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Introduction: The study aimed to determine satisfaction level with the quality of education among dental students and dentists in Croatia based on the acquired knowledge and clinical and soft skills. Materials and Methods: An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 533 dentists and dental students. The questionnaire consisted of four sections with closed‐ended questions. The first section included personal and professional data, whereas the second to fourth sections assessed satisfaction with learned basic dental, professional technical or clinal and interpersonal social or soft skills on a 5‐point Likert scale. The data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test and linear regression analysis. The significance level was set at.05. Results: When comparing satisfaction scores between dentists and dental students in terms of basic dental knowledge and skills learned, students showed higher satisfaction scores for the categories of "Emergency Medical Situations" (p =.005) and "Ergonomic Principles of Work" (p =.004). Dentists, on the other hand, showed higher satisfaction for the categories "Selection and use of local anaesthetics and local antibiotics" (p =.005, p =.026; respectively). For the type of technical skills from the different areas of dentistry, dentists were most satisfied with "Oral Surgery" (4.26 ± 0.85), while students were most satisfied with "Oral Medicine" (4.29 ± 0.89). Finally, when comparing satisfaction scores with social skills, dentists had lower satisfaction scores in all categories studied (p ≤.05). Conclusion: Dental students showed higher overall satisfaction than dentists. The most significant satisfaction was expressed in technical skills learned, and the most considerable dissatisfaction was recorded in the unmeasurable skills category focused on "Career management". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative potential and anaerobic capacity could be influential to the training regimen and performance of breath-hold diving (BHD) athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the differences in local muscle oxygenation between the lower limbs according to the muscle mass percentage in spearfishermen and freedivers. The sample of participants included 21 BHD athletes (13 freedivers; 8 spearfishermen; 4 females). Their chronological age was 35.5 ± 8.6 years, body mass was 79.3 ± 9.1 kg, and height was 182.5 ± 13.0 cm. Participants' training experience was 10.6 ± 9.5 years. The variables in this study included anthropometric indices, the Wingate anaerobic test, and muscle oxygen dynamics parameters. The results show significant differences for freedivers between the lower limbs (muscle mass percentage, p < 0.00; minimal SmO2%, p = 0.05; and maximal SmO2%, p = 0.04). However, when observing only spearfisherman, there is only one significant difference between the dominant and non-dominant lower limb (percentage of lower limb muscle mass, 85.73 ± 2.42, 85.16 ± 2.40%, respectively; p = 0.02). The results of this study demonstrate that freedivers have significant asymmetries between the lower limbs in muscle oxygenation parameters when observing the lower limb dominance in relation to the percentage of muscle mass. These findings suggest different muscular oxygenation adaptations to the load set upon athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research on the education of refugee children has been conducted in countries with a longstanding tradition of refugee integration. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the integration process of refugee children in Croatian schools. Croatia is a small EU country with limited experience in refugee integration. The phenomenological approach was used to examine the experiences and perspectives of the relevant actors. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with refugee children (N = 15), their parents (N = 5), classmates (N = 50), and school staff (N = 54) from six elementary schools in Zagreb. Data analyses suggested three general needs: educational, language, and social, each of them connected to more specific needs, challenges, and suggestions. The results of the study are discussed within the Schachner et al. (2017) framework of immigrant adolescents' acculturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider conductivity optimal design problems for two isotropic phases with prescribed amounts, optimizing the energy functional. We analyze optimality conditions obtained by shape calculus, in the spherically symmetric case for simple radial designs, such that the interface between two given isotropic phases consists of a single sphere. Every such design satisfies the first-order optimality condition. By using classical Fourier analysis techniques we are able to express and analyze the second-order optimality conditions. This implies that for any outer heat source, considered simple designs cannot give local minima of the energy functional. Two examples are presented, showing that the presented approach gives a complete answer whether a considered critical design is a saddle point, or the Lagrangian satisfies the negative coercivity condition in H 1/2 norm of normal perturbation on the interface. In the latter case, we numerically confirm the appearance of local maxima, different from the global one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental assets describe sources of individuals' experiences and supports that impact their developmental outcomes. Internal assets comprise youth skills, competencies, and self-perception, while external assets include support in youth contexts, empowerment, expectations and boundaries, as well as use of free time. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between developmental assets and risk behaviours, and if gender and educational stage have moderating roles in these relationships. The types of risk behaviours ranged from expressions of aggression to consumption of addictive substances. Upper secondary school and university students from Croatia (N = 728) reported internal and external developmental assets, and risk behaviours. Our results suggest that developmental assets have similar roles in protecting all students from risk behaviours, apart from expectations and boundaries, which seem to be more protective for boys. Furthermore, the results suggest that developmental assets have a stronger effect on upper secondary school students' risk behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we trained and evaluated several machine-learning models with the aim of predicting breast cancer lymph node metastasis in patients eligible for neoadjuvant treatment. In neoadjuvantly treated patients, radiological and clinical methods are primary ways for determining axillary lymph node status, and radiological methods misdiagnose up to 30% of the patients. Hence, there is an unmet need for supplementary methods to aid oncologists and their multidisciplinary teams in assessing metastatic lymph node status and, consecutively, defining optimal treatment strategies. Good performance was achieved with a random forest algorithm (AUC: 0.79). We explored model explainability and, through it, exhibited how the models learned genuine relationships that were determined in previous studies. Such models can lead to more accurate disease stage prediction and consecutively better treatment selection, especially for NST patients, where radiological and clinical findings are often the only way of lymph node assessment. Background: Due to recent changes in breast cancer treatment strategy, significantly more patients are treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). Radiological