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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Belamaric M, Ferenc T, Navolan D, Kolaric B, Milasincic L, Antolasic L, Vujica Ferenc M, Vilibic M, Lukunic A, Bogdanic M. Seroepidemiology of Herpes Simplex Viruses Type 1 and 2 in Pregnant Women in Croatia. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:284. [PMID: 38399571 PMCID: PMC10890541 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are one of the most widespread causes of human viral infections. In Croatia, only two published studies have analyzed the seroprevalence of HSV infections in childbearing-aged and pregnant women (2005-2010), while more recent data are lacking. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and risk factors for HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections among pregnant women in Croatia in the period from 2011 to 2021. Materials and Methods: This study included 667 pregnant women aged 16-45 years submitted for HSV-1 and HSV-2 serology testing. Serum samples were initially screened for HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies using a commercial ELISA test with a confirmation of HSV-2-positive samples using an immunoblot assay. Results: The overall IgG seroprevalence rates were 69.9% for HSV-1 and 3.8% for HSV-2. A significant gradual increase in the HSV-2 seroprevalence with age was observed from 0.5% in participants under 30 years to 8.3% in participants above 40 years. The HSV-1 seroprevalence was stable up to 40 years (70.0 and 68.3%, respectively), with an increase to 86.1%, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Area of residence (urban or suburban/rural), geographic region (continental or coastal), and obstetric history (normal pregnancy or unfavorable obstetric history) were not associated with HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence. Older age was found to be a significant risk factor for HSV-2 seropositivity in both univariate and multivariate risk analysis. Conclusions: HSV-1 infection is widely prevalent among pregnant women with a stable trend over time. However, a declining trend in the HSV-2 seroprevalence was observed compared to 2005-2010. Serological screening in pregnant women is important in identifying seronegative women who are susceptible to HSV infection as well as seropositive women who are at risk for genital herpes recurrence during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.M.); (L.A.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Belamaric
- Teaching Institute for Emergency Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Thomas Ferenc
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Merkur, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Dan Navolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Milasincic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.M.); (L.A.)
| | - Ljiljana Antolasic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.M.); (L.A.)
| | - Mateja Vujica Ferenc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Vilibic
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adriana Lukunic
- Department of Microbiology, University of Applied Health Sciences, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.M.); (L.A.)
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Jelicic P, Ferenc T, Mrzljak A, Jemersic L, Janev-Holcer N, Milosevic M, Bogdanic M, Barbic L, Kolaric B, Stevanovic V, Vujica M, Jurekovic Z, Pavicic Saric J, Vilibic M, Vilibic-Cavlek T. Insights into hepatitis E virus epidemiology in Croatia. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5494-5505. [PMID: 36312833 PMCID: PMC9611701 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i37.5494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging virus of global health concern. The seroprevalence rates differ greatly according to geographic region and population group.
AIM To analyze the seroprevalence of HEV in exposed (animal-related professions) and nonexposed populations, as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.
METHODS Forestry workers (n = 93), hunters (n = 74), and veterinarians (n = 151) represented the exposed population. The general population (n = 126) and pregnant women (n = 118) constituted the control group. Transplant patients included liver transplant recipients (LTRs) (n = 83), kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) (n = 43), and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCRs) (n = 39). HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by the immunoblot test.
RESULTS The HEV seroprevalence significantly differed between groups: Veterinarians 15.2%, hunters 14.9%, forestry workers 6.5%, general population 7.1%, and pregnant women 1.7%. In transplant patients, the seropositivity was highest in LTRs (19.3%), while in KTRs and HSCRs, the seroprevalence was similar to the general population (6.9% and 5.1%, respectively). A significant increase in seropositivity with age was observed from 2.9% in individuals less than 30 years to 23.5% in those older than 60 years. Sociodemographic characteristics (sex, educational level, area of residence, and number of household members), eating habits (game meat, offal, and pork products consumption), and environmental and housing conditions (drinking water supply, type of water drainage/sewer, waste disposal, domestic animals) were not associated with HEV seropositivity. However, individuals who reported a pet ownership were more often seropositive compared to those who did not have pet animals (12.5% vs 7.0%).
CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that individuals in professional contact with animals and LTRs are at higher risk for HEV infection. In addition, age is a significant risk factor for HEV seropositivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Jelicic
- Department of Environmental Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Thomas Ferenc
- Department of Radiology, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Lorena Jemersic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Natasa Janev-Holcer
- Department of Environmental Health, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Rijeka 51000, Croatia
| | - Milan Milosevic
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Department of Gerontology and Social Medicine, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Mateja Vujica
- Institute of Emergency Medicine of Krapina-Zagorje County, Krapina 49000, Croatia
| | - Zeljka Jurekovic
- Department of Nephrology, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | | | - Maja Vilibic
- Department for Social Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychodiagnostics, University Clinical Hospital Center “Sestre Milosrdnice”, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
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Mara D, Bokic B, Verbiest T, Mouchet SR, Kolaric B. Revealing the Wonder of Natural Photonics by Nonlinear Optics. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022; 7:biomimetics7040153. [PMID: 36278710 PMCID: PMC9590048 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7040153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Nano-optics explores linear and nonlinear phenomena at the nanoscale to advance fundamental knowledge about materials and their interaction with light in the classical and quantum domains in order to develop new photonics-based technologies. In this perspective article, we review recent progress regarding the application of nonlinear optical methods to reveal the links between photonic structures and functions of natural photonic geometries. Furthermore, nonlinear optics offers a way to unveil and exploit the complexity of the natural world for developing new materials and technologies for the generation, detection, manipulation, and storage of light at the nanoscale, as well as sensing, metrology, and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrije Mara
- Institute of General and Physical Chemistry, Studentski trg 12/V, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Bokic
- Center for Photonics, Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Thierry Verbiest
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Sébastien R. Mouchet
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
- Department of Physics & Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium
- Correspondence: (S.R.M.); (B.K.)
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Center for Photonics, Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
- Micro- and Nanophotonic Materials Group, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
- Correspondence: (S.R.M.); (B.K.)
