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The cingulate gyrus, as a prominent part of the human limbic lobe, is involved in the integration and regulation of complex emotional, executive, motivational, and cognitive functions, attributed to several functional regions along the anteroposterior axis. In contrast to increasing knowledge of cingulate function in the adult brain, our knowledge of cingulate development is based primarily on classical neuroembryological studies. We aimed to reveal the laminar and cellular development of the various cingulate regions during the critical period from 7.5 to 15 postconceptional weeks (PCW) before the formation of Brodmann type arealization, employing diverse molecular markers on serial histological sections of postmortem human fetal brains. The study was performed by analysis of: (1) deep projection neuron (DPN) markers laminar dynamics, (2) all transient laminar compartments, and (3) characteristic subplate (SP) formation-expansion phase. We found that DPN markers labeling an incipient cortical plate (CP) were the first sign of regional differentiation of the dorsal isocortical and ventral mesocortical belt. Remarkably, increased width of the fibrillar marginal zone (MZ) towards the limbus, in parallel with the narrowing of CP containing DPN, as well as the diminishment of subventricular zone (SVZ) were reliable landmarks of early mesocortical differentiation. Finally, the SP formation pattern was shown to be a crucial event in the isocortical cingulate portion, given that the mesocortical belt is characterized by an incomplete CP delamination and absence of SP expansion. In conclusion, laminar DPN markers dynamics, together with the SVZ size and mode of SP formation indicate regional belt-like cingulate cortex differentiation before the corpus callosum expansion and several months before Brodmann type arealization.

The beneficial effect of mindfulness (M) or non-judgemental awareness and the acceptance of present-moment experience on mental health and well-being has been well confirmed by previous research. However, the mechanisms by which M exerts this beneficial influence have not been sufficiently explored. The aim of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between M, cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies and negative affective states (depression, anxiety, and stress). In addition, we examined the potential mediating role of CER strategies in the relationship between M and negative affective states. The study, which was conducted online, included 365 subjects of a wider age range (between 19 and 68 years). The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale were applied. The results mainly support the partial mediation model, according to which higher levels of M, in addition to directly reducing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, also indirectly decrease the symptoms of these negative affective states, through usage of CER strategies. The results of the study indicate the possible important role of interventions focused on developing US and adaptive strategies

Lay concepts of successful ageing have attracted the attention of researchers over the past 15 years. However, little is known about how older people in Southeastern European countries understand successful ageing and the factors associated with it. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study conducted in Croatia, a Southeastern European country, was to explore Croatian older people’s definitions of successful ageing and the contributing factors. Interviews were conducted with 95 community-dwelling older men (49.5% of the sample) and women (50.5%) aged 65 to 90 years. Participants answered questions about definitions and contributing factors/determinants of successful ageing. Responses were subjected to thematic analysis. Results showed that participants gave similar responses to questions about the components and determinants of successful ageing. The most frequently mentioned components of successful ageing were the physical/physiological (with subthemes of general health, healthy habits, and physical mobility), the psychological component (with subthemes of good life, subjective well-being, and psychological resources, etc.), and the engagement and activity component. Among factors that contribute to successful ageing, social and physical were mentioned most frequently, followed by psychological, financial factors, and engagement/activity. Longevity and good genes were rarely cited as factors associated with successful ageing. Besides, Croatian older people have not mentioned spirituality or religiosity as important components or determinants of successful ageing. The results of our study are mostly consistent with the findings of previous research on successful ageing in predominantly Western cultures. They show the great heterogeneity of lay conceptions, which are much broader and more complex compared to researchers’ models of successful ageing., Laičke koncepcije uspješnoga starenja posljednjih 15-ak godina privlače pažnju istraživača. Ipak, malo se zna o tome kako starije osobe u zemljama jugoistočne Europe vide uspješno starenje i čimbenike koji su s njime povezani. Stoga je cilj ove kvalitativne studije provedene u Hrvatskoj, kao zemlji jugoistočne Europe, bio ispitati kako starije osobe u Hrvatskoj definiraju uspješno starenje i čimbenike koji mu doprinose. Intervjuirano je 95 starijih muškaraca (49.5 % uzorka) i žena (50.5 %) u dobi od 65 do 90 godina koji većinom žive u vlastitim domovima. Sudionici su odgovarali na pitanja o definicijama i čimbenicima doprinosa / odrednicama uspješnoga starenja. Odgovori su podvrgnuti tematskoj analizi. Rezultati su pokazali da su sudionici davali slične odgovore na pitanja o komponentama i odrednicama uspješnoga starenja. Najčešće su spominjane komponente uspješnoga starenja bile tjelesna/fiziološka (s podtemama općega zdravlja, zdravih navika i tjelesne pokretljivosti), psihološka komponenta (s podtemama dobroga života, subjektivne dobrobiti, psiholoških resursa itd.) i komponenta angažmana i aktivnosti. Među faktorima koji doprinose uspješnomu starenju najčešće su spominjani oni socijalni i tjelesni, a nakon njih psihološki i financijski te angažman/aktivnost. Dugovječnost i dobri geni rijetko su spominjani kao faktori povezani s uspješnim starenjem. Usto, intervjuirane starije osobe nisu navodile duhovnost ili religioznost kao važne komponente ili odrednice uspješnoga starenja. Rezultati provedenoga istraživanja uglavnom su u skladu s nalazima ranijih istraživanja uspješnoga starenja koja su većinom provedena u zemljama Zapada. Oni pokazuju veliku raznolikost laičkih koncepcija koje su mnogo šire i složenije u odnosu na istraživačke modele uspješnoga starenja.

