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Aging is a complex physiological process characterized by a progressive loss in physiological function and the emergence of age- related diseases. Much of the contemporary aging research focuses on cell-autonomous processes such as oxidative stress and impaired proteostasis, which are thought to be responsible for age- related diseases. However, non-cell autonomous processes may also play a role in the development of age-related phenotypes. We named such an impact of the cellular environment on the expression of aberrant phenotypes “cellular parabiosis”. While the bystander effect – spreading of aberrant phenotypes from damaged cells to the surrounding intact cells – has been well described, it remains unknown how the healthy cells may influence the damaged, dying cells in their vicinity. In this study, we investigated how cells that are damaged by UV radiation behave in the presence of healthy cells compared to the damaged cells in monocultures. We found that the survival of damaged cells is significantly decreased when they are co-cultured with healthy cells and that this effect mostly depends on the unknown factors secreted by the healthy cells. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon might be linked with the arrested transcriptomic response to UV radiation that we identified in the UV-treated cells grown in co-culture with intact cells. Such accelerated dismissal of damaged cells due to the surrounding healthy cells might be a natural mechanism for cleaning the tissues from dying cells which can act as sources of toxicity.

Internet stvari i blokčejn se smatraju za dve glavne tehnologije današnjice. Smanjenje kašnjena i povezanost sistema je dovelo do veće fleksibilnosti pri korišćenju aplikacija koje se nalaze na udaljenim uređajima. Najveći problem interneta stvari je to da nemaju dovoljno računarskih resusrsa, nedovoljna količina memorije i slabi procesori koji su optimizovani da troše malo energiije sprečavaju korišćenje robusnih algoritama za šifrovanje. Internet stvari se suočava sa mnogim izazovima, kao što su slaba interoperabilnost, bezbednosne ranjivosti, privatnost i nedostatak standarda. U ovom radu daje se predlog korišćenja softverskog interfejsa kao arhitekture sigurnosnog prolaza za pametne uređaje. Sigurnosni interfejs omogućava korišenje jačih kriptografskih algoritama za udaljenje servise pamethih uređaja. Ovaj pristup pobojšava bezbednost podataka koji šalju pametni uređaji korišćenjem kompitablnih algoritama za šifrovanje podataka pre nego što se proslede na udaljenje servise. Pored interfejsa u ovom radu se koristi i blokčejn tehnologiija. Razlog korišćenja blokčejn tehnolgije je da se u mrežu povezanih pametnih uređaja ubaci decentralizacija i autentifikacija. Samom integracijom blokčejna dobija se toliko potrebna anonimnost i fleksibilnost koju trenutni internet stvari nema. Blokčejn štiti interfejs svojim tehnologijama kojima se izbacuje jedna tačka kontrole, beleže se sve transakcije, proverava njihova validnost i samim tim se pruža poverenje među uređajima u jednoj mreži. Rezultat ovog rada je razvoj interfejsa koji daje podršku pametnim uređajima da koriste bilo koji kriptografski algoritam, daje mogućnost mapiranja IP adresa (engl. Internet Protocol address) i na taj način spreče pristup neautorizovani pristup mreži. Pored razvoja interfejsa, blokčejn tehnologija će biti uključena u kompitablnom režimu tako da je efikasna za rad na pametnim uređajima imajući u obzir limitacije sa resursima.

Aims The EUropean Comparative Effectiveness Research to Assess the Use of Primary ProphylacTic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (EU-CERT-ICD), a prospective investigator-initiated, controlled cohort study, was conducted in 44 centres and 15 European countries. It aimed to assess current clinical effectiveness of primary prevention ICD therapy. Methods and results We recruited 2327 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and guideline indications for prophylactic ICD implantation. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Clinical characteristics, medications, resting, and 12-lead Holter electrocardiograms (ECGs) were documented at enrolment baseline. Baseline and follow-up (FU) data from 2247 patients were analysable, 1516 patients before first ICD implantation (ICD group) and 731 patients without ICD serving as controls. Multivariable models and propensity scoring for adjustment were used to compare the two groups for mortality. During mean FU of 2.4 ± 1.1 years, 342 deaths occurred (6.3%/years annualized mortality, 5.6%/years in the ICD group vs. 9.2%/years in controls), favouring ICD treatment [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.682, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.537–0.865, P = 0.0016]. Multivariable mortality predictors included age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), New York Heart Association class Conclusion In contemporary ICM/DCM patients (LVEF ≤35%, narrow QRS), primary prophylactic ICD treatment was associated with a 27% lower mortality after adjustment. There appear to be patients with less survival advantage, such as older patients or diabetics.

Most PWRs have penetrations in the RPV lower heads for in-core nuclear instrumentation. These penetrations generally are made of nickel-based Inconel Alloy 600. Weld materials are typically Alloy 82/182. Operating conditions of PWR plants are causing nickel-based alloys cracking through a process called primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC). In 2003, the licensee for the South Texas Project Unit 1 (STP-1) identified apparent boron deposits on the lower RPV head near two bottom mounted nozzles (BMNs). The NRC issued Bulletin 2003-02 to obtain information on licensee inspection activities and inspection plans for the RPV lower head. EPRI issued MRP-206 report that provides inspection and evaluation guidelines for BMNs for PWR plants, including guidelines for periodic bare metal visual examination for evidence of primary coolant leakage, or periodic non-visual nondestructive examinations for indications of service-induced cracking. The non-visual inspections (ultrasonic testing examination) may detect service-induced degradation before through-wall cracking, leakage, circumferential cracking below the bottom of the J-groove weld, release of loose parts, or incipient boric acid wastage of the low-alloy steel reactor vessel lower head material occurs. Therefore, periodic examinations will adequately manage potential for cracking by PWSCC and preserve structural integrity. INETEC developed TARGET system for BMNs inspection, consisted of submersible ROV and specially designed probe, composed of several UT probes. UT system and technique to detect, length and depth size the service-induced degradation in the BMN volume material is developed. The EPRI NDE Center performed a technical review and validated INETEC’s ultrasonic examination technique for BMNs. Aforementioned validation was done according to requirements defined by: 1) MRP-206, 2) MRP-411.

