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The most discussed infectious disease is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Many research endeavors have focused on the effects of the virus on reproductive organs, as these have also been shown to carry the receptors to which the virus attaches. The results of assisted reproductive technology (ART) have been significantly affected by the pandemic, with some in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers being closed due to the risk of further spread of the disease. According to World Health Organization statistics, 17.5% of adults worldwide suffered from fertility problems in 2023; in other words, one in six people in the world have reproductive health problems. As infertility is a growing problem in the modern world and new developments in assisted reproduction are always a topic of profound interest, it is important to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on reproductive health. This systematic review aimed to examine studies describing patients undergoing ART procedures with a COVID-19-positive history and to shed light on the recent evidence on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in the ART context. A meta-analysis was conducted to confirm the results of the systematic review. The results showed a significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups and an increased miscarriage rate in those with a COVID-19-positive history. However, no significant difference in clinical pregnancy and birth rates was found in participants with a previous COVID-19 infection. The results show that further studies and research are needed, even though the spread and impact of the virus have decreased. Evidence-based information for individuals and couples undergoing infertility treatment is vital to enable informed decision-making.

Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium are opportunistic pathogens commonly found in the microbiota of humans and other animals as well as in the environment. This article presents the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing using phenotypic methods (broth microdilution and standardized disk diffusion) on selected clinical, food, and wastewater isolates of E. faecalis and E. faecium. The isolates were divided into subgroups based on their sensitivity to the following antibiotics: vancomycin (VAN) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), and biocides triclosan (TCL) and chlorhexidine (CHX). The study also investigated in vitro virulence factors, including biofilm formation ability, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and β-hemolysis, to explore aspects of pathogenesis. In our study, regardless of the isolation source, VAN-resistant (VAN-R) and CIP-resistant (CIP-R) E. faecalis and E. faecium were detected. The highest proportion of CIP-R strains was found among clinical isolates of E. faecalis and E. faecium, with clinical E. faecium also showing the highest proportion of VAN-R strains. But the highest proportion of VAN-R E. faecalis strains was found in wastewater samples. The highest TCL MIC90 values for E. faecalis were found in wastewater isolates, while for E. faecium, the highest TCL MIC90 values were observed in food isolates. The highest CHX MIC90 values for both E. faecalis and E. faecium were identified in clinical specimens. The results obtained for E. faecalis did not indicate differences in TCL MIC and CHX MIC values with respect to sensitivity to VAN and CIP. Higher CHX MIC50 and CHX MIC90 values were obtained for CIP-R and VAN-R E. faecium. Among the tested isolates, 97.75% of the E. faecalis isolates produced biofilm, while 72.22% of the E. faecium isolates did so as well. In biofilm-forming strength categories III and IV, statistically significantly higher proportions of CIP-susceptible (CIP-S) and VAN-susceptible (VAN-S) E. faecalis were determined. In category III, there is no statistically significant difference in E. faecium CIP sensitivity. In category IV, we had a significantly higher proportion of CIP-R strains. On the other hand, the association between the moderate or strong category of biofilm formation and E. faecium VAN susceptibility was not significant. E. faecalis isolated from wastewater had a CSH index (HI) ≥ 50%, categorizing them as “moderate”, while all the other strains were categorized as “low” based on the CSH index. Among the E. faecalis isolates, cell surface hydrophobicity indices differed significantly across isolation sources. In contrast, E. faecium isolates showed similar hydrophobicity indices across isolation sources, with no significant difference found. Moreover, no correlation was found between the enterococcal cell surface hydrophobicity and biofilm formation in vitro. After anaerobic incubation, β-hemolytic activity was confirmed in 19.10% of the E. faecalis and 3.33% of the E. faecium strains.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetecomitans) is a Gram-negative bacterial species that is an essential component of the oral microbiota. Due to its aggregative properties, it plays a role in the pathogenesis of human diseases. The presence of the surface proteins Fim, Briae, and microvesicles enables the bacterium to adhere to the epithelial surface and the tooth’s surface. The presence of leukotoxin A (LtxA), which plays an important role in the pathogenicity of the bacterium, has been associated with both periodontitis and the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A. actinomycetecomitans is also associated with several other systemic diseases and complications, such as endocarditis and different abscesses. In addition to leukotoxin A, A. actinomycetecomitans possesses several different virulence factors, including bacteriocins, chemotaxis inhibitory factors, cytotoxic factors, Fc-binding proteins, immunosuppressive factors, lipopolysaccharide collagenase, fibroblast inhibitory factors, antibiotic resistance determinants, adhesins, invasive factors and factors that inhibit the function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The ability of A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide to induce macrophages to secrete the interleukins IL-1, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is of considerable importance. The primary etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease is the oral biofilm colonized by anaerobic bacteria. Among these, A. actinomycetemcomitans occupies an important place as a facultative anaerobic bacterium. In addition, A. actinomycetemcomitans possesses many virulence factors that contribute to its potential to cause cancer. This article provides an overview of the virulence factors of A. actinomycetecomitans and its association with various systemic diseases, its oncogenic potential, and the treatment options for infections caused by A. actinomycetecomitans.

