University of Split

Understanding antimicrobial peptide (AMP) structural determinants is crucial for clinical development. While most designed AMPs are short and helical, many natural ones have unstructured or cyclic C-terminal tails with poorly defined functions. We studied mesco-2 from the flatworm Mesocestoides corti, with an N-terminal α-helix kinked around a palindromic GRGIGRG motif and an unstructured C-terminal tail containing a disulfide-forming CLGRC motif, along with its disulfide-reduced analogue mesco-2 A. Similar CXXXC motifs are common in flatworm AMPs and typically occur in unstructured regions, as indicated by the sequence analysis. Molecular modelling revealed that the C-terminal disulfide loop modulates mesco-2 flexibility and oligomerization. Both peptides displayed strong antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity. Differences appeared in their effect on bacterial growth kinetics at sub-bactericidal concentrations. Flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging confirmed membrane-related mechanisms, but for mesco-2 A the membrane-disruptive effect was slower. Atomic force microscopy confirmed their distinct membrane interaction modes, and circular dichroism in anionic liposomes revealed secondary-structure differences. Microscale thermophoresis confirmed distinct liposome binding, with mesco-2 A likely binding as monomers and mesco-2 forming assemblies, as also suggested by the modelling results. Overall, our findings show that the C-terminal cyclic tail is a tunable element for peptide engineering, enabling control over the speed, extent, and cooperativity of antimicrobial activity.

Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are widely used analytical tools for the determination of specific ions in a variety of analytical applications due to their simplicity, selectivity, and low cost. Recent developments in materials science and digital fabrication have opened new opportunities for redesigning ISEs using modern manufacturing techniques. Here, we present a new application of 3D printing for fabricating potassium-selective electrodes using a simplified membrane composition. The 3D printing cocktail was prepared by mixing potassium tetraphenylborate, silver sulfide or graphite, and industrial ABS (acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) polymer. Membranes were tested both without and with the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Incorporation of ZnO NPs significantly enhanced the electrode slope, while graphite-based membranes exhibited faster response, with potential stabilizing within 3-7 s across a concentration range of 4.88 × 10-5 mol L-1 to 1.00 × 10-2 mol L-1. The optimized 3D printed membrane containing 0.6% ZnO NPs showed near-Nernstian behaviour (slope: 59.178 mV per decade and R2 = 0.9989), a limit of detection of 2.06 × 10-5 mol L-1 and high selectivity against common interfering ions. These results demonstrate that 3D printing combined with a suitable membrane composition and nanoparticle incorporation provides a versatile platform for rapid, reproducible, and high-performance potassium ISEs.

Satellite remote sensing increasingly supports water quality monitoring, yet the temporal transferability of machine learning (ML) models remains insufficiently tested, particularly in coastal shallow lakes subject to hydrological variability. This study evaluates the predictive robustness of satellite-based ML models for electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity (TUR), water temperature (WT), and dissolved oxygen (DO) in Vrana Lake, Croatia. A total of 409 in situ measurements collected during 2023–2024 and 2025 were paired with Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8–9 imagery. Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall correlation analyses were applied for parameter-specific band selection using original, inverse, quadratic, and logarithmic feature transformations. Seventeen regression algorithms were evaluated under six training–testing split strategies, including strict temporal projection. WT exhibited high robustness (R2 ≈ 0.90 under temporal projection) due to its strong dependence on thermal bands, while DO achieved moderate temporal stability (R2 = 0.51) using log-transformed predictors. EC and TUR demonstrated substantial performance degradation under temporal separation (R2 = 0.14 and −4.62, respectively), reflecting sensitivity to distribution shifts. For parameters showing sufficient stability, interpretable band-based retrieval equations were derived using the most strongly correlated spectral predictors. These findings highlight the importance of temporally structured validation and demonstrate that model complexity does not guarantee operational robustness in shallow, dynamically evolving lake systems.

