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Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and type of anaemia in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the Eastern Croatia. Furthermore, the aim was to examine whether there is correlation between the incidence of anaemia and the value of C-reactive protein in patients’ blood, which could be considered an indirect indicator of the inflammation. Participants and methods: The study is organized as a cross-sectional study, i. e. cross-section and prevalence survey method. The study included 78 patients with IBD from Eastern Croatia 22 – 69 years of age. The following laboratory analyses for the detection of anaemia were used: serum levels of iron, transferrin, ferritin, TIBC, UIBC, C-reactive protein, complete blood count and reticulocyte count. Results: comorbidity present in 24.4% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Eastern Croatia. Anaemia was present in 24.4% of the subjects. According to the type of anaemia, in 63.2% of cases it is sideropenic anaemia, and in 36.8% of cases the chronic disease anaemia. Statistically significant differences were not found in the frequency and type of anaemia in patients with Crohn's disease in relation to patients with ulcerative colitis. In patients with active illness, there is a statistically significant increase in the presence of anaemia in relation to patients with inactive disease. Conclusion: Anaemia is a significant extra-intestinal complication of inflammatory bowel disease and in the absence of the treatment of anaemia within the inflammatory bowel disease it is a significant additional symptom or complication in the affected population.

Background Croatian blood collection system is based on voluntary donation, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the Council of Europe. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all the dimensions of human lives and the functional pattern of the health care systems in the whole world. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on Croatian blood collection system and to evaluate the main factors that influence voluntary blood donation practice in blood donors (BDs). Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in convenient sample of voluntary BDs from Split-Dalmatia County during the May 2020 to December 2020. Results The study sample consisted of 479 regular BDs, 88.5% males and 11.5% females, mean age 39.8±10.8 years. Majority of them had high school education and living with the partner (67.4% and 74.5%, respectively). During COVID-19 pandemic 71.0% of them continued with regular donations while 29% of them postponed their donation. According to the BDs knowledge regarding COVID-19 infection there were 88.9% of those with unsatisfactory and only 11.1% of those with satisfactory knowledge regarding this infection. The study revealed that females, BDs living alone and younger BDs (aged 18 to 43 years) had more frequently postponed blood donation during COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.0001, P = 0.004 and P = 0.017, respectively). The study further showed that there was no correlation between BDs knowledge about COVID-19 infection and their blood donation practice during ongoing pandemic. Conclusions The study revealed that ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Croatian blood collection system via reduction in the practice of voluntary blood donations. Sociodemographic characteristics of BDs were the main factors that influence Croatian BDs voluntary blood donation practice during pandemic while their knowledge about COVID-19 infection was not correlated with their behaviour. Key messages The sustainability of the health care system during a pandemic depends significantly on the blood supply, which is why it is necessary to ensure that blood collection system is continually maintained. The knowledge of blood donors about COVID-19 infection needs to be improved in order to prevent spreading of the infection generally and especially within this highly important population subgroup.

This study is focused on the application of high-voltage electric discharge (HVED) to recover some bioactive compounds from the cocoa bean shell. Different extraction times (30, 60, 90 min), frequencies (40, 70, 100 Hz) and solvent-solid ratios (10, 30 and 50 mL g–1) were used to obtain cocoa bean shell extracts. Desired bioactive compounds, methylxanthines and phenolic compounds were measured in obtained extracts by high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector. The obtained extracts showed that theobromine was the most abundant, ranging from 2530.13 to 6031.51 mg kg–1, while caffeine content was in the range from 316.08 to 849.88 mg kg–1. In addition, significant amounts of phenolic compounds were found, namely catechin (115.91 to 284.33 mg kg–1), epicatechin (20.20 to 358.90 mg kg–1), and gallic acid (80.28 to 219.17 mg kg–1). Results showed that different parameters of HVED extraction have statistically significant influence on cocoa bean shell composition, suggesting how this byproduct can be used in the production of valuable extracts. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that certain types of extraction techniques can give extracts with various bioactive components in different concentrations. Four green extraction techniques were used in this study: supercritical CO2extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, cold atmospheric plasma extraction and extraction using deep eutectic solvents. Those modern techniques gave better yields of bioactive components and showed better antioxidant activity of obtained extracts than classical Soxhlet extraction. The bioactive components in obtained extracts were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Supercritical CO2extraction gave the highest yields for theobromine content, while ultrasound-assisted extraction with 50% aqueous ethanol solution gave the highest caffeine yields during 30 min of extraction, 35 Hz and 60 °C. The extraction with deep eutectic solvent mixture of choline chloride: oxalic acid and 50% pure H2O at room temperature during 180 min of extraction time gave the highest total phenol content while the same mixture under the same conditions, but during longer extraction time (360 min), gave the highest antioxidant activity. Cocoa shell (CS), due to its nutritional value and bioactive components, has a potential to become a desirable raw material in a large spectrum of functional and pharmaceutical products.

