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Abstract Carboxypeptidase B1 has long been known to be a pancreas-specific tissue enzyme. In this paper we focus on Carboxypeptidase B1 concentration measurement in dialyzed chronic kidney kidney disease patients and on the effect dialysis adequacy and regimen exert on its concentration. A total of 142 subjects were divided into control and target groups. In the target group two measurements of plasma Carboxypeptidase B1 one month apart were conducted with the use of Carboxypeptidase B1 ELISA kit. The mean Carboxypeptidase B1 concentration was significantly higher in the target arm compared to the control arm (77.60 ± 11.81 ng/mL and 1.22 ± 0.41 ng/mL, respectively; p

Abstract Biliary drainage is then one of the necessary procedures to help patients suffering from icterus to reduce serum bilirubin levels and relieve symptoms. The aim of this study was identifying risk factors for survival in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and to develop a simple scoring system predicting survival from PTBD insertion. This single-centre retrospective study included 175 consecutive patients undergoing PTBD for extrahepatic CCA (perihilar and distal). Prognostic factors affecting survival of patients with CCA treated with PTBD were analysed. A multivariate analysis showed that mass forming tumor with mass larger than 5 cm and presence of metastasis at the time of PTBD served as a negative prognostic factor (p = 0.002), better survival was associated with lower preprocedural bilirubin and lower CRP (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified two significant risk factors for 3-month mortality: mass-forming tumors and bilirubin levels exceeding 185 µmol/L. A simple scoring system was developed to predict 3-month mortality after PTBD in patients with advanced CCA, demonstrating 86.3% negative predictive value and 43.2% positive predictive value.

One of the phenomena that predicts poorer educational outcomes for young people, as well as poorer outcomes in other areas, is certainly the phenomenon of complex needs, i.e., challenges that cut across different domains, often combining psychosocial wellbeing, physical and mental health, socioeconomic background, the burden of different challenges on the young persons’ family, a non-dominant ethnic background, learning difficulties and other aspects. A key challenge with complex needs is the inability of systems (educational and others) to respond appropriately to them, resulting in young people being sent from door to door and being excluded, as well as other adverse responses for both parties (young people and services, educational and others). In order to understand the emergence of complex needs or multiple vulnerabilities, we need to analyse them using an intersectional perspective. In this paper, data from a national Slovenian study entitled Support Networks for Young People in Psychosocial Distress are analysed using a subsample of 32 young people from the overall sample of 203 interviewees. The subsample represents young people whose interviews show the greatest clustering of distress in various contexts of life. The interviews with the selected participants are qualitatively analysed using content analysis based on a scheme of key social systems: school/education, family, peer networks, local community and other (formal) support services. All of these systems are analysed in terms of being supportive or threatening according to the perception of the young person. In all of the systems, more threatening than supportive aspects were reported by young people with complex needs. An analysis of both kinds of factors can help us to think about the changes needed in educational and other systems in order to make them more responsive to the needs of particularly vulnerable young people.

Bringing into the analysis the geographical names with the morpheme -ov-/-ev- in Slovenian (e.g. Volovica, Rakovica, Bukovica, Brezovica, etc.), the article aims to account for the origin of the morpheme -ov-/-ev- in these type of proper names. The Proto-Slavic suffi x *-ov-/-ev- initially arose within Proto-Slavic u- and ū-stem nouns, and their derivatives. Due to formal and semantic analogy, the suffix in question started to spread from this original position to other masculine and feminine nouns, especially to Proto-Slavic o- and ā-stems, with adjectives in *-ov-ъ playing the decisive role. In terms of semantics, in the analysed names, the morpheme -ov-/-ev- is present in the continuations of those Proto-Slavic u- and ū-stem nouns and those Proto-Slavic o- and ā-stems that belong to semantic fields typical of the u- and ū-stems, i.e. plants and/or parts of plants, geomorphological terminology, animal species etc. The author shows that the studied Slovenian toponyms display the following etymological and derivational formations: 1) adjectives in *-ovъ (e.g. Vrhovo, Bukovo, Brezovo); 2) nomina attributiva, derived from adjectives in *-ov-ъ with the suffixes *-ьcь, *-ikъ, *-ica, *-ъkъ, *-ъka (e.g. Vrhovec, Bukovec, Brezovec), as well as concretised nomina qualitatis in *-ina of the same derivational type (e.g. Bukovina); 3) nomina collectiva, originally derived from the stem in *-ov- with the suffix *-ьje (e.g. Vrhovje, Bukovje); 4) nomina originis with the suffix *-jane: *-ov-jane > *-ovĺane ≥ Sln. -ovlje (e.g. Vrhovlje, Bukovlje); 5) extended adjectives in *-ov-ьnъ, *-ov-ьskъ, *-ov-ьjь (e.g. Cerkovni vrh, Brezovski potok, Volovja reber) and their subsequent derivatives (e.g. Bukovnik, Brezovnik).

