches a ‘warm-white-light’ emitter. Beside emitting in the visible (Vis) region, the Dy3+ complexes also show emission in the near-infrared (NIR) part of spectrum, which has been studied in detail.

Two-photon states emitted from spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) can exhibit quantum correlations in various degrees of freedom. On the other hand, plasmonic nanostructures show enhanced transmission thanks to the conversion of light into surface plasmon polaritons. It has been shown previously that polarization, time-energy and orbital angular momentum entanglement are preserved in such structures. The fact that surface plasmons are collective charge density waves, consisting of billions of electrons makes this observation remarkable. Here we show that spatial entanglement is also preserved by characterizing it after the photons interacted with gold nanopillar arrays. The detection is realized with novel single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays with high spatial and temporal resolution. By measuring the spatial correlations of the photon in the near- and far-fields, we can characterize the state with respect to spatial entanglement with and without the nano-structure.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected human pathogen associated with aseptic meningitis, severe systemic infections in immunocompromised persons, and congenital anomalies. Data on the prevalence of LCMV infections are scarce. We analyzed the seroprevalence of LCMV in continental Croatian regions. A total of 338 serum samples of professionally exposed (forestry workers, hunters, agriculture workers in contact with rodents) and non-exposed populations (general population, pregnant women) were tested for the presence of LCMV antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assay. No participants reported recent febrile disease. LCMV IgG antibodies were detected in 23/6.8% of participants: 9.8% exposed persons and 5.1% non-exposed persons (6.1% in the general population and 3.9% in pregnant women). No participants were LCMV IgM positive. Although higher seropositivity was found in males compared to females (8.9% vs. 4.7%), inhabitants of suburban/rural areas compared to inhabitants of urban areas (9.2% vs. 4.6%), and persons who used well as a source of water compared to those who used tap (11.4% vs. 5.6%), these differences did not reach statistical significance. Results of logistic regression showed that the presence of rodents in the house/yard and cleaning rodent nests were associated with an elevated risk for LCMV infection (OR = 2.962, 95% CI = 1.019–8.607).

Uvod: Procjenjuje se da 10-15% starijih osoba boluje od depresije, koja je najčešći duševni poremećaj u starijoj populacijskoj skupini. Depresija se nerijetko smatra uobičajenim stanjem u starijoj dobi što upućuje na mogućnost nepravodobnog dijagnosticiranja i liječenja. Rizik za nastanak depresije u starijih osoba mogu povećati promjene poput preseljenja u dom za starije osobe ili nastanak funkcionalne onesposobljenosti. Cilj rada je koristeći Gerijatrijsku skalu depresije (GSD ; Bošnjak I et al, Sestrinski glasnik 2019) istražiti zastupljenost simptoma depresije u korisnika koji su na smještaju u odabranim decentraliziranim domovima u Gradu Zagrebu prema stupnju usluge koja im se pruža. Metode i ispitanici: Probir znakova depresije korištenjem GSD-a u korisnika (N=248) u odabranih pet decentraliziranih domova u gradu Zagrebu. (Sv. Josip, Maksimir, Pešćenica, Dubrava i Ksaver) izvršen je tijekom 2017 i 2018. godine. Kriteriji isključenja ispitanika su bili neprihvaćanje sudjelovanja u istraživanju ili ozbiljniji zdravstveni problemi kod korisnika koji bi mogli utjecati na mogućnost ispunjavanja upitnika. Rezultati: U istraživanju je sudjelovalo prema spolnoj razdiobi 62 korisnika i 186 korisnica domova za starije osobe. Raspodjela korisnika prema dobnoj strukturi je pokazala da su u ranijoj starosti (65-74 g.) zastupljena 22 ispitanika, u srednjoj starosti (75-84.g.) 110 ispitanika dok je 116 ispitanika bilo u dubokoj starosti (85 g. i više). Prema stupnju socijalne usluge smještaja koje korisnici primaju u domovima za starije osobe 100 ispitanika je primalo prvi stupanj, 66 drugi stupanj a 82 treći stupanj socijalne usluge. Rezultati probira simptoma depresije korištenjem GSD-a u korisnika (N=248) domova za starije pokazuju da je najveći udio ispitanika bez simptoma depresije (30, 24%) primao prvi stupanj usluge dok je postojanje ozbiljnijih simptoma depresije najzastupljenije kod korisnika koji su primali treći stupanj usluge (5, 24%). Prema kategorijama GSD vidljivo je da 58, 46% ispitanika nema simptoma depresije, manji simptomi koji upućuju na depresiju su zastupljeni u 32, 25%, a ozbiljniji simptomi depresije u 9, 28% ispitanika. Zaključak: Rezultati istraživanja upućuju na najveću zastupljenost ozbiljnijih simptoma depresije u skupini korisnika domova za starije osobe kojima se pruža treći stupanj usluge. Nužna je redovita primjena probira simptoma depresije pomoću GSD-a u programu geroprofilaktičkih mjera zaštite mentalnog zdravlja korisnika domova za starije osobe.