In this study some functional properties and the in vitro digestibility of protein isolates from plum oil cakes, obtained by supercritical fluid extraction and cold pressing, as a control, were described and compared. Amygdalin contents in the protein isolates were at amounts considerably lower than regulatory. Solubility profiles of both protein isolates were typical for this type of plant proteins. Proteins showed good digestibility, which was assessed by gastrointestinal proteases (pepsin and pancreatin). SDS-PAGE analysis was used for characterisation of protein digests which showed that the protein isolates were completely digested. In vitro antioxidant capacity by three complementary methods and enzyme inhibitory effects towards Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme (ACE) related to the onset of hypertension were determined. All obtained protein hydrolysates acted as DPPH and ABTS scavengers, as reducing agents and also as ACE enzyme inhibitor. Hence, the protein isolates obtained from plum kernel cake showed to be a potential source of natural products for food applications, with good digestibility and beneficial bioactive properties.

Background Due to the success of immunization, most of young people have little experience with vaccine preventable diseases. This inexperience may increase vaccine hesitancy in this population subgroup which can potentially jeopardize population vaccination coverage. Understanding young peoples' attitudes towards vaccination is important for vaccination uptake. The aim of this study was to evaluate attitudes towards vaccination among Croatian high school students. Methods This online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted during the January 2021 to April 2021 in convenient sample of high school students from north-western part of Croatia. Vaccination Attitudes Examination scale (VAX) was used to assess antivaccination attitudes in study population. Results The study included 1012 high school students; 29.2% males and 70.8% females; median age 17.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 17.0 - 18.0) years. Overall value of the VAX score in study sample was 50.4±11.1. Female students had more negative attitudes towards vaccination in comparison to male students (P = 0.001). When analysing differences between female and male students according to the VAX scale subcategories the study revealed that female students demonstrated more worries over unforeseen future effects of the vaccination (P < 0.001) while there were no differences between females and males according to the mistrust of vaccine benefits, concerns about commercial profit and preference for natural immunity (P = 0.155, P = 0.157 and P = 0.142, respectively). Conclusions The study revealed rather high antivaccination attitudes among Croatian high school students as measured by VAX score. Further studies are needed to better understand factors that influence such attitudes in study population because programs directed towards changing antivaccination attitudes in order to be efficient need to successfully tackle all of those factors. Key messages Public health interventions directed towards suppression of antivaccination movement should more involve younger population subgroups, such as elementary and high school students. Positive attitudes towards vaccination in younger population subgroups are one of the crucial preconditions for adequate vaccination coverage.

Background COVID-19 vaccine is an effective choice to stop the pandemic. To improve COVID-19 vaccination coverage the better understanding of factors influencing individual intention of vaccination is needed. Antivaccination attitudes (AAs) are important predictors of vaccination behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the intention to take COVID-19 vaccine in Croatian adult population and to evaluate factors that influence such intention with emphasis on AAs. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted during the June 2020 to December 2020 in convenient sample of adults from Split-Dalmatia County at the primary health care setting. Vaccination Attitudes Examination scale (VAX) was used to assess AAs. Results The study sample consisted of 632 subjects (52.7% males and 47.3% females). The median age of all subjects was 38.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 29.0 - 48.0) years. The overall prevalence of intention to take COVID-19 vaccine was 46.8%. Males and subjects living with the partner more frequently expressed intention to take COVID-19 vaccine (P = 0.001 and P = 0.015 respectively). The study revealed fair negative correlation between AAs and intention to take COVID-19 vaccine (rho=-0.453; P < 0.001). Subjects who did not intend to take COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated larger mistrust of vaccine benefits, more worries over unforeseen future effects, more concerns about commercial profit and larger preference for natural immunity (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions The study showed fairly low proportion of subjects who intended to take COVID-19 vaccine. The study revealed that gender, marital status, and AAs are good predictors of intention to take COVID-19 vaccine in study population. The good predictors of intention to take COVID-19 vaccine in Croatian adult population should be considered during COVID-19 vaccination popularization strategies development. Key messages The structured communication campaigns on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines should be developed and directed specifically to all target groups for vaccination. Understanding the factors that could improve the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination is crucial to design effective vaccination program.