Abstract Background A mnemonic is a cognitive aid frequently used in health-related education. The main goal of this study was to develop and test a 5-finger mnemonic for teaching schoolchildren the theoretical aspects of adult Basic Life Support (BLS) steps, a process rarely described in the context of instructing laypersons. Methods Experts from the European Resuscitation Council’s Basic Life Support Science and Education Committee (ERC BLS SEC), specializing in teaching adult BLS, participated in the first phase of the pilot study. This phase employed the modified reactive Delphi to develop a 5-finger mnemonic for teaching schoolchildren the theoretical aspects of adult BLS steps, in accordance with the 2021 ERC BLS guidelines. The mnemonic underwent revision rounds based on expert suggestions and was evaluated using a 9-point Likert scale. The process was repeated until there was unanimous approval. In the second phase, a pilot test was conducted with schoolchildren at a summer camp to assess their recall of the 5-finger mnemonic. Following their training in adult BLS steps utilizing the 5-finger mnemonic, schoolchildren were tasked with arranging cards depicting images from the mnemonic both before and after the training. Results From March to October 2022, a four-round modified reactive Delphi engaged four experts from the ERC BLS SEC. Initial expert consensus was moderate, 6.0 (IQR = 4.5–7.5, min = 1, max = 9), on a scale 1 (“totally disagree”) to 9 (“totally agree”). The experts consensus improved over subsequent rounds, resulting in two final versions of the 5-finger mnemonic. Both versions concentrate on the comprehensive adult BLS, differing only in their approach to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): one employs a method of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths, while the other utilizes compression-only CPR. In August 2023, a recall pilot test involved mostly female schoolchildren (12/13, 92.3%). Pre-training, no cards with 5-finger mnemonic content were arranged correctly, but post-training, progress improvement was observed, especially in older schoolchildren (Z = -2.727, p = 0.006). Conclusions The pilot study highlights the potential of using tailored educational tools, such as mnemonics, to teach important lifesaving skills to different age groups. This suggests that the 5-finger mnemonic effectively improved schoolchildren’s understanding of the theoretical aspects of adult BLS steps.

Abstract A new Slovak speech database EWA-DB was created for research purposes aimed at early detection of neurodegenerative diseases from speech. It contains 1649 speakers performing various speech and language tasks, such as sustained vowel phonation, diadochokinesis, naming and picture description. The sample of speakers consists of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, and healthy controls. In this article we describe the EWA-DB development process, the language and speech task selection, patient and healthy control recruitment, as well as the testing and recording protocol. The structure and content of the database and file formats are described in detail. We assume that the presented database could be suitable for the development of automatic systems predicting the diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson’s disease from language and speech features.

In 2021–2024, cryopreservation experiments focused on dormant shoots of pome and stone fruit trees were conducted. The classic freezing protocol, which uses single-nodal segments, was modified towards segments with several nods. In the case of apple and pear trees, we noticed striking variance in the viability among different (or even the same) varieties in different years. Depending on the variety and season, initial drying to 40 and 30% proved effective for apple buds. For pears, it was 40 and 35% in 2023 for ‘Lucasova’. Of the cryopreserved stone fruit trees, only the plum ‘Stanley’ showed demonstrable, albeit low viability of the buds. Seasonal fluctuations are likely to be caused by extreme temperatures during recent winters. In 2025, the results of the budding from the summer of 2024 will be known. However, the course of the experiment in this season, when we focused on the role of the shoot collection date, was again largely affected by the extraordinarily warm weather.

Due to the climate change, pest proliferation and inappropriate species composition, the forests’ health is deteriorating. When new plantings are being planned, a care must be taken to carefully select suitable tree species in order to guarantee a resistance of the forest to adverse biotic and abiotic environmental factors. Besides native species, some introduced ones also appear to be promising; however, their introduction into forest mixtures must always be preceded by a thorough evaluation of their habitat requirements, resistance to pathogens, competitiveness and invasion potential. Fruit trees such as walnuts (both Persian and black), chestnut and Turkish hazel also belong to the species discussed in this context. The walnuts provide excellent timber, but their applicability can be limited by allelopathy. The chestnut might have difficulty to compete in a mixture. The most promising hazel shows a good tolerance with other species and also withstands extreme conditions.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be accompanied by dynamic obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract and acute apical ballooning, which are among the very rare causes of cardiogenic shock. This condition requires a specific treatment approach that in many ways differs from the treatment of other causes of cardiogenic shock. We present a case and our treatment strategy (including extracorporeal life support) for refractory cardiogenic shock in a patient with previously undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

There are more than 3000 species of wild mushrooms in Slovenia. These wild mushrooms represent a promising source of bioactive compounds that can also be used as a source of novel enzymes, thus offering potential economic benefits for a wide range of industries and medicine. In this work, the cellulase, xylanase, protease, and lipase activities were measured in aqueous extracts of 64 Slovenian wild mushrooms of different lifestyles (symbiotic, saprobic, parasitic). We have shown that many of the mushroom extracts tested contain a variety of specific hydrolases. Of the 64 wild mushroom extracts, 16 showed cellulase, 24 xylanase, 30 lipase, and five protease activities. These are the first reports of these enzymatic activities for some of the mushrooms tested.

IntroductionCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection reorganizes early endosomes (EE), recycling endosome (RE), and trans-Golgi network (TGN) and expands their intermediates into a large perinuclear structure that forms the inner part of the cytoplasmic assembly complex (AC). The reorganization begins and results with the basic configuration (known as pre-AC) in the early (E) phase of infection, but the sequence of developmental steps is not yet well understood. One of the first signs of the establishment of the inner pre-AC, which can be observed by immunofluorescence, is the accumulation of Rab10. This study aims to investigate whether Rab10-positive domain (Rab10-PD) is expanded during the E phase of infection.MethodsWe performed long-term live imaging of EGFP-Rab10 with epifluorescence imaging-enhanced digital holotomographic microscopy (DHTM), confocal imaging of known Rab10 interactors and identification of important Rab10 interactors with the proximity-dependent biotin identification assay (BioID). The accumulation of Rab10-PD was analyzed after knock-down of EHBP1 and Rabin8, two proteins that facilitate Rab10 recruitment to membranes, and after blocking of PI(4,5)P2 by PI(4,5)P2-binding protein domains.ResultsOur study shows the gradual expansion of Rab10-PD in the inner pre-AC, the association of Rab10 with EHBP1 and MICAL-L1, and the dependence of Rab10-PD expansion on EHBP1 and PI(4,5)P2 but not Rabin8, indicating the expansion of EE-derived tubular recycling endosome-like membranes in the pre-AC. Silencing of Rab10 and EHBP1 suggests that Rab10-PD expansion is not required for the establishment of the inner pre-AC nor for the expansion of downstream tubular domains.ConclusionThe present work characterizes one of the earliest sequences in the establishment of pre-AC and suggests that subsets of EE-derived tubular membranes may serve as the earliest biomarkers in pre-AC biogenesis. Our study also indicates that the pre-AC biogenesis is complex and likely involves multiple parallel processes, of which Rab10-PD expansion is one. Our experiments, particularly our silencing experiments, show that Rab10 and EHBP-1 do not play a significant role in the later stages of inner pre-AC biogenesis or in the expansion of downstream tubular domains. A more comprehensive understanding of the tubular domain expansion remains to be established.

Abstract Background Triage is a dynamic process prioritising the patient coming to the emergency department. Caring behaviour and patient safety during the triage process are essential for ensuring a good care experience and treatment outcome. Objective To describe triage nurses’ perceptions on caring behaviors and patient safety in the triage area. Design Strauss and Corbin’s Grounded theory method was used to develop the model. Methods The study was conducted in the emergency department in northeastern Slovenia. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, and 19 triage nurses were selected by theoretical sampling, guided by emerging categories between November 2021 and July 2022. The data analysis was conducted according to Strauss and Corbin’s coding framework. Results The analysis of the interviews generated one category: The process of creating a caring and safe triage encounter for the patient, together with two categories that explain the key phenomenon: (1) Triage caring and (2) Safety in the triage process. Within the category “Triage caring”, four subcategories were developed: (1) Assurance of triage nurses’ presence, (2) Connectedness, (3) Respectful attitude, and (4) Knowledge and skills. The category Safety in the triage process consists of three identified subcategories: (1) Conception and perception of safety, (2) Factors influencing patient safety, and (3) Improving the triage safety. Conclusions The triage nurses’ perceptions about caring for the patient and his safety in the triage area show that caring and safety are inseparably linked and coincide when triaging a patient. Namely, caring for the patient means ensuring the patient’s safety at the same time. Implications for the nursing field A better understanding of the importance of triage nurses’ caring behavior and patient safety emerges from the findings, highlighting the challenges faced in a busy emergency department where nurses must balance providing care and responding to patients’ needs while ensuring safety. Findings in the study show that patient care and safety are inseparably linked and coincide when triaging a patient. Moreover, applying caring behaviour during triage encounter results in greater patient safety. No patient or public contribution The study’s design, evaluation of the findings, and execution did not need the involvement of patients or the general public. Participants were triage nurses working in the emergency department. Triage nurses were interviewed about their perceptions of triage nurses on caring behaviors and patient safety during triage encounter.

