Effective disinfection of noncritical hospital surfaces may be essential for limiting the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), which seem to persist despite clear disinfection guidelines and raise concern about the potency of real-world disinfectants and about the consistency of disinfection practices. This study compared the bactericidal efficacy of eight commercially available disinfectants - alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and chlorhexidine (CHX) - against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and model organism Candida albicans as the most frequent causes of hospital-acquired infections in Croatia. Several formulations, particularly those based on QACs and CHX, retained full bactericidal activity even when diluted 10-32 times after only 1 min of contact, while alcohols were ineffective when diluted more than twice. However, all the formulations were effective when applied at full concentration. These findings highlight marked differences in the intrinsic bactericidal strength of commercial products, especially if not applied properly, which may explain variable outcomes observed in routine hospital disinfection practices. These issues may be overcome by rotating different disinfectant classes during routine surface decontamination and by optimising disinfectant strength to improve ARB and fungal control in clinical settings.
We report the first tetrodotoxin (TTX) poisoning cases from Van, Eastern Turkey, a city located more than 1000 km inland. Three male patients presented in December 2020 after eating Lagocephalus sceleratus, which a local vendor mistook for an edible fish. One patient, a 41-year-old man who consumed the fish liver, rapidly developed severe signs of poisoning (adverse event grade 4) with complete paralysis and respiratory failure. Arterial blood gas analysis showed severe acidosis (pH 7.179) and high lactate levels (5.3 mmol/L). Despite intensive care, including mechanical ventilation and high-dose vasopressors, the patient died on the fourth day of hospitalisation due to refractory cardiac arrest. The other two patients, who consumed less fish and no liver, had only mild symptoms (adverse event grades 1 and 2) and recovered completely within 24 h. This incident illustrates the extreme danger of consuming pufferfish and particularly its visceral organs, which typically contain substantially higher tetrodotoxin levels. Finding these cases so far inland reveals serious gaps in the Turkish food distribution system. The fish likely travelled from Mediterranean ports to Van in mixed fish crates without having been identified. Fish vendors need proper training to identify toxic species, and supply chains require better oversight to prevent such tragedies.
Nasal carriage plays a key role in Staphylococcus aureus transmission, particularly among individuals working in the food sector. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between personal hygiene and nasal carriage of S. aureus among workers in food production, distribution, and trade. It was conducted in Skopje from November 2021 to March 2022 and included 289 workers undergoing mandatory health and hygiene examinations. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and microbiological testing of nasal swabs. The overall prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage was 12.5 % (95 % CI: 8.7-16.3 %). Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) prevailed in 11.8 % (95 % CI: 8.1-15.5 %) and the methicillin-resistant variety (MRSA) in only 0.7 % (95 % CI: 0-1.7 %). We found no significant associations between nasal carriage and demographic or hygiene variables (assessed using the chi-squared test) but did observe higher carriage rates among men (15.7 %), cooks (28.6 %), and individuals with untidy nails (17 %). However, our findings should be interpreted with caution, and future studies should address the limitations of the present study. Targeted training, routine screening, and consistent adherence to good hygiene practices remain important for minimising colonisation and reducing the risk of S. aureus transmission.
Glyphosate exposure is commonly assessed using either passive dosimetry or biomonitoring. This study tests the hypothesis that internal dose estimates derived from passive dosimetry are higher and more uncertain than those derived from biomonitoring by comparing concurrently collected passive dosimetry and biomonitoring data from a controlled simulation of heavy residential herbicide application. The two predominant exposure routes were evaluated separately: six applicators were protected from dermal exposures with hooded Tyvek® coveralls and gloves and six were protected from inhalation exposure with a respirator. Urine was serially collected from all applicators between 30 min prior to and up to 36 h after application, while breathing-zone air samplers (left and right lapel) and four dermal patches were collected from dermally protected applicators. Internal doses were independently estimated from air and dermal patch measurements (passive dosimetry) and from urinary glyphosate residues (biomonitoring; dilution-adjusted). Average total internal daily doses of glyphosate estimated from passive dosimetry were approximately seven times greater than biomonitoring-based estimates. This overestimation appeared attributable to the dermal pathway and was consistent with the uncertainty in the assumed dermal absorption and clothing penetration factors as well as with the uncertainty introduced by extrapolating a limited number of dermal patch measurements to larger body regions. Even so, the highest individual internal daily dose of glyphosate derived from passive dosimetry remained below the internal-dose benchmark derived from conservative regulatory health-based guidance values (60 µg/kg/day), suggesting a low likelihood of adverse health effects under the tested conditions. By directly comparing concurrently collected passive dosimetry and biomonitoring data in applicators with detectable urinary glyphosate, this study provides empirical support for using biomonitoring to evaluate and refine dermal passive-dosimetry assumptions in glyphosate exposure assessment.