This is the first report on the extraction of cocoa bean shell (CBS) using deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Screening results with 16 different choline chloride-based DESs showed how choline chloride:oxalic acid DES was the most suitable solvent for the extraction of the bioactive compounds from CBS and that concentrations varied greatly depending on the used solvent. The DES extraction was compared to the DESs coupled with microwave extraction (MAE), and the yields of the extracted compounds were higher for DES/MAE. For theobromine, the obtained yields for DES extraction were 2.145&ndash, 4.682 mg/g, and for caffeine, were 0.681&ndash, 1.524 mg/g, whereas for DES/MAE, the same compounds were obtained in 2.502&ndash, 5.004 mg/g and 0.778&ndash, 1.599 mg/g. Antioxidant activity was also determined, using DPPH method, obtaining 24.027&ndash, 74.805% activity for DES extraction and 11.751&ndash, 55.444% for DES/MAE. Water content significantly influenced the extraction of targeted active compounds from CBS, whereas extraction time and temperature did not show statistically significant influence. The extraction temperature only influenced antioxidant activity. The study demonstrated how extraction using DES and microwaves could be of a great importance in the future trends of green chemistry for the production of CBS extracts rich in bioactive compounds.

Plum ( Prunus domestica L.) is a fruit widely cultivated across Europe and its processing generates a considerable amount of waste in form of discharged plum kernels. This creates a new opportunity to exploit plum kernels in order to provide an alternative to conventional edible oils. The main aim of this study was to obtain high-quality oil from plum kernel seeds by applying traditional cold pressing (CP) and supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO 2 ) extraction as a modern technology. The obtained oils were characterized based on the chemical composition of fatty acids and tocopherols. In obtained oils, twelve fatty acids were identified. The oleic acid was the most dominant in both oils (68.66% in oil obtained by ScCO 2 , 65.86% in oil obtained by CP), followed by linoleic acid (22.24-25.44%). While total tocopherols content in oil obtained by ScCO 2 was 4 to 5.8-fold higher than CP. The results proved that the utilization of plum kernel seeds possess high potential as an alternative oil source due a high amount of oleic acid and tocopherols and a low amount of saturated fatty acids and amygdalin.

The aim of this research was to monitor the metabolic profile of blood and the quality of ewes’ milk during lactation in organic farming. Biological investigations were carried out on 32 clinically healthy Merinolandschaf ewes during the 3th lactation on the 20th, 60th and 100th day of lactation. Ewes’ milk was analyzed for the non fat dry matter, milk fat, protein, lactose, urea, the somatic cells count (SCC) and te total viable cell number (CFU), as well as for the concentration of fatty acids, atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI) and Δ9- desaturase activity index. Concentrations of minerals (Ca-calcium, P-phosphorus-inorganic, Mg-magnesium, and Fe-iron), biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, NEFA-non- esterified fatty acids, BHBA-beta- hydroxybutyrate) and enzyme activity (ALT- alanine aminotransferase, AST- aspartate aminotransferase, ALP-alkaline phosphatase, CK- creatine kinase and GGT-γ- glutamyl transferase) were analyzed in blood serum. Chemical composition of milk differed among different stages of lactation, which was marked by the increased content of milk fat, the decreased urea concentration, as well as by numeorus changes of fatty acid concentration observed along with lactation progression. Number of SCC and CFU in milk increased during lactation. AT and TI were appropriate in all stages of lactation, which resulted in satisfactory quality of ewes’ milk from organic farming. Determined concentrations of certain biochemical parameters (NEFA, triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol, Ca and Fe) in blood of ewes originating from organic farming indicated lower deficit of energy during the 20th day of lactation, as well as a lack of Ca and Fe concentrations in blood, which most likely occurred due to higher loss through milk. Accordingly, the blood metabolic profile can be considered as an indicator for feeding and health status of ewes during lactation in organic farming.