This article provides an overview of how sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances mutually influence the occurrence of dental caries and how it is possible to reduce the risk of circadian rhythm disturbances, sleep, and associated adverse effects. Dental caries is a global problem worldwide that contributes to sociological limitations. Numerous factors influence the occurrence of dental caries, from socioeconomic factors to cariogenic bacteria, dietary habits, and oral hygiene. However, sleep disorders and circadian rhythm disturbances represent a new approach in the fight against the increasing prevalence of dental caries worldwide. Bacteria in the oral cavity and the oral microbiome are mainly responsible for the development of caries, and saliva plays an important role in their regulation. The circadian rhythm regulates numerous physiological functions, including sleep and saliva production. Disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythms affect saliva production, which impacts the development of dental caries, as saliva is necessary for regulating and maintaining oral health, especially for controlling oral infections. A person’s preference for a particular time of day depends on the circadian rhythm called chronotype. Individuals with an evening chronotype have a less healthy lifestyle that can lead to a higher caries risk than individuals with a morning chronotype. Because circadian rhythms are critical to maintaining sleep homeostasis and oral health, sleep disturbances can disrupt circadian rhythms and lead to a vicious cycle.

Cilj rada: Cilj istraživanja jest utvrditi opću i dobno-specifičnu stopu smrtnosti za akutni i ponavljajući infarkt miokarda (IM) po hrvatskim županijama za razdoblje od 2015. do 2019. godine, koristeći revidiranu europsku populaciju iz 2013. godine (RESP). Dodatni je cilj usporediti utvrđene stope s prosječnim stopama za Hrvatsku i EU, kao i istražiti povezanost između stopa i makroekonomskih pokazatelja. Materijal i metode: Izračunate su opće i dobno standardizirane stope mortaliteta za akutni i ponovljeni IM koristeći RESP kao i njegovu stariju verziju, europsku standardnu populaciju iz 1976. godine (ESP). Dobno standardizirane stope uspoređene su s prosječnom stopom u Hrvatskoj (2017. godine) i EU (2019. godine). Prosječna stopa smrtnosti u EU temeljena je na RESP-u i dobivena je iz baze Eurostat. Broj umrlih dobiven je od Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo, a popis stanovnika iz Državnog zavoda za statistiku. Analizirana je povezanost stopa mortaliteta i dvaju indikatora: bruto domaćeg proizvoda (BDP) i indeksa gospodarske snage Hrvatske gospodarske komore. Rezultati: Opće stope mortaliteta za akutni i ponovljeni IM iznosi od 72 do 91 (na 100.000 stanovnika), s velikim rasponom između županija od 35 do 120. Dobno standardizirane stope temeljene na RESP-u za većinu županija brojčano su više spram stopa temeljenih na ESP-u. U svim županijama dobno standardizirane stope nadilaze prosjek EU-a (do tri puta), a smrtnost u kontinentalnim županijama viša je od smrtnosti u obalnim županijama. Dok indeks HGK-a ne korelira značajno sa smrtnošću, BDP negativno korelira u muškaraca (r = -0.492, p = 0,023). Zaključci: Primjena RESP-a umjesto ESP-a preduvjet je za usporedbu dobno standardiziranih stopa smrtnosti s članicama EU-a. Usprkos međužupanijskim razlikama, stope smrtnosti u Hrvatskoj i dalje uvelike nadilaze prosjek EU-a.

