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Azzurro E, Bolognini L, Dragičević B, Drakulović D, Dulčić J, Fanelli E, Grati F, Kolitari J, Lipej L, Magaletti E, Marković O, Matić-Skoko S, Mavrič B, Milone N, Joksimović A, Tomanić J, Scarpato A, Tutman P, Vrdoljak D, Zappacosta F. Detecting the occurrence of indigenous and non-indigenous megafauna through fishermen knowledge: A complementary tool to coastal and port surveys. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 147:229-236. [PMID: 29336825 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine bioinvasions and other rapid biodiversity changes require today integrating existing monitoring tools with other complementary detection strategies to provide a more efficient management. Here we explored the efficacy of fishermen observations and traditional port surveys to effectively track the occurrence of both indigenous and non-indigenous megafauna in the Adriatic Sea. This consisted mainly of mobile taxa such as fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Port surveys using traps and nets within 10 major Adriatic harbours, were compared with the information obtained from 153 interviews with local fishermen. Information gathered by traps and nets varied significantly and generally resulted of limited efficacy in exotic species detection. Interviews allowed tracking the occurrence of new species through time and space, providing complementary knowledge at the low cost. This combined approach improves our capability of being informed on the arrival of species of different origin, providing a more rational, improved basis for environmental management and decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Azzurro
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Livorno, Italy.
| | - L Bolognini
- ISMAR, Institute of Marine Science - CNR, National Research Council, Ancona, Italy
| | - B Dragičević
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - D Drakulović
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro
| | - J Dulčić
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - E Fanelli
- DiSVA - Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - F Grati
- ISMAR, Institute of Marine Science - CNR, National Research Council, Ancona, Italy
| | - J Kolitari
- Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - L Lipej
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia
| | - E Magaletti
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy
| | - O Marković
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro
| | - S Matić-Skoko
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - B Mavrič
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia
| | - N Milone
- FAO ADRIAMED Project, FAO, Rome, Italy
| | - A Joksimović
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro
| | - J Tomanić
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro
| | - A Scarpato
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy
| | - P Tutman
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - D Vrdoljak
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - F Zappacosta
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy
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Lee SJ, Sanchez-Watts G, Krieger JP, Pignalosa A, Norell PN, Cortella A, Pettersen KG, Vrdoljak D, Hayes MR, Kanoski SE, Langhans W, Watts AG. Loss of dorsomedial hypothalamic GLP-1 signaling reduces BAT thermogenesis and increases adiposity. Mol Metab 2018; 11:33-46. [PMID: 29650350 PMCID: PMC6001878 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neurons in the hindbrain densely innervate the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), a nucleus strongly implicated in body weight regulation and the sympathetic control of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Therefore, DMH GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) are well placed to regulate energy balance by controlling sympathetic outflow and BAT function. Methods We investigate this possibility in adult male rats by using direct administration of GLP-1 (0.5 ug) into the DMH, knocking down DMH GLP-1R mRNA with viral-mediated RNA interference, and by examining the neurochemical phenotype of GLP-1R expressing cells in the DMH using in situ hybridization. Results GLP-1 administered into the DMH increased BAT thermogenesis and hepatic triglyceride (TG) mobilization. On the other hand, Glp1r knockdown (KD) in the DMH increased body weight gain and adiposity, with a concomitant reduction in energy expenditure (EE), BAT temperature, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression. Moreover, DMH Glp1r KD induced hepatic steatosis, increased plasma TG, and elevated liver specific de-novo lipogenesis, effects that collectively contributed to insulin resistance. Interestingly, DMH Glp1r KD increased neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in the DMH. GLP-1R mRNA in the DMH, however, was found in GABAergic not NPY neurons, consistent with a GLP-1R-dependent inhibition of NPY neurons that is mediated by local GABAergic neurons. Finally, DMH Glp1r KD attenuated the anorexigenic effects of the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4, highlighting an important role of DMH GLP-1R signaling in GLP-1-based therapies. Conclusions Collectively, our data show that DMH GLP-1R signaling plays a key role for BAT thermogenesis and adiposity. DMH GLP-1R stimulation acutely increases BAT thermogenesis. DMH GLP-1R mRNA knockdown decreases EE and BAT thermogenesis. DMH GLP-1R mRNA knockdown impairs lipid and glucose metabolism. Reduced DMH GLP-1R signaling blunts the anorexigenic responses to Ex-4. DMH GLP-1R signaling indirectly regulates NPY gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin J Lee
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
| | - Graciela Sanchez-Watts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | - Angelica Pignalosa