Prema podacima Svjetske zdravstvene organizacije, hipertenzija je vodeći uzrok smrtnosti u svijetu i odgovorna je za oko 40% smrti od kardiovaskularnih bolesti, kronične bolesti bubrega i šećerne bolesti tipa 2. Neuravnotežena prehrana jedan je od najvažnijih čimbenika rizika za razvoj hipertenzije, a znan-je o prehrani jedan je od ključnih čimbenika koji utječu na prehrambene navike pojedinaca. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati znanje o prehrani i prehrambene navike oboljelih od visokog krvnog tlaka iz istočne Hrvatske te procijeniti međusobnu povezanost tih varijabli. Ovo presječno istraživanje provedeno je tijekom svibnja i lipnja 2019. godine na 400 odraslih osoba s hipertenzijom iz Požeško-slavonske županije. Posebno dizajnirani anonimni upitnik poslužio je kao instrument za ispitivanje. Medijan dobi svih ispitanika iznosio je 64,0 godine s interkvartilnim rasponom od 55,0 do 71,5 godina. Među ispitanicima bilo je 45,8% muškaraca i 54,2% žena. Istraživanje je otkrilo kako 46,0% ispitanika preskoči barem jedan obrok dnevno, najčešće doručak (65,2%). Istraživanje je dalje pokazalo kako 51,7% ispitanika ponekad dosoljava svoj obrok, dok je 6,5% njih to činilo često, čak i bez prethodnog kušanja. Oni ispitanici koji preskaču obroke češće konzumiraju mesne prerađevine (P, According to the World Health Organization data, hypertension is the leading cause of worldwide mortality and is responsible for approximately 40% of deaths from cardiovascular disease, chronicle kidney disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Unbalanced nutrition is one of the most dominant life-style-related risk factors for hypertension and nutrition knowledge is one of the factors that affect the nutritional habits of individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate nutrition knowledge and nu-tritional habits among hypertensive patients from Eastern Croatia and to evaluate interconnection be-tween these variables. This cross-sectional study was conducted during May and June 2019, among 400 adult hypertensive patients from Požega-Slavonia County. Specially designed anonymous ques-tionnaire served as a research tool. The median age of all patients was 64,0 years with the interquartile range from 55,0 to 71,5 years. There were 45,8% males and 54.2% females. The study revealed that 46.0% of patients skip at least one meal daily, most frequently breakfast (65.2%). Study further showed that 51.7% of patients sometimes put extra salt in their meal while 6.5% of them did that of-ten, even without trying their meal. Those patients who skip meals more frequently consume meat products, red meat and white bread every day (P

Nowadays, when we are increasingly becoming a generation of large quantities of waste materials from various industries, there is an emerged need for certain solutions to suppress waste or make it more economical in some other way. Some by- products from the different food industries are rich in various bioactive compounds which could be utilized in other production processes. Finding the purpose and use of these compounds could be valuable for future generations. One of those by-products is cocoa bean shell (CBS), by- product in the processing of cocoa and its products, that has already proven to contain large amount of different bioactive compounds like theobromine, caffeine, specific phenolic compounds as well as dietary fibres and other valuable compounds which will be reviewed in this paper. CBS could be used in the production of functional products or even in food industry, cosmetic or pharmaceutics due to its high nutritional value what also makes it an economically acceptable raw material.

