Search

The Fe-bearing intermetallic phases present in the as-cast AA6026 alloy and their evolution during homogenization treatments at 480-550°C were investigated using optical microscopy, SEM, and TEM techniques in combination with EDS analysis. In addition to the α-Al(Fe,Mn)Si phase with dendritic morphology, two types of plate-like Fe-bearing microconstituents were revealed in the microstructure of the as-cast alloy. The EDS microanalysis and electron diffraction showed that one set of platelets represented thin sections of α-Al(Fe,Mn)Si microconstituent. The other set of plate-like microconstituents was identified as a tetragonal, silicon-rich δ-Al4(Fe,Mn)Si2 phase. The formation of the δ-Al4(Fe,Mn)Si2 phase was attributed to the chemical composition of the alloy. During homogenization, the metastable δ-Al4(Fe,Mn)Si2 transformed into the α-Al(Fe,Mn)Si phase and fragmented. The dendritic α-Al(Fe,Mn)Si microconstituents underwent fragmentation. However, while the α-Al(Fe,Mn)Si microconstituents preserved a b.c.c. crystal lattice throughout the process, the product of the transformation of the δ-Al4(Fe,Mn)Si2 phase exhibited primitive cubic lattice.

In this work bilayer structures, composed of ferromagnetic manganite and ferroelectric titanate layers, were obtained by solution deposition technique. The first step in preparation of the bilayer thin films was deposition of manganite (LaMnO3 or La0.7Sr0.3MnO3) layer by water-based polymer assisted deposition (PAD). Polycrystalline structures were obtained when manganite films were deposited by spin coating on commercial Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si type substrate, whereas epitaxial films were grown on a single crystal SrTiO3 with (001) orientation substrate. The second ferroelectric titanate (BaTiO3 or Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3) layer was deposited by spin coating using sol-gel method. The obtained bilayer structures have thickness below 100 nm, and epitaxial growth of the Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 film on the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 surface was obtained, due to the similar lattice parameters between these two crystal structures.

Cotinus coggygria Scop. is a valuable medicinal plant species with pronounced pharmacological potential due to its numerous biological activities. The herb is characterized by a high content of polyphenols among which is fustin. The anticancer activities of fustin, however, are extremely weakly studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antiproliferative potential of fustin isolated from the heartwood of C. coggygria against cell lines originating from two of the most common cancer types – breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7), and colon cancer (Colon 26).

Considering the remarkable dearth of articles and studies on the work and oeuvre of Vojislav Voki Kostić, a significant figure who made valuable contributions to incidental music (particularly in the theater), this paper aims to present Kostić's body of work and analyze the fundamental principles that guided him in composing incidental music for theatrical performances. The preliminary conclusions presented in this paper are based on experiences gained from watching plays through archival videos (Kosančićev Venac 7, Marija se Bori s Anđelima, Madam San Žen, Garderober, Marija Stjuart, Bekstvo, Kneginja od Foli Beržera, Valjevska Bolnica, Sabirni Centar, Očevi i Oci, and Ruženje Naroda u Dva Dela), as well as on available primary and secondary sources (composer's autobiography, interviews, recordings, and others). Thus, this exploration of the composer's music for the theater is seen as a preliminary step in towards more comprehensive research that Kostić's work warrants. Additionally, the paper briefly discusses the challenges associated with researching incidental music in the theater, particularly in the case of approaching Kostić's music due to the scarcity of archival materials and limited contact with potential heirs of his legacy. For the purpose of a concise analytical review of Kostić's music for the play Maria Stuart, Schiller's text is briefly presented to facilitate an understanding of the staging of this work and the interpretation of Kostić's music in the context of the aforementioned performance.