Background/Objectives: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a particularly severe subtype of stroke, characterized by high rates of mortality and long-term disability, for which robust prognostic markers are still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of the ICH score, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels with 30-day mortality in patients with sICH. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with sICH based on neuroimaging findings. Demographic data, clinical parameters, neuroimaging findings, and serum hs-cTnI levels were collected on admission. Subsequently, the ICH score, its individual components, and the NIHSS score were assessed. Results: Patients who died were older and had significantly higher ICH and NIHSS scores, lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, larger hematoma volumes, more frequent intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and elevated hs-cTnI levels compared to survivors. Serum hs-cTnI concentrations were significantly correlated with ICH and NIHSS scores, lower GCS scores, larger hematoma volumes, and the presence of IVH. On univariate logistic regression, higher ICH score, NIHSS score, and hs-cTnI level were associated with mortality, whereas multivariate analysis identified the GCS score, hematoma volume, and IVH score as significant independent factors related to fatal outcome. Conclusions: Individual components of the ICH score may provide useful information on outcomes in patients with sICH. Higher serum hs-cTnI levels were associated with 30-day mortality but were not independent predictors. These markers may assist in patient monitoring and support established clinical procedures in therapeutic decision-making. Nevertheless, larger multicenter studies are needed to further clarify their clinical implications in sICH management.

In the topographic catchment of the River Jadro, areas designated for construction—including terrain modifications causing impermeability—account for 38% of the land. This figure highlights intense urbanization pressure on the catchment's natural environment. Currently, stormwater drainage infrastructure remains largely undeveloped. Future climate change scenarios predict more frequent heavy rainfall events, which will inevitably increase surface runoff and the risk of flash floods. Furthermore, stormwater flowing through urbanized zones will worsen existing pollution, contaminating the River Jadro, its estuary, and the coastal waters of Kaštela Bay. Under the Interreg project "Change We Care," a GIS analysis assessed current imperviousness within the catchment's built environment to support the "Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the River Jadro." Imperviousness data for urban surfaces were derived from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service using the Imperviousness Density Status Layer and categorized by planned land use. Results indicate that within Solin’s administrative boundaries, built-up mixed-use areas possess 50% impervious surfaces. Conversely, in the Municipality of Klis, only 13% of the built-up area is impervious. However, urban regulations allow building plots to reach 80% imperviousness. Consequently, a rise in impervious surfaces to this maximum is probable, a trend already visible in commercial zones. Historically, artificial concrete banks were constructed along the Jadro’s middle and lower courses, disrupting the river's natural characteristics. Given the negative impacts of these anthropogenic changes, restoring river ecosystems is essential. Renaturalizing the main watercourse and its tributaries would significantly enhance regional sustainability. Because the natural and built environments are functionally intertwined, problem-solving requires an integrated approach that combines water management for the Jadro system with Solin’s urban water infrastructure. Therefore, the "Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the River Jadro" recommends mitigating urbanization impacts by strengthening natural components within urban spaces. Key measures include revising allowable impervious surface limits and differentiating permeability parameters by construction zone based on geological and topographic features. The plan also suggests introducing financial incentives for sustainable, ecological solutions. Physical interventions should include renaturalizing parts of the Jadro and its tributaries, protecting against coastal flooding by securing retention areas, and creating a "green-blue heart" in Solin and Klis by upgrading projects with Nature-based Solutions. Today, the DesirMED project is expanding these measures into an integrated management approach for the entire Kaštela Bay area in light of climate change. By collaborating with local stakeholders, a shared vision has been defined. Development is currently underway for adaptation pathways that feature a portfolio of innovative solutions, with a distinct priority placed on Nature-based Solutions to ensure long-term resilience. This evolution from specific river management to a broader bay-wide strategy represents a critical step forward. It acknowledges that effective climate adaptation requires looking beyond immediate municipal borders to encompass the wider hydrological and ecological context of the entire basin. Through these combined efforts, the region aims to balance necessary urban development with the urgent need for environmental preservation and climate resilience.

