Search Results (43)

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are vectors of numerous pathogenic microorganisms in humans and animals. In Croatia, very few studies have been conducted on the diversity of hard tick fauna in urban green areas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the diversity and seasonal dynamics of hard tick fauna in three eastern Croatian cities. Three species of ticks were recorded in Osijek and Vukovar, while six species were recorded in the area of the city of Vinkovci. In total, six species were collected during this study, and together with an earlier record of Ixodes canisuga, seven species are now known from urban green habitats in this region. The most abundant species was I. ricinus (82.06%), followed by R. sanguineus s.l. (9.03%), H. concinna (6.51%), D. reticulatus (1.26%), I. hexagonus (0.91%), D. marginatus (0.11%), and I. canisuga (0.11%). The detection of R. sanguineus s.l. in Vinkovci and Vukovar represents the first record of this species in eastern Croatia. In Osijek and Vinkovci, I. ricinus was the most abundant species. This tick is the primary vector of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, the two most common tick-borne diseases affecting humans in eastern Croatia. In Osijek and Vukovar, peak abundance of ticks was recorded in May, while in Vinkovci in March. Given that the species documented here represent 30.43% of all tick species recorded in Croatia, their presence in urban areas highlights the potential public health risk associated with ticks in these environments. Full article

Background: Nearly 10% of all community-acquired pneumonias are caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae. This is a Gram-negative intracellular coccus that poses a significant challenge for routine diagnostics due to its poor growth in tissue culture and non-specific clinical presentations. Case Report: This study presents the case of a 61-year-old man whose initial disease manifestation included a non-specific upper respiratory tract infection and reactive pericarditis. A diagnostic work-up of the etiology of pericarditis, with stepwise exclusion of other causative agents, led to confirmation of a possible chronic, recurrent C. pneumoniae infection, with good clinical and laboratory responses to azithromycin across multiple hospitalizations. However, upon initiation of prolonged doxycycline therapy, the disease course was complicated by the development of Guillain–Barré syndrome. With appropriate treatment, the neurological deficit regressed, with near-complete resolution of the syndrome’s clinical picture. Discussion and Conclusions: The development of reactive pericarditis and the patient’s neurological symptoms stemmed from an immune response to bacterial antigens that resemble antigens of the central nervous system and the pericardium. Prolonged doxycycline therapy, together with symptomatic management of the neurological condition and concomitant pericarditis, represents good clinical practice and is one potential management approach for patients with similar presentations. Full article

Wetlands play a vital role in conserving waterbirds, particularly along major European river systems such as the Danube River and its tributaries. To promote the importance of wetlands and address the lack of data on bird biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, this study was conducted to assess the baseline status of a demonstration site within the European project DaWetRest. The research focused on a lesser-studied pilot area, the Danube North of Kopački rit, near the village of Draž, located in the tri-border region of Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia. Systematic ornithological monitoring was carried out monthly from January to December 2024 across three monitoring areas (total transect length: 4200 m). A total of 26 bird taxa were recorded, comprising 2148 individual observations. The most dominant species were the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), and Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). Conversely, the species that were the least present were White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides), Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca), and Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). This study also examines the seasonal dynamics of waterbirds, providing essential baseline data for evaluating the effectiveness of upcoming restoration measures planned for the area. Full article

The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, causes profound metabolic adaptations that go beyond energy production and affect endocrine function and thyroid hormone regulation. By shifting the body’s primary fuel source from glucose to fatty acids and ketones, the KD alters insulin signaling, inflammation levels and deiodinase activity, which together affect thyroid hormone metabolism. While this metabolic shift offers potential benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity and reduced systemic inflammation, it also raises concerns about reduced triiodothyronine (T3) levels and altered hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis dynamics. This review explores the mechanisms by which the KD affects thyroid function, highlighting both the potential therapeutic benefits and associated risks. Special attention is given to how genetic predispositions, gut microbiota composition and sex-based hormonal differences influence thyroid adaptation to a KD. In addition, there are indications that the influence of the KD on cell metabolism could have therapeutic potential in conditions such as autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer. Understanding the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of KD for thyroid health is essential for optimizing its clinical applications and defining individual nutritional strategies. Full article

Background: Arachnoid cysts are typically benign and asymptomatic, but large cysts can exert a mass effect on adjacent neural structures. Based on the available literature, no cases of cortical visual impairment (CVI) in an adolescent caused by posterior fossa arachnoid cysts have been reported. Case presentation: We report the case of a previously healthy 16-year-old girl who presented with sudden and rapidly progressive bilateral visual loss due to a large retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst. She reported blurred vision, tunnel vision-like, and decreased visual acuity. Although neuro-ophthalmologic and imaging workup revealed no damage to the anterior visual pathways, she exhibited progressive visual decline. Functional tests confirmed bilateral cortical visual impairment: pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEPs) showed preserved and symmetric P100 latencies and amplitudes, while automated perimetry revealed bilateral concentric visual field constriction with preserved central islands. Following cystoperitoneal drainage, her vision rapidly and completely recovered. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of reversible CVI in an adolescent caused by a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst without intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation or optic nerve involvement, and with tunnel vision-like. Our findings emphasize the role of posterior fossa lesions in visual dysfunction and highlight the potential reversibility of cortical visual loss when timely decompression is achieved. This case underscores the importance of including posterior fossa lesions in the differential diagnosis of unexplained bilateral visual loss, even in the absence of elevated intracranial pressure or anterior visual pathway involvement. Full article

