The prevalence and importance of male infertility make it a serious worldwide medical and social problem. The aim of this study was to determine if there were any significant differences in zinc concentrations in seminal fluid in men diagnosed with infertility compared to control group, and if there were, to determine how it affected the number and percentage of sperm cells with normal motility and morphology. A case-control study was conducted in the Osijek-Bara nja County from January 2014 to June of 2015. The study included 276 subjects referred to biochemistry laboratory of the Osijek University Hospital Centre, 100 (36.2%) of them with low sperm count confirmed by spermiogram after 3 months. Semen samples were processed according to the World Health Organization criteria, and zinc concentrations were determined using spectrophotometry and direct colorimetry without deproteinization on a chemistry analyzer (Olympus AU 680, Beckman Coulter, Tokyo, Japan). Study results showed the men with low sperm count to be significantly older (Mann Whitney U test: p=0.013) and to have lower zinc levels (χ 2-test: p<0.001). Further analysis included 100 (36.2%) patients with low sperm count. In the group of infertile men, those with low sperm count had higher zinc levels compared to men with azoospermia (Mann Whitney U test: p=0.036), suggesting a connection between lower zinc level in seminal fluid and male fertility. Zinc as a biological marker and an antioxidant affects sperm count, motility and morphology. Zinc supplemental therapy could improve seminal parameters in patients diagnosed with low sperm count. Dietary habits of the subjects differ regionally, and future research could make a solid foundation for complementary approach to treatment of male infertility.

A mastectomy affects the psychological, social, and sexual well-being of patients. Research has confirmed that breast reconstruction is important for improving the quality of life in patients with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients who underwent a mastectomy followed by immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. This prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to March 2020 at the Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, using the health questionnaire SF-36. The study included 79 patients. The results of the study showed that patients who underwent a mastectomy had the lowest scores in the domain of restriction due to physical difficulties, 18.8 (6.3–31.3), in physical functioning and limitation due to emotional difficulties, 16.7 (8.3–33.3), in mental health. In immediate breast reconstruction, patients rated better physical health (p < 0.001), while patients who underwent delayed breast reconstruction rated their mental health worse (p < 0.001) as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Conclusion: The results of this study show that patients without breast reconstruction rated their quality of life worse than patients who underwent immediate and delayed breast reconstruction after mastectomy. There is no difference in the quality of life between patients who underwent immediate and delayed breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer can experience changes in sexual functioning and body images that can seriously affect their quality of life. AIM: The aim of this research was to study the quality of life and sexual functioning of women after a mastectomy and after a breast-conserving surgery and to compare post-operative quality of life. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 204 participants, 101 patients after a mastectomy and 103 patients after a quadrantectomy. The research was conducted using the Croatian version of the questionnaire of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Breast Cancer, the questionnaire with the breast cancer module EORTC QLQ - BR 23. RESULTS: On the EORTC QLQ –BR23 scale, participants with mastectomy rated their sexual functioning (p < 0.001), sexual pleasure (p < 0.001), and systemic side effects (p = 0.04) lower comparing to women after breast-conserving surgery. The overall functionality scale was significantly lower (p = 0.03) for women who underwent mastectomy compared to those who underwent breast-conserving surgery. Participants under 51 years of age had worse body image 1 month after mastectomy (p = 0.006), while sexual functioning was better (p = 0.03) than in older age groups. In breast-conserving surgery group, 1 month after surgery, participants in the age group of 61 years and older assessed body image better (p = 0.04) than in the younger age group. Sexual functioning was rated better by women aged 51–60 years (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Results of this study show that women after breast conserving surgery have better quality of life, better sexual functioning and less side effects of systemic therapy compared to women after mastectomy. The type of surgery, patient’s age and time passed after completion of treatment are important factors which influence sexual functioning and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

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Background Excessive caffeine intake combined with increasing numbers and availability of caffeine-containing products in modern societies are causes for concern. University students may be at increased risk of excessive caffeine consumption due to seeking caffeinated products with well-known wakefulness effects and cognitive benefits. This study aimed to highlight the characteristics of caffeine consumption among Croatian university students. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from May 2020 to April 2021 period. A validated, anonymous questionnaire that contained questions regarding demographic data, data about caffeine consumption habits, and its sources was self-administered via an online link to a cross-faculty representative student sample of the University of Osijek in Eastern Croatia. Results The study sample included 1197 subjects with, median age of 22 years (interquartile range 21-24), 24.1% males, and 75.9% females. The median caffeine intake was 512.0 mg/day (interquartile range 228.0-972.0). The higher caffeine intake was observed in part-time students (p = 0.026), students who were preparing for exams during the participation in this study (p = 0.010), and students who smoked cigarettes (p &lt; 0.001). There was a poor positive correlation between the amount of caffeine intake and academic success connected with caffeine consumption (rs = 0.225; p &lt; 0.001). There were fair positive correlations between the amount of caffeine intake and caffeine consumption because of the avoidance of the withdrawal symptoms (rs = 0.490; p &lt; 0.001) and between the amount of caffeine intake and knowledge of the impact of caffeine consumption on the occurrence of social conflicts (rs = 0.349; p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions The study revealed high caffeine intake among Croatian university students. The implementation of specific preventive measures directed toward the protection of students’ health from adverse health effects related to caffeine is needed. Key messages • Croatian university students have displayed high caffeine intake in their everyday life. • There is a need for the implementation of specific preventive measures directed toward the protection of students’ health from adverse health effects related to caffeine consumption.