Unaprjeđenje i racionalizacija skrbi psihogerijatrijskih bolesnika oboljelih od Alzheimerove bolesti i drugih primarnih uzroka sindroma demencije u Hrvatskoj nužno zahtijeva izmjene i dopune u primijenjenoj metodologiji utvrđivanja, praćenja, analiza i evaluacija fokusiranih gerontološko-javnozdravstvenih pokazatelja (Evidencijska lista PZP-a br.1. i br.4). Tako bi se optimalizirali procesi planiranja i alokacije ljudskih i materijalnih resursa u skrbi za starije osobe kao i izrade gerontološko-javnozdravstvenih programa, poglavito geroprofilaktičnih mjera utemeljenih na utvrđivanju i praćenju zdravstvenih potreba i funkcionalne sposobnosti starijih osoba u institucijskoj i izvaninstitucijskoj skrbi. Cilj je utjecati na unaprjeđenje očito nedostatne registracije gerijatrijskih bolesnika oboljelih od Alzheimerove bolesti i drugih demencija s koordiniranom doedukacijom iz gerontologije, gerijatrije i gerijatrijske zdravstvene njege te učinkovitom informatizacijom u svim domenama zaštite zdravlja starijih osoba u Hrvatskoj. Slijedom toga objavljen je sveučilišni priručnik: Alzheimerova bolest i druge demencije – rano otkrivanje i zaštita zdravlja (2016.g.) za edukaciju i doedukaciju stručnjaka različitih profesionalnih profila te priručnici „Komunikacija s osobama oboljelim od Alzheimerove bolesti i drugih demencija - priručnik za formalne njegovatelje“ i „Komunikacija s osobama oboljelim od Alzheimerove bolesti i drugih demencija - priručnik za patronažne sestre“ (2020. g.). U organizaciji Službe za javnozdravstvenu gerontologiju - Referentnog centra Ministarstva zdravstva za zaštitu zdravlja starijih osoba, NZJZ „Dr. Andrija Štampar“ održani su moduli radionice/edukacije „Komunikacija s osobama oboljelim od Alzheimerove bolesti i drugih demencija“ za medicinske sestre zaposlene u domovima za starije osobe u nadležnosti Grada Zagreba u okviru projekta „Unapređenje skrbi za osobe oboljele od Alzheimerove bolesti i drugih demencija“ te se daljnji rad na projektu i evaluaciji rada nastavljaju u kontinuitetu. Unaprjeđenje kvalitete podataka o zdravstvenosocijalnim potrebama korisnika domova za starije osobe i gerontoloških centara se očekuje slijedom primjene digitalnih platformi u svrhe informatizacije prikupljanja i obrade podataka Evidencijske liste PZP-a br. 1. i 4. Služba za javnozdravstvenu gerontologiju - Referentnog centra Ministarstva zdravstva za zaštitu zdravlja starijih osoba, NZJZ „Dr. Andrija Štampar“ je nakon primjene digitalne platforme koja omogućava prikupljanje izvješća Kategorijskog postupnika iz domova za starije osobe – online, u 2020.g. zaprimila za 21, 3% veći broj izvješća te se isto tako anticipira učinkovitost informatizacije prikupljanja i obrade podataka Evidencijske liste PZP-a br. 1. i 4.

The aim of this study was to determine the level of burden of informal caregivers of chronic respiratory failure patients measured by the Zarit Burden Interview Questionnaire (ZBI) and to identify overburdened informal caregivers who can become hidden patients. We recruited the respondents in two hospitals for lung disease and a home healthcare service in Zagreb during 2020. After they had been identified as primary informal caregivers who provided high intensity informal care for more than six months, they were asked to complete the Croatian version of the ZBI questionnaire and a question­naire on sociodemographic characteristics. We used descriptive methods for statistical analysis in this cross-sectional study. We presented the data in tables as absolute frequencies, percentages and measures of the central tendency, and graphically by using diagrams. The study included 150 informal caregivers. The majority were female, over 50 years of age with high school education. The largest percentage of informal caregivers was retired. The highest scores were given to the statements on worrying about future and patient dependency while the lowest scores were given to the statements on leaving the care to someone else and feelings such as anger or embarrassment caused by the patient. The results of this study show that more than half of informal caregivers of chronic respiratory failure patients are moderately to severely burdened. DOI https://doi.org/10.5671/ca.45.1.5

Gerijatrija je medicinska specijalizacija koja se bavi dijagnostikom, liječenjem i rehabilitacijom bolesnih starijih osoba te sprječavanjem nastanka bolesti u starijoj dobi. Demografska struktura u Hrvatskoj pokazuje kontinuirani porast starijih osoba u populaciji, tako da je u popisnoj 2001. godini udio osoba od 65 godina i više iznosio 15, 6%, a 17, 7% u 2011. godini. SOZS Sveučilišta u Splitu je omogućio inovativnu edukaciju iz gerijatrije i gerijatrijske zdravstvene njege utemeljene na dokazima, što predstavlja kontinuirani i autentični doprinos zaštiti zdravlja starijih osoba.