Proper nutrition and nutrition knowledge are necessary for health benefits both for general population and athletes, professional and non-professional ones. Of course, proper nutrition is not the same for all populations and should be adapted depending on gender, age, physical activity, health status and other needs. The physical condition, training and athletes’ success also depend on their diet. The aim of this study was to examine nutrition knowledge of professional athletes and compare it with the nutrition knowledge of their peers not professionally engaged in sports. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a specially designed anonymous questionnaire that was distributed to 211 participants (110 professional athletes and 101 non-athletes) by a specialist of occupational and sports medicine in Osijek, Eastern Croatia during September 2017. The median age of the participants was 20.0 years. There were 74.4% males and 25.6% females. The overall proportion of accurate answers among all participants was 27.6% with no statistically significant differences between professional and non-professional athletes as well as between females and males (p=0.584 and p=0.904, respectively). Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences in proportion of accurate answers regarding to educational level, socioeconomic status and body mass index (p=0.547, p=0.491, p=0.459, respectively). One participant (0.5%) had good nutritional knowledge, 9 (4.2%) had medium nutritional knowledge while most of the participants, 202 (95.3%), had poor nutritional knowledge with no statistically significant differences compared to whether they were professional athletes or not. According to the results in this study, the unsatisfactory level of nutrition knowledge is evident in both groups of participants. Obviously, additional education is needed how for professional athletes also as for non-professional ones.

The study describes and compares bio-functional properties and thein vitrodigestibility of protein isolates from apricot oil cakes obtained by supercritical fluid extraction and cold pressing, as control. Protein isolates have the potential to be food ingredients with amygdalin contents in an amount considerably lower than regulatory. Isolates showed hypoglycemic activity, studied by the inhibition of &alpha, glucosidase, also functional properties were determined.Good digestibility of proteins, which were done using gastrointestinal proteases (pepsin and pancreatin) were proven by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis SDS-PAGE analysis. Moreover, it was evident that the protein isolates were completely digested. The biologically active potential of the digests was evaluated measuring in vitro antioxidant capacity by three complementary methods and enzyme inhibitory effects towards Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme (ACE) related with the onset of hypertension. All hydrolysates act as a DPPH and ABTS scavenger, as a reducing agents and an ACE enzyme inhibitor. In conclusion, protein isolates obtained from apricot kernel cake showed to be a promising source of natural products for food applications, with good functional and bioactive properties and easy digestibility.

Background: Economic violence (EV) refers to acts of control and monitoring of the behavior of an individual in terms of the use and distribution of money, and the constant threat of denying economic resources. EV has hindered a great proportion of women from achieving economic autonomy and sustainable livelihood for themselves and their dependents. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of EV among Croatian women, to identify the main types of EV and to evaluate interconnection between EV and county of living, age group, educational level and self-perceived socioeconomic status. Methods: This was a cross- sectional study conducted through a validated, anonymous questionnaire containing questions regarding sociodemographic data, and evaluating EV. Questionnaire was self-administered during April and May 2017. Sample consisted of women from two Croatian counties, one continental (Osijek- Baranja) and one non continental (Istria). Results: The study sample consisted of 1314 women, the median age being 41 years (interquartile range 32-55). The overall prevalence of EV was 19.0% ; 77.5% being qualified as less and 22.5% as more severe. Among the women who experienced EV 96.0%, 60.0% and 36.0% of them were exposed to economic control, economic exploitation and employment sabotage, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in EV proportions between women from maritime and continental county (χ2- test ; p < 0.001) ; between women from different age groups (χ2-test ; p = 0.017) ; between women with lower and higher educational level (χ2-test ; p = 0.008) and between women from different self- perceived socioeconomic status categories (χ2-test ; p < 0.001). Conclusions: EV is highly prevalent among Croatian women participating in this study and as such represents an important public health challenge within this population. Selected sociodemographic indicators represent significant risk factors for the development of EV in the studied population. Key messages: Economic violence is an important public health issue among women in Croatia that requires awareness and intervention. Research on economic violence should be undertaken to improve the understanding of this problem in the different countries and their regions.

