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Care of the preterm infant - Ljubljana maternity hospital and Maribor maternity hospital
No full textUvod: Nedonošenčki sodijo med najranljivejše skupine novorojenčkov, saj zaradi nezrelosti organov potrebujejo celostno zdravstveno obravnavo. V Sloveniji sta terciarna centra UKC Ljubljana in UKC Maribor ključni ustanovi za oskrbo teh otrok, kjer se uporabljajo različni pristopi, usmerjeni tudi v vključevanje staršev. Namen: Namen raziskave je bil preučiti klinično prakso obravnave nedonošenčkov v UKC Ljubljana in UKC Maribor ter ugotoviti, v kolikšni meri uporabljajo razvojno usmerjene metode (kengurujčkanje, glasbena terapija, branje, sobivanje) ter vključujejo starše v proces nege. Metode dela: Uporabljen je bil kvantitativni raziskovalni pristop. Podatke smo zbrali z anonimnim anketnim vprašalnikom, ki ga je izpolnilo 18 zdravstvenih delavcev. Vprašalnik je vključeval demografske podatke, protokole oskrbe, uporabo razvojno usmerjenih praks, vključevanje staršev ter postopke transporta. Podatki so bili analizirani s programom 1KA in prikazani v tabelah in grafih. Rezultati: Rezultati so pokazali, da so starši vključeni predvsem v osnovne negovalne dejavnosti, kot sta kengurujčkanje (100 %) in sobivanje, redkeje pa v razvojno usmerjene prakse, kot sta glasbena terapija (25 %) in branje (29 %). Razlike med obravnavo v UKC Ljubljana in UKC Maribor niso bile izrazite, vendar so bile določene prakse obrvnave v UKC Ljubljana nekoliko pogosteje prisotne. Prisotnost staršev pri transportu je bila prav tako pogosteje omogočena v Ljubljani. Razprava in zaključek: Ugotovitve kažejo, da oba centra sledita sodobnim mednarodnim smernicam, vendar obstajajo možnosti za izboljšave, predvsem v večjem in bolj sistematičnem vključevanju staršev ter v širši uporabi razvojno usmerjenih praks.Introduction: Preterm infants belong to the most vulnerable groups of newborns, as their organ immaturity requires comprehensive medical care. In Slovenia, the tertiary centers at the University Medical Centre (UMC) Ljubljana and UMC Maribor are the key institutions for their treatment, where various approaches are applied, including strategies aimed at parental involvement. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the clinical practice of preterm infant care in UMC Ljubljana and UMC Maribor and to determine the extent to which developmental care methods (kangaroo care, music therapy, reading, rooming-in) are used and how parents are involved in the care process. Methods: A quantitative research approach was applied. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire, completed by 18 healthcare professionals. The questionnaire included demographic data, care protocols, use of developmental care practices, parental involvement, and transport procedures. Data were analyzed using the 1KA program and presented in tables and figures. Results: The results showed that parents are mostly involved in basic care activities, such as kangaroo care (100%) and rooming-in, while they are less often included in developmental care practices, such as music therapy (25%) and reading (29%). Differences between UMC Ljubljana and UMC Maribor were not pronounced, although some practices were somewhat more frequent in Ljubljana. Parental presence during transport was also more often enabled in Ljubljana. Discussion and conclusion: The findings indicate that both centers follow modern international guidelineshowever, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of greater and more systematic parental involvement and wider use of developmental care practices
Advanced burned-area detection methods for wildfires in Slovenia using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery
No full textV magistrskem delu smo preverjali uporabnost naprednih metod zaznavanja požarišč na območju Slovenije. Požarišča smo napovedovali za 10 požarnih dogodkov, na podlagi katerih smo ugotavljali splošno uporabnost izvedenih metod. Na podlagi satelitskih posnetkov Sentinel-2 smo za 192 spektralnih indeksov izdelali analizo ločljivosti razredov in določili ožji nabor indeksov z visoko zmožnostjo ločevanja požarišč od ostalih površin. Indekse z najvišjo oceno ločljivosti razredov smo s preprostim povprečjem združili v nov, sintezni indeks ožganosti, ki smo ga uporabili kot podlago za izvedbo različnih pragovnih metod in metode rasti regij. Na podlagi učnih vzorcev in indeksov visoke ločljivosti smo izdelali tudi model strojnega učenja s pomočjo algoritma naključnega gozda. Vse metode smo izdelali tako za pikselsko kot za objektno analizo, ki je zahtevala predhodno segmentacijo. Metode smo vrednotili s pomočjo matrik zmede na podlagi preverjanja podobnosti izdelanih požarišč s poligoni požarišč, ki jih izdeluje Zavod za gozdove Slovenije. Ugotovili smo, da algoritem rasti regij na nivoju pikselske analize izkazuje najvišjo natančnost zaznavanja požarišč.In this master’s thesis, we examine advanced satellite imagery methods for wildfire burned-area detection in Slovenia. Ten wildfire events serve as case studies to demonstrate the general applicability of the methods. Sentinel-2 satellite data were used, and a separability analysis