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Simovic-Pavlovic M, Pagnacco MC, Grujic D, Bokic B, Vasiljevic D, Mouchet S, Verbiest T, Kolaric B. Uncovering Hidden Dynamics of Natural Photonic Structures using Holographic Imaging. J Vis Exp 2022. [DOI: 10.3791/63676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Tabain I, Kolaric B, Mihulja K, Blazevic L, Bogdanic M, Navolan D, Beader N, Mrzljak A. Parvovirus B19 in Croatia: A Large-Scale Seroprevalence Study. Medicina (Kaunas) 2021; 57:medicina57111279. [PMID: 34833497 PMCID: PMC8617724 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Seroepidemiological studies indicate that parvovirus B19 circulates in all areas of the world, although with some differences. The aim of this study is to analyze the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 in the Croatian population. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2021, 1538 serum samples from different populations were tested for the presence of parvovirus B19 IgM/IgG antibodies. Serological tests were performed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: IgG antibodies were detected in 986/64.1% of participants with differences (p < 0.001) among the following population groups: 42.4% of children and adolescents, 67.1% of the adult general population, 66.7% of hemodialysis patients, and 65.6% of liver transplant recipients. Seroprevalence increased with age, from 30.0% in the 6 months-9 years age group to 69.0% in the 40-49 years age group, and remained stable thereafter (68.8-73.3%). There was no difference in the seropositivity among males (66.1%) and females (63.1%), as well as the place of residence (suburban/rural 63.9%, urban 64.1%). IgM antibodies (current/recent infection) were found in 61/4.0% of participants with the highest seropositivity in the youngest age group (11.1%). In pregnant women, seroprevalence was higher in women with an unfavorable obstetric history compared with a normal pregnancy (IgG 71.0% vs. 62.6%; IgM 6.5% vs. 2.4%), but these differences were not significant. Logistic regression showed that the adult population had almost three times higher risk of IgG seropositivity compared to children/adolescents (general population OR = 2.777, 95% CI = 2.023-3.812; hemodialysis patients OR = 2.586, 95% CI = 1.531-4.367; and transplant patients OR = 2.717, 95% CI = 1.604-4.603). A one-year increase in age increased the risk of IgG seroprevalence (OR = 1.017; 95% CI = 1.011-1.022). Conclusions: Older age was the main risk factor for IgG seropositivity. Hemodialysis and organ transplantation seem unrelated to the increased parvovirus B19 seroprevalence. The role of parvovirus B19 in the etiology of TORCH infections needs to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (M.B.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.B.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-4863-238
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Department of Public Health Gerontology, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Klara Mihulja
- Zagreb County Family Medicine Division, 10380 Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia;
| | - Lana Blazevic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Dan Navolan
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Natasa Beader
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology, University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Mrzljak A, Dinjar-Kujundzic P, Knotek M, Kudumija B, Ilic M, Gulin M, Zibar L, Hrstic I, Jurekovic Z, Kolaric B, Jemersic L, Prpic J, Tomljenovic M, Vilibic-Cavlek T. Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E in patients on haemodialysis in Croatia. Int Urol Nephrol 2020; 52:371-378. [PMID: 31894559 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-019-02363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data on the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in heamodialysis (HD) patients are conflicting, ranging from 0 to 44%. The aim of this study was to determine the HEV seroprevalence and risk factors among HD patients in Croatia. METHODS A total of 394 HD patients from six medical facilities in five Croatian cities (three sites in the continental and three sites in the coastal region) were tested for HEV IgM/IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, all samples were tested for HEV RNA by RT-PCR. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 110 (27.9%) patients. The seroprevalence varied significantly between dialysis centres, ranging from 5.2 to 43.4% (p = 0.001). HEV IgM antibodies were found in 0.04% of IgG positive patients. All patients tested negative for HEV RNA. Factors associated with HEV IgG seropositivity were age > 60 years (OR 8.17; 95% CI 1.08-62.14), living in the continental parts of the country (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.55-4.30), and transfusion of blood products (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.01-2.73). After adjusting for age and gender, patients from continental regions had higher odds of HEV seropositivity compared to patients from coastal regions (OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.71-4.85) and those who had RBC transfusions (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.02-2.69) compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION The study showed a high HEV seropositivity among HD patients in Croatia, with significant variations between geographical regions. Continental area of residence and RBC transfusion were the most significant risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Due to the high seroprevalence, routine HEV screening among HD patients, especially in transplant candidates should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia.
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Mladen Knotek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Boris Kudumija
- Policlinic for Internal Medicine and Dialysis B. Braun Avitum, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Ilic
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
| | - Marijana Gulin
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Sibenik, Sibenik, Croatia
| | - Lada Zibar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Irena Hrstic
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Pula, Pula, Croatia
| | - Zeljka Jurekovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Jelena Prpic
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Morana Tomljenovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Stevanovic V, Tabain I, Betica-Radic L, Sabadi D, Peric L, Bogdanic M, Vilibic M, Kolaric B, Kudumija B, Petrovic G, Mrzljak A, Karabuva S, Hrstic I, Capak K, Kucinar J, Savic V, Barbic L. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 seroprevalence among personnel in the healthcare facilities of Croatia, 2020. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20200458. [PMID: 32876319 PMCID: PMC7451497 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0458-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Department of Virology, Zagreb,
Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Tabain
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Department of Virology, Zagreb,
Croatia
| | | | - Dario Sabadi
- Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, Department of Infectious Diseases,
Osijek, Croatia
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Medical Faculty,
Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Peric
- Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, Department of Infectious Diseases,
Osijek, Croatia
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Medical Faculty,
Osijek, Croatia
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Department of Virology, Zagreb,
Croatia
| | - Maja Vilibic
- Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Department of
Psychiatry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Department of
Public Health Gerontology, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Boris Kudumija
- B. Braun Avitum Polyclinic for Internal Medicine and Dialysis,
Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goranka Petrovic
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology,
Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Merkur University Hospital, Department of Medicine, Zagreb,
Croatia
| | - Svjetlana Karabuva
- University Hospital Center Split, Department of Infectious
Diseases, Split, Croatia
| | - Irena Hrstic
- General Hospital Pula, Department of Medicine, Pula, Croatia
| | - Krunoslav Capak
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health
Department, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasmina Kucinar
- Istria County Institute of Public Health, Department of Serology
and Immunology, Pula, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Laboratory for Virology and
Serology, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Zagreb, Croatia
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Mouchet SR, Verstraete C, Kaczmarek AM, Mara D, van Cleuvenbergen S, Van Deun R, Verbiest T, Maes B, Vukusic P, Kolaric B. Unveiling the nonlinear optical response of Trictenotoma childreni longhorn beetle. J Biophotonics 2019; 12:e201800470. [PMID: 31134739 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The wings of some insect species are known to fluoresce under illumination by ultraviolet light. Their fluorescence properties are however, not comprehensively documented. In this article, the optical properties of one specific insect, the Trictenotoma childreni yellow longhorn beetle, were investigated using both linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) methods, including one- and two-photon fluorescence and second harmonic generation (SHG). These three distinct optical signals discovered in this beetle are attributed to the presence of fluorophores embedded within the scales covering their elytra. Experimental evidence collected in this study indicates that the fluorophores are non-centrosymmetric, a fundamental requirement for SHG. This study is the first reported optical behavior of this type in insects. We described how NLO techniques can complement other more convenient approaches to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of insect scales and integument properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien R Mouchet
- School of Physics, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Physics & Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | | | - Anna M Kaczmarek
- L3 - Luminescent Lanthanide Lab, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dimitrije Mara
- L3 - Luminescent Lanthanide Lab, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Rik Van Deun
- L3 - Luminescent Lanthanide Lab, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Verbiest
