1751. Subterranean environments contribute to three-quarters of classified ecosystem servicesStefano Mammola, David Brankovits, Tiziana Di Lorenzo, Isabel R. Amorim, Raluca Ioana Bancila, Nataša Mori, Maja Zagmajster, 2025, other component parts Abstract: Beneath the Earth’s surface lies a network of interconnected caves, voids, and systems of fissures forming in rocks of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Though largely inaccessible to humans, this hidden realm supports and regulates services critical to ecological health and human well-being. Subterranean ecosystems are integral to major biogeochemical cycles, sustain diverse surface habitats, and serve as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water. They also offer non-material benefits, including scientific discovery, education, and cultural practices. Yet, these contributions often go unrecognized, partly due to the lack of a unified synthesis of ecosystem services across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine subterranean compartments. This gap limits effective communication of their value to scientists, practitioners, and the public. Through a systematic expert-based review, we show that subterranean ecosystems contribute to up to 75% of classified ecosystem services. Notably, many of these contributions are described only qualitatively, lacking numerical or economic quantification. Next, we provide examples of the main services to offer a global overview of their multifaceted value and vulnerability to environmental change. We believe this synthesis provides researchers and practitioners with concrete examples and targeted metaphors to more effectively communicate the importance of subterranean ecosystems to diverse audiences.
Keywords: cultural heritage, ecotourism, sustainability, geothermal energy, biotechnology, food production, drinking water, nature value, hypogean, groundwater
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 461; Downloads: 327
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1752. Adverse events in children and adolescents undergoing allergen immunotherapy for respiratory allergies : report from the Allergen Immunotherapy Adverse Events Registry (ADER), a European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology taskforceJulijana Asllani, Dimitrios Mitsias, George Konstantinou, Mitja Košnik, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: allergies, immunotherapy, allergens, adverse events, children, adolescents, registries
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 433; Downloads: 269
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1753. ǂThe ǂAllergen Immunotherapy Adverse Events Registry : setup & methodology of a European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology taskforce projectJulijana Asllani, Dimitrios Mitsias, George Konstantinou, Mitja Košnik, Moises Calderon, 2023, other scientific articles Keywords: allergies, immunotherapy, allergens, adverse events, registries
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 374; Downloads: 233
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1754. Patient-reported outcome measures in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria are underused in clinical practiceIvan Cherrez-Ojeda, Jean Bousquet, Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, Kiran V Godse, Dorota Krasowska, Joanna Bartosińska, Paulina Szczepanik-Kułak, Bartłomiej Wawrzycki, Pavel Kolkhir, Anastasiia Allenova, Mitja Košnik, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are validated and standardized tools that complement physician evaluations and guide treatment decisions. They are crucial for monitoring atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic urticaria (CU) in clinical practice, but there are unmet needs and knowledge gaps regarding their use in clinical practice.
Objecctive
We investigated the global real-world use of AD and CU PROMs in allergology and dermatology clinics as well as their associated local and regional networks.
Methods
Across 72 specialized allergy and dermatology centers and their local and regional networks, 2,534 physicians in 73 countries completed a 53-item questionnaire on the use of PROMs for AD and CU.
Results
Of 2,534 physicians, 1,308 were aware of PROMs. Of these, 14% and 15% used PROMs for AD and CU, respectively. Half of physicians who use PROMs do so only rarely or sometimes. Use of AD and CU PROM is associated with being female, younger, and a dermatologist. The Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index and Urticaria Activity Score were the most common PROMs for AD and CU, respectively. Monitoring disease control and activity are the main drivers of the use of PROMs. Time constraints were the primary obstacle to using PROMs, followed by the impression that patients dislike PROMs. Users of AD and CU PROM would like training in selecting the proper PROM.
Conclusions
Although PROMs offer several benefits, their use in routine practice is suboptimal, and physicians perceive barriers to their use. It is essential to attain higher levels of PROM implementation in accordance with national and international standards.
Keywords: allergy, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, dermatology, patient reported outcome measures
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 400; Downloads: 246
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1755. Risk factors for severe sting reactions and side effects during venom immunotherapyGunter Sturm, Eva Schadelbauer, Giorgia Marta, Patrizia Bonadonna, Mitja Košnik, 2025, review article Abstract: Understanding the risk factors leading to severe systemic sting reactions (SSRs) is crucial for initiating venom immunotherapy (VIT) and for educating affected individuals and their families. Some of these risk factors are well established, some are no longer considered risk factors, and some remain controversial. Well-established risk factors for severe SSRs include clonal mast cell disease, high baseline serum tryptase, and advanced age. The absence of skin symptoms and the rapid onset of symptoms are indicators of severe SSRs. Recent publications indicate that antihypertensive treatment and stings in the head and neck area are not risk factors for severe SSRs. VIT is the only available treatment that can potentially prevent further anaphylactic reactions. Although rare and generally manageable, individuals undergoing VIT may experience systemic adverse events (sAEs). More sAEs are expected in patients undergoing bee VIT compared with vespid VIT. The role of elevated baseline serum tryptase as a risk factor for sAEs remains debated, but if it is a factor, the risk is increased by only about 1.5-fold. Rapid updosing protocols, depending on the specific regimen, can also be associated with more sAEs. Severe initial SSRs, antihypertensive medication, high skin test reactivity, and high specific IgE levels are not risk factors for sAEs.
