South Croatia Research Articles

Contribution to the syntaxonomy of plant communities with insular endemic species of genus Brassica (southern Croatia)

Abstract Communities with constant presence of two insular endemic species of genus Brassica (B. cazzae Ginzb. et Teyber, B. mollis Vis.) were studied on the small southeastern Adriatic islands and islets (South Croatia), following the Braun-Blanquet approach. From a total of 51 phytosociological relevés, mostly collected in the period from 2020 and 2022, eight associations and three subassociations belonging to seven alliances and six classes were identified. Brassica cazzae and B. mollis occur in a variety of habitat types (i) in bare or very shallow soils on which halophilous and halotolerant communities of the Limonion anfracti-cancellati and Anthyllidion barbae-jovis mostly thrive, (ii) on rocky crevices and cliffs with rupicolous chasmophytic vegetation of the Centaureo cuspidatae-Portenschlagiellion ramosissimae, (iii) within woody vegetation of the Pistacio lentisci-Pinion halepensis, maquis of the Oleo-Ceratonion siliquae and garrigues of the Cisto cretici-Ericion manipuliflorae, and (iv) grasslands of the Chrysopogono grylli-Koelerion splendentis. Two associations (Plantagino holostei-Limonietum cazzae, Brassico mollis-Anthyllidetum barbae-jovis) and one subassociation (Centaureetum ragusinae limonietosum cazzae) are described for the first time.

Botanical Analysis of the Baroque Art on the Eastern Adriatic Coast, South Croatia.

The analysis of plants featured in Baroque artworks on the eastern Adriatic coast has not previously been the subject of an in-depth study. The study of plant iconography in Baroque sacred artworks, which are mostly paintings, was carried out in eight churches and monasteries on the Pelješac peninsula in southern Croatia. Taxonomic interpretation of the painted flora on 15 artworks led to the identification of 23 different plant taxa (species or genera) belonging to 17 families. One additional plant was identified only by family taxonomic rank. The number of plants was relatively high, and most species were considered non-native (71%, "exotic" flora) phanerophytes. In terms of geographic origin, the Palaearctic region (Eurasia) and the American continent were identified as the main areas of plant origin. Lilium candidum, Acanthus mollis, and Chrysanthemum cf. morifolium, were the most common species. We think that the plants were selected for decorative and aesthetic reasons, as well as for their symbolic significance.

Interesting updates to the flora of the Neretva River delta (south Croatia) with the emphasis on aquatic plants

While working on several projects dealing with the flora of Neretva River delta in south Croatia, interesting floristic discoveries were made. During fieldtrips, freshwater habitats (rivers, channels and lakes) were in the focus of the survey, and were studied in detail both from the boat and from the mainland. Altogether 69 plant taxa were recorded and are presented in the results, out of which 25 taxa associated with aquatic habitats (hydrophytes, helophytes and species of riparian habitats) were discussed in more detail. These taxa are rare, threatened, invasive, newly found or otherwise seen as important for the studied area and their distribution maps are also presented.

Phytoplankton metrics for trophic and ecological status assessment of a natural karstic lake

According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), biological quality elements constitute the basis for assessing ecological status of surface waters. Biological communities are good indicators of water quality because they reflect environmental conditions over time and do not require frequent sampling. The main aims were to assess trophic and ecological status of the Lake Visovac (Krka River hydrosystem, South Croatia) using phytoplankton together with supportive physico-chemical parameters, eutrophication status and impact indicators. We also tested the viability of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Hungarian Lake Phytoplankton Index (HLPI) as proposed metrics in the standard regulatory monitoring procedure. The phytoplankton samples, Chl-a and physical- chemical parameters were taken on a monthly basis from April to September in 2016 and 2019. In 2016, the most dominant species was Pantocsekiella ocellata (Pantocsek) K.T.Kiss & Ács, while in 2019 it was accompanied by Ceratium hirundinella (O.F.Müller) Dujardin. According to Chl-a, Lake Visovac was within the limits of oligo- to mesotrophic status. Based on the HLPI index, the Lake ecological status was assessed as Good. Chl-a showed a statistically significant positive correlation with temperature, while HLPI was positively correlated with oxygen and Secchi depth. We propose the use of Chl-a for rapid bioassessment on a weekly basis, whilst more complex HLPI index should be applied monthly. Further improving the confidence level of the metrics used to assess the ecological status and a comprehensive revision of boundaries for included indicators is of fundamental importance.

