1. Microstructural evolution and hardness of ferritic superalloys containing NiAl-B2 and ▫$L2_1–Ni_2TiAl$▫ precipitatesAdi Ganda Putra, Selly Septianissa, Pawawoi, Manty Aldilani Ikaningsih, Martoni, Martijanti, Mohammad Zaki Mubarok, Hafizh Ridwanulloh, Jodi Irawan, Ba’adilla Akhista Gamara, 2026, original scientific article Keywords: aging, ferritic superalloy, hardness, homogenization, L21–Ni2TiAl, NiAl-B2, SEM, XRD
Published in DiRROS: 16.04.2026; Views: 51; Downloads: 25
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2. Telomere length, oxidative stress, and kidney damage biomarkers in Fabry nephropathyTina Levstek, Erazem Bahčič, Bojan Vujkovac, Andreja Cokan Vujkovac, Tine Tesovnik, Žiga Iztok Remec, Vanja Čuk, Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Fabry nephropathy is a life-threatening complication of Fabry disease characterized by complex and incompletely understood pathophysiological processes possibly linked to premature aging. We aimed to investigate leukocyte telomere length (LTL), oxidative stress, and kidney damage biomarkers in relation to kidney function. The study included 35 Fabry patients and 35 age and sex-matched control subjects. Based on the estimated slope of the glomerular filtration rate, the patients were divided into two groups. Relative LTL was quantified by qPCR, urinary biomarkers 8-hydroxy-2′ -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by UHPLC-MS/MS, and kidney damage biomarkers by flow cytometry. There was no statistically significant difference in LTL between Fabry patients and controls. However, a significant difference was observed in male patients compared to their matched control subjects (p = 0.013). Oxidative stress biomarkers showed no differences between patients and controls, while significant differences were observed in urinary IGFBP7, EGF, and OPN levels between Fabry patients with stable kidney function and those with progressive nephropathy (FDR = 0.021, 0.002, and 0.013, respectively). Significant differences were also observed in plasma levels of cystatin C, TFF3, and uromodulin between patients with progressive nephropathy and controls (all FDR = 0.039). Along with these biomarkers (FDR = 0.007, 0.017, and 0.010, respectively), NGAL also exhibited a significant difference between the two patient groups (FDR = 0.017). This study indicates accelerated telomere attrition, which may be related to disease burden in males. Furthermore, analyses of urinary oxidative stress markers revealed no notable disparities between the different kidney function groups, indicating their limited utility. However, promising differences were found in some biomarkers of kidney damage in urine and plasma.
Keywords: nephropathy, telomere length, oxidative stress, kidney damage, biomarker, aging
Published in DiRROS: 10.04.2026; Views: 69; Downloads: 43
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3. The application of ultrasound sarcopenia index in sarcopenic populationKatarina Puš, Fabio Sarto, Marco Vincenzo Narici, Boštjan Šimunič, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Aging leads to progressive motor system decline, which can result in sarcopenia, defined as the age- related loss of muscle mass and function. Architectural changes, epitomized by a decrease in fascicle length (Lf) and muscle thickness (MT), provide a useful signature of sarcopenia. Their ratio (Lf/MT), named ultrasound sarcopenia index (USI), is a new parameter proposed for evaluating changes in muscle geometric proportions associated with muscle atrophy but lacks application in a sarcopenic population. This study aimed to explore vastus lateralis USI in a sarcopenic population. Methods: In a sample of 139 older adults (54% females), recruited from Italy and Slovenia, we assessed muscle architecture using ultrasound imaging to measure Lf, MT, pennation angle (PA), and USI. We assessed handgrip strength, sit-to-stand test, and physical performance with timed up-and-go and gait speed. Appendicular lean mass was assessed with dual x-ray absorptiometry. Sarcopenia was classified using the EWGSOP2 and SDOC classifications. Results: Sarcopenia prevalence was 15.1% and 30.9% when classified by the EWGSOP2 and SDOC classifications, respectively. Differences in muscle architecture were observed between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups, with MT showing the largest effect size (Cohen's d EWGSOP2: 0.86; SDOC:0.77). USI was higher in sarcopenic compared to non-sarcopenic individuals classified with EWGSOP2 (5.33 ± 1.30 vs 4.59 ± 0.94, p = .011, Cohen's d:0.69), confirming its sensitivity in detecting sarcopenia. Conclusion: We showed that increased USI values are associated with sarcopenia. This study shows USI as a sensitive, non-invasive marker for sarcopenia classification, supporting its use in clinical screening and monitoring of muscle changes in older adults.
Keywords: muscle architecture, aging, muscle quality, muscle function
Published in DiRROS: 26.03.2026; Views: 163; Downloads: 71
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4. Variability in spatial and temporal gait dynamics during aging : a narrative review on the role of the neural systemChristoph Centner, Ramona Ritzmann, Uroš Marušič, Luke Hughes, 2026, review article Abstract: Gait dynamics, encompassing both spatial and temporal parameters, undergo significant changes with aging, often leading to increased gait variability and, consequentially, a higher risk of falls. While cognitive and musculoskeletal factors have been demonstrated to contribute to these alterations, the role of the neural system is crucial and yet not fully understood. This review aims to synthesize the existing evidence on the age-related deterioration in locomotor functioning, with a specific emphasis on the neural mechanisms involved. Besides summarizing appropriate measures to quantify gait variability, several neural factors including cortical, neurotransmitter, and sensory system degeneration, are explored as key contributors to the observed changes in locomotion during aging. Additionally, the review discusses the potential use of diverse interventions to enhance gait variability during aging to reduce the risk of falls. By elucidating the complex interplay between aging, gait dynamics, and neural function, this review underscores the importance of targeted interventions aimed at preserving neural health to maintain gait stability and reduce fall risk in the aging population. The findings suggest that further research is needed to develop and refine strategies for the early detection and prevention of gait-related impairments linked to neural decline.