Microplastics in aquatic environments raise concern about their role as potential carriers of pathogens and organic pollutants. This study investigates the survival of the extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in the presence of selected priority substances including benzene derivatives (trichlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, and hexachlorobenzene), trifluralin, and primary polyethylene microplastics. The results indicate that the amount of adsorbed priority substances on microplastics from a mixture solution is slightly lower than the adsorption from individual solutions. Furthermore, GC/MS analysis shows that other chemicals used in plastic manufacturing can be released from microplastics into the environment over time and should be taken into account when assessing the environmental impact of microplastics. The proliferation of the environmental Sava 4 A. baumannii strain was not affected by the presence of benzene derivatives and microplastic particles at concentrations of up to 10 g/L in the water medium, and microscopy confirmed that it can colonise and form a biofilm on microplastic particles with adsorbed benzene derivatives, which demonstrates that microplastics have the potential to spread pollutants and potentially harmful bacteria over long distances and introduce them into various aquatic environments.
Aroclor 1254 (A1254) is a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners known to induce testicular toxicity through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and hormonal disruption. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element for male reproduction, contributes to antioxidant defence, DNA repair, and spermatogenesis. Given the worldwide prevalence of Se deficiency and its potential impact on reproductive health, this study investigated the effects of A1254 exposure on testicular function in Sprague-Dawley rats with different Se status. Rats assigned to the Se-deficient group were receiving a ≤0.05 mg/kg Se diet, while those assigned to the Se-supplemented group were receiving 1 mg/kg Se for five weeks. A1254-treated groups were receiving 10 mg/kg/day of A1254 by oral gavage for 15 consecutive days. A1254 exposure caused significant reductions in testis weight, sperm count, motility, and plasma testosterone levels, accompanied by extensive germ cell apoptosis and enhanced lipid and protein oxidation. Total antioxidant capacity also dropped significantly, confirming redox imbalance in A1254-exposed testes. These adverse effects were substantially exacerbated in the Se-deficient group, whereas Se supplementation ameliorated but did not fully prevent histological and biochemical changes induced by A1254. Our findings demonstrate that Se plays a crucial protective role against PCB-associated testicular injury, primarily by mitigating oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. However, Se supplementation alone may not completely counteract the reproductive toxicity caused by persistent environmental contaminants such as A1254.
The widespread presence of pharmaceuticals and industrial pollutants in aquatic environments necessitates rapid screening tools capable of detecting hazards and adverse biological effects. In this study, we selected the nauplii of Artemia salina (brine shrimp) as a model to screen for the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of three cytostatics (5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and etoposide), one pesticide (glyphosate), one surfactant (benzalkonium chloride), and one antifouling agent (tributyltin chloride), all applied in graded concentrations for 24 and 48 h. Acute toxicity was quantified by determining median lethal concentrations (LC50), and the genotoxicity of cytostatics was assessed using the alkaline comet assay. All substances caused concentration and time-dependent mortality. Among cytostatics, cisplatin was the most toxic (48 h LC50≈35 µg/mL), followed by etoposide (~130 µg/mL), while 5-fluorouracil was the least toxic (>500 µg/mL). Tributyltin chloride showed the strongest effect among non-pharmaceuticals (0.55 µg/mL), followed by benzalkonium chloride (~7.5 µg/mL) and glyphosate (~43 µg/mL). Cytostatics induced concentration-dependent DNA damage, with etoposide exhibiting the highest tail intensity (~60 %). These findings demonstrate that A. salina is an effective model for early, cost-effective hazard screening and highlight the importance of including genotoxic endpoints, particularly when assessing chemicals with DNA-targeting mechanisms.
