bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atenção à saúde bucal na atenção primária à saúde em Portugal: Perceção dos médicos dentistas portugueses
Authors: Nunes Manuel Lourenço , Nunes Alexandre Morais
Published: February 2023

Objetivos: o presente estudo objetivou analisar as perceções dos médicos dentistas relativamente à implementação da atenção à saúde bucal na atenção primária à saúde em Portugal. Métodos: estudo exploratório-descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com recurso a entrevista semiestruturada gravada aplicada a 75 médicos dentistas. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre julho e dezembro de 2017, sendo utilizada para a análise a técnica da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: as falas revelam a importancia da realização de  tratamentos e educação em saúde bucal integrada na equipe de saúde da atenção primária à saúde. Conclusões: Em conformidade com a literatura, os dentistas destacam a importância do reforço da atenção à saúde bucal de acesso universal integrada no Serviço Nacional de Saúde, reforçam a necessidade de criar mais equipes de saúde bucal (médico dentista, higienista e assistentes) em toda a atenção primária e destacam a necessidade da implementação de uma carreira médica de medicina dentária para promover a colocação de mais médicos dentistas em zonas mais carenciadas.
La legislación cooperativa en Uruguay
Authors: Reyes Lavega Sergio
Published: February 2023

Durante el siglo XX la legislación sobre cooperativas en Uruguay se basó en el criterio de regular por cada rama del cooperativismo, lo que llevó a un cuadro fragmentario y poco homogéneo. En 2008, en cambio, se aprobó la Ley General de Cooperativas N.° 18.407, la cual dio unidad y armonía al régimen jurídico de las cooperativas, a la vez que incorporó nuevos instrumentos a fin de que estas entidades pudieran adecuar su desarrollo y actividades a los tiempos modernos. En este artículo, luego de una muy breve referencia a los antecedentes legislativos, se hace una descripción completa de la legislación cooperativa vigente para todas las clases de cooperativas en Uruguay.

Recibido: 03 noviembre 2022Aceptado: 08 diciembre 2022
Las cooperativas y la negociación colectiva en Uruguay
Authors: Guerra Pablo
Published: February 2023

En este artículo describiremos las principales características del sistema de relaciones laborales y de cómo el sector cooperativo se inserta en él, particularmente en materia de Consejos de Salarios, esto es, el principal mecanismo de negociación colectiva establecido en el país a partir del año 1943 y que obliga al binomio capital-trabajo a participar de la negociación salarial junto al Estado. Una de las premisas que estaremos manejando desde el punto de vista conceptual, es que esta negociación de carácter tripartito tiene su explicación y origen en el marco de los normales conflictos gestados entre empleadores (empresas de capital) y trabajadores (organizados vía sindical). Tal diseño no fue pensado para el sector de la economía social y solidaria de tal manera que difícilmente pueda desarrollarse su identidad específica si debe elegir participar junto a las Cámaras Empresariales o a los Sindicatos. Esto nos lleva a analizar las posibilidades de una vía cuatripartita en la que la identidad del sector se exprese por medio de una estrategia de participación más acorde a un formato empresarial alternativo.

Recibido: 03 noviembre 2022Aceptado: 12 enero 2023
Las cooperativas agrarias y las sociedades de fomento rural. Evolución y situación actual
Authors: Arboleya Luis Ignacio
Published: February 2023

Las formas cooperativas y asociativas vinculadas al medio rural uruguayo son de larga data. Con más de cien años de trayectoria, las diversas formas asociativas con espíritu cooperativo han buscado resolver diferentes necesidades de los productores rurales, especialmente los familiares. Los antecedentes más significativos e históricos del cooperativismo agropecuario uruguayo indican el ensayo de diversas estrategias para aprovechar oportunidades, ganar escala y poder negociador mediante la cooperación entre entidades agrarias o el desarrollo de nuevos servicios. El presente artículo busca describir la trayectoria y estrategias que han adoptado las organizaciones asociativas/ cooperativas rurales uruguayas frente a los cambios del entorno (especialmente los mercados y los enfoques de política sectoriales) y los desafíos que enfrentan hacia el futuro.

Recibido: 03 noviembre 2022Aceptado: 09 enero 2023
Application of growth regulators-antistressors in complex with universal bioactive fertilizers in seed production of gourds
Authors: Lazko V. E. , Blagorodova E. N. , Yakimova O. V. , Kovaleva E. V. , Popova A. A.
Published: February 2023

Relevance. The effectiveness of seed soaking before sowing in a solution of preparations of the epibrassinolide group for the protection and preservation of seedlings of gourds from temperature stresses, increasing the yield of fruits and seeds was studied.

Methodology. The objects of research were preparations Epin Extra, Epin Plus, EcoFus, Ferovit, Zircon and Siliplant, which allow to overcome the effects of temperature stresses, increase immunity, and have a stimulating effect on seed germination and plant growth of vegetable crops.