ObjectiveOne potential strategy to address inadequate screening for somatic comorbidities among patients with mental disorders is to integrate a clinical pharmacist into the inpatient team for daily interdisciplinary ward rounds. This approach remains under-researched in psychiatric hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist on drug-related problems (DRPs) during daily ward rounds within an interdisciplinary team in a psychiatric hospital.MethodsA retrospective observational pre-post study was conducted at the Ormož Psychiatric Hospital in Slovenia, including patients treated between 2019 and 2020, during which clinical pharmacists offered recommendations during daily ward rounds. The primary outcomes assessed the difference in the total number of DRPs observed at the time of hospital discharge compared to previous stage, as well as the recommendations and their continuation rate after three months. The secondary outcomes evaluated adherence to treatment guidelines.ResultsThe study included 186 patients (mean age: 58.1 years, SD=17.0). During ward rounds, 280 recommendations related to DRPs were conducted (1.5 recommendations per patient). Regarding the nature of DRPs, 154 (55.0%) were identified as expressed DRPs, while 127 (45.0%) were deemed potential DRPs. Following pharmacist recommendations, 133 (86.4%) of the expressed DRPs were successfully resolved. The majority of DRPs pertained to treatment effectiveness (N=179, 63.9%), followed by unnecessary treatments (N=86, 30.7%) and patient safety (N=15, 5.4%). Initially, the acceptance rate of recommendations was 88.9% (N=249) at discharge, declining to 63.2% (N=177) three months after discharge. The acceptance rate for somatic conditions at discharge was 87.8% (N=122), declining to 59.0% (N=82) three months after discharge. Adherence to treatment guidelines for somatic comorbidities increased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results indicate that this approach led to fewer DRPs, a high rate of acceptance, and better adherence to treatment guidelines. This is the first retrospective pre-post study in the European Union to include this collaboration in daily rounds at psychiatric hospitals, focusing on somatic comorbidities. However, the study also has significant limitations, such as its non-randomized design and short monitoring period, which should be addressed in future research.

Súčasné poznatky o detskej reči sa len pomaly dostávajú k učiteľom mateřských škôl a do výchovno-vzdelávacej praxe. Pedagogická prax vyžaduje, aby sa hľadali možnosti a stratégie aplikácie týchto poznatkov do vzdelávania. Cieľom predkladanej štúdie je predstaviť (1) dizajn pedagogického výskumu stimulácie reči na základe súčasných výskumov o detskej reči s využitím princípov Montessori pedagogiky a (2) výsledky prvej fázy daného pedagogického výskumu. Štruktúra: V prvej časti štúdie opisujeme výskumy v oblasti Montessori pedagogiky súvisiace s detskou rečou a súčasné poznatky o reči slovensky hovoriacich detí, ktoré neboli doteraz súčasťou Montessori pedagogiky, ani didaktiky slovenského jazyka v predprimárnom vzdelávaní. Ďalej opisujeme dizajn pedagogického výskumu, ktorý je súčasťou dizertačnej práce Rozvoj reči v predškolskom veku v kontexte Montessori pedagogiky a súčasného výskumu rečového vývinu na Slovensku1 . V druhej časti sa venujeme prvej fáze výskumu, ktorá predchádza pedagogickej intervencii. Predmetom nášho pozorovania je úroveň reči detí predškolského veku s nenarušeným rečovým vývinom. Zamerali sme sa na vybrané jazykovo-komunikačné javy, ktoré sa budeme snažiť v ďalších etapách pedagogického výskumu stimulovať princípmi Montessori pedagogiky. V centre našej pozornosti sú slovná zásoba (kategorizácia pojmov) a pravidlá jazyka (flexia a slovotvorba). Pozorovanie sme realizovali s ôsmimi deťmi vo veku 3,10–6,00 rokov na základe dostupného výberu. Metódy: Každé dieťa absolvovalo diagnostikovanie reči prostredníctvom verbálno-vizuálnych a verbálno-manipulačných metód. Závery: Na základe analýzy získaných dát a ich interpretácie sa ukazuje úroveň reči a spôsob osvojovania si vybraných jazykovo-komunikačných javov vzhľadom na vek, z čoho budeme vychádzať pri návrhu didaktického materiálu a aktivít stimulácie vybraných javov.

Summary: Ded1 and Dbp1 are paralogous conserved DEAD-box ATPases involved in translation initiation in yeast. In long-term starvation states, Dbp1 expression increases and Ded1 decreases, whereas in cycling mitotic cells, Dbp1 is absent. Inserting DBP1 in place of DED1 cannot replace Ded1 function in supporting mitotic translation, partly due to inefficient translation of the DBP1 coding region. Global translation measurements, activity of mRNA-tethered proteins, and growth assays show that—even at matched protein levels—Ded1 is better than Dbp1 at activating translation, especially for mRNAs with structured 5′ leaders. Heat-stressed cells normally downregulate translation of structured housekeeping transcripts and halt growth, but neither occurs in Dbp1-expressing cells. This failure to halt growth in response to heat is not based on deficient stress granule formation or failure to reduce bulk translation. Rather, it depends on heat-triggered loss of Ded1 function mediated by an 11-amino-acid interval within its intrinsically disordered C terminus.