of 192 spectral indices was performed to identify those with the highest ability to differentiate burned areas. The top-performing indices were averaged to create a new synthetic burned-area detection index, which served as a basis for several thresholding methods and a region-growing algorithm. In addition, learning samples and the best performing indices were used for machine learning with a random forest classifier. All methods were applied to both pixel-based and object-based image analysis, the latter requiring prior image segmentation. The methods were evaluated using confusion matrices, based on a comparison of the detected burned areas with official burned-area polygons provided by the Slovenia forest service. Our results indicate that the pixel-based region growing algorithm achieved the highest burned-area detection accuracy
Remarks on proper conflict-free degree-choosability of graphs with prescribed degeneracy
No full textA proper coloring of is called a proper conflict-free coloring of if for every non-isolated vertex of , there is a color such that . As an analogy of degree-choosability of graphs, we introduced the notion of proper conflict-free (degree )-choosability of graphs. For a non-negative integer , a graph is proper conflict-free (degree )-choosable if for any list assignment of with for every vertex , admits a proper conflict-free coloring such that for every vertex . In this note, we first remark if a graph is -degenerate, then is proper conflict-free (degree )-choosable. Furthermore, when , we can reduce the number of colors by showing that every tree is proper conflict-free (degree )-choosable. This motivates us to state a question
Perceptions of telecare and care burden among informal caregivers of older adults with and without dementia
No full textTelecare promises support for older adults aging in place and helps alleviate the burden on informal caregivers. However, research on informal caregivers’ perceptions of telecare is limited, particularly in the context of unique challenges of dementia. This study addresses this gap by examining the differences between informal caregivers of older adults with and without dementia in terms of the care burden, acceptability of different telecare functionalities, and perceived psychosocial outcomes of telecare use. Conducted in Slovenia with 612 informal caregivers aged 40 and above, the study determined that dementia caregivers experienced higher care burden and perceived greater acceptability of mobility-related telecare devices. Both groups reported similar perceived psychosocial outcomes of telecare use, including reassurance and reduced anxiety. The findings highlight the need to tailor telecare functionalities to informal caregivers’ specific circumstances, particularly in supporting people with dementia, to enhance telecare’s effectiveness and the well-being of informal caregivers and care recipients
HIV protein Nef expression in human microglia drives the release of distinct Nef-containing extracellular vesicles
No full textAim: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist in effectively treated HIV-infected individuals, in part due to HIV reservoirs in brain microglia, which express low levels of viral proteins such as Nef. This study aimed to elucidate how microglia release Nef into the extracellular space, where it exerts its biological functions. Methods: Here, we systematically characterized extracellular particles released from immortalized human microglia (h-microglia) expressing Nef alone or after HIV infection. Importantly, we established a novel h-microglia model harboring a stably integrated Nef tagged with green fluorescent protein (Nef.GFP) transgene under an inducible promoter. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were enriched from culture media and analyzed for morphology, size, concentration and molecular composition, including Nef content, by (super-resolution) fluorescence microscopy, (immunogold) transmission electron microscopy, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled to a multi-angle light-scattering detector, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and nano-flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Results: Nef.GFP expression increased particle release up to 11.7-fold compared with controls or known stimulants adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ionomycin. Compared to the latter, the particles were also significantly smaller (root mean square radius, Rrms = 172 nm) and displayed unique protein and density profiles. All data support the EV nature of the released particles. Approximately half of the Nef.GFP-induced EVs contained Nef (45.5% ± 15.8%), with immunogold labeling confirming its intraluminal localization. Notably, infection with HIV isolates NL4-3 and YU-2 likewise produced Nef-positive EVs distinct from virions. Conclusion: Our findings importantly contribute to understanding the source and characteristics of extracellular Nef in the central nervous system of HIV infected individuals and offer new tools to study HIV Nef biology. Nef-laden EVs should be further investigated as potential therapeutic targets in HAND
Is “capitalism” a misnomer?
