The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raised questions about the extent to which vaccines designed in 2020 have remained effective. We aimed to assess whether vaccine status was associated with the ...severity of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients.
We conducted an international, multi-centric, retrospective study in 14 centres (Bulgaria, Croatia, France, and Turkey). We collected data on patients hospitalized for ≥24 hours between 1 December 2021 and 3 March 2022 with PCR-confirmed infection at a time of exclusive Omicron circulation and hospitalization related or not related to the infection. Patients who had received prophylaxis by monoclonal antibodies were excluded. Patients were considered fully vaccinated if they had received at least two injections of either mRNA and/or ChAdOx1-S or one injection of Ad26.CoV2-S vaccines.
Among 1215 patients (median age, 73.0 years; interquartile range, 57.0–84.0; 51.3% men), 746 (61.4%) were fully vaccinated. In multivariate analysis, being vaccinated was associated with lower 28-day mortality (Odds Ratio 95% Confidence Interval (OR 95CI) = 0.50 0.32–0.77), intensive care unit admission (OR 95CI = 0.40 0.26–0.62), and oxygen requirement (OR 95CI = 0.34 0.25–0.46), independent of age and comorbidities. When co-analysing these patients with Omicron infection with 948 patients with Delta infection from a study we recently conducted, Omicron infection was associated with lower 28-day mortality (OR 95CI = 0.53 0.37–0.76), intensive care unit admission (OR 95CI = 0.19 0.12–0.28), and oxygen requirements (OR 95CI = 0.50 0.38–0.67), independent of age, comorbidities, and vaccination status.
Originally designed vaccines have remained effective on the severity of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. Omicron is associated with a lower risk of severe forms, independent of vaccination and patient characteristics.
This research aimed to determine the meat production indicators and carcass traits of Posavska crested hen, which is the Croatian indigenous chicken breed. The research was carried out on five ...strains of the Posavska crested hen breed: yellow vetch, vetch, red colourful, light gray, and golden brown. Feeding was ad libitum for the whole time, adapted to the age of the chickens from a nutritional point of view. Separation by sex was carried out at the age of four weeks, while slaughter of roosters and determination of carcass traits was done at the age of 18 weeks. The highest average body weight was achieved by roosters of light gray and yellow vetch strain (3542.63 and 3430.38 g, respectively) and light gray pullets (2562 g) at the age of 18 weeks. The lowest feed conversion ratio was achieved by the light gray strain (2.39) at four weeks of age, and by the the roosters of the light gray strain (4.07) and pullets of the light gray and golden brown strain (4.08) at 18 weeks of age. The average dressing percentage was 71.54%, while the highest average dressing percentage was established in the red colourful strain (72.48%). Regarding the proportion of individual parts of the carcass, a significant (P < 0.05) influence of the strain can be seen in the proportion of drumsticks in the carcass, the proportion of which was the highest in the yellow vetch strain (18.69%). A significant influence of the strain was also found regarding L* (P < 0.01) and a* (P < 0.05) skin color indicators. Considering the established differences between the strains, it is necessary to carry out further selection and work on the uniformity of the breed.
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In this study, two types of nanosystems, namely lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles and Pluronic® F127/chitosan micelles, have been prepared and evaluated for their potential for the ...ocular delivery of melatonin, which is known to exert an ocular hypotensive effect. The melatonin content, particle size, zeta potential and in vitro drug release properties were studied as a function of the presence of chitosan in the nanosystem. Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles were evaluated in terms of the mucoadhesive properties by a newly established method based on HCE-T cells, also used in in vitro biocompatibility and permeability studies.
Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles were significantly larger than the corresponding F127/chitosan micelles (mean diameter of 241.8 vs. 20.7nm, respectively) and characterised by a higher surface charge (22.7 vs. 4.3mV, respectively). The HCE-T cell viability assay did not show significant toxic effects of nanosystems investigated at the (relevant) chitosan concentration tested. The permeability study results confirmed the permeation enhancing effect of F127, which was hindered in the presence of chitosan. Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles were characterised by prominent mucoadhesive properties and prolonged melatonin release, which was shown to control melatonin permeation across an in vitro corneal epithelial model. Such properties demonstrate the potential for nanoparticles to provide an extended pre-corneal residence time of melatonin, ensuring higher eye-related bioavailability and extended intraocular pressure reduction compared to melatonin in both aqueous and micelle solutions.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has, although it is a very common disorder, only relatively recently gained broader interest among physicians and scientists. Fatty liver has been documented ...in up to 10 to 15 percent of normal individuals and 70 to 80 percent of obese individuals. Although the pathophysiology of NAFLD is still subject to intensive research, several players and mechanisms have been suggested based on the substantial evidence. Excessive hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation resulting from insulin resistance is the first step in the proposed 'two hit' model of the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Oxidative stress resulting from mitochondrial fatty acids oxidation, NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory cytokine expression and adipocytokines are all considered to be the potential factors causing second hits which lead to hepatocyte injury, inflammation and fibrosis. Although it was initially believed that NAFLD is a completely benign disorder, histologic follow-up studies have showed that fibrosis progression occurs in about a third of patients. A small number of patients with NAFLD eventually ends up with end-stage liver disease and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Although liver biopsy is currently the only way to confirm the NAFLD diagnosis and distinguish between fatty liver alone and NASH, no guidelines or firm recommendations can still be made as for when and in whom it is necessary. Increased physical activity, gradual weight reduction and in selected cases bariatric surgery remain the mainstay of NAFLD therapy. Studies with pharmacologic agents are showing promising results, but available data are still insufficient to make specific recommendations; their use therefore remains highly individual.