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bjorn Maes
- Micro- and Nanophotonic Materials Group, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Pete Vukusic
- School of Physics, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Micro- and Nanophotonic Materials Group, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
- Photonics Center, Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Zivoder I, Kolaric B, Zupanic M. Influence of Gerontology Services on the Physical and Psychological Health of Elderly in the City of Zagreb. Psychiatr Danub 2019; 31:99-104. [PMID: 30946727] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the quality of life as an individual perception of personal position in the cultural and social system within an individual's environment. Elderly people, in general, prefer to live in their own home as much as possible, and moving means for them losing social relationships, changing routines and lifestyles and losing independence. The research aimed to gain insight into the use of gerontology services for the elderly people, their availability, diversity of information, a range of services they provide, and impact of these services on quality of life. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study population is defined as persons residing in Zagreb, 65 years of age or older, with no physical disability or severe bodily, cognitive or mental illnesses who are users of the gerontology center. The survey was conducted using a customized questionnaire survey on a total sample of 103 respondents. RESULTS The most significant number of respondents, since they use the facilities, feel satisfied (68%) and very satisfied (28.2%) in their life. More than half of the participants (52.4%) rated their quality of life as very good and excellent, 46.6% of respondents rated their quality of life as good. Issues that effect on quality of life point to the dissatisfaction of the respondents are their financial resources, inadequate health services, and the lack of a positive social network. CONCLUSIONS Community services, such as gerontology centers, enable social network development, new learning, physical activity, which have an impact on physical and psychological health and thus on the quality of life of elderly people. The satisfaction of the respondents using these services was rated above the average (3.71), which indicates that the society is moving in the right direction, encouraging this form of care for the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Zivoder
- University North, Jurja Krizanića 31b, 42000 Varazdin, Croatia,
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Mouchet SR, Verstraete C, Mara D, Van Cleuvenbergen S, Finlayson ED, Van Deun R, Deparis O, Verbiest T, Maes B, Vukusic P, Kolaric B. Nonlinear optical spectroscopy and two-photon excited fluorescence spectroscopy reveal the excited states of fluorophores embedded in a beetle's elytra. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20180052. [PMID: 30603071 PMCID: PMC6304011 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon illumination by ultraviolet light, many animal species emit light through fluorescence processes arising from fluorophores embedded within their biological tissues. Fluorescence studies in living organisms are however relatively scarce and so far limited to the linear regime. Multiphoton excitation fluorescence analyses as well as nonlinear optical techniques offer unique possibilities to investigate the effects of the local environment on the excited states of fluorophores. Herein, these techniques are applied for the first time to study of the naturally controlled fluorescence in insects. The case of the male Hoplia coerulea beetle is investigated because the scales covering the beetle's elytra are known to possess an internal photonic structure with embedded fluorophores, which controls both the beetle's coloration and the fluorescence emission. An intense two-photon excitation fluorescence signal is observed, the intensity of which changes upon contact with water. A third-harmonic generation signal is also detected, the intensity of which depends on the light polarization state. The analysis of these nonlinear optical and fluorescent responses unveils the multi-excited states character of the fluorophore molecules embedded in the beetle's elytra. The role of form anisotropy in the photonic structure, which causes additional tailoring of the beetle's optical responses, is demonstrated by circularly polarized light and nonlinear optical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien R. Mouchet
- School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
- Department of Physics and Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Verstraete
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Dimitrije Mara
- L–Luminescent Lanthanide Lab, Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van Cleuvenbergen
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Ewan D. Finlayson
- School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Rik Van Deun
- L–Luminescent Lanthanide Lab, Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Deparis
- Department of Physics and Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Thierry Verbiest
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Bjorn Maes
- Micro- and Nanophotonic Materials Group, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Pete Vukusic
- School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Micro- and Nanophotonic Materials Group, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
- Center for Photonics, Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
- Old World Labs, 1357 N. Great Neck Road Suite 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA
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11
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Kucinar J, Kolaric B, Vranic-Ladavac M, Vilibic-Cavlek T. Prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in Istria County, Croatia. Int J Infect Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.11.352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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12
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Bogdanic M, Savic V, Tabain I, Peric L, Sabadi D, Potocnik-Hunjadi T, Miklausic B, Zember S, Santini M, Kolaric-Sviben G, Dvorski E, Butigan T, Jemersic L, Prpic J, Kolaric B, Balicevic M, Stevanovic V, Barbic L, Babic-Erceg A, Listes E, Madic J, Klobucar A, Savini G. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of neuroinvasive viral zoonoses detected in continental Croatian regions, 2017-2018. Int J Infect Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.11.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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13
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Mrzljak A, Dinjar-Kujundzic P, Vilibic-Cavlek T, Jemersic L, Prpic J, Dakovic-Rode O, Kolaric B, Vince A. Hepatitis E seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Croatian liver transplant recipients. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2019; 52:e20190302. [PMID: 31618309 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0302-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Solid-organ transplant recipients are at risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. We analyzed the seroprevalence/risk factors of HEV in Croatian liver transplant recipients. METHODS Two hundred forty-two serum samples were tested for HEV immunoglobuline IgG/IgM and HEV RNA. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS HEV IgG seroprevalence rate was 24.4%. Positive/equivocal HEV IgM were found in two patients. HEV RNA was not detected. Logistic regression showed that older age, female gender, rural area/farm, water well, and septic tank were associated with HEV seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a high exposure rate to HEV in Croatian liver recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mrzljak
- University Hospital Merkur, Department of Gastroenterology, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Department of Virology, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | - Oktavija Dakovic-Rode
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr Fran Mihaljevic", Department of Clinical Microbiology, Division of Medical Virology, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Adriana Vince
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr Fran Mihaljevic", Department for Viral Hepatitis, Zagreb, Croatia
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14
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Verstraete C, Mouchet SR, Verbiest T, Kolaric B. Linear and nonlinear optical effects in biophotonic structures using classical and nonclassical light. J Biophotonics 2019; 12:e201800262. [PMID: 30288959 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this perspective article, we review the optical study of different biophotonic geometries and biological structures using classical light in linear and nonlinear regime, especially highlighting the link between these morphologies and modern biomedical research. Additionally, the importance of nonlinear optical study in biological research, beyond traditional cell imaging is also highlighted and described. Finally, we present a short introduction regarding nonclassical light and describe the new future perspective of quantum optical study in biology, revealing the link between quantum realm and biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Verstraete
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Sébastien R Mouchet
- School of Physics, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Physics & Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Thierry Verbiest
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Micro- and Nanophotonic Materials Group, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
- Center for Photonics, Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Old World Labs, Virginia Beach, VA
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15