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Puck N Norell
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Alyssa Cortella
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Klaus G Pettersen
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Dubravka Vrdoljak
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Wolfgang Langhans
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Alan G Watts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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Markotic F, Jurisic D, Curkovic M, Puljiz M, Novinscak M, Bonassin K, Vrdoljak D, Vojvodic Z, Permozer Hajdarovic S, Pekez-Pavlisko T, Tomicic M, Diminic-Lisica I, Fabris Ivsic S, Nejasmic D, Miosic I, Novak I, Puljak L. Sharing of prescription analgesics amongst patients in family practice: Frequency and associated factors. Eur J Pain 2017; 22:716-727. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Markotic
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology; University Clinical Hospital Mostar; Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - M. Curkovic
- Department of Family Medicine; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek School of Medicine; Osijek Croatia
| | - M. Puljiz
- Family Medicine Clinic, Health Centre Imotski; Kamenmost Croatia
| | | | | | - D. Vrdoljak
- Department of Family Medicine; University of Split School of Medicine; Split Croatia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - D. Nejasmic
- Department of Physics; University of Split School of Medicine; Split Croatia
| | - I. Miosic
- Laboratory for Pain Research; University of Split School of Medicine; Split Croatia
| | - I. Novak
- Laboratory for Pain Research; University of Split School of Medicine; Split Croatia
| | - L. Puljak
- Laboratory for Pain Research; University of Split School of Medicine; Split Croatia
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Vrdoljak D. [COCHRANE SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS ON PROSTATE CANCER]. Acta Med Croatica 2016; 70:257-262. [PMID: 29087141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor of the elderly, which accounts for a significant proportion of total morbidity but very low of mortality. In Croatia, it is the second most common cancer in men. Currently, there are many doubts concerning screening, early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Therefore, this article brings results of Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) on the topic of prostate cancer published in the last eight years. In June 2016, Cochrane database of systematic reviews was searched using the following keywords: Systematic Reviews, and Prostate Cancer (Malignancy, Neoplasm). Inclusion criterion was publication date of the Cochrane SR or its update in the last eight years. The abstracts were initially screened and those that matched the topic were included in further analysis. Then full texts of all SRs involved were obtained. SRs were classified into four topics: prevention, screening, treatment and psychosocial aspects. Our search retrieved a total of 19 Cochrane SRs on the topic of prostate cancer. Excluded were four articles that did not match the specific topic, and the remaining 15 full texts were obtained. One of these was on screening, two on prevention, the majority, i.e. eleven were on treatment, and one on the psychosocial aspects related to prostate cancer. Based on the results of the Cochrane SRs on prostate cancer, instead of mass/population screening, the individualized/opportunistic screening approach should be applied in men aged 55-69, always providing full information to the patient and taking into account the potential benefits and harms of this procedure.
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Vrdoljak D. [MALNUTRITION SCREENING TOOLS FOR ELDERLY IN GENERAL PRACTICE]. Acta Med Croatica 2015; 69:339-345. [PMID: 29083847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Malnutrition of elderly is an unrecognized condition, which can be effectively treated. It is associated with increased morbidity, hospitalizations, lower quality of life, increased mortality and significant costs. Body mass index (BMI) is not a sufficient measure of nutritional status of the elderly as it does not take into account changes in body structure and composition caused by aging. Various validated screening tools are recommended to use in elderly. General practitioner (GP) provides health care for all the elderly living in the community and therefore has an ideal opportunity to screen them for malnutrition. The objective of the article is to show malnutrition screening tools for elderly, with an emphasis on those with sufficient sensitivity and specificity, applicable in family medicine. We searched databases Medline, Library of Congress and the Web of Science using selected keywords. The search was limited to articles published in the last 20 years, with no language restrictions. We found 37 articles: in initial screening we excluded 20 and 17 articles remained. After retrieving all 17 full texts, one more was excluded so that the final number of analyzed articles was 16. Among reviewed studies, following malnutrition screening tools were used for elderly: Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire 65+ (SNAQ(65+)) and Australian Nutrition Screening Initiative (ANSI). The most frequently used tool (in nine articles) was MNA-SF, for its convenience, simplicity, sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Screening for malnutrition is the first step in nutritional care for the elderly. For the purpose of screening, GP has many tools available and should choose a simple one with sufficient sensitivity and specificity and easy to incorporate in the course of consultation with an elderly patient. It seems that such a tool for GP is MNA-SF.