U ovom radu dat je prikaz kinetičkih eksperimenata reakcija supstitucije bis(fenilacetilacetonato)-etilendiimino-rodijum(III) kompleksa sa biološki važnim ligandima. Cilj ovih eksperimenata je određivanje kinetičkih parametara vezivanja potencijalnih lekova za biološki važne molekule. Kao biloški važni ligandi korišćeni su inozin 5’-monofosfat, L-metionin i tiourea. Eksperimenti reakcija supstitucije izvedeni su korišćenjem time drive režima na UV/Vis spektrofotometru pri konstantnoj temperaturi i pH vrednosti rastvora. Reakcije supstitucije su izvođene kao reakcije pseudo-prvog reda, gde su dobijene konstante brzina pseudo-reakcija. Nakon toga, iz dobijenih konstanti brzina reakcija pseudo-prvog reda, tzv. pseudo-konstanti, izračunate su i konstante brzina reakcije supstitucije biološki važnim ligandima.

2019 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia : The Task Force for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC): Developed in collaboration with the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC)

The text is a critical review of the book by Srđan and Marica Šljukić, authors who point out that the contribution of sociology and sociologists in conflict resolution is rather underestimated and reduced only to the notion of Marx's class struggle. It is this neglect of sociological insights into conflicts that has led the authors to devote part of their scientific activity to this topic. In their study, the authors presented the ideas of a significant part of thinkers, most of which do not belong to the mainstream of sociology, but also investigated certain social conflicts in ways that were available to them in the given circumstances.

Introduction The risk of bleeding associated with transjugular kidney biopsies is unclear, and which patients are the best candidates for this route is unknown. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study comparing proportion of bleeding associated with transjugular versus percutaneous native kidney biopsies in all patients in France in the 2010–2019 period. Major bleeding at day 8 (i.e., blood transfusions, hemorrhage/hematoma, angiographic intervention, nephrectomy) and risk of death at day 30 were assessed, and we used a bleeding risk score initially developed for the percutaneous route. Results Our analysis included 60,331 patients (transjugular route: 5305; percutaneous route: 55,026 patients). The observed proportion of major bleeding varied widely (transjugular vs. percutaneous): 0.4% versus 0.5% for the lowest risk scores (0–4) to 19.1% versus 30.8% for the highest risk scores (≥35). Transjugular was more frequently used than percutaneous route (39% vs. 24%) when the risk score was ≥20 (15,133/60,331; 25% of all patients). Transjugular was associated with a lower risk of major bleeding than percutaneous route in multivariate analyses (odds ratio [OR]: 0.88 [0.78–0.99]), especially for scores ≥20 (OR: 0.83 [0.72–0.96], (i.e., 25% of patients). Major bleeding was associated with an increased risk of death both for transjugular (OR: 1.77 [1.00–3.14]) and percutaneous (OR: 1.80 [1.43–2.28]) routes. Conclusions The transjugular route is independently associated with a lower risk of bleeding than the percutaneous route, especially in high-risk patients identified by a preprocedure risk score ≥20 (i.e., 25% of patients). Major bleeding is associated with an increased risk of death for both routes., Graphical abstract

—Internet of Things and Blockchain are considered two major technologies. Internet of Things is facing many challenges such as poor interoperability, security vulnerabilities, privacy, and lack of industry standards. Most Internet of Things Devices needs a constant connection to the internet which brings many challenges in their protection and security the data. This is where Blockchain technology comes into use. The Blockchain provides decentralization and authentication that makes is impossible for third parties to gain access to the network. It provides much needed privacy and flexibility which is currently missing from IoT infrastructure. Our work provides a solution with overview what can be done to implement Blockchain in existing IoT infrastructure and furthermore improve security and privacy of the system.

Metode za uklanjanje funkcionalnih grupa su od izuzetnog značaja za organsku sintezu, naročito u sintezi lekova i prirodnih proizvoda. Aldehidna grupa je zbog svojih dirigujućih osobina u reakcijama, konkretno u elektrofilnoj aromatičnoj supstituciji i cikloadicijama posebno korisna, te je njena upotrebana vrednost kao pomoćne lako uklanjajuće grupe izuzetna u organskoj sintezi. Efikasne reakcije dekarobnilacije se mogu upotrebljavati kao zamena za opasne spoljašnje izvore ugljen monoksida pri reakcijama karbonilovanja koje iziskuju uvodjenje ovog gasa, jer bi se on stvarao in situ u potrebnoj količini, te bi se izbegla opasnost po život eksperimentatora. Takođe, sa porastom ekološke svesti i smanjenjem dostupnih izvora energenata, velika pažnja se posvećuje dobijanju biogoriva i prekursora za organsku sintezu iz zelenih izvora, te bi reakcije dekarbonilovanja mogle uveliko doprineti nadomešćivanju potreba industrije, farmacije i opšte populacije za proizvodima koji izvor imaju u derivatima nafte.