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Kristofic B, Savic V, Kolaric B, Barbic L, Tabain I, Peric L, Sabadi D, Miklausic B, Potocnik-Hunjadi T, Zember S, Stevanovic V, Listes E, Savini G. Diagnostic significance of immunoglobulin G avidity in symptomatic and asymptomatic West Nile virus infection. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2018; 51:591-595. [PMID: 30304263 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0482-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION West Nile virus (WNV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies have been shown to persist for up to 500 days in certain patients. To evaluate the usefulness of immunoglobulin G (IgG) avidity assessment in the diagnosis of WNV infection, we analyzed 54 WNV IgM- and/or IgG-positive serum samples from 39 patients with neuroinvasive disease and 15 asymptomatic cases tested during a seroprevalence investigation. METHODS Serological tests (WNV IgM/IgG antibody detection, IgG avidity) were performed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS WNV IgM antibodies were detected in 47 (87%) samples. Acute/recent WNV infection was confirmed based on low/borderline avidity index (AI) in 44 IgM-positive samples (93.6%). In three IgM-positive samples (6.4%), high IgG AIs were detected, thus indicating persisting IgM antibodies from previous infections. All IgM-negative samples showed high AIs. Patients with WNV neuroinvasive disease tested within 30 days showed low AIs. In six patients tested 34-50 days after disease onset, AI was borderline (42%-60%), suggesting earlier WNV IgG maturation. Samples with the highest IgM values were associated with the lowest AIs (Spearman's rho coefficient -0.767, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that IgG avidity differentiates current/recent WNV infection from persistent IgM seropositivity from the previous WNV transmission season both in patients with WNV neuroinvasive disease and in asymptomatic persons. A strong negative correlation between IgM antibody levels and AI indicates that in cases with very high IgM levels, determination of IgG avidity may not be necessary. As many patients showed rapid avidity maturation, low IgG avidity is indicative of WNV infection within the previous month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branimir Kristofic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, County Hospital Cakovec, Cakovec, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Poultry Centre, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Department of Epidemiology, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Peric
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, Osijek,Croatia.,Medical Faculty, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dario Sabadi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, Osijek,Croatia.,Medical Faculty, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Bozana Miklausic
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital "Dr Josip Bencevic", Slavonski Brod, Croatia
| | | | - Sanja Zember
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital Varazdin, Varazdin, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Eddy Listes
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Regional Institute Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Giovanni Savini
- OIE Reference Centre for West Nile Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
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16
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Berisha‑Muharremi V, Kusec V, Kolaric B, Pavlic‑Renar I. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes after blood glucose regulation. Pol Arch Intern Med 2018; 128:192-194. [DOI: 10.20452/pamw.4235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Mouchet SR, Lobet M, Kolaric B, Kaczmarek AM, Van Deun R, Vukusic P, Deparis O, Van Hooijdonk E. Controlled fluorescence in a beetle's photonic structure and its sensitivity to environmentally induced changes. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:rspb.2016.2334. [PMID: 28003460 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The scales covering the elytra of the male Hoplia coerulea beetle contain fluorophores embedded within a porous photonic structure. The photonic structure controls both insect colour (reflected light) and fluorescence emission. Herein, the effects of water-induced changes on the fluorescence emission from the beetle were investigated. The fluorescence emission peak wavelength was observed to blue-shift on water immersion of the elytra whereas its reflectance peak wavelength was observed to red-shift. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements, together with optical simulations, confirmed that the radiative emission is controlled by a naturally engineered photonic bandgap while the elytra are in the dry state, whereas non-radiative relaxation pathways dominate the emission response of wet elytra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien R Mouchet
- Department of Physics, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium .,School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Michaël Lobet
- Department of Physics, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Department of Physics, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Anna M Kaczmarek
- L-Luminescent Lanthanide Lab, Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Van Deun
- L-Luminescent Lanthanide Lab, Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vukusic
- School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK
| | - Olivier Deparis
- Department of Physics, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Eloise Van Hooijdonk
- Department of Physics, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium
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18
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Kolaric B, Beader N, Vrtar I, Tabain I, Mlinaric-Galinovic G. Seroepidemiology of cytomegalovirus infections in Croatia. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2016; 129:129-135. [PMID: 27599701 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-016-1069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is endemic worldwide, with marked differences in the seroprevalence rates between countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the seroprevalence of CMV infections in Croatia. METHODS During a 3-year period (2013-2015) 2438 consecutive serum samples collected from Croatian residents were tested for the presence of CMV IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassay. The IgM/IgG positive samples were further tested for IgG avidity. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence rates for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were 74.4 % and 4.3 %, respectively. The IgG seroprevalence showed significant differences between population groups: children/adolescents 54.6 %, general adult population 77.2 %, hemodialysis patients 91.4 % (p < 0.001). Seropositivity of CMV was strongly age-dependent with prevalences ranging from 53.0 % in children less than 10 years old to 93.8 % in persons above 60 years (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the prevalence rate between women with normal pregnancy and women with poor obstetric history. Gender and place of residence were not associated with CMV seropositivity. Using IgG avidity, current/recent primary CMV infection was confirmed by a low/borderline avidity index (AI) in 46.7 % participants, while in 53.3 % a high AI indicated CMV reactivation or reinfection. Primary infections were detected mainly in children and adolescents (83.2 % and 70.5 %, respectively), while reactivation/reinfection was common in persons older than 40 (77.0-100 %). Reactivation/reinfection was most commonly detected in hemodialysis patients (92.3 %). Logistic regression showed that older age and being on hemodialysis were significant predictors of CMV seropositivity. CONCLUSION Infections with CMV are widespread in the Croatian population. Older age and being on hemodialysis appear to be the main risk factors for CMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
- School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Department of Epidemiology, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Natasa Beader
- School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Clinical Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Izabela Vrtar
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Mlinaric-Galinovic
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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19
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González-Urbina L, Perez-Moreno J, Clays K, Kolaric B. Phosphorescence emission from BAlq by forced intersystem crossing in a colloidal photonic crystal. Mol Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2016.1194495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Koen Clays
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Laboratoire Interfaces et Fluides Complexes, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
- Department of Physics, Namur Center for Complex Systems (naXys), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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20
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Vilibic M, Kolaric B, Jemersic L, Kucinar J, Barbic L, Bagaric A, Stevanovic V, Tabain I, Sviben M, Jukic V, Mlinaric-Galinovic G. Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis E in Selected Population Groups in Croatia: A Prospective Pilot Study. Zoonoses Public Health 2016; 63:494-502. [PMID: 26776465 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E has become an emerging infection in many European countries. We analysed the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in selected population groups in Croatia. Overall HEV IgG seropositivity was 5.6%, while 1.9% participants showed IgM antibodies suggestive of recent infection. No IgM-positive sample was positive for HEV RNA. HEV IgG antibodies were most prevalent in alcohol abusers (8.9%) and war veterans (8.6%), compared with 6.1% among injecting drug users and 2.7% in healthcare professionals. No individual with high-risk sexual behaviour tested HEV seropositive. HEV IgG positivity increased significantly with age from 1.8% to 2.3% in individuals younger than 40 years to 11.3% in individuals older than 50 years (P = 0.023). The mean age of HEV-positive participants was significantly higher than that of HEV-negative participants (50.9 ± 11.8 years versus 41.2 ± 11.8 years, P = 0.008). Seroprevalence rates were significantly higher in residents of suburban and rural areas compared with residents of urban areas (14.5% versus 2.5%, P = 0.003). Additionally, an increasing prevalence of HEV IgG antibodies was observed from 1.8% in participants living in families with two household members to 12.1% in those living with more than four members (P = 0.046). Gender, marital status, educational level, sexual orientation, source of drinking water, history of blood transfusions, surgical procedures, tattooing and travelling were not associated with HEV seroprevalence. Logistic regression showed that living in suburban/rural areas was the main risk factor for HEV seropositivity (OR = 6.67; 95%CI = 1.89-25.0; AOR = 7.14, 95%CI = 1.89-25.0).
