Association of Gene Polymorphisms with Body Mass Index in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland characterized by chronic inflammation, which in most cases results in hypothyroidism. The melatonin receptor MTNR1B is sporadically expressed in the thyroid gland. It modulates immune responses, and alterations in the melatonin-MTNR1B receptor signaling pathway may play a role in developing autoimmune diseases.

Effects of Vitamin D, Melatonin, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Periodontal Health: A Narrative Review.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting structures, influenced by immune system dysregulation, oxidative stress, and imbalances in bone metabolism. Given its multifactorial pathogenesis, bioactive compounds such as vitamin D, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as potential adjuncts to periodontal therapy due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. This narrative review explores the role of these three supplements in periodontal health, their potential in synergistic effects, and existing research gaps, providing a foundation for future studies on their clinical applications.

Smartphone use-related acute accommodative esotropia : A possible new paradigm of visual disorders associated with the use of modern technologies.

We present a rare case of a 9-year-old child with acute accommodative comitant esotropia, a form of acquired strabismus caused by excessive smartphone use. Symptoms commonly include double vision, closing or covering one eye when working at close range and tilting the head or its unnatural position to correct visual abnormalities; however, there are also patients without any symptoms. As part of the differential diagnosis it is necessary to exclude any eye diseases or refractive errors and it is highly recommended to carefully exclude pathologies of the central nervous system and intracranial disorders.

Primary pulmonary Hodgkin's lymphoma coexisting with extreme erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

The paper aims to present the case of an asymptomatic 22-year-old man who was referred to the hematologist by laboratory experts primarily due to the extreme elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate with a value of 197 mm/h. Additionally, moderate changes in laboratory parameters such as hemoglobin, leukocytes, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and beta-2-microglobulin were recorded. Upon extensive clinical workup that included laboratory, imaging, and histological methods, a diagnosis of primary pulmonary Hodgkin's lymphoma (PPHL) was established.

Virulence Factors and Susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin, Vancomycin, Triclosan, and Chlorhexidine among Enterococci from Clinical Specimens, Food, and Wastewater.

and are opportunistic pathogens commonly found in the microbiota of humans and other animals as well as in the environment. This article presents the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing using phenotypic methods (broth microdilution and standardized disk diffusion) on selected clinical, food, and wastewater isolates of and The isolates were divided into subgroups based on their sensitivity to the following antibiotics: vancomycin (VAN) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), and biocides triclosan (TCL) and chlorhexidine (CHX). The study also investigated in vitro virulence factors, including biofilm formation ability, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and β-hemolysis, to explore aspects of pathogenesis.

The Effect of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccination on Assisted Human Reproduction Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The most discussed infectious disease is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Many research endeavors have focused on the effects of the virus on reproductive organs, as these have also been shown to carry the receptors to which the virus attaches. The results of assisted reproductive technology (ART) have been significantly affected by the pandemic, with some in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers being closed due to the risk of further spread of the disease.

The Impact of Oral Microbiome Dysbiosis on the Aetiology, Pathogenesis, and Development of Oral Cancer.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer. Although the oral cavity is an easily accessible area for visual examination, the OSCC is more often detected at an advanced stage. The global prevalence of OSCC is around 6%, with increasing trends posing a significant health problem due to the increase in morbidity and mortality.

: From the Oral Cavity to the Heart Valves.

() is a Gram-negative bacterial species that is an essential component of the oral microbiota. Due to its aggregative properties, it plays a role in the pathogenesis of human diseases. The presence of the surface proteins Fim, Briae, and microvesicles enables the bacterium to adhere to the epithelial surface and the tooth's surface.

The Effects of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme on Functional Capacity and Strength of Respiratory Muscles in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome.

Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PR) on the functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength of patients with post-COVID syndrome.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using hospital data on patients who participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme at the Clinic for Lung Diseases, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, between January 2021 and December 2022. Data on the spirometry, respiratory muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity of patients were collected at baseline and three weeks after the start of rehabilitation.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in myocardial infarction.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) has a crucial function in the regulation of oxygen levels in mammalian cells, especially under hypoxic conditions. Its importance in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in cardiac ischemia, is because of its ability to alleviate cardiac dysfunction. The oxygen-responsive subunit, HIF1α, plays a crucial role in this process, as it has been shown to have cardioprotective effects in myocardial infarction through regulating the expression of genes affecting cellular survival, angiogenesis, and metabolism.

Health Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Human Body.

Radioactivity is a process in which the nuclei of unstable atoms spontaneously decay, producing other nuclei and releasing energy in the form of ionizing radiation in the form of alpha (α) and beta (β) particles as well as the emission of gamma (γ) electromagnetic waves. People may be exposed to radiation in various forms, as casualties of nuclear accidents, workers in power plants, or while working and using different radiation sources in medicine and health care. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs in subjects exposed to a very high dose of radiation in a very short period of time.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Sports: The Scope of the Problem, Implications for Athletes' Health and Avenues for Collaborative Public Health Action.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat, leading to increased mortality and necessitating urgent action-however, its impact on athletes and the world of sports has hitherto been neglected. Sports environments (including athletic and aquatic) exhibit high levels of microbial contamination, potentially contributing to the spread of resistant microorganisms during physical activities. Moreover, the literature suggests that travel for sports events may lead to changes in athletes' gut microbiomes and potentially impact their antibiotic resistance profiles, raising questions about the broader implications for individual and public/global health.