Aim The association of standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) markers with benefits of the primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has not been determined in the contemporary era. We analysed traditional and novel ECG variables in a large prospective, controlled primary prophylactic ICD population to assess the predictive value of ECG in terms of ICD benefit. Methods and results Electrocardiograms from 1477 ICD patients and 700 control patients (EU-CERT-ICD; non-randomized, controlled, prospective multicentre study; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02064192), who met ICD implantation criteria but did not receive the device, were analysed. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. In ICD patients, the co-primary outcome of first appropriate shock was used. Mean follow-up time was 2.4 ± 1.1 years to death and 2.3 ± 1.2 years to the first appropriate shock. Pathological Q waves were associated with decreased mortality in ICD patients [hazard ratio (HR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35–0.84; P Conclusion Pathological Q waves were a strong ECG predictor of ICD benefit in primary prophylactic ICD patients. Excess mortality among Q wave patients seems to be due to arrhythmic death which can be prevented by ICD.

U ovom radu je dat prikaz postupka sinteze liganda tipa Šifove baze bis(fenilacetilaceton)etilendiimina i njegovog Rh(III) kompleksa, kao i karakterizacija sintetisanog liganda i kompleksa IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spektroskopijom i masenom spektrometrijom. S obzirom da je DNK meta mnogih antikancerogenih lekova ispitana je interakcija sa DNK primenom UV i fluorescentne spektroskopije. Humani serum albumin je najzastupljeniji protein u ljudskoj plazmi. Njegovo najistaknutije svojstvo jeste reverzibilno vezivanje malih molekula. Kao transportni protein interesantan je sa biološkog aspekta pa se često koristi u ispitivanjima interakcija novosintetisanih jedinjenja. U ovom radu posmatrana je interakcija kompleksa Rh(III) sa humanim serum albuminom (HSA) primenom fluorescentne spektroskopije. Dobijeni eksperimentalni podaci su potvrđeni molekulskim dokingom. Podaci koji su dobijeni ukazuju da sintetisani kompleks pokazuje značajnu biološku aktivnost.

© 2020 European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved., Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses significant burden to patients, physicians, and healthcare systems globally. Substantial research efforts and resources are being directed towards gaining detailed information about the mechanisms underlying AF, its natural course and effective treatments (see also the ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine: CardioMed) and new evidence is continuously generated and published. The complexity of AF requires a multifaceted, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to the management of AF patients, with their active involvement in partnership with clinicians. Streamlining the care of patients with AF in daily clinical practice is a challenging but essential requirement for effective management of AF. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the detection of AF and its management, and new evidence is timely integrated in this third edition of the ESC guidelines on AF. The 2016 ESC AF Guidelines introduced the concept of the five domains to facilitate an integrated structured approach to AF care and promote consistent, guideline-adherent management for all patients. The Atrial Fibrillation Better Care (ABC) approach in the 2020 ESC AF Guidelines is a continuum of this approach, with the goal to further improve the structured management of AF patients, promote patient values, and finally improve patient outcomes.

AIMS: The clinical effectiveness of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is under debate. The EUropean Comparative Effectiveness Research to Assess the Use of Primary ProphylacTic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (EU-CERT-ICD) aims to assess its current clinical value. METHODS AND RESULTS: The EU-CERT-ICD is a prospective investigator-initiated non-randomized, controlled, multicentre observational cohort study performed in 44 centres across 15 European Union countries. We will recruit 2250 patients with ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and a guideline indication for primary prophylactic ICD implantation. This sample will include 1500 patients at their first ICD implantation and 750 patients who did not receive a primary prevention ICD despite having an indication for it (non-randomized control group). The primary endpoint is all-cause mortality; the co-primary endpoint in ICD patients is time to first appropriate shock. Secondary endpoints include sudden cardiac death, first inappropriate shock, any ICD shock, arrhythmogenic syncope, revision procedures, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. At baseline (and prior to ICD implantation if applicable), all patients undergo 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter ECG analysis using multiple advanced methods for risk stratification as well as detailed documentation of clinical characteristics and laboratory values. Genetic biobanking is also organized. As of August 2018, baseline data of 2265 patients are complete. All subjects will be followed for up to 4.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The EU-CERT-ICD study will provide a necessary update about clinical effectiveness of primary prophylactic ICD implantation. This study also aims for improved risk stratification and patient selection using clinical and ECG risk markers. peerReviewed

Supplementary Table 9, column 'Edoxaban', row 'eGFR category', '95 mL/min' (page 15). The cell should be coloured green instead of yellow. It should also read "60 mg"instead of "60 mg (use with caution in 'supranormal' renal function)."In the above-indicated cell, a footnote has also been added to state: "Edoxaban should be used in patients with high creatinine clearance only after a careful evaluation of the individual thromboembolic and bleeding risk."Supplementary Table 9, column 'Edoxaban', row 'Dose reduction in selected patients' (page 16). The cell should read "Edoxaban 60 mg reduced to 30 mg once daily if any of the following: creatinine clearance 15-50 mL/min, body weight