Objectives: To investigate differences in beat-to- beat systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) in people with secondary progressive MS (pwSPMS), clinically isolated syndrome (pwCIS) and healthy controls (HC). Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 46 pwSPMS, 46 pwCIS and 44 HC. A semi- automated software made with MATLAB R2019b (The MathWorks, Inc.) was used for the evaluation of SBPV. The frequency domain characteristics observed were the power spectrum in the LF and HF bands and the LF/HF ratio. Data is expressed in absolute power (mmHg2) of LF and HF and ratio (LF/HF) during both supine and tilt-up phases of testing. Results: There were no significant differences in mean systolic (sBP) or diastolic blood pressure (dBP) values during supine and tilt-up phases of testing between groups. During the supine phase of testing LF and LF/HF were significantly lower in the SPMS group (4.17±5.38 and 3.52±2.34, respectively) compared to the CIS (5.42±3.59, p = 0.015 and 5.92±4.63, p = 0.029, respectively) and HC group (6.03±4.55, p = 0.011 and 6.52 ± 5.09, p = 0.010, respectively), while during the tilt-up phase, LF was significantly lower compared to both the CIS and HC group, and HF was significantly lower only compared to the CIS group. Conclusion: SBPV is altered in pwSPMS compared to pwCIS and normal controls. Further research in the field of MS related dysautonomia is warranted not only because of its relevance to comorbidities and MS symptoms, but also because of its likely involvement in the pathophysiology of MS.

Background and purpose: The aim was to determine the extent of sudomotor dysfunction in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (pwNMOSD) and to compare findings with a historical cohort of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (pwRRMS). Methods: Forty-eight pwNMOSD were enrolled from four clinical centers. All participants completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 to screen for symptoms of sudomotor dysfunction. Sudomotor function was assessed using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test. The results were compared with a historical cohort of 35 pwRRMS matched for age, sex and disease duration. Results: Symptoms of sudomotor dysfunction, defined by a score in the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 secretomotor domain >0, were present in 26 (54%) of pwNMOSD. The quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test confirmed a sudomotor dysfunction in 25 (52.1%) of pwNMOSD ; in 14 of them (29.2%) sudomotor dysfunction was moderate or severe. No difference was observed between pwNMOSD and pwRRMS in any of the studied parameters. However, symptomatic sudomotor dysfunction was more frequent in pwNMOSD (n = 8, 22.9%) compared to pwRRMS (n = 1, 3% ; p = 0.028). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, statistically significant predictors for symptomatic sudomotor failure were age and diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Conclusions: Sudomotor dysfunction is common in pwNMOSD and more often symptomatic compared to pwRRMS.