Results. In the course of the studies, it was found that preparations of the epibrassinolide group contribute to a significant preservation of seedlings of gourds with prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Soaking watermelon seeds of the Tersky early variety before sowing in a solution of drugs from the epibrassinolide group ensured the safety of seedlings from 24.2 to 35.3%, while in the control variant, the death of plants was 100%. Epin Extra had the greatest anti-stress effect on watermelon. Preparations on melon showed less efficiency in protecting seedlings, 21.1-27.3% of plants survived. The maximum number of seedlings remained when using Epin Plus. It should be noted that soaking seeds in solutions of preparations of the epibrassinolide group, to protect seedlings of gourds from damage by low temperatures, is an effective technological operation that makes it possible to smooth out the impact of the stress factor.
The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor – the first ten years
Authors: Kranjc Ivan
Published: February 2023

The establishment of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor in the year 2003 and the beginning of a pedagogical process in the 2004/2005 academic year are those important points in the development of higher education system and growth of the local hospital which present an important achievement for the University of Maribor, health care, town and also the Republic of Slovenia. In the year when the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor celebrates its tenth anniversary of operating, and in the year when the town Maribor records the 850th anniversary of its first written mention (1164, Castrum Marburch) the jubilee is getting a touch of a new milestone. In ten years the Faculty of Medicine has travelled its way to a contemporary, European comparable university study, faced Bologna reform and with relocation to the new construction in the direct vicinity of the fundamental educational base - today the University Medical Centre Maribor – ensured the foundation for further development, especially for expansion of the basic research activity.

Telling is a piece of information that in our faculty more than 250 physicians have successfully completed their studies and who, in the period of extremly hard social and economic circumstances, with increasing frequency are looking for their opportunity for work and professional development abroad although they are very much needed at home, for one of the important reasons for the establishment of the second medical faculty in Slovenia was distinctly lack of physicians. The faculty has with the postgraduate study programme Biomedical technology offered also a contemporary doctoral study which to the ambitious, eager for new knowledge enables to realize numerous ideas, all with a purpose to facilitate as qualitative health care as can be. More than fourty Doctors of Science are already realizing their ideas, numerous among them have already been habilitated and are our esteemed professors who follow their predecessors.

In front of our faculty there are numerous challenges - ten years is for such an institution a short period but a cross section of previous achievements which we, numerous authors, have gathered in this monography of which the outcome we expect on the celebration of the faculty, yet everything shows also new directions of development. Excellence on all levels is that which has to make us different, competitive to faculties with long tradition, we need to remain always a step ahead of others with the programme as much as with the pedagogical approaches and equipment. And importantly we need to open up into the world. Tasks for a new decade or perhaps more of them?
Potential interactions between cannabinoids and estrogens in common diseases
Authors: Hojnik Marko , Dobovišek Luka , Ferk Polonca
Published: February 2023

Molecular associations between the cannabinoid system and estrogens have recently been discovered. This research field is particularly interesting because it could lead to new pharmacotherapeutic approaches, especially in diseases where both molecular systems contribute to the pathophysiology. This paper presents an overview of the role of the cannabinoid system and estrogens in osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and cancer, and discusses the potential benefits of the modulating both systems in the pharmacotherapy of these diseases.

Although an extensive literature review points to likely interactions between the cannabinoid system and estrogens, appropriate molecular studies have not yet been carried out. Our recent results in primary human osteoblasts are the first to demonstrate a possible interaction between the two systems at a molecular level.

Further studies are needed to carefully examine molecular interactions as well as the efficacy and safety of various combinations of estrogens and cannabinoids in the pathogenesis and pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cancer and other common diseases.
The impact of kinesio taping on pain relief in patients with lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Jesenšek Papež Breda
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To compare the short–term effect of kinesio taping on reducing pain in subjects with lateral epicondylitis (LE) treated with physiotherapy alone compared to physiotherapy withkinesio taping.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical documentation of 188 patients diagnosed with LE and treated between January 2012 and December 2013. Ninety–five patients who were treated with the same multi–modality physiotherapy with or without kinesio taping (T0 and T1 groups, respectively) were included in our analysis. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before therapy and after therapy was concluded. To compare the groups, we used Student's t–test and Pearsons χ2–test. To compare the VAS score of the two groups before and after treatment, we used analysis of variance for repeated measurements. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean VAS score prior to treatment (VAS1) in theT0 group was 6.3±1.5 (range, 4–9; median, 6), andthe mean VAS score in the T1 group was 6.4±1.8 (range, 3–10; median, 6.5). The mean VAS score after treatment (VAS2) in theT0 group was 2.1±1.7 (range, 0–7; median, 2), and the mean VAS score in the T1 group was 1.4±1.6 (range, 0–6; median, 1). The pain in both groups was significantly reduced (p<0.001), whereas the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant at the 0.05 level, although marginally (p=0.056).