The relevance of macrocytosis induction during neoadjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to explore the red blood cell changes that occur during neoadjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy (NAC) of breast cancer. Also, we investigated the role of macrocytosis as a predictive biomarker for pathological complete response and disease-free survival (DFS) in these patients. A retrospective analysis of 82 breast cancer patients' data treated with anthracycline-cyclophosphamide-paclitaxel (AC-T) NAC in three oncology institutions in south Croatia from 2013 to 2020 was carried out. During chemotherapy mean corpuscular volume increased with time, with a median increase of 7.25 fl. Macrocytosis was induced in 38% of patients overall. Development of macrocytosis did not correlate with DFS [hazard ratio = 0.525; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.074-3.768; P = 0.525]. Higher percentage of patients in macrocytosis group achieved PCR, 39% vs. 29% in no macrocytosis group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The relevance of macrocytosis induction during dose-dense neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer should be further explored.

The effect of food groups and nutrients on thyroid hormone levels in healthy individuals

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to analyze the association of dietary groups (groups of food items) with thyroid hormone levels in healthy individuals. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 4585 healthy individuals from the Dalmatian region of south Croatia with measurements of plasma free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Dietary intake was assessed according to data of the completed food frequency questionnaire, containing 58 food items. Principal component analysis was performed to reduce food items into dietary groups, followed by linear regression analyses to test the association between dietary groups and fT3, fT4, and TSH levels. ResultsAmong the 4585 healthy individuals, we observed lower plasma fT3 and fT4 levels and higher TSH levels in women than in men. Smokers were found to have significantly lower TSH levels than non-smokers and ex-smokers, and participants with higher fasting glucose levels had higher fT4 levels. Different dietary groups (factors) showed association with fT3, fT4, and TSH levels. It was observed that dietary factors (with frequent consumption of fruit juices, Cedevita vitamin drink, and non-alcoholic drinks) that negatively affected TSH levels simultaneously had a positive effect on fT4, satisfying the expected pattern of effects. ConclusionsIn our study, frequent consumption of foods with a high glycemic index showed a positive association with fT3 and fT4 levels and a negative association with TSH levels, whereas foods rich in saturated fatty acids and with a high protein concentration showed a negative association with fT3 and fT4 levels.

Flora of the cobbled streets and pavements in the Mediterranean Old City of Dubrovnik during the COVID-19 lockdown

The flora of the cobbled streets and pavements in the Old City of Dubrovnik, South Croatia, was studied in unusual circumstances with lack of trampling due to the Covid-19 lockdown in April 2020 The features of the flora through analyses of taxonomic composition, life forms, chorotypes and the phytosociological character of species found at eight sites in Dubrovnik Old City and along a transect line on the main street (Stradun) are reported Altogether, 57 plant species and three subspecies were found Therophytes, Cosmopolitans and taxa from the Papaveretea rhoeadis and Chenopodietea prevailed The study highlights the importance of the investigation of both flora and vegetation within Du-brovnik’s city historical centre © 2020, Croatian Natural History Museum All rights reserved

Colonization of bacteria and diatoms on an artificial substrate in a marine lake (eastern Adriatic Sea, NE Mediterranean)

