161. Electrodiagnostic evaluation of meralgia parestheticaJernej Avsenik, Simon Podnar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: We aimed to determine the utility of different electrodiagnostic (EDx) methods in diagnosing meralgia paresthetica (MP). Methods: Twenty-nine MP patients and 26 controls were included. Sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) and tibial SEPs were measured bilaterally. Results: At least one LFCN SNAP was unobtainable in 18 patients (62%) and two controls (8%). In all remaining 11 patients, SNAPs were abnormal at least unilaterally. By contrast, LFCN SEPs were recorded bilaterally in all subjects and were abnormal in 16 patients (sensitivity 48%). Patients’ tibial SEP latency was significantly larger than that of controls (p < 0.001). Conclusions: LFCN NCSs are superior to SEP in the evaluation of MP. However, SEP studies may be useful in old (>60 years) and obese subjects with unobtainable LFCN SNAP. Longer tibial SEP points to subclinical neuropathy in MP patients predisposed to LFCN entrapment.
Keywords: meralgia paresthetica, electrodiagnostics, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, nerve conduction study, somatosensory evoked potentials
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 104; Downloads: 47
 Full text (685,86 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
162. New physics search at the CEPC : a general perspectiveXiaocong Ai, Stefan Antusch, Peter Athron, Miha Nemevšek, Xuai Zhuang, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The Circular Electron-Positron Collider (CEPC), a proposed next-generation Higgs factory, provides new opportunities to explore physics beyond the Standard Model (SM). With its clean electron-positron collision environment and the ability to collect large samples of Higgs, W, and Z bosons, the CEPC enables precision measurements and searches for new physics. This white paper outlines the CEPC's discovery potential, including studies of exotic decays of the Higgs, Z, and top quarks, dark matter and dark sector phenomena, long-lived particles, supersymmetry, and neutrino-related signatures. Advanced detector technologies and reconstruction techniques, such as one-to-one correspondence reconstruction and jet origin identification, significantly improve sensitivity to rare and weakly interacting processes. The CEPC is particularly well suited to probe the electroweak phase transition and test models of electroweak baryogenesis and dark sector interactions. In addition, global fit analyses highlight the CEPC's complementary role in constraining a wide range of new physics scenarios. These features position the CEPC as a powerful tool for exploring the next frontier in fundamental particle physics in the post-Higgs discovery era.
Keywords: collider, Standard Model, new physics
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 157; Downloads: 60
Full text (21,88 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
163. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular vesicles in corneal regenerationNina Kobal, Miha Marzidovšek, Petra Schollmayer, Elvira Maličev, Marko Hawlina, Zala Lužnik Marzidovšek, 2024, review article Abstract: The cornea is a vital component of the visual system, and its integrity is crucial for optimal vision. Damage to the cornea resulting from trauma, infection, or disease can lead to blindness. Corneal regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) offers a promising alternative to corneal transplantation. MSCs are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into various cell types, including corneal cells. They can also secrete a variety of anti-inflammatory cytokines and several growth factors, promoting wound healing and tissue reconstruction. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which MSCs and MSC-EVs contribute to corneal regeneration. It discusses the potential of MSCs and MSC-EV for treating various corneal diseases, including corneal epithelial defects, dry eye disease, and keratoconus. The review also highlights finalized human clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of MSC-based therapy in corneal regeneration. The therapeutic potential of MSCs and MSC-EVs for corneal regeneration is promising; however, further research is needed to optimize their clinical application.
Keywords: cell-based therapy, corneal epithelium, corneal regeneration, corneal stroma, dry eye disease, extracellular vesicles, immune and inflammatory modulation, keratoconus, limbal stem cell deficiency, mesenchymal stem cells
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 109; Downloads: 50
Full text (1,30 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
164. Assessment of three criteria to establish borrelial infection in suspected lyme neuroborreliosisKatarina Ogrinc, Petra Bogovič, Vera Maraspin-Čarman, Stanka Lotrič-Furlan, Tereza Rojko, Eva Ružić-Sabljić, Andrej Kastrin, Klemen Strle, Gary P. Wormser, Franc Strle, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Purpose: Diagnosis of (European) Lyme neuroborreliosis has been based on clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis and demonstration of intrathecal borrelial antibody synthesis (ITBAS) to document Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. infection. It is not known if other criteria to document Borrelia infection may contribute to the diagnosis. Methods: We compared the sensitivity of three individual criteria (ITBAS, CSF Borrelia culture, and the presence of erythema migrans [EM]) to confirm the diagnosis of early Lyme neuroborreliosis in 280 patients≥15 years of age evaluated at a Lyme borreliosis outpatient clinic in Slovenia. The patients had either radicular pain of new onset or involvement of a cranial nerve but without radicular pain, each in conjunction with CSF pleocytosis. Evaluation was of patients who had each of the three confirmatory criteria assessed, and for whom at least one criterion was positive. Results: Analysis of 280 patients, 120 women and 160 men, median age 57 (range 15–84) years, revealed that ITBAS was the most frequently observed positive criterion (85.4%), followed by EM (52.9%), and by a positive CSF Borrelia culture (9.6%). Of the 280 patients, 154 (55%) met only one criterion (43.2% ITBAS only, 10.7% EM only, and 1.1% positive CSF culture only), whereas 42.1% met two criteria. Only 2.9% of patients were positive by all three criteria. Conclusion: Although ITBAS was the most frequent criterion for confirmation for Borrelia infection, the presence of EM alone confirmed an additional 10.7% of patients and a positive CSF Borrelia culture alone added another 1.1%.