Atrial fibrillation is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in the general population. It is related to increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. Pulmonary vein isolation has emerged and today remains the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation ablation. There are multiple different tools and technologies used to achieve pulmonary vein isolation, and irrigated multi-electrode ablation was a novel tool to perform pulmonary vein isolation. It has been evaluated in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; however there is no data on use of this technology in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. The aim of our study was to compare irrigated multi-electrode ablation with point-by-point radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation under-going PVI. In this prospective study, we included forty-nine patients (age 60 + 9 years, 82% male). In 24 patients, the IMEA catheter was used in conjunction with an electroanatomic mapping system. Twenty-five patients undergoing RF point-by-point ablation (RF-PVI) served as a control group. Patients were followed for 12 months with 24 Holter ECG monitoring at 3, 6, and 9 months and 7 days Holter ECG at 12 months follow up. Results have confirmed our hypothesis that procedural parameters are similar between irrigated multielectrode ablation and standard point-by-point radiofrequency ablation. Procedure time was 125 + 23 min in the IMEA group and 127 + 31 min in the RF-PVI group (P = 0.79). Fluoroscopy time was 12.2 (11 – 16.1) min with IMEA compared with 5.2 (4.1 – 9.3) min in the RF-PVI group (P, 0.001). Net ablation time was 11.8 (10.2 – 15.4) min in the IMEA group compared with 33.6 (30.3 – 40.1) min in the RF-PVI group (P, 0.001). However, cumulative ablation times were significantly longer in the IMEA group compared to RF PVI group. Although complication rates were low in our study, longer cumulative ablation times could have implications on complication rates, which needs to be verified in future studies. Success rates, defined as freedom from any atrial fibrillation at 12 months were similar between the two groups. At 12 months, 16 of 24 patients (67%) in the IMEA group compared with 17 of 25 patients (68%) in RF-PVI group were free from AF (P. 0.99). In conclusion, IMEA-PVI was associated with shorter net ablation time and longer fluoroscopy time with similar procedure duration. Irrigated multi-electrode ablation recordings were not sufficient to confirm isolation in 35% of PVs. Single procedure efficacy after 12 months was similar between the two groups., Fibrilacija atrija je najučestalija supraventrikulska aritmija u općoj populaciji. Povezana je s povišenom stopom morbiditeta i mortaliteta te sniženom kvalitetom života bolesnika. Kao opcija liječenja kob dijela bolesnika, razvijena je izolacija plućnih vena koje je i danas temelj ablacijskog liječenja fibrilacije atrija. Razvijeni su brojni kateteri i tehnologije za izolaciju plućnih vena, a jedna od novijih je i multielektrodna irigacijska ablacija. Dosad postoje istraživanja koja su ispitivala učinkovitost i sigurnost navedene tehnologije kod bolesnika s paroksizmalnom fibrilacijom atrija, međutim do sada nije korištena niti ispitana kod bolesnika s perzistentnom fibrilacijom atrija. Cilj naše studije bio je usporediti novi multielektrodni irigacijski ablacijski kateter sa standardnom point-by-point radiofrekventnom ablacijom kod bolesnika s perzistentnom fibrilacijom atrija koji su podvrgnuti izolaciji plućnih vena. U studiju je uključeno 49 bolesnika (60± 9 godina, 82% muškarci). Kod 24 bolesnika PVI je učinjena multielektrodnim irigacijskim ablacijskim kateterom (IMEA-PVI) uz korištenje maping sustava, a kod 25 bolesnika radiofrekventnom ‘’point-by-point’’ ablacijom standardnim 4 mm irigacijskim kateterom (RF-PVI). Bolesnici su praćeni 24h Holter EKGom tijekom 12 mjeseci svaka tri mjeseca, a u 12-om mjesecu učinjen je 7 dnevni Holter EKG. Rezultati su pokazali da je vrijeme procedure usporedivo, ali vrijeme fluoroskopije kao i kumulativno vrijeme ablacije bili su znatno viši u IMEA grupi. Trajanje procedure bilo je 125 + 23 min u IMEA grupi i 127 + 31 min u RF-PVI grupi (P = 0.79). Vrijeme fluoroskopije bilo je 12.2 (11 – 16.1) min u IMEA grupi, a 5.2 (4.1 – 9.3) min u RF-PVI group (P = 0.001). Vrijeme ablacije kateterom bilo je 11.8 (10.2 – 15.4) min u IMEA grupi, a 33.6 (30.3 – 40.1) min u RF-PVI grupi (P= 0.001). Međutim, kumulativno vrijeme ablacije (vrijeme ablacije po RF elektrodi) bilo je značajno više u IMEA PVI grupi. I iako je incidencija komplikacija bila niska u ovom istraživanju, dulje kumulativno vrijeme ablacije bi moglo imati implikacije na incidenciju komplikacija koje su prijavljene u drugim studijama. Rezultati su potvrdili našu hipotezu da nema značajne razlike u jednogodišnjoj uspješnosti (definirana kao odsutnost fibrilacije atrija) između dvije metode.16 of 24 bolesnika (67%) u IMEA grupi i 17 od 25 pacijenata (68%) iu RF-PVI grupi nisu imali fibrilaciju atrija nakon 12 mjeseci (P=0.99). U zaključku, IMEA-PVI ablacija povezana je sa kraćom ablacijom kateterom, ali znatno duljom kumulativnom ablacijom. Također, procedura je slične duljine trajanja kao RF PVI, ali uz znatno dulje korištenje fluoroskopije. Uspješnost u održavanju sinusnog ritma nakon 12 mjeseci je jednaka u obje skupine.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in the general population. It is related to increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. Pulmonary vein isolation has emerged and today remains the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation ablation. There are multiple different tools and technologies used to achieve pulmonary vein isolation, and irrigated multi-electrode ablation was a novel tool to perform pulmonary vein isolation. It has been evaluated in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ; however there is no data on use of this technology in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. The aim of our study was to compare irrigated multi-electrode ablation with point-by-point radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation under-going PVI. In this prospective study, we included forty-nine patients (age 60 + 9 years, 82% male). In 24 patients, the IMEA catheter was used in conjunction with an electroanatomic mapping system. Twenty-five patients undergoing RF point-by-point ablation (RF-PVI) served as a control group. Patients were followed for 12 months with 24 Holter ECG monitoring at 3, 6, and 9 months and 7 days Holter ECG at 12 months follow up. Results have confirmed our hypothesis that procedural parameters are similar between irrigated multielectrode ablation and standard point-by-point radiofrequency ablation. Procedure time was 125 + 23 min in the IMEA group and 127 + 31 min in the RF-PVI group (P = 0.79). Fluoroscopy time was 12.2 (11 – 16.1) min with IMEA compared with 5.2 (4.1 – 9.3) min in the RF-PVI group (P, 0.001). Net ablation time was 11.8 (10.2 – 15.4) min in the IMEA group compared with 33.6 (30.3 – 40.1) min in the RF-PVI group (P, 0.001). However, cumulative ablation times were significantly longer in the IMEA group compared to RF PVI group. Although complication rates were low in our study, longer cumulative ablation times could have implications on complication rates, which needs to be verified in future studies. 67 Success rates, defined as freedom from any atrial fibrillation at 12 months were similar between the two groups. At 12 months, 16 of 24 patients (67%) in the IMEA group compared with 17 of 25 patients (68%) in RF-PVI group were free from AF (P. 0.99). In conclusion, IMEA-PVI was associated with shorter net ablation time and longer fluoroscopy time with similar procedure duration. Irrigated multi-electrode ablation recordings were not sufficient to confirm isolation in 35% of PVs. Single procedure efficacy after 12 months was similar between the two groups.