Background: The energy drink (ED) market has grown rapidly in recent years. ED consumption among university students is of particular concern since this population, engaged in academic pursuit is an ideal target for the ED promotion. The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of ED consumption among Croatian university students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among cross-faculty representative student sample of University of Osijek, Eastern Croatia, within which a validated, online, anonymous questionnaire was self-administered. General demographic data, as well as data related to ED consumption among university students were collected. Results: The study sample included 424 students, the average age being 22.8 years (range 19-53) ; 73.8% females and 26.2% males. Among all study participants there were 52.4% of those who drink ED. Among those who drink ED, 81.1% consume them 1-5 times and 19.9% consume them 6 or more times monthly. Among those who drink ED there were 31.1% of students who consume less than one can, 64.9% of students who consume one can and 4.1% of students who consume more than one can of ED on one occasion. The main reasons for ED consumption were staying awake (52.3%) or helping concentrate for studying (25.2%) while all other reasons were much less frequent (range between 3.6% and 5.9%). The study revealed that consumption of ED was more frequent among males than among females (χ2-test ; p = 0.006). Males who drink ED more frequently consume those drinks 6 or more times monthly than females who drink ED (χ2-test ; p = 0.045). There was also statistically significant difference in amount of ED drank on one occasion among males and females (χ2-test ; p < 0.001). Conclusions: ED consumption is prevalent among university students participating in this study. Male students are especially prone to excessive ED consumption. Targeted preventive programs are needed to change established pattern of ED consumption in university student population. Key messages: University students tend to consume significant amounts of energy drinks that can potentially have adverse effects on their health. Knowing and better understanding the pattern of energy drink consumption among university students can help to better regulate the usage of these products.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to identify a body mass index (BMI) trend as a new indicator and predictor of children's nutritional status, replacing absolute BMI, and to demonstrate that a local BMI trend is more appropriate for this purpose than a national (or international) BMI trend. STUDY DESIGN: An entire school year group of primary school children were subject to a longitudinal 8-year cohort study. METHODS: BMI was measured three times during primary school education-on enrolment to primary school, then in the fifth and eighth grades. The BMI values obtained were used to create gender- and age-based percentile curves for children born in 1998/1999 (Osijek Percentile Curves (OPC) study) in the Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia. Every BMI result obtained was linked to one of the five percentile ranks (PRs) according to threshold percentiles 3, 10, 90 and 97 ; hence, the PRs were

Solving the problem of large quantities of organic waste, which represents an enormous ecological and financial burden for all aspects of the process industry, is a necessity. Therefore, there is an emerged need to find specific solutions to utilize raw materials as efficiently as possible in the production process. The cocoa shell is a valuable by-product obtained from the chocolate industry. It is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and ash, as well as in some other valuable bioactive compounds, such as methylxanthines and phenolics. This paper gives an overview of published results related to the cocoa shell, mostly on important bioactive compounds and possible applications of the cocoa shell in different areas. The cocoa shell, due to its nutritional value and high-value bioactive compounds, could become a desirable raw material in a large spectrum of functional, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic products, as well as in the production of energy or biofuels in the near future.

Nutrition care should be an integral part of general practitioners’ (GPs’) daily work with patients. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of Croatian GPs toward nutrition and nutrition care, and to evaluate the interconnection between their attitudes and implementation of nutrition care in GPs offices. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 17.0% of randomly selected GPs, from May to July of 2013, via a specially designed anonymous questionnaire. The study showed that 36.0% of the Croatian GPs had satisfactory number of positive attitudes (5 or more) toward nutrition and nutrition care. There was statistically significant difference in the median number of positive attitudes based on the additional education of GPs in nutrition and their ailment from chronic diseases (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). The Spearman rank correlation between GPs’ attitudes toward nutrition and nutrition care and their practice, i.e., the implementation of nutrition care in GPs’ everyday work with patients was rs = −0.235 (p < 0.001). In order to provide nutrition care in GPs’ offices in Croatia, strategies for changing GPs’ attitudes toward nutrition and nutrition care are needed.