Little is known about the development of the human entorhinal cortex (EC), a major hub in a widespread network for learning and memory, spatial navigation, high-order processing of object information, multimodal integration, attention and awareness, emotion, motivation, and perception of time. We analyzed a series of 20 fetal and two adult human brains using Nissl stain, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry, and immunocytochemistry for myelin basic protein (MBP), neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN), a pan-axonal neurofilament marker, and synaptophysin, as well as postmortem 3T MRI. In comparison with other parts of the cerebral cortex, the cytoarchitectural differentiation of the EC begins remarkably early, in the 10th week of gestation (w.g.). The differentiation occurs in a superficial magnocellular layer in the deep part of the marginal zone, accompanied by cortical plate (CP) condensation and multilayering of the deep part of CP. These processes last until the 13-14th w.g. At 14 w.g., the superficial lamina dissecans (LD) is visible, which divides the CP into the lamina principalis externa (LPE) and interna (LPI). Simultaneously, the rostral LPE separates into vertical cell-dense islands, whereas in the LPI, the deep LD emerges as a clear acellular layer. In the 16th w.g., the LPE remodels into vertical cell-dense and cell-sparse zones with a caudorostral gradient. At 20 w.g., NeuN immunoreactivity is most pronounced in the islands of layer II cells, whereas migration and differentiation inside-out gradients are seen simultaneously in both the upper (LPE) and the lower (LPI) pyramidal layers. At this stage, the EC adopts for the first time an adult-like cytoarchitectural organization, the superficial LD becomes discernible by 3T MRI, MBP- expressing oligodendrocytes first appear in the fimbria and the perforant path (PP) penetrates the subiculum to reach its molecular layer and travels along through the Cornu Ammonis fields to reach the suprapyramidal blade of the dentate gyrus, whereas the entorhinal-dentate branch perforates the hippocampal sulcus about 2-3 weeks later. The first AChE reactivity appears as longitudinal stripes at 23 w.g. in layers I and II of the rostrolateral EC and then also as AChE-positive in-growing fibers in islands of superficial layer III and layer II neurons. At 40 w.g., myelination of the PP starts as patchy MBP-immunoreactive oligodendrocytes and their processes. Our results refute the possibility of an inside-out pattern of the EC development and support the key role of layer II prospective stellate cells in the EC lamination. As the early cytoarchitectural differentiation of the EC is paralleled by the neurochemical development, these developmental milestones in EC structure and connectivity have implications for understanding its normal function, including its puzzling modular organization and potential contribution to consciousness content (awareness), as well as for its insufficiently explored deficits in developmental, psychiatric, and degenerative brain disorders.

Background Tilt table test represents a valuable diagnostic method in assessing patients with transient loss of consciousness and confrming the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope. However, the test lacks standardization, and various protocols exist in diferent centers. The aim of this study was to compare the diference in sensitivity and time-to- syncope of tilt table test with a painful stimulus provocation compared to standard test with no provocation. Methods This was a prospective study that included consecutive patients diagnosed with vasovagal syncope who were referred for tilt table testing. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 with pain provocation after the frst 10 min of upright position and group 2 with no provocation with further 30 min of tilt in both groups. Results In group 1, 66 (78.6%) patients developed syncope while in group 2, 35 (44.3%) patients had syncope (p

Matematički centri su područja u učionici gdje učenici imaju priliku u manjim skupinama primijeniti strategije i vještine naučene na nastavi. Cilj ovog rada je predstaviti same centre koji su popularni u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama te osmisliti i predložiti na koji način bi ih bilo najbolje implementirati u nastavu matematike u Republici Hrvatskoj. Matematičke igre i matematičke aktivnosti prilagođene temi i individualnoj potrebi učenika uvelike olakšavaju uvježbavanje i usavršavanje vještina naučenih na nastavi. Smatram da je prilagodba moguća i da bi se uz matematičke centre razbila monotonost te da bi se na taj način probudio interes za gradivom kod učenika., Math centers are areas in the classroom where students have the opportunity to apply strategies and skills learned in class in small groups. The aim of this thesis is to present the centers that are popular in the United States of America and to design and propose the best way to implement them in the teaching of mathematics in the Republic of Croatia. Mathematical games and mathematical activities adapted to the topic and the individual needs of students greatly facilitate the practice and improvement of skills learned in class. I believe that adaptation is possible and that, with math centers, the monotony would be broken and in that way students' interest in the material would be awakened.