Perifiton (obraštaj) predstavlja složenu zajednicu autotrofnih i heterotrofnih organizama te detritusa prisutnu na različitim tipovima prirodnih i umjetnih podloga u vodenim staništima. Praživotinje se vrlo brzo naseljavaju na uronjene podloge i važna su komponenta obraštajnih zajednica, naročito kao poveznica između nižih i viših trofičkih razina u hranidbenim mrežama. S ciljem utvrđivanja sastava i dinamike razvoja zajednice, slijeda naseljavanja na čiste podloge te određivanja trofičke strukture, istraživanje zajednice praživotinja u obraštaju na umjetnim makrofitama provedeno je tjednom dinamikom u Sakadaškom jezeru (PP Kopački rit) u razdoblju od 7. studenog do 6. prosinca 2017. godine. Tijekom istraživanja zabilježena je ukupno 51 svojta praživotinja, a pronađene svojte pripadaju supergrupama Amoebozoa, SAR i Incertae sedis Eukaryota. Ciliophora (trepetljikaši), koje ubrajamo u supergrupu SAR, imali su najveću brojnost i raznolikost na umjetnim makrofitama. U početnoj fazi razvoja dominantne svojte u obraštaju bile su Actinophrys spp. (sunašce) te Cinetochilum margaritaceum, Coleps spp. i Pseudocohnilembus pusillus (trepetljikaši). Navedene svojte predstavljaju tipične pionirske vrste, odnosno kolonizatore koji među prvima naseljavaju čiste podloge uronjene u vodu. S duljom izloženošću podloga u vodi, promijenila se struktura zajednice te se povećala raznolikost, a dominantna je postala vrsta Holosticha pullaster (trepetljikaš) te zatim svojte Acanthocystis spp. (sunašce), Cyclidium sp. (trepetljikaš) i Cashia sp. (ameba). Trofička struktura zajednice nije se značajnije mijenjala s vremenom izloženosti podloga u vodi. U obraštaju je tijekom cijelog razdoblja dominirala trofička skupina bakteriovora- detritivora, odnosno praživotinje koje se hrane neživom organskom tvari i bakterijama. Unatoč zabilježenim niskim vrijednostima i sporom prirastu biomase obraštaja, kao i relativno maloj brojnosti praživotinja, što je vjerojatno povezano s niskom temperaturom vode i smanjenom količinom svjetlosti, umjetne makrofite mogu predstavljati povoljno stanište za brojne praživotinje, što potvrđuje i velika raznolikost praživotinja zabilježena u ovom istraživanju. Iako se umjetne makrofite ne koriste često u ekološkim istraživanjima obraštajnih zajednica, rezultati provedenog istraživanja pokazuju da ovaj tip podloga može služiti kao pogodan supstrat za razvoj obraštaja i istraživanje obraštajnih zajednica u slatkovodnim ekosustavima te ukazuju na njihov potencijal u primjeni prilikom restauracija opterećenih vodenih staništa.