There are not many topics in international law which are more complex, more heterogeneous, with more regional and contextual particularities, but also more politicized than the issue of succession of states and therefore the succession of responsibilities. In the 21st century alone, there are numerous open issues, among which the issue of Kosovo* is of particular importance for the Republic of Serbia. The mentioned significance of this topic, alongside its actuality and legal complexity is the reason why the authors decided to analyze the work of the International Law Commission on the issue of the succession of state responsibilities in the above article. The reports of Pavel Šturma, the rapporteur of the International Law Commission, were analyzed consecutively, highlighting the most significant features, with an adequate normative and comparative review. Through the analysis of all four reports provided by the rapporteur, the authors did not focus only on the tasks given to the rapporteur and his findings. Instead, they are also emphasizing dilemmas, other views, and opinions that were brought by various countries but also provide a historical and comparative context of both issues and solutions. While this topic could be further analyzed in many more articles and books, a clear overview of the work of the International Law Commission and Mr. Šturma on the topic of the succession of responsibilities in international law was provided. This approach benefits both younger scholars and practitioners looking for a firm basic article to commence research as well as for more experienced researchers and their need for more in-depth analysis. Legal analysis, focused on normative framework, resulted from the work of the Commission, as well as on practical implications is the basis of the authors' approach in this article.

Starting with the idea that sustainability as a concept can (and should) be applied in the field of incidental music, thus, ensuring the continuation of its life after the curtain falls, we argue that discography is one of the main ways in which incidental music (like any other type of music) can be preserved and later studied. We argue that discography (as a sustainability tool) equals the survival (survivability) of incidental music and test this hypothesis on four case studies - compact discs and releases of incidental music of four composers: Vojislav Voki Kostić, Zoran Erić, Zoran Simjanović and Isidora Žebeljan.

Introduction. Development of malignancy in chronic burn scars is described i n 2 % of cases, with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) being the most frequent. It develops several years after the burn injury, as a consequence of malignant transformation in chronically in-flamed tissue. Melanoma in a burn scar is, however, quite rare; in several cases, a synchronous or metachronous appearance of melanoma and cSCC was noted. Based on the previous rare reports, melanoma and cSCC can concurrently arise on thermal burn scars, as well as on the areas treated with skin grafts. Case report. We reported a case of a 6 7-year-old male who was accidentally scalded by boiling water at the age of 14. The patient subsequently developed melanoma at the age of 60, according to clinical and dermoscopic examination at the site of the burn scar, and after excision and histopathological analysis, the diagnosis of melanoma was confirmed (superficial spreading melanoma, Breslow 0.87 mm, with ulceration, pT1b). Complete surgical excision was done, and the diagnosis was confirmed with histopathological analysis. After the diagnosis of melanoma, regular follow-up every six months was scheduled, and three years later, cSCC was suspected and confirmed after surgical excision and histo-pathologic analysis. Conclusion. This case highlights the importance of long-term dermatological follow-up after burn injuries and early detection and treatment of skin cancer that can lead to better outcomes in these patients.

Introduction/Objective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of moxifloxacin and cefixime in preventing postoperative infection following mandibular third molar surgery. Methods. Double-blind study was completed by 157 patients undergoing surgical removal of mandibular third molars. The patients were randomly assigned to the following three groups: moxifloxacin (M), cefixime (C), and placebo (P). Patients in each group were classified into two subgroups: subgroup (a), without previous history of pericoronitis, and subgroup (b), with previous history of pericoronitis. All the patients were evaluated at the postoperative follow-ups on the first, second, and seventh postoperative day. Results. Postoperative infections were registered only in patients with a history of pericoronitis. Antibiotic prophylaxis with cefixime and moxifloxacin reduced the occurrence of postoperative infection. Overall incidence of postoperative infections was 6.4%. All postoperative infections were registered in the placebogroup, where the incidence of postoperative infection was 19.2%. Microbiological tests verified the clinically obtained results. Isolated microflora was resistant to penicillin-derived antibiotics in 50% of the cases. Conclusion. Prophylactic use of antibiotics after third molar surgery should be weighed against potential risks and benefits and could be considered in cases with previous history of pericoronitis, when complicated surgical extraction is performed.