Seroprevalence among personnel in the healthcare facilities of Croatia during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Aim: To determine and compare the values of quality indicators related to geroprophylaxis in Croatian nursing homes in 2017 and 2018, including the incidence of pressure ulcers in the past 90 days, prevalence of malnutrition and obesity, vaccination against infl uenza in the past 12 months, receiving nine or more medications daily, and the presence of elements of the 5Is geriatric syndrome in nursing home residents. Participants and Methods: Data collection was conducted using the Questionnaire on monitoring quality indicators in nursing homes in 160 Croatian nursing homes (county-owned, state and other founders) in 2017 and 2018. Based on the data available, 6 quality indicators related to geroprophylaxis were calculated. Results: We received 66 (40%) completed questionnaires in 2017 and 64 (41%) in 2018. There was no statistically signifi cant difference between the two time points for any of the indicators; the median prevalence of malnutrition was 4.9% (IQ=1.2%-8.2%) in 2017 and 5.0% (IQR=2.3-8.1) in 2018; the prevalence of nursing home residents with a body mass index indicating obesity was 16.7% (IQR=7.2%-33.6%) in 2017 and 10.7% (IQR=5.0%-19.4 %) in 2018; the prevalence of residents receiving nine or more drugs per day was 20.6% (IQR=11.9%-34.4%) in 2017 and 22.1% (IQR=13.8%-36.7%) in 2018; the prevalence of residents with elements of the 5Is geriatric syndrome was 25.4% (IQR=9.7%-49.7%) in 2017 and 27.2% (IQR=10.2%-54.1%) in 2018; the prevalence of residents vaccinated against infl uenza in the last 12 months was 54.1% (IQR=35.8%-76.1%) in 2017 and 62.7% (46.6% -81.7%) in 2018; and the incidence of residents with pressure ulcers developed in the past 90 days was 0.7% (IQR=0%-1.7%) in 2017 and 1.3% (IQR=0.0%-2.3%) in 2018. Conclusion: This study showed that the quality indicators assessed did not result in a statistically signifi cant change in Croatian nursing homes over two years. Our research implies that all quality indicators require gerontologic-public health interventions, demonstrating the importance of applying geroprophylactic measures from the Program of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary prevention for the elderly in nursing homes., Cilj: Utvrditi i usporediti vrijednosti pokazatelja kvalitete povezane s geroprofi laksom u hrvatskim domovima za starije osobe u 2017. i 2018. godini uključujući učestalost pojave dekubitusa u posljednjih 90 dana, učestalost pothranjenosti i pretilosti, cijepljenja protiv gripe u posljednjih 12 mjeseci, primanja devet ili više lijekova/dan te zastupljenost elemenata gerijatrijskog sindroma 5N kod korisnika domova za starije osobe. Sudionici i metode: Prikupljanje podataka provedeno je uporabom Upitnika o praćenju pokazatelja kvalitete u domovima za starije osobe u 160 hrvatskih domova za starije osobe (županijskih, državnih i drugih osnivača) u 2017. i 2018. godini. Na temelju dostupnih podataka izračunato je 6 pokazatelja kvalitete koji se odnose na geroprofi laksu. Rezultati: Primili smo 66 (40%) ispunjenih upitnika u 2017. godini i 64 (41%) u 2018. godini. Ni za jedan pokazatelj nije postojala statistički značajna razlika između dviju vremenskih točaka; medijan učestalosti pothranjenosti u 2017. godini bio je 4,9% (IQR=1,2%-8,2%), i 5,0% (IQR=2,3%-8,1%) u 2018. godini; zastupljenost korisnika domova za starije osobe s indeksom tjelesne mase (ITM) koji ukazuje na pretilost bila je 16,7% (IQR=7,2%- 33,6%) u 2017. i 10,7 (IQR=5,0 %-19,4%) u 2018.; zastupljenost broja korisnika koji primaju devet ili više lijekova/dan bila je 20,6% (IQR=11,9%-34,4% ) u 2017. i 22,1 (IQR=13,8%-36,7%) u 2018.; učestalost korisnika s elementima gerijatrijskog sindroma 5N iznosila je 25,4% (IQR=9,7% 49,7%) u 2017. i 27,2% (IQR=10,2%-54,1%) u 2018. godini; učestalost korisnika cijepljenih protiv gripe u posljednjih 12 mjeseci iznosila je 54,1% (IQR=35,8%-76,1%) u 2017. godini i 62,7 % (46,6%-81,7%) u 2018. godini, a incidencija pojave tlačnog vrijeda u korisnika tijekom proteklih 90 dana iznosila je 0,7 (IQR=0%-1,7%) u 2017. godini i 1,3% (IQR=0%-2,3%) u 2018. godini. Zaključak: Ova studija pokazuje da se analizirani pokazatelji kvalitete u hrvatskim domovima za starije osobe nisu statistički značajno mijenjali tijekom dviju godina. Naše istraživanje ukazuje na to da je kod svih pokazatelja kvalitete potrebna gerontološko-javnozdravstvena intervencija, što upućuje na važnost primjene geroprofi laktičkih mjera iz Programa primarne, sekundarne, tercijarne i kvartarne prevencije za osobe starije dobi u domovima za starije.

The Croatian Immunization Programme is a mandatory prevention programme in which vaccines are offered free of charge and little is known about parental vaccine-related beliefs and attitudes. We aimed to describe beliefs and attitudes towards childhood vaccination of parents in Zagreb, estimate the proportion of parents with positive attitudes towards vaccination, and to identify the possible predictors of positive attitudes. Using a self- administered questionnaire, we performed a cluster sampling survey among parents of 6-years- old children in Zagreb. In total 542 questionnaires were collected, 80% (n = 430/542) of respondents were mothers. Even though 72.6% (n = 385/531 ; 95%CI: 69–76) respondents feel that childhood vaccination should remain mandatory, 36.3% (n = 192/528 ; 95%CI: 58.3–65.3) considered that simultaneous administration of vaccines can have negative effect to their child’s health. In addition, 38% (n = 202/532 ; 95%CI: 33.2–43.1%) feared that vaccines may harm their child. Of total, parents mostly reported positive attitude towards vaccination (61.8% ; 95% CI: 34.7–42). Parents with positive attitudes were more likely to state their child experienced mild or no adverse reaction after vaccination, report not delaying vaccination and provide additional non- mandatory vaccines to their child (p < 0.05). Gender, age, education and marital status of parent were not significantly associated with the positive attitude towards vaccination. Our results suggest the need for educational interventions and communication strategies that could foster better knowledge on immunization with a focus on parental misconceptions, perceived constraints and safety issues about vaccine.

The scales covering the elytra and thorax of the male Hoplia coerulea scarab beetle are a specific case of natural photonic structure encased by a fluid-permeable envelope. These scales display several optical effects including structural colouration, fluid-induced colour changes, fluorescence emission and fluid-induced fluorescence changes. Although the photonic structure is not directly exposed to the environment, optical changes are known to be induced by liquids and vapours. These changes are controlled by the envelope that mediates exchanges with the surrounding environment. The optical system comprising the photonic structure and the envelope was previously termed “photonic cell”. Novel possibilities to develop functional photonic materials and smart coatings are offered by such a system through a bioinspired approach. This technological potential motivated us to analyse theoretically, through numerical simulations, the water-induced changes of optical properties of light emitters embedded in a photonic structure inspired by H. coerulea beetle’s scales.

