University of Split

Purpose: To determine the synchrotron radiation‐based FTIR microspectroscopy spectrum of lens capsules (LCs) from cataract surgery and that of idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) towards finding a possible causal relationship between lens fragments falling onto the posterior segment during phacoemulsification procedure and development of iERMs. Methods: LCs from cataract surgery and iERMs were collected from 5 patients. FTIR measurements were performed at the MIRAS beamline of the ALBA Synchrotron, Barcelona, Spain, and the complete bio‐macromolecular spectral information at cellular level (proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) in the lens epithelium of LCs from cataract surgery and iERMs were evaluated and compared. Results: The FTIR spectra revealed several bands corresponding to the vibration of various groups associated with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, demonstrating the complex biochemical composition of the LCs and iERMs. Overall, the spectra of the LCs and iERMs were very similar, showing slight differences in the spectral region of the proteins, particularly in the Amide I, then in the carbonyl groups, and phosphate groups of DNA. Additionally, the lipid region showed differences in the spectral ratio between the LCs and iERMs, characterized by CH 2 and CH 3 bands. Conclusions: The FTIR spectra of lens epithelial cells on LCs and cells within the iERMs appeared similar, with slight differences in some spectral regions. It is possible that the lens fragments falling onto the retina during cataract surgery could contribute to the pathogenesis of iERMs.

Purpose: To determine the synchrotron radiation‐based FTIR microspectroscopy spectrum of lens capsules (LCs) from cataract surgery and that of idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) towards finding a possible causal relationship between lens fragments falling onto the posterior segment during phacoemulsification procedure and development of iERMs. Methods: LCs from cataract surgery and iERMs were collected from 5 patients. FTIR measurements were performed at the MIRAS beamline of the ALBA Synchrotron, Barcelona, Spain, and the complete bio‐macromolecular spectral information at cellular level (proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) in the lens epithelium of LCs from cataract surgery and iERMs were evaluated and compared. Results: The FTIR spectra revealed several bands corresponding to the vibration of various groups associated with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, demonstrating the complex biochemical composition of the LCs and iERMs. Overall, the spectra of the LCs and iERMs were very similar, showing slight differences in the spectral region of the proteins, particularly in the Amide I, then in the carbonyl groups, and phosphate groups of DNA. Additionally, the lipid region showed differences in the spectral ratio between the LCs and iERMs, characterized by CH 2 and CH 3 bands. Conclusions: The FTIR spectra of lens epithelial cells on LCs and cells within the iERMs appeared similar, with slight differences in some spectral regions. It is possible that the lens fragments falling onto the retina during cataract surgery could contribute to the pathogenesis of iERMs.

Aims/Purpose: The study of long‐term survival of transplanted retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in animal models is very important for the development of promising cell‐based therapy of retinal degenerative diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) or retinitis pigmentosa. We hereby present xenogeneic implantation of human iPSC‐RPEs into minipig eyes with a 6‐week follow‐up period. Methods: The subretinal implantations of hiPSC‐RPEs‐scaffolds into the minipig eyes were performed using 3‐port pars plana vitrectomy. The xenogeneic character of RPE transplantation determined the use of pre‐ and post‐operative tacrolimus immunosuppressive therapy. At 6‐weeks following transplantation, non‐invasive OCT and fundus camera examinations of the implanted eyes were performed. The implanted retinas of enucleated eyes were then investigated immunohistochemically using specific markers for recognition of human cells including hRPEs, intercellular connections such as tight junctions, macro‐ and micro‐gliosis. Results: The fundus imaging showed successful subretinal implantation of the implanted patch in the nasal part of the retina, while OCT scans demonstrated the good implant adherence to the circumjacent retinal structures, with preserved retinal layers and very small decrease of retinal thickness at the place of the implant. Immunohistochemical examination showed survival of hiPSC‐RPE with positivity of cell markers specific for human cells such as HNAA and STEM 121, preserved pigmentation and tight junctions, very mild gliosis, and less bloated and stressed Müller cell processes. Conclusions: The 6 weeks post‐implantation study demonstrated the good survival of implanted human iPSC‐RPEs in the subretinal space as well as the ability to physiologically interact with adjacent photoreceptors.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have served as essential antimicrobial agents for nearly a century due to their rapid membrane-disrupting action. However, the emergence of bacterial resistance and environmental concerns have driven interest in alternative designs, such as “soft QACs”, which are designed for enhanced biodegradability and reduced resistance potential. In this study, we explored the antibacterial properties and mechanisms of action of our newly synthesized soft QACs containing a labile amide bond within a quinuclidine scaffold. Our findings revealed that these compounds primarily exhibit a bacteriostatic mode of action, effectively suppressing bacterial growth even at concentrations exceeding their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Unlike traditional QACs, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy demonstrated membrane preservation during treatment, with reduced membrane integration compared to cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), as corroborated by parallel artificial membrane permeability assays. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed “hook-like” conformations that limit lipid bilayer penetration and promote the formation of larger aggregates, reducing their effective concentration and minimizing cytotoxic effects. Interestingly, secondary antibacterial mechanisms, including inhibition of protein synthesis, were observed, further enhancing their activity. Zebrafish embryotoxicity and in vitro cytotoxicity studies confirmed significantly lower toxicity compared to CPC. By addressing limitations associated with conventional QACs, including toxicity, resistance, and environmental persistence, these soft QACs provide a promising foundation for next-generation antimicrobials. This work advances the understanding of QAC mechanisms while paving the way for safer, eco-friendly applications in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial settings.

