Background: Behavioral factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, poor diet, and physical inactivity, but also sleep deprivation and negative social connections, play a critical role in the development and progression of major chronic diseases. These include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancers. Methods: The objective of this review is to explore the influence of these modifiable risk factors on the global burden of chronic diseases and assess the potential impact of public health interventions and policy changes. Results: The evidence highlights a significant association between behavioral risk factors and increased morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases. Public health interventions and policy changes targeting these modifiable behaviors have shown substantial potential in reducing the prevalence and impact of chronic conditions. Strategies such as smoking cessation programs, dietary improvements, physical activity promotion, and stress reduction are critical in mitigating these risks. Conclusions: Addressing modifiable behavioral factors is essential for the prevention and control of chronic diseases. Bridging the gap between current knowledge and effective implementation of interventions is crucial for improving population health outcomes. Public health strategies focused on modifying key behavioral risks can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases, thereby improving overall health and reducing healthcare costs.

Background: Distinguishing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from asthma–COPD overlap (ACO) remains challenging due to shared clinical and inflammatory features. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is implicated in airway inflammation and remodeling and may represent a potential treatable trait. This study aimed to evaluate whether serum IL-13 could differentiate between COPD and ACO or define ACO subtypes and to explore its relationship with clinical and phenotype parameters. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional bicentric study in 215 COPD and ACO patients recruited from outpatient clinics. The study measured blood IL-13 levels in COPD vs. ACO patients, across five ACO subtypes, and evaluated IL-13’s ability to predict ACO. Additionally, correlations were explored among endotype (IL-13) and different phenotype traits (e.g., fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), sputum eosinophilia, serum total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) levels, blood eosinophilia, and neutrophilia) and clinical outcomes (annualized exacerbation rate, symptom scores, and pulmonary function parameters). Results: No significant differences in IL-13 levels were found between COPD and ACO patients or among ACO subtypes. IL-13 did not predict ACO occurrence. We observed a weak correlation between IL-13 and tIgE levels in the entire cohort. Additionally, there was a weak correlation between IL-13 and FeNO in patients with eosinophil counts exceeding 300 cells/μL, as well as between IL-13 and age in the COPD cohort. No correlation was found between IL-13 and other phenotypic features or clinical outcomes in the overall cohort, including within both COPD and ACO groups. Conclusions: IL-13 cannot differentiate between COPD and ACO or ACO’s subtypes.

Reproduktivno zdravlje važan je čimbenik cjelokupnog zdravlja ženske populacije jer utječe na kvalitetu života, socijalnu i obiteljsku dinamiku te zdravlje zajednice. Adekvatno funkcioniranje reproduktivnog sustava od vitalne je važnosti za plodnost, uspješnu trudnoću i razvoj zdravog potomstva, no postoji mnogo čimbenika koji mogu negativno utjecati na reproduktivnu funkciju, a među njima se posebno ističe nutritivni status žene, uključujući unos vitamina. Vitamini, kao esencijalni mikronutrijenti, imaju važnu ulogu u brojnim biološkim procesima organizma, a osobito su važni za reproduktivno zdravlje žena. Nedostatak ili neravnoteža određenih vitamina može uzrokovati brojne reproduktivne smetnje, poput smanjene plodnosti, povećanog rizika od pobačaja i komplikacija u trudnoći, kao što su preeklampsija, prijevremeni porod i niska porođajna masa, te negativno utjecati na zdravlje ploda. Vitamin A ima važnu ulogu u regulaciji menstrualnog ciklusa, ovulaciji, pravilnoj funkciji jajnika i zdravlju jajnih stanica, a njegov nedostatak može povećati rizik od neplodnosti i anovulacije. Nedostatak vitamina D može negativno utjecati na kvalitetu jajnih stanica i zdravlje embrija, dok adekvatna količina može pomoći u prevenciji policističnih jajnika. Vitamini B skupine, s folnom kiselinom kao najvažnijim predstavnikom, imaju ključnu ulogu u plodnosti i trudnoći. Nedostatak folne kiseline može uzrokovati defekte u razvoju živčanog sustava fetusa, dok adekvatne količine povećavaju šanse za trudnoću i smanjuju rizik od spontanih pobačaja i drugih komplikacija tijekom trudnoće. Vitamini C i E, poznati po svojim antioksidativnim svojstvima, štite stanice od oksidativnog stresa koji može negativno utjecati na kvalitetu jajnih stanica i spermatozoida, a time i na plodnost. Vitamin E doprinosi zdravlju endometrija i može poboljšati plodnost. Unatoč brojnim poznatim pozitivnim učincima vitamina na reproduktivno zdravlje žena, potrebna su daljnja istraživanja koja će detaljnije ispitati optimalne doze i primjenu vitamina kako bi se razvile specifi čne smjernice za primjenu prema individualnim potrebama žena u prevenciji i liječenju reproduktivnih bolesti.

Background and Objectives: Physical activity represents a cornerstone in the management of diabetes mellitus; however, the majority of persons with diabetes remain insufficiently active. Current guidelines emphasise the need to educate individuals with diabetes on physical activity at each clinical visit. The aim of the study was to develop an adequate instrument and test diabetologists’ knowledge on physical activity and related guidelines in diabetes, as well as investigate their prescribing habits. Materials and Methods: The instrument was developed with four diabetologists using Delphi and RAND appropriateness methods, then distributed to diabetologist societies in 12 Southeast European countries for anonymous completion by their members. Data were analysed using Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson ${ x}^2$ test. Results: Out of 302 analysed respondents, 123 (41%) worked at university hospitals, at average four days a week in outpatient departments, mean number of patients was 16 a day; 95 (32%) had a PhD, and 105 (35%) university teaching positions. Median overall knowledge was 15 (Q1–Q3, 13–17) out of 22 maximum points. 26% diabetologists knew recommended level of physical activity for people with diabetes. Physical activity goals were discussed during check-ups in 53.0% of cases; re-education and goal adjustments were provided in 33.4% when health status changed; and clear instructions were documented in 25.5% of medical records. Conclusions: Diabetologists’ overall knowledge of physical activity was found to be at least satisfactory in 90% of participants. Knowledge of the guidelines is insufficient in 75% of participants. The prescribing habits are inadequate in half of the participants.