The initial colonization of bacteria and diatoms on a immersed artificial substrate and the development of diatom assemblages in relation to physico-chemical parameters were investigated on a weekly basis at one station in the marine Lake Mrtvo More, South Croatia, from April to October 2016. According to TRIX trophic index, lake showed different trophic character: (i) oligotrophic (at the beginning and the end of the study), (ii) mesotrophic (the end of June to mid-July), (iii) eutrophic (the end of July to mid-September). Heterotrophic bacteria increased to peak abundances (69,268 cells cm–2) at the beginning of June when the diatoms abundances start to increase. The lake has high diatom species richness (285 diatom taxa within 72 genera), with the highest species diversity index in August. Among diatoms, adnate were the primary colonizers, particularly Cocconeis dirupta W.Gregory var. flexella (Janisch and Rabenhorst) Grunow and Cocconeis scutellum Ehrenberg var. scutellum, while motile taxa joined the fouling communities from July to September. This study showed close relationship between diatom species composition and changes of physico-chemical parameters, particularly the nutrient concentrations.

The phenolic profile of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey

Despite of the many beneficial health effects of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey, due to its strong antioxidant activity derived mostly from polyphenols, a detailed phenolic profile has not been previously studied. The aims of this study were to identify the phenolic compounds, determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and evaluate the radical scavenging activity (RSA) of strawberry tree honey from south Croatia. Fifty-two polyphenolics (twenty- -seven phenolic acids and twenty-five flavonoids) were identified using ultra- -high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a hybrid mass spectrometer (LTQ Orbitrap MS). Our overall results point to the higher TPC (1038 mg gallic acid equivalents per kg of honey) and the stronger RSA (3.32 mmol Trolox equivalents per kg of honey) compared to the other monofloral honeys. Due to the presence of large quantities of polyphenolic compounds, strawberry tree honey may have great potential as a health promoting food.

Attitudes of dental practitioners towards antimicrobial therapy in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The objective of this study was to assess perceptions and attitudes amongst dental practitioners in relation to antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance. Self-administered questionnaire was given to dental practitioners employed in south Croatia, west Herzegovina and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (N=115). 81.7% of respondents agreed the usage of antimicrobials is frequently uncritical and unnecessary. 83.5% of dental practitioners reported that they have used guidelines in their practice; however, only 9 out of 115 stated valid guidelines. One-third of the respondents agreed or were undecided that the usage of antimicrobials in every oral inflammatory process treatment is justified. Furthermore, 13% was undecided and 26% agreed that pregnant women and breastfeeding women should not use any antimicrobials. However, three quarters of respondents considered they had satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials. The respondents considered they had satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials, which was in contrast to the knowledge shown, but also expressed the need for additional education. Therefore, adequate measures include the creation of the local guidelines, their implementation, and updating the practitioners' knowledge on antibiotic use and resistance through continuous educational courses.

Interventional Study to Decrease Cardiovascular Risk in Women in Primary Health Care in South Croatia

Interventional Study to Decrease Cardiovascular Risk in Women in Primary Health Care in South Croatia

Effectiveness of treatment of newly diagnosed hypertension in family medicine practices in South Croatia

BackgroundUncontrolled blood pressure remains an urgent issue in clinical practice worldwide. This study aimed to compare the characteristics and effectiveness of hypertension control in family medicine pratice in the first treatment year, in relation to the geographical position, socio-economic standard, and access to medical services and public pharmacies in urban, rural and island environments (city of Split vs. Dalmatian Hinterland vs. islands in Southern Croatia).MethodsA historical cohort study included 213 patients diagnosed from 2008 to 2014 with essential arterial hypertension (AH) and without related complications or diabetes mellitus. Each patient was followed up for 365 days from the visit when the diagnosis of hypertension was ascertained. Normotension was defined as arterial pressure < 140/90 mmHg. The annual cost of drugs prescribed for treating newly diagnosed hypertensive patient and the total price for defined daily dose per patient were also evaluated.ResultsMore than half patients achieved normotension within a year from the initial diagnosis in all family medicine practices (57.3%), without significant differences among the three geographic regions (P = 0.981). Higher initial systolic blood pressure was a positive predictive prognostic factor on achieveing normotension (odds ratio (OR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.95–0.98). ACE inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents in monotherapy (35.1%), as well as considering overall prescriptions (25.2%). Calcium channel blockers were the most commonly prescribed initial BP-lowering single agents in urban areas (28.6%), whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were more common in rural (28.0%) and island areas (22.7%) (P = 0.037). The median annual antihypertensive drug cost was 169.4 (95% CI 151.5–201.8) Croatian kunas and was similar across the study sites.ConclusionMultiple antihypertensive drugs, prescribed in accordance with the guidelines, lead to similar pharmacological effects. Primary care physicians seem to be able to overcome potential interfering socio-economic factors and successfully achieve normotension in newly diagnosed patients with uncomplicated AH after 1 year of treatment.