Keywords: lyme neuroborreliosis, intrathecal borrelial antibody synthesis, erythema migrans, Borrelia burgdorferi
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 115; Downloads: 54
Full text (1,16 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
165. Association of matrix metalloproteinases polymorphisms with glaucoma risk, glaucoma phenotype, and response to treatment with selective laser trabeculoplasty or latanoprostMakedonka Atanasovska Velkovska, Katja Goričar, Tanja Blagus, Vita Dolžan, Barbara Cvenkel, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: In open-angle glaucoma, the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) is caused by an increased resistance to aqueous humour outflow in the trabecular meshwork. Since genetic variability of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes may influence extracellular matrix remodelling, we investigated their association with glaucoma risk and/or response to treatment. The retrospective part of the study included patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT); in the prospective part of the study, newly diagnosed patients with POAG or OHT were randomised to receive either latanoprost or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as the initial treatment. The reduction in IOP was measured 6 weeks after treatment. The following MMP single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped: MMP2 rs243865, rs243849, and rs7201; MMP3 rs3025058; MMP9 rs17576, rs17577, rs20544, and rs2250889; MMP14 rs1042704, rs1042704, and rs743257. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios to assess the association between MMP polymorphism and risk of POAG or OHT, glaucoma phenotypes and response to treatment. Only carriers of the MMP3 rs3025058 TT genotype had a significantly higher risk of OHT, more advanced glaucoma, and a higher C/D ratio in the additive and dominant models. None of the investigated MMP polymorphisms were associated with response to treatment with latanoprost and SLT in our study population.
Keywords: glaucoma, latanoprost, matrix metalloproteinases, selective laser trabeculoplasty, single nucleotide polymorphisms
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 98; Downloads: 42
Full text (235,20 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
166. Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thinning in patients with X- linked retinoschisis : Elektronski virPeter Kiraly, Ana Uršula Gavrič, Felix F. Reichel, Johannes Birtel, Luca Mautone, Yevgeniya Atiskova, Philipp Herrmann, Martina Jarc-Vidmar, Marko Hawlina, Susan Downes, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Aims: To assess peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness in patients with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), as pRNFL thinning may limit functional improvements in gene therapy trials. Methods: This retrospective multicentre study included 49 eyes from 25 patients diagnosed with XLRS. Data collected with multimodal imaging at baseline and last follow-up (when available) included age, best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA), central retinal thickness, macular volume (MV), presence and location of peripheral retinoschisis and pRNFL thickness in the global (G), superotemporal (TS), superonasal (NS), inferotemporal (TI), inferonasal (NI), nasal (N) and temporal (T) sectors. Retinal sensitivity, assessed by microperimetry, was also recorded for seven patients at baseline. Results: pRNFL was thinner (below the fifth percentile) in at least one sector in 72% of right eyes and 79% of left eyes, with thinning across three or more sectors in 20% of right and 17% of left eyes. In 44% of cases, thinning occurred in the temporal sectors of both eyes, with no nasal sectoral thinning. Number of peripheral retinoschisis quadrants matched thinned pRNFL sectors. A strong positive correlation was found between MV and temporal pRNFL thickness (r=0.71, p<0.01), while weak negative correlation trends were noted with age (p=0.05) and BRVA (logMAR; p=0.12) related to temporal thickness of pRNFL sectors. Conclusion: pRNFL thinning, predominantly sectoral and linked to macular or peripheral retinoschisis, occurs in about three-quarters of patients with XLRS, while diffuse thinning occurs in one-fifth. Temporal pRNFL thinning might occur only after the collapse of intraretinal cystoid cavities in the macula.