Introduction: Solid-organ transplant recipients are at risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. We analyzed the seroprevalence/risk factors of HEV in Croatian liver transplant recipients. ----- Methods: Two hundred forty-two serum samples were tested for HEV immunoglobuline IgG/IgM and HEV RNA. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire. ----- Results: HEV IgG seroprevalence rate was 24.4%. Positive/equivocal HEV IgM were found in two patients. HEV RNA was not detected. Logistic regression showed that older age, female gender, rural area/farm, water well, and septic tank were associated with HEV seropositivity. ----- Conclusions: This study revealed a high exposure rate to HEV in Croatian liver recipients.

Purpose Data on the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in heamodialysis (HD) patients are conflicting, ranging from 0 to 44%. The aim of this study was to determine the HEV seroprevalence and risk factors among HD patients in Croatia. Methods A total of 394 HD patients from six medical facilities in five Croatian cities (three sites in the continental and three sites in the coastal region) were tested for HEV IgM/IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, all samples were tested for HEV RNA by RT-PCR. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire. Results HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 110 (27.9%) patients. The seroprevalence varied significantly between dialysis centres, ranging from 5.2 to 43.4% (p = 0.001). HEV IgM antibodies were found in 0.04% of IgG positive patients. All patients tested negative for HEV RNA. Factors associated with HEV IgG seropositivity were age > 60 years (OR 8.17 ; 95% CI 1.08–62.14), living in the continental parts of the country (OR 2.58 ; 95% CI 1.55– 4.30), and transfusion of blood products (OR 1.66 ; 95% CI 1.01–2.73). After adjusting for age and gender, patients from continental regions had higher odds of HEV seropositivity compared to patients from coastal regions (OR 2.88 ; 95% CI 1.71–4.85) and those who had RBC transfusions (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.02–2.69) compared to those who did not. Conclusion The study showed a high HEV seropositivity among HD patients in Croatia, with significant variations between geographical regions. Continental area of residence and RBC transfusion were the most significant risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Due to the high seroprevalence, routine HEV screening among HD patients, especially in transplant candidates should be considered.

We performed quantum tomography to reveal the robustness of quantum correlations of photons entangled in polarisation after their interaction with plasmonic and nonplasmonic environments at normal incidence. The experimental findings clearly show that the visibility of quantum correlations survives the interaction, and that the presence of plasmonic resonances has not any significant influence on the survival of polarisation correlations for transmitted photon pairs. The results indicate that quantum states can be encoded into the multiple motions of a many-body electronic system without demolishing their quantum nature. The plasmonic structures and their resonances only enhance the overall transmission. Thus, they could benefit the pair detection rate, that is the number of coincidences per unit of time, but they do not affect the visibility of quantum correlations. We also performed quantum tomography of the entangled pairs after interaction with the continuous planar gold film as a function of the incidence angle. The latter illustrates the loss of polarization correlations that arises from the partially polarizing properties of the isotropic sample out of normal incidence. Our work shows that plasmonic structures are not needed to exploit quantum entanglement if the rate of coincidence counting is sufficient.

Modern document protection relies on the simultaneous combination of many optical features with micron and submicron structures, whose complexity is the main obstacle for unauthorized copying. In that sense, documents are best protected by the diffractive optical elements generated lithographically and mass-produced by embossing. The problem is that the resulting security elements are identical, facilitating mass-production of both original and counterfeited documents. Here, we prove that each butterfly wing-scale is structurally and optically unique and can be used as an inimitable optical memory tag and applied for document security. Wing-scales, exhibiting angular variability of their color, were laser-cut and bleached to imprint cryptographic information of an authorized issuer. The resulting optical memory tag is extremely durable, as verified by several century-old insect specimens still retaining their coloration. The described technique is simple, amenable to mass-production, low cost and easy to integrate within the existing security infrastructure.

Na kvalitetu života osoba starijih od 65 godina nerijetko utječu promjene koje nastaju preseljenjem u dom za starije. Provedeno je analitičko presječno istraživanje o kvaliteti života koje je obuhvatilo 150 ispitanika u trima decentraliziranim domovima za starije u gradu Zagrebu. Sasvim pokretnima procijenjeno je 53 % ispitanika, ograničeno pokretnim 47 %, dok se nitko nije izjasnio kao nepokretan. Prema Gerijatrijskoj skali depresije 64 % ispitanika bilo je bez znakova depresivnosti dok ih je 6 % imalo depresivnost visokog intenziteta. Medijan Mini Mental State Exam – standardne verzije skale bio je 26, minimum 15, maksimum 30. Ispitanici su postigli visoke rezultate u svim samoprocijenjenim domenama skale kvalitete življenja. Najviša kvaliteta života zabilježena je u domenama smislenih aktivnosti, dostojanstva, autonomije i individualnosti. Najniži rezultati zabilježeni su u domeni osjećaja sigurnosti. Zaključno, ovo istraživanje provedeno na korisnicima doma za starije koji imaju održanu relativno visoku funkcionalnu i kognitivnu sposobnost, ukazuje na zadovoljavajuću samoprocjenu kvalitete njihova življenja.