Introduction Previous research has raised concerns about high prevalence of drug-related problems, polypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in nursing homes (NHs) and confirmed lack of studies from Central and South-Eastern Europe. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy, hyperpolypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in NH residents in Croatia.Methods Data from 226 older NH residents from five Croatian NHs were collected using the InterRAI Long-Term Care Facilities assessment form. The prevalence and determinants of polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy and patterns of inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing were documented.Results The prevalence of polypharmacy (49.6%) and hyperpolypharmacy (25.7%) among NH residents was high. In our study, 72.1% of NH residents were prescribed at least one psychotropic agent, 36.7% used 2–3 psychotropics and 6.6% used 4+ psychotropics. Among benzodiazepine users (55.8%), 28% of residents were prescribed benzodiazepines in higher than recommended geriatric doses, 75% used them for the long term and 48% were prescribed concomitant interacting medications. The odds of being prescribed polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy were significantly higher for older patients with polymorbidity (6+ disorders, proportional odds ratio (POR) = 19.8), type II diabetes (POR = 5.2), ischemic heart disease (POR = 4.6), higher frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS ≥5); POR = 4.3) and gastrointestinal problems (POR = 4.8).Conclusions Our research underscores the persistent challenge of inappropriate medication use and drug-related harms among older NH residents, despite existing evidence and professional campaigns. Effective regulatory and policy interventions, including the implementation of geriatrician and clinical pharmacy services, are essential to address this critical issue and ensure optimal medication management for vulnerable NH populations.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the major health challenges faced by developed countries. Donation after circulatory death is a process of retrieving organs from individuals whose death has been confirmed by circulatory or respiratory criteria. In 2018, 136 625 people were listed on the waitlist covering over 16 countries. Out of these 136 625 individuals, 7383 died whilst waiting that year. The aim of this study is to assess the potential for the uncontrolled donation after circulatory death among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients in Slovenia. This non-interventional study was conducted using the Slovenian out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry dataset. The database measured Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Slovenia between September and November 2022. From the database we chose patients who would be identified as donors by the uncontrolled donation after circulatory death guidelines for patient selection. Using the selection criteria we have narrowed the used data set from 294 unique patient records to 19. There were no organ donors in the cohort. With extrapolation we calculated that in 2022 there could be 111 donors in Slovenia that would fit the uncontrolled donation after circulatory death criteria. This equates to 52.4 pmp/y. We conclude that uncontrolled donation after circulatory death program in Slovenia would positively impact patients. Although our study is limited by a small sample of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients and short duration of the Slovenian out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry inclusion, the results offer a good foundation to further explore uncontrolled organ donation in Slovenia and similar countries.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer, often employed as a bridging therapy or destination treatment for non-operable cases. This case report discusses an 82-year-old woman with a large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent elective TACE due to the high surgical risk associated with her tumor size. Unexpectedly, the patient experienced liver rupture 20 h post-procedure, leading to acute surgical intervention. Despite successful hemostasis during surgery, the patient succumbed to progressive multi-organ failure. We aimed to search the PubMed database for documented cases of ruptured HCC after TACE. This study highlights risk factors for spontaneous HCC rupture and specific factors associated with TACE-induced rupture. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is currently favored as the treatment method for spontaneous ruptures, while the optimal therapy for TACE-induced ruptures remains unclear. In conclusion, this case underscores the importance of recognizing the rare complication of HCC rupture post-TACE and the need for personalized risk assessment. While TAE emerges as a primary treatment choice, the lack of consensus necessitates further studies to establish evidence-based approaches for managing this uncommon yet life-threatening complication.

This study evaluated the effect of seed weight and seed treatment on yield and growth parameters in a three-year field trial. Seed weight treatments were tested in three levels of thousand seed weight (TSW): low 4.28 g, medium 5.00 g and high 5.69 g, with and without a biostimulant seed treatment of Lumibio Kelta. Although statistically significant differences were not found in all experimental years, the three-year results showed that sowing seeds with higher seed weight increased the initial and final stand counts, root length, seed yield and oil content. The final stand at harvest time averaged over the three years ranged from 23.0 (low TSW) to 29.5 plants per 1 m2 (high TSW). Plants from high TSW seed had an average of 1.1 cm longer roots than plants from low TSW seed. The average yield increased with TSW: 5.49 t/ha (low TSW), 5.86 t/ha (medium TSW), and 5.94 t/ha (high TSW). High TSW also yielded higher oil content (45.77%) compared to the medium (45.25%) and low TSW (45.27%). No statistical difference could be detected in the initial emergence counts or final seed quality according to seed treatment. Seed treatment with the biostimulant increased root length and seed yield. Plants from seeds treated with the biostimulant had roots with an average of 0.6 cm longer, yielding 0.2 t/ha higher than the non-treated ones.

