In this paper, the use of ultrathin cellulose supports as platform for the incorporation of analgesic drugs in wound dressings is proposed. As a model drug, diclofenac (DCF) is chosen, which is commonly used in pain easing medical treatments. The DCF containing cellulose films are prepared by mixing solutions of trimethylsilyl cellulose (DSSi:2.5) with DCF dissolved in THF. After depositing the material on a solid surface by spin-coating, the films are subjected to vapor-phase hydrolysis using 3 M HCl in order to achieve regeneration of cellulose. The release of DCF from these films over time is studied by UV-Vis. Upon deposition of additional layers of cellulose that do not contain DCF, the release from these films can be decelerated significantly. The release kinetics from these films is very similar to those of viscose fibers impregnated with DCF solutions. These studies indicate a potential use of cellulose thin films as model platform for viscose based wound dressings.
COBISS.SI-ID: 18297110
Background: We aimed at assessing the factors that can influence results of the dissemination of an already validated, new generation commercial Point-of-Care Test (POCT) for detecting celiac disease (CD), in the Mediterranean area, when used in settings where it was designed to be administered, especially in countries with poor resources.Methods: Pragmatic study design. Family pediatricians at their offices in Italy, nurses and pediatricians in Slovenia and Turkey at pediatricians', schools and university primary care centers looked for CD in 3,559 (1-14 yrs), 1,480 (14-23 yrs) and 771 (1-18 yrs) asymptomatic subjects, respectively. A new generation POCT detecting IgA-tissue antitransglutaminase antibodies and IgA deficiency in a finger-tip blood drop was used. Subjects who tested positive and those suspected of having CD were referred to a Celiac Centre to undergo further investigations in order to confirm CD diagnosis. POCT Positive Predictive Value (PPV) at tertiary care (with Negative Predictive Value) and in primary care settings, and POCT and CD rates per thousand in primary care were estimated.Results: At tertiary care setting, PPV of the POCT and 95% CI were 89.5 (81.3-94.3) and 90 (56-98.5) with Negative Predictive Value 98.5 (94.2-99.6) and 98.7% (92-99.8) in children and adults, respectively. In primary care settings of different countries where POCT was performed by a different number of personnel, PPV ranged from 16 to 33% and the CD and POCT rates per thousand ranged from 4.77 to 1.3 and from 31.18 to 2.59, respectively.Conclusios: Interpretation of POCT results by different personnel may influence the performance of POC but dissemination of POCT is an urgent priority to be implemented among people of countries with limited resources, such as rural populations and school children.
COBISS.SI-ID: 512472120
Using a variety of visualization tools for teaching and learning science and chemistry is necessary because pupils better understand chemical phenomena and formulate appropriate mental models. The purpose of the presented study was to determine the importance of a virtual laboratory as a visualization element when addressing chemical contents within science classes. Pupils from five different schools who were attending the seventh grade (N = 109), participated in the survey. The pupils were divided into experimental and control groups. We carried out a teaching experiment in order to assess the effectiveness of using a virtual laboratory. In addition, we asked ourselves two questions: whether the dynamic visualization enabled by the use of a virtual laboratory has a positive effect on the learning outcomes of pupils, and how successful are the pupils when solving tasks that involve visualization elements. The results from the didactic experiment showed, that in terms of knowledge acquisition, the use of a virtual laboratory was more effective than classes without the use of dynamic visualization elements.
COBISS.SI-ID: 20894728
Background: Celiac disease (CD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are frequently associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). In the present study we investigated bone mineral density in pediatric patients with either CD or IBD in stable remission and compared them with their peers. Furthermore, we investigated the applicability of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) as a diagnostic tool for lowered BMD. Methods: Altogether, 104 children aged between 10 and 18 years (49 boys, 55 girls) were selected and followed-up. Lumbar and left hip BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and results expressed as Z scores for a specific chronological age. CD and IBD were diagnosed previously in each test group and children/adolescents were treated accordingly. Additionally, levels of vitamin D were determined in all the groups including control. Percentage of body fat (BF %) and lean body mass (LBM) were measured using BIA method. Results: BMD did not differ significantly between CD, IBD or control group. In CD and IBD group vitamin D levels were significantly lower than in the control group (p ( 0.01). Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that pediatric patients with CD and IBD in a stable remission have good BMD. As vitamin D levels in both test groups were significantly lower than in the control, supplementation of vitamin D should be considered in order to prevent possible long term deteriorations of bone mineral mass. Our results showed that BIA is not a reliable method in determining lowered BMD.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4938047
Review of contemporary knowledge in pathophysiology, immunology, clinical evaluation and treatment of celiac disease, including case reports.
COBISS.SI-ID: 512473912