Conclusions: Based on a retrospective analysis, we were not able to confirm the short–term effect of kinesio taping on reducing pain in subjects with LE; however, due to the low probability of obtaining our results by chance (< 6%), it is reasonable to suggest that the use of KT may be effective in treating LE.
Cesarean scar pregnancy: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dovnik Andraž , Kores Testen Polona , Mlakar Lea , Reljič Milan , Arko Darja , Takač Iztok
Published: February 2023

Purpose: A cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy in which the gestational sac is implanted in the uterine scar after a previous cesarean section. Early diagnosis is crucial, and transvaginal ultrasound is the most appropriate diagnostic tool. Different management options have been described in the literature; however, there is no consensus regarding optimal treatment due to the rarity of the condition.

Case report: We present a case involving a cesarean scar pregnancy which was managed with hysterotomy due to the advanced stage of pregnancy (fetal crown–rump length = 3.5 cm).

Conclusion: Early diagnosis of a cesarean scar pregnancy is important to avoid complications and to preserve fertility. Various treatment modalities have been described in the literature, including medical and surgical options.
Peripheral arterial embolization and limb ischemia complicating septic internal jugular vein thrombosis: a case report of Lemierre’s syndrome
Authors: Flis Vojko , Borovšak Zvonko
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein is a life-threatening complication of venous thrombosis. While heparin is frequently added to antimicrobial therapy, its usefulness in patients with Lemierre’s syndrome is controversial. In this case report, we demonstrate that delayed use of intravenous heparin may be associated with septic embolization of peripheral arteries. Limb ischemia has rarely been reported in patients with Lemierre’s syndrome.

Case presentation: Lemierre’s syndrome is a complex and unusual clinical entity, characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and accompanied by sepsis. We present an unusual case of a young female with Lemierre’s syndrome who developed peripheral arterial embolization and Streptococcus pyogenes sepsis, complicating septic internal jugular vein thrombosis. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics without therapeutic heparin. The patient developed digital gangrene in all four extremities, septic meningitis, and a severe fungal infection; she died 6 weeks after admission secondary to multisystem organ failure. We discuss the importance of rapid diagnosis of disease extent in directing heparin treatment in patients with Lemierre’s syndrome.

Conclusion: It may be advisable to treat Lemierre’s syndrome with anticoagulation in the acute setting.
Legal basis for the development of the Slovenian health system - from the enlightenment to the second world war
Authors: Pivec Gregor
Published: February 2023

Throughout the history of medicine, patient-doctor relationships remained intimate and were based on the patient’s expectations, which were more or less limited by the expert knowledge of the physician. At first, the economic relationship between patient and doctor was based on a personal agreement; state regulations were only involved later. In Roman times the relationship was affected indirectly by the state, mostly by the adoption of the Act on Hygiene and partly by various socialeconomic regulations. However, in the early Middle Ages, the charitable activities undertaken by the monastic population, with their limited medical knowledge, proved to be a backward step in the development of the healthcare system. It was not until the development of medical knowledge at the emerging universities, especially during the Renaissance, that regulations reentered healthcare and the better education of physicians marked the new era. During the investigated period (from the Enlightenment to the Second World War), the state, as a third party, was completely integrated in the system. Furthermore, in addition to the existing health services, health insurance was established, which marked the beginning of a healthcare system. This formed a solid foundation for the development of modern medicine and the regulation of the so-called welfare state. This article discusses the basic healthcare legislation in Slovenia during four different development periods; the Habsburg Monarchy, the Austro- Hungarian Monarchy, the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The development of the healthcare system during this sensitive era is clearly described; the changes in healthcare services are presented and healthcare insurance is analysed from a legal point of view. All of this led to the formation of the social healthcare policy, which signifies the existence of a modern state.

The development of the health system in Slovenia was mainly influenced by two significant factors: firstly, by the reforms initiated by Empress Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II at the end of the 18th century and, secondly, by the establishment of insurance some one hundred years later.
Single peritoneal dialysis centre observations of treatment adequacy, anemia treatment, inflammation, mineral bone disease, and peritonitis rate – In patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis versus automated peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Knehtl Maša , Hren Martin , Hojs Nina , Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Radovan , Ekart Robert
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Peritoneal dialysis was introduced to our centre in 1998. The aim of our retrospective analysis was to evaluate the difference in treatment adequacy, erythropoietin requirements, serum haemoglobin, serum C–reactive protein (CRP) and serum intact parathyroid hormone (i–PTH) levels, and episodes of peritonitis in patients switching from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) to automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). We introduce peritoneal dialysis as a method of treatment for end–stage renal disease and the results of a retros-pective analysis.

Methods: From May 1998 to December 2013, we retrospectively reviewed 12 patients (9 males and 3 females; mean age, 52.8±11.7 years) who switched from CAPD to APD. According to the peritoneal equilibration test, 75% of the patients were high transporters. We compared thetwo periods regarding peritoneal treatment adequacy number (Kt/V), erythropoietin requirements, serum haemoglobin, and CRP and i–PTH levels. We analysed the episodes of peritonitis during the CAPD and APD periods.