Keywords: gait, variability, aging, motor control
Published in DiRROS: 24.02.2026; Views: 308; Downloads: 187
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5. Predictors for residential mobility in later life : empirical findings for the young-oldliving in an Austrian small townTatjana Fischer, Markus Jobst, Karl Moder, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The article addresses residential mobility in later life from the perspective of the young-old, an under-explored topic in Austria. Data originating from a written survey conducted as part of a cross-sectional case study on people aged 60 to 74 years living in an Austrian small town are used to estimate prospective behaviour using logistic regression. The results show that women and people with a higher educational attainment are more likely to leave their current urban residential municipality, while men are more likely to relocate to a nursing home. Moreover, a duration of residence of 20 or more years decreases the probability of relocation. The findings confirm previous studies and highlight, that more spatially disaggregated data is needed to improve decision-making in town planning.
Keywords: spatial research, cross-sectional study, aging in place, residental mobility, attitudes, Austria
Published in DiRROS: 10.02.2026; Views: 573; Downloads: 227
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6. Acceptance and perceptions of old age and agingMateja Lorber, 2019, preface, editorial, afterword Keywords: nurses, nursing care, health care, Slovenia, acceptance, elderly, older people, aging, Slovenia
Published in DiRROS: 28.01.2026; Views: 350; Downloads: 185
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7. Dietary habits and physical activity patterns among Slovenian elderly : cross-sectional survey with cluster analysisJoca Zurc, Cirila Hlastan-Ribič, Brigita Skela-Savič, 2015, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Physical activity and a healthy diet are significant predictors of healthy ageing-they help the elderly maintain their physical and mental health, and prevent chronic diseases. Methods: The data for the empirical quantitative survey were collected on the sample of 218 elderly community-dwelling participants (aged 65 years or more), using a structured questionnaire for self-reporting. Data analyses were proceed by the bivariate statistics, and multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Most respondents reported good dietary habits (83.1 %) and a satisfactory physical activity level (60.5 %). On average, the elderly eat 3-4 meals per day (59.8 %) and engage in physical activity at least three times a week (58.6 %), with interventions lasting 15 minutes or more (84.4 %) and non-organized activities were prevailing (96.2 %). Ward's method yielded three clusters with homogenous dietary and physical activity patterns: 'Health Consciousness' (30.8 %), 'Being At Risk' (42.7 %) and 'Special Requirements' (26.5 %). Discussion and conclusion: In the future, special attention should be placed on the elderly group with special dietary and physical activity requirements. Additional studies on representative samples are required for a comprehensive investigation into the lifestyle behaviours of elderly individuals.
Keywords: lifestyle, elderly, aging factors, health promotion, cluster analysis
Published in DiRROS: 28.01.2026; Views: 283; Downloads: 141
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9. Effect of deep cryogenic treatment on aging behavior and properties of Al-Mg-Si alloyBojan Podgornik, Matic Klug Jovičević, Patricia Jovičević Klug, 2023, published scientific conference contribution Keywords: deep cryogenic treatment, Al-Mg-Si alloy, aging, microstructure, hardness, fatigue
Published in DiRROS: 08.07.2025; Views: 615; Downloads: 360
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10. Investigating aquatic biodegradation and changes in the properties of pristine and UV-irradiated microplastics from conventional and biodegradable agricultural plasticsUla Putar, Aida Fazlić, Lukas Brunnbauer, Janja Novak, Anita Jemec Kokalj, Jernej Imperl, Jiří Kučerík, Petra Procházková, Stefania Federici, Rachel Hurley, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Pavlína Modlitbová, Pavel Pořízka, Jozef Kaiser, Andreas Limbeck, Gabriela Kalčíková, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: There is an increasing tendency to replace conventional agricultural plastic mulching films with biodegradable alternatives. However, while the latter biodegrade well under controlled conditions (e.g. industrial compost), their biodegradation in non-target environments (e.g. aquatic environments) is questioned and poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, microplastics derived from conventional polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate starch blend (PBAT) mulching films were exposed to UV irradiation and subsequently tested for their ready biodegradability in an aqueous medium where changes in their characteristics were evaluated. The results showed limited biodegradation for pristine and UV-aged PE: no morphological, surface chemical or internal changes were observed. Pristine PBAT showed signs of initial biodegradation, while UV-aged PBAT biodegraded by up to 57%. New functional groups appeared on the PBAT surface after UV irradiation according to FTIR analysis and crystallinity increased after biodegradation. Elemental analysis revealed a range of metals in PE and PBAT microplastics. No changes in metal distribution analysed in microplastic after UV-aging or biodegradation were found, except that less titanium was present in PBAT after biodegradation indicating potential leaching. None of the PBAT microplastics had ecotoxic effects towards the aquatic plant Lemna minor. Pristine and UV-aged PE showed negative effects on roots, but these were not observed after biodegradation. Low biodegradation of pristine PBAT and possible leaching of metals demonstrated here raise questions about the sustainable use of biodegradable alternatives, especially when they enter non-target environments.
Keywords: microplastics, biodegradable plastics, aging, biodegradation, ecotoxicity, leaching
Published in DiRROS: 27.05.2025; Views: 903; Downloads: 666
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