No full textThe name “capitalism” derives from Marx’s false analogy between medieval land ownership and the “ownership of the means of production.” However, unlike medieval land, capital goods can be rented out, e.g., by Frank Knight’s entrepreneur, and then the capital owner does not hold those management or product rights. What then is the characteristic institution in our civilization? It is the voluntary renting of workers. What then is the relationship between Classical Liberalism, the dominant philosophy behind Economics, and a lifetime labour contract? Frank Knight had plenty to say about the doctrine of inalienable rights which disallows such contracts
Monitoring the microbiological and sensory stability, and antioxidant potential of a functional whey beverage during storage
No full textV magistrski nalogi smo kislo sirotko (KS), ki nastane kot stranski tok pri proizvodnji skute uporabili za izdelavo štirih funkcionalnih sirotkinih napitkov (FSN). V podjetju Arhel d.o.o., smo KS mikrofiltrirali, pasterizirali in fermentirali s kefirnimi zrni (KZ). Dobljeni produkt smo poimenovali izrabljeno gojišče (IG). Po ultrafiltraciji IG smo dobili retentat izrabljenega gojišča (IGR), ki ga nismo obdelali in permeat izrabljenega gojišča (IGP), ki smo ga uporabili za osnovo napitkov. IGP smo zmešali z ustekleničeno vodo in dodali različne sestavine. Napitke smo pasterizirali in jih polnili v pasterizirane steklenice. Končni izdelek smo skladiščili 105 dni v hladilniku, pri sobni temperaturi na svetlobi in temi. Zanimala nas je protimikrobna aktivnost IGP proti potencialno patogenim bakterijam in kemijska sestava napitkov, ki so jo ugotavljali na Inštitutu za mlekarstvo in probiotike (IML-PRO). Spremljali smo vpliv razmer skladiščenja na mikrobiološko stabilnost, ki smo jo ugotavljali na podlagi skupnega števila mikroorganizmov, kvasovk in plesni, enterobakterij, stafilokokov, Salmonella spp. in Listeria monocytogenes ter na senzorično stabilnost (motnost, prisotnost usedline, spreminjanje barve, vonja, okusa) FSN. Na začetku in koncu testiranja smo preverili vsebnost vitaminov ter spremljali spremembe vsebnosti fenolnih spojin in antioksidativne aktivnosti med skladiščenjem. Ugotovili smo, da IGP ni protimikrobno aktiven proti nobenemu od devetih indikatorskih sevov, vključenih v testiranje, pri FSN pa smo ugotovili, da se stabilnost merjenih parametrov najbolj spreminja pri skladiščenju pri sobni temperaturi in izpostavljenosti svetlobi, medtem ko je shranjevanje pri nizki temperaturi najbolj optimalno.In the master’s thesis, we used acid whey (KS), a by-product of quark production, to formulate four functional whey beverages (FSN). At the company Arhel d.o.o., the KS was microfiltered, pasteurized and fermented with kefir grains (KZ). The product was named spent growth medium (IG). After ultrafiltration of the IG, we got spent growth medium retentate (IGR), which was not further processed and spent growth medium permeate (IGP), which we used as the base for the beverages. The IGP was mixed with bottled water and supplemented with various ingredients. The beverages were pasteurized and filled into pasteurized bottles. The final product was stored for 105 days in the refrigerator, at room temperature in the light and dark. We assessed the antimicrobial activity of the IGP against potentially pathogenic bacteria and the chemical composition of the beverages, which was determined at the Institute for Dairy and Probiotics. We monitored the effect of storage conditions on microbiological stability, which was evaluated by measuring total viable counts, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as on sensory stability (turbidity, sediment, changes in color, smell and taste). At the beginning and end of the study, we analysed vitamin content and monitored changes in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity during storage. We found that IGP did not show antimicrobial activity against any of the nine indicator strains included in the study. We found that the stability of the measured parameters changed the most during storage at room temperature with exposure to light and that low temperatures were the most optimal storage condition
