1. Biodiversity genomics research practices require harmonising to meet stakeholder needs in conservationElena Bužan, Christian de Guttry, Chiara Bortoluzzi, Nathaniel R. Street, Kay Lucek, Anna Rosling, Lino Ometto, Alice Mouton, Luísa S. Marins, María José Ruiz-López, José Melo-Ferreira, Elisabet Ottosson, Camila J. Mazzoni, Robert M. Waterhouse, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Biodiversity resilience relies on genetic diversity, which sustains the evolutionary potential of organisms in dynamic ecosystems. Genomics is a powerful tool for accurately estimating genetic diversity across genomes of species and populations. However, integration of genomic data into conservation efforts faces challenges due to the heterogeneity of approaches employed. Establishing common sets of standards for genomic data production and analysis is essential to consistently interpret results and clearly communicate outcomes to stakeholders. While the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) community has contributed significantly to the standardisation of reference genome methodologies in synergy with other initiatives, there is now an urgent need to extend these principles to downstream analyses. ERGA aims to build on its experience to help establish harmonised approaches in applied biodiversity genomics research, aligned with ongoing efforts to define standardised metrics for measuring and reporting genetic diversity. Establishing consensus on best practices for genome-wide data generation methods and applications will substantially increase accuracy, interpretability, and comparability, together with enhanced stakeholder capacities. By identifying key opportunities and challenges, as well as conducting preliminary stakeholder mapping and examining case studies, the goal is to build an inclusive framework that ensures the relevance and widespread adoption of these best practices: fostering trust and confidence in genomics research practices to meet stakeholder needs in biodiversity conservation. We call upon the broader research community to join efforts in establishing these approaches, recognising the importance of participation of end-users, to foster the integration of genomic data into the toolkit for measuring and reporting genetic diversity.
Keywords: best practices, biodiversity genomics, genome-wide genetic diversity, stakeholder engagement, standardisation, whole genome resequencing data
Published in RUP: 16.01.2026; Views: 187; Downloads: 2
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2. Culturally Sensitive and Congruent Digital Learning Initiatives for Health Professions across Europe : Towards an Inclusive European Professional MobilityManuel Lillo-Crespo, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: The importance of digital education seems to have gained momentum since Covid-19 pandemic especially in the field of health professions. Since then more innovative options, new terms, frameworks and uses, introduced in this chapter, have emerged with the aim to assure at least the same quality as the face-to-face traditional educational approaches and recently by including the culturally competent perspective. This progress may contribute positively by avoiding high expenses for organizations and promoting values in digital education such as equity, inclusion and diversity recognition, even when mobility restrictions happen for any reason. The chapter presents the routing guide to developing culturally sensitive and congruent digital learning initiatives for health professionals, according to international organizations and experts, that could be applied worldwide, by outlining the experiential learning and good practices from projects conducted across Europe.
Keywords: Digital health, Cultural Competency, Europe, Education, [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion]
Published in RUP: 22.12.2025; Views: 180; Downloads: 0
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3. Effects of time-restricted eating (early and late) combined with energy restriction vs. energy restriction alone on the gut microbiome in adults with obesityBernarda Habe, Tanja Črešnovar, Matjaž Hladnik, Jure Pražnikar, Saša Kenig, Dunja Bandelj, Nina Mohorko, Ana Petelin, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Early time-restricted eating combined with energy restriction (eTRE + ER) has been shown to reduce fat mass, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and fasting glucose more effectively than late TRE with energy restriction (lTRE + ER) or energy restriction (ER) alone. Given the gut microbiome’s sensitivity to circadian rhythms, we examined whether adding TRE, particularly eTRE, to ER alters gut microbiota composition beyond ER alone, and whether such effects persist during follow-up. Methods: We analysed anthropometric, biochemical and gut microbiome data from 76 participants at baseline and after a 3-month intervention (eTRE + ER: n = 33; lTRE + ER: n = 23; ER: n = 20). Follow-up microbiome data 6-months after the end of intervention were available for 43 participants. Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples. Results: No significant between-group differences in beta diversity were observed over time. However, changes in alpha diversity differed significantly across groups at the end of the intervention (Shannon: F = 5.72, p < 0.001; Simpson: F = 6.72, p < 0.001; Richness: F = 3.99, p = 0.01) and at follow-up (Richness: F = 3.77, p = 0.02). lTRE + ER led to the greatest reductions in diversity post intervention, while ER was least favourable during follow-up. Although no significant between-group differences were observed at the phylum level either at the end of the intervention or during follow-up, only the eTRE + ER group exhibited a significant decrease in Bacillota and an increase in Bacteroidota during follow-up. At the genus level, differential abundance analysis revealed significant shifts in taxa such as Faecalibacterium, Subdoligranulum, and other genera within the Ruminococcaceae and Oscillospiraceae families. In the eTRE + ER, Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum increased, while in other groups decreased. Notably, the changes in Faecalibacterium were negatively correlated with fasting glucose, while the increase in Subdoligranulum was inversely associated with DBP; however, both associations were weak in strength. Conclusions: eTRE + ER may promote beneficial, lasting shifts in the gut microbiome associated with improved metabolic outcomes. These results support further research into personalized TRE strategies for treatment of obesity.