Forest management and tree felling in the stand change the structural characteristics, which causes changes in the microclimate conditions. The microclimate is a key in sustainable forest management because soil temperature and moisture regimes regulate nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The aim of this research was to determine the changes in air and soil temperatures in pedunculate oak forest stands in different stages of shelterwood that stimulate natural regeneration. The research was conducted in pedunculated oak forests in Spačva area. The microclimatic parameters were measured in a mature old forest stand without shelterwood cutting and in stands with preparatory cut, seed cut, and final cut. The intensity of shelterwood had an impact on the amplitudes and values of air and soil temperatures. The highest average air temperature was in the stand with a preparatory cut. Extreme values of air and soil temperatures were measured in the stands with a final cut. The highest air and soil temperature amplitudes were in the stand with a final cut, with the exception of most of the winter, when the highest soil temperature amplitude was in the stand with a seed cut. The highest number of icy, cold, and hot days was in the stand with a final cut. SARIMA models establish that the difference between microclimatic parameters is not accidental. Full article

The purpose of this study was to test the microhardness and compressive strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) modified by the addition of short glass fibers (SGFs) and shredded polyglycolic acid (PGA) sutures. Encapsulated MTA (MM-MTA, MicroMega, Besançon, France), modified using either SGF or shredded PGA sutures, was used for the experiment. Four experimental groups (n = 120) were as follows: control group (MTA) (n = 30), MM MTA + 5%SGF (n = 30), MM MTA + 10%SGF (n = 30), and MM MTA + 1%PGA (n = 30). For the modified materials, MM MTA powder was removed from the capsule by 1%, 5% and 10% of weight and 1% PGA, 5%, or 10% SGF were added, respectively. The microhardness of the samples (n = 20 per group) was measured using a Vickers microhardness testing machine, while compressive strength (n = 10 per group) was measured according to ISO 9917-1:2007. The highest microhardness value was measured for MTA + 10%SGF (14.73 ± 3.09) with a statistically significant difference in comparison to the other three groups (p < 0.05). Statistically significant higher compressive strength was measured in the groups with the addition of 5% and 10% SGF compared to MM MTA (p = 0.047 for both comparisons). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.784) regarding the compressive modulus. The addition of SGF significantly increased both the microhardness and compressive strength of MM MTA. Full article

This paper presents whole-body vibration prediction in an agricultural tractor based on selected operational parameters using machine learning. Experiments were performed using a Landini Powerfarm 100 model tractor on farmlands and service roads located at the Osijek School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. The methodology adhered to the HRN ISO 5008 protocols for establishing test surfaces, including a smooth 100 m track and a rugged 35 m track. Whole-body vibrational exposure assessments were carried out in alignment with the HRN ISO 2631-1 and HRN ISO 2631-4 guidelines, which outline procedures for evaluating mechanical oscillations in occupational settings. The obtained whole-body vibration data were divided into three datasets (one for each axis) and processed using linear regression as a baseline and compared against three machine learning models (gradient boosting regressor; support vector machine regressor; multi-layer perception). The most accurate machine learning model according to the R² metric was the gradient boosting regressor for the x-axis (R²: 0.98) and the y-axis (R²: 0.98), and for the z-axis (R²: 0.95), the most accurate machine learning model was the SVM regressor. The application of machine learning methods indicates that machine learning models can be used to predict whole-body vibrations more accurately than linear regression. Full article

The study was conducted on the Obedska Bara Ramsar site at two localities, Krstonošića okno and canal Vok, to provide insight into fish community status by analysing fish biomass, biodiversity, and changes after restoration measures. A total of 685 fish samples were examined across four periods, from 2011 to 2023. Biodiversity index, relative biomass, and non-native species were analysed to evaluate the restoration measures’ influence. All parameters showed a negative trend until the restoration works were implemented, after which they increased. This study also provides recommendations to improve the site considering the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030. Full article