methods do not precisely determine axillary lymph node status, with up to 30% of patients being misdiagnosed. Hence, supplementary methods for lymph node status assessment are needed. This study aimed to apply and evaluate machine learning models on clinicopathological data, with a focus on patients meeting NST criteria, for lymph node metastasis prediction. Methods: From the total breast cancer patient data (n = 8381), 719 patients were identified as eligible for NST. Machine learning models were applied for the NST-criteria group and the total study population. Model explainability was obtained by calculating Shapley values. Results: In the NST-criteria group, random forest achieved the highest performance (AUC: 0.793 [0.713, 0.865]), while in the total study population, XGBoost performed the best (AUC: 0.762 [0.726, 0.795]). Shapley values identified tumor size, Ki-67, and patient age as the most important predictors. Conclusion: Tree-based models achieve a good performance in assessing lymph node status. Such models can lead to more accurate disease stage prediction and consecutively better treatment selection, especially for NST patients where radiological and clinical findings are often the only way of lymph node assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Breast cancer affects countless women worldwide, and detecting the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes is crucial for determining the best course of treatment. Traditional diagnostic methods have their drawbacks, but artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning and deep learning, offer the potential for more accurate and efficient detection. Researchers have developed cutting-edge deep learning models to classify breast cancer lymph node metastasis from medical images, with promising results. Combining radiological data and patient information can further improve the accuracy of these models. This review gathers information on the latest AI models for detecting breast cancer lymph node metastasis, discusses the best ways to validate them, and addresses potential challenges and limitations. Ultimately, these AI models could significantly improve cancer care, particularly in areas with limited medical resources. Breast cancer is a significant health issue affecting women worldwide, and accurately detecting lymph node metastasis is critical in determining treatment and prognosis. While traditional diagnostic methods have limitations and complications, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) offer promising solutions for improving and supplementing diagnostic procedures. Current research has explored state-of-the-art DL models for breast cancer lymph node classification from radiological images, achieving high performances (AUC: 0.71–0.99). AI models trained on clinicopathological features also show promise in predicting metastasis status (AUC: 0.74–0.77), whereas multimodal (radiomics + clinicopathological features) models combine the best from both approaches and also achieve good results (AUC: 0.82–0.94). Once properly validated, such models could greatly improve cancer care, especially in areas with limited medical resources. This comprehensive review aims to compile knowledge about state-of-the-art AI models used for breast cancer lymph node metastasis detection, discusses proper validation techniques and potential pitfalls and limitations, and presents future directions and best practices to achieve high usability in real-world clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propensity of 4-hydroxybenzhydrazone-related ligands derived from 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde (H2L3OMe), 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde (H2L4OMe), and salicylaldehyde (H2LH) to act as chelating and/or bridging ligands in Ni(II) complexes was investigated. Three clusters of different nuclearities, [Ni3(L3OMe)2(OAc)2(MeOH)2]∙2MeOH∙MeCN (1∙2MeOH∙MeCN), [Ni2(HL4OMe)(L4OMe)(OAc)(MeOH)2]∙4.7MeOH (2∙4.7MeOH), and [Ni4(HLH)2(LH)2(OAc)2]∙4MeOH·0.63H2O·0.5MeCN·HOAc (3∙4MeOH·0.63H2O·0.5MeCN·HOAc), were prepared from Ni(OAc)2∙4H2O and the corresponding ligand in the presence of Et3N. The hydrazones in these acetato- and phenoxido-bridged clusters acted as singly or doubly deprotonated ligands. When pyridine was used, mononuclear complexes with the square-planar geometry seemed to be favoured, as found for complexes [Ni(L3OMe)(py)] (4), [Ni(L4Ome)(py)] (5) and [Ni(LH)(py)] (6). Ligand substituent effects and the stability of square-planar complexes were investigated and quantified by extensive quantum chemical analysis. Obtained results showed that standard Gibbs energies of binding were lower for square-planar than for octahedral complexes. Starting from [MoO2(L)(EtOH)] complexes as precursors and applying the metal-exchange procedure, the mononuclear complexes [Ni(HL3OMe)2]∙MeOH (7∙MeOH) and [Ni(HLH)]∙2MeOH (9∙2MeOH) and hybrid organic–inorganic compound [Ni2(HL4OMe)2(CH3OH)4][Mo4O10(OCH3)6] (10) were achieved. The octahedral complexes [Ni(HL)2] (7–9) can also be obtained by the direct synthesis from Ni(Oac)2∙4H2O and the appropriate ligand under specific reaction conditions. Crystal and molecular structures of 1∙2MeOH∙MeCN, 2∙4.7MeOH, 3∙4MeOH∙0.63H2O∙0.5MeCN∙HOAc, 4, 5, 9∙2MeOH, and 10 were determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs are a newly discovered member of the bacterial community in the Adriatic Sea. During the last seven years, when we started to study these organisms, we have collected a considerable number of samples from different environments, from the coast, the estuary, and the open sea. Here we have compiled data from 34 georeferenced study sites from four studies that summarize all that is known about aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs and examine the spatial and vertical distribution and environmental factors affecting this community in the Adriatic Sea. We found horizontal and vertical influences on AAP distribution, mainly salinity, nitrates, chlorophyll a, ammonium, temperature, and soluble reactive phosphorus. Much is known about their ecology in the Adriatic, and with a new survey underway, we will expand our knowledge of their community composition and their role in carbon flux to higher trophic levels. Keywords: picoplankton; vertical distribution; multivariate analysis; Adriatic Sea; spatial distribution; bacteria biomass [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider optimal design problems in stationary diffusion for mixtures of two isotropic phases. The goal is to find an optimal distribution of the phases such that the energy functional is maximized. By following the identity perturbation method, we calculate the first- and second-order shape derivatives in the distributional representation under weak regularity assumptions. Ascent methods based on the distributed first- and second-order shape derivatives are implemented and tested in classes of problems for which the classical solutions exist and can be explicitly calculated from the optimality conditions. A proposed quasi-Newton method offers a better ascent vector compared to gradient methods, reaching the optimal design in half as many steps. The method applies well also for multiple state problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The implementation of artificial intelligence-based systems (AI) into highly regulated industries faces significant regulatory and logistical challenges. The lack of established practices and guidelines, risk aversion attitude, perception of AI technology as insufficiently tested and unreliable are among the most important factors preventing wider adoption of AI solutions into pharmaceutical industry. Here we demonstrate by an example development and validation of neural network-based computer vision systems for binary classification of results from virus titration assays often used in research and production of vaccines and antivirals. The systems were shown to effectively classify images of cells from the titration assays to negative (non-infected) or positive (virus infected) with an accuracy of over 99%. The methods have been validated according to GMP principles and related guidelines. Regulatory and logistical challenges of implementation of AI-based solutions into GMP-compliant systems are discussed. Although the implementation of AI-systems into GMP-regulated environment brings specific challenges related to introduction of novel technologies, future benefits for early adopters could outweigh the initial efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating data suggests that catestatin, an eclectic neuroendocrine peptide, is involved in the pathophysiology of primary hypertension (PH). Nevertheless, clinical studies concerning its role in PH are still scarce. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to explore an association between serum catestatin levels, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in patients with PH and healthy controls. In this single-center study, 72 patients aged 40–70 diagnosed with PH, and 72 healthy controls were included. In patients with PH, serum catestatin concentrations were significantly higher in comparison to the healthy controls (29.70 (19.33–49.48) ng/mL vs. 5.83 (4.21–8.29) ng/mL, p < 0.001). Untreated patients had significantly higher serum catestatin than patients treated with antihypertensive drugs (41.61 (22.85–63.83) ng/mL vs. 24.77 (16.41–40.21) ng/mL, p = 0.005). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum catestatin levels retained a significant association with mean arterial pressure (β ± standard error, 0.8123 ± 0.3037, p < 0.009) after model adjustments for age, sex and body mass index. Finally, catestatin levels positively correlated with pulse wave velocity (r = 0.496, p < 0.001) and central augmentation index (r = 0.441, p < 0.001), but not with peripheral resistance. In summary, increased serum catestatin concentration in PH, predominantly in the untreated subgroup, and its association with ambulatory BP and arterial stiffness address the role of this peptide in PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, clay composites were subjected to electromagnetic transmission testing at frequencies in the region of non-ionizing radiation. Specimens were made with partial substitution of clay with different admixtures by mass. Admixtures used were Fly Ash, four different particle sizes and phases of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2O4), Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO). The additives were thoroughly (chemically, structurally, morphologically) characterized. The replacement percentage was 5 wt.%. Electromagnetic transmission assessment included S21 transmission coefficient measurements for samples with different additives. The lowest transmission was reported for the clay specimens with ATO and Titanium Dioxide, especially at higher frequencies. A decrease in the transmission parameter with increasing specimen thickness was also confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a continuation of the research on the influence of different modeling of the subgrade reaction coefficient on the selected static system. This paper analyzes the behavior of a two-story reinforced concrete frame for different foundation dimensions and different values of the subgrade reaction coefficient. It presents an overview of values of these coefficients, which represent the stiffness of Winkler springs with respect to the specific geometry of shallow foundations. The values are different depending on the author, and the average value was used as relevant for comparison. Results of the numerical analysis for an individual reinforced concrete two-story frame were obtained using the SE_Calc and Tower 8 programs. After obtaining the results for each individual frame, they were combined and analyzed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition in vulnerable patient populations must be rapidly detected using techniques that are easy to incorporate into everyday clinical practice. The new recommendations defined the 7-point Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) as optimal for nutritional assessment in chronic kidney disease (CKD), while Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) demands additional examination in elderly. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of several concise tools used in the clinical practice and the correlation of this tools with functional method hand grip strength (HGS) in elderly patients with CKD. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric and functional data for 50 elderly hemodialysis patients were analyzed using numerous survey-based tools for screening nutritional status (Malnutrition Screening Tool – MST, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 - NRS2002, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool - MUST, Mini Nutritional Assessment - MNA, GNRI), which we compared to the standard 7-point SGA nutritional assessment tool. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of these tools for detecting malnutrition were compared with the standard by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. 7-point SGA classified 36.6% of participants as well nourished, and 63.4% as mildly to moderately malnourished, while the simplest alternative methods showed lower accuracy, classifying much higher proportions of participants as well nourished (MST, 92.0%; NRS2002, 80.4%). MNA had the highest accuracy based on receiver operating characteristic curves. HGS correlated moderately with 7-point SGA (r = 0.331), MNA (r = 0.410), and GNRI (r = 0.320). Our small study suggests that MNA is the best tool for malnutrition risk screening in elderly with CKD. Combining HGS with concise tools, such as GNRI, may provide better results and unburden healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper shows the results of the investigation of the Late Bronze Age Kalnik – Igrišče settlement and the bronze-casting workshop from the period of the Urnfield culture (the 12th c. to the 9th c. BC). We analyse the fragments of bronze casting moulds for socketed axes, present their typological and technological characteristics, and put them in the context of the contemporary finds from the southern Pannonian plain and the neighbouring regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the impact of the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19 on marketing within cultural institutions, specifically in the field of digital marketing. The aim is to examine how the pandemic has affected digital strategies, marketing communication, and the performance itself - the presentation of cultural programs. The primary research was conducted in Croatia, using the method of semi-structured in-depth interviews with managers in two cultural institutions in Zadar and Dubrovnik at the end of 2020. A qualitative descriptive analysis was performed to answer the question of how cultural institutions have adapted to the crisis, especially when it comes to the marketing and the performance of cultural programs. The results show a certain degree of flexibility in adapting to the new conditions, in a way that marketing communication after the crisis turned more strongly towards digital media and was followed by adjustments to the cultural programs and their performance, as well