Radioactivity is a process in which the nuclei of unstable atoms spontaneously decay, producing other nuclei and releasing energy in the form of ionizing radiation in the form of alpha (α) and beta (β) particles as well as the emission of gamma (γ) electromagnetic waves. People may be exposed to radiation in various forms, as casualties of nuclear accidents, workers in power plants, or while working and using different radiation sources in medicine and health care. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs in subjects exposed to a very high dose of radiation in a very short period of time. Each form of radiation has a unique pathophysiological effect. Unfortunately, higher organisms—human beings—in the course of evolution have not acquired receptors for the direct “capture” of radiation energy, which is transferred at the level of DNA, cells, tissues, and organs. Radiation in biological systems depends on the amount of absorbed energy and its spatial distribution, particularly depending on the linear energy transfer (LET). Photon radiation with low LET leads to homogeneous energy deposition in the entire tissue volume. On the other hand, radiation with a high LET produces a fast Bragg peak, which generates a low input dose, whereby the penetration depth into the tissue increases with the radiation energy. The consequences are mutations, apoptosis, the development of cancer, and cell death. The most sensitive cells are those that divide intensively—bone marrow cells, digestive tract cells, reproductive cells, and skin cells. The health care system and the public should raise awareness of the consequences of ionizing radiation. Therefore, our aim is to identify the consequences of ARS taking into account radiation damage to the respiratory system, nervous system, hematopoietic system, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) morbidity and mortality indices, along with medical intervention rates, were analyzed among Mediterranean countries, Croatia, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, and France, in the pre-COVID period. Standardized IHD incidence and prevalence rates from 1990 and mortality rates from 1985 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 and Health for All databases. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and transluminal coronary angioplasty (TCA) rates in the 2011–2019 period were obtained from Eurostat. Trends were estimated with Joinpoint regression analysis. IHD mortality rates range from 13.6 to 74.3 for females and from 37.8 to 126.03 for males. IHD mortality rates in Croatia were 5.6-fold higher among females and 3.3-fold higher among males compared to France. All countries decreased standardized IHD prevalence and incidence rates, although the magnitude varied. The high-to-low ratio, Croatia vs. Spain, was 3.5-fold for CABG and 3.2-fold for TCA. Slovenia, as opposed to Croatia, reduced the gap for all medical indicators except for relatively high prevalence rates. Despite a significant rise in medical interventions in Croatia, ineffective clinical and public health initiatives have led to only modest declines in IHD mortality rates over the past decade.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat, leading to increased mortality and necessitating urgent action—however, its impact on athletes and the world of sports has hitherto been neglected. Sports environments (including athletic and aquatic) exhibit high levels of microbial contamination, potentially contributing to the spread of resistant microorganisms during physical activities. Moreover, the literature suggests that travel for sports events may lead to changes in athletes’ gut microbiomes and potentially impact their antibiotic resistance profiles, raising questions about the broader implications for individual and public/global health. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) among athletes (particularly those engaged in contact or collision sports) ranges between 22.4% and 68.6%, with MRSA strains being isolated in up to 34.9% of tested individuals. Factors such as training frequency, equipment sharing, delayed post-training showers, and a history of certain medical conditions are linked to higher colonization rates. Moreover, MRSA outbreaks have been documented in sports teams previously, highlighting the importance of implementing preventive measures and hygiene protocols in athletic settings. In light of the growing threat of AMR, there is a critical need for evidence-based treatment guidelines tailored to athletes’ unique physiological demands to ensure responsible antibiotic use and mitigate potential health risks. While various initiatives—such as incorporating AMR awareness into major sporting events—aim to leverage the broad audience of sports to communicate the importance of addressing AMR, proactive measures (including improved AMR surveillance during large sporting events) will be indispensable for enhancing preparedness and safeguarding both athletes’ and the general public’s health. This narrative review thoroughly assesses the existing literature on AMR and antibiotic usage in the context of sports, aiming to illuminate areas where information may be lacking and underscoring the significance of promoting global awareness about AMR through sports.