Background: Development of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) has been associated with certain risk factors, but studies of the association between ABO blood group and NMSCs have been rare and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the previously known risk factors and blood group as a new potential risk factor in NMSCs. Methods: The study included 401 patients, 202 men, and 199 women, which included 367 diagnosed cases of basal cell carcinoma and 148 diagnosed cases of squamous cell carcinoma. The control group consisted of 438 subjects, 198 men, and 240 women. A standardized questionnaire adapted for this targeted study was used. The relation between the dependent variable (NMSCs) and independent variables was investigated by logistic regression. Results: Compared to the non AB blood group, the risk of developing NMSCs was significantly higher in the AB blood group (MOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.41&ndash, 3.69). We established a logistic model that could best describe the probability of NMSCs development. Conclusion: Study results are expected to instigate basic research into the role of A and B antigens in normal skin epithelium, NMSCs etiopathogenesis, possible effect on metastatic potential and disease prognosis, potential tumor immunotherapy, and targeted detection and prevention in subjects at an increased risk of NMSCs development.

Convective, conductive and radiative mechanisms of thermal management are extremely important for life. Photonic structures, used to detect infrared radiation (IR) and enhance radiative energy exchange, were observed in a number of organisms. Here we report on sophisticated radiative mechanisms used by Morimus asper funereus, a longicorn beetle whose elytra possess a suitably aligned array of lenslets and blackbodies. Additionally, a dense array of microtrichia hyperuniformly covers blackbodies and operates as a stochastic, full-bandgap, IR-photonic structure. All these features, whose characteristic dimensions cover a range from several hundred down to a few micrometres, operate synergistically to improve the absorption, emission and, possibly, detection of IR radiation. We present a morphological characterization of the elytron, thermal imaging measurements and a theoretical IR model of insect elytron, uncovering a synergistic operation of all structures.

Bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinato)-4-phenylphenolate aluminium (BAlq) does not show phosphorescence. Only in the presence of an emitting sensitiser and at low temperature, phosphorescent emission has been reported from this molecule. We report for the first time, up to our knowledge, phosphorescent emission from BAlq at room temperature in the absence of sensitisers by trapping the molecule in a photonic crystal (PhC). BAlq has been embedded first in a polymer matrix and subsequently inserted within a colloidal PhC in order to create the optical confinement that suppresses the available energy modes for fluorescence and favours intersystem crossing, giving rise to the unusual triplet emission.

The influence of material characteristics&mdash, i.e., type or surface texture&mdash, to wetting properties is nowadays increased by the implementation of ultrafast lasers for nanostructuring. In this account, we exposed multilayer thin metal film samples of different materials to a femtosecond laser beam at a 1030 nm wavelength. The interaction generated high-quality laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) of spatial periods between 740 and 790 nm and with maximal average corrugation height below 100 nm. The contact angle (CA) values of the water droplets on the surface were estimated and the values between unmodified and modified samples were compared. Even though the laser interaction changed both the surface morphology and the chemical composition, the wetting properties were predominantly influenced by the small change in morphology causing the increase in the contact angle of ~80%, which could not be explained classically. The influence of both surface corrugation and chemical composition to the wetting properties has been thoroughly investigated, discussed and explained. The presented results clearly confirm that femtosecond patterning can be used to mold wetting properties.

Insulin resistance is associated with increased risk of death and liver transplantation in the cirrhotic population, independent of disease aetiology. However, factors accounting for insulin resistance in the context of cirrhosis are incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between adiponectin and leptin with insulin resistance in cirrhotic patients and to assess the influence of disease severity on insulin resistance and metabolic status. This cross-sectional study included 126 non-diabetic cirrhotic transplant candidates. The homeostasis model assessment 2 model was used to determine the insulin resistance index, and fasting adiponectin, leptin, insulin, c-peptide, glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profiles were analysed. Insulin resistance was detected in 83% of subjects and associated with increased leptin, fasting plasma glucose and body mass index, and lower triglyceride levels. Logistic regression analysis identified leptin and triglycerides as independent predictors of insulin resistance (OR 1.247, 95% CI 1.076&ndash, 1.447, p = 0.003, OR 0.357, 95% CI 0.137&ndash, 0.917, p = 0.032.). Leptin levels remained unchanged, whereas adiponectin levels increased (p &lt, 0.001) with disease progression, and inversely correlated with HbA1c (&rho, = &minus, 0.349, p &lt, 0.001). Our results indicate that leptin resistance, as indicated by elevated leptin levels, can be regarded as a contributing factor to insulin resistance in cirrhotic patients, whereas triglycerides elicited a weak protective effect. Progressively increasing adiponectin levels elicited a positive effect on glucose homeostasis, but not insulin sensitivity across disease stages.

In the second half of the 20th century, the town of Bakar (Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia), where a coking plant was operational 1978&ndash, 1994, experienced intensive industrialisation. The town of Mali Lo&scaron, inj (Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia) in this period based its economy on non-industrial sectors. The study goal was comparing mortality characteristics of these populations in the northern Mediterranean for 1960&ndash, 2012. An ecological study design was used. Data were analysed for 1960&ndash, 2012 for the deceased with recorded place of residence in the study area. Data on the deceased for 1960&ndash, 1993 were taken from death reports, for 1994&ndash, 2012 from digital archives of the Teaching Institute of Public Health, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Data on causes of death for 1960&ndash, 1994 were recoded to the three-digit code of underlying cause of death according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD&ndash, 10). Among studied populations significant difference was found among the causes of deaths coded within ICD&ndash, 10 chapters: neoplasms (particularly stomach carcinoma), mental and behavioural disorders and diseases of the respiratory system (particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (COPD)). Increase in mortality from neoplasms, increase in respiratory diseases for the area exposed to industrial pollution, also stomach carcinoma and COPD particularly in the town Bakar require further research.