Keywords: retinoschisis, X-linked retinoschisis
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 110; Downloads: 53
Full text (1,49 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
167. The risk of occupational anaphylaxis in beekeepers : an educational public health interventionTea Močnik, Mihaela Zidarn, Nina Frelih, Sabina Ličen, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Beekeepers are at increased risk for anaphylaxis due to frequent honeybee stings. This study developed an educational program for anaphylaxis prevention and an assessment tool to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of Slovenian beekeepers.Methods: The educational program was developed using the Delphi method with 13 healthcare professionals (9 allergists and 4 registered nurses specialized in allergology). The Beekeepers Anaphylaxis Awareness and Learning Questionnaire (BAALQ) consisted of two distinct components, developed by 12 experts. Content validity for the Recognition and Anaphylaxis Action Scale (RAAS) was confirmed by 59 healthcare professionals. Criterion and construct validity were assessed with 143 beekeepers without a history of anaphylaxis, using a nominal scale for measuring knowledge and a 5-point Likert scale for evaluating Socio-Cultural Learning Attitudes Scale (SCLAS). Knowledge differences among beekeepers before and after the educational intervention were evaluated using the Wilcoxon test. Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was used to assess internal consistency of the instrument.Results: The RAAS included 26 statements. Kendall’s W was 0.799 (95% CI: 0.718–0.866, x2 = 359, p < 0.001), indicating strong expert agreement, while Cronbach’s alpha was 0.798 (95% CI: 0.756–0.840). To further assess internal consistency, the Split-half method showed a Pearson correlation of 0.733, with a Spearman-Brown correction value of 0.846, confirming the instrument’s good reliability. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant increase in knowledge (Z = −10.078; p < 0.001), with Mdn scores rising from 18 to 25. The SCLAS included 15 statements. Kendall’s W was 0.714 (95% CI: 0.600–0.814, x2 = 289, p < 0.001). Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed three factors: “Self-confidence,” “Importance of knowledge and education,” and “Influence of gender and age.” The model fit well (RMSEA = 0.0618, CFI = 0.925, TLI = 0.911), with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.717 (95% CI: 0.683–0.751).Conclusion: The developed educational program is effective in improving beekeepers’ knowledge of recognizing and responding to anaphylaxis. The assessment tool shows strong validity and reliability and supports its use in future educational and research contexts.
Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, questionnaire
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 72; Downloads: 35
Full text (2,61 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
168. Health effects of olive oil polyphenols : recent advances and possibilities for the use of health claimsSandra Martín-Peláez, María Isabel Covas, Montserrat Fitó, Anita Kušar, Igor Pravst, 2013, original scientific article Abstract: The Mediterranean diet and consumption of olive oil have been connected in several studies with longevity and a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and the existing social cohesion in Southern European countries have been recognised ascandidate protective factors that may explain the Mediterranean Paradox. Along with some other characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, the use of olive oil as the main source of fat is common in Southern European countries. The benefits of consuming olive oil have been known since antiquity and were traditionally attributed to its high content in oleic acid. However, it is now well established that these effects must also be attributed to the phenolicfraction of olive oil with its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. The mechanisms of these activities are varied and probably interconnected. For some activities of olive oil phenolic compounds, the evidence is already strong enough to enable the legal use of health claimson foods. This review discusses the health effects of olive oil phenols along with the possibilities of communicating these effects on food labels.
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 105; Downloads: 62
Full text (802,89 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
169. Heat treatment optimisation of 18 % Ni maraging steel produced by DED-ARC for enhancing mechanical propertiesMaja Lindič, Damjan Klobčar, Aleš Nagode, Nikolaj Mole, Borut Žužek, Tomaž Vuherer, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This article deals with the Directed Energy Deposition using Wire and Arc (DED-ARC) for maraging steel cladding. A technology for cladding using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) has been developed that enables the perfect deposition of maraging steel. The material characterisation was carried out in different material states: in the as-built, solution annealed and aged. The research included visual examinations, optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), fractography, hardness testing, tensile testing and impact toughness testing. The as-deposited state exhibited a microstructure with very long crystal grains and microsegregations orientated the direction of the heat sink, consisting of lath martensite. Consequently, a subsequent heat treatment is absolutely necessary in order to obtain a uniform fine-grained microstructure. Two different solution annealing processes were analysed, which allowed us to select the most suitable process for the first step of heat treatment followed by aging. A response surface methodology was used to optimise the aging conditions. The results show that additively manufactured maraging steel reaches a tensile strength of 1947 MPa, a hardness of 657 HV5 and a Charpy impact toughness of 11 J at peak aging condition, which is comparable to conventionally manufactured maraging steel.
Keywords: maraging steel, heat treatment, material properties optimisation, DED-ARC, GMAW, RSM
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 76; Downloads: 47
Full text (22,02 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
170. Priročnik za obravnavo otrok in mladostnikov s cistično fibrozoMalena Aldeco, Jernej Brecelj, Katja Korenin, Uroš Krivec, Dušanka Lepej, Anija Orel, Majda Oštir, Marina Praprotnik, Jasna Rodman, Lidija Skočir, Saša Šetina Šmid, Valentina Stefanova, Darja Šmigoc Schweiger, Aleksandra Zver, 2022, dictionary, encyclopaedia, lexicon, manual, atlas, map Keywords: mladostniki, zdravljenje, infekcije, preprečevanje, inhalacijska terapija, prehranjenost, multidisciplinarna obravnava, elektronske knjige
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 93; Downloads: 25
Full text (496,24 KB) |