This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the use of gamma rays, electron beams, and X-rays to improve the safety and quality of cheese. It examines the sources, energy levels, penetration depths, and applications, focusing on the nutritional and safety benefits as well as potential health concerns. Microbial dynamics in cheese are discussed, showing how irradiation doses influence bacterial counts and cheese characteristics. Gamma rays are suitable for bulky cheeses due to their high penetration depth, while electron beams are ideal for surface treatments due to their limited penetration depth. X-rays offer a good balance between penetration depth and energy efficiency. Consumer perception and legal aspects are also addressed, with market acceptance and retail impact assessed. The review demonstrates that irradiation can reduce contamination, extend shelf life, and preserve sensory properties, making it a promising tool for cheese processing. Future research should explore the long-term effects on texture and flavour as well as the economic feasibility of large-scale production, helping the industry to meet the demand for nutritious dairy products.

The prediction of fog using numerical weather forecasting models is a continuing challenge due to the combined influence of processes at different spatial and temporal scales as well as nonlinear interactions between them, especially in coastal regions. The focus of this work is on a specific mixing‐fog event observed during the “Toward Improving Coastal Fog Prediction” field campaign at the Ferryland field site, when a cold‐frontal air mass arriving from the northeast approached the Downs peninsula, Newfoundland, Canada. Simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting model using a Large Eddy Simulation option (WRF‐LES) were used to study physical processes at different scales contributing to the life cycle of fog. The model was thoroughly evaluated by conducting simulations with a suite of available model options and comparing results with observations, and the best set of options selected were used for simulations of the present field case to reveal the formation, evolution, and dissipation of fog. Our analysis suggests four factors that play a role on the fog formation: (i) synoptic scale – advection of cold moist air over shallow warmer coastal waters creates a shallow marine boundary layer capped by inversion; (ii) mesoscale – low cloud formation strengthens the inversion by releasing latent heat at the top of the cloud, thus generating convective instability and downward mixing in the cloud layer; this further enhances the descent of the lower boundary (base) of the cloud layer; (iii) local scale – near‐surface turbulence induced by the collision of cold denser air mass with an orographic barrier can promote mixing, cooling of the air and fog initiation; and (iv) microscale – mixing of near‐saturated with saturated air and decrease in temperature drive the water vapor condensation. All described processes have significant roles and play together to provide favorable conditions to patchy fog/mist formation for the described case.

The collaborative economy, characterised by peer-to-peer exchanges facilitated by digital platforms, has rapidly emerged as a significant force in various sectors, and especially in tourism. This paper follows a twofold objective: firstly, it investigates the resilience of the collaborative economy platforms during the last shock, and secondly, it scrutinizes whether they serve as an engine for tourism resilience within the European Union. Through a comprehensive analysis of data provided by Eurostat, the study examines the extent to which these platforms contribute to the adaptability of the tourism sector in the face of economic and social challenges. Findings suggest that collaborative economy platforms enhance tourism resilience, however, the mechanisms of this resilience enhancement are still unknown, as the relation between the resilience of collaborative economy platforms and tourism sector is neither evenly distributed among the European regions, nor directly connected to various sector dependent variables. The paper concludes by discussing policy implications and recommending strategies for leveraging collaborative economy platforms to bolster tourism resilience across the EU.

