Acta Medico-Biotechnica最新文献

{"title":"Attitudes of general practitioners and their patients about ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in family medicine","authors":"M. Petek Šter, J. Kersnik","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.19","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is increasingly being used in general practice, but there is a lack of information about the attitudes of general practitioners and their patients about the use of ABPM in primary care in Europe.Methods: Cross sectional survey performed on consecutive patients with uncontrolled hypertension treated by at least two different antihypertensive drugs and referred for ABPM in 38 general practices in Slovenia. Patients and physicians completed a questionnaire about their satisfaction with, attitudes about and acceptance of ABPM in general practice; the latter two were assessed using 5 point Likert scales.Results: We obtained complete data for 185 patients; 95 female (51.4 %) and 90 (48.6%) male, aged 37 to 79 years (mean 59.5, SD 9.5 years). 106 (67.3 %) patients were completely satisfied with the instructions given before ABPM. Patients found ABPM an acceptable method of blood pressure control. They believed that ABMP helped to reach better bloodpressure control (Likert scale: 4.46, SD 1.03) and valued having access to ABPM in general practice (Likert scale: 4.65, SD 1.01). General practitioners strongly believed that ABPM wasacceptable to patients, improved patient and physician interest in blood pressure control, improved compliance with treatment and reduced prescription of antihypertensive drugs. They recognised ABPM as being most valuable in cases of patients with suspected white-coat hypertension (Likert scale: 4.79, SD 0.49).Conclusions: Patients and general practitioners find ABPM to be an acceptable method for investigating blood pressure. Patients value being able to access ABPM in general practice rather than in a specialist setting.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"65 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114456948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Introduction and optimization of the in-vitro method for determining the hemocompatibility of modified poly(ethylene)terephthalate surfaces","authors":"J. Stana, D. Stropnik, S. Strnad, Tea Indest, M. Jevšek, G. Košir","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.14","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Internationally-accepted standards have been developed for a range of tests and parameters for characterising the in-vitro interactions of biomaterials with blood. However, there are, as yet, no standards concerning the size, design and type of such in-vitro testing systems (1). Since the development of hemocompatible biomaterials provides a very important challenge in material science, there is a need for further progress in finding reliable and standardized methods for hemocompatibility testing (2). The aim of this research was to introduce a method for analyzing the hemocompatibility of different chemically-modified surfaces. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with surface modifications using differentpolysaccharides and their derivatives, were chosen because of their promising biocompatible properties and numerous potential biomedical applications.Methods: A modified hemoglobin-free method was used to determine the antithrombogenicity of the modified PET surfaces (4). The method was optimized for shaking rate, the addition of buffer, and blood temperature to decrease measuring errors. Five differently-modified PET surfaces were analyzed: chemically pre-treated PET and PET treated with chitosan, fucoidan, sulphated chitosan and heparin. Glass was used as a standard thrombogenic surface.Results: The results showed that a lower shaking rate, the addition of buffer, and blood cooling prior to measurement significantly decreased the standard deviation of the measurement results by a total of about 89 %.Conclusions: We believe this optimized hemoglobinfree method is suitable for distinguishing between chemically and structurally-different surfaces, such as glass and PET. The differences between PET surfaces coated with different polysaccharides were, however, less pronounced.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133470446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outcomes of physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain","authors":"Zalica Klemenc Ketiš","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.40","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: To assess the outcomes of a10–treatment sessions program of physical therapy regarding the level of pain and health–related quality of life in patients with chronic, non–specific, low back pain.Methods: A consecutive sample of adults (N = 129) with chronic, non–specific, low back pain was assessed for improvement after a 10–day physical therapy program, consisting of an average of 3 different physical modalities, as prescribed by family physicians. A visual analog pain scale and EuroQol questionnaire (EQ–5D and EQ–VAS) were completed by patients before and after physical therapy.Results: The intensity of pain after 10 days of physical therapy was on average lower (1.7 ± 1.8 points; P < 0.001). The assessment of overall health on the EQ–VAS was on average better (10.3 ± 15.2 points; P < 0.001). The score of the EQ–5D was on average lower (0.8 ± 1.2 points; P < 0.001). The patients that were not on sick leave during the physical therapy reported a greater lowering of the intensity of pain than those on sick leave (P = 0.03). Patients with a BMI > 29 kg/m2 had a significantly higher change in the assessment of overall health on the EQ–VAS (P = 0.022). The patients that had group exercise in the set of procedures reported a greater improvement in overall health on the EQ–VAS compared to the patients that didnot have group exercise (P = 0.036). The patients with anxiety and depression had a significantly higher change in the composite score of the EQ–5D (P = 0.013). Patients with a BMI > 29 kg/m2 had a significantly higher change in the composite score of the EQ–5D (P = 0.013).Conclusion: Physical therapy has some effect in the short–term treatment of patients with chronic, non–specific, low back pain, but the viability of such procedures in this population of patients is questionable.