Limited efficacy of glioblastoma treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) due to resistance has prompted researchers to look for adjuvants capable of enhancing TMZ-associated cytotoxicity. The aim of our in vitro study was to evaluate such effects of erucic acid when combined with TMZ in human U87 MG cells. Cells were treated for 24 or 72 h with vehicle (control), TMZ (200 ng/mL), or TMZ plus EA (20, 40, 80, or 160 µg/mL). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, membrane integrity with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and intracellular redox balance by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS). The mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes (p53, p21, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and caspase-3) was analysed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Compared with the vehicle control, TMZ plus EA reduced cell viability and increased LDH release, with more pronounced effects at higher EA concentrations and at 72 h. These changes were accompanied by lower TAC and higher TOS, indicating a shift toward a pro-oxidant intracellular environment. At the transcriptional level, the combination induced increased pro-apoptotic Bax, caspase-3, p53, and p21 expression and reduced Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. In conclusion, EA potentiated TMZ-associated cytotoxic responses in U87 MG cells with accompanying oxidative imbalance and apoptosis-related transcriptional changes.
Here we present a case of an atopic boy from Zagreb, Croatia, whose elevated urine mycotoxin levels prompted us investigate whether they were associated with microbial indoor air burden in the child’s primary and music school and family home. The music school had been water-damaged / mould-infested but had been repaired by the time of our measurements. We also measured urine mycotoxin in one healthy child who attended the same elementary school and in all household members of the atopic boy. The results showed no microbial contamination at any of the measurement locations, with bacterial concentrations ranging from 172 to over 570 CFU/m3 of air and fungal concentrations between 67 and 82 CFU/m3, all determined only in the music school classroom. The dominant species isolated in the music school were Aspergillus fumigatus (55 CFU/m3) and Penicillium verrucosum (24 CFU/m3), both potential mycotoxin producers. Considering that only the atopic boy had elevated urine mycotoxin levels, we believe that mould in the music school cannot be ruled out as the source of exposure. In fact, we believe our case illustrates that safety thresholds for mould exposure can vary and may be much lower for immunocompromised or sensitive individuals.
Starting from the hypothesis that occupational noise exposure among paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses at our hospital exceeds the recommended health guidelines and is associated with adverse non-auditory health outcomes, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to quantify personal noise exposure patterns and assess correlations with perceived stress, sleep quality, and hearing handicap in a convenience sample of 60 registered nurses wearing personal noise dosimeters over a 12-hour shift. The participants also completed a survey including the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA). The main finding was that the cohort's mean 8-hour time-weighted average (LAeq,8 h) exposure to noise was 78.5±4.2 dBA, and that all measured shifts exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) hospital guidelines. Peak noise levels (LCpeak) frequently surpassed 115 dBC. Most nurses (N=39) were classified as "poor sleepers" (PSQI>5). Significant positive correlations were found between LAeq,8 h and PSS-10 scores (r=0.45, p<0.001) and global PSQI scores (r=0.52, p<0.001). For every 1 dBA increase in LAeq,8 h, the odds of being a poor sleeper increased by 25 % (odds ratio 1.25; 95 % CI: 1.05-1.48). Even though this is a "snapshot study", it clearly indicates that PICU noise bears significant occupational risks of high stress and poor sleep, which warrants immediate intervention. Further research should focus on longitudinal measurements to get a better idea of noise exposure in healthcare environments, PICUs in particular.
Following a regular occupational health checkup, a 63-year-old worker employed at petrol station for thirty years was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The patient’s occupational history revealed long-term daily exposure to petroleum-derived vapours. As part of a routine occupational health assessment, he underwent comprehensive laboratory testing, followed by further evaluation and treatment by a haematologist, including a myelogram, immunophenotyping of haemoblastosis, and bone marrow histopathology. Based on the completed diagnostic workup, the patient was diagnosed CLL with B-cell predominance. Due to the nature of the disease and job demands, the worker was declared permanently unfit for work at his current workplace. The diagnosis was recognised as an occupational disease by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund thanks to the expert opinion, issued by the occupational health specialist, who, after an extensive toxicological assessment and the exclusion of other possible causes, linked 30 years of occupational inhalation exposure to petroleum products containing benzene with the onset of this malignant disease. This case highlights systemic shortcomings in the assessment of occupational exposure to mixtures of petroleum products, inhalation of vapours, and potential dermal contact among petrol station workers, deficiencies in occupational safety measures, and the crucial role of occupational medicine specialists in the prevention, early detection, and risk management before disease progression, as well as in supporting the legal and occupational rights of affected workers.