Candida albicans is a commensal fungal species that commonly colonizes the human body, but it is also a pervasive opportunistic pathogen in patients with malignant diseases. A growing body of evidence suggests that this fungus is not only coincidental in oncology patients, but may also play an active role in the development of cancer. More specifically, several studies have investigated the potential association between C. albicans and various types of cancer, including oral, esophageal, and colorectal cancer, with a possible role of this species in skin cancer as well. The proposed mechanisms include the production of carcinogenic metabolites, modulation of the immune response, changes in cell morphology, microbiome alterations, biofilm production, the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways, and the induction of chronic inflammation. These mechanisms may act together or independently to promote cancer development. Although more research is needed to fully grasp the potential role of C. albicans in carcinogenesis, the available evidence suggests that this species may be an active contributor and underscores the importance of considering the impact of the human microbiome on cancer pathogenesis. In this narrative review, we aimed to summarize the current state of evidence and offer some insights into proposed mechanisms.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, can cause serious infection of the central nervous system in humans, resulting in potential neurological complications and fatal outcomes. TBEV is primarily transmitted to humans through infected tick bites, and the viral agent circulates between ticks and animals, such as deer and small mammals. The occurrence of the infection aligns with the seasonal activity of ticks. As no specific antiviral therapy exists for TBEV infection, treatment approaches primarily focus on symptomatic relief and support. Active immunization is highly effective, especially for individuals in endemic areas. The burden of TBEV infections is increasing, posing a growing health concern. Reported incidence rates rose from 0.4 to 0.9 cases per 100,000 people between 2015 and 2020. The Baltic and Central European countries have the highest incidence, but TBE is endemic across a wide geographic area. Various factors, including social and environmental aspects, improved medical awareness, and advanced diagnostics, have contributed to the observed increase. Diagnosing TBEV infection can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of the initial symptoms and potential co-infections. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, prevention of complications, and effective control measures. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the molecular structure of TBEV, its transmission and circulation in natural environments, the pathogenesis of TBEV infection, the epidemiology and global distribution of the virus, associated risk factors, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches. By improving understanding of these aspects, we aim to enhance knowledge and promote strategies for timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and the implementation of effective control measures against TBEV infections.

Introduction: Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) is the most common and psychometrically sound instrument used to measure the impostor phenomenon. The aim of this study was to translate and make a cultural adaptation of the CIPS from English into Croatian. Materials and Methods: The translation process included two independent forward translations, combination of the forward translations into one single translation, back-translation, back-translation review, pre-piloting and drafting of the final translation after several revisions and minor adjustments by a professional reviewer. Results: We noticed no semantic differences when comparing the original and the back-translated versions of the CIPS. Thus, the final translation was only slightly changed in comparison with the first version. Conclusions: The version of the CIPS which was translated and culturally adapted into Croatian represents a reliable translation ready to be used in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Abstract Background The most crucial decision in the physician’s career after graduation is undoubtedly the choice of specialization. It is conditioned by many factors such as intellectual challenges, clinical experience, economic and social influences. The aim of this study was to determine whether personality traits affect the choice of medical specialty at the University of Osijek, Croatia. Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 407 medical students. To assess the personality traits, the IPIP Big-Five questionnaire was used. Results There were no differences in four of the five personality traits of the Big-Five questionnaire when comparing the groups based on their specialty preference: extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability. A significant difference was found for openness to experience (intellect/imagination) trait, where students who preferred psychiatry specialties achieved the highest score, and those who chose public health specialties scored the lowest. We observed no significant effect between gender and specialty preference based on personality traits. Conclusions We could not attribute the differences in personality traits to specialty preference. Medical students with higher scores on agreeableness and openness (intellect/imagination) scales were more inclined to psychiatric specialties, and more conscientiousness students preferred the anesthesiology and emergency medicine specialties. Even if variations in personality traits do not exist across different specialties, many other factors influence specialty preference.