Background: Impaired endothelial function has been associated with vascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but its role in T2D-related heart failure (HF) remains indeterminate. The aim of this study was to assess selected markers of endothelial function in T2D patients with acute decompensated HF. Methods: A pilot prospective study on patients with acute decompensated HF requiring in-hospital admission was carried out. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were assessed at admission and after decongestion. Subsequently, differences in these markers between T2D and non-diabetic (ND) patients were studied. Results: In total, 39 patients (21 with T2D and 18 ND patients) were enrolled. Twenty-eight patients presented with preserved ejection fraction (EF), and 11 presented with reduced EF. Looking at the VEGF levels in T2D patients, on admission, a median of 233.0 pg/mL (1.7–598 pg/mL) was found compared to 106.0 pg/mL (1.7–888 pg/mL) in ND individuals; the differences reached statistical significance (p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in VEGF levels after decongestion, and in VCAM-1 (2237 ± 1195 vs. 2699 ± 1093 ng/mL, p = 0.37) and ICAM-1 (596 ± 268 vs. 638 ± 437 ng/mL, p = 0.79) levels between T2D and ND patients upon admission and after decongestion. The value of EF (preserved or reduced) affected the VEGF levels upon admission. Conclusions: This study identified significantly higher VEGF levels upon admission due to acute decompensated HF in T2D patients.

Abstract This study compared the joint kinematics between the front squat (FS) conducted in the upright (natural gravity) position and in the supine position on a short arm human centrifuge (SAHC). Male participants (N = 12) with no prior experience exercising on a centrifuge completed a FS in the upright position before (PRE) and after (POST) a FS exercise conducted on the SAHC while exposed to artificial gravity (AG). Participants completed, in randomized order, three sets of six repetitions with a load equal to body weight or 1.25 × body weight for upright squats, and 1 g and 1.25 g at the center of gravity (COG) for AG. During the terrestrial squats, the load was applied with a barbell. Knee (left/right) and hip (left/right) flexion angles were recorded with a set of inertial measurement units. AG decreased the maximum flexion angle (MAX) of knees and hips as well as the range of motion (ROM), both at 1 and 1.25 g. Minor adaptation was observed between the first and the last repetition performed in AG. AG affects the ability to FS in naïve participants by reducing MAX, MIN and ROM of the knees and hip.

Abstract Background Emergency departments globally are overburdened, and emergency medicine residency is losing popularity among students and physicians. This raises concerns about the collapse of a life-saving system. Our goal was to identify the key workforce reasoning and question medical staff employment behavior. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study. In December 2022, medical students and pre-residency doctors in Slovenia were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire. The data were analyzed using T-test, chi-square test, Mann‒Whitney-Wilcoxon tests, and principal component analysis. Open-ended questions were hand-categorized. Results There were 686 participatns who clicked on the first page and 436 of those finished the survey. 4% of participants gave a clear positive response, while 11% responded positively regarding their decision to pursue emergency medicine residency. The popularity of emergency medicine decreases significantly among recent medical school graduates upon their initial employment. People who choose emergency medicine are less concerned about its complexity and pressure compared to others. Most respondents preferred 12-hour shift lengths. The preferred base salary range for residents was I$ 3623–4529, and for specialists, it was I$ 5435–6341. The sample’s primary personal priorities are achieving a satisfactory work-life balance, earning respect from colleagues, and engaging in academic activities. Factors that attract individuals to choose emergency medicine include high hourly wages, establishment of standards and norms, and reduced working hours. Conclusions Our findings indicate that enhancing compensation, establishing achievable standards and norms, facilitating a beneficial work-life equilibrium, providing assistance with initial property acquisition, stimulating participation in deficit residency programs, fostering collegiality among peers, restricting the duration of shifts, and enabling pension accrual may be imperative in attracting more individuals to pursue emergency medicine residency.

Abstract Background Although stroke and acute limb ischemia seem easily distinguishable by anamnesis and physical examination, symptoms may overlap and sometimes mislead the examiner. Such a situation can arise in the occurrence of unilateral neurological symptoms affecting the upper and lower limbs at the same time. As timely diagnosis and a correct therapeutic intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible damage in both diseases, knowledge of the possibility of one disease mimicking the other is essential. We present a unique case of acute unilateral upper and lower limb ischemia mimicking an acute stroke. Case presentation A 69-year-old Caucasian patient with known atherosclerotic risk factors was admitted to the emergency department with a suspected stroke with unilateral paresthesia. After a comprehensive examination of the patient with the need for repeated reevaluation and a negative brain computed tomography scan, acute left-sided upper and lower limb ischemia was eventually diagnosed. The patient underwent surgical revascularization of the upper and lower limbs with a satisfactory result and was discharged from the hospital after a few days. Conclusion It is of utmost importance to always stay alert for stroke mimics, as overlooking can lead to severe complications and delay adequate therapy. Our case shows that persistent diagnostic effort leads to successful treatment of the patient even on rare occasions, as is the acute unilateral upper and lower limb ischemia.

Abstract A thin dielectric layer is an important constituent element in 2D materials-based electronics and photonics. Current methods of using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and direct deposition of dielectric layer induce either high leakage current or unintentional doping and defect. Here we report a technique for damaging free integration of dielectric layer to form high-quality van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure. The dielectric layer is grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on 2D materials and then deterministically transferred on the target 2D material. The much weaker binding energy between the ALD dielectric and the 2D materials enables the growth and exfoliation of the atomically thin dielectrics, which is confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and the density function theory calculations. The effectiveness of the technology is proven by the Raman and photoluminescence measurement on WS2 monolayer protected by the dielectric film through harsh plasma treatment. Furthermore, a 2D materials-based MOSFET is constructed as a demonstration of the viability of the technology for electronic device applications. The method produces flat surfaces and clean interfaces and would greatly benefit electronic and photonic applications as encapsulation or high-κ gate dielectric.