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the public awareness of and attitudes toward microplastic pollution in the Kütahya Province of Turkey between September and December 2024 and included 406 users of regional family healthcare centres. Data were collected with a specifically developed questionnaire combining sociodemographic information and self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour related to the microplastics issue and with our Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS), against which we compared the answers to the first questionnaire. MPAS scores were significantly higher among women than men, persons under the age of 40, unmarried participants, university graduates (5.1 times higher than in those with lower education), and residents of developed regions (2.3 times higher than among residents of underdeveloped or developing regions). Overall, participants show pretty good awareness of microplastic pollution. Future prospective studies should cover all ages, but more importantly, develop effective intervention programmes aimed at changing public behaviour.
Medical students face intense academic and lifestyle transitions that can affect their physiological health and well-being. This mixed-method study explores the interplay between the autonomic nervous system activity, measured via heart rate variability (HRV) and lifestyle behaviours, measured with a 20-item questionnaire (LBQ-20) in 90 first-year medical students in South India. We also gathered narrative responses to understand subjective health perceptions and stress adaptation. HRV parameters, calculated individually for each participant and summarised using group-level means, indicate moderate overall autonomic variability (SDNN of 42.76±18.20 ms and RMSSD of 28.37±13.75 ms), while the mean LBQ-20 score of 9.46±3.16 indicates moderate overall adherence to health-promoting behaviours across the cohort. The correlation between the two is weak and non-significant. Thematic analysis of narratives highlight rigid academic routines, stress, poor sleep, and dietary challenges as major barriers to health. This study suggests that medical student well-being is shaped not only by personal lifestyle but also by systemic and psychological stressors.
Based on our previous study on N‑substituted 2-hydroxyiminoacetamides as cholinesterase-targeting ligands, which highlighted 2-hydroxyimino-N-(3-(4-((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropyl)acetamide as lead compound because of its inhibition potency, we extended this group of compounds by introducing a new, bulkier peripheral anionic site (PAS)-binding substituent - 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline to achieve an orientation of its three modular elements that would comply with our initial design: the benzyl unit to occupy the choline binding region, the bulky substituent to stabilise binding at the peripheral site, and the 2-hydroxyiminoacetamide moiety to bind at the catalytic serine residue. The obtained N-(3-(4-((6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropyl)-2-(hydroxyimino)acetamide inhibited both human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) non-competitively in a low micromolar range. Molecular docking studies predicted high stability of the 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline group at PAS and of the 2-hydroxyiminoacetamide moiety and the benzyl group inside the catalytic site of BChE, while the closest orientation of the three modular elements to our initial design was predicted for AChE, though different orientations were also predicted. Cytotoxicity was observed in the HepG2 and HEK293 cell lines, but only at concentrations exceeding those used in the reversible inhibition assay. Our study confirms N-substituted 2-hydroxiiminoacetamides with three structural elements as low micromolar cholinesterase ligands, successfully extending the scope of PAS substituent to 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. Beyond cholinesterase inhibition, our findings contribute to better understanding of the cytotoxic properties of constituting structural elements of the tested N-(3-(4-((6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropyl)-2-(hydroxyimino)acetamide.