Uvod: Prehrana ima važnu ulogu u životu i liječenju bolesnika s upalnim bolestima crijeva (UBC). Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi prehrambene navike oboljelih od UBC-a s područja istočne Hrvatske, te njihovo poimanje istih u kontekstu smanjenja simptoma bolesti. Ispitanici i metode: U presječno istraživanje, provedeno na području istočne Hrvatske u razdoblju od siječnja do lipnja 2016. godine, bilo je uključeno 296 bolesnika oboljelih od UBC-a prosječne dobi 50,1 ± 15,0 godina; 53,7% muškaraca i 46,3% žena; 29,4% oboljelih od Crohnove bolesti, te 70,6% oboljelih od ulceroznog kolitisa. Anonimni anketni upitnik korišten je za utvrđivanje sociodemografskih osobina oboljelih, te njihovih prehrambenih navika. Rezultati: Istraživanje je pokazalo kako 78,7% oboljelih dnevno konzumira 2-3 obroka, te kako 87,5% oboljelih nije promijenilo broj dnevnih obroka nakon obolijevanja od UBC. Prije postavljanja dijagnoze UBC-a 5,1% oboljelih, kao najzastupljeniju namirnicu u prehrani izdvojilo je meso, a nakon postavljene dijagnoze 0,7% oboljelih. Među oboljelima je bilo 34,5% onih koji kao pomoćno sredstvo u kontroli simptoma svoje bolesti, uz standardnu terapiju koriste i neki oblik posebnog prehrambenog režima. Zaključak: Dijetoterapija je značajno pomoćno sredstvo u kontroli simptoma UBC-a, pri čemu temelj dijete predstavlja osobno iskustvo oboljeloga, te uklanjanje nepoželjnih namirnica iz prehrane, sukladno istom., Introduction: Nutrition plays an important role in the life and treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to determine the dietary habits of patients with IBD from Eastern Croatia, and their perception of the same in the context of reducing the symptoms of the disease Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern Croatia in the period from January to June 2016. The study included 296 patients with IBD whose average age was 50.1 ± 15.0 years; 53.7% men and 46.3% women; 29.4% of patients with Crohn's disease and 70.6% of patients with ulcerative colitis. An anonymous questionnaire was used to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of patients and their eating habits. Results: The study showed that 78.7% of patients daily consume 2-3 servings and that 87.5% of patients did not change the number of daily meals after they had been diagnosed with IBD. Before the diagnosis of the IBD 5.1% of patients reported that meat is the most frequent foodstuff in their diet while after the diagnosis of the IBD 0.7% of patients reported meat as the most frequent foodstuff in their diet. Among the patients there were 34.5% of those who used some form of special dietary regime as an adjunct to control the symptoms of their illness along with standard therapy. Conclusion: Dietotherapy is a significant complementary therapy in controlling the symptoms of IBD, whereby the basis for the implementation of a special nutrition regime is a personal experience of particular patients and removal of undesirable foodstuff from his or her diet in accordance with the mentioned experience.

Nurses and technicians are, at their primary job of patient care, exposed daily to various physical strains and stressful situations, which is why they are at risk of injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency, type and circumstances of work injuries among nurses and technicians as well as to determine whether there is a connection between the injuries and sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the participants, as well as the connection between the injuries and the stress level at which the participants are exposed during their work. This cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2017 and included 191 nurses/technicians at the General Hospital Pula. A specially designed questionnaire was used to collect data about their age, gender, qualifications and socioeconomic status as well as the frequency and type of injuries that they had been experienced during stressful situations at work. In the last six months, there were 8.9% of those who experienced work injury. The most common were abdominal injuries, lower back and pelvis injuries, while stabs with the sharp object were the most common type of injury. There was statistically significant connection between the incidence of injuries and the shift work (p=0.032) as well as between the injuries and the stress level (p=0.046) in the last six months. To reduce the incidence of work injury in the observed population, it is necessary to reduce the shift work, and consequently reduce level of present stress.

According to the World Health Organization data, millions of young people under the age of 18 die each year from injuries and the consequences of injuries. In developed countries, the mortality rate from child injury is considerably lower, but injuries are still the main cause of death, accounting for about 40% of total child mortality. As a consequence of the injury, disability, increased costs of treatment and rehabilitation, lost productivity and learning motivation arise. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of injury in younger school children and to investigate the risk factors of these injuries. This cross-sectional study was conducted in April and May 2017. The study subjects were parents and guardians of children who were pupils of the first four grades of elementary school. The specially designed questionnaire that contained questions about sociodemographic characteristics and epidemiology of injury was used as a research tool. There was a total of 379 study subjects, of whom 289 (76.3%) were women. The average age of all study subjects was 39 (26-60) years. There were 316 (83.6%) employed, 58 (15.3%) unemployed, and 5 (1.3%) retired subjects. In the city lived 222 (58.6%) study subjects, in suburban settlement 83 (21.9%) and in village 74 (19.5%). There was statistically significant connection between the number of family members and the frequency of injuries (p=0.029) and the number of children in the family and the frequency of injuries (p=0.041). Injuries in younger school children were frequent in the observed population. Defining risk factors has a major role in preventing child injury.

