THE REMOTE ISOLATE OF THE CROATIAN LITTORAL –50 YEARS OF RESEARCH ON THE ISLAND OF SUSAK WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO ITS GENETIC DIVERSITY

This paper presents a review of the 50-year long anthropological and epidemiological research of the Susak population. Island of Susak is an example of extreme genetic isolate, with a very low level of heterozygosity and a significantly high level of inbreeding, due to the practice of endogamy. Its specific features have put the island in the focus of diverse research during the last five decades and in this study we additionally present new insights into the island’s maternal genetic heritage. For this purpose, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup diversity was defined based on SNPs of the control and coding region on the sample of 64 autochthonous individuals from the island. Only three main haplogroups were detected - H, T and one W sample, with a limited number of haplotypes, and certain typical European haplogroups (U, K, J, V, X,) were completely absent. Haplotype analysis revealed five possible founder lineages of altogether 16 different haplotypes. Island of Susak also has the second lowest reported GDV (gene diversity index) among Croatian isolates, which is in line with its reduced mtDNA diversity. Since such island communities are most likely to disappear in the near future, we see these results as a valuable contribution for further population genetics and epidemiological studies

THE REMOTE ISOLATE OF THE CROATIAN LITTORAL –50 YEARS OF RESEARCH ON THE ISLAND OF SUSAK WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO ITS GENETIC DIVERSITY

This paper presents a review of the 50-year long anthropological and epidemiological research of the Susak population. Island of Susak is an example of extreme genetic isolate, with a very low level of heterozygosity and a significantly high level of inbreeding, due to the practice of endogamy. Its specific features have put the island in the focus of diverse research during the last five decades and in this study we additionally present new insights into the island’s maternal genetic heritage. For this purpose, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup diversity was defined based on SNPs of the control and coding region on the sample of 64 autochthonous individuals from the island. Only three main haplogroups were detected - H, T and one W sample, with a limited number of haplotypes, and certain typical European haplogroups (U, K, J, V, X,) were completely absent. Haplotype analysis revealed five possible founder lineages of altogether 16 different haplotypes. Island of Susak also has the second lowest reported GDV (gene diversity index) among Croatian isolates, which is in line with its reduced mtDNA diversity. Since such island communities are most likely to disappear in the near future, we see these results as a valuable contribution for further population genetics and epidemiological studies

Athletic Engagement and Athletic Identity in Top Croatian Sprint Runners

The aim of the research was to determine construct validity and reliability for two questionnaires (Athlete Engagement Questionnaire - AEQ and Athletic Identity Measurement Scale - AIMS), applied on elite Croatian athletes-sprinters, as well as the correlations among the dimensions in these measuring instruments. Then, we have determined the differences in the dimensions of sport engagement and sport identity, according to gender, education level and winning medals on international competitions. A total of 71 elite athletes-sprinters (former and still active) are examined, from which 27 (38%) females and 44 (62%) males. The results of factor analyses revealed the existence of dimensions very similar as in the original instruments, which showed moderate to high reliabilities. A small number of statistically significant correlations have been found between the dimensions of sport engagement and sport identity, mainly in male sprinter runners. Small number of statistically significant differences in the dimensions of sport engagement and sport identity have been found according to the gender, education level and winning medals on the international competitions. The most reasonable explanation of these differences could be given in terms of very similar characteristics of elite athletes on the same level of sport excellence

Athletic Engagement and Athletic Identity in Top Croatian Sprint Runners

The aim of the research was to determine construct validity and reliability for two questionnaires (Athlete Engagement Questionnaire - AEQ and Athletic Identity Measurement Scale - AIMS), applied on elite Croatian athletes-sprinters, as well as the correlations among the dimensions in these measuring instruments. Then, we have determined the differences in the dimensions of sport engagement and sport identity, according to gender, education level and winning medals on international competitions. A total of 71 elite athletes-sprinters (former and still active) are examined, from which 27 (38%) females and 44 (62%) males. The results of factor analyses revealed the existence of dimensions very similar as in the original instruments, which showed moderate to high reliabilities. A small number of statistically significant correlations have been found between the dimensions of sport engagement and sport identity, mainly in male sprinter runners. Small number of statistically significant differences in the dimensions of sport engagement and sport identity have been found according to the gender, education level and winning medals on the international competitions. The most reasonable explanation of these differences could be given in terms of very similar characteristics of elite athletes on the same level of sport excellence