Objectives The aim of our study was to compare the salivary interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) concentration and the quality of life (QoL) in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) or burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Materials and Methods A total of 160 subjects participated in the cross‐sectional study. The unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was used as a reference for the determination of salivary IL‐6 concentration by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). QoL was assessed using the Croatian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP‐CRO14). Results The salivary IL‐6 concentration showed no statistically significant difference between patients with OLP, patients with BMS or control subjects ( p = 0.244). There was a strong/good positive correlation between symptom intensity (pain/burning) and the OHIP‐CRO14 dimension “physical pain” ( r = 0.720, p < 0.001) and “physical impossibility” ( r = 0.372, p = 0.003) in patients with OLP. There was a good positive correlation between symptom intensity (pain/burning) and the OHIP‐CRO14 dimension “handicap” ( r = 0.353, p = 0.005) in patients with BMS. Conclusions Symptom intensity (pain/burning) showed no correlation with salivary IL‐6 concentration in patients with OLP or BMS. A slight increase or decrease in salivary IL‐6 concentration in OLP or BMS indicates an inflammatory etiopathogenesis of OLP and a loss of neuroprotection in BMS.

Background There is mixed evidence on the impact of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on psychiatric hospital care for people with severe mental diseases, possibly due to regional differences. There is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Croatia, a country in South-Eastern Europe. Our study aimed to evaluate the number and characteristics of psychiatric hospitalizations in the year before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in south Croatia. Methods This was a retrospective study of adult psychiatric hospitalizations at the University Hospital of Split, Croatia. Sociodemographic and clinical data of inpatients during the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak (March 1, 2020 – March 1, 2021) and the year before the pandemic (March 1, 2019 - February 29, 2020) were compared. Incidence rate ratio (IRR) was used to compare the number of hospitalizations; while sociodemographic and hospitalization characteristics were compared between the two periods with the Mann-Whitney U test or chi-squared test, as appropriate. Results A significant reduction in hospitalization rate was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic (IRR = 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.78, P < 0.0001). Compared to the year before the pandemic, hospitalizations due to suicidality increased almost 3 times, while hospitalizations due to both autoagression and heteroagression increased almost 4 times (P = 0.000). The proportion of hospitalized patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders was significantly higher during the pandemic (61% vs. 52%), while neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders decreased significantly (5.9% vs. 10%, P = 0.001). Furthermore, inpatients during the COVID-19 year were younger (P = 0.004), more educated (P = 0.040), had a higher prevalence of personal history of psychiatric diseases (P = 0.024), and experienced longer hospital stays (P = 0.002). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant reduction in the psychiatric hospitalization rate at a tertiary university hospital in Croatia, with an increase in patients presenting with suicidality, aggression, and severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders. These findings could help healthcare systems better adapt to the needs of the most vulnerable patients and address challenges in maintaining continuity of psychiatric care during public health crises.

Background and Objectives: Regular physical activity (PA) and Mediterranean diet (MeDi) adherence independently improve glycemic control and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study examined the associations between PA, body composition (BC), MeDi adherence, and glycemic control in Dalmatian T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital of Split (November–December 2023) during an open call for T2DM patients. Data collected included blood/urine samples, blood pressure, BC, and anthropometrics. MeDi adherence and PA were assessed via the Mediterranean Diet Service Score and the International PA Questionnaire-Short Form. Results: Among 252 participants (median age: 67 years, IQR: 60–73; 51.6% women; median T2DM duration: 10 years, IQR: 6–20), PA levels were low (31.4%, N = 79), moderate (45.2%, N = 114), and high (23.4%, N = 59), with uniformly low MeDi adherence across groups. Low PA was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and lower phase angle (PhA). PA negatively correlated with fat mass (FM; %) and visceral adiposity. Positive BMI predictors included FM (kg), total body water, visceral fat level, and PhA, while fat-free mass, intracellular water, and FM (%) were negative predictors. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was the only positive predictor of the total metabolic equivalent of the task score. Conclusions: PA enhances BC and metabolic health, but inadequate MeDi adherence limits these benefits in the T2DM population. To optimize glucose control and health outcomes, public health initiatives must emphasize MeDi adherence and a combination of aerobic and resistance training.

This study aimed to test age-related changes in sternal fusion and sternal-rib cartilage ossification on multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) images of the Croatian population. The additional aim was to develop models to estimate age and provide an interface for the model’s application and validation. This retrospective study was conducted on 144 MSCT images of the sternal region, and the developed models were tested on 36 MSCT images. We scored manubrium-mesosternal joint fusion (FM), xiphoid process and mesosternum fusion (FX), ossification of the first costal cartilage (OF), ossification of the second to seventh costal cartilages at the rib ends (OR), and ossification of the second to seventh costal cartilages at the sternal ends (OS). All sternal-rib cartilage ossification phases and sternal body and xiphoid process fusion scores showed statistically significant age differences (P < 0.001), except manubrium-mesosternal joint fusion. The final model that combined regression and classification using FM, FX, OR, OS, and sex obtained a 95% prediction interval (PI) coverage of 94.46% on the cross-validation (cv) and 91.67% on the test set with an average PI width of 42.29 and 42.95 years respectively. We also developed a Python Flask app called CroSterna: Age estimation from sternal fusion and rib ossification in the Croatian population (https://crosterna.onrender.com/) to facilitate the estimation for professionals.