AIMS: The clinical effectiveness of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is under debate. The EUropean Comparative Effectiveness Research to Assess the Use of Primary ProphylacTic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (EU- CERT-ICD) aims to assess its current clinical value. METHODS AND RESULTS: The EU-CERT-ICD is a prospective investigator-initiated non- randomized, controlled, multicentre observational cohort study performed in 44 centres across 15 European Union countries. We will recruit 2250 patients with ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and a guideline indication for primary prophylactic ICD implantation. This sample will include 1500 patients at their first ICD implantation and 750 patients who did not receive a primary prevention ICD despite having an indication for it (non-randomized control group). The primary endpoint is all-cause mortality ; the co-primary endpoint in ICD patients is time to first appropriate shock. Secondary endpoints include sudden cardiac death, first inappropriate shock, any ICD shock, arrhythmogenic syncope, revision procedures, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. At baseline (and prior to ICD implantation if applicable), all patients undergo 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter ECG analysis using multiple advanced methods for risk stratification as well as detailed documentation of clinical characteristics and laboratory values. Genetic biobanking is also organized. As of August 2018, baseline data of 2265 patients are complete. All subjects will be followed for up to 4.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The EU-CERT-ICD study will provide a necessary update about clinical effectiveness of primary prophylactic ICD implantation. This study also aims for improved risk stratification and patient selection using clinical and ECG risk markers.

U Republici Hrvatskoj na godinu se implantira oko 4000 kardiovaskularnih implantabilnih uređaja i taj broj je u stalnom porastu. Anestezija i kirurški zahvati kod bolesnika s ugrađenim implantabilnim uređajima nose određene rizike. Ove smjernice su nastale zato što se većina zahvata izvodi u ustanovama bez mogućnosti testiranja i reprogramiranja navedenih uređaja ili u vrijeme kada to nije dostupno. Cilj je standardizirati perioperacijsku skrb ovih bolesnika te učiniti kirurške zahvate dostupnima i sigurnima za veliku većinu ovih kirurških bolesnika u svim ustanovama u Hrvatskoj., Four thousand cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are implanted yearly in Croatia with constant increase. General anesthesia and surgery carry some specific risk for the patients with implanted CIEDs. Since most of the surgical procedures are performed in institutions without reprogramming devices available, or in the periods when they are unavailable, these guidelines aim to standardize the protocol for perioperative management of these patients. With this protocol, most of the procedures can be performed easily and, more importantly, safely in the majority of surgical patients.

The presence of natural radionuclides in the chain of pig meat production, especially in food and feed additives (premixes), as the most important mutagenic factor, could significantly affect the variability of Salmonella isolates in the pork chain. In the first stage of the study, outlined in this paper, the goal was to determine if radioactivity has any effect on survival/growth of Salmonella in pigs meat. We studied six strains of Salmonella that were exposed to four levels of radioactivity. The differences in Salmonella counts between pork meat homogenates with or without added radioactive uranium were following: the Salmonella counts (log(10) CFU/ml) in control meat homogenate (without added radioactivity) increased from the level of around 7.4 logs (at 30 min storage) to around 9.0 logs, due to growth of the pathogen. No significant differences in this general pattern were observed between the 6 Salmonella serovars tested in the control meat homogenates (without added radioactivity). On the other hand, Salmonella counts in meat homogenate with added radioactivity U-238 (1, 2, 5, 10 kBq) decreased (by around 1-1.5 logs) practically immediately after addition of the uranium, compared with control meat homogenates. Subsequently, Salmonella also grew during storage of meat homogenate with added radioactivity, but to a lesser extent than in control meat homogenates. Salmonella enteritidis (2) had the highest factor reduction in meat homogenates with radioactivity added 238U (1, 2 kBq). It had the highest reduction factor around 1.57 to 1.67 logs. In contrast, Salmonella tiphimurium (3) had the highest factor reduction in meat homogenates with radioactivity added 238U (5, 10 kBq), which ranged from 1.83 to 1.96 logs.

Cardiovascular disease is a well-known public health problem. In the last ten years nephrologists have rec­ognized chronic kidney disease not only as a public health problem but also as one of the major cardiovascular risk fac­tors. There are observational data that support the concept that vitamin D is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovas­cular and renal disease or that at least vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for these diseases. In this brief review epidemi­ological data will be presented and the biological mechanism of the vitamin D effect on cardiovascular and renal disease will be discussed.

Precizna poljoprivreda obuhvaća racionalno korištenje poljoprivrednih repromaterijala na način da se što više preciznih i na vrijeme prikupljenih informacija uzme u obzir te se tek na osnovu tih informacija pristupi određenim zahvatima u polju. U radu se govori upravo o toj, suvremenoj, tehnologiji gospodarenja oranicama. Prikazana je sjetva pšenice i sadnja dugotrajnih nasada u sustavu precizne poljoprivrede pomoću GPS uređaja. Istraživanja sjetve pšenice su provedena na oranicama tvrtke „Belje“ d.d.. Korišten je „Ag Leader Technology“ GPS uređaj koji je sinergiran na elektronski kontrolor sijačice „Horsch Pronto 8 DC“.Ova tehnologija rezultira uštedom radnog vremena i novca, te povećanjem količine i kvalitete prinosa., Precision agriculture involves the rational use of agricultural production materials in a manner that is takes into account more accurate and timely collected informations, and only on the basis of that informations it access certain interventions in the field. This thesis speaks about this, modern technology of managing fields. It describes the sowing of wheat and planting of perennial crops in the system of precision agriculture using GPS devices. Research of sowing wheat was carried out on the fields of company" Belje " d.d . GPS device used was" Ag Leader Technology " incorporated on electronic sowing machine controller "Horsch Pronto 8 DC". This technology results in work time and money savings and increases the quantity and quality of yields.