U ovome radu istražena je stabilnost, biodostupnost i dijalizibilnost polifenola pinocembrina, galangina, krizina, kavene kiseline i feniletil estera kavene kiseline u uvjetima simulirane probave in vitro (oralna i želučana faza te faza probave u tankom crijevu s dva modela: centrifugiranjem i dijalizom kroz polupropusnu membranu) na dva uzorka kontinentalnog propolisa i smjesi standarda odabranih polifenola. Različitim ekstrakcijskim postupcima i korištenjem određenih nosača istraženi su ekstrakti prikladni za oralnu primjenu te analizirani validiranom metodom tekućinske kromatografije visoke djelotvornosti uz primjenu UVdetektora s nizom fotodioda (eng. High Performance Liquid Chromatography - Photodiode Array Detection, HPLC-PDA). Primjenom 2-hidroksipropil-β-ciklodekstrina (HP-β-CD) i postupkom liofilizacije dobiven je u vodi topljivi kompleks propolis-HP-β-CD s najvećim udjelom polifenola. Rezultati analiza RP-HPLC-PDA oba uzorka kontinentalnog propolisa pokazali su stabilnost odabranih polifenola tijekom svih faza simulirane probave. Biodostupnost svih polifenola u uvjetima in vitro nakon dijalize kroz polupropusnu membranu bila je vrlo niska u odnosu na model s centrifugiranjem. Nadalje, rezultati ukazuju da u modelu s centrifugiranjem nema razlike u biodostupnosti polifenola između dva uzorka kontinetalnog tipa propolisa. Vodena suspenzija liofilizata kompleksa propolis-HP-β-CD pokazala se kao potencijalna djelatna tvar u farmaceutskim proizvodima za oralnu primjenu. In this work, the stability, bioaccessibility and dialysability of polyphenols pinocembrin, galangin, chrysin, caffeic acid and phenylethyl ester of caffeic acid were investigated after in vitro simulated digestion (oral and gastric phase and small intestine phase with two models: centrifugation and dialysis through a semi-permeable membrane) on two samples of continental propolis and standard mixture of selected polyphenols. Extracts suitable for oral administration prepared by various extraction procedures and the use of certain carriers have been investigated and analyzed by validated RP-HPLC-PDA method. Using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) carbohydrate and by lyophilisation procedure, a propolis water-soluble complex with the highest polyphenol content was prepared. The results of RP-HPLC-PDA analysis of both propolis samples showed the stability of selected polyphenols during all phases of simulated digestion. The bioaccessibility of all polyphenols in in vitro conditions after dialysis through a semi-permeable membrane was very low compared to the centrifugation model. Furthermore, the results indicate that in the model with centrifugation there is no difference in the bioaccessibility of polyphenols between the two samples of the continental type of propolis. The aqueous suspension of the lyophilisate of the propolis-HP-β-CD complex proved to be a potential active substance in pharmaceutical products for oral administration.

Introduction: The cingulate gyrus, a prominent part of the human limbic lobe located around the great commissure corpus callosum, integrates complex emotional, executive, motivational, and cognitive functions. The cingulate cortex during in utero development is composed of the dorsal isocortical and ventral mesocortical/allocortical parts. The objective of our study was to reveal the laminar development of the various cingulate regions during the subplate (SP) formation period from 13 to 15 postconceptional weeks (PCW) before forming Brodmann-type arealization. Methods: The study was performed by analysis of deep projection neuron (DPN) markers laminar dynamics in all transient cortical compartments from the ventricles to the pia, emphasizing the SP zone formation from the deep cortical plate (CP). We utilized immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of diverse molecular markers on the paraffin-embedded human prenatal brain tissue. Results: Our results showed that the increased width of the marginal zone (MZ) towards the cortical limbus, parallel with the CP narrowing, and the subventricular zone (SVZ) diminishment were reliable landmarks of early allocortical/mesocortical differentiation. In addition, the SP formation pattern was shown to be one of the crucial hallmarks for the dorsoventral differentiation of the cingulate gyrus and the early distinction of the dorsal and ventral cingulate cortical parts. Conclusion: Laminar dynamics of DPN markers, the SP formation pattern, and the SVZ size indicate regional cingulate cortex differentiation early in development, even before the complete corpus callosum formation.