as the budget for cultural activities. The marketing digital communication played a key role in this, which proves that cultural management in the era of the pandemic adopted the socalled digital-first paradigm, modeled on the for-profit companies. The authors conclude that culture, as a social need and necessity, will continue its activity after the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but that it will also function in new and creative ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the latest versions of six publicly available bathymetry models: DTU10bat, EMODnet 2018, ETOPO1, GEBCO 2020, Smith and Sandwell V20.1 and SRTM15+ V.2.1. are compared and evaluated in the area of continental shelf of Croatia settled along well intended east Adriatic coast. Survey data in the area is not available through open access data bases, but publicly accessible in agreement with data holders (hydrographic institute, research centres and industry). These grids provide alternative sources of information about seafl oor topography. Marine researchers should be acquainted with the main characteristics as well as pros and cons of bathymetry models in order to choose the best one for a specifi c purpose. In this paper the most important characteristics and information about grids are presented: resolution, coverage, release date, horizontal and vertical datum, data source, registration method, producer and link to website with an emphasis on the underlying source data. The underlying source data is one of the most important parameters that determine the quality of the bathymetric model. Hypsometry curve that is describing the area distribution of depth is calculated for each bathymetry model over the test area of the east Adriatic. For pixel to pixel comparison, grids were resampled to same one-minute resolution and absolute diff erences between models are calculated in identical points. Absolute diff erences between models show level of mutual compatibility between models as well as areas of highest disagreements that indicate the presence of outliers or systematic errors within models. In order to demonstrate how well publicly available bathymetry models fi t the true topography of the sea fl oor, grids were compared to high-resolution digital bathymetry model interpolated from the multibeam survey in the area of Murter Sea. This paper should assist in the choice of a most suited bathymetry grid in future maritime studies in the Adriatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the analysis of several items from the Brodski Varoš hoard (Slavonski Brod) which indicate the existence of bronze-casting activity at this site. The hoard consists of four examples of so-called casting jets as evidence of casting in bipartite moulds. Also, the finds of two socketed hammers imply the same thing. The Brodski Varoš hoard is analysed in the context of other hoards in the Sava valley from the earlier Urnfield culture, emphasizing the importance of that area in southern Panonnia for the metal production of the local Barice-Gređani group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary prevention of developmental dysplasia of the hip is aimed at early diagnosis through application of the most effective screening methods, and initiating optimal treatment as soon as possible. Applying either selective or universal screening depends on the incidence and costs of screening in the healthcare system of each individual country. The aim of conservative treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip is geared towards obtaining and maintaining concentric reduction of the hip joint, stopping pathophysiological processes, guiding growth in a normal morphological-anatomic direction, and preventing treatment complications, i.e. avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Early treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip prevents adolescent hip arthrosis and early disability. Different types of orthoses are used in conservative treatment; their function is to maintain stable reduction of the hip joint in the standard protected position. Physical therapy is important for obtaining normal mobility of the hip when there is limited hip motion, particularly in the presence of unilateral adductor contracture, which would prevent stable retention upon concentric reduction of the hip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There is a lack of real-world data on the safety and efficacy of nivolumab in patients with previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) especially in South East Europe, a region with particularly high incidence and an unfavorable mortality-to-incidence ratio for lung cancer. Objectives. To evaluate the real-world safety and efficacy of nivolumab in patients with previously treated advanced squamous and nonsquamous NSCLC in South East Europe. Methods. This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study on patients with stage IIIB or IV disease with at least one previous systemic treatment who received nivolumab through an expanded-access program between 2015 and 2017 in Croatia, Malta, and Hungary. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients whose therapy was discontinued because of toxicity. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of adverse events (AEs), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), time to response (TTR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results. We analyzed data on 239 patients with a median (IQR) age of 62 (57–68), and 33% of them were women. Treatment was discontinued because of toxicity in 11.6% (95% CI 7.8% to 16.5%) of patients. The PFS was 6.4 (95% CI 5.2 to 8.6) months, and the median OS was 14.1 (10.6 to 18.0) months. Conclusions. The safety and efficacy of nivolumab in previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC in the real-world South East Europe clinical settings were consistent with the results of randomized clinical trials and comparable to the results from other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: We focused on the, yet undescribed, therapy effect of the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in hippocampal ischemia/reperfusion injuries, after bilateral clamping of the common carotid arteries in rats. The background is the proven therapy effect of BPC 157 in ischemia/reperfusion injuries in different tissues. Furthermore, there is the subsequent oxidative stress counteraction, particularly when given during reperfusion. The recovering effect it has on occluded vessels, results with activation of the alternative pathways, bypassing the occlusion in deep vein thrombosis. Finally, the BPC 157 therapy benefits with its proposed role as a novel mediator of Roberts' cytoprotection and bidirectional effects in the gut‐brain axis. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats underwent bilateral clamping of the common carotid arteries for a 20‐min period. At 30 s thereafter, we applied medication (BPC 157 10 µg/kg; or saline) as a 1 ml bath directly to the operated area, that is, trigonum caroticum. We documented, in reperfusion, the resolution of the neuronal damages sustained in the brain, resolution of the damages reflected in memory, locomotion, and coordination disturbances, with the presentation of the particular genes expression in hippocampal tissues. Results: In the operated rats, at 24 and 72 hr of the reperfusion, the therapy counteracted both early and delayed neural hippocampal damage, achieving full functional recovery (Morris water maze test, inclined beam‐walking test, lateral push test). mRNA expression studies at 1 and 24 hr, provided strongly elevated (Egr1, Akt1, Kras, Src, Foxo, Srf, Vegfr2, Nos3, and Nos1) and decreased (Nos2, Nfkb) gene expression (Mapk1 not activated), as a way how BPC 157 may act. Conclusion: Together, these findings suggest that these beneficial BPC 157 effects may provide a novel therapeutic solution for stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repeatability of findings is the key factor behind scientific reliability, and the failure to reproduce scientific findings has been termed the 'replication crisis'. Geometric morphometrics is an established tool in evolutionary biology. However, different operators (and/or different methods) could act as large sources of variation in the data obtained. Here, we investigated inter-operator error in geometric morphometric protocols on complex shapes of Liolaemus lizards, as well as measurement error in three taxa varying in their difficulty of digitalization. We also examined the potential for these protocols to discriminate among complex shapes in closely related species. We found a wide range of inter-operator error, contributing between 19.5% and 60% to the total variation. Moreover, measurement error increased with the complexity of the quantified shape. All protocols were able to discriminate between species, but the use of more landmarks did not imply better performance. We present evidence that complex shapes reduce repeatability, highlighting the need to explore different sources of variation that could lead to such low repeatability. Lastly, we suggest some recommendations to improve the repeatability and reliability of geometric morphometrics results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infantile myofibromas are benign congenital soft tissue tumors that may be present at birth or present later during the infant period. They are most often solitary, but can also be multicentric or generalized, and therefore additional radiological processing is required in order to exclude the generalized form. The treatment method is surgical excision followed by pathohistological confirmation. This article describes a case of infantile myofibroma in a term female newborn diagnosed immediately after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the effect of biomedical students' ongoing education, we assessed their knowledge and attitudes toward antimicrobial use. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the students of four study programs: Medicine in Croatian, Medicine in English, Dental medicine, and Pharmacy. The anonymous questionnaire was distributed to students who attended classes from April to May 2018. Results: A total of 947 (86%) out of 1,107 students enrolled at the University of Split School of Medicine participated in this study. A third of dental students (51/159) and a quarter of medical (113/458) and pharmacy students (32/130) believed that paracetamol was an antibiotic that reduces pain. However, the percentage significantly decreased from the first to the final years. Only 31% of the final year dental medicine students (5/16) named a correct guideline for the usage of antimicrobial drugs, 23% of medical students (18/78), and none in the English program. Pharmacy students were the most informed, since 76% of the final year students (16/21) named Intersectoral Coordination Mechanism for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance (ISKRA) guidelines. Conclusion: The students showed poor knowledge on the use of guidelines for antibiotic use, highlighting the need for changes in the existing curricula, including a more effective course on antimicrobial prescribing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the protected cultural property strategic management conducted by UNESCO, the World Heritage Sites (WHS). Its purpose is to explore the measure to which the system of such cultural property management is developed, since its meaning goes beyond the touristic purpose and indicates the world's cultural property. Two Croatian tourist destinations are examined – Dubrovnik and Poreč. At the end of the paper, a comparative analysis of the two investigated cases is presented with the aim of presenting the research results and designing a personal model and conceptual frame of action to create a more efficient management system for protected heritage at all levels [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider optimal design problems for stationary diffusion equation, seeking for the arrangement of two isotropic materials, with prescribed amounts, which maximizes the energy functional. The aim is to present some classes of problems on an annulus with classical solutions. The first class is a single state equation problem with a constant right-hand side and homogenous Dirichlet boundary condition. By analyzing the optimality conditions, we are able to show that there exists a unique (classical) solution. We prove that, depending on the amounts of given materials, only two optimal configurations in both two- and three-dimensional case are possible. The second class of problems deals with a two-state optimal design problem. A numerical method based on shape derivative is presented, showing good results when applied to described problems with classical solutions on annulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) aims to assist physicians in making medical decisions based on the integration of the current best evidence, clinical expertise, and patients' values. Extensive research has been conducted regarding physicians' awareness, attitudes, barriers, and knowledge about EBM. In Croatia, there is a lack of research on this topic, especially among family physicians (FP). The aim of this study was to assess the awareness, attitudes, barriers, and knowledge about EBM among FPs in Croatia after six years of educational activities organized and provided by Cochrane Croatia. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2016, we offered to FPs in Croatia a printed or online validated questionnaire to assess attitudes toward and barriers when considering the use of EBM, awareness about sources of evidence, and their level of understanding of evidence-based medicine terminology. The physicians were approached during mandatory continuing medical education courses and through their professional associations. We compared results from two groups of physicians, one with family medicine specialization and the other without. Results: 295 (14%) of all officially registered FPs responded to the questionnaire. Respondents were very positive toward the promotion and usage of EBM. 160 (67%) indicated that they did not have access to the Cochrane Library. The majority reported lack of time available for finding evidence (80%), and patients' unrealistic expectations that influence doctors' choice of treatment (72%). Between the two groups of physicians, more family medicine specialists reported time restrictions for finding evidence. The highest level of EBM terminology understanding was reported for study design terms, and the lowest for statistical terms. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that FPs in Croatia had very positive attitudes toward the use of EBM, they agreed that EBM improves patient care, and they estimated that more than two thirds of their practice is EBM-based. Compared to the results of the first assessment of physicians in 2010, there was some increase in the level of EBM awareness among FPs. However, to further increase the quality of EBM practice in Croatia better access to EBM sources and further educational activities are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been an increasing trend in research of sheep and goat udder morphology, not only from the view of its suitability for machine milking, but also in terms of milk yield and mammary gland health. More precisely, herds consisting of high-yielding sheep and goats as a result of long-term and one-sided selection to increase milk yield, have been characterised by distortion of the udder morphology caused by increasing the pressure of udder weight on its suspensory system. Along with the deteriorated milking traits, which is negatively reflected on the udder health, some udder morphology traits are often emphasized as factor of production longevity of dairy sheep and goats. Since the intention of farmers and breeders nowadays is to increase the milk yield of sheep and goats while maintaining desirable udder morphology and udder health, the aim of this paper is to give a detailed overview of the current knowledge about the relationship of morphological udder traits with milk yield, and the health of the mammary gland of sheep and goats. External measures of udder size (circumference, width and depth of the udder) are strongly correlated with milk production in sheep and goats. The morphological udder traits determining its suitability for machine milking (such as teat position and teat angle, udder depth, teat size, cistern height) are related to the mammary gland health in sheep and goats. Thus, the incidence of mastitis is noticeably higher in the udders of unsuitable shape for machine milking (deep and hung udders, unfavourable position of teats, etc.). Consequently, the morphological udder traits that affect the milkability of sheep and goats are indirectly related to milk yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal convulsions may be the first, in some cases, the only clinical sign of neonatal central nervous system disorder. As such, they require prompt evaluation to determine the cause, as the underlying may have influential causes. Furthermore, since they may contribute to further brain injury, they require immediate treatment. Neonatal convulsions have unique clinical features and their presentation differs from convulsions in older children. They may include focal clonic, focal tonic, myoclonic and epileptic spasms. Furthermore, they may present with abnormal eye movements, lip smacking, swimming or pedaling movements, or apnea. Moreover, non-convulsive paroxysmal movements are also common in the neonatal population and are sometimes diffcult to distinguish from convulsions. Continuous electroencephalogram is the gold standard (cEEG) for the detection of neonatal convulsions. In addition to continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG), amplitude EEG (aEEG) is a useful bedside tool. Neonatal convulsions carry a high risk for early mortality, but are also a negative predictive factor for the development of motor and cognitive disorders and epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheeses matured in skin sack is traditionally produced in several Mediterranean countries, which in Croatia has been retained in the territory of Dalmatian hinterland. The characteristic of this cheese is its piquant flavour and aroma, as a consequence of ripening in anaerobic conditions in lamb skin. This type of cheese has been recognised and has its customers in the wider area of the Croatia, and it is an interesting touristic product. The major constraint is that the production of this type of cheese in Croatia has been reduced to sporadic production in several families that preserve the tradition of their ancestors and the produced quantities are insufficient to meet custemers needs. In 2009, Dalmatian hinterland had 11 registered producers of this type of cheese, while there are currently only 2. A production and economic analysis was performed of the remaining producers in order to determine the production performance. Both family farms produce cheese from sheep milk, while the first farm owns 300 sheep and the second 500. The selling price of cheese reaches HRK 150 per kilo, which ensures the achievement of cost-effectiveness of production. The producers point out that all the produced quantity is sold to known customers through on-farm sales and the demand exceeds the supply. Such a product would arise extreme interest among tourists, while the basic prerequisite for that is increase of the anuual production of cheese by increase of the number of producers, as well as their clustering and protection of the product by one of the quality marks at the EU level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrorist attacks on critical infrastructures can cause problems to a national stability and functioning. Food and water supply chains are some of the most important infrastructures, and it is the country's (government's) obligation to provide sufficient quantities of food and water to its population. Intentional food contamination can, among other motives, originate from an act of terrorism (with political or ideological motives) with the aim of causing fear (terror) among people. Food defence systems can help assess vulnerabilities, determine mitigation strategies for terrorist attack, estimate risks, and prevent a terrorist attack. Risk assessment and prevention also include control over the production and distribution of potential chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) agents or their related materials. When a terrorist attack occurs, rapid and organised response is essential in terms of determining the type of agent used, managing the diseased, ensuring the functioning of the food and water supply, and the recovery of the infrastructure system under attack. Food defence planning as part of a food counterterrorism strategy should include considerations regarding the global food market and the fact that ingredients are supplied from all over the world (vendor certificates). Preventing terrorist attacks on sources of food and water is a far better option than crisis management once an attack had already been committed, but governments should have a response to any scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first Croatian national study describing the molecular epidemiology of rotavirus strains. • The prevalence of the world's 'common' G/P combinations was 88.8% overall. • A high prevalence of human–human reassortants (7.7%) was also detected. • The appearance of the G6 type was reported for the first time in Croatia. • There is a need for continuous surveillance of circulating rotavirus strains. Rotavirus is the major cause of severe diarrhea in young children worldwide. In countries like Croatia, where rotavirus vaccine has not been introduced in the national immunization program, prospective surveillance is necessary to establish the diversity of rotavirus strains. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and geographical distribution of rotavirus strains in Croatia and to detect the possible emergence of novel strains. The study was conducted among children ≤5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis at three hospitals located in different geographical regions of Croatia, during the years 2012 to 2014. Rotavirus was detected in stools using an immunochromatographic assay and then sent for further molecular analysis. Genotyping of 822 rotaviruses showed that the predominant circulating strain was G1P[8] (61.9%), followed by G2P[4] (19.5%), G1P[4] (3.9%), and G3P[8] (2.9%). A high prevalence of reassortants among common human rotavirus genotypes was detected (7.7%). Possible zoonotic reassortants were found, including G8 and G6 strains. The latter is described for the first time in Croatia. This study represents pre-vaccination data that are important for decisions regarding immunization strategies in Croatia. The high prevalence of 'common' rotavirus strains circulating in Croatia may advocate for rotavirus vaccine introduction, but further surveillance is necessary to monitor the possible emergence of novel genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrioventricular (AV) block is defined as a delay or interruption in the transmission of an impulse from the atria to the ventricles due to an anatomical or functional impairment in the conduction system. The conduction disturbance can be transient or permanent. In third degree AV block, also referred to as complete heart block, there is complete dissociation of the atrial and ventricular activity. Atrioventricular block is considered to be "congenital" when it occurs spontaneously in a fetus or young child. In children, the most common cause of permanent acquired complete AV block is surgery for congenital heart disease. Injury to fetal conduction tissues caused by transplacental exposure to maternal autoantibodies related to systemic lupus erythematosus or Sjogren's syndrome is responsible for 60 to 90 percent of cases of congenital CHB overall1-3. As many as 40 percent of cases of congenital CHB do not present until later in childhood (mean age five to six years). Only rarely do these patients (5 percent) have proven autoimmune etiology. The increased risk of sudden death is associated with the onset of deep bradycardia or ventricular arrhythmia. A routine electrocardiogram is sufficient to diagnose the disease. A 15-year-old girl has been examined at the emergency pediatric outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Centre "Sestre Milosrdnice" for recurrent episodes of presyncope. Physical examination revealed no major deviations other than bradycardia. Her vital signs were within the reference range, with the exception of a pulse of about 44 beats per minute. The electrocardiogram showed atrioventricular dissociation consistent with third degree atrioventricular block. The echocardiogram showed a structurally normal heart except for sinus bradycardia. The girl underwent permanent epicardial pacemaker implantation after which there were no symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Control of serum phosphate is important for patients on hemodialysis. The aim of the study was to determine if education based on phosphorus-reducing techniques in food preparation and thermal processing, and accordingly prepared and applied diets, will lead to better outcomes than a standard education program to improve phosphate control in patients on hemodialysis. Methods: Forty-seven patients on hemodialysis were divided between an intervention and a control group. All subjects received training about nutrition for hemodialysis patients by trained dietitian. In addition, subjects in the intervention group received additional training in phosphorus-reducing techniques in food preparation and received two hospital meals prepared using suggested cooking methods to reduce the phosphate content of food during dialysis treatment. Serum phosphate, serum albumin, and anthropometric parameters were measured, while nPCR was calculated, at the baseline and during the 1-year study. Findings: No differences in serum phosphate levels were observed between intervention (1.68 mmol/L [1.48-2.03]) and control group (1.88 mmol/L [1.57-2.2]) at baseline (P = 0.130). Although not statistically significant between groups the mean reduction was more apparent in the intervention group (−0.3 mmol/L (−0.4 to 0.1) vs. −0.2 (−0.5 to 0.1)), and lead to significantly reduction of phosphate binder therapy. During the study, the nPCR and anthropometric status of the patients did not change significantly. Discussion: Providing additional education to hemodialysis patients on the specific cooking methods and accordingly prepared meals may decrease serum phosphate levels without significantly affecting nutritional status which may be useful in helping to prevent and treat hyperphosphatemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a brief overview of fractals and some possible applications of fractal geometry in architecture and civil engineering. The interest in this mathematical discipline has been steadily growing since the end of the 20th century, due to the fascinating beauty of fractals as well as the generally accepted perception that many shapes in nature, if not all, are irregular and rugged, or chaotic (nature is fractal). Fractal geometry, in contrast to Euclidean geometry, offers considerably better methods for describing natural objects, and thereby for achieving harmony with nature, or harmony between clear precision and chaotic imperfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a brief overview of fractals and some possible applications of fractal geometry in architecture and civil engineering. The interest in this mathematical discipline has been steadily growing since the end of the 20th century, due to the fascinating beauty of fractals as well as the generally accepted perception that many shapes in nature, if not all, are irregular and rugged, or chaotic (nature is fractal). Fractal geometry, in contrast to Euclidean geometry, offers considerably better methods for describing natural objects, and thereby for achieving harmony with nature, or harmony between clear precision and chaotic imperfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider two-phase multiple state optimal design problems for stationary diffusion equation. Both phases are taken to be isotropic, and the goal is to find the optimal distribution of materials within domain, with prescribed amounts, that minimizes a weighted sum of energies. In the case of one state equation, it is known that the proper relaxation of the problem via the homogenization theory is equivalent to a simpler relaxed problem, stated only in terms of the local proportion of given materials. We prove an analogous result for multiple state problems if the number of states is less than the space dimension. In spherically symmetric case, the result holds for arbitrary number of states, and the optimality conditions of a simpler relaxation problem, which are necessary and sufficient, enable us to explicitly calculate the unique solution of proper relaxation for some examples. In contrary to maximization problems, these solutions are not classical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophs (AAPs) are widespread in aquatic environments, relatively little is known about their dynamics in the Adriatic Sea. Therefore, we investigated their distribution along the trophic gradient from coast to the open sea over a year-round period, for the first time, as well as the factors that influenced the spatio-temporal distribution. AAP abundances varied between 0.26 × 104 at the open sea, and 23.45 × 104 cell mL−1 in the estuarine area, while their relative abundances ranged between 1.13% and 23.88% respectively. The biomass of AAPs ranged between 0.07 and 6.24 μg C L−1; thus, we observed a trend of decreasing abundances and biomass of the studied groups from more eutrophic coastal to the oligotrophic open sea area. AAP biomass exhibited the highest values during summer in the estuarine areas and the lowest during winter in the open sea. The main driving factors for the whole picoplankton community variance were transparency (Secchi disc), chlorophyll and salinity, whereas AAPs were grouped with heterotrophic bacteria, picoeukaryotes and heterotrophic nanoflagellates. Our data indicate that phosphorus limitation in the environment could be an important factor for the AAP growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila koepferae and Drosophila buzzatii are closely related cactophilic species with overlapping distributions in Andean regions. Both species exploit necrotic