Keywords: immunology, anaphylaxis, Hymenoptera venom allergy, risk factors, severe systemic sting reactions, side effects, venom immunotherapy
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 462; Downloads: 375
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1756. Usage prevalence of angioedema patient-reported outcome measures : results from the UCARE and ACARE PROMUSE studyIvan Cherrez-Ojeda, Jean Bousquet, Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, Kiran V Godse, Dorota Krasowska, Joanna Bartosińska, Paulina Szczepanik-Kułak, Bartłomiej Wawrzycki, Pavel Kolkhir, Anastasiia Allenova, Mitja Košnik, 2024, other scientific articles Keywords: allergy, angioedema, measures, results of tests, patient reported outcome measures
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 406; Downloads: 378
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1757. Combination of experimental and bioinformatic approaches for identification of immunologically relevant protein–peptide InteractionsJerneja Debeljak, Peter Korošec, Julij Šelb, Matija Rijavec, Mitja Košnik, Mojca Lunder, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Protein–peptide interactions are an essential player in cellular processes and, thus, of great interest as potential therapeutic agents. However, identifying the protein’s interacting surface has been shown to be a challenging task. Here, we present a methodology for protein–peptide interaction identification, implementing phage panning, next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. One of the uses of this methodology is identification of allergen epitopes, especially suitable for globular inhaled and venom allergens, where their binding capability is determined by the allergen’s conformation, meaning their interaction cannot be properly studied when denatured. A Ph.D. commercial system based on the M13 phage vector was used for the panning process. Utilization of various bioinformatic tools, such as PuLSE, SAROTUP, MEME, Hammock and Pepitope, allowed us to evaluate a large amount of obtained data. Using the described methodology, we identified three peptide clusters representing potential epitopes on the major wasp venom allergen Ves v 5.
Keywords: phage panning, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, allergen Ves v 5, epitopes
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 409; Downloads: 379
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1759. Programmable protein-DNA composite nanostructures : from nanostructure construction to protein-induced micro-scale material self-assembly and functionalizationWeijun Zhou, Žiga Strmšek, Jaka Snoj, Miha Škarabot, Roman Jerala, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The integration of DNA and protein-designed nanostructures represents a transformative approach to the development of programmable biopolymers for nanoscale construction. While DNA nanostructures excel in the readily programmable precision and scalability of base pairing, protein assemblies exploit the chemical diversity of amino acids for greater functional versatility. Here a platform is presented that unifies these two paradigms by combining coiled-coil protein origami with DNA nanostructures through orthogonal protein-protein (SpyCatcher-SpyTag) and protein-DNA (DCV-DNA) covalent conjugation strategies. This dual-functionalization strategy enables the construction of stable and versatile protein-DNA composites capable of hierarchical self-assembly. This shows that these composites drive the transformation of DNA nanotubes into large-scale, patterned nanofibers or nanorods, with the proteins regularly distributed over their surface and retaining their enzymatic and fluorescent functions. In addition, a DNA-luciferase circuit is developed through split enzyme reconstitution to achieve reversible regulation of enzymatic activity, highlighting the dynamic functionality of these composites. This introduces a modular approach to producing multifunctional bio-nanomaterials, highlighting the potential of protein-DNA composite nanostructures as a bridge between molecular design and functional nanomaterials and paves the way for the development of dynamic bio-devices and programmable biomaterials.
Published in DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Views: 529; Downloads: 257
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1760. Anti-icing performance and anti-corrosive properties of superhydrophobic nanosecond-laser-textured aluminum surfaces with a self-assembled monolayer coatingMatic Može, Peter Rodič, Tim Štrus, Miha Štucin, Robert Lovšin, Nina Kovač, Samo Jereb, Armin Hadžić, Matevž Zupančič, Iztok Golobič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Water and ice accumulation on surfaces present significant challenges in numerous fields, causing issues such as corrosion of metallic surfaces and a broad range of problems associated with increased weight, altered hydro-/aerodynamics, vibrations, and heat transfer resistance. Currently, passive solutions, such as functionalized surfaces that also offer improved anti-corrosive properties, are being focused on. This study presents the fabrication and evaluation of four functionalized superhydrophobic surfaces on 1050A aluminum alloy samples using nanosecond laser texturing and self-assembled monolayer grafting to enhance anti-icing and corrosion protection. The developed surfaces exhibited superhydrophobicity with static and dynamic contact angles above 163° and a contact angle hysteresis below 2°, maintaining their nonwetting properties after multiple icing/deicing cycles. Three surfaces significantly lowered ice nucleation temperature with the lowest average value of -20.1 °C recorded on the surface with shallow, non-distinct features. The freezing delay was prolonged up to 468 % and 944 % at -15 °C and -20 °C, respectively, in comparison with the untreated reference surface. The superior anti-icing properties of the two surfaces with shallow structures, fabricated using a lower laser pulse fluence than those with deep structures, are ascribed to a lower number of potential active nucleation sites for condensation of water vapor and freezing initiation. In comparison with an untreated surface, ice adhesion was reduced by up to 60 % on surfaces with shallow features but increased between 33 % and 84 % on surfaces with deep morphological features. Repeatable cascade freezing was observed on one of the surfaces, which also exhibited the poorest anti-icing performance. Surfaces with non-distinct or irregular channels exhibited better corrosion properties than surfaces featuring well-defined laser-etched channels. The surface with the lowest surface roughness exhibited the best properties in all evaluations, providing a good starting point for future optimization with a focus on surfaces with micron scale and submicron features instead of the more traditional surfaces with structures on the scale of tens of microns. Overall, this functionalization approach is promising for industrial use, simultaneously offering enhanced robustness, anti-icing behavior, and corrosion protection.
Published in DiRROS: 01.07.2025; Views: 475; Downloads: 275
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