Three separate field experiments, with different sowing dates, were conducted to determine a suitable sowing date for the highest agromorphological traits and tech- nological quality parameters. The ...results in growing season 2022–23 demonstrated the following: with a sowing date delay (i.e., with the second sowing date occurring on November 4, 2022), the grain yield was significantly advanced when compared to the first sowing date (occurring on October 13, 2022), while the grain yield was significantly increased in eight genotypes (out of a total of twelve of them) on the third sowing date (i.e., on November 14, 2022) when compared to the first. The rea- son for disproportions of grain yield on the first two sowing dates was the attack of barley yellow dwarf virus in autumn that seriously damaged more developed plants pertaining to the first sowing date, whereafter they were also more prone to other wheat diseases. The relative differences concerning the second sowing date with regard to the first one were as follow: an increase by 59.1% concerning the grain yield, by 6.3% concerning the test weight, and by 22.5% concerning a 1000 kernel weight, a decrease by 23.3% concerning the heading date, by 1.2% concerning the protein content, by 2.1% concerning the wet gluten content, and by 2.5% concerning the sedimentation value. The difference in grain yield between the second and the third sowing date amounted to 34.2% due to a premature senescence of plants in later sowing, as a result of increased June temperatures.
Palladium C–H bond activation in azobenzenes with R1 and R2 at para positions of the phenyl rings (R1 = NMe2, R2 = H (L1); R1 = NMe2, R2 = Cl (L2); R1 = NMe2, R2 = I (L3); R1 = NMe2, R2 = NO2 (L4); ...R1 = H, R2 = H (L5)) and their monopalladated derivatives, using cis-PdCl2(DMF)2, has been studied in detail by in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy in N,N-dimethylformamide-d 7 (DMF-d 7) at room temperature; the same processes have been monitored in parallel via time-resolved UV–vis spectroscopy in DMF at different temperatures and pressures. The final goal was to achieve, from a kinetico-mechanistic perspective, a complete insight into previously reported reactivity results. The results suggest the operation of an electrophilic concerted metalation–deprotonation mechanism for both the mono- and dipalladation reactions, occurring from the coordination compound and the monopalladated intermediates, respectively. The process involves deprotonation of the C–H bond assisted by the presence of a coordinated DMF molecule, which acts as a base. For the first time, NMR monitoring provides a direct evidence of all the intermediate stages: that is, (i) coordination of the azo ligand to the PdII center, (ii) formation of the monopalladated species, and (iii) coordination of the monopalladated species to another PdII unit, which finally result in the (iv) formation of the dipalladated product. All of these species have been identified as intermediates in the dipalladation of azobenzenes, evidenced also by UV–vis spectroscopy time-resolved monitoring. The data also confirm that the cyclopalladation of asymmetrically substituted azobenzenes occurs by two concurrent reaction paths. In order to identify the species observed by NMR and by UV–vis spectroscopy, the final products, intermediates, and the PdII precursor have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction and IR and NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations have also been used in order to explain the isomerism observed for the isolated complexes, as well to assign their NMR and IR spectra.
The incidence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is steadily increasing worldwide. Therefore, it is crucial to develop efficient rehabilitation protocols and investigate the innovations in medical ...technology, which could improve rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of adding electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) to the conventional program of rehabilitation after TKA on quality of life, intensity of pain, and functional performance. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 131 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 67; median age 70 (IQR 10)), and a control group (n = 64; median age 69 (IQR 9)). Both groups participated in an inpatient program of 21 days of rehabilitation, including land-based and aquatic exercise therapy, electrotherapy, and education. In the experimental group, a portion of land-based exercise therapy was supplemented by EMG-BF. A numeric rating scale (NRS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), use of mobility aids, 30 s chair stand test (CST), and timed up and go (TUG) test were used to measure outcomes. Both groups improved their functional abilities from day 1 to day 21 of rehabilitation. A higher proportion of participants did not use a walking aid (p < 0.002), and their NRS, KOOS, 30 s CST and TUG scores improved (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in the outcomes. EMG-BF did not provide additional benefits to the conventional rehabilitation after TKA.
