Priča o distanaziji

Medicinski napredak i dostignuća u liječenju nameću stav da je medicina svemoguća, a da smrt postaje neuspjeh liječenja i kapitulacija same medicine. Očuvanje dostojanstva života na svome kraju postaje sve veći izazov u liječničkoj praksi. Distanazija ili ustrajnost u liječenju bolesnika koji se nalaze u ireverzibilnoj fazi svoje bolesti i trpe veliku bol i patnju ne smije biti dio kliničke prakse. Ovu pojavu treba izbjegavati i oduprijeti se njenoj sveprisutnosti u našem radu

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Response in COVID-19 Infection: Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

SARS-CoV-2 virus infection starts with the internalization of the viral particle into the host cells, mainly the upper respiratory system epithelial cells which have the highest expression of the ACE2 receptor which is essential for the internalization process. The pathophysiology of severe forms of COVID-19 disease results not only from direct, cytopathic viral effect but also from immune response dysregulation of the host resulting in hyperinflammatory state and oxidative stress. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) ability to protect cells and induce a rapid anti-inflammatory and antioxidant response primarily depends on its constitutive cellular expression, which can be affected by numerous endogenous and exogenous factors. The binding of Nrf2 to cellular receptors leads to the transcription of a large number of genes encoding various antioxidant enzymes and other cytoprotective molecules, including heme oxygenase-1(HO-1). Activation of HO-1 results in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Based on previous studies, the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway provides protection against oxidative stress and inflammatory and immune response which is significant in COVID-19 infection, which is characterized by a strong hyperinflammatory response. This narrative review aims to describe the role of the hyperinflammatory response in the development of COVID-19 infection, with a focus on the NrF2/HO-1 pathway

Drivers and consequences of word of mouth communication from the senders’ and receivers’ perspectives: the evidence from the Croatian adult population

This article addresses the issue of predicting and stimulating consumers’ word of mouth communication (WOM). It contributes to the WOM literature by examining and comparing the magnitude of effects of a set of antecedents and consequences of WOM information spread and WOM information seek in one model. The data collected from consumer survey in Croatia were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results reveal that consumer innovativeness, followed by price sensitivity and attitudes towards advertising are the most important drivers of both WOM variables, whereas the effects are stronger for WOM information seek than WOM information spread. The results also indicate that WOM information seek has a four times stronger effect on buying intention than WOM information spread, which can be utilised by retailers. Accordingly, retailers should focus on WOM information seek and try to stimulate it by introducing new products in the first place, but also with frequent sales, and appealing advertising messages

DEMOGRAFSKE KARAKTERISTIKE I KUPOVNO PONAŠANJE MODNO ORIJENTIRANIH POTROŠAČA U HRVATSKOJ

The purpose of this research is to gain better insights into the relationships between demographics, fashion consciousness and clothing purchases. The data, collected from a consumer survey carried out in Croatia, were analysed using multiple regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Research results support proposed framework. Females, younger consumers and high-income consumers appeared to be more fashion conscious. Households with fewer members were also shown to have a higher level of fashion consciousness. Fashion-conscious consumers purchase more clothing items and buy more on unplanned basis. The framework provided helps clothing companies and retailers predict the behaviour of fashion-conscious consumers, as the starting point in designing their promotion campaign and enhancing competitiveness on the market.Svrha ovog istraživanja je dobiti nove spoznaje o vezi između demografskih obilježja, sklonosti potrošača prema modi i izdataka za kupnju odjevnih predmeta. Podaci koji su prikupljeni upitnikom u Hrvatskoj analizirani su primjenom regresije i analize varijance (ANOVA-e). U načelu, rezultati potvrđuju konceptualni model istraživanja. Žene, mlađi potrošači i potrošači s višom razinom dohotka skloniji su modnom odijevanju od ostalih grupa potrošača. Također, kućanstva s manje članova pokazuju veću sklonost prema modi. Potrošači koji su skloni modi također kupuju više odjevnih predmeta i skloniji su neplaniranoj kupnji. Model istraživanja prikazan u ovom radu može pomoći proizvođačima odjeće i maloprodavačima da bolje predvide ponašanje potrošača koji su skloni modi, i da bolje usmjere i osmisle svoje promotivne aktivnosti, te povećaju konkurentnost na tržištu