In the problem of Few-shot Class-incremental Audio Classification (FCAC), training samples per class in the base session are required to be abundant. However, in many scenarios, it is difficult to collect abundant training samples in the base session because of data scarcity and high collection cost. In this paper, we explore a new FCAC problem, namely Fully FCAC (FFCAC), in which training samples for all classes in both the base and incremental sessions are few. Moreover, we propose a FFCAC method by adaptively improving the model's stability for seen classes and plasticity for unseen classes. The model consists of an Embedding Extractor (EE) and an Evolvable Classifier (EC). The EE consists of an encoder of pretrained Audio Spectrogram Transformer (AST), an encoder of finetuned AST and three fusion modules. In each incremental session, the two encoders are frozen for memorizing the knowledge learned by the model and thus can improve the model's stability. The three fusion modules are used to fuse the embeddings output by the two encoders. The EC is composed of a fully-connected layer and a Softmax layer. The fusion modules and EC are updated in incremental sessions to improve the model's plasticity for unseen classes. Besides, two losses are defined to train the model in the base and incremental sessions. Results on three public audio datasets (LS-100, NSynth-100, and FSC-89) show that our FFCAC method exceeds previous methods in accuracy under many conditions. The code is at https://github.com/YongjieSi/AISP.

Background: Studies have shown a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients, and these patients are at higher risk for pneumonia and have increased incidence of sepsis and mortality. In this study, we reviewed available literature from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients and summarized the evidence in this narrative review. Methods: Randomized controlled trials that included vitamin D supplementation as an intervention were eligible for inclusion. No limits were set regarding vitamin D dosage or route of administration, as well as for primary and secondary outcomes. A search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed for eligible RCTs. References from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) were screened, and Clinicaltrials.gov was searched for ongoing studies. Results: A total of 21 RCTs involving 3166 patients were analyzed. There was a large heterogeneity in terms of patients' characteristics and inclusion criteria. Only six studies included patients with vitamin D levels < 50 nmol/L. Regarding clinically important outcomes, most of the studies did not show differences between the intervention and control group in terms of mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital length of stay (LoS). Conclusions: There is great variability in trial designs regarding the selection of patients, dosage, dosing intervals and routes of administration of vitamin D supplements. Better study designs are mandatory for future clinical research, with measuring and reporting basal vitamin D levels before randomization. Since variability in supplementation regimes limits the possibility of data synthesis, standardized protocols for vitamin D supplementation should be used in clinical trial settings.

Fog continues to intrigue scientists because it is complex and often unpredictable. In this study, we unravel the intricacies of an unusual fog event at Zagreb Airport in December 2015. Contrary to conventional wisdom, fog dissipated at an atypical hour. The research presented here addresses the fundamentals of this fog event using a multidisciplinary approach that merges observational data with numerical modeling techniques. Through careful analysis, the interplay between microphysical processes, mesoscale dynamics and synoptic forcing (the latter becoming stronger at the end of the event) responsible for the formation and dissipation of fog is revealed. Analyzing such events is valuable because extremes can offer quality insight into the behavior of fog. The results provide a description of the evolving nature of fog, from its onset to its dissipation into mist. Visibility fluctuated throughout the event, providing insight into the underlying atmospheric processes. In addition, the numerical WRF simulation provided invaluable insights into the evolution of the fog event, highlighting the crucial role of vertical wind motion (the w-component of wind) in the lower troposphere in triggering fog dissipation. Despite some deficiencies, the simulations accurately reproduce the spatial distribution of the cloud water mixing ratio during fog onset and dissipation. This parameter, together with the vertical wind motions, was identified as the most reliable predictor for the onset and dissipation of fog and offers promising opportunities to improve fog forecasting.