Results: The average time spent on CAPD was 747.1±1028.2 days, and the average time spent on APD was 1300.0±1042.0 days. For the CAPD period, the mean Kt/V was 2.13±0.43, the mean haemoglobin value was 117.8±6.2 g/l, the mean erythropoietin requirement was 5290.1±4641.4 IU/week, the mean CRP value was 8.7±9.3 mg/l, and the mean i–PTH value was 580.2±445.9 pg/ml. For the APD period, the mean Kt/V was 2.24±0.35, the mean haemoglobin value was 117.1±8.6 g/l, the mean erythropoietin requirement was 4829.9±4976.6 IU/week, the mean CRP value was 9.1±8.3 mg/l, and the mean i–PTH value was 550.5±400.0 pg/ml. When comparing the two treatment modalities with a paired samples test, we found no significant differences regarding time spent (p=0.273), Kt/V (p=0.159), haemoglobin concentration (p=0.804), erythropoietin requirements (p=0.303), and CRP (p=0.886) and i–PTH levels (p=0.802). Further, no difference in the rate of peritonitis episodes between both modalities was found.

Conclusion: Both peritoneal dialysis modalities are equal with respect to treatment adequacy, erythropoietin requirements, serum haemoglobin concentration, CRP and i–PTH levels, and peritonitis episodes.
Elective caesarean section after 39 weeks gestation and the influence on neonatal morbidity: Does a strict policy really help?
Authors: Mujezinović Faris
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to determine if the decision to strictly follow clinical guidelines recommending elective caesarean section at or after 39 weeks gestation (late– term) in an effort to reduce respiratory disorders in term neonates influence the incidence of early–term elective caesarean sections and the rate of neonatal respiratory disorders.

Methods: Hospital records pertaining to elective caesarean section after 37 weeks gestation from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016 were analyzed. Two subgroups were established (“before” and “after”). The rate of elective caesarean section before 39 weeks gestation, the rate of neonatal respiratory disorders, and admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit were compared between the subgroups.

Results: A total of 1881 elective caesarean sections were performed from 37 weeks gestation (1.083 [57.6%] in the before sub–group and 798 [42.4%] in the after sub– group). In the after sub–group there was a 9.8% reduction of procedures performed before 39 weeks gestation. Of the newborns, 1.59% had various respiratory problems (2.3% and 1.00% in the before and after sub–groups, respectively; p = 0.08). Six of 30 (20.0%) newborns were transferred to the neonatal intensive unit (4/22 [18.2%] and 2/8 [25.0%] in the before and after sub–groups, respectively).

Conclusion: The policy reduced the rate of elective caesarean sections before 39 weeks gestation and the rate of neonatal respiratory disorders, even though the incidence of these disorders was rather low, even before the new policy.
Prevention of Campylobacter jejuni K49/4 adhesion to porcine small intestine cell line PSI cl1 using different plant extracts
Authors: Šikić Pogačar Maja , Klančnik Anja , Smole Možina Sonja , Mičetić Turk Dušanka
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anti–adhesive properties of chemically characterized ethanolic extracts from waste Pinot noir grape (GSS) skins and seeds, olive tree leaves (OE), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) prior to (TE) and its residue after (TE–R) hydrodistillation of the essential oil, as well as Alpinia katsumadai ethanolic seed extracts (SEE) and its hydrodistillation residue (hd- SEE–R) against the pig small intestine epithelial cell line, PSI cl1.

Methods: Using PSI cl1, the anti– adhesion activities of these extracts, which normally represent "waste material" and by–products from the agro– food industry, were determined. Initially, the anti–Campylobacter jejuni and cytotoxic activities of GSS, TE, TE–R, SEE and hdSEE–R were determined to avoid any interference in the anti– adhesion assay being used.

Results: The A. katsumadai extracts showed the strongest anti–adhesive activities against C. jejuni K49/4. When using TE and TE–R, C. jejuni adhesion to PSI cl1 cells was inhibited by almost 30% over a large concentration range of extracts. GSS extracts had the lowest impact on the adhesion rate of C. jejuni to PSI cl1 cells.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that agro–food waste material and many by–products from the agro–food industry represent sources of bioactive phytochemicals that are effective at low concentrations and could be used as therapeutic agents to prevent bacterial adhesion. This represents a step towards the application of new innovative strategies to control Campylobacter contamination and infection in the food chain. We suggest that not only plant extracts, but also waste material and agro–food industry by–products can be used as promising novel therapeutic agents with possible medical and industrial applications.
Detection of Technical Errors and Construction Optimization for Custom Tissue Arrays at Transplanting and Casting
Authors: Munda Miha
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify causes for the most common typical defects in the production of tissue arrays at the most crucial stages, and to optimize protocols for custom-made tissue arrays at variable input parameters and different final requirements. In this way, we can avoid difficult repairs of tissue arrays, at which, because of re-allocation, major losses can occur, including destruction of the sample due to mechanical and thermal effects.