INTRODUCTION: West Nile virus (WNV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies have been shown to persist for up to 500 days in certain patients. To evaluate the usefulness of immunoglobulin G (IgG) avidity assessment in the diagnosis of WNV infection, we analyzed 54 WNV IgM- and/or IgG-positive serum samples from 39 patients with neuroinvasive disease and 15 asymptomatic cases tested during a seroprevalence investigation. ----- METHODS: Serological tests (WNV IgM/IgG antibody detection, IgG avidity) were performed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. ----- RESULTS: WNV IgM antibodies were detected in 47 (87%) samples. Acute/recent WNV infection was confirmed based on low/borderline avidity index (AI) in 44 IgM-positive samples (93.6%). In three IgM-positive samples (6.4%), high IgG AIs were detected, thus indicating persisting IgM antibodies from previous infections. All IgM-negative samples showed high AIs. Patients with WNV neuroinvasive disease tested within 30 days showed low AIs. In six patients tested 34-50 days after disease onset, AI was borderline (42%-60%), suggesting earlier WNV IgG maturation. Samples with the highest IgM values were associated with the lowest AIs (Spearman's rho coefficient -0.767, p < 0.001). ----- CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that IgG avidity differentiates current/recent WNV infection from persistent IgM seropositivity from the previous WNV transmission season both in patients with WNV neuroinvasive disease and in asymptomatic persons. A strong negative correlation between IgM antibody levels and AI indicates that in cases with very high IgM levels, determination of IgG avidity may not be necessary. As many patients showed rapid avidity maturation, low IgG avidity is indicative of WNV infection within the previous month.

In 2017 Zagreb faced the largest outbreak of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) to date. We investigated to describe the extent of the outbreak and identify risk factors for infection. We compared laboratory-confirmed cases of Hantavirus infection in Zagreb residents with the onset of illness after 1 January 2017, with individually matched controls from the same household or neighbourhood. We calculated adjusted matched odds ratios (amOR) using conditional logistic regression. During 2017, 104 cases were reported: 11–81 years old (median 37) and 71% (73) male. Compared with 104 controls, cases were more likely to report visiting Mount Medvednica (amOR 60, 95% CI 6–597), visiting a forest (amOR 46, 95% CI 4.7–450) and observing rodents (amOR 20, 95% CI 2.6–159). Seventy per cent of cases (73/104) had visited Mount Medvednica prior to infection. Among participants who had visited Mount Medvednica, cases were more likely to have drunk water from a spring (amOR 22, 95% CI 1.9–265), observed rodents (amOR 17, 95% CI 2–144), picked flowers (amOR 15, 95% CI 1.2–182) or cycled (amOR 14, 95% CI 1.6–135). Our study indicated that recreational activity around Mount Medvednica was associated with HFRS. We recommend enhanced surveillance of the recreational areas during an outbreak.

Virusi iz herpes grupe (herpes simpleks virus, HSV; varičela-zoster virus, VZV; citomegalovirus, CMV; Epstein-Barrov virus, EBV) su značajan uzrok smrtnosti u imunokompromitiranih osoba. Cilj rada bio je analizirati učestalost HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV i EBV u bolesnika koji se liječe hemodijalizom. Tijekom trogodišnjeg razdoblja (2013.-2015.) ispitano je ukupno 152 uzastopno pristiglih uzoraka seruma bolesnika na hemodijalizi te 150 uzoraka seruma zdravih osoba (kontrolna skupina) na prisutnost herpes virusnih IgM/IgG protutijela. Serološko testiranje učinjeno je pomoću komercijalnog dijagnostičkog imunoenzimnog testa (ELISA) ili imunoenzimnog testa s fluorescentnom detekcijom (ELFA). Bolesnici na hemodijalizi bili su značajno češće CMV IgG seropozitivni u odnosu na kontrolnu skupinu (88,2% prema 78,7%, p=0,011). Nadalje, seroprevalencija HSV-1 i VZV također je bila viša u bolesnika na hemodijalizi, no statistička značajnost nije dostignuta (85,5% prema 80,0%, p=0,054; 99,3% prema 96,0%, p=0,051). Učestalost HSV-2 i EBV protutijela nije se razlikovala između skupina (12,5% prema 12,7%, p=0,137, odnosno 98,0% prema 95,3%, p=0,113). IgG seroprevalencija nije se razlikovala u odnosu na spol i mjesto prebivališta. Rezultati logističke regresije pokazali su da je starija životna dob značajan čimbenik rizika za CMV i EBV seropozitivnost (porastom dobi za jednu godinu CMV OR=1,055; 95%CI=1,030-1,080; EBV OR=1,075, 95%CI=1,023-1,130). Herpes group viruses (herpes simplex virus, HSV; varicella-zoster virus, VZV; cytomegalovirus, CMV; and Epstein-Barr virus, EBV) remain an important cause of morbidity in immunocompromised persons. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV and EBV in patients undergoing hemodialysis. During a three-year period (2013-2015), 152 consecutive serum samples from hemodialysis patients and 150 healthy subjects (control group) were tested for the presence of IgM/IgG antibodies to herpes group viruses. Serologic tests were performed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or enzyme-linked immunofluorescent assay (ELFA). Hemodialysis patients showed significantly higher CMV IgG seropositivity compared to controls (88.2% vs. 78.7%, p=0.011). In addition, seroprevalence rates of HSV-1 and VZV were higher in hemodialysis patients; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance (85.5% vs. 80.0%, p=0.054 and 99.3% vs. 96.0%, p=0.051, respectively). The prevalence of HSV-2 and EBV was similar in both groups (12.5% vs. 12.7%, p=0.137 and 98.0% vs. 95.3%, p=0.113, respectively). There was no difference in IgG seropositivity according to gender and place of residence. Logistic regression showed that older age was a significant predictor for CMV and EBV IgG seropositivity (increase in age by one year: CMV OR=1.055; 95%CI=1.030-1.080 and EBV OR=1.075, 95%CI=1.023-1.130).

