Iskanje po repozitoriju

Opis: Fungal biofilms represent complex extracellular systems with potential application in engineered living materials (ELMs), yet their chemical composition and structural variability under defined environmental conditions remain poorly understood. Biofilms of Aureobasidium pullulans strains grown on different solid media were investigated using a multimodal spectroscopic approach, including FT-IR, FT-NIR, and Raman spectroscopy. Nutrient-rich media (PDA, SDA, YNB) produced biofilms with largely conserved chemical profiles across strains, whereas nutrient- poor SNA medium induced pronounced changes in polysaccharide, protein, and lipid components, as well as in matrix organization and hydration. Principal component analysis and multiblock data fusion revealed that growth medium is the primary driver of spectral variation, with strain identity exerting a secondary influence. Vibrational bands corresponding to hydroxyl (−OH) and aliphatic (−CH) groups were identified as key contributors to differentiation, reflecting changes in the composition of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS). Raman spectroscopy provided complementary molecular information, such as the presence of characteristic protein and polysaccharide vibrations, which helped confirm the biochemical composition of the biofilms and supported the observations from IR and NIR analyses. Results show that the control of nutrient composition and growth conditions enables precise tuning of biofilm properties, including hydration, matrix density, and functional polysaccharide content. Biofilm composition is primarily influenced by nutrient composition rather than by the strain’s morphological features. This is important because it indicates that research on living coating formulation can focus on supplying nutrients that promote EPS production and biofilm development, rather than on selecting strains with particular morphologies. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the environmental control of A. pullulans biofilm formation and are relevant to the future development of engineered living coatings, where environmental conditions can be leveraged to influence biofilm composition, structure, and its functional properties
Ključne besede: spectroscopy, fungi, engineered living materials, biofilm, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, FT-NIR
Objavljeno v RUP: 31.08.2026; Ogledov: 176; Prenosov: 2
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Opis: Objective: To synthesize qualitative evidence on patients’ experiences and perceptions of prehabilitation and early rehabilitation in the context of hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods: A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with the databases searched from inception to March 2026. Eligible studies included individuals referred for or undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty and reporting qualitative data on experiences with prehabilitation or early rehabilitation. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by one reviewer and independently checked by a second reviewer, while data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. Findings were synthesized using a primarily descriptive narrative approach with thematic organization into facilitators and barriers; a formal qualitative meta-synthesis was not conducted. The review protocol was not registered. Results: Twelve studies were included: 11 focused on prehabilitation and two on early postoperative rehabilitation. The included studies involved patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, or both procedures. Patient experiences were grouped into five thematic domains: symptoms and physical condition, understanding and information, behavior, psychological well-being, and intervention delivery. Reported facilitators included improved symptoms and physical function, greater understanding and preparedness for surgery, better pain coping, improved psychological well-being, and positive experiences with different delivery formats. Reported barriers included increased pain, information overload, language barriers, limited individualization, restricted interaction, and varying delivery preferences. The evidence base was heterogeneous in terms of intervention content, delivery mode, patient populations, and depth of qualitative reporting. Conclusion: Prehabilitation and early rehabilitation were generally perceived positively, but several barriers were identified. The findings highlight the importance of symptom monitoring, individualized exercise prescription, clear tailored education, and flexible delivery formats. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because the synthesis was primarily descriptive, the included studies were heterogeneous, and the evidence was substantially stronger for prehabilitation than for early rehabilitation.