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M Vilibic
- Vrapce University Psychiatric Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - B Kolaric
- Department of Epidemiology, Teaching Institute 'Dr Andrija Stampar', Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - L Jemersic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J Kucinar
- Department of Microbiology, Istria County Institute of Public Health, Pula, Croatia
| | - L Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A Bagaric
- Vrapce University Psychiatric Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - V Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - I Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M Sviben
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - V Jukic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Vrapce University Psychiatric Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - G Mlinaric-Galinovic
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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21
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Smalcelj R, Kolaric B. FP885PHOSPHATE METABOLISM DISTURBANCES IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv185.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Kolaric B, Ljubin-Sternak S, Kos M, Kaic B, Mlinaric-Galinovic G. Prevalence and dynamics of cytomegalovirus infection among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Indian J Nephrol 2015; 25:95-8. [PMID: 25838647 PMCID: PMC4379633 DOI: 10.4103/0971-4065.139488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze prevalence and dynamics of CMV infection among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. From 2010 to 2012, a total of 162 patients and 160 control subjects were tested for the presence of CMV IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgM/IgG reactive samples were further evaluated for IgG avidity to confirm or rule out recent primary CMV infection. The overall IgG seropositivity was higher in hemodialysis patients compared to controls (90.7% vs. 81.9%; crude odds ratio [OR] =2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.05–3.89; OR adjusted for age and gender = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.05–4.55). CMV IgG antibody titers were similar in both groups. There was no difference in CMV prevalence between males (87.9%) and females (96.3%). According to age, a progressive increase in seropositivity was observed in both hemodialysis patients and the control group. Three hemodialysis patients (1.9%) developed recurrent CMV infection (positive IgM with high avidity IgG antibodies). In one patient (2.9%), seroconversion was documented during the second year of the follow-up period indicating primary infection. In contrast, in the control group, recent primary CMV infection (positive IgM with low/borderline IgG avidity) was demonstrated in three subjects (1.9%), whereas one (0.6%) developed recurrent infection. On multivariate logistic regression, hemodialysis and older age were significant predictors for CMV seropositivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia ; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - B Kolaric
- Department of Social Medicine and Gerontology, Zagreb County Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia ; Department of Epidemiology, Medical School University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - S Ljubin-Sternak
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia ; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M Kos
- Department of Microbiology, University of Applied Health Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - B Kaic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - G Mlinaric-Galinovic
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia ; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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23
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Tomljenovic M, Kolaric B, Stajduhar D, Tesic V. Stress, depression and burnout among hospital physicians in Rijeka, Croatia. Psychiatr Danub 2014; 26 Suppl 3:450-458. [PMID: 25536981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Six years of recent ongoing economic and structural crisis in Croatia have brought to a significant decrease of socioeconomic standard in our country, and had an important impact on the health care system. In this background we examined the prevalence of depression and burnout and their association with work stressors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Cross sectional survey was conducted with self reported questionnaires in 459 hospital physicians in Rijeka, Croatia. Physicians were divided into three groups: surgical, nonsurgical and diagnostic group. Socio-demographic and work-related characteristics questionnaire, Occupational Stress Assessment Questionnaire (OSAQ), Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were used. Sperman correlation and logistic regression were calculated to rank association between stressors at work with depression and burnout syndrome. RESULTS Response rate was 62.3%, (286/459). Every fifth doctor experienced all examined stressors in the workplace as stressful. The prevalence of moderate and severe depression was 12.2%. High levels of emotional exhaustion were 43.6%, depersonalization 33.5%, and lack of personal accomplishment 49.1%. There was no statistical difference in surgical, nonsurgical and diagnostic groups in depression and all domains of MBI-HSS. Almost all stressors were correlated with depression and burnout syndrome. Most of the perceived stressors were significant predictors of burnout syndrome and depression. CONCLUSIONS High levels of burnout domain compared to overall results from similar studies from other countries, placed the results in our sample on the higher end of the range, while results for depression after adjustment with lower cutoff point would be similar to those usually found in research literature. Our study showed that burnout is highly prevalent among Croatian physicians. Target interventions at the workplace should be considered as one of the strategies to reduce negative impact of work stress on physicians' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morana Tomljenovic
- Department of Social medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta St. No. 20, 51 000 Rijeka, Croatia,
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Besic KM, Strozzi M, Margetic E, Bulum J, Kolaric B. Drug-eluting balloons in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. J Cardiol 2014; 65:203-7. [PMID: 24976525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We compared efficacy of bare-metal stent (BMS) and drug-eluting balloon (DEB) combination vs BMS alone, in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS Patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina (UA) were randomized to BMS only or BMS+DEB group. Angiographic follow-up was performed after 6 months. The primary endpoints were binary in-stent restenosis (ISR) and late lumen loss (LLL) and the secondary endpoints were target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), and new acute coronary syndrome (ACS). RESULTS A total of 85 patients were enrolled, 44 (BMS) and 41 (BMS+DEB). The median age was 67 (36-84) years and 68 (80%) were male. Fifty-two patients (61.2%) had NSTEMI and 33 patients (38.8%) UA. There was no difference in patient demographics, risk factors, and clinical characteristics, except for more smokers in the BMS+DEB group 18/41 (43.9%) vs 9/44 (20.5%). At follow-up, no significant difference in binary ISR was found; p=0.593, but LLL was significantly lower in the BMS+DEB group 0.68 (0.00-2.15) mm vs 0.22 (0.00-2.35) mm; p=0.002. The difference in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate combining TLR, ST, and ACS, between the groups was also non-significant, 29.5% (BMS) vs 24.4% (BMS+DEB); p=0.835. One patient had a subacute ST (BMS+DEB) due to clopidogrel resistance. CONCLUSION Patients treated with BMS+DEB combination for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome had significantly less LLL in comparison to patients treated with BMS alone but without an impact on patient clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Maric Besic
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Strozzi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Eduard Margetic
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josko Bulum
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Department for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Bulum T, Kolaric B, Duvnjak L. Lower levels of total HDL and HDL3 cholesterol are associated with albuminuria in normoalbuminuric Type 1 diabetic patients. J Endocrinol Invest 2013; 36:574-8. [PMID: 23404243 DOI: 10.3275/8850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested a positive association between dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease, but sparse data are available on the relation of lipids and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE) in normoalbuminuric patients with normal renal function. AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of serum lipids, including total, LDL, HDL, HDL2, HDL3 cholesterol, and triglyceride levels with UAE in normoalbuminuric Type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients. METHODS Study included 313 normoalbuminuric T1D patients with normal renal function and before any interventions with statins, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Subjects were classified as low-normoalbuminuric (UAE<11.0 mg/24h) or high-normoalbuminuric (UAE≥11.0 mg/24h) based on median UAE of at least two 24- h urine collections. Correlations and multiple linear regressions analysis were performed to identify relationships between serum lipids and UAE in normoalbuminuric subjects. RESULTS Total HDL (p=0.02) and HDL3 cholesterol (p=0.01) levels were higher in low-normoalbuminuric subjects compared to high-normoalbuminuric subjects. In logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, duration of diabetes and HbA1c, lower total HDL and HDL3 cholesterol levels were significantly associated with risk of higher UAE in our normoalbuminuric subjects (p≤0.01), with odds ratios of 0.34 to 0.43. CONCLUSIONS Elevated total HDL and HDL3 cholesterol levels are associated with lower UAE in normoalbuminuric T1D patients. However, whether the detection of elevated total HDL and HDL3 cholesterol levels in T1D patients has protective value for development of microalbuminuria needs to be assessed in further follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bulum