Goal: Parkinson's disease (PD) can lead to gait impairment and Freezing of Gait (FoG). Recent advances in cueing technologies have enhanced mobility in PD patients. While sensor technology and machine learning offer real-time detection for on-demand cueing, existing systems are limited by the usage of smartphones between the sensor(s) and cueing device(s) for data processing. By avoiding this we aim at improving usability, robustness, and detection delay. Methods: We present a new technical solution, that runs detection and cueing algorithms directly on the sensing and cueing devices, bypassing the smartphone. This solution relies on edge computing on the devices' hardware. The wearable system consists of a single inertial sensor to control a stimulator and enables machine-learning-based FoG detection by classifying foot motion phases as either normal or FoG-affected. We demonstrate the system's functionality and safety during on-demand gait-synchronous electrical cueing in two patients, performing freezing of gait assessments. As references, motion phases and FoG episodes have been video-annotated. Results: The analysis confirms adequate gait phase and FoG detection performance. The mobility assistant detected foot motions with a rate above 94 % and classified them with an accuracy of 84 % into normal or FoG-affected. The FoG detection delay is mainly defined by the foot-motion duration, which is below the delay in existing sliding-window approaches. Conclusions: Direct computing on the sensor and cueing devices ensures robust detection of FoG-affected motions for on demand cueing synchronized with the gait. The proposed solution can be easily adopted to other sensor and cueing modalities.

In addition to its use as a lightweight material, pure magnesium is a promising candidate for prospective bioimplants considering its excellent biocompatible properties. Regardless of what Mg application is used, the ultimate goal is to improve magnesium's mechanical properties and degradation behaviour. Because of the high affinity for oxygen native oxide layer of gas-atomized powders is naturally formed in contact with the atmosphere. S/TEM investigation of the native oxide of the Mg powder particles revealed a nonhomogeneous nano-crystalline MgO layer. MgO is relatively soluble in water and does not provide sufficient corrosion protection. Among various surface treatment methods, conversion of the non-protective magnesium oxide to carbonate products is possible depending on the environmental conditions. This work used a simple experimental method using CO2 and water vapour to achieve surface carbonation of Mg powders. Two carbonated samples and pure magnesium were prepared by direct extrusion. The samples after carbonation retained good mechanical properties and the layer of carbonates had a significant impact on corrosion resistance. 1 day carbonation resulted in transformation of native oxide into amorphous layer and reduction of corrosion rate. Longer carbonation (10 days) revealed layer growth and transformation of native oxide to crystalline nesquehonite structure.

In cross-country skiing, athletes expend large amounts of energy to overcome friction as their skis interact with snow. Even minor reductions in the friction can significantly influence race outcomes. Over the years, researchers have found many ways of quantifying ski–snow friction, but there are only a few methods that consider the glide of real-sized skis under natural conditions during both accelerating and decelerating movements. This study introduces a novel experimental setup, consisting of a sled equipped with authentic cross-country skis and a base station that uses satellite receivers to communicate via radio, constituting a real-time kinematic positioning system with centimetre accuracy. While the sled was running on a classic ski track with natural height variations, altitude and velocity data were recorded for quantification of the coefficient of friction (COF), both for accelerating and decelerating motion, employing a model based on Newton’s second law. The results show that the COF during acceleration was more than 20% higher than during deceleration, demonstrating dynamic changes in the frictional behaviour between these phases. This finding is crucial for the execution of all types of cross-country skiing techniques, where the athlete either accelerates or decelerates while moving forward. The ability of the current experimental set-up to distinguish between the COF during acceleration and deceleration has considerable implications for further developments.

The present study aims to approximate the face from the alleged skull of Jan Žižka (ca. AD 1360–1424), a military commander and national hero in the Czech Republic. Found in 1910, the skull has only a fraction of its original structure, which required an initial effort to reconstruct the missing regions from data collected in CT scans of living people’s heads. The forensic facial approximation consisted of projecting the skin boundaries with soft tissue markers and cross-referencing data from statistical projections from CT scans of living people and the use of the anatomical deformation technique, where the digital head of a virtual donor was adjusted until it matched the alleged skull of the Czech general. The final face was the result of the cross-referencing of all data and the completion of the structure respected the iconography attributed to Jan Žižka.