Methods: Seven hundred and twenty tissue array blocks were included, some for clients and others for experimentation and protocol refinement. Human and animal tissue were used. We tested and evaluated configurations, structural stability, consistency, stability, and practical usability of such designed tissue arrays under different laboratory physical conditions.

Results: We recognized and analyzed 12 mistakes in the production of tissue arrays in the histology laboratory during the stages of transplantation and casting. At each examined error we found the causes, gave suggestions for prevention, and provided instructions on how to eliminate or prevent those causes.

Conclusion: Problems have solutions that are technically feasible but they require individual adjustments of laboratory procedures, time, and learning. This is more difficult or even impossible for automated laboratories, as in the described handmade tissue arrays. However, all laboratories need to produce with maximum quality and precision, which is possible only with addressing problems regularly. The results of this study will contribute to the optimization of custom made tissue array processes.
Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jacob Disease: A case report
Authors: Mandjikoska Sonja , Horvat Pinterić Gordana
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Creutzfeldt–Jacob Disease (CJD) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of prion disease. CJD is categorized into four subtypes: sporadic (sCJD), familial, iatrogenic, and variant. The clinical presentation of sCJD is characterized by progressive dementia, myoclonus, visual disturbances, cerebellar ataxia, and pyramidal and/ or extrapyramidal signs. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, and the results of an electroencephalogram, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging.

Case Report: The case of an 81-yearold woman with progressive dementia and typical electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging findings for sporadic is presented.

Conclusion: No single diagnostic test for sCJD is available. In suspected sCJD, the first priority is to exclude treatable forms of dementia, such as encephalitis or chronic meningitis.
Partial vs. superficial parotidectomy for surgical treatment of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Čizmarevič Bogdan , Lanišnik Boštjan , Dinevski Dejan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Superficial parotidectomy is still the gold standard in surgical therapy for pleomorphic adenoma. Recently, less extensive procedures such as extracapsular dissection and before that partial parotidectomy were introduced. We analyzed the data of patients treated with either partial or superficial parotidectomyand compared recurrence rates and postoperative morbidity.

Methods: WA retrospective analysis of all the patients with pleomorphic adenomas who were treated at the Department of Otolaryngology from 2002 to 2016 was performed. The patients’ data were analyzed for outcome measures: facial nerve deficit, margin status, Frey’s syndrome, tumor size, duration of surgery and tumor recurrence.

Results: During this period, 186 patients with pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland underwent surgery, 177 of these for the first time. Nine patients were referred to us with recurrence from another institution. Among these 177 patients, 86 were treated by partial parotidectomy, 75 by superficial parotidectomy and 16 by total parotidectomy. Transient facial weakness and the duration of surgery differed significantly between the different types of operation. Frey’s syndrome and recurrence rate were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions: Radical surgery could be achieved with limited removal of the parotid while the recurrence rate was the same between the groups.
Contemporary approach to diagnostics in women with suspected pelvic endometriosis
Authors: Knez Jure , Dovnik Andraž , Pakiž Maja , But Igor , Reljič Milan , Gavrić Lovrec Vida , Banović Maja , Takač Iztok
Published: February 2023

Endometriosis is a common chronic female reproductive system disease, characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the endometrium and myometrium. It can severely compromise quality of life and have an impact on fertility. Although advances in conservative medical treatment options have been made, surgery is often a necessary part of treatment for this insidious disease.Historically, it was believed that only ovarian endometriosis could be diagnosed non-invasively by an ultrasound examination, while endometriosis at other locations could not be observed. With advances in imaging techniques over the last decades, this has changed dramatically and today deep pelvic endometriosis can be diagnosed non-invasively with high sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this review is to evaluate the contribution of clinical examination, laparoscopy, and non-invasive imaging techniques, mainly transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, to diagnose deep pelvic endometriosis.Evidence shows that transvaginal ultrasound with high-quality equipment in experienced hands offers high diagnostic accuracy for deep pelvic endometriosis diagnosis. Comprehensive ultrasound examination should be used as a first-line method of choice in diagnostics of women with suspected endometriosisand chronic pelvic pain.
Lifestyle of medical students
Authors: Žnidarič Matej , Zavodnik Iza , Lučič Šrajer Lucijan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Using the World Health Organization definition that a healthy lifestyle is a way of living that lowers the risk of serious illness or early death, our goal was to examine the lifestyle changes made by medical students over the years of study. A healthy lifestyle, which is crucial to maintain and protect health, is determined by many variables, both positive and negative.

Methods: A total of first, third and fifth year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor (165 students, 57 males and 108 females) were enrolled in the study during the academic year 2017/18. Lifestyle data, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and drug, tobacco and alcohol use, were collected using a standardized self-assessment questionnaire, the FANTASTIC Lifestyle Assessment Instrument, which had been translated into Slovenian. The questionnaire was supplemented with further questions to explore psychological aspects of lifestyle, such as mental well-being, social inclusion, altruism and student activities.