- Vuk Vrhovac Clinic for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Merkur, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
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Tesic V, Kolaric B, Znaor A, Kuna SK, Brkljacic B. Mammographic density and estimation of breast cancer risk in intermediate risk population. Breast J 2012; 19:71-8. [PMID: 23173778 DOI: 10.1111/tbj.12051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is not clear to what extent mammographic density represents a risk factor for breast cancer among women with moderate risk for disease. We conducted a population-based study to estimate the independent effect of breast density on breast cancer risk and to evaluate the potential of breast density as a marker of risk in an intermediate risk population. From November 2006 to April 2009, data that included American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) breast density categories and risk information were collected on 52,752 women aged 50-69 years without previously diagnosed breast cancer who underwent screening mammography examination. A total of 257 screen-detected breast cancers were identified. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of breast density on breast carcinoma risk and to control for other risk factors. The risk increased with density and the odds ratio for breast cancer among women with dense breast (heterogeneously and extremely dense breast), was 1.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.8) compared with women with almost entirely fat breasts, after adjustment for age, body mass index, age at menarche, age at menopause, age at first childbirth, number of live births, use of oral contraceptive, family history of breast cancer, prior breast procedures, and hormone replacement therapy use that were all significantly related to breast density (p < 0.001). In multivariate model, breast cancer risk increased with age, body mass index, family history of breast cancer, prior breast procedure and breast density and decreased with number of live births. Our finding that mammographic density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer indicates the importance of breast density measurements for breast cancer risk assessment also in moderate risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Tesic
- Department of Epidemiology, Dr. Andrija Stampar Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Kucinar J, Ljubin-Sternak S, Kolaric B, Kaic B, Lazaric-Stefanovic L, Hunjak B, Mlinaric-Galinovic G. Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies among febrile patients in Croatia, 2008-2010. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:293-6. [PMID: 22239180 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the widespread distribution of Q fever, the prevalence in humans is not accurately known, because many infected people seroconvert without symptoms or with a mild febrile disease. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Q fever in different regions of Croatia. During a 2-year period (2008-2010), serum samples from 552 febrile patients with prolonged cough aged 1-88 were tested for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies by using indirect immunofluorescent assay. Sera from 27.5% patients showed IgG antibodies. Serological evidence of C. burnetii infection was found in patients from all parts of Croatia. Seroprevalence rates significantly differed among regions from 21.5% to 41.2% (p=0.001). Men were more often seropositive (31.6%) than women (22.2%; p=0.016). According to age, a progressive increase in the IgG seropositivity rates was observed as ranging from 6.7% in children less than 10 years of age to 39.2% in patients aged 40-49 (p=0.001). Above the age of 50, the IgG seroprevalence remained stable. Patients from rural areas were more often seropositive than patients from urban areas (40.8% vs. 19%), p<0.001). Acute Q fever was confirmed in 5.8% of patients. Cases occurred throughout the year. A majority of cases were reported during summer months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Morarescu R, Shen H, Vallée RAL, Maes B, Kolaric B, Damman P. Exploiting the localized surface plasmon modes in gold triangular nanoparticles for sensing applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2jm30944k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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González-Urbina L, Baert K, Kolaric B, Pérez-Moreno J, Clays K. Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Colloidal Photonic Crystals. Chem Rev 2011; 112:2268-85. [DOI: 10.1021/cr200063f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis González-Urbina
- Department of Chemistry and INPAC−Institute of Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry, K. U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Kasper Baert
- Department of Chemistry and INPAC−Institute of Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry, K. U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Laboratoire Interfaces et Fluides Complexes, Centre d’Innovation et de Recherche en Matériaux Polymères, Université de Mons, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Javier Pérez-Moreno
- Department of Chemistry and INPAC−Institute of Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry, K. U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Koen Clays
- Department of Chemistry and INPAC−Institute of Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry, K. U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Kucinar J, Ljubin-Sternak S, Kolaric B. Seroepidemiology of hepatitis a in the croatian population. Hepat Mon 2011; 11:997-9. [PMID: 22368685 PMCID: PMC3282034 DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1735143x.756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has a worldwide distribution, although this distribution tends to be uneven among geographical regions and population groups. The prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in the general population varies widely among countries. In Europe, the seroprevalence of HAV is reported to range from 32% to 88%. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HAV among the general Croatian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS During a 2-year period (2008-2009), a total of 791 serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-HAV total (IgM+IgG) and anti-HAV IgM antibodies using an automated enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (Mini Vidas; bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France). RESULTS The overall anti-HAV seroprevalence was 41.6%. The observed difference in the seroprevalence rates among male and female patients was not statistically significant (44% vs. 39.6%, P = 0.218). A marked increase in anti-HAV seropositivity with age was observed (P < 0.001). The seroprevalence did not differ significantly between participants residing in rural regions (45.3%) and those residing in urban regions (40.6%, P = 0.292). CONCLUSIONS Our results corroborate those of seroprevalence studies in other developed countries. More than half of the Croatian population (59.4%) is susceptible to HAV infection. Older age is an important predictor for being anti-HAV positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian national Institute of public Health, Zagreb and School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Suncanica Ljubin-Sternak