Upon illumination by ultraviolet light, many animal species emit light through fluorescence processes arising from fluorophores embedded within their biological tissues. Fluorescence studies in living organisms are however relatively scarce and so far limited to the linear regime. Multiphoton excitation fluorescence analyses as well as non-linear optical techniques offer unique possibilities to investigate the effects of the local environment on the excited states of fluorophores. Herein these techniques are applied for the first time to the study of insects' natural fluorescence. The case of the male Hoplia coerulea beetle is investigated because the scales covering the beetle's elytra are known to possess an internal photonic structure with embedded fluorophores, which controls both the beetle's colouration and the fluorescence emission. An intense two-photon excitation fluorescence signal is observed, the intensity of which changes upon contact with water. A Third-Harmonic Generation signal is also detected, the intensity of which depends on the light polarisation state. The analysis of these non-linear optical and fluorescent responses unveils the multi-excited states character of the fluorophore molecules embedded in the beetle's elytra. The anisotropy of the photonic structure, which causes additional tailoring of the beetle's optical responses, is confirmed by circularly polarised light and non-linear optical measurements., Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, 1 SI file

Until recently, endocrinologists have considered the bone to be a target for hor‑ mones such as sex steroids, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin. Recent studies have suggested a new role for bone tissue by producing osteo‑ calcin (OC), a protein hormone that affects in‑ sulin production and sensitivity, glucose utiliza‑ tion, and energy expenditure

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze prevalence and dynamics of CMV infection among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. From 2010 to 2012, a total of 162 patients and 160 control subjects were tested for the presence of CMV IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. IgM/IgG reactive samples were further evaluated for IgG avidity to confirm or rule out recent primary CMV infection. The overall IgG seropositivity was higher in hemodialysis patients compared to controls (90.7% vs. 81.9% ; crude odds ratio [OR] =2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.05–3.89 ; OR adjusted for age and gender = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.05–4.55). CMV IgG antibody titers were similar in both groups. There was no difference in CMV prevalence between males (87.9%) and females (96.3%). According to age, a progressive increase in seropositivity was observed in both hemodialysis patients and the control group. Three hemodialysis patients (1.9%) developed recurrent CMV infection (positive IgM with high avidity IgG antibodies). In one patient (2.9%), seroconversion was documented during the second year of the follow‑up period indicating primary infection. In contrast, in the control group, recent primary CMV infection (positive IgM with low/borderline IgG avidity) was demonstrated in three subjects (1.9%), whereas one (0.6%) developed recurrent infection. On multivariate logistic regression, hemodialysis and older age were significant predictors for CMV seropositivity.

Background The study was designed as a gerontologic-public health analysis of the relationship between the leading and accompanying psychogeriatric diagnoses and negative health behaviors recorded in the old people's home users, with the aim to evaluate and redefine gerontologic-public health priorities and geroprophylactic measures, with special reference to persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Subject and methods Gerontologic-public health indicators obtained by monitoring health care needs of the elderly in specific institutional primary health care at 10 old people's homes (N=1185) in Croatia in 2013 were analyzed using the professional methodology developed at Department of Health Gerontology, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health (Registry List 1 that refers to monitoring specific primary health care needs of elderly at old people's homes). Results Study results revealed that essential arterial hypertension was the principal (leading) principal diagnosis in the old people's home users as of 2013, accounting for 13% of all leading diagnoses recorded in the elderly in institutional health care. In the study population, psychogeriatric diagnoses were recorded among the first five accompanying and leading diagnoses. Refusal of occupational therapy was the most common unfavorable health behavior recorded in the old people's home users, accounting for 22%, followed by poor personal and environmental hygiene (19%), physical inactivity (18%), mental inactivity (15%), obesity (13%) and smoking (5%) of 861 unfavorable behaviour characteristics recorded in study subjects. Study results showed the leading diagnoses in the old people's home users (such as circulatory system diseases, hip fracture, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) to be associated with negative health behaviors that can be considered as risk factors for the development or progression of the disease, in psychogeriatric patients in particular. Conclusions The results obtained by gerontological-public health indicator analysis indicate that programs of geroprophylaxis, gerontologic and psychogeriatric measures should be implemented in old people's homes as a priority, with day centers for Alzheimer's disease patients. It is necessary to identify and evaluate risk factors for the occurrence of preventable diseases, change the negative health behaviors in the elderly, and apply the nutritional-gerontologic dietary standards at old people's homes including follow up of dietary intake of nutrients such as vitamins and mineral, with special reference to psychogeriatric patients.