Propiconazole is a widely used synthetic fungicide that has raised deep environmental and toxicological concerns due to its persistence and bioactivity. In this study, we investigated the potential of a facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, Bacillus paramycoides to degrade propiconazole by elucidating the functional role of its hydrolase enzyme in silico. The hydrolase was characterised with the FASTA sequence to determine its physicochemical properties, stability, and conserved functional domains. Homology modelling was performed and the predicted structure validated using a Ramachandran plot and ERRAT analysis, yielding an overall quality score of 93.6 %. Eleven propiconazole-related compounds, including parent molecules and degradation products (e.g. hispor, propiconazole TP1, propiconazole TP2, and propiconazole-d7) were retrieved from the PubChem database and subjected to molecular docking using PyRx. Docking analysis revealed stable enzyme-substrate interactions, with the highest binding affinity of -6.8 kcal/mol observed for native hydrolase complexes. Site-directed mutagenesis was subsequently performed, and mutant structures were evaluated for structural stability and functional integrity. The mutated hydrolase exhibited an improved binding affinity of -7.4 kcal/mol, indicating enhanced substrate interaction. Molecular dynamics simulations using the AMBER force field further confirmed the structural stability, binding consistency, and functional reliability of the enzyme-ligand complexes. Overall, these quantitative findings support the potential of B. paramycoides hydrolase as a stable, non-virulent, and efficient candidate for environmentally sustainable bioremediation of propiconazole, with relevance to environmental and occupational toxicology.
To the best of our knowledge, no study so far has investigated the coasting effect of neuropathy caused by occupational exposure to n-hexane through more detailed clinical evaluations than nerve conduction measurements, such that would also include pain assessment and functional status. The aim of our study was therefore to see if our measurements, which include all three elements, would support the coasting effect and reveal associations between electrophysiological measurements and clinical symptom assessments over a 12-month follow-up. Our study included eighteen patients working in the same shoe factory who were diagnosed with occupational neuropathy most likely caused by exposure to n-hexane. After identification of occupational exposure to high, yet unspecified VOC levels by local health authorities, production was suspended and all patients removed from further exposure. All underwent detailed neurological examination, including electroneuromyography (EMG) and the assessment of self-rated pain severity, symptoms, and functionality in everyday activities. All clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiological assessments were performed at baseline and at months 4 and 12 of follow-up. The patients presented with different degrees of numbness, muscle weakness, and sensory disturbances. EMG measurements and clinical scales at month 4 revealed significant worsening from the baseline (p<0.05), and the assessments at month 12 a significant improvement from month 4 (p<0.05), which confirms the coasting effect. Significant correlations were found between baseline motor conduction velocities and subsequent functional outcomes, and between selected sensory parameters and pain severity. Regardless of its limitations, our study points to the real-life consequences of exposure to harmful VOCs in poorly controlled shoe factory environments and establishes the coasting effect through more than one diagnostic parameter. From a preventive perspective, our findings suggest that early electrophysiological evaluation, together with simple and validated clinical scales, may help identify workers at risk of developing neuropathy before irreversible functional impairments occur. Such an approach could inform timely exposure control, medical surveillance, and occupational interventions in high-risk settings.
Forsythoside A, a natural phenylethanoid glycoside extracted from the weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activity, including antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to determine its anti-hyperglycaemic and antioxidative effects in a diabetic mouse model (created by administering high-fat diet alongside successive low doses of streptozotocin) by measuring fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, food and water intake, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes. Diabetic mice received either forsythoside A (30 or 60 mg/kg bw) or metformin (150 mg/kg) as standard type 2 diabetes medication for comparison. After four weeks of administration, forsythoside A significantly increased body weight and reduced food and water intake at both doses, while the higher, 60 mg/kg dose also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and had a similar effect on all these parameters as metformin. The higher, 60 mg/kg dose also had similar antioxidative effects as metformin in lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in elevating the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) levels. Moreover, at 60 mg/kg forsythoside A attenuated lipid accumulation in diabetic mice by elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lowering total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), showing comparable effect to metformin. Similar improvements were observed by histopathological changes in the liver. Forsythoside A also lowered insulin levels in diabetic mice by up-regulating p-IRS-1 and inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by lowering the expressions of the p-p38 and p-JNK proteins. At the same time, it promoted the Nrf2 pathway by increasing Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions relative to untreated diabetic mice. In conclusion, forsythoside A demonstrated therapeutic effects akin to those of 150 mg/kg metformin and may be a promising candidate for clinical application.