Compositional analysis of Late Medieval glass from the western Balkan and eastern Adriatic hinterland

In this work, we investigate on the origin of Late Medieval glass from 12 previously and recently excavated archaeological sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina and South Croatia (Dalmatia). The present work aims to contribute to filling the data gap on the glass distribution in the Balkan region, as well as to provide new insights on glass trade and its impact in the region. Up to now, the knowledge of Medieval glass from the western Balkan (Bosnia up to Bobovac) and eastern Adriatic hinterland (Dalmatian hinterland between Zadar and Dubrovnik, and Herzegovina) remained limited. The lack of archaeometrical data caused limited comparisons with similar materials from other regions in which Venetian glass was used. A representative sample set of 129 glass fragments from the second half of the fourteenth century to the beginning of the fifteenth century was analysed by combined particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) measurements. The studied glass vessels are mostly different from the characteristic Venetian shapes, but they are made with Venetian raw glass, demonstrating the Venetian vitrum blanchum was already widespread in the Adriatic in the second half of the fourteenth-beginning of the fifteenth c. An open question remains whether the origin of the glass vessel production was specifically Venetian or local by adopting the Venetian technology and importing the raw materials.

Dietary Factors Associated with Plasma Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin Antibodies.

The knowledge about dietary habits and their influence in the development of autoimmune thyroid disease is insufficient. The aim of this study was to analyse the association of dietary factors and plasma thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and/or thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab). The study enrolled 1887 participants originating from the South Croatia. Participants with elevated plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab were defined as cases (n = 462) and those with TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab within referent values were defined as controls (n = 1425). Dietary intake was evaluated according to a food frequency questionnaire containing 58 food items. Principal component analysis was used to group food items into dietary groups. We used logistic regression analysis to examine dietary groups associated with positive plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab. The results indicate that the dietary group with frequent consumption of animal fats and butter is associated with positive plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab (p = 0.01). The dietary group with frequent consumption of vegetables as well as the dietary group with high consumption of dried fruit, nuts, and muesli are associated with negative findings of TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab (p = 0.048 and p = 0.02, respectively). We showed that the anti-inflammatory dietary groups are associated with the negative findings of plasma TPO-Ab and/or Tg-Ab.

Transparency and public accessibility of clinical trial information in Croatia: how it affects patient participation in clinical trials.

IntroductionDespite increased visibility of clinical trials through international trial registries, patients often remain uninformed of their existence, especially if they do not have access to adequate information about clinical research, including the language of the information. The aim of this study was to describe the context for transparency of clinical trials in Croatia in relation to countries in Central and Eastern Europe, and to assess how informed Croatian patients are about clinical trials and their accessibility.Materials and methodsWe assessed the transparency of clinical trials from the data available in the public domain. We also conducted an anonymous survey on a convenience sample of 257 patients visiting two family medicine offices or an oncology department in south Croatia, and members of national patients’ associations.ResultsDespite legal provisions for transparency of clinical trials in Croatia, they are still not sufficiently visible in the public domain. Among countries from Central and Eastern Europe, Croatia has the fewest number of registered trials in the EU Clinical Trials Registry. 66% of the patients in the survey were aware of the existence of clinical trials but only 15% were informed about possibilities of participating in a trial. Although 58% of the respondents were willing to try new treatments, only 6% actually participated in a clinical trial. Only 2% of the respondents were aware of publicly available trial registries.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that there is low transparency of clinical trials in Croatia, and that Croatian patients are not fully aware of clinical trials and the possibilities of participating in them, despite reported availability of Internet resources and good communication with their physicians. There is a need for active policy measures to increase the awareness of and access to clinical trials to patients in Croatia, particularly in their own language.