Hydrogen is widely considered as the fuel of the future. Due to the challenges present during hydrogen production using conventional processes and technologies, additional methods must be considered, like the use of microorganisms. One of the most promising technologies is dark fermentation, a process where microorganisms are utilized to produce hydrogen from biomass. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the biological processes of hydrogen production, specifically emphasizing the dark fermentation process. This kind of fermentation involves bacteria, such as Clostridium and Enterobacterium, to produce hydrogen from organic waste. Synthetic microbial consortia are also discussed for hydrogen production from different types of biomasses, including lignocellulosic biomass, which includes all biomass composed of lignin and (hemi)cellulose, sugar-rich waste waters, and others. The use of genetic engineering to improve the fermentation properties of selected microorganisms is also considered. Finally, the paper covers the important aspect of hydrogen management, including storage, transport, and economics.

The gut microbiota, which represent a community of different microorganisms in the human intestinal tract, are crucial to preserving human health by participating in various physiological functions and acting as a metabolic organ. In physiological conditions, microbiota–host partnership exerts homeostatic stability; however, changes in intestinal microbiota composition (dysbiosis) are an important factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and its two main disease entities: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The incidence and prevalence of these inflammatory conditions have increased rapidly in the last decade, becoming a significant problem for the healthcare system and a true challenge in finding novel therapeutic solutions. The issue is that, despite numerous studies, the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease is not completely clear. Based on current knowledge, chronic intestinal inflammation occurs due to altered intestinal microbiota and environmental factors, as well as a complex interplay between the genetic predisposition of the host and an inappropriate innate and acquired immune response. It is important to note that the development of biological and immunomodulatory therapy has led to significant progress in treating inflammatory bowel disease. Certain lifestyle changes and novel approaches—including fecal microbiota transplantation and nutritional supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics—have offered solutions for dysbiosis management and paved the way towards restoring a healthy microbiome, with only minimal long-term unfavorable effects.

The growing emergence of antimicrobial resistance represents a global problem that not only influences healthcare systems but also has grave implications for political and economic processes. As the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents is lagging, one of the solutions is innovative therapeutic options that would expand our armamentarium against this hazard. Compounds of interest in many such studies are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which actually represent the host’s first line of defense against pathogens and are involved in innate immunity. They have a broad range of antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with specific mechanisms of action utilized by different AMPs. Coupled with a lower propensity for resistance development, it is becoming clear that AMPs can be seen as emerging and very promising candidates for more pervasive usage in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, their use in quotidian clinical practice is not without challenges. In this review, we aimed to summarize state-of-the-art evidence on the structure and mechanisms of action of AMPs, as well as to provide detailed information on their antimicrobial activity. We also aimed to present contemporary evidence of clinical trials and application of AMPs and highlight their use beyond infectious diseases and potential challenges that may arise with their increasing availability.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium that lives in the oral cavity. It is an integral part of the oral microbiome, which includes more than 500 types of bacteria. Under certain circumstances, as a consequence of virulence factors, it can become very destructive and proliferate to many cells in periodontal lesions. It is one of the causative agents present extremely often in dental plaque and is the main etiological factor in the development of periodontal disease. During various therapeutic procedures, P. gingivalis can enter the blood and disseminate through it to distant organs. This primarily refers to the influence of periodontal agents on the development of subacute endocarditis and can facilitate the development of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and ischemic infarction. The action of P. gingivalis is facilitated by numerous factors of virulence and pathogenicity such as fimbriae, hemolysin, hemagglutinin, capsules, outer membrane vesicles, lipopolysaccharides, and gingipains. A special problem is the possibility of biofilm formation. P. gingivalis in a biofilm is 500 to 1000 times less sensitive to antimicrobial drugs than planktonic cells, which represents a significant problem in the treatment of infections caused by this pathogen.