Calcium signaling in relation to TRPV4 channels in the lens epithelium of patients with different degrees of cataracts
No full textOčesna leča je prozoren epitelijsko-fibrilarni organ, katerega prosojnost je med drugim
odvisna od uravnavanja znotrajcelične koncentracije kalcija ([Ca²⁺]ᵢ). Motnje v
signalizaciji kalcijevih ionov (Ca²⁺) so povezane z razvojem sive mrene (katarakte), ki
je najpogostejši vzrok za izgubo vida. Med pomembnimi uravnalci homeostaze Ca²⁺ v
leči so ionski kanali iz družine TRP, zlasti TRPV4, ki deluje kot mehanosenzitiven in
osmotsko odziven kanal, odgovoren za vstop Ca²⁺ in vzdrževanje celične
funkcionalnosti. V raziskavi je bila analizirana aktivnost TRPV4 kanalov in njihov vpliv
na Ca²⁺ signalizacijo glede na napredovanje katarakte. Pooperativni vzorci lečnega
epitela so bili pridobljeni pri bolnikih z različnimi stopnjami bolezni na Očesni kliniki
UKC Ljubljana. Celice so bile obarvane s fluorescentnim kalcijevim indikatorjem Fura2, spremembe [Ca²⁺]ᵢ pa spremljane po mehanski stimulaciji in ob uporabi TRPV4
antagonista HC-067047. Rezultati kvantitativne analize so pokazali, da mehanska
stimulacija sproži hiter, prehoden dvig [Ca²⁺]ᵢ, ki se širi medcelično. Uporaba TRPV4
antagonista je zmanjšala amplitudo ter upočasnila širjenje Ca²⁺ vala, kar podpira vlogo
TRPV4 pri vzdrževanju učinkovitih Ca²⁺ odzivov in medcelične komunikacije. Učinek
TRPV4 antagonista je bil izrazitejši v zgodnejših stadijih bolezni, medtem ko je bil pri
napredovalih kataraktah manj izrazit. Kljub temu je treba poudariti, da je bil vzorec
omejen, razlike med skupinami pa relativno blage, zato je rezultate treba interpretirati
previdno. Opaženi trendi lahko odražajo spremembe v Ca²⁺ signalizaciji, povezane z
napredovanjem katarakte, vendar za zanesljivejše sklepe o spremembah funkcionalnosti
TRPV4 kanalov potrebujemo dodatne raziskave na večjem številu vzorcev.The ocular lens is a transparent epithelial–fibrous organ whose transparency depends,
among other factors, on the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]ᵢ).
Disruptions in calcium ion (Ca²⁺) signaling are associated with the development of
cataract, the most common cause of vision loss. Among the key regulators of calcium
homeostasis in the lens are TRP family ion channels, particularly TRPV4, which
functions as a mechanosensitive and osmosensitive channel responsible for Ca²⁺ influx
and the maintenance of cellular functionality. This study investigated TRPV4 channel
activity and its role in Ca²⁺ signaling during cataract progression. Postoperative human
lens epithelial samples were obtained from patients at different disease stages at the Eye
Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Cells were stained with the fluorescent
calcium indicator Fura-2, and changes in [Ca²⁺]ᵢ were monitored following mechanical
stimulation and after application of the TRPV4 antagonist HC-067047. Quantitative
analysis showed that mechanical stimulation triggered a rapid, transient increase in
[Ca²⁺]ᵢ that propagated intercellularly. Application of the TRPV4 antagonist reduced the
amplitude and slowed the propagation of the Ca²⁺ signal, demonstrating that TRPV4
contributes to maintaining effective Ca²⁺ responses and intercellular communication.