Circadian system microRNAs - Role in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Circadian rhythm regulates numerous physiological processes, and disruption of the circadian clock can lead to cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), are involved in regulating gene expression, both those important for the cardiovascular system and key circadian clock genes.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Prevention.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the family, can cause serious infection of the central nervous system in humans, resulting in potential neurological complications and fatal outcomes. TBEV is primarily transmitted to humans through infected tick bites, and the viral agent circulates between ticks and animals, such as deer and small mammals. The occurrence of the infection aligns with the seasonal activity of ticks.

Myocardial Infarction Susceptibility and the Polymorphisms.

Melatonin is a circadian hormone with antioxidant properties that protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Genetic variations of the melatonin receptor 1B gene () play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, polymorphisms are crucial in numerous disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Long-Term Consequences of War Captivity in Military Veterans.

Numerous studies on the health and functioning of veterans and former prisoners of war have shown that the experience of war captivity is one of the most difficult human experiences. Captivity is often characterized by extremely difficult and inhumane conditions, as well as exposure to various forms of both psychological and physical abuse. Such traumatic experiences can lead to serious psychological consequences that can last for years, even decades after release from captivity.

A Putative Role of in Promoting Cancer Development: A Current State of Evidence and Proposed Mechanisms.

is a commensal fungal species that commonly colonizes the human body, but it is also a pervasive opportunistic pathogen in patients with malignant diseases. A growing body of evidence suggests that this fungus is not only coincidental in oncology patients, but may also play an active role in the development of cancer. More specifically, several studies have investigated the potential association between and various types of cancer, including oral, esophageal, and colorectal cancer, with a possible role of this species in skin cancer as well.

The Relationship between Sleep, Chronotype, and Dental Caries-A Narrative Review.

This article provides an overview of how sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances mutually influence the occurrence of dental caries and how it is possible to reduce the risk of circadian rhythm disturbances, sleep, and associated adverse effects. Dental caries is a global problem worldwide that contributes to sociological limitations. Numerous factors influence the occurrence of dental caries, from socioeconomic factors to cariogenic bacteria, dietary habits, and oral hygiene.

Understanding the multifaceted etiopathogenesis of foot complications in individuals with diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease of metabolism, is characterized by a disordered production or cellular utilization of insulin. Diabetic foot disease, which comprises the spectrum of infection, ulceration, and gangrene, is one of the most severe complications of diabetes and is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients. The aim of this study is to provide an evidence-based overview of diabetic foot complications.

Homeostasis and Dysbiosis of the Intestinal Microbiota: Comparing Hallmarks of a Healthy State with Changes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The gut microbiota, which represent a community of different microorganisms in the human intestinal tract, are crucial to preserving human health by participating in various physiological functions and acting as a metabolic organ. In physiological conditions, microbiota-host partnership exerts homeostatic stability; however, changes in intestinal microbiota composition (dysbiosis) are an important factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and its two main disease entities: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The incidence and prevalence of these inflammatory conditions have increased rapidly in the last decade, becoming a significant problem for the healthcare system and a true challenge in finding novel therapeutic solutions.

Growing importance of urogenital candidiasis in individuals with diabetes: A narrative review.

Both diabetes and fungal infections contribute significantly to the global disease burden, with increasing trends seen in most developed and developing countries during recent decades. This is reflected in urogenital infections caused by species that are becoming ever more pervasive in diabetic patients, particularly those that present with unsatisfactory glycemic control. In addition, a relatively new group of anti-hyperglycemic drugs, known as sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, has been linked with an increased risk for colonization of the urogenital region with spp.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Virulence Factors and Clinical Significance in Periodontal Disease and Coronary Artery Diseases.

is a gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium that lives in the oral cavity. It is an integral part of the oral microbiome, which includes more than 500 types of bacteria. Under certain circumstances, as a consequence of virulence factors, it can become very destructive and proliferate to many cells in periodontal lesions.

Antimicrobial Peptides-Mechanisms of Action, Antimicrobial Effects and Clinical Applications.

The growing emergence of antimicrobial resistance represents a global problem that not only influences healthcare systems but also has grave implications for political and economic processes. As the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents is lagging, one of the solutions is innovative therapeutic options that would expand our armamentarium against this hazard. Compounds of interest in many such studies are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which actually represent the host's first line of defense against pathogens and are involved in innate immunity.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Croatian Homeland War Veterans Who Were Held as Prisoners of War and Are Affected by Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Background: As a extremely traumatic experience, captivity may cause other mental disorders in addition to posttraumatic stress disorder, which is highly prevalent among ex-prisoners of war, and which often occurs in comorbidity with at least one other mental disorder. This objective of this study is to identify the incidence of comorbid mental disorders in Homeland war veterans ex-prisoners of war affected by posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as to identify the factors that influenced psychiatric comorbidity.

Subjects And Methods: The study sample comprised 264 subjects, all of whom were Croatian Homeland War veterans with combat experience in the defence of the Republic of Croatia, and all of whom fulfilled clinical criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder at the time of the study.

Hepatitis B and circadian rhythm of the liver.

The circadian rhythm in humans is determined by the central clock located in the hypothalamus's suprachiasmatic nucleus, and it synchronizes the peripheral clocks in other tissues. Circadian clock genes and clock-controlled genes exist in almost all cell types. They have an essential role in many physiological processes, including lipid metabolism in the liver, regulation of the immune system, and the severity of infections.