The use of fossil energy sources has a negative impact on the economic and socio-political stability of specific regions and countries, causing environmental changes due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the stocks of mineral energy are limited, causing the demand for new types and forms of energy. Biomass is a renewable energy source and represents an alternative to fossil energy sources. Microorganisms produce energy from the substrate and biomass, i.e., from substances in the microenvironment, to maintain their metabolism and life. However, specialized microorganisms also produce specific metabolites under almost abiotic circumstances that often do not have the immediate task of sustaining their own lives. This paper presents the action of biogenic and biogenic–thermogenic microorganisms, which produce methane, alcohols, lipids, triglycerides, and hydrogen, thus often creating renewable energy from waste biomass. Furthermore, some microorganisms acquire new or improved properties through genetic interventions for producing significant amounts of energy. In this way, they clean the environment and can consume greenhouse gases. Particularly suitable are blue-green algae or cyanobacteria but also some otherwise pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli, Klebsiella, and others), as well as many other specialized microorganisms that show an incredible ability to adapt. Microorganisms can change the current paradigm, energy–environment, and open up countless opportunities for producing new energy sources, especially hydrogen, which is an ideal energy source for all systems (biological, physical, technological). Developing such energy production technologies can significantly change the already achieved critical level of greenhouse gases that significantly affect the climate.

Introduction: Horne and Östberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) is a questionnaire widely used to assess the circadian typology. The aim of this study was to translate the MEQ from English into Croatian. Methods: The translation process included two independent forward translations, integration of the forward translation into a single translation, back-translation, back translation review and drafting of the final translation. Results: No semantic differences were observed when comparing the original and the back-translation thus, only minimal alterations were done to the final translation, compared to the first one. Conclusions: The Croatian version of the MEQ is a reliable translation ready to be tested in a Croatian sample.

Legionella pneumophila is defined as a bacterium that can cause severe pneumonia. It is found in the natural environment and in water, and is often found in water tanks. It can be an integral part of biofilms in nature, and the protozoa in which it can live provide it with food and protect it from harmful influences; therefore, it has the ability to move into a sustainable but uncultured state (VBNC). L. pneumophila has been shown to cause infections in dental practices. The most common transmission route is aerosol generated in dental office water systems, which can negatively affect patients and healthcare professionals. The most common way of becoming infected with L. pneumophila in a dental office is through water from dental instruments, and the dental unit. In addition to these bacteria, patients and the dental team may be exposed to other harmful bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it is vital that the dental team regularly maintains and decontaminates the dental unit, and sterilizes all accessories that come with it. In addition, regular water control in dental offices is necessary.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of cardiovascular risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. The circadian clock gene polymorphisms are very likely to participate in metabolic syndrome genesis and development. However, research findings of the association between circadian rhythm gene polymorphisms and MetS and its comorbidities are not consistent. In this study, a review of the association of circadian clock gene polymorphisms with overall MetS risk was performed. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the association between circadian clock gene polymorphisms and MetS susceptibility based on available data. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies reporting the association between circadian rhythm gene polymorphisms (ARNTL, BMAL1, CLOCK, CRY, PER, NPAS2, REV-ERBα, REV-ERBβ, and RORα) and MetS, and its comorbidities diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Thirteen independent studies were analyzed with 17,381 subjects in total. The results revealed that the BMAL1 rs7950226 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of MetS in the overall population. In contrast, the CLOCK rs1801260 and rs6850524 polymorphisms were not associated with MetS. This study suggests that some circadian rhythm gene polymorphisms might be associated with MetS in different populations and potentially used as predictive biomarkers for MetS.

Interleukin (IL)-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, and a decrease in its secretion is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. However, it has not been established whether the intensity of the immune response during diabetes-associated chronic inflammation affects the devel-opment and/or progression of type 2 diabetes and its microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-1082G/A for IL-10 gene in development of diabetes type 2 and its complications. DNA was extracted from blood cells of 240 overweight/obese subjects for IL-10 genotyping. Based on the presence of diabetes type 2, patients were divided in two groups: experimental group of 144 patients with diabetes type 2 and control group of 96 age- and gender-matched subjects without diabetes. Compared to control group, diabetic group had higher levels of leukocytes (p=0.012), fibrinogen (p=0.049) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (p=0.009), and lower levels of albumin (p=0.001). There were no differences in the frequency of SNP-1082G/A for IL-10 gene between the two groups (p=0.654). When considering diabetes related traits in all subjects in relation to specific genotype, a group with homozygous (AA) genotype had higher values of the mean fasting glucose (p