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in cattle significantly impacts the economy due to relatively high morbidity and mortality and decreased production. Its multifactorial nature drives its global persistence, involving enteric viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and environmental factors. Bovine Rotavirus A (BoRVA) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) are among the most important enteric RNA viruses causing AGE in cattle. These viruses infect intestinal enterocytes, leading to cell damage and consequently to malabsorption and diarrhea. BoRVA primarily affects calves under 14 days old with gastrointestinal clinical signs, while BCoV affects all ages, causing gastrointestinal and respiratory distress. The economic impact of BoRVA and BCoV, along with their interspecies transmission potential, warrants attention. This concise review discusses the molecular structure, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of BoRVA and BCoV while providing a comparative analysis. By offering practical guidance on managing such viral infections in cattle, these comparative insights may prove valuable for veterinarians in clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ego defense mechanisms are subconscious processes that help individuals cope with stressors from both external and internal realities. They are divided into three levels based on their adaptive function. Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis are those who have been treated with this method for longer than three months. Only a few studies have examined the defense mechanisms in hemodialysis patients. Our study aimed to examine the association between ego defense mechanisms and alexithymia, depression, and sleep disorders, as well as clinical and biochemical variables, in a group of 170 hemodialysis patients. Methods: We used the Defense Style Questionnaire-40, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-26, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Hamilton Depression Inventory as our analyses methods. Clinical and biochemical variables, along with interdialytic weight gain, were measured before the hemodialysis session. Results: There was a positive correlation between the affect displacement and dissociation with leukocyte levels (Spearman’s rho = 0.192, p = 0.02; rho = 0.165, p = 0.04), and between autistic fantasy and phosphorus levels (rho = −0.163, p = 0.04). Depressive HD patients had higher levels of somatization, affect displacement, and splitting compared to the HD patients without depression (Man–Whitney U test, p = 0.005, p = 0.022, p = 0.045). There were higher levels of immature defense mechanisms in the group of patients with alexithymia than in the group without alexithymia (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The immature defense mechanisms were our research model’s strongest predictive factor of alexithymia (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.75). Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causative agent of infections and cancers of the reproductive and digestive tract, and vaccination is the most effective prevention method. This research aimed to assess the impact of health education on vaccination coverage and knowledge of the school population related to HPV infection and vaccination. Methods: This non-randomized clinical trial included 170 participants out of the 221 students in the generation of 2022/2023, who were divided into a group of Subjects and Controls and who self-assessed their knowledge and tested knowledge at four and two time points, respectively. Results: The study examined whether there is a difference in the share of vaccinated students of the entire generation compared to the previous generation (62% vs. 47%). The self-assessment and assessment of one’s knowledge in the group of subjects was significantly lower before education than during other time points during the research. At “moment zero”, there was no significant difference in the knowledge assessment between the groups. However, after 8 weeks, the knowledge assessment was significantly higher in the Subject group. Conclusions: The results suggest a positive impact of health education, which may contribute to raising awareness about the importance of prevention and vaccination against HPV. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a public health problem with increasing prevalence. Analyses of metabolic and immune profiles have great potential for discovering new markers and mechanisms related to the development of GDM. We monitored 61 pregnant women during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, including 13 pregnant women with GDM, 14 pregnant women with elevated glucose in the first trimester and 34 healthy pregnant women. A number of metabolic and immunological parameters were measured, including glucose, insulin, lipid status, fatty acids, lymphocyte profile, adiponectin, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-a. A higher number of T-helper lymphocytes and a higher ratio of helper/cytotoxic lymphocytes was found in the control group in the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women whose glucose threshold values were measured in the first trimester, but who did not develop GDM, showed a higher percentage of neutrophils and a lower percentage of lymphocytes in the third trimester. Differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids levels were observed between healthy pregnant women and those with glucose metabolism disorders in the first trimester of pregnancy. The results of this pilot study demonstrate that there are differences in the profiles of T lymphocytes, NK cells and polyunsaturated fatty acids between the examined groups of pregnant women, which can serve as a direction for future research. Full article

Background: The coccoid form of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is resistant to antibiotics. There are only a few studies that have analyzed the frequency of coccoid H. pylori in patients with gastritis. The aim of this work was to examine the correlation between the H. pylori form and the pathohistological characteristics of the stomach in patients with gastritis. Materials and methods: This research was cross-sectional and focused on the gastric mucosa samples of 397 patients from one general hospital in Croatia. Two independent pathologists analyzed the samples regarding the pathohistological characteristics and the form of H. pylori. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the gender of patients with H. pylori gastritis. Only the coccoid form of H. pylori was present in 9.6% of patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of a certain form of the bacterium depending on its localization in the stomach. The intensity of the bacterium was low in the samples where only the coccoid or spiral form was described. In cases of infection in the antrum, premalignant lesions and the coccoid form of H. pylori were more often present. Conclusion: In the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, the determination of the form of the bacterium via immunohistochemistry should be included to increase the rate of eradication therapy and reduce the incidence of gastric malignancy. Full article

The world’s expanding population presents a challenge through its rising demand for wood products. This requirement contributes to increased production and, ultimately, the high-quality and efficient utilization of basic materials. Detecting defects in wood elements, which are inevitable when working with a natural material such as wood, is one of the difficulties associated with the issue above. Even in modern times, people still identify wood defects by visually scrutinizing the sawn surface and marking the defects. Industrial scanners equipped with software based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) allow for the rapid detection of defects and have the potential to accelerate production and eradicate human subjectivity. This paper evaluates the suitability of defect recognition software in industrial scanners against software specifically designed for this task within a research project conducted using Adaptive Vision Studio, focusing on feature detection techniques. The research revealed that the software installed as part of the industrial scanner is more effective for analyzing knots (77.78% vs. 70.37%), sapwood (100% vs. 80%), and ambrosia wood (60% vs. 20%), while the software derived from the project is more effective for analyzing cracks (70% vs. 65%), ingrown bark (42.86% vs. 28.57%), and wood rays (81.82% vs. 27.27%). Full article