Project code: IPD-FDMZ-2025./2026-02
Project manager: Emanuela Ham, mag. paed. et nłag. educ. Phil., asistentica na Fakultetu za dentalnu medicinu i zdravstvo Osijek (Doktorski studij Pedagogija i kultura suvremene škole)
Name of the project:
Factors for work engagement and academic stress in higher education
Project duration: 01.10.2025-01.10.2026.
Abstract:
The aim is to investigate the factors of work engagement and academic stress in higher education among university teachers. The research Will be conducted using a qualitative method, i.e. focus ou s. In addition to its scientific contribution to pedagogical science, the research Will enable higher education institutions to plan more systematically and promote greater faculty work engagement and reduce and revent academic stress.
Project code: IPD-FDMZ- 2025./2026.-03
Project manager: Karla Rožac, asistentica na Fakultetu za dentalnu medicinu i zdravstvo Osijek (Interdisciplinarni doktorski studij Molekularne bioznanosti)
Name of the project:
Serum concentrations of cytokines and metallopeptidases during the conservative and minimal invasive treatment of pain caused by lumbar disc herniation
Project duration: 01.10.2025-01.10.2026.
Abstract:
Disc herniation is the most common cause of low back pain affecting an increasing number of people and is often associated with work conditions. The disc itself is important for maintaining normal spinal function; the central nucleus pulposus secretes collagen and contains proteoglycans that retain water and create hydrostatic pressure to resist compression. Changes in the disc can cause pain, changes in sensation, and weakness, but at the cellular level, low water retention in the central nucleus promotes the breakdown of collagen and extracellular matrix, along with the creation of an immune response. The first approach to treating the condition consists of conservative physical therapy, acupuncture, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other analgesics, and minimally invasive methods (epidural steroid injections - ESI). By comparing conservative and minimally invasive treatment methods, the biological mechanisms of the immune response and matrix remodeling and their regulation, which are necessary for the resorption of the disc herniation, are observed.
Project code: IPD-FDMZ-2025./2026-01
Project manager: Marija Hefer, mag.chem., asistentica na Fakultetu za dentalnu medicinu i zdravstvo Osijek (Interdisciplinarni doktorski studij Molekularne bioznanosti)
Name of the project:
Antioxidant Effects on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Accumulation in an In Vitro MASLD Model
Project duration: 01.10.2025-01.10.2026.
Abstract:
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) represents one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide and is closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The main features of this condition include lipid accumulation within hepatocytes and the resulting oxidative stress, which causes disease progression from simple steatosis to inflammatory and fibrotic changes. The role of oxidative stress in the development of MASLD is particularly important, as it promotes lipid peroxidation and the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. In this context, antioxidants have emerged as potential protective compounds capable of modulating oxidative damage and slowing disease progression. In vitro models, such as HepG2 cells exposed to fatty acids, provide a controlled experimental model for investigating the mechanisms of lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, as well as for evaluating the effects of different antioxidant compounds. This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of potential roles of oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and antioxidants, including (-)-epicatechin, in the revention and treatment of MASLD.
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-01
Project manager: Jelena Jakab, MD, assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Analysis of the Expression of Specific Markers of Adipogenesis after Administration of Simvastatin and Metformin in vitro"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-02
Project manager: Ivana Krpan, Prof., lecturer at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mathematics and Physiology, Doctoral study program 3rd level Mathematics and Physics, Specialization: Physics, Module: Physical Education
Name of the project:
"Renewal of Laboratory Exercises in Physics in Accordance with the Learning Outcome in Health Studies in Order to Develop Students' Scientific Skills"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-03
Project manager: Lucija Kuna, M. Sc., assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Antioxidant Activity and Analysis of Genes Involved in Oxidative Stress in Epithelial Damage of Direct Sodium Taurocholate in a Cellular Model of Ulcer Disease"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-04
Project manager: Ivana Lovrić, MD, assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Effect of Administration of 13-Cis Retinonic Acid and High-Fat Diet on Intestinal Microbiome, Development of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Lewis Rats"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-05
Project manager: Robert Mujkić, Prof., assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Association of Proinflammatory and Remodulation Processes with Serum Adipocytokine Concentration and Collagen Content in Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue of the Abdominal Region in Children and Adult Male Subjects"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-06
Project manager: Vjera Ninčević, MD, assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Molecular Mechanisms of the Renoprotective Effect of SGLT2 and GLP-1 Analogues on a Cellular Model of the Proximal Tubule of a Healthy Human Kidney (HK2)"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-07
Project manager: Tea Omanović Kolarić, MD, assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Characteristics of Tamoxifen-Induced Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in a Model of Metabolically Functional Human Liver Cells"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-08
Project manager: Marija Pejakić, DMD, assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Histological, Histomorphometric and Radiological Evaluation of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Injection Form at Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-09
Project manager: Ivan Perić, MSK, assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate study at the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad)
Name of the project:
"Effects of Creatine Precursor Supplements on Functional-Motor and Biochemical Parameters"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019
Project code: IPD-2018-FDMZOS-10
Project manager: Nikola Volarić, MD, assistant at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek (Postgraduate Doctoral Study of Biomedicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek)
Name of the project:
"Development of Dentistry in Osijek"
Funding period: July 2018 - July 2019