The nondestructive ultrasound probes and high intensity focused medical ultrasound transducers are usually constructed and theoretically modelled by using electromechanical parameters of active piezoceramic elements determinated from the input electrical impedance. The input electrical impedance of active piezoceramic elements is usually measured by using low voltage magnitude frequency sweeping signal around the resonance frequencies. In this research we compared the results for the input electrical impedance measured in the real operating conditions when the sample is driven with the short impulse of high voltage magnitude. The equivalent circuit parameters including complex electrical, mechanical and piezoceramic constants of materials used in probe construction are determinated by fitting the theoretical input electrical impedance equation with measured input electrical impedance by using these two different types of excitations. The parameters of equivalent electrical circuits including complex materials parameters at each way and level of excitation are determinated by fitting the assumed theoretical model with measurement results of the input electrical impedance. It is shown that electrical, mechanical and piezoceramic parameters of the active piezoceramic are different depending on the measurement method and levels of excitation. The resonances in the case of impulse excitation are not so expressed as in the case of constant voltage magnitude frequency sweeping excitation signals and imaginary parts of electromechanical material properties are larger. The parameters of theoretical models (KLM) should be corrected with increased losses to obtain the appropriate theoretical modeling results which can be compared with measurement results in the impulse mode of working.

The prognostic significance of development of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with atrioventricular (AV) block and dual chamber (DDD) pacemakers has not been separately investigated. We sought to determine whether persistent AF influences clinical outcome in these patients. Three hundred-eight consecutive patients with second- or third-degree AV block and implanted a DDD pacemaker were followed for 36 ± 20 months and retrospectively divided into two groups. Thirty-four patients who developed persistent AF formed persistent AF group, and 278 patients who remained free of this arrhythmia control group. Clinical and outcome data of the two groups were compared. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death. The primary outcome occurred more often among the patients in the persistent AF group (6.8% per year) than among those in the control group (2.9% per year ; P = 0.028). This difference was primarily because of higher rate of heart failure-related deaths in the persistent AF group (P = 0.009). Secondary outcomes, hospitalization for heart failure and paroxysmal AF episode ≥5 minutes, occurred also more often among the patients in the persistent AF group (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively), although the risk of nonfatal stroke was similar in both groups (P = 0.628). In patients with second- or third-degree AV block and DDD pacemaker, the development of persistent AF is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure.

U radu se govori o novoj, suvremenoj tehnologiji gospodarenja oranicama. Prikazana je površinska raspodjela mineralnog gnojiva u sustavu precizne poljoprivrede pomoću GPS uređaja, tzv. „precise fertilizing“. Istraživanja su provedena na oranicama tvrtke „Belje“ d.d. Korišten je „Ag Leader Technology SMS (Basic) Advance“ GPS uređaj koji je sinergiran na elektronski kontrolor rasipača mineralnog gnojiva „Bogballe M3W“. GPS uređaj prepoznaje gdje se nalazi i na osnovu ranije napravljenih karata prinosa i karata raspodjele hranjiva točno zna koliko na kojem dijelu nedostaje hranjiva i koliko mineralnog gnojiva mora dodati kako bi se nedostatak smanjio. To u konačnici rezultira uštedom radnog vremena, novca, te povećanjem količine i kvalitete prinosa.

U radu su definirani i opisani kriteriji odabira i ocjene kvalitete dobavljača u građevinskim projektima. Izrađen je prijedlog dokumentacije sustava kvalitete (postupke i zapise) kojima se definira postupak ocjene dobavljača.

In the paper the problem is discussed of the repetitive stent fractures with diffuse coronary artery microaneurysm formation - sirolimus eluting stent hypersensitivity is postulated as the cause

Sportsko srce je pojam obilježen povećanjem veličine i funkcionalne sposobnosti srca kao posljedice dugotrajnog treninga. Prilagodba krvožilnog sustava pod utjecajem opterećenja odvijaju se u dvije faze. Prvu fazu obilježavaju promjene aktivnosti autonomnog živčanog sutava, a drugu obilježavaju promjene kardiopulmonalnih dimenzija - razvija se sportsko srce. Sportsko srce potrebito je razlikovati od patomorfoloških stanja koja predstavljaju kontraindikaciju za bavljenje sportom. Iznenadna smrt sportaša rijedak je ali tragičan događaj koji je u velikom broju slučajeva moguće prevenirati. Podaci se razlikuju od zemlje do zemlje pa je tako u SAD-u incidencija prema studijama 1/200000 a u Italiji 2, 1-2, 3/100000. Razlika je vjerojatno uvjetovana različitom dobnom strukturom i raspodjelom sportaša te rasnim razlikama. Preventivni pregledi, kao metoda probira, mogu prepoznati osobe s povećanim rizikom neželjenih kardiovaskularnih događaja te ih privremeno ili trajno isključiti iz svih i/ili nekih aktivnih sportova. Postoje dva osnovna modela takvih pregleda, opsežniji talijanski koji podržava i Europsko kardiološko društvo, te onaj korišten u SAD. To je jedan od razloga razlike u uzrociuma iznenadne smrti u sportaša, pa su u SAD-u najčešći uzroci redom HCM (36%), anomalije koronarnih arterija (19%), HLK (10%), po 5% ruptura aorte i atipični tijek LAD, a u Italiji ARVC (23%), koronarna bolest (19%), anomalije koronarnih arterija (12%). Prema podacima iz Italije, tijekom 22-godišnjeg praćenja 2% sportaša isključeno je iz sporta i to zbog: 1.) aritmija i smetnji provođenja koje se nisu mogle riješiti antiaritmicima ili ablacijom (39%), 2.) arterijske hipertenzije (>160/110 mmHg) koja se nije mogla kontrolirati ili su postojali znakovi oštećenja organa, (23%) 3.) valvularnih bolesti (21%), 4.) kardiomiopatija (6, 8%), 5.) koronarne bolesti (1, 3%), 6.) ostalo (8, 4%). Obveznim preventivnim pregledima sportaša u Italiji tijekom perioda od 26 godina, godišnja incidencija iznenadnih smrti u sportaša smanjena je za 89% te se incidencija praktički izjednačila s incidencijom iznenadne smrti u ne-sportaša. Obzirom na velik broj kardioloških dijagnoza i bolesti koje mogu uzrokovati iznenadnu srčanu smrt sportaša u svijeti postoji nekoliko različitih preporuka i konsenzusa za preventivne preglede kao i za utvrđivanje sposobnosti sportaša s pojedinim kardiološkim dijagnozama.