Apparel Shopping Orientation of Female Consumers

Ciljevi su ovog rada identificiranje oblika orijentacije žena pri kupnji odjeće, segmentiranje tržišta te analiziranje razlika u kupovnom ponašanju žena kao i u njihovim demografskim obilježjima. Podaci prikupljeni anketiranjem žena u Splitsko-dalmatinskoj županiji analizirani su primjenom faktorske i klaster analize, hi-kvadrat testom i analizom varijance (ANOVA). Faktorskom analizom izdvojeno je sedam oblika kupovne orijentacije žena: faktor 1: trend, interes za odijevanje, užitak u kupnji; faktor 2: lakoća održavanja; faktor 3: orijentiranost na kvalitetu; faktor 4: lojalnost marki/prodavaonici; faktor 5: cjenovna osjetljivost; faktor 6: planiranje/racionalnost kupnje; faktor 7: podložnost utjecaju prodajnog osoblja. Polazeći od oblika kupovne orijentacije žena, k-means klaster analizom izdvojeno je pet različitih segmenata žena i to: (1) orijentirane na kvalitetu, (2) rukovođene funkcionalnošću, (3) usmjerene na modu, (4) indiferentne i (5) cjenovno osjetljive. Analizom varijance utvrđeno je da između segmenata žena postoje značajne statističke razlike u izdacima za kupnju odjeće, ali i u demografskim obilježjima.The objectives of this paper are to identify the factors of female shopping orientation, determine the female market segments, and analyze the differences among segments in their clothing purchase behavior and demographic characteristics. The data collected by a survey undertaken in the Split-Dalmatia County in Croatia were analyzed using factor and cluster analysis as well as the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Factor analysis generated seven factors of female shopping orientation: Factor 1: trend/interest in clothing; Factor 2: convenient maintenance; Factor 3: quality consciousness; Factor 4: brand/store loyalty; Factor 5: price consciousness, Factor 6: planning/efficiency in shopping; Factor 7: advice-seeking tendency. K-means cluster analysis, based on factors of female shopping orientation, produced five different female segments: (1) quality conscious females, (2) efficiency driven females, (3) fashion-oriented females, (4) indifferent females, and (5) price conscious females. The analysis of variance has showed that there were significant differences among female segments in clothing expenditures and demographic characteristics

The clinical and predictive value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in critically ill and mechanically ventilated adult patients

Introduction: CPR/albumin ratio represents a new biomarker that integrates two laboratory-tested acute phase reactants: a positive one (C-reactive protein) and a negative one (albumin), and which can be used as an indicator of the severity, progression and outcome of various illnesses, including critical illnesses. In this retrospective study, we investigated the impact of the CRP/albumin ratio on the clinical characteristics and outcome of the treatment of critically ill and mechanically ventilated adult patients. Patients and methods: This retrospective study included 100 critically ill patients (65 % males and 35 % females; median age of 67) treated at the medical intensive care unit (ICU) which required the use of invasive mechanical ventilation. The primary diagnoses upon admission to the intensive care unit were: sepsis and septic shock (39 %), acute heart failure or worsening chronic heart failure (20 %), exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16 %), pneumonia (11 %), acute kidney injury or the exacerbation of chronic kidney disease (7 %) and other conditions (7 %). Results: Correlation analysis showed a significant moderate positive correlation between CRP/albumin ratio and the duration of mechanical ventilation measured in hours (r = 0.48, p = 0.001) and the time spent in the intensive care unit, measured in days (r = 0.44, p = 0.001). The median of the CRP/albumin ratio was 58.77 and the patients in the above-the-median group had a higher SOFA score. In terms of the outcomes, it has been determined that the surviving patients (56 %) had a significantly lower CRP/albumin ratio compared to those that had not survived (44 %), which correlates with their SOFA scores as well. In the group of survivors, the correlation between the ratio of CRP/albumin and the SOFA score is positive and statistically significant (r = 0.29, p = 0.03), in the group non-survivoris (r= 0.45, p = 0.003.) Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, the CRP/albumin ratio has proved to be a good predictor of clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients

Epicardial Fat Tissue and Coronary Artery Disease

Epikardijalno masno tkivo (EMT) ekstraabdominalno je visceralno masno tkivo smješteno između miokarda i visceralnog lista perikarda s kojima je embriološki, anatomski i funkcionalno povezano. Debljina epikardijalnoga masnog tkiva danas je prepoznata kao nezavisni rizični čimbenik koronarne bolesti srca (KBS), o čemu svjedoči sve veći broj kliničkih studija. Povećani volumen epikardijalnoga masnog tkiva povezan je s kroničnom upalom i povećanim lučenjem proupalnih citokina koji pogoduju i promoviraju proces aterogeneze. Standardiziranim postupkom ultrazvučnog mjerenja debljine epikardijalnoga masnog tkiva lateralnog zida desnog ventrikula može se s velikom sigurnošću predvidjeti postojanje KBS-a, a uz pomoć kompjutorizirane tomografije ili magnetske rezonancije predvidjeti i rizik od mogućega koronarnog događaja. Povezanost debljine i upale epikardijalnoga masnog tkiva s KBS-om nameće ideju o potencijalnim terapijskim intervencijama radi usporavanja procesa aterogeneze.Epicardial fat tissue is extraabdominal visceral fat tissue located between the myocardial muscle and the visceral pericard and connected to it embryonally and functionally. A large number of clinical studies support the claim that the epicardial adipose tissue thickness is an independent risk factor for coronary disease. The enlarged volume of the epicardial fat tissue is connected to chronical inflammation and strong production of anti inflammatory cytokines which entice the atherogenesis. Coronary disease can be predicted by standard measurement of the epicardial fat thickness of the right ventricle lateral wall. Thus it is possible to predict the risk of a coronary incident by conducting a CT or MR scan. The correlation between epicardial fat thickness and inflammation of the fat tissue suggests the possibility of potential therapeutical interventions with the aim to delay aterogenesis

VRIJEME PROVEDENO U KUPNJI I PONAŠANJE KUPACA NA TRŽIŠTU ODJEĆE

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of various antecedents and behavioural consequences of consumers’ perceptions of time spent on shopping for clothing products. Examined antecedent variables are gender, age, income, fashion consciousness and visual merchandising, while outcomes include the number of clothing items purchased. The data, collected by consumer survey in Croatia, was analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and structural equation modelling (SEM). The major findings indicate that visual merchandising has the greatest and positive effect on time spent shopping. As expected, women and younger consumers spend more time shopping than men and older consumers. As for the outcomes, shopping time is positively related to consumer purchases. The study was conducted at a single point in time and was carried out while there was still crisis in Croatia, in a situation where consumers spend less on fashion products. The present study provides the insights into the determinants and consequences of time expenditure and might help fashion retailers design more successfully retailing strategies to encourage consumers to spend more time on shopping in fashion stores, which in turn leads to higher sales.Glavna svrha rada sastoji se od istraživanja značaja različitih prediktora i ponašajućih ishoda za potrošačevu percepciju vremena provedenog u kupnji odjevnih predmeta. Istraživane varijable su uključivale spol, dob, prihod, modnu osviještenost i vizualni merchandising, dok su ishodi obuhvatili broj kupljenih odjevnih predmeta. Podaci, prikupljeni ispitivanjem potrošača u Hrvatskoj, su analizirani korištenjem eksplorativne i konfirmativne faktorske analize, te modeliranja strukturnih jednadžbi (SEM). Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da vizualni merchandising ima najveći i pozitivni utjecaj na vrijeme povedeno u kupnji. Prema očekivanjima, potrošači ženskog spola i mlađi potrošači provode više vremena u kupnji za razliku od potrošača muškog spola i potrošača starije dobi. Što se tiče ishoda, vrijeme provedeno u kupnji pozitivno je povezano s kupnjom. Istraživanje je vršeno u određenom vremenskom razdoblju, a tijekom ekonomske krize u Republici Hrvatskoj kada su potrošači trošili manje novca na modne proizvode. Istraživanje pruža uvid u odrednice i ishode značajne za čimbenik vremenskog izdatka, te može pomoći modnim prodavačima na malo pri uspješnom oblikovanju maloprodajnih strategija s ciljem ohrabrivanja potrošača na veću potrošnju u modnim trgovinama, a što posljedično dovodi do većeg obujma prodaje