This research aimed to determine the meat production indicators and carcass traits of Posavska crested hen, which is the Croatian indigenous chicken breed. The research was carried out on five ...strains of the Posavska crested hen breed: yellow vetch, vetch, red colourful, light gray, and golden brown. Feeding was ad libitum for the whole time, adapted to the age of the chickens from a nutritional point of view. Separation by sex was carried out at the age of four weeks, while slaughter of roosters and determination of carcass traits was done at the age of 18 weeks. The highest average body weight was achieved by roosters of light gray and yellow vetch strain (3542.63 and 3430.38 g, respectively) and light gray pullets (2562 g) at the age of 18 weeks. The lowest feed conversion ratio was achieved by the light gray strain (2.39) at four weeks of age, and by the the roosters of the light gray strain (4.07) and pullets of the light gray and golden brown strain (4.08) at 18 weeks of age. The average dressing percentage was 71.54%, while the highest average dressing percentage was established in the red colourful strain (72.48%). Regarding the proportion of individual parts of the carcass, a significant (P < 0.05) influence of the strain can be seen in the proportion of drumsticks in the carcass, the proportion of which was the highest in the yellow vetch strain (18.69%). A significant influence of the strain was also found regarding L* (P < 0.01) and a* (P < 0.05) skin color indicators. Considering the established differences between the strains, it is necessary to carry out further selection and work on the uniformity of the breed.
Understanding the importance of grassland management is crucial for predicting the effects on forage production, pasture and ecosystem stability. Studies about the impact of grassland management in ...temperate humid environments on soil, erosion and aboveground biomass properties are lacking. This study investigates the effect of different grassland managements—no grazing, moderate grazing and heavy grazing—on soil properties, hydrological responses and herbage quality in an organic farm located in Croatia. The results showed that heavy grazing significantly increased soil compaction, structural deterioration, erosion and nutrient transport compared with no grazing. Heavily grazed plots had significantly higher soil organic matter and nutrient concentrations compared with no-grazing plots. Moderately grazed plots had the highest biomass production and the herbage with higher quality compared with other treatments. Significantly higher ash contents on heavily and moderately grazed plots were due to cow trampling. Cow grazing behaviour was a more important factor for plant regrowth and herbage quality than soil properties. Moderate grazing did not induce serious soil erosion problems or reduce soil productivity. Soil conservation measures should focus only on the heavily grazed areas and include the introduction of rotational grazing in combination with various strategies: excluding grazing, reseeding and increasing the diversity of resting areas.
U radu je prikazan utjecaj dvaju različitih sustava raspršivanja (klasičnoga i senzorskog) pomoću raspršivača Tifone Vento 1500, s različito podešenim tehničkim čimbenicima raspršivanja, na zemljišno ...i zračno zanošenje tekućine te depozit u krošnji. Istraživanje je obavljeno prema ISO normi 22866:2005 u nasadu višnje. Analizom varijance ispitan je utjecaj norme raspršivanja kao čimbenik A (A1 - 250 l ha-1; A2 - 200 l ha-1), tip mlaznica kao čimbenik B (B1 - Lechler TR 8002C; B2 - Lechler ITR 8002C) i brzina zračne struje ventilatora kao čimbenik C (C1 - 18 m s-1; C2 - 12 m s-1). Raspršivanje je obavljeno sa 4-postotnom otopinom organske boje Tartrazine, a filter-papirićima je prikupljena zanesena tekućina. Optimalizacijom tehničkih čimbenika raspršivanja ostvaruje se maksimalno smanjenje od 36,59% za zemljišno zanošenje te 75,05% za zračno zanošenje na 5 m udaljenosti od tretiranoga reda. Eksploatacijom ultrazvučnoga senzorskog sustava za selektivnu aplikaciju zemljišno zanošenje smanjuje se za 43,35%. U ovome slučaju zračno zanošenje na 5 m udaljenosti od tretiranoga reda smanjuje se za 66,57% te 79,61% na udaljenosti od 10 m. Maksimalno reduciranje zračnoga zanošenja na 10 m ostvareno je uporabom ITR mlaznica analizirajući oba sustava raspršivanja. Eksploatacija ultrazvučnoga senzorskog sustava nije negativno utjecala na depozit u krošnji jer iz dobivenih rezultata nije zabilježena značajna razlika između dvaju sustava raspršivanja (0,5%). Opremanje konvencionalnih raspršivača naprednim sustavima za selektivnu aplikaciju značajno doprinosi preciznosti nanošenja sredstva za zaštitu bilja, a time i smanjenju negativnoga utjecaja na okoliš.
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