Acta clinica Croatica
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Acta clinica Croatica · Nov 2023
ReviewTHE ROLE OF INTERFERON-GAMMA RELEASE ASSAYS IN DIAGNOSIS OF LATENT TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION IN CHILDREN.
Despite numerous published papers, diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in children is still an undefined area. The importance of this topic lies in the fact that one third of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis. The majority of infected individuals are LTBI cases which make a reservoir for future active tuberculosis (TB) patients. ⋯ Nevertheless, in the diagnosis of LTBI in children, TST still has some advantages. However, generations of IGRAs have brought many diagnostic advantages that are emphasized in this review. In a difficult procedure of diagnosing LTBI in children, performance of IGRA could be the key factor in making decision whether to use preventive therapy or not.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Nov 2023
VALIDATION OF THE QUALITY OF RECOVERY-40 QUESTIONNAIRE ADAPTED FOR CROATIAN POPULATION.
Quality of recovery after anesthesia is an important indicator of patient postoperative outcomes. Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) is a validated and widely used multidimensional 40-item questionnaire that measures postoperative quality of recovery. The aim of this study was to perform translation and psychometric validation of the Croatian version of QoR-40, which included validity, reliability, responsiveness, and clinical acceptability. ⋯ Internal consistency of the global QoR-40 was high (Cronbach's α=0.93) and of the QoR-40 dimensions it was moderate to high (≥0.714). Split-half coefficient was 0.87, Cohen's effect size was 0.81, and standardized response mean was 0.762. Our translated QoR-40 is a valid, reliable and comprehensive questionnaire for measuring quality of postoperative recovery across surgery spectrum in Croatian population with psychometric properties similar to the original version.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Nov 2023
ANALYSIS OF TIME, PLACE AND METHOD OF SUICIDE IN THE AREA OF BJELOVAR-BILOGORA COUNTY IN THE 1988-2017 PERIOD.
The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the number of suicides associated with seasonal variables, calendar month, time of day versus variable location and method of suicide. Data were obtained from the Analytical Police Department of Bjelovar-Bilogora County for the 1988-2017 period. The process of Croatian application process into the European Union, accompanied by economic and social changes, was a significant socioeconomic event, which divided the analyzed period into two parts. ⋯ In the case of time of day and location of the suicides, there was no significant difference when comparing results between the 1988-2004 and 2005-2017 periods; however, a statistically significant difference was confirmed when considering the month of suicide (February) and season (winter, borderline result for autumn). Statistically, the most significant changes were found in the methods of suicide. The two observed periods differed in the mean suicide rate.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Nov 2023
DOES GALLIC ACID HAVE A POTENTIAL REMEDIAL EFFECT IN EXPERIMENTAL CORROSIVE BURN INJURY TO THE ESOPHAGUS?
Gallic acid, acting as an antioxidant, anti-precipitant and cytoprotective agent, was used as a possible remedial natural component for treating experimentally induced esophageal burn. Wistar rats (n=24) were divided into three groups. Control group was given 1 mL 0.9% NaCl. ⋯ In the esophageal burn group, necrosis, degeneration and numerous apoptotic cells, as well as intense inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in the muscle layer were observed under light microscope. In the treated group, remodeling of epithelial cells with marked reduction in the connective tissue collagen content was observed, as well as marked reduction in the volume of collagen and abundance of inflammatory cells in blood vessels. Gallic acid treatment may help heal esophageal burns and prevent complications.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Nov 2023
ReviewCOMBINED FIRST TRIMESTER SCREENING FOR FETAL DOWN SYNDROME AT THE SPLIT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER: A SEVEN-YEAR EXPERIENCE.
The aim of this study was to present the results and to explore the success of combined screening at the Split University Hospital Center. A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed, including all pregnant women who underwent combined screening at the Split University Hospital Center from 2011 to 2017. Data were collected from the hospital archives. ⋯ Thus, combined screening placed 121 pregnant women a priori at a low risk in the high-risk group. Down syndrome was subsequently confirmed in 17 (14.05%) women. Analysis of the combined screening results confirmed the validity of using the said fetal Down syndrome screening method in the study population of pregnant women.