How is it possible to relate the dramatic story of the metropolises of Central and Eastern Europe at the end of the 20th century? Perhaps the path of these cities from late socialism into restored capitalism could be framed as a tale of emancipation from the dead hand of rigid central planning, highlighting the potential of a deregulated market and the polyphony of democratic participation. Or conversely, as the search for an escape from the failure of modernist utopias, bringing in its wake the daring architectural experiments and the chaotic urbanistic reality of postmodernism. Yet no less justifiably, we could also speak of the self-destruction of urban-planning expertise, a narrative of the gradually weakening position of architects and even more so planners as they relinquished the field to spontaneous development, lay actors, political compromises, and primarily neoliberal commodification as the chief factor shaping the growth of cities in the wild 1990s. An unleashing of creative potential – or a new hegemony grounded in “creative destruction” and deregulation of public planning? The primary ambition of the present issue is to understand the conditions behind the transformation of architecture, urban design, and indeed city functioning in the Central and Eastern Europe region that occurred in the final decade of the 20th century. Its theme is derived from an ongoing research project involving researchers from both the Institute for Contemporary History of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ÚSD AV ČR) in Prague and the Department of Architecture at the Historical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (HÚ SAV) in Bratislava, examining the transition from late socialism to postsocialism through the example of the development of the two capital cities of the former federal state of Czechoslovakia. Yet the current issue also works to present a wider geographic picture of the region in the condition of post-socialism. The reality of the 1990s was not formed exclusively by the export of economic, intellectual, or aesthetic situations from the “West” to the “East” after the collapse of the Iron Curtain: without a thorough understanding of the essence of late socialism, we cannot understand what happened to the cities between the Baltic and the Black Sea in the Nineties – or more importantly, why it did.

The general story of ECE cities in the era of transformation is well known. What began in the course of the 1980s as an endeavour to make cities more liveable, humane and ecological, ended up in a massive privatization at some point in the 1990s. Mostly this development has been explained by social geographers, sociologists and others by the impact of the neoliberal ideology and the particular phase of capitalism imported by East Central European states after the fall of communism from the West. In this study I would like to historicize this essential chapter of contemporary urban history in ECE, using the example of housing in Bratislava – the capital representing the most extreme case of housing privatization in the region. While focusing on the process of transformation of housing ownership, I will take into account the different levels, on which privatization was prepared, performed and accomplished. Methodologically, this involves the analysis of the changing ideological framework, the establishment of legal norms and instruments (resp. their adaptation in the municipal context) and revealing the different practices in acquiring flats and houses by individual actors or corporations. Especially on the discursive level, tracing the changing approaches to relationship between citizens and their personal living space (or to ownership in general) in the decade before 1989 will be an important part of the analysis. In order to reconstruct the process of preparing and realizing of housing privatization (and also the high legitimacy of the process in the 1990s), I will analyse not only documents of central (municipal) provenience, but also negotiations and popular demand, which can be documented by sources of particular city districts, especially the Old town (m.č. Staré Mesto) with the potentially most valuable properties in the city.

Actinidia arguta, a liana closely related to well-known Actinidia deliciosa, can be cultivated in Central European conditions thanks to its frost hardiness. The fruit, called kiwi berry, offers a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Micropropagation can be successfully applied in addition to traditional techniques for this species. We established an explant culture of a self-polinating variety ‘Issai’, induced its multiplication and subsequent rooting, after obtaining sufficient number of lateral shoots. The rooted explants were transferred ex vitro. We confirmed high effectivity of in vitro approach for propagation of Actinidia, but during further cultivation in greenhouse, it was massively attacked by pests, which led to health deterioration and repeated need of spraying.

Abstract Background The methodological part of the large-scale study on the psychosocial distress of young people in Slovenia focused on vulnerable young people who use drugs and explored the potential of online interventions in harm reduction programmes. We looked at the needs of young people who, at the time of the research, were attending a virtual Discord day centre hosted by the DrogArt NGO or were involved in the organisation's other programmes. We explored young people's knowledge of online interventions, their satisfaction with them and the opportunities they offer for harm reduction programmes. Methods The study used a qualitative methodology with a combination of deductive and inductive coding, and relied on framework analysis, 18 young people who had used drugs or had stopped using participated in the study. The inclusion criterion was a maximum age of 25 years. In-depth interviews were conducted with the young people, which lasted on average between one and a half and two hours. Results The study showed the potential of online interventions, specifically the virtual day centre, which provide a safe and relaxed space for young people in the sample to meet and talk, which is accessible and where they feel welcome. Online interventions have also enabled some of the sample to engage in the ‘offline’ support types offered within the organisation. The main advantages of online interventions are seen by young people as being more ‘geographically’ accessible and more available during the COVID-19 epidemic. Online support suits some people because they can leave sessions more quickly and it is more informal, while others prefer it because of specific problems or difficulties, such as social anxiety. Conclusions The results show the relatively high potential of online interventions in harm reduction programmes, as well as more broadly for young people with various psychosocial difficulties and who, for example, do not use drugs. These types of support allow quick contact with a professional or peer and facilitate contact with a support programme. Young people are still poorly informed about the support programmes available in Slovenia and would like more information. Thus, in addition to developing and upgrading the network of programmes, we need to focus on providing information to young people through channels that are close to them and can reach them.