- Department of Virology, Croatian national Institute of public Health, Zagreb and School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Zagreb County Institute of public Health, Zagreb and School of Medicine University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are caused by 2 types of virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both viruses are endemic worldwide. There are marked variations in the seroprevalences of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HSV infections in Croatia. METHODS During a 3-y period (2008-2010), a total of 1672 patients were tested for the presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The overall immunoglobulin G (IgG) seroprevalence rates were 72.5% for HSV-1 and 9.9% for HSV-2. There was no significant difference in seropositivity between males and females for HSV-1 (72.0% vs 73.0%) or HSV-2 (8.9% vs 10.7%). HSV-1 seroprevalence increased from 26.4% in those aged 6 months-9 y to 89.9% in those aged 40?49 y, and remained stable thereafter, ranging from 87.4% to 91.5% (p < 0.001). HSV-2 IgG seropositivity increased progressively from 5.7% in participants aged 20-29 y to 26.5% in participants aged ≥ 60 y (p < 0.001). HSV-1 seroprevalence did not differ between participants residing in urban and rural areas (72.5% vs 72.6%). Urban place of residence was a significant factor for HSV-2 seroprevalence in univariate analysis, but after standardization for age, it was no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS Multiple logistic regression showed that age was a significant predictor of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 seropositivity, while female gender was a significant predictor of HSV-2 seropositivity. In pregnant women, obstetric history was not a significant predictor of either HSV-1 or HSV-2 seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Spero M, Brkljacic B, Kolaric B, Marotti M. Preoperative staging of renal cell carcinoma using magnetic resonance imaging: comparison with pathological staging. Clin Imaging 2011; 34:441-7. [PMID: 21092873 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2009.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2009] [Accepted: 09/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We have retrospectively assessed the accuracy of our MRI protocol on 1.0-T MRI system for preoperative staging of renal cell carcinoma using the 2002 TNM staging system and pathological staging as the gold standard. Medical records of 48 patients (mean age, 56.28 years) with 57 renal tumors were reviewed: 52 malignant renal tumors were found; most of the patients were staged T1N0M0. In our study, κ test revealed excellent agreement between all three classes of the TNM staging system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Spero
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Morarescu R, Englert L, Kolaric B, Damman P, Vallée RAL, Baumert T, Hubenthal F, Träger F. Tuning nanopatterns on fused silica substrates: a theoretical and experimental approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/c0jm03829f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Ljubin-Sternak S, Ban M, Kolaric B, Sviben M, Mlinaric-Galinovic G. Seroprevalence of TORCH infections in women of childbearing age in Croatia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 24:280-3. [PMID: 20476874 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.485233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
During 2005-2009, a seroepidemiological study was carried out in Croatia to define the population susceptible to common TORCH agents among pregnant and non-pregnant women of childbearing age. The IgG seroprevalence was 29.1% forT. gondii, 94.6% for rubella, 75.3% for cytomegalovirus (CMV), 78.7% for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and 6.8% for HSV-2. Acute toxoplasmosis and CMV infection (positive IgM antibodies with low IgG avidity) were documented in 0.25% and 0.09% women, respectively. IgM prevalence was 1.2% for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. None of the participants showed acute rubella infection. Seropositivity to T. gondii and HSV-2 varied significantly between age groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.036, respectively). Women residing in rural regions showed a significantly higher seroprevalence rate for T. gondii, CMV, and HSV-1 than urban women (T. gondii: 44.0% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.001; CMV: 85.0% vs. 73.1%, p = 0.018; HSV-1: 86.0% vs. 76.4%, p = 0.041).
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Cavlek TV, Margan IG, Lepej SZ, Kolaric B, Vince A. Seroprevalence, risk factors, and hepatitis C virus genotypes in groups with high-risk sexual behavior in Croatia. J Med Virol 2009; 81:1348-53. [PMID: 19551819 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The seroprevalence, risk factors and genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in groups with high-risk sexual behavior (persons with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers and their clients and persons with sexually transmitted diseases) in seven Croatian cities were analyzed. A total of 821 participants without history of injecting drug use were included in the study. Anti-HCV prevalence among risk groups varied from 2.9% to 8.5% with an overall prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI = 3.2-6.1) compared with 0.5% (95% CI = 0.0-1.5) in controls (pregnant females; OR = 9.66; 95% CI = 1.32-70.7). HCV-RNA was detected in 73.1% anti-HCV positive patients. Three of the seronegative cases (2.1%) were also found to be HCV-RNA positive ("window period"). Genotype 1 was most commonly detected (55.6%). The most prevalent subtypes were 1a (38.9%) and 3a (38.9%). Sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status and level of education) were not associated with anti-HCV seropositivity. Among sexually transmitted disease markers, a higher seroprevalence of HCV infection was found in subjects with a history of HBV infection (10.5% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.002) and gonorrhea (13.2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.011). No other factors reflecting risk sexual behavior such as sexual orientation, number of sexual partners and number of risk behaviors were associated with HCV seroprevalence.
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Libaers W, Kolaric B, Vallée RA, Wong JE, Wouters J, Valev VK, Verbiest T, Clays K. Engineering colloidal photonic crystals with magnetic functionalities. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2009.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kolaric B, Sliwa M, Vallée R, Van der Auweraer M. Polymer–dye interactions as a tool for studying phase transitions. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2008.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Di Vece M, Kolaric B, Baert K, Schweitzer G, Obradovic M, Vallée RAL, Lievens P, Clays K. Controlling the photoluminescence of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with a magnetic field. Nanotechnology 2009; 20:135203. [PMID: 19420489 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/13/135203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We present an investigation of the photoluminescence of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots at high light intensity and in low magnetic fields. Upon increasing the magnetic field up to 90 G, the photoluminescence intensity drops. When decreasing the magnetic field back to zero the photoluminescence drop remains present. A plausible explanation is the Zeeman splitting of defect-associated energy levels under the influence of a magnetic field. The defect-trapped electrons may then be positioned at a metastable level, thereby reducing the number of recombinations. This effect may be used to control the luminescence of quantum dots.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Vece
- Laboratory of Solid State Physics and Magnetism and INPAC-Institute of Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry, K U Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
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Kolaric B, Sliwa M, Brucale M, Vallée RAL, Zuccheri G, Samori B, Hofkens J, De Schryver FC. Single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy of pH sensitive oligonucleotide switches. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2007; 6:614-8. [PMID: 17549262 DOI: 10.1039/b618689k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Several authors demonstrated that an oligonucleotide based pH-sensitive construct can act as a switch between an open and a closed state by changing the pH. To validate this process, specially designed fluorescence dye-quencher substituted oligonucleotide constructs were developed to probe the switching between these two states. This paper reports on bulk and single molecule fluorescence investigations of a duplex-triplex pH sensitive oligonucleotide switch. On the bulk level, only a partial quenching of the fluorescence is observed, similarly to what is observed for other published switches and is supposed to be due to intermolecular interactions between oligonucleotide strands. On the single molecule level, each DNA-based nanometric construct shows a complete switching. These observations suggest the tendency of the DNA construct to associate at high concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Kolaric
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Chemistry and Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry (INPAC), Celestijnenlaan 200F, Heverlee, B-3001, Belgium
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Becker CFW, Wacker R, Bouschen W, Seidel R, Kolaric B, Lang P, Schroeder H, Müller O, Niemeyer CM, Spengler B, Goody RS, Engelhard M. Direct readout of protein-protein interactions by mass spectrometry from protein-DNA microarrays. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2006; 44:7635-9. [PMID: 16245381 DOI: 10.1002/anie.200502908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian F W Becker
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Physiologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