This study aimed to determine the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS), whole-body vibration (WBV), and a combination of DNS and WBV (MIX) training modalities on postural stability (PS) in healthy recreation participants. The 179 participants (age 24.02 ± 2.07 years) were divided into the gender-balanced groups: MIX (n = 47), DNS (n = 45), WBV (n = 44), and control group (CONTROL, n = 43) and underwent two months treatment. The single and double-leg Center of Force (COF) parameters were collected. A 2 × 4 mixed-design analysis of covariances captured no changes from initial to final testing in all PS measures of WBV and CONTROL (p ≥ 0.30) and indicated trivial improvements (mean Hedge’s g) within the groups of the most PS measures (g≥-0.42, p ≤ 0.001). However, we noticed medium to large MIX and DNS improvements in left-leg COF (MIX: g ≤ 2.11; DNS: g ≤ 1.74) and double-leg COF (MIX: g ≤ 2.49; DNS: g ≤ 1.23). Contrast analysis further confirmed that MIX and DNS improved PS measures more than WBV and CONTROLS while showing higher improvements of MIX than DNS (mean difference in changes [95% Confidence Intervals]) in left-leg for 1.16 mm [0.37 mm, 1.95 mm] and double-leg COF for 0.67 mm [0.85 mm, 0.49 mm]. Combined DNS and WBV modalities expressed higher improvements in PS measures than single modalities and controls. However, further research is warranted to clarify the differences in DNS, WBV, and combined intervention effects on PS measures.

Currently, monitoring systems in various fields rely on commercial technologies that can be costly and, more critically, lack integration with remote management solutions. These systems often present accessibility challenges for researchers and professionals who require data collection for in-depth analysis. In addition, the deployment of sensing devices within more complex networks can be difficult, hindering the scalability and effectiveness of these technologies. This work presents a flexible smart multitechnological datalogger based on an Internet of Things (IoT) structure that utilizes numerous Low Power Wide Area Network solutions, allowing remote analysis of the phenomenon and reducing the installation and management complexity. The designed system was developed at a lower cost than state-of-the-art dataloggers and tested in the hydric monitoring scenario. The results indicate that the system can sustain remote monitoring operations for a significant duration without frequent battery replacements, making it suitable for applications that require extended autonomous deployments.

Background/Objectives: Shoulder pain is a common treatment outcome in breast cancer survivors. While various risk factors and mechanisms for shoulder pain have been proposed, evidence is inconsistent. Increased risk of subacromial pain syndrome exists, which can lead to disability and reduced quality of life if untreated. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for detecting rotator cuff changes aiding in timely diagnosis of subacromial pain syndrome. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of rotator cuff changes to better understand chronic shoulder pain in breast cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 74 breast cancer survivors from the University Hospital Split. Data were collected via questionnaires and clinical interviews. Bilateral shoulder ultrasounds were performed by two blinded investigators. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-squared tests, and continuous variables were analyzed with T-tests or Mann–Whitney tests. Results: Pathological findings were similarly prevalent on the operated and non-operated sides (p = 0.3 and p = 0.6). Among participants with shoulder pain, ultrasound-detected pathology was present in 91% of right shoulders and 96% of left shoulders (p < 0.005). Non-painful shoulders exhibited pathology in 59% of right and 57% of left shoulders. Ipsilateral pain to the site of breast surgery was reported by 57.7% of participants, with supraspinatus pathology in 56%, acromioclavicular joint pathology in 39%, and subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis in 41%. Conclusions: Similar pathology distribution on operated and non-operated sides and frequent asymptomatic findings highlight unresolved causes of shoulder pain in breast cancer survivors. Ultrasound is valuable but requires integration with clinics for accurate diagnosis of the underlying causes of shoulder pain.

Nowadays, vestibular diseases are quite common in the population and significantly impair quality of life. Additionally, a notable problem is that a certain number of patients experience psychological consequences. Therefore, it is important to investigate the connection between vestibular damage and the potential need for psychological intervention. This study aims to examine the correlation between anxiety in individuals with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorder in relation to gender, age, and the existence of acute and chronic, compensated and uncompensated, partial and complete unilateral peripheral vestibular disorder. Additionally, it was important to determine the degree of free-floating anxiety, phobia-related anxiety, obsessiveness, somatic manifestations, depression, and hysteria in these patients using the Crown-Crisp Experience Index questionnaire. The study included 54 patients, 39 (72%) female and 15 (28%) male, with an average age of 61.5 ± 13.5 years. Results showed that the majority of participants had pronounced somatic anxiety (29.6%), followed by depression (14.8%), free-floating anxiety (9.4%), phobia-related anxiety (7.4%) and hysteria (7.4%) equally represented, and obsessiveness (1.8%) being the least pronounced. Nearly all participants (94%) were diagnosed with chronic hypofunction due to presenting for examination and diagnostic processing after the acute phase of the disease had ended. To conclude, no significant differences were observed in the common symptoms or personality traits within conventional categories of psychoneurotic and personality disorders concerning gender or the presence of vestibular hypofunction.