Ključne besede: prehabilitation, early rehabilitation, hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, patient experience, qualitative research
Objavljeno v RUP: 30.08.2026; Ogledov: 199; Prenosov: 1
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Opis: Native to East Asia, the Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus) has recently expanded its global range, with established invasive populations in Europe and North America. Given its potential role as a vector of various arboviruses, understanding its invasion process and ecological dynamics is crucial for managing its spread and mitigating public health risks. In the Iberian Peninsula, the species was first detected in Asturias in 2018 and has since expanded to neighbouring regions. Here, we elucidate the invasion pathways and possible origins of Ae. japonicus populations in Spain using sequence data and microsatellite markers, and by screening for the presence of maternally transmitted bacteria of the genus Wolbachia. We analysed 635 Ae. japonicus from 14 countries, including Japan (native range), the United States, and 12 European countries. No clear association between haplotypes and geographical location was detected in any of the three genes analysed (nuclear ITS2, mitochondrial COI and ND4). Wolbachia was not detected in any of the screened samples. In contrast, microsatellite-based population structure analyses showed that most Spanish samples clustered closely with those from College Park, Maryland (USA), located near the Port of Baltimore, one of the largest ports in the United States and a recognised gateway for invasive species introductions. Northern Spain hosts major seaports such as Bilbao and Gijón, whereas the nearest established Ae. japonicus population in Europe lies over 1,000 km away in northeastern France. Taken together, these findings suggest that the most plausible invasion route of Ae. japonicus into Spain involves maritime transport from the eastern coast of the United States to northern Spanish ports, likely accompanied by additional minor introductions of European origin. The inclusion of additional microsatellite loci originally developed for Ae. albopictus yielded results consistent with those obtained using Ae. japonicus-specific loci, reinforcing the robustness of the observed patterns. This work provides new insights into the invasion process of Ae. japonicus in Europe and highlights the need for continuous monitoring and tailored interventions at key ports of entry.
Ključne besede: Aedes, invasive mosquitoes, invasion genetics, northern Spain, points of entry, wsp marker
Objavljeno v RUP: 26.08.2026; Ogledov: 243; Prenosov: 5
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Opis: Aim: The aim of the study was to quantitatively assess reflective capacity among nursing students and to examine the expression of its dimensions in the clinical learning environment. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study design was used. A purposive sample of 177 nursing students enrolled in the Nursing programme in Slovenia participated in the study. Data were collected between October and December 2025 using the Reflective Practice Questionnaire. The study used the 16-item reflective capacity subscale, which includes four dimensions: reflection-in-action, reflection-on-action, reflection with others, and self-appraisal. Data were collected through an anonymous online survey (1KA). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 29. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Due to non-normal data distribution, non-parametric tests were applied, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Friedman test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: The results showed a relatively high level of reflective capacity among nursing students (Mdn = 4.56). Based on median values, the highest scores were observed in reflection with others and self-appraisal, while the lowest were found for reflection-in-action. Differences between reflective capacity dimensions were not statistically significant (χ²(3) = 2.399, p = 0.494). No significant differences were observed between full-time and part-time students or across years of study (p > 0.05). Age was not significantly associated with reflective capacity, except for a weak negative correlation with reflection with others (ρ = −0.193, p = 0.011). Students who perceived reflection as important for their professional development and those interested in additional practical training demonstrated significantly higher levels of reflective capacity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that nursing students demonstrate a relatively high level of reflective capacity, particularly in collaborative reflective processes. Reflective practice appears to be an important component of clinical learning and professional development in nursing education. Implication for nursing practice: Structured reflective activities, mentoring conversations, and guided reflection in clinical environments may strengthen students’ clinical judgement, professional responsibility, and quality of patient care.
Ključne besede: clinical education, nursing education, nursing students, reflective capacity, reflective practice
Objavljeno v RUP: 24.08.2026; Ogledov: 504; Prenosov: 9
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Opis: Youth unemployment remains a major challenge in South Africa, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted education and labour-market transitions. This study investigates how educational attainment influences youth unemployment in the post-COVID period using the nationally representative 2021 General Household Survey. A sample of 3,652 youths was analysed using logit and probit models across three specifications that incorporate education, demographic factors, and household welfare characteristics. The results show that higher education significantly reduces the likelihood of unemployment, with the strongest effects for diploma and degree holders. However, these effects vary across provinces. Youth in Free State, Northwest, and Limpopo experience high unemployment even with higher qualifications, indicating weak regional labour markets. A sensitivity analysis reveals that returns to education are lower in mining-dependent provinces. The study concludes that expanding education alone is insufficient without addressing provincial labour-market constraints.
Ključne besede: education, youth unemployment, General Household Survey (GHS) data, post COVID-19, South Africa
Objavljeno v RUP: 24.08.2026; Ogledov: 258; Prenosov: 4
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