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Breuer S, Gerlach H, Kolaric B, Urbanke C, Opitz N, Geyer M. Biochemical indication for myristoylation-dependent conformational changes in HIV-1 Nef. Biochemistry 2006; 45:2339-49. [PMID: 16475823 DOI: 10.1021/bi052052c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The accessory HIV-1 Nef protein is essential for viral replication, high virus load, and progression to AIDS. These functions are mediated by the alteration of signaling and trafficking pathways and require the membrane association of Nef by its N-terminal myristoylation. However, a large portion of Nef is also found in the cytosol, in line with the observation that myristoylation is only a weak lipidation anchor for membrane attachment. We performed biochemical studies to analyze the implications of myristoylation on the conformation of Nef in aqueous solution. To establish an in vivo myristoylation assay, we first optimized the codon usage of Nef for Escherichia coli expression, which resulted in a 15-fold higher protein yield. Myristoylation was achieved by coexpression with the N-myristoyltransferase and confirmed by mass spectrometry. The myristoylated protein was soluble, and proton NMR spectra confirmed proper folding. Size exclusion chromatography revealed that myristoylated Nef appeared of smaller size than the unmodified form but not as small as an N-terminally truncated from of Nef that omits the anchor domain. Western blot stainings and limited proteolysis of both forms showed different recognition profiles and degradation pattern. Analytical ultracentrifugation revealed that myristoylated Nef prevails in a monomeric state while the unmodified form exists in an oligomeric equilibrium of monomer, dimer, and trimer associations. Finally, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy using multiphoton excitation revealed a shorter diffusion time for the lipidated protein compared to the unmodified form. Taken together, our data indicated myristoylation-dependent conformational changes in Nef, suggesting a rather compact and monomeric form for the lipidated protein in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Breuer
- Abteilungen Physikalische Biochemie und Strukturelle Biologie, Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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Lukenda J, Kolaric B, Kolcic I, Pazur V, Biloglav Z. Cardiovascular diseases in Croatia and other transitional countries: comparative study of publications, clinical interventions, and burden of disease. Croat Med J 2005; 46:865-74. [PMID: 16342338] [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: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine the number of publications on cardiovascular diseases in the MEDLINE database, the rate of medical doctors and clinical interventions in cardiology, and health and socioeconomic indicators for Croatia, and to compare them with those for Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria. METHODS PubMed was used in search for publications on cardiovascular diseases published in 1991-2004. Rates per million population and proportions of publications on cardiovascular diseases in the MEDLINE database were calculated. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was used as a socioeconomic indicator, whereas human resources in medicine were presented as the rate of medical doctors per million population. Standardized death rates from cardiovascular diseases and ischemic heart disease were used as indicators of cardiovascular health. Clinical interventions in cardiology, such as coronary angiograms, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties (PTCA), and coronary bypass surgeries (CABG) were expressed per million population per year. RESULTS Croatia had the lowest GDP per capita among the analyzed countries. The standardized death rate from cardiovascular diseases in Croatia was 91.7 per 100,000 population aged 0-64 in 2001, which was higher than that in Slovenia and Austria (P<0.001), similar to that in the Czech Republic, and lower than that in Hungary (P<0.001). Cardiovascular scientific output in Croatia was the lowest among investigated countries, ie, 1.1 per million population in 2003 (P<0.001). Despite a significantly lower number of medical doctors in comparison with Hungary and the Czech Republic (P<0.001), Croatia experienced a similar increment in the amount of clinical interventions in cardiology. CONCLUSION In contrast to high cardiovascular mortality rates, cardiovascular scientific production in Croatia was significantly lower than in other investigated countries. A positive trend in cardiovascular medicine was recorded in clinical practice, but has yet to be followed by scientific production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josip Lukenda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Holy Gost General Hospital, Sveti duh 64, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Becker CFW, Wacker R, Bouschen W, Seidel R, Kolaric B, Lang P, Schroeder H, Müller O, Niemeyer CM, Spengler B, Goody RS, Engelhard M. Direkter Nachweis von Protein-Protein-Wechselwirkungen durch Massenspektrometrie an Protein-DNA-Mikroarrays. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200502908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We have investigated sex ratio at birth (expressed as the proportion of males) in Croatia before, during and after the war (1991-1995). METHODS Data for each of 21 counties in Croatia (861 516 births) were collected and pooled into two groups: the first, consisting of the counties unaffected by the war, and the second, comprising the counties affected by war events. Odds ratios of being born as a male were calculated, with being born in a county exposed to war defined as the risk factor. RESULTS No significant deviations from the expected ratio of 0.514 were found in pre-war, wartime or post-war period at the national level. The ratio was 0.515 during the pre-war and wartime periods, and 0.514 in the post-war period. Comparison of the ratios in the three periods in both affected and unaffected counties revealed no significant increase in the sex ratio. The only significant increase in the sex ratio was registered in two counties unaffected by the warfare. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that warfare did not cause a detectable increase of the sex ratio at birth in Croatia, in contrast to what might have been predicted based on earlier reports in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Polasek
- Department of Medical Statistics, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
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Muruganathan RM, Krustev R, Müller HJ, Möhwald H, Kolaric B, Klitzing RV. Foam films stabilized by dodecyl maltoside. 1. Film thickness and free energy of film formation. Langmuir 2004; 20:6352-6358. [PMID: 15248722 DOI: 10.1021/la0494268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Foam films stabilized by a sugar-based nonionic surfactant, beta-dodecyl maltoside, are investigated. The film thickness and the film contact angle (which is formed at the transition between the film and the bulk solution) are measured as a function of NaCl concentration, surfactant concentration, and temperature. The film thickness measurements provide information about the balance of the surface forces in the film whereas the contact angle measurements provide information about the specific film interaction free energy. The use of the glass ring cell and the thin film pressure balance methods enables studies under a large variety of conditions. Thick foam films are formed at low electrolyte concentration. The film thickness decreases (respectively the absolute value of the interaction film free energy increases) with the increase of the electrolyte concentration according to the classical DLVO theory. This indicates the existence of a repulsive double layer electrostatic component of the disjoining pressure. An electrostatic double layer potential of 16 mV was calculated from the data. A decrease of the film thickness on increase of the surfactant concentration in the solution is observed. The results are interpreted on the basis of the assumption that the surface double layer potential originates in the adsorption of hydroxyl ions at the film surfaces. These ions are expelled from the surface at higher surfactant concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Muruganathan
- Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, Golm 14476, Germany
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Chatzidimitriou-Dreismann CA, Abdul-Redah T, Kolaric B. Entanglement of protons in organic molecules: an attosecond neutron scattering study of C [bond] H bond breaking. J Am Chem Soc 2001; 123:11945-51. [PMID: 11724602 DOI: 10.1021/ja004186d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between adjacent particles of condensed phases can lead to quantum correlation phenomena, like quantum interference, entanglement, delocalization, and "Schrödinger's cat" states. Such correlations are theoretically expected to be extremely short-lived because of environmental disturbances. Here, we present experimental evidence for quantum entanglement between well localized protons of C [bond] H bonds of 2-isobutoxyethanol dissolved in D(2)O. The applied experimental method is neutron Compton scattering (NCS), which has a characteristic time window in the subfemtosecond time range. Our NCS results reveal that, in the subfemtosecond time scale, the measured cross-section density, and thus, in simple terms, the effectively present concentration, of the H atoms is "anomalously" reduced by approximately 20%. Affecting the microdynamics of protons of covalent C [bond] H bonds, this novel effect may have a broad range of chemical and biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Chatzidimitriou-Dreismann
- Institute of Chemistry, Stranski-Laboratory, Technical University of Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 112, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
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Chatzidimitriou-Dreismann CA, Abdul-Redah T, Kolaric B, Juranic I. Chatzidimitriou-dreismann et al. reply:. Phys Rev Lett 2000; 84:5237. [PMID: 10990912 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.84.5237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/1999] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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