tissues, and whereas the former breeds and feeds mostly in columnar cacti of Trichocereus and Cereus genera rich in secondary metabolites, the latter primarily exploits a less toxic host of the genus Opuntia. Although secondary metabolites have been related to the pattern of host exploitation, the microbial community associated with necrosis of cacti could also play a key role in the nutrition and/or alkaloid tolerance of the flies. We investigated the interaction between natural alkaloids and a yeast-protein supplement on both fly species raised in each type of cactus separately. We found that alkaloids reduced viability in both species, whereas a diet poor in protein reduced it only in D. buzzatii, especially when raised in Trichocereus. Concerning fitness traits that are related to adulthood, the addition of yeasts had positive effects, whereas the absence of yeasts resulted in strong detrimental effects. We present evidence of antagonistic effects on fitness and an interaction between alkaloids and proteins when these components are present in the diets of the flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to examine the moderating role of gender and the mediating role of age in predicting the school adjustment by self-evaluating the symptoms of ADHD. The study included 501 students from higher grades of primary school, out of which 50.7% were boys, and the average age was 12.72. They completed Hyperactivity-impulsivity-attention Scale, Self-efficacy Questionnaire for Children, and were given some general information. Research showed that gender had only main effect on the school success, meaning that being female predicted a better school success. Age had completely mediating role for symptoms of hyperactivity and a school success (i.e., as the students' age increases, there is no correlation between hyperactivity and the school success), and a partial mediating role for symptoms of inattention and both measures of school adjustment (i.e., as the students' age increases the correlation among symptoms of inattention and academic self-efficacy and school success become weaker). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of two methoxy substituted salinazid-based hydrazones, 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (L1) and 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (L2), with HCl, HBr, HNO3 and H2SO4 in methanol yielded salts of different stoichiometries (1 : 1 or 2 : 1) and/or polymorphic forms. In such a way, (HL1)+X− and (HL2)+X− salts, where X = Cl, Br, NO3, HSO4, as well as [H(L1)2]+Br− and (HL1)2+SO42− were obtained. The solid state properties and the propensity for transformation between different forms in solution were also investigated. The crystal structures of compounds (HL1)+Cl−, (HL1)+Br− (α and β), [H(L1)2]+Br−, (HL1)2+SO42−, (HL2)+Br−·MeOH and (HL2)+NO3− were solved by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method while the structures of (HL1)+NO3− and (HL1)+HSO4− (α and β) were solved by the powder diffraction method. The details of anion binding with the isoniazid functionality are discussed. The aroylhydrazone salts were evaluated for cytotoxic activity in vitro. All compounds exhibited weak cytotoxicity against THP-1 and no cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. In a preliminary antimicrobial screening assay, these compounds were not only active against antibiotic susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, but also exhibited antibacterial effects on a wide range of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive as well as multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of predicting school achievement through personality traits and goal orientations. A total of 222 second, third and fourth grade high school students participated in the study (65.8% girls). The Big Five Inventory was used to measure the five personality traits (Extraversion, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and Openness to experience) and the Components of Self Regulated Learning was used for measuring three goal orientations: learning goal orientation, performance goal orientation and work avoidance goal orientation. As a measure of school achievement, the following was gathered: students' previous grade point average, grade in Croatian language, mathematics, and first foreign language. The results of the hierarchical regression analyses suggested that Conscientiousness and Neuroticism are positive predictors of GPA and the grade in the Croatian language. Furthermore, Openness is a positive predictor, while Extraversion is a negative predictor of the grade in the first foreign language. Also, results have shown that learning goal orientation is a positive predictor of the grade in Croatian language. Finally, results have shown that learning goal orientation mediated the relationship between Conscientiousness and the grade in Croatian language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis patients are vulnerable population group and they, among other, should take special care on food and fluid intake with emphasis on energy, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and protein intake. The nutritional status of patients (n=14) was assessed through measurement of body weight, body height, upper arm circumference, lower leg circumference and handgrip dynamometry; as well as selected biochemical parameters: urate concentration, calcium and phosphate levels, total protein, creatinine, albumin and globulin ratio and C-reactive protein; and dietary assessment method: 3-day food record (3DD). Using range between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 as cut-off, 35.7 and 57% of patients were classified as adequately nourished and overweight, respectively. According to results of 3DD, most of the subjects are supposed to align their micro- and macro- nutrients intake with the recommendations, with emphasis on the increasing intake of protein and energy as well as on decreasing intake of potassium, phosphorus, sodium and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The article presents a group of Bronze Age artefacts recovered from the Drava river wetlands in continental Croatia, examining their typological and chronological markers, and assessing the technological characteristics of the material through spectrometric and use‐wear analyses. We discuss the context of the finds, types of items retrieved and deposition locations, and how these fit into the patterns of European Bronze Age metal deposition practices. Compositional and metalwork use analyses indicate that most of the items were in use prior to their deposition and display solid metallurgical skill. Chronologically, typologically, compositionally, and conceptually, the items align with the depositional trends seen in the wider region and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its specificity, the reconstruction of the stone-built masonry facilities in Herzegovina was made by a smaller number of construction companies. The reason for this is primarily reflected in the small number of skilled labour and the availability of specific tools. One of the companies that has been particularly prominent in this field is the company DZG "Građevinar Fajić" d.o.o. headquartered in Mostar, and which is evidenced by numerous objects made by them. Due to the limited number of pages in this paper, only some examples of traditional tools used by this company for stone processing will be mentioned in order to encourage other authors to investigate this phenomena in the area of Herzegovina. Finally, an example of a recently constructed simplest walled stone building is cited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]