Beta indeks žilne krutosti pomoću trodimenzijskog ultrazvuka

Beta stiffness index is the most common marker for assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to explore the new technique of three-dimensional ultrasound for carotid stiffness evaluation. This pilot investigation was conducted in ten healthy volunteers. Measurements were performed in common carotid artery (CCA) on an Aloka 5500-SSD Prosound ultrasound platform in B and M modes. Data were collected freehandedly over 10 seconds and post processing analysis was performed using TomTec Imaging software. Beta indexes were mathematically computed and statistically evaluated by use of nonparametric statistics for two related samples. There were nine women and one man aged 39.3±9.23 years. There was one borderline hypertensive subject and four subjects were active smokers. The mean body mass index was 23.85±5.83 kg/m2, and mean intima-media thickness on CCA bilaterally 0.42±0.063 mm. Statistically, comparison between conventional and three-dimensional ultrasound corroborated consistency in the left CCA (p>0.05). This investigation proved that three-dimensional ultrasound could be used as a complementary method for evaluation of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, with a greater sensitivity in the left CCA.Beta indeks krutosti jedan je od najčešće upotrebljavanih za opisivanje pretkliničke ateroskleroze. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je utvrditi je li moguće upotrijebiti novu metodu trodimenzijskog ultrazvuka karotidnih arterija za ispitivanje žilne krutosti. Ovo probno istraživanje provedeno je u 10 zdravih dobrovoljaca na ultrazvučnom uređaju Aloka 5500-SSD Prosound uporabom B i M prikaza na zajedničkoj karotidnoj arteriji (ACC). Za trodimenzijsku analizu rabila se je metoda "slobodne ruke" tijekom 10 sekunda uz pomoć programske potpore TomTec Imaging. Beta indeksi žilne krutosti izračunati su matematičkim putem, za analizu se je rabila neparametrijska statistika s dva povezana uzorka. U ispitivanje je bilo uključeno 9 žena i 1 muškarac prosječene dobi 9, ±9,2 godine. Jedan ispitanik je imao granično povišene vrijednosti krvnoga tlaka, a 4 ispitanika su bili aktivni pušači. Srednji indeks tjelesne težine bio je 2 ,85±5,8 kg/m2, a srednja vrijednost intimalnog dijela stjenke ACC obostrano 0,42±0,06 mm. Statističkom usporedbom vrijednosti beta indeksa krutosti dobiveni su podudarajući rezultati u lijevoj ACC (p>0,05). Istraživanje je potvrdilo da se trodimenzijski ultrazvuk može rabiti kao komplementarna metoda za ispitivanje pretkliničke karotidne ateroskleroze s većom osjetljivosti na lijevoj ACC

PERCIPIRANA ORGANIZACIJSKA PRAVEDNOST KAO DETERMINANTA ORGANIZACIJSKE ODANOSTI

Svrha ovoga rada bila je istražiti konstrukte organizacijske odanosti i organizacijske pravednosti te njihovu međusobnu povezanost. U radu se istraživalo koja je od komponenti organizacijske pravednosti; distributivna, proceduralna ili interakcijska ključna u predviđanju svake od komponenti organizacijske odanosti; afektivne, instrumentalne i normativne. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 101 ispitanika, zaposlenih u različitim organizacijama. Prikupljeni podaci dobiveni su preko standardiziranih skala organizacijske pravednosti i organizacijske odanosti. Postavljene hipoteze testirane su modelom multiple regresijske analize. Rezultati indiciraju da je jedino distributivna pravednost statistički značajan prediktor afektivne i normativne odanosti. Može se zaključiti kako zaposlenici koji percipiraju pravednost u distribuciji nagrada postižu i veće rezultate na dvije komponente organizacijske odanosti, afektivnoj i normativnoj

PERCIPIRANA ORGANIZACIJSKA PRAVEDNOST KAO DETERMINANTA ORGANIZACIJSKE ODANOSTI

Svrha ovoga rada bila je istražiti konstrukte organizacijske odanosti i organizacijske pravednosti te njihovu međusobnu povezanost. U radu se istraživalo koja je od komponenti organizacijske pravednosti; distributivna, proceduralna ili interakcijska ključna u predviđanju svake od komponenti organizacijske odanosti; afektivne, instrumentalne i normativne. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 101 ispitanika, zaposlenih u različitim organizacijama. Prikupljeni podaci dobiveni su preko standardiziranih skala organizacijske pravednosti i organizacijske odanosti. Postavljene hipoteze testirane su modelom multiple regresijske analize. Rezultati indiciraju da je jedino distributivna pravednost statistički značajan prediktor afektivne i normativne odanosti. Može se zaključiti kako zaposlenici koji percipiraju pravednost u distribuciji nagrada postižu i veće rezultate na dvije komponente organizacijske odanosti, afektivnoj i normativnoj

Spolne i dobne razlike u zdravstvenom statusu sportaša u pojedinačnim i momčadskim sportovima