Results: Our sample of first, third and fifth year medical students revealed unhealthy changes in life habits, which were closely associated with the length of training. For the third year students, the situation had reached a crisis point, probably because the initial enthusiasm over choice of study had worn off, and stress had become less managable in the transition period between preclinical and clinical training. During their third year, the students consumed the largest amount of controlled substances and prescription and OTC drugs (p=0.003), lacked goals and purpose in life, were less connected with the faculty (p=0.000) and showed a decline in altruism (p=0.007).

Conclusions: Our results show that the psychophysical stress burden among medical students increases with duration of training, reaching crisis point during the third year. We recommend that medical students should arrange self-help and support groups to maintain a healthier lifestyle during this challenging period.
Strain indicators in the assessment of systolic myocardial function in aboy with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Chernykh Nadezhda , Tarasova Alla , Groznova Olga
Published: February 2023

Purpose: This article is about an unusual clinical case of a 14-year-old boy with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Ejection fraction (EF) and shortening fraction (FS) of the left ventricle in children with HCM remain within a normal range for an extended period of time. Therefore, detection of a decrease in segmental myocardial contractility at the initial stage of the disease presents a diagnostic problem.

Methods: The clinical characteristics of the patient, study results, and analysis of the left ventricular myocardial strain using 2D speckle-tracking mode in an echocardiographic examination are presented.

Results: A decrease in strain indicators in the anterioseptal, anterior, and anterolateral segments of the left ventricular myocardium and a compensatory increase in the contralateral segments were revealed. This served as an indication to start treatment.

Conclusions: A decrease in strain indicators in the 2D speckle- tracking mode is most informatively represented by changes in segmental systolic function of the left ventricle at the initial stage of HCM.
Henoch–Schönlein purpura – obravnava in zdravljenje pediatričnih bolnikov severovzhodnega dela Slovenije
Authors: Močnik Mirjam , Marčun Varda Nataša
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common type of vasculitis in childhood and has a good prognosis. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical characteristics of children with HSP diagnosed in north–east Slovenia with existing data from other countries.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with HSP in our department between 2005 and 2018, and assessed their clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and treatment at presentation. We also analysed how many patients relapsed, the causes of this, and the treatment administered. These parameters were compared with previously published research.

Results: During the study period, 123 patients with HSP were treated in our department. The median patient age was 6.0 years (interquartile range: 4–9 years) with a uniform distribution between the sexes. Along with purpura, 52.8% presented with arthropathy, 19.5% with abdominal pain, and up to 10% with renal involvement. Patients received supportive therapy the most frequently. Non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs were prescribed to 61.8% of patients and corticosteroids to 13%. Relapse occurred in 15.4% of patients, most presenting with skin purpura and kidney manifestations.

Conclusion: The basic demographic data of our patients were comparable to those of other similar published studies. The order of frequency of individual organ system involvement was also similar, but the percentages were lower. Purpura–accompanying manifestations were reported less often in our study than in previous studies. Compared to other studies, supportive therapy alone was prescribed more frequently to our patients, and corticosteroids were rarely administered. Compared to other studies, a smaller proportion of patients with relapse was recorded.
Report of a rare case: supernumerary tooth between the roots of the permanent maxillary first molar
Authors: Strmšek Lucija , Štamfelj Iztok
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To present the case of a patient with an inter-radicular supernumerary tooth.

Case report: A 45–year–old male patient presented with sepsis of odontogenic origin. Oral clinical investigation and panoramic radiography revealed the presence of four avital teeth with inadequate root canal fillings, including both maxillary first molars. The right one had periapical radiolucencies, indicating periapical periodontitis. The left one had an unusual radiopaque structure between the roots. Condensing osteitis, odontoma, and benign cementoblastomawere included in differential diagnosis; however, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) showed a miniature supernumerary tooth located between the buccal roots of this tooth. Surgical removal of the inter-radicular tooth was not indicated, because there were no associated pathological changes. Subsequently, the right first molar was extracted as the most likely source of systemic infection. The remaining three avital teeth were endodonticallyre-treated.

Conclusion: An inter–radicular supernumerary tooth is a rare occurrence; however, it is important to take into account when evaluating a radiopacity associated with a permanent maxillary molar. Its image on conventional radiographs may be unclear due to overlap with the neighbouring roots. CBCT plays a leading role in radiologic diagnosis and the establishment of  anatomical relationships.
The first successful endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass graft for coronary artery disease in Slovenia
Authors: Djordjević Anže , Robič Boris , Jurič Peter , Petrovič Rene , Železnik Jernej , Antonič Miha
Published: February 2023

Purpose: oronary artery bypass graft (CABG) using median sternotomy remains the standard care for patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). However, median sternotomy considerably affects morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. For this reason, less invasive access routes, including mini–thoracotomy or mini–sternotomy, have been developed to avoid full median sternotomy.