Our review paper evaluates the impact of plant-based products, primarily derived from plants from Serbia, on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity and their potential in modulating drug resistance in cancer therapy. We focus on the role and regulation of P-gp in cellular physiology and its significance in addressing multidrug resistance in cancer therapy. Additionally, we discuss the modulation of P-gp activity by 55 natural product drugs, including derivatives for some of them, based on our team's research findings since 2011. Specifically, we prospect into sesquiterpenoids from the genera Artemisia , Curcuma , Ferula , Inula , Petasites , and Celastrus ; diterpenoids from the genera Salvia and Euphorbia ; chalcones from the genera Piper , Glycyrrhiza , Cullen , Artemisia , and Humulus ; riccardins from the genera Lunularia , Monoclea , Dumortiera , Plagiochila , and Primula ; and diarylheptanoids from the genera Alnus and Curcuma . Through comprehensive analysis, we aim to highlight the potential of natural products mainly identified in plants from Serbia in influencing P-gp activity and overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapy, while also providing insights into future perspectives in this field.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is the FDA-approved fluorescent dye used for in vivo medical imaging, diagnostics, and photothermal therapy. However, this dye is easily degradable in the human vascular system, and therefore its stabilization is preferable. In this work, ICG molecules were stabilized by their adsorption on the surface of the L-methionine-capped Ag and Au nanoparticles (Ag and Au @LM NPs) in aqueous colloidal dispersions. The result is the formation of hybrid metal core/ICG shell NPs in colloidal dispersions. Additionally, colloidal dispersions were stabilized, indicating a double effect of ICG adsorption. The obtained hybrid NPs were studied experimentally (UV-Vis spectrophotometry, HRTEM, DLS, FTIR) and theoretically (DFT calculations). HRTEM revealed that the interplanar spacing between adjacent planes of NPs decreases after the dye adsorption. The results obtained from the DFT study confirmed the formation of a covalent bond between the oxygen from ICG dye SO 3 - group and metal NPs. Considering the characteristics of both components of the NPs/ICG hybrid system, the authors assume that this hybrid system can exhibit the synergistic effect that could lead to more successful theranostic treatment of cancer in nanomedicine., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This research explores the synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from acetone (AgNPs-acetone) and aqueous (AgNPs-H 2 O) extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria . The nanoparticles exhibit isometric morphology and uniform size distribution, as elucidated through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analyses. The utilization of Scanning Transmission Microscopy (STEM) with High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) imaging and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) confirms the crystalline nature of AgNPs. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis reveals identical functional groups in the plant extracts and their corresponding AgNPs, suggesting the involvement of phytochemicals in the reduction of silver ions. Spectrophotometric monitoring of the synthesis process, influenced by various parameters, provides insights into the kinetics and optimal conditions for AgNP formation. The antioxidant activities of the plant extracts and synthesized AgNPs are evaluated through DPPH and ABTS methods, highlighting AgNPs-acetone as a potent antioxidant. Third-instar larvae exposed to the extracts have differential effects on DNA damage, with the acetone extract demonstrating antigenotoxic properties. Similarly, biosynthesized AgNPs-acetone displays antigenotoxic effects against EMS-induced DNA damage. The genotoxic effect of water extract and AgNPs-acetone was dose-dependent. Hemolytic potential is assessed on rat erythrocytes, revealing that low concentrations of AgNPs-acetone and AgNPs-H 2 O had a nontoxic effect on erythrocytes. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrate time-dependent and dose-dependent effects, with AgNPs-acetone exhibiting superior cytotoxicity. Proapoptotic activity is confirmed through apoptosis induction, emphasizing the potential therapeutic applications of AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs reveals concentration-dependent effects. AgNPs-H 2 O display better antibacterial activity, while antifungal activities are comparable between the two nanoparticle types., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Exercise training is associated with an acute net increase in coagulation, which may increase the risk of atherothrombosis in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We sought to compare the acute haemostatic effects of a bout of moderate-intensity continuous (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in patients with CAD. Patients after a recent myocardial infarction were randomized into a HIIT or MICT session of exercise training on a stationary bike. Blood was sampled at baseline, after the exercise bout and after a one-hour resting period. We measured overall haemostatic potential (OHP), overall coagulation potential (OCP), fibrinogen, D-dimer and von Willebrand factor (vWF) and calculated overall fibrinolytic potential (OFP). Linear mixed models for repeated measures were constructed to assess the treatment effect. A total of 117 patients were included. OCP, OHP, fibrinogen, D-dimer and vWF significantly increased after exercise and returned to baseline after a one-hour rest, OFP decreased after exercise and returned to baseline levels after a one-hour rest. Linear mixed models showed a significant difference between HIIT and MICT in fibrinogen (p 0.043) and D-dimer (p 0.042). Our study has shown that an exercise bout is associated with a transient procoagulant state in patients with CAD, with similar exercise-induced haemostatic changes for HIIT and MICT., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The synthesis of 24 hybrid molecules, consisting of naturally occurring sclareol (SCL) and synthetic 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines (TPs), is described. New compounds were designed with the aim of improving the cytotoxic properties, activity, and selectivity of the parent compounds. Six analogs (12a-f) contained 4-benzylpiperazine linkage, while 4-benzyldiamine linkage was present in eighteen derivatives (12g-r and 13a-f). Hybrids 13a-f consist of two TP units. After purification, all hybrids (12a-r and 13a-f), as well as their precursors (9a-e and 11a-c), were tested on human glioblastoma U87 cells. More than half of the tested synthesized molecules, 16 out of 31, caused a significant reduction of U87 cell viability (more than 75% reduction) at 30 µM. The concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of these 16 compounds was also examined on U87 cells, corresponding multidrug-resistant (MDR) U87-TxR cells with increased P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression and activity, and normal lung fibroblasts MRC-5. Importantly, 12l and 12r were active in the nanomolar range, while seven compounds (11b, 11c, 12i, 12l, 12n, 12q, and 12r) were more selective towards glioblastoma cells than SCL. All compounds except 12r evaded MDR, showing even better cytotoxicity in U87-TxR cells. In particular, 11c, 12a, 12g, 12j, 12k, 12m, 12n, and SCL showed collateral sensitivity. Hybrid compounds 12l, 12q, and 12r decreased P-gp activity to the same extent as a well-known P-gp inhibitor - tariquidar (TQ). Hybrid compound 12l and its precursor 11c affected different cellular processes including the cell cycle, cell death, and mitochondrial membrane potential, and changed the levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in glioblastoma cells. Collateral sensitivity towards MDR glioblastoma cells was caused by the modulation of oxidative stress accompanied by inhibition of mitochondria., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has a complex pathophysiology that encompasses systemic proinflammatory state and dysregulated levels of cardiometabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers. The prevalence of both HFpEF and atrial fibrillation (AF) is continuously rising, especially in the elderly. The aim of our study was to explore if there were any differences in biomarker levels and vascular function in the elderly patients with HFpEF with and without AF and to assess interconnections between clinically relevant biomarkers and cardiac and vascular function., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients ≥ 65 years with HFpEF who were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of AF. We have sonographically assessed echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and the peripheral vascular function parameters, namely, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). NT-proBNP, irisin, leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and malondialdehyde (MDA) blood levels were determined., Results: Fifty-two patients (mean age 80 ± 7 years, 67% females) were included. Patients with HFpEF and AF had significantly lower levels of irisin (median 4.75 vs. 13.5 ng/mL, p = 0.007), leptin (median 9.5 vs. 15.0 ng/L, p = 0.023), and MDA (median 293 vs. 450 ng/mL, p = 0.017) and significantly higher values of NT-proBNP (median 2365 vs. 529 ng/L, p < 0.001) but not vascular function parameters, as compared to HFpEF patients without AF. MDA was significantly correlated with diastolic function ( r = 0.395, p = 0.007) and FMD ( r = 0.394, p = 0.011), while adiponectin was inversely associated with FMD ( r = -0.325, p = 0.038) and left ventricular ejection fraction ( r = -0.319, p = 0.029)., Conclusions: Our results have demonstrated that patients with HFpEF and AF have significantly lower leptin, irisin, and MDA levels compared to patients with HFpEF but without AF. These results offer new insights into the complexity of vascular function and cardiometabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers in the context of HFpEF, AF, and aging., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022 Jure Bosanac et al.)