Main goal of this study was to determine the differences between the athletes who are actively engaged in team vs. individual sports, stratified by age groups and sex, in BMI (Body Mass Index) and other chosen biochemical health indicators. Second goal is directed on forecasting the criterium BMI, on the base of predictors (i.e. chosen morphological and biochemical health indicators, except body height and body mass), for the athletes from team and individual sports, separately for males and females and separately for different age groups. The data were collected during routine medical examinations performed by physicians from the Polyclinic for Occupational Health and Sport in Zagreb. The database comprised medical data obtained in 2011 and 2012 from 8482 athletes in the City of Zagreb. Collected data included height, body mass , BMI, blood pressure (diastolic and systolic), heart rate, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, thrombocytes, and sedimentation rate. Inspecting the results, it could be concluded that more statistically significant differences in the variables in research, related to the sport type (team/individual), have been detected in male athletes (as compared with female ones). These differences are more emphasized in team than in the individual sports. More statistically significant predictors are found in males (than in females) and more in team sports. The results could be mainly discussed in terms of the differences among requests in different sports, different levels of professional sport training in certain sports, as well as in terms of sex differences in growth.Glavni cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi razlike između sportaša koji aktivno sudjeluju u momčadskim i pojedinačnim sportovima, stratificiran po dobnim skupinama i spolu, za BMI (indeks tjelesne mase) i druge izabrane biokemijske pokazatelje zdravlja. Drugi cilj je usmjeren na predviđanje kriterija BMI, na temelju prediktora (tj. izabranih morfoloških i biokemijskih pokazatelja zdravlja, osim visine i težine tijela), za sportaše iz momčadskih i pojeidnačnih sportova, odvojeno za muškarce i žene, posebno za različite dobne grupe. Podaci su prikupljeni tijekom rutinskih medicinskih pregleda koje obavljaju liječnici iz Poliklinike za medicinu rada i sporta u Zagrebu. Baza podataka obuhvaća zdravstvene podatke dobivene u 2011. i 2012. godini od 8482 sportaša u Gradu Zagrebu. Prikupljeni podaci uključuju visinu, masu, BMI, krvni tlak (dijastolički i sistolički), puls, hemoglobin, hematokrit, leukocite, trombocite i sedimentaciju. Provjerom rezultata, može se zaključiti da je više statistički značajnih razlika u varijablama istraživanja, koje se odnose na vrstu sporta (momčadski/ pojedinačni), otkriveno kod sportaša (u usporedbi sa sportašicama). Razlike naglašenije u momčadskim nego u pojedinačnim sportovima. Više statistički značajnih prediktora pronađeno je kod sportaša nego kod sportašica, i češće u momčadskim sportovima. Rezultati se uglavnom mogu raspravljati u terminima razlika u zahtjevima u različitim sportovima, različitih razina profesionalnosti sportskog treninga u pojedinim sportovima, kao i u pogledu spolnih razlika u rastu

Anthropometric measurements of Hvar islanders and changes in secular trend of height – evidence from the village of Gdinj

The aim of this study was to compare the data on height of Hvar islanders collected from two transversal studies (1978/1979 and during the 1994). The first field research covered a total of 935 inhabitants of the island (484 males and 451 females) aged between 20 and 72 years, from five villages of the western part (Dol, Vrbanj, Svirče, Vrisnik, Pitve) and four villages of the eastern part of the island of Hvar (Poljica, Zastražišće, Gdinj, Bogomolje). The second field research was carried out in 1994 that enrolled total of 189 participants (82 males and 107 females) from the villages Dol, Vrbanj, Svirče, Zastražišće, Gdinj and Bogomolje. Comparison of data on Hvar adults since these two periods demonstrated a secular increase in average height for females and males in all investigated villages except in the village of Gdinj. Negative secular trend in village of Gdinj was observed for both female and male inhabitants. Possible explanation for this trend could be the specific migratory patterns and traditional practice of endogamy

Anthropometric measurements of Hvar islanders and changes in secular trend of height – evidence from the village of Gdinj

The aim of this study was to compare the data on height of Hvar islanders collected from two transversal studies (1978/1979 and during the 1994). The first field research covered a total of 935 inhabitants of the island (484 males and 451 females) aged between 20 and 72 years, from five villages of the western part (Dol, Vrbanj, Svirče, Vrisnik, Pitve) and four villages of the eastern part of the island of Hvar (Poljica, Zastražišće, Gdinj, Bogomolje). The second field research was carried out in 1994 that enrolled total of 189 participants (82 males and 107 females) from the villages Dol, Vrbanj, Svirče, Zastražišće, Gdinj and Bogomolje. Comparison of data on Hvar adults since these two periods demonstrated a secular increase in average height for females and males in all investigated villages except in the village of Gdinj. Negative secular trend in village of Gdinj was observed for both female and male inhabitants. Possible explanation for this trend could be the specific migratory patterns and traditional practice of endogamy