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death. Human physiologic activities and state during illness are under the control of circadian rhythm. The aim of the study was to determine the potential association of chronotype and daytime sleepiness with susceptibility to myocardial infarction. We conducted a case-control study on 200 patients hospitalized due to myocardial infarction and 200 healthy controls. Systematic information on the past and present medical history was obtained from all participants. Chronotype was assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The mean age of the study population was 64±13 years, and 54.5% were male. There was no significant difference in MEQ (58.88±6.52 vs. 58.46±7.78, p=0.601) or ESS (5 (interquartile range, IQR 4-7.5) vs. 6 (IQR 3-8), p=0.912) score between patients and controls. Nevertheless, we found statistically significant differences related to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. However, there was no association of MEQ and ESS score with myocardial infarction in the study population.

Intellectual disability/mental retardation (ID/MR) is defined as incomplete mental and cognitive development present from childhood. There are number of pre-natal and post-natal risk factors that can cause ID/MR, but about 50% of all causes are genetic. ID/MR has prevalence of about 2% in the general population. Using standard cytogenetic methods analysis of chromosomes (GTG banding) and molecular genetic analysis for fragile X chromosome reveals only a small number of causes, but the use of new molecular genetic techniques has increased the rate of detection of subtle chromosomal aberrations, as well as the discovery of new candidate genes in etiology of ID/MR. These methods will improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients, as well as genetic counseling of parents.

The growing body of evidence shows a significant difference in the circadian rhythm of cardiovascular disease based on biological sex. The incidence of cardiovascular disease varies between women and men. Additionally, biological sex is vital for the timely application of therapy—chronotherapy, which benefits both sexes. This study aimed to examine the potential difference of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the circadian rhythm genes ARNTL, CLOCK, CRY2 and PER2 in women and men with myocardial infarction. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 200 patients with myocardial infarction. Altogether, ten single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ARNTL, CLOCK, CRY2 and PER2 genes were analyzed. The Chi-square test yielded statistically significant differences in CLOCK gene rs11932595 polymorphism in a recessive genotype model between women and men with a p-value of 0.03 and an odds ratio 2.66, and a corresponding 95% confidence interval of 1.07 to 6.66. Other analyzed polymorphisms of the circadian rhythm genes ARNTL, CRY2, and PER2 did not significantly differ between the sexes. According to the study’s current results, the CLOCK gene’s genetic variability might affect myocardial infarction concerning biological sex.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to an increased negative affective condition among university students. It is well-established that physical activity has positive effects on mental health and well-being, but due to gym closure as a restriction measure, levels of students’ physical activity may decrease. This cross-sectional study aimed to define the levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms along with physical activity among health-related university students during the second partial COVID-19 lockdown. The survey included 212 students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health of the University of Osijek in Croatia. To estimate the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Godin–Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) questionnaires were used. The majority of students (57.1%) reported increased stress levels during the second COVID-19 lockdown, and 58% reported decreased physical activity. A high prevalence of depressive (52.8%), anxiety (51.9%), and stress (54.7%) symptoms were found among health-related university students, with 33% of students being insufficiently active. The results of this study suggested a high prevalence of negative affective conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) and decreased physical activity among health-related university students during the second partial lockdown. The resulting symptoms were mostly of mild intensity; however, we consider this a significant mental health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to monitor and promote students’ mental health, especially in more affected females, to reduce the negative impact of this pandemic.

Candida albicans is a common commensal fungus that colonizes the oropharyngeal cavity, gastrointestinal and vaginal tract, and healthy individuals’ skin. In 50% of the population, C. albicans is part of the normal flora of the microbiota. The various clinical manifestations of Candida species range from localized, superficial mucocutaneous disorders to invasive diseases that involve multiple organ systems and are life-threatening. From systemic and local to hereditary and environmental, diverse factors lead to disturbances in Candida’s normal homeostasis, resulting in a transition from normal flora to pathogenic and opportunistic infections. The transition in the pathophysiology of the onset and progression of infection is also influenced by Candida’s virulence traits that lead to the development of candidiasis. Oral candidiasis has a wide range of clinical manifestations, divided into primary and secondary candidiasis. The main supply of C. albicans in the body is located in the gastrointestinal tract, and the development of infections occurs due to dysbiosis of the residential microbiota, immune dysfunction, and damage to the muco-intestinal barrier. The presence of C. albicans in the blood is associated with candidemia–invasive Candida infections. The commensal relationship exists as long as there is a balance between the host immune system and the virulence factors of C. albicans. This paper presents the virulence traits of Candida albicans and clinical manifestations of specific candidiasis.