Case report: A 42–year–old male patient with a single–vessel CAD was admitted to the Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Medical Centre Maribor for surgical treatment. Endoscopic mammary artery harvesting and direct left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery anastomosis via left mini–thoracotomy were performed. The early postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day.

Conclusion: This report presents the first case of a minimally invasive CABG procedure using endoscopic mammary artery harvesting in Slovenia.
Hippocratic Oath / Hipokratova prisega
Authors: Pahor Dušica
Published: February 2023

After completing our medical studies, we all swore to honor the Hippocratic Oath. To this day, the Hippocratic Oath is still sworn by new generations of young physicians. I am not sure if we are aware that the Hippocratic Oath is vital for all physicians because it defines and outlines our mission. The Hippocratic Oath constitutes our way of living, thinking, and acting, and thus deserves to be respected. Modern medicine, which is becoming increasingly dehumanized and profit-driven, must not mislead us. Not even when one of the most significant thoughts in the Hippocratic Oath – I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel – might be dismissed due to a noble intention to help the dying.Do we understand what this oath demands, where it leads us to, how it guides us, and helps us make judgments when temptations in our daily lives may take us down a wrong path? Do we know how much truth lies in this oath, how much thought is still relevant today, and how many life orientations fulfill the mission of every single physician?
15 let od podelitve prvih 'Dekanovih nagrad' za znanstvenoraziskovalno delo študentov na Medicinski fakulteti Univerze v Mariboru
Authors: Pahor Dušica
Published: February 2023

Leta 2007 je vodstvo Medicinske fakultete Univerze v Mariboru (MF UM) na predlog prodekanje za raziskovalno delo sklenilo, da je treba spodbujati znanstvenoraziskovalno delo študentov, in uvedlo 'Dekanove nagrade' za najboljše študente na področju raziskovalnega dela na MF UM. S tem smo želeli, da študentje pridobijo izkušnje na področju raziskovanja, hkrati pa možnosti za vrednotenje raziskovalnega dela v času študija. Tako so študentje pridobili možnost, da kandidirajo s svojo raziskovalno nalogo za Perlachovo nagrado UM, ki se podeljuje za najboljše raziskovalne naloge študentom na UM vsako leto na različnih področjih študija.

Prve 'Dekanove nagrade' so bile podeljene pred 15 leti, in sicer 1. decembra 2008 na dan MF UM. Od takrat se nagrade podeljujejo vsako leto. Od leta 2010 se poleg teh nagrad podeljujejo še 'Dekanova priznanja' za vsa raziskovalna dela, ki so pokazala visoko kakovost, a se za nagrade niso uvrstila v najožji izbor. Nagrade in priznanja slovesno podeli vsako leto dekan in prodekan za raziskovalno dejavnost MF UM ob dnevu fakultete. Ob podelitvi nagrad se predstavi življenjepis nagrajenca in raziskovalno delo.
Management of pediatric burn injuries in a tertiary center in North-East Slovenia
Authors: Dukić Vuković Tanja , Gregorič Minja
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Burns are serious injuries that cause permanent functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial consequences. This study aimed to examine the incidence of pediatric burns requiring hospitalization, and different treatment modalities and outcomes.

Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 28 children with burns (19 boys and nine girls) were admitted between 2014 and 2018 for treatment. We monitored the incidence of burns and analyzed different treatment modalities and treatment outcomes. Children in this study were treated at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the University Medical Centre Maribor.

Results: Scalds were found to be the most common type of burns in children (68%). Children younger than 5 years of age were the most affected (75%). The average burned total body surface area was 9%. Furthermore, 89% of children needed surgical treatment. The hospitalization lasted for an average of 14.6 days, with complete healing occurring in 72% of children within 4 weeks. 

Conclusions: This study showed that the most vulnerable age group of children with severe burns who required hospitalization was between 1 and 2 years and that the most common type of burn was scalding. We suggested educating parents about burns and burn injuries and how such serious incidence could be prevented, especially among the youngest children.
Cross–testing Symbolic and Connectionist Machine Learning Approaches in Specialized Acute Appendicitis Databases
Authors: Zorman Milan , Pohorec Sandi , Butolen Bojan , Žlahtič Bojan , Kokol Peter
Published: February 2023

Purpose: In the world of learning with medical supervised machine approaches, we often face a lack of dataset objects suitable for training a classifier. Two of the most common reasons are the lack of funds to perform all of the required tests and dataset gathering, or simply the condition is too rare to collect a suitable number of cases. In this paper we present the results of a very rare opportunity to test and train classifiers on three acute appendicitis datasets with almost identical structures, but from different sources and of different sizes.

Methods: We performed a parallel variant of cross–testing of two types of classifiers (decision trees [DT] and artificial neural networks [ANN]). Our variant of cross–testing focuses on training the classifiers on one dataset and testing all of the remaining available datasets, including the one derived from the same source, as the training set. To compare the three acute abdominal pain databases of different sizes and origins, we selected 18 parameters from patient medical histories, clinical examinations, and the decision attribute/diagnosis, acute appendicitis.