Herpes group viruses (herpes simplex virus, HSV; varicella-zoster virus, VZV; cytomegalovirus, CMV; and Epstein-Barr virus, EBV) remain an important cause of morbidity in immunocompromised persons. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV and EBV in patients undergoing hemodialysis. During a three-year period (2013-2015), 152 consecutive serum samples from hemodialysis patients and 150 healthy subjects (control group) were tested for the presence of IgM/IgG antibodies to herpes group viruses. Serologic tests were performed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or enzyme-linked immunofluorescent assay (ELFA). Hemodialysis patients showed significantly higher CMV IgG seropositivity compared to controls (88.2% vs. 78.7%, p=0.011). In addition, seroprevalence rates of HSV-1 and VZV were higher in hemodialysis patients; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance (85.5% vs. 80.0%, p=0.054 and 99.3% vs. 96.0%, p=0.051, respectively). The prevalence of HSV-2 and EBV was similar in both groups (12.5% vs. 12.7%, p=0.137 and 98.0% vs. 95.3%, p=0.113, respectively). There was no difference in IgG seropositivity according to gender and place of residence. Logistic regression showed that older age was a significant predictor for CMV and EBV IgG seropositivity (increase in age by one year: CMV OR=1.055; 95%CI=1.030-1.080 and EBV OR=1.075, 95%CI=1.023-1.130)., Virusi iz herpes grupe (herpes simpleks virus, HSV; varičela-zoster virus, VZV; citomegalovirus, CMV; Epstein-Barrov virus, EBV) su značajan uzrok smrtnosti u imunokompromitiranih osoba. Cilj rada bio je analizirati učestalost HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV i EBV u bolesnika koji se liječe hemodijalizom. Tijekom trogodišnjeg razdoblja (2013.-2015.) ispitano je ukupno 152 uzastopno pristiglih uzoraka seruma bolesnika na hemodijalizi te 150 uzoraka seruma zdravih osoba (kontrolna skupina) na prisutnost herpes virusnih IgM/IgG protutijela. Serološko testiranje učinjeno je pomoću komercijalnog dijagnostičkog imunoenzimnog testa (ELISA) ili imunoenzimnog testa s fluorescentnom detekcijom (ELFA). Bolesnici na hemodijalizi bili su značajno češće CMV IgG seropozitivni u odnosu na kontrolnu skupinu (88,2% prema 78,7%, p=0,011). Nadalje, seroprevalencija HSV-1 i VZV također je bila viša u bolesnika na hemodijalizi, no statistička značajnost nije dostignuta (85,5% prema 80,0%, p=0,054; 99,3% prema 96,0%, p=0,051). Učestalost HSV-2 i EBV protutijela nije se razlikovala između skupina (12,5% prema 12,7%, p=0,137, odnosno 98,0% prema 95,3%, p=0,113). IgG seroprevalencija nije se razlikovala u odnosu na spol i mjesto prebivališta. Rezultati logističke regresije pokazali su da je starija životna dob značajan čimbenik rizika za CMV i EBV seropozitivnost (porastom dobi za jednu godinu CMV OR=1,055; 95%CI=1,030-1,080; EBV OR=1,075, 95%CI=1,023-1,130).

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is endemic worldwide, with marked differences in the seroprevalence rates between countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the seroprevalence of CMV infections in Croatia. ----- METHODS: During a 3-year period (2013-2015) 2438 consecutive serum samples collected from Croatian residents were tested for the presence of CMV IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassay. The IgM/IgG positive samples were further tested for IgG avidity. ----- RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence rates for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were 74.4 % and 4.3 %, respectively. The IgG seroprevalence showed significant differences between population groups: children/adolescents 54.6 %, general adult population 77.2 %, hemodialysis patients 91.4 % (p < 0.001). Seropositivity of CMV was strongly age-dependent with prevalences ranging from 53.0 % in children less than 10 years old to 93.8 % in persons above 60 years (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the prevalence rate between women with normal pregnancy and women with poor obstetric history. Gender and place of residence were not associated with CMV seropositivity. Using IgG avidity, current/recent primary CMV infection was confirmed by a low/borderline avidity index (AI) in 46.7 % participants, while in 53.3 % a high AI indicated CMV reactivation or reinfection. Primary infections were detected mainly in children and adolescents (83.2 % and 70.5 %, respectively), while reactivation/reinfection was common in persons older than 40 (77.0-100 %). Reactivation/reinfection was most commonly detected in hemodialysis patients (92.3 %). Logistic regression showed that older age and being on hemodialysis were significant predictors of CMV seropositivity. ----- CONCLUSION: Infections with CMV are widespread in the Croatian population. Older age and being on hemodialysis appear to be the main risk factors for CMV infection.

We develop a new method to measure a weak value by an interferometric experiment without a weakness condition. We demonstrate a link between this experience and the measurement of the average of a non-Hermitian operator.

H. coerulea’s elytra show a strong two-photon fluorescence signal, which depends on the presence of water in the photonic structure. A polarization-dependent Third Harmonic Generation signal was detected as well and thoroughly investigated.

Objectives Hearing impairment and specific language disorder are two entities that seriously affect language acquisition in children and reduce their communication skills. These children require specific treatment and higher levels of care than healthy children. Their language abilities also strongly influence parent–child interactions. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the parents of hearing-impaired children and the parents of children with speech difficulties (specific language disorder). Methods Our study subjects included 349 parents (182 mothers and 167 fathers) of preschool-aged children with receptive expressive language disorder and 131 parents (71 mothers and 60 fathers) of children with severe hearing impairment. A control group was composed of 146 parents (82 mothers and 64 fathers) of healthy children of the same age. HRQOL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Results For all groups of parents, the mothers had poorer scores compared with the fathers, but large differences were apparent depending on the child's impairment. In the control group, the scores of the mothers were significantly lower than the fathers’ scores in only two (of eight) health domains. In contrast, the scores were lower in three domains for the mothers of speech-impaired children and in six domains for the mothers of hearing-impaired children, representing the greatest difference between the parents. When compared with the control group, both the mothers and fathers of speech-impaired children scored significantly worse in five health domains. Fathers of hearing-impaired children scored significantly worse than controls in three health domains. The lowest scores, indicating the poorest HRQOL, were observed for mothers of hearing-impaired children, who obtained significantly lower scores than the control mothers in all health domains except the emotional role. Conclusions The parents of preschool-aged speech-and hearing-impaired children experience poorer HRQOL than parents of healthy children of the same age. Mothers of hearing-impaired children are especially affected, demonstrating a negative impact in almost all health domains.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between markers of NAFLD, namely concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALK), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), bilirubin, and renal function in type 1 diabetic patients. This study included 313 normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), without clinical evidence of cirrhosis or other causes of chronic liver disease and before any interventions with statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. ALT, GGT, and bilirubin levels were significantly higher in subjects in the highest quartile of serum creatinine compared to those in lowest quartile (21 vs. 20 U/L, 18 vs. 14 U/L, and 14 vs. 10 µmol/L, respectively, for all p