The effect of the TRPV4 antagonist was more pronounced in the earlier stages of the
disease, whereas this effect was less evident in advanced stages of cataract. However,
it should be emphasized that the sample size was limited and the observed differences
were relatively subtletherefore, the results should be interpreted with caution. The
observed trends may reflect changes in Ca²⁺ signaling associated with cataract
progression, but further studies with a larger number of samples are required to draw
firm conclusions regarding changes in TRPV4 channel functionality
Individualized optimal heart rate in critically ill atrial fibrillation patients : insights from echocardiography and physiological signal analysis
No full textAtrijska fibrilacija (AF) je pogosta pri kritično bolnih bolnikih in je povezana s povečano umrljivostjo. Uporabljata se dve terapevtski strategiji: nadzor ritma in nadzor srčnega utripa (SR). Pri strategiji nadzora SR ostaja optimalni ciljni SR negotova. Cilj te študije je bil razviti in primerjati metode za določanje optimalnega območja SR na podlagi transtorakalne ehokardiografije in analize fizioloških signalov. Glavni izsledek raziskave: Optimalni individualni srčni utrip – opredeljen kot srčni utrip, povezan z maksimalnim srčnim izpustom – je mogoče pri bolnikih z atrijsko fibrilacijo določiti z uporabo ehokardiografije ob postelji ali z analizo fizioloških signalov. Ti pristopi lahko podpirajo individualizirano zdravljenje, usmerjeno v srčni utrip, pri kritično bolnih bolnikih z atrijsko fibrilacijo.Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased mortality. Two therapeutic strategies are used: rhythm control and heart rate (HR) control. In the HR‑control strategy, the optimal HR target remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to develop and compare methods for determining the optimal HR range based on transthoracic echocardiography and analysis of physiological signals.
Conclusions. The optimal individual HR—defined as the HR associated with maximal cardiac output—can be determined in patients with AF using either bedside echocardiography or analysis of physiological signals. These approaches may support individualized HR‑targeted management in critically ill patients with AF
Cross-curricular integration of History and Art History in general upper secondary schools in the case of ancient Romans
No full textV magistrskem delu smo raziskovali prednosti, načine in možnosti medpredmetnega povezovanja zgodovine in umetnostne zgodovine v gimnazijah na temo starih Rimljanov. Ugotovili smo, da medpredmetno povezovanje predstavlja kakovostno nadgradnjo pouka, saj omogoča globlje razumevanje učne snovi, uspešnejše doseganje učnih ciljev in višjo motivacijo. Analiza gimnazijskih učnih načrtov za zgodovino in umetnostno zgodovino je pokazala, da oba načrta vključujeta cilje in vsebine, ki se nanašajo tudi na področje drugega predmeta. Podobne ugotovitve je prinesla analiza učbenikov za 1. letnik gimnazije, saj učbeniki obeh predmetov vključujejo številne vsebine, ki omogočajo načrtovanje povezav. Spoznali smo, da je smiselno načrtovati tudi povezave teh dveh predmetov v muzejih, ki omogočajo neposreden stik z obravnavano kulturno dediščino. Na podlagi analize učnih načrtov in učbenikov smo pripravili vzorčno pripravo za medpredmetno učno uro na temo starih Rimljanov v muzeju. Načrtovali smo še eno medpredmetno učno uro, ki smo jo izvedli v 1. letniku gimnazije. Evalvacija učne ure je pokazala, da so dijaki uspešno dosegali učne cilje in si želijo več medpredmetnih povezav. Intervju z gimnazijskimi učitelji je pokazal pozitivne odzive na ta učni pristop in željo po rednejšem povezovanju. Magistrsko delo dokazuje, da obstajajo možnosti za načrtovanje medpredmetnih povezav zgodovine in umetnostne zgodovine v gimnazijah ter da bi jih bilo smiselno pogosteje izvajati.In our master\u27s thesis, we explored the advantages, methods, and possibilities of cross-curricular integration of history and art history in secondary schools on the topic of the ancient Romans. We found that interdisciplinary integration enables a deeper understanding of the subject matter, more successful achievement of learning objectives, and higher motivation. An analysis of high school curricula for history and art history showed that both curricula include objectives and content that also relate to the other subject. Similar findings were obtained from an analysis of textbooks for the first year of secondary school, as the textbooks for both subjects include numerous contents that enable the planning of connections. We realized that it makes sense to also plan connections between these two subjects in museums, which enable direct contact with the cultural heritage being discussed. Based on the analysis of curricula and textbooks, we prepared a sample interdisciplinary lesson on the topic of the ancient Romans in a museum. We planned another interdisciplinary lesson, which we conducted in the high school class. The evaluation of the lesson showed that the students successfully achieved the learning objectives and wanted more interdisciplinary connections. Interviews with high school teachers revealed positive responses to this teaching approach and a desire for more regular integration. The master\u27s thesis demonstrates that there are opportunities for planning interdisciplinary connections between history and art history in high schools and that it would be beneficial to implement them more frequently