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"17 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121782263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in a single tertiary hospital in Slovenia—the role of education in recommendation compliance","authors":"M. Žnidarič, M. Vogrin, A. Moličnik, F. Mujezinović, N. Kavčič, N. Gorišek Miksić","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.224","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.224","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention package on perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP) prescription practice in three elective procedures—total hip arthroplasty (THA), caesarean section (CS), and radical prostatectomy (RP)—in a single tertiary care hospital in Slovenia. \u0000Methods: An interventional study was performed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention package on PAP compliance. PAP prescription practices for three elective types of surgery (THA, CS, and RP) were observed. Thirty operative reports for each type of surgical procedure were evaluated according to indication, timing of preoperative prophylaxis administration, antibiotic selection and dosage, and total prophylaxis duration. This was followed by an educational intervention package that included a discussion with department leaders led by an infectious disease specialist and an educational seminar and discussion for surgeons, supplemented by PAP recommendations provided as pocket reminders. Then, the compliance with PAP recommendations for the same types of procedures performed in the post-interventional period (3–6 months after the intervention) was evaluated again. \u0000Results: Complete pre-interventional compliance with local guidelines was observed in 67%, 70%, and 3.3% of THA, CS, and RP cases, respectively. A major deviation from PAP recommendations was observed in the timing of preoperative PAP administration before surgery and in the total PAP duration A deviation from recommendations for RP, which is a major surgical procedure, was observed as a longer postoperative PAP duration compared to the intraoperative course. In the post-interventional period, an improvement in total compliance with PAP recommendations was observed in 80.0%, 90.0%, and 50.0% of THR, CS, and RP procedures, respectively. \u0000Conclusion: Our study revealed an improvement in adherence to PAP recommendations after an educational intervention package for selected procedures at the University Medical Centre Maribor. This simple intervention can have an important impact on patient care quality by reducing antimicrobial medication use, resistance development, and treatment cost.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"55 79 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124775083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The clinical relevance of severe thermal artefacts in specimens after LLETZ","authors":"A. Cokan, I. Žebeljan, T. Serdinšek, M. Pakiz","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.222","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) under local anaesthesia has almost replaced cold knife conisation in the treatment of cervical squamous intraepithelial dysplasia (SIL). Thermal artefacts in specimens after LLETZ may be so severe, that they prevent histopathological interpretation and evaluation of the radicality of the procedure. There are limited data regarding the prevalence of severe thermal artefacts after LLETZ and their clinical relevance regarding the need for reoperation. \u0000Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 314 consecutive patients who were treated with LLETZ or cold knife conisation for cervical SIL in 2016 at our clinic. The primary outcome of the study was to determine the prevalence of severely damaged surgical margins after LLETZ and if these thermal artefacts can predict residual disease or the need for reoperation. The secondary outcome was the prevalence of postoperative and short–term complications. \u0000Results: Three hundred and fourteen women underwent surgery for cervical SIL. In 95.2% of cases, we performed LLETZ, and 89.3% of women had this procedure under local anaesthesia. The reoperation rate was 3.8%. Positive or inconclusive margins were present in 20.4% of specimens. In 10.7% of allLLETZ cases, thermal artefacts were so severe that they interfered with histopathological interpretation. However, only one of these patients needed reoperation. Postoperative vaginal discharge and mild bleeding requiring therapeutic intervention occurred in 4.7% and 6.7% of cases, respectively. \u0000Conclusion: Although approximately 10% of patients had severe thermally damaged margins after LLETZ, only 3% required reoperation. In our experience, severely damaged margins were not associated with higher reoperation rate. On the other hand, a carefully planned follow–up visit with cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and colposcopy with biopsy after the procedure is of utmost importance in the evaluation of residual disease.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127587546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of successful treatment of patients with unilateral functional crossbite","authors":"A. Fekonja, Jasmina Šijanec Kebrič","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.223","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Unilateral functional crossbite (UFCB) is one of the most common malocclusions in the deciduous and early mixed dentition stage. It is accompanied by lateral mandibular shift and mandibular midline deviation due to the narrow maxillary dental arch. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of early correction of UFCB with the Fränkel (FR–3) functional regulator. \u0000Methods: Ninety Caucasian subjects (32 boys and 58 girls) with UFCB in the early mixed dentition stage (mean age, 6 years and 8 months (SD±1.8)) were treated with the FR–3 functional regulator and monitored. The diagnosis was based on anamnestic data, clinical examinations, radiographs, and analyses of study cast models. Dental casts taken before and after treatment were used in the analysis of effects. \u0000Results: Treatment of UFCB involved expansion of the maxillary arch, removal of occlusal interferences, and elimination of the functional shift. The width of the maxilla increased by 2.90 mm (SD±1.63) in the canine region and by 2.78 mm (SD±1.60) in the molar region. Another advantage of early treatment was improvement of maxillary arch length deficiency secondary to maxillary constriction because the permanent incisors were afforded more space before or during eruption than if the crossbite was treated at a later age. At least one abnormal orofacial function was identified in 69 (76,67%) patients with UFCB. Aftertreatment, all crossbites were corrected, functional deviations were eliminated, and no relapses were observed during follow–up at 2 years and 8 months. \u0000Conclusion: The Fränkel functional regulator is a functional orthodontic–orthopedic device that is an effective alternative for the treatment of UFCB. Dental occlusion was significantly improved, and the prognosis for normal craniofacial growth and normal function of the stomatognathic system was enhanced.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124626605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Report of a rare case: supernumerary tooth between the roots of the permanent maxillary first molar","authors":"L. Strmšek, I. Štamfelj","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.225","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: To present the case of a patient with an inter-radicular supernumerary tooth. \u0000Case 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. \u0000Conclusion: 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.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130560400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The first successful endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass graft for coronary artery disease in Slovenia","authors":"A. Djordjević, B. Robič, Peter Jurič, Rene Petrovič, Jernej Železnik, Miha Antonič","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.226","url":null,"abstract":"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. \u0000Case 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. \u0000Conclusion: This report presents the first case of a minimally invasive CABG procedure using endoscopic mammary artery harvesting in Slovenia.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"102 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121980859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness and expectations of visitors to family medicine practices about palliative care in Slovenia","authors":"Erika Zelko, Dorotea Gašpar, E. Gjuras, N. Krčevski Škvarč","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.220","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.220","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: In Slovenia, palliative medicine and care are developing more intensively in the last years. Appraisal of the existing evidence on, expectations in, and awareness about palliative care (PC) in Slovenia is essential to inform the emerging practice and future research. \u0000Methods: A cross–sectional survey of 2000 individuals aged over 18 years old was performed. Information was collected using a structured questionnaireconsisting of 18 items. Analysis of the questions is presented using descriptive statistics. The significance level was set at p ≤0.05 in all analyses. \u0000Results: 58.6% of participants report having little awareness of PC, with most information received via media (radio, TV, internet) and experience obtaineddirectly or through family and friends. In this sample, increasing age, being female and higher levels of education were related to higher reported levels of awareness of PC. 69.6% of our participants said they wish to die at home. According to our participants, patients at home need, their physical symptoms be well controlled (93.8%), followed by medical and health care (65.9%), and support from voluntary carers (41.4%) and they also highlighted the wish of relatives and patients to be consulted via telephone by a health care providers in case of problems (55.4%). 28.4% confirmed they know the advance healthcare directive form. \u0000Conclusion: The survey data presented here provides an empirical basis from which we can begin stimulating discussions about death, dying and support empowered decision–making, as confronting end of life issues is inevitable for us all. All patients have the right to dignity and peace through their last stages of life.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"49 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116449742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Henoch–Schönlein purpura – obravnava in zdravljenje pediatričnih bolnikov severovzhodnega dela Slovenije","authors":"Mirjam Močnik, Nataša Marčun Varda","doi":"10.18690/actabiomed.221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18690/actabiomed.221","url":null,"abstract":"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. \u0000Methods: 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. \u0000Results: 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. \u0000Conclusion: 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.","PeriodicalId":186880,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medico-Biotechnica","volume":"34 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132203207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}