This study investigates how Croatian students from the University of Split and Italian students from the University of Salerno perceive and use sex-related taboo language, focusing on differences between their first language (L1), Croatian or Italian, and their second language (L2), English. Data were gathered through an anonymous online survey exploring participants’ perception and use of 15 sex-related taboo expressions in both their L1 and L2. A total of 160 university students participated (N = 160), including 80 Croatian and 80 Italian students. The results indicate that students perceive sex-related words and phrases as more offensive in their L1 than in their L2. However, contrary to expectations, they reported using such language more frequently in their L1, both in oral and written communication. This study contributes to understanding how bilinguals navigate sex-related taboo language across their L1 and L2. Unlike most previous research, which has mainly focused on taboo language in general, this study specifically examines sex-related taboo words. The findings contradict the common notion that speakers choose L2 for swearing due to the emotional distance it provides. Instead, it suggests that participants may intentionally choose their L1 to convey stronger emotional intensity, especially in close or personal situations.

Aim: To compare the proliferation and activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in conjunctival cells between glaucoma patients treated with prostaglandin F2 (PGF2) analogs and those who did not receive PGF2 analog treatment. We hypothesized that PGF2 analog treatment increases both processes.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at the University Hospital of Split on conjunctival samples collected from PGF2-treated (PGF2-T) glaucoma patients (n = 6) and non-treated (PGF2-NT) patients (n = 4). Samples were stained for Ki-67 and phospho-ERK1/2 using immunofluorescence methods. We analyzed data using independent samples t-tests, with the significance threshold set at an α of 0.05 (P < 0.05).Results: The proliferation marker Ki-67 and P-ERK1/2, a marker of MAPK/ERK activation, were expressed in both epithelial and stromal cells of the conjunctival tissues in glaucoma patients. Ki-67 expression was significantly higher in the conjunctival tissues of the PGF2-T group (mean (x̄) = 8.40%, standard deviation (SD) = 1.30%, P = 0.0007) compared to the PGF2-NT group (x̄ = 4.25%, SD = 1.04%). Similarly, P-ERK1/2 expression in conjunctival tissues was significantly higher in the PGF2-T group (x̄ = 17.29%, SD = 2.39%, P = 0.0094) compared to the PGF2-NT group (x̄ = 11.93%, SD = 2.53%).Conclusions: Treatment with PGF2 analogs increases cellular proliferation and activates the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in conjunctival tissues of glaucoma patients. This may help explain the adverse effects of these drugs. Future studies should investigate the role of MAPK/ERK signaling in conjunctival tissues and alternative pathways affected by PGF2 analogs, which may help improve glaucoma therapy and reduce adverse effects.

Physical literacy (PL) is a multidimensional construct that supports lifelong engagement in physical activity, while physical fitness (PF) represents a key health-related outcome and an important component of PL in early childhood. Evidence on the relationship between PL and PF in preschool-aged children is still limited, particularly in Croatia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between PL and PF in preschool children and to explore age- and gender-related differences. A total of 103 preschool children (58 girls and 45 boys aged 4-6) participated in this cross-sectional study. PL was assessed using Physical Literacy in Children Questionnaire (PL-C Quest), covering physical, psychological, social, and cognitive domains, while PF and anthropometric variables were measured using the PREFIT test battery. Age and gender effects were analyzed using aligned rank transform ANOVA, while associations between PL domains and PF variables were examined using Spearman's rank correlations. No significant gender differences were observed in PL or PF variables, except for cardiorespiratory endurance among 6-year-olds. Age had a significant effect on most PF indicators, with moderate-to-large effect sizes, but not on PL scores. Significant associations between PL and PF were age-dependent, with the strongest and most consistent correlations observed in 5-year-old children, particularly between total PL and shuttle run performance (ρ = 0.46, p < 0.01). PF improves markedly with age during the preschool period, whereas PL appears relatively stable. Modest, but meaningful associations between PL and PF highlight the importance of early, holistic movement experiences that support not only physical development but also motivation, confidence, and understanding of physical activity. Future studies should investigate the parental influence on children's PL and PF.