Data collected by the Croatian Poison Control Centre (CPCC) in 2020 showed a significant increase in poisoning incidence with surface disinfectants and hand sanitisers compared to the same period in 2019. Considering that this rise in poisoning with biocidal products (BPs) coincided with the start of the COVID pandemic, we wanted to see if there was a trend by analysing six-years' worth of CPCC records of biocidal poisoning cases covering the COVID-19 pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic period (2019-2024). During that period, we received 1320 BP-related calls (8.0 % of a total of 16.441 calls), and 99 % involved four types of BPs: surface disinfectants (542 cases), hand sanitisers (325 cases), insecticides (283 cases), and rodenticides (119 cases). Most poisonings were accidental and involved ingestion and inhalation as the exposure routes. Most patients were asymptomatic or had mild to moderate symptoms, while severe symptoms were mainly observed in suicide attempts, accounting for less than 3.0 % of the cases. Our analysis confirmed an increase in poisoning cases with hand sanitisers during the height of the pandemic (2020-2021) compared to the pre-pandemic 2019, with the numbers somewhat decreasing afterwards (2022-2024), although the number of cases remained higher than before the pandemic. The number of poisonings with surface disinfectants remained similar before and during the pandemic (2019-2021) but showed an increasing trend after the pandemic (2022-2024). Poisoning with rodenticides and insecticides remained stable across all periods. Our findings reinforce the need for greater public awareness of preventive measures, including appropriate labelling and packaging of biocidal products, and for the promotion of safe behaviour in households and workplaces.
This study examines subjective wellbeing (SWB) among administrative staff of a Croatian universal health insurance coverage provider in a transitional economy, hypothesising a moderate spillover effect from job satisfaction to overall life satisfaction. Our aim was to assess the psychometric properties of a modified Personal Wellbeing Index that incorporates job satisfaction (PWI-J), evaluate sociodemographic influences, and validate the job satisfaction domain inclusion in the index. The hypothesis was tested on a convenience sample of 1,051 Croatian employees of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund who completed an anonymous online survey in 2018. Analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlations, ANOVA/MANOVA for sociodemographic effects, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The PWI-J exhibited high reliability (Cronbach's α=0.896), and its two-factor structure (material-practical and socioemotional wellbeing) explained 65 % of the variance. The mean PWI-J score was 65.01 on a 0-100 scale. Standard of living and future security received the lowest score (around 52) and relationships and community the highest (77-81). Spillover was confirmed (ρ=0.633, P<0.001). Compared to the Australian wellbeing triage ranges, participants reported lower economic satisfaction but stronger community ties, with higher education associated with better material outcomes, female gender with enhanced social satisfaction, and younger workers (19-34 years old) with higher socioemotional scores. Our findings underscore economic vulnerabilities balanced by social resilience and validate PWI-J for occupational health assessments. Recommendations include targeted interventions for lower-educated and older workers. Limitations encompass cross-sectional design, self-report bias, and limited generalisability. Future research should pursue longitudinal studies on possible mediators, such as resilience.
Handling clinical samples from patients suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection puts healthcare workers at risk of exposure to infectious particles. To reduce this risk, samples are often heat-inactivated before nucleic acid isolation, but this procedure may affect the analytical sensitivity of the test. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of heat inactivation (56 °C for 30 min) on RT-qPCR results of samples taken from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swabs collected from 200 symptomatic patients. Each sample was split into two aliquots – one subjected to heat inactivation and the other stored at 4 °C – followed by nucleic acid isolation and RT-qPCR analysis using the GeneFinder COVID-19 nucleic acid test. Heat inactivation did not significantly affect the overall SARS-CoV-2 detection rate (55.5 % vs. 55.0 % in untreated and heat-treated groups; χ2=0.01; p=0.91). However, discrepancies occurred in 15.3 % of samples, all with quantification cycle (Cq) values >31, including target loss, gain, or complete signal disappearance after heat treatment. Heat inactivation also slightly decreased Cq values for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and envelope (E) genes and increased those for the nucleocapsid (N) gene, with significant changes in strongly positive samples (Cq≤33). In positive samples (Cq≤40), the human ribonuclease (RNase) P gene also exhibited significantly higher Cq values after heat treatment. In the strongly positive subgroup, correlation analysis showed moderate correlation for RdRp and very strong correlation for the N and E genes, and a weaker correlation for weakly positive samples. In conclusion, heat inactivation at 56 °C for 30 min does not significantly affect viral gene detection but may diminish it in samples with low viral load.