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Tomasović Mrčela N, Borovac JA, Vrdoljak D, Grazio S, Tikvica Luetić A, Tomek-Roksandić S. When elders choose: Which factors could influence the decision-making among elderly in the selection of health tourism services? Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:898-904. [PMID: 26386485 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elderly beneficiaries (age 65+) exhibit specific characteristics that influence the distribution of health tourism market. High incidence of multiple morbidities and functional disability are hallmarks in this age group. For these reasons, elderly population requires different elements and diverse spectrum of services within health tourism, in comparison to younger beneficiaries. Thus, differences would occur within heterogeneous elderly population itself. A preliminary study that we conducted showed that the level of functional independence was one of the significant factors that guided decision-making among elderly beneficiaries when it came to their health tourism-related choices. Results suggested that beneficiaries recognized and appreciated the effect of the natural remedies and attractions available at the given destination. HYPOTHESIS Maritime and continental health tourism are two different entities commonly selected by elderly beneficiaries for therapeutic purposes. We propose that the climate conditions, geographical location and availability of regional natural remedies are the key factors to why different services were elected by different groups of elderly. The model of Croatia, an established country in the field of health tourism was utilized for this purpose. Differences in the diagnostic categories of beneficiaries are expected due to effects of marine (sea, Mediterranean climate) and continental (thermal water, healing mud) health tourism. In addition, multitudes of mutually intertwined factors affect decision-making process among elderly regarding their health tourism choices. Such factors include the scale of preferences (with special emphasis on well-being and health), leisure opportunities, marketing influences, cost (price) and the availability/diversity of health tourism services within the particular region. Moreover, individual psychosocial and physical characteristics, disabilities and other debilitating conditions, examined in our preliminary study, significantly contributed to the decision-making scheme. We shouldn't disregard sociodemographic and cultural preferences among elderly as potential factors. CONCLUSIONS Confirmation of our hypothesis could change the usual approach towards the group of elderly beneficiaries (65+) in the health tourism domain. This approach is often largely based on chronological age criteria exclusively. The contents of this manuscript could serve as a blueprint for the development of comprehensive and sustainable health tourism strategies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tomasović Mrčela
- Dr. Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Health Care of the Elderly, Mirogojska cesta 16, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - J A Borovac
- University of Split, School of Medicine (MEFST), Šoltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia.
| | - D Vrdoljak
- University of Split, School of Medicine (MEFST), Department of Family Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia.
| | - S Grazio
- Clinic for Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Hospital Center "Sisters of Mercy", Vinogradska cesta 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - A Tikvica Luetić
- School of Health Science, DIU Libertas International University, Svetog Dominika 4, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.
| | - S Tomek-Roksandić
- Dr. Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Health Care of the Elderly, Mirogojska cesta 16, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Stefanić M, Karner I, Glavas-Obrovac L, Papić S, Vrdoljak D, Levak G, Krstonosić B. Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with susceptibility to Graves' disease in Eastern Croatian population: case-control study. Croat Med J 2005; 46:639-46. [PMID: 16100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) gene BsmI/ApaI/TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphisms on Graves' disease susceptibility in a subset of patients from Eastern Croatia. METHODS Graves' disease patients (n=110) and ethnically matched euthyroid controls (n=99) with no clinical evidence or family history of thyroid or autoimmune diseases were genotyped for VDR gene polymorphisms by BsmI/ApaI/TaqI endonuclease digestion after polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primers. Data were analyzed by chi-square-test, and crude odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS The ApaI "AA" (14.5% vs 30.3%, patients vs controls, respectively, OR=0.39, 95% CI [0.2-0.77], P=0.01) and BsmI "BB" (7.3% vs 23.2%, OR=0.26 [0.11-0.61], P=0.002) genotypes were significantly underrepresented in patients, whereas ApaI "aa" (28.2% vs 9.1%, OR=3.92 [1.76-8.74], P=0.001) and TaqI "TT" (51.8% vs 31.3%, OR=2.36 [1.34-4.16], P=0.004) genotypes were significantly more frequent in patients than controls. The genotype combination, which conferred the strongest protection against Graves' disease, was "BBAAtt" (2.7% vs 17.2%, OR=0.14 [0.04-0.48], P=0.001). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that VDR gene BsmI/ApaI/TaqI polymorphisms are associated with Graves' disease susceptibility in a subset of patients from Eastern Croatia. The ApaI and BsmI "AA" and "BB" genotypes, respectively, as well as combined "BBAAtt" genotype, appeared to confer protection against Graves' disease, whereas ApaI "aa" and TaqI "TT" genotypes were associated with an increased risk for Graves' disease. However, the true mechanisms of association remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Stefanić
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Protection, University Hospital Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
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