Results: The comparison of results was based on overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and balance.

Conclusion: The results we obtained were quite surprising, and factors such as dataset size and theoretical power of the methods did not prove to be as important as first expected.
Smartphone Use in Clinical Practice: Technological Fad or the Future Physician's Assistant?
Authors: Kodela Aleš , Kodela Miha , Dinevski Dejan
Published: February 2023

Over the last few years, mobile phones have been undergoing rapid development, especially with the emergence of smartphones. Smartphones have their own operating system that is capable of running many user–installed applications. Their potential for use in the medical field was quickly acknowledged. More than 80% of physicians in the USA own a smartphone, and their use facilitates a rapid treatment, decreases the number of medical errors and allows a quicker access to patient and reference information. However, there is still some room for improvement. There are still some open questions regarding security, privacy and reliability of smartphone use, but their future use in clinical practice seems to be very promising.
Hormesis – an example of astrocyte response after ethanol exposure
Authors: Lipnik–Štangelj Metoda , Šarc Lucija
Published: February 2023

Purpose: In the present work we describe hormesis and review documented hormetic responses in astroglial cells after exposure to different stressors. We present an example of the astrocyte response to acute and chronic ethanol exposure with hormetic characteristics.

Methods: As an experimental model, newborn rat cortical astrocytes in culture were used. The cells were exposed to ethanol or the primary metabolite of ethanol (acetaldehyde) for 24 h or 7 days. After treatment, the protein content was determined, and the IL–6 levels in the culture medium were measured using an enzyme– linked immunoassay.

Results: Treatment of astroglial cells with ethanol or acetaldehyde led to enhanced protein content and stimulated IL–6 production in the low concentration zone followed by diminished protein content and an inhibition of IL–6 production at higher concentrations. Chronic exposure of astrocytes was more toxic than acute exposure for both compounds, and acetaldehyde was more toxic compared to ethanol.

Conclusion: Ethanol and acetaldehyde represent stressors for cultured astrocytes and evoke a typical hormetic response after acute and chronic exposure.
Nagovor dekana red. prof. dr. Ivana Krajnca ob otvoritvi Medicinske fakultete Univerze v Mariboru 18. september 2013 / The speech of The dean and full-time professor Ivan Krajnc MD at the opening of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor on
Authors: Krajnc Ivan
Published: February 2023

Spoštovane gospe, spoštovani gospodje!

 

V uvodu mi dovolite, da se vam zahvalim, da ste se udeležili naše proslave v tako velikem številu, da ste se udeležili  otvoritve nove stavbe Medicinske fakultete Univerze v Mariboru.

 

Mineva 7 let, ko smo v vodstvu Medicinske fakultete  Univerze v Mariboru (MF UM) pričeli razmišljati tudi o svojem domu. 

 

MF je delovala na številnih lokacijah, v prostorih rektorata  UM, v prostorih Univerzitetnega kliničnega centra Maribor  (UKC MB) in v prostorih Zavod za zdravstveno varstvo  Maribor.
Influencia prosódica en la espirantización de las oclusivas sonoras del castellano de la ciudad de Lima (Perú)
Authors: Elias-Ulloa José
Published: February 2023

Este artículo investiga el rol del acento y la sílaba inicial de palabra en la espirantización de las oclusivas sonoras intervocálicas del castellano de Lima. Por medio del análisis de la frecuencia de ocurrencias de los alófonos oclusivos y aproximantes, y de mediciones de la proporción de intensidad de dichos alófonos, se descubrió una asimetría entre los patrones de espirantización de las oclusivas no velares y los de la oclusiva velar. Se encontró que la interacción del acento y la sílaba inicial de palabra puede inhibir en cierta medida la espirantización de /b, d/ y que el acento puede incrementar el grado de constricción de sus alófonos aproximantes, [β, ð]. Esos mismos factores prosódicos no tienen ningún efecto en la espirantización de la oclusiva /ɡ/, la cual, en el ambiente intervocálico, uniformemente resulta en la aproximante velar, [ɣ].
La estructura informativa del doblado de predicados
Authors: Muñoz Pérez Carlos , Verdecchia Matías
Published: February 2023

En este trabajo presentamos un análisis de la estructura informativa de la construcción del doblado de predicados en español rioplatense (por ejemplo, Leer, leyó). Nuestra propuesta es que en este tipo de estructuras el predicado dislocado funciona como un tópico contrastivo en el sentido de Büring (2003, 2016), esto es, es un elemento que evoca un conjunto de preguntas alternativas con las que contrasta. Argumentamos que esta caracterización permite dar cuenta del “efecto de continuidad” que se atestigua en esta construcción, a saber, el hecho de que las oraciones con doblado de predicados sugieren siempre una continuación que involucra otro predicado. Además, mostramos que nuestro análisis predice correctamente la distribución del doblado en contextos de subordinación.