Background: Metabolic abnormalities and hypercoagulability seem to have an important predictive role in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has emerged as a good marker for metabolic syndrome with predictive value for cardiovascular events. Overall haemostatic potential (OHP) is a reliable global haemostatic essay to identify hypercoagulability in CAD patients. The aim of our study was therefore to evaluate a possible correlation between the TyG index and haemostatic derangements in patients with CAD., Methods: Consecutive patients referred for the first follow-up visit after acute myocardial infarction between December 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020, and did not meet exclusion criteria were included. We determined OHP, overall coagulation potential (OCP), overall fibrinolytic potential (OFP), fibrinogen, D-dimer, and von Willebrand factor from peripheral blood samples. The TyG index was calculated with the previously described and validated formula. Linear regression models were constructed for the multivariate analysis., Results: A total of 117 patients (mean age 56 ± 10 years, 20% women) were included. A correlation was found between TyG index and OCP ( r = 0.229, p = 0.026), TyG index and OHP ( r = 0.202, p = 0.050), and TyG index and fibrinogen ( r = 0.271, p = 0.005). In the multivariate model which accounted for sex, age, and BMI, the correlation between TyG index and OCP ( R 2 0.108; ANOVA for regression p = 0.035; beta 2.08 [0.79-4.01], p = 0.042) and between TyG index and fibrinogen ( R 2 0.11; ANOVA for regression p = 0.015; beta 0.35 [0.08-0.62], p = 0.012) emerged as statistically significant., Conclusion: The TyG index, a marker of metabolic syndrome, has a strong correlation with a hypercoagulability state in CAD, as determined by the OCP and higher fibrinogen levels. Our findings suggest that metabolic syndrome may be an important driver of atherothrombotic risk in patients with CAD., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Daniel Košuta et al.)

Adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle—as captured by the Medlife Index Questionnaire (i.e., encompassing a Mediterranean diet as well as other aspects of healthy living, such as food preparation, physical activity, and socializing)—has been associated with reduced cardiovascular events in healthy individuals. In the present study, we sought to determine the adherence to, and the effect of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation on, Mediterranean lifestyle adherence in patients after myocardial infarction. We included 121 patients (mean age, 55 years; women, 37%) undergoing comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation—i.e., exercise training 3 times per week for 12 weeks plus dedicated workshops promoting the Mediterranean lifestyle. Before and after cardiac rehabilitation, patients completed the Medlife Index Questionnaire. High baseline adherence was associated with favourable glucose (5.39 vs. 6.1 mmol/L; p < 0.001), triglycerides (1.1 vs. 1.5 mmol/L; p = 0.002), and HDL cholesterol levels (1.32 vs. 1.12 mmol/L; p = 0.032). More importantly, the Medlife Score significantly improved following comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in patients with low baseline adherence (from 13.8 to 16.7 points; p < 0.001), but not in patients with high baseline adherence (from 19.4 to 18.8 points; p = 0.205). Our findings suggested that Mediterranean lifestyle promotion during cardiac rehabilitation improved adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle, especially in low-adherence patients.

(1) Background: Aquatic exercise training is a relatively understudied exercise modality in patients with CAD; with the present study, we sought to compare the impact of short-term 14-day water- and land-based exercise training on heart rate variability (HRV). (2) Methods: We randomized 90 patients after a recent CAD event (myocardial infarction and/or revascularization within 2 months prior to inclusion) to either (i) water-based or (ii) land-based exercise training (14 days, two 30 min sessions daily), or (iii) controls. Before and after the intervention period, all participants underwent 20 min 12-channel high-resolution ECG recordings with off-line HRV analysis, including conventional linear time- and frequency-domain analysis (using the Welch method for fast-Fourier transformation), and preselected non-linear analysis (Poincaré plot-derived parameters, sample entropy, and the short-term scaling exponent α1 obtained by detrended fluctuation analysis). (3) Results : Eighty-nine patients completed the study (mean age 60 ± 8 years; 20 % women). We did not detect significant differences in baseline- or age-adjusted end-of-study HRV parameters, but aquatic exercise training was associated with a significant increase in the linear LF/HF parameter (from 2.6 [1.2-4.0] to 3.0 [2.1-5.5], p = 0.046) and the non-linear α1 parameter (from 1.2 [1.1-1.4] to 1.3 [1.2-1.5], p = 0.043). (4) Conclusions: Our results have shown that a short-term 14-day aquatic exercise training program improves selected HRV parameters, suggesting this mode of exercise is safe and may be beneficial in patients with CAD.