Fatty acid, tocopherol and amygdalin concentrations were determined in apricot kernel oils obtained by two techniques: cold pressing and supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extraction. During the SC-CO2 extraction, oil was collected during five hours at 300 bar and 40°C until all oil was completely extracted from the raw material. The total tocopherol concentration in cold pressed apricot kernel seed oil was significantly lower (94 mg/100g of oil) compared to SC-CO2 oilβ+γ-tocopherol was the most dominant tocopherols while α- tocopherol was not detected in cold pressed oil. The concentration of total tocopherols during SC-CO2 extraction decreased from the first collection (after one hour) to the last (after five hours), from 252 mg/100g to 50 mg/100g of oil. The analysis of fatty acid composition showed a prevalence of palmitic, oleic (cis-9), and linoleic (cis-9, 12) acid, specifically 5.93%, 57.33%, and 33.81%, respectively, in SC-CO2 extracts, which are similar to the values of oil obtained by cold pressing (5.48%, 62.73%, 29.18%, respectively). Small amount of amygdalin content was determined in cold pressed oil(0.40 mg/g of oil), as well as in oil obtained by SC-CO2 (0.20 mg/g of oil). According to official methods and requirements, oils produced by both techniques were of satisfactory quality (low peroxide value, low value of free fatty acids, small percentage of insoluble impurities and moisture content).

Nutrition care delivered in primary health care setting is an effective and necessary preventive health care measure. General practitioners (GPs) nutrition knowledge is related to their nutrition care practice. The aim of this study was to explore the nutrition knowledge of Croatian GPs, and to investigate its connection with the implementation of nutrition care in GPs&rsquo, offices. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 17.0% of randomly selected GPs, from May to July 2013, via an anonymous questionnaire. The study showed that only 35.8% of the Croatian GPs had an adequate level of nutrition knowledge (five or more correct answers to nutrition questions). The study further revealed that females, GPs with additional education in nutrition and GPs who had not suffered from chronic diseases with poor nutrition posing as a risk factor had better nutrition knowledge (p = 0.029, p &lt, 0.001 and p = 0.041, respectively). The Spearman rank correlation between GPs&rsquo, nutrition knowledge and the implementation of nutrition care in their offices during daily work with patients was rs = &minus, 0.190 (p &lt, 0.001). To provide nutrition care in GPs&rsquo, offices in Croatia, strategies for improving GPs&rsquo, nutrition knowledge are needed.

Introduction: Cow’s milk allergy is the most common allergic reaction present among infants and early preschoolers. The early diagnosis of the condition is crucial for adequate treatment of the affected child. Aim: To determine prevalence of cow’s milk allergy in the population of infants (0-1 years) and early preschoolers (1-4 years) from Vukovar–Srijem County and demographical characteristics of affected children. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st May 2013 to 30th April 2014 in Vukovar General County Hospital and was approved by the responsible Ethical Committee. It included 59 children - suspected of having cow’s milk allergy (38/59, 64.4% boys and 21/59, 35.6% girls ; mean age 20.8±16.2 months). The serum concentrations of the specific IgE antibodies to cow’s milk protein were determined and demographic data for each patient were collected (gender, age, place of living). Standardized UniCAP fluorescence-enzyme immunoassay (Phadia AB, Uppsala, Sweden) was used to determine serum concentration of the specific IgE antibodies for cow’s milk protein. Results: In observed population there were 35.6% (21/59) of children affected with cow’s milk allergy. The allergy was more common with boys (39.5%), and children who lived in villages (56.5%). Aver¬age value of serum concentration of the specific IgE antibodies to cow’s milk protein among affected children was 9.9±23.8 kU/L, and it was higher for boys (12.6 kU/L) in comparison to girls (3.2 kU/L). Conclusion: This study indicates that the cow’s milk allergy is relatively frequent within the observed population thus there is a need for further evaluation of this issue. In addition, the study has shown that the diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy in Croatia is still relatively late and because of that there is a need to make additional efforts for earlier diagnosis of such condition that would also improve the therapeutic approach to affected children.