Today, researchers are looking at new ways to treat severe infections caused by resistance to standard antibiotic therapy. This is quite challenging due to the complex and interdependent relationships involved: the cause of infection–the patient–antimicrobial agents. The sessile biofilm form is essential in research to reduce resistance to very severe infections (such as ESKAPE pathogens: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp). The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms of the occurrence, maintenance, and suppression of biofilm infections. One form of biofilm suppression is the efficient action of natural antagonists of bacteria—bacteriophages. Bacteriophages effectively penetrate the biofilm’s causative cells. They infect those bacterial cells and either destroy them or prevent the infection spreading. In this process, bacteriophages are specific, relatively easy to apply, and harmless to the patient. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) support the mechanisms of bacteriophages’ action. AMPs could also attack and destroy infectious agents on their own (even on biofilm). AMPs are simple, universal peptide molecules, mainly cationic peptides. Additional AMP research could help develop even more effective treatments of biofilm (bacteriophages, antibiotics, AMPs, nanoparticles). Here, we review recent unconventional agents, such as bacteriophages and AMPs, used for eradication of biofilm, providing an overview of potentially new biofilm treatment strategies.

The problem of antimicrobial resistance is increasingly present and requires the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Although the healing features of silver have been recognized since ancient times, silver has not been used due to newly discovered antibiotics. Thanks to technology development, a significant step forward has been made in silver nanoparticles research. Nowadays, silver nanoparticles are a frequent target of researchers to find new and better drugs. Namely, there is a need for silver nanoparticles as alternative antibacterial nanobiotics. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), depending on their size and shape, also have different antimicrobial activity. In addition to their apparent antibacterial activity, AgNPs can serve as drug delivery systems and have anti-thrombogenic, anti-platelet, and anti-hypertensive properties. Today they are increasingly used in clinical medicine and dental medicine. This paper presents silver antimicrobial activity and its use in dentistry, cardiology, and dermatology, where it has an extensive range of effects.

Abstract Disruption of endogenous circadian rhythms has been shown to increase the risk of developing myocardial infarction (MI), suggesting that circadian genes might play a role in determining disease susceptibility. We conducted a case-control study on 200 patients hospitalized due to MI and 200 healthy controls, investigating the association between MI and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four circadian genes (ARNTL, CLOCK, CRY2, and PER2). The variants of all four genes were chosen based on their previously reported association with cardiovascular risk factors, which have a major influence on the occurrence of myocardial infarction. Statistically significant differences, assessed through Chi-square analysis, were found in genotype distribution between cases and controls of the PER2 gene rs35333999 (p=0.024) and the CRY2 gene rs2292912 (p=0.028); the corresponding unadjusted odds ratios, also significant, were respectively OR=0.49 (95% CI 0.26-0.91) and OR=0.32 (95% CI 0.11-0.89). Our data suggest that genetic variability in the CRY2 and PER2 genes might be associated with myocardial infarction.

Malaria is a severe disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans by a bite of an infected female mosquito of the species Anopheles. Malaria remains the leading cause of mortality around the world, and early diagnosis and fast-acting treatment prevent unwanted outcomes. It is the most common disease in Africa and some countries of Asia, while in the developed world malaria occurs as imported from endemic areas. The sweet sagewort plant was used as early as the second century BC to treat malaria fever in China. Much later, quinine started being used as an antimalaria drug. A global battle against malaria started in 1955, and Croatia declared 1964 to be the year of eradication of malaria. The World Health Organization carries out a malaria control program on a global scale, focusing on local strengthening of primary health care, early diagnosis of the disease, timely treatment, and disease prevention. Globally, the burden of malaria is lower than ten years ago. However, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of malaria cases around the world. It is moving towards targets established by the WHO, but that progress has slowed down.