Although kidney transplantation significantly improves the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains high. Atherosclerosis, post-transplantation metabolic changes, immunosuppressive therapy, and periodontitis contribute to elevated cardiovascular risk in this population. The aim of the study was to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis and to analyze the possible risk factors for IMT in Dalmatian KTRs. Ninety-three KTRs were included in this study. Data on clinical and laboratory parameters, body composition, anthropometry, advanced glycation end-product (AGE) measurements, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were collected. All participants underwent ultrasound examination of IMT and evaluation of periodontal status. KTRs with carotid IMT ≥ 0.9 were significantly older, had a lower level of total cholesterol, fat mass, end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and had fewer teeth. They also had significantly higher values of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and resistive index (RI). We found positive correlations between carotid IMT and duration of dialysis, age, PWV, AGE, RI, and average total clinical attachment level (CAL). The regression model showed that IMT in KTRs is associated with higher PWV, lower fat mass, and fewer teeth. The results of our study suggest that nutritional and periodontal status are associated with carotid IMT in KTRs.

In this study, we have investigated the effect of thickness on the structural and optical properties of copper (Cu) helical nanostructures. Thin films with thicknesses of 160 nm, 280 nm, 450 nm, and 780 nm were obtained by e-beam glancing angle deposition. The morphology and the microstructure were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, while for the optical analysis measurements spectroscopic ellipsometry was used. The results show that the deposited structures are porous with nanometer-sized crystallites preferentially oriented along (111) planes, as well as that the diameter of the helices increases with thickness. Detailed analyses of optical properties have demonstrated that the dielectric function of Cu structures is greatly influenced by the films thicknesses. With increasing thickness from 160 nm to 780 nm, the surface plasmon resonance peak was shifted from 1.31 eV to 1.05 eV, which was correlated with the growth mechanism and the size of deposited nanostructures., (© 2022 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

Background: Exercise capacity and endothelial function are impaired in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). This may be related to pathophysiological determinants, such as cardiac and endothelial impairment, or to a more sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, we sought to assess if cardiac and endothelial function are associated with exercise capacity in adults with repaired ToF., Methods: In a case-control study, we compared adults with repaired ToF and controls in terms of exercise workload, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Additionally, we determined associations of natriuretic peptide levels, echocardiographic parameters of size, function and systolic pressure with exercise capacity., Results: A total of 26 patients (mean age 38 ​± ​10 years, 46% males) and 10 controls were included. Patients with repaired ToF had reduced VO2peak (25.0 vs. 36.3 ​ml/kg/min, p ​< ​0.001) and FMD (7.6 vs. 10.8%, p ​= ​0.007) compared to controls. Exercise workload was moderately associated with FMD (r ​= ​0.428, p ​= ​0.029) and right ventricular parameters, while VO2peak was moderately associated with natriuretic peptide levels (r ​= ​-0.523, p ​= ​0.006)., Conclusions: Adults with repaired ToF have impaired exercise capacity and endothelial function as compared to healthy controls. Natriuretic peptide levels and FMD are moderately associated with exercise capacity in adults with repaired ToF., (© 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Aims: Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) improves aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). The aim was to examine the associations between exercise capacity improvement and different clinically relevant cardiovascular events., Methods and Results: This was a registry-based study of post-MI patients, referred to CR. All patients were submitted to exercise testing before and after CR (36 sessions, 2-3 times/week, and combined exercise). Patients were divided into two groups, based on the difference in exercise capacity before and after the CR programme with the cut-off of two metabolic equivalents (METs) improvement. We assessed the correlation between the extent of exercise capacity improvement and the following cardiovascular events: major adverse cardiac events (MACE), cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, and unplanned coronary angiography. A total of 499 patients were included (mean age 56 ± 10 years, 20% women). Both groups significantly improved in terms of exercise capacity, natriuretic peptide levels, resting heart rate, and resting diastolic pressure; however, lipid status significantly improved only in patients with ≥2 METs difference in exercise capacity. A total of 13.4% patients suffered MACE (median follow-up 858 days); 21.8% were hospitalized for cardiovascular reasons (median follow-up 791 days); and 19.8% had at least one unplanned coronary angiography (median follow-up 791 days). Exercise capacity improvement of ≥2 METs was associated with lower rates of MACE, cardiovascular hospitalizations, and unplanned coronary angiography in all examined univariate and multivariate models., Conclusion: This study has shown that exercise improvement of ≥2 METs is associated with a significant decrease in MACE, cardiac hospitalizations, and unplanned coronary angiography., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author(s) 2021. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)