rana primjena heparina može poboljšati protok kroz za infarkt odgovornu arteriju i na taj način olakšati intervenciju i skratiti trajanje procedure. Za potvrdu ovih rezultata ali i učinka na mortalitet potrebna je veća prospektivna randomizirana studija.

U radu je objašnjena uloga i značaj žilavosti kao vrlo važne značajke mehaničke otpornosti materijala. Navedene su i opisane različite metode ispitivanja žilavosti. Definiran je postupak određivanja integralne žilavosti. Na raspoloživim uzorcima (tehnički čisti aluminij, nodularni lijev EN-GJS-400-18S, mjed CuZn33Pb2, čelik S355J2G3) provedena su ispitivanja žilavosti u uvjetima statičkog i udarnog opterećenja. Nakon provedenih ispitivanja i analize rezultata doneseni su odgovarajući zaključci.

We found no significant difference in pain duration between Zagreb and the Network patients transported from 50 km distance to our hospital, moreover there was slightly more patients from Zagrebarea who came later according to our criteria.

Koštana bolest i poremećaj mineralnog metabolizma u kroničnoj bubrežnoj bolesti

Vitamin D therapy is important in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The effects of calcitriol and its an-alogs on PTH secretion and parathyroid gland hyperplasia have been well established. Several studies have also demonstrated the effect on bone metabolism. Besides its selective effect on vitamin D receptor, it seems that paricalcitol has a different effect on bone cells The aim of the study was to assess the short-term effect of paricalcitol on bone metabolism in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism by using biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption. Seven hemodialysis patients (PTH > 300 pg/ml) were treated with paricalcitol. The dose of par-icalcitol was 5 meg 3 times per week. At the start of therapy and 3 months later serum total procollagen 1 N-propeptide (P1NP) and osteocalcin (OC) as bone formation markers, and beta-cross laps (Beta-CTX) as a bone resorption marker, were determined by the electrochemoluminescence immunoassay. PTH was deter-mined by radioimmunometric assay. All patients underwent hemodialysis treatment for 4 hours 3 times per week. Dialysate calcium concentration was 1.5mmol/L ; sevelamer hydrochloride was used as a phosphate binder. After 3 months of treatment, a significant reduction, of PTH (average 68%) was observed. At the same time, the average reduction of OC was 26%, P1NP 41%, and Beta-CTX 51%. The results indicate the reduction of bone turn-over, i.e. bone formation, and a bit more bone resorption. The reduction of Beta-CTX was the closest to the reduction of PTH. We need to confirm these results on larger group of patients and for a longer follow up period.

Our results show significantly more in stent restenosis in the patients who received sirolimus eluting stent for previous in stent restenosis than in patients who received it for all other indications. Observed difference could be explained by several variables, most notably previous trauma to the vessel wall and double layer of stents.

Aim. This study was performed to evaluate whether ACE inhibitors prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with tachy-brady syndrome treated by rate adaptive dual chamber (DDDR) pacemakers. Methods. Fifty consecutive patients with tachy-brady syndrome who underwent implantation of DDDR pacemaker were enrolled and retrospectively evaluated. Regarding to treatment with ACE inhibitors, the patients were divided in the two groups: treated (n=29) and nontreated (n=21) group. The primary end point was the development of permanent AF. Results. At baseline evaluation there was no difference in age, gender, underlying heart disease, heart failure and antiarrhythmic drug therapy between the two groups. During the mean follow-up period of 24 months, permanent AF developed in 10 patients with an overall incidence of 20%, while paroxysmal AF ocurred in 15 (30%) patients. The incidence of permanent AF at 1-year and 2-years was lower in patients treated with ACE inhibitors, as compared with those not taking these drugs. However, this difference was not statisticaly significant (6.8%. vs 14.2%, p=0.700, and 7.43% vs 16.79%, p=0.567, respectively). On the other side, the incidence of paroxysmal AF was significantly lower in patients treated with ACE inhibitors (10% vs 57%, p=0.001). Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that ACE inhibitors may have a beneficial effect in the prevention of AF in patients with tachy-brady syndrome. However, larger prospective studies are required to confirm these results.