Keywords: eating window, energy restriction, microbiota, alpha and beta diversity, metabolic health, obesity
Published in RUP: 17.07.2025; Views: 722; Downloads: 7
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4. Nursing students’ views on men in nursing : a gender diversity challenge in the healthcare workforceMirko Prosen, Tamara Čekada, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background Nursing remains a female-dominated profession, with men often facing societal stereotypes and professional challenges that limit their representation. Gender-based misconceptions about caregiving roles and masculinity influence the perception of men in nursing, posing barriers to inclusivity. This study explores nursing students’ perceptions of men in nursing, focusing on the prevalence of gender stereotypes, their potential impact on career decisions and the ethical implications of such misperceptions. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 184 nursing students in Slovenia. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using the GEMINI (Gender Misconceptions of Men in Nursing) Scale. Internal consistency of the adapted scale was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.859. Results Findings reveal that while some gender stereotypes persist, most students hold neutral or positive attitudes toward men in nursing. The overall median GEMINI score was 33.00, significantly lower than the theoretical median of 51 (p < 0.001), indicating generally low levels of gender-based misconceptions. Postgraduate students reported lower misconceptions (Me = 30.50) compared to undergraduates (Me = 33.50). Male students had a slightly higher median score (34.50) than female students (33.00), suggesting they may hold slightly more stereotypical views. Challenges included societal biases, limited mentorship, and struggles with professional identity, particularly in clinical settings and specialties perceived as traditionally female-dominated. Students with family members in nursing reported a median of 33.50, compared to 33.00 among those without, suggesting a modest exposure effect, although not statistically significant. Conclusions Addressing gender-based misconceptions through education and public awareness is critical for fostering diversity and creating a more inclusive nursing workforce. Future efforts should focus on redefining nursing as a gender-neutral profession. Curricula should incorporate discussions about diversity, gender equity, and professional identity development, fostering inclusivity and reducing stereotypes early in students’ careers. Targeted mentorship programs, increased male representation in nursing leadership, and reframing nursing as a profession that values both technical expertise and emotional intelligence are essential strategies for breaking down persistent stereotypes and improving gender diversity in the field.
Keywords: gender diversity, nursing students, stereotypes
Published in RUP: 02.07.2025; Views: 891; Downloads: 5
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6. Analysis of genetic diversity in Croatian fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm using SSR markersDanijela Poljuha, Ines Kralj, Marin Krapac, Tatjana Klepo, Mira Radunić, Frane Strikić, Tim Weber, Sezai Ercişli, Alenka Baruca Arbeiter, Matjaž Hladnik, Dunja Bandelj, 2021, published scientific conference contribution Keywords: Ficus carica, germplasm, national collections, genetic diversity, Croatia, microsatellite
Published in RUP: 18.10.2021; Views: 3376; Downloads: 35
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8. First set of microsatellite markers for immortelle (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don) : a step towards the selection of the most promising genotypes for cultivationAlenka Baruca Arbeiter, Matjaž Hladnik, Jernej Jakše, Dunja Bandelj, 2021, original scientific article Keywords: curry plant, Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don, high-throughput DNA sequencing, genomic SSRs, genetic diversity, DNA fingerprinting
Published in RUP: 06.05.2021; Views: 4334; Downloads: 37
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9. Inferring population history and demography using microsatellites and major histocompatibility complex genes in european roe deerElena Bužan, Luka Duniš, Urška Gerič, Sandra Potušek, Boštjan Pokorny, 2021, published scientific conference contribution abstract Keywords: microsatellites, major histocompatibility complex, next-generation sequencing, spatial genetic diversity, roe deer
Published in RUP: 04.02.2021; Views: 3404; Downloads: 13
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