Geografske osnove razvitka otoka Ugljana

The authors elaborate geographical features of the Ugljan island, the most inhabitedisland of the Zadar archipelago in South Croatia. The purpose of the paper, continuing formerworks, is to offer groundwork for future specialized and complexe researches on regionalgeographical problems concerning this island. The inhabitants of the island have evaluated andexploited its physicogeographical basis since prehistory, creating in this way a specific Ugljancultural landscape. Zadar, the city closely to the island, played a decisive role in itshistoriogeographical development. Owing to contemporary socioeconomic development,Ugljan is, in fact a part of specific Zadar periurban zone.

Promjene u biološkoj i ekonomskoj strukturi stanovništva Južne Hrvatske (Dalmacije) od 1948. do 1991. godine

This paper offers the results of the analysis of changes in biological and economic structure of the population in South Croatia (Dalmatia) from 1948 to 1991. Special attention has been paid to the development of the secondary and tertiary activity sectors and the influence of general economic progress on the population.

Otok Lavdara - Prilog povijesno-geografskim istraživanjima zadarskih otoka

Historiogeographical determinants of the development of the Lavdara Island situated inthe Zadar archipelago (South Croatia), are primarily the subject of the paper. The authorelaborates its geographical characteristics, some natural-geographical properties (relief,climate, waters, speleological objects etc.), but the most of his attention is paid to theinterpretation of the archives concerning the island, which is of a great advantage for avaluable historiogeographical retrospect of this small island that belongs to the cadastralcommune of Sali (Dugi otok island), and evaluation of the same. The paper is an example ofmicrogeographical and historical analysis of economic possibilities of exploiting the island(quarrying, farming, cattle-breeding).

Prilog poznavanju geografskih obilježja otoka Paga

The theme of the paper is the geographical characteristics of the Pag Island, whichbelongs to the Zadar region in South Croatia. (Dalmatia). The author gives carefulconsideration to its geographical position, extension and size, physiogeographical features(geology, geomorphology), speleological characteristics, climate, land and sea waters,vegetation, soils) and sociogeographic characteristics. Special attention is paid to the historicgeographical aspect of the development and population in three districts of the island (Pag, Povljana, Novalja). The characteristics of population structures are generally unfavourable. The final part of the paper includes the characteristics of economy and social superstructure. Sheep-breeding, tourism and local industry show the greatest deal of vitality. The author analyses perspectives and dilemmas concerning the development of the island under complex conditions of the administrative division between two counties.

Osnovna prirodno-geografska obilježja otoka Premude u zadarskom arhipelagu

The island of Premuda (8.61 km2) is located on the SW part of the Zadar archipelago andmakes part of the South Croatia’s (Dalmatian) group of islands. The paper treats the properties of its natural basis and is related to the geographical project on small Croatian islands. It examines the position of the island, its size and extent, geomorpholo-gy, geologicalcomposition and structure, climatovegetable characteristics, pedological and biogeographicalfeatures and waters. A special emphasis is put on the importance of its carbonate structure,favourable climatic conditions (precipitation, temperatures, winds, etc.), lack of water andimportance of its autochthonous vegetation. Particular attention is paid to the properties of thesea arround the island (physical, chemical and biological parametres). Population number andvaluation of the island depended on its physicogeographical potential, and the recentpossibilities of its development are based on it too. The paper contains ample literature of texts published up to the present and some never published connected with the island, which (from geographical point of view) has not been specilally treated so far.