Search

Background/Aim. There is an increasing need for evaluation of working ability due to lower level of social protection of workers and growing number of patients with mental diseases in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The aim of this study was to establish the influence of mental diseases on the occurrence of disability of I and III categories in B&H during the period from January 1st 2005 to December 31st 2006. Methods. This study involved 1 792 examinees with the complete loss of working ability (I disability category) (n = 921). Disability category III consisted of persons with limited working ability (n = 871). The instruments of research in this multricentric and retrospective study were the forms P-6 and D-2 for the years of service in B&H, and the form IN for persons with years of service abroad and personal features questionnaire (EPQ). Results. The study included 1 494 men (78.5%) and 298 women (21.5%). Univariant analysis represented very high statistical significance (p = 0.001) concerning: age (χ2 = 65.428), years of service (χ2=28.438), drinking (χ2 = 33.234), smoking (χ2=70.880), father’s education (χ2 = 58.124), migrations (χ2 = 14.874), sick leave (χ2 = 29.190), medical treatment (χ2 = 95.073) and rehabilitation (χ2 = 29.453). Multivariant analysis represented the influence on disability category I by parameters such as: years of service, sick leave, psychoticism and depression (p = 0.001). Hospital treatment and fatigation had influence on disability in both groups. Mental diseases are the leading cause in disability category I in 14.98% and in disability category III in 9.3% persons. Leading diseases in both disability categories were depression and schizophrenia followed by alcoholism, anxiety, brain organ psychosyndrome (BOPS) and other diseases. Conclusion. The following parameters have highest influence on the disability category: the years of service, sick leave, psychoticism, depression, and long-lasting disease, medical treatments and fatigation on the disability category III.

The application of Cyclodextrins for textiles was reviewed in this paper. Cyclodextrins are crystalline, water soluble, cyclic, non-reducing oligosaccharides consisting of six, seven, or eight glucopyranose units. Cyclodextrins are known as products which are able to form inclusion complexes. The ability of Cyclodextrins to form inclusion complexes can be used, e.g., to remove malodor from textile materials, etc. Furthermore, some modifications of the parent Cyclodextrins are possible. The derivatives can be reactive (e.g. cyclodextrin with a monochlorotriazinyl group), more hydrophilic (by means of hydrophilic side groups, such as hydroxypropyl and hydroxyethyl), less hydrophilic (by means of lipophilic side groups, such as ethylhexyl glycidyl) or ionic (by means of ionic side groups, such as hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride).The methods for treating textiles are thus quite simple. The method using anchor-bearing Cyclodextrins is especially useful, since no fixation agent is needed, enabling they use of conventional textile treatment techniques and equipment. Furthermore, this method has virtually no limitations with respect to the textile materials that can be used.

Background/Aim. Thanatophobia is an exaggerated, specific, structured fear of death. It appears in childhood and continues to grow over the years, and in the old age it is accompanied with nosophobia and other mental disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze thanatophobia in dialysed patients which was in the direct connection with a basic disorder, and the influence of this disorder on functioning and the quality of life of the patients on dialysis. Methods. In the study we examined 753 patients from the chronic program of haemodialysis in a period from 1999 to 2004. The patients were classified in two groups: 348 randomized patients with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN), and the control group (N18) of patients with terminal renal insufficiency, and other diagnoses (n = 405). Since the study was a comparative, cross-sectional one, the patients were tested by the appropriate questionnaires for anxiety, depression and general mental functioning. Statistical analysis was done by the standard descriptive and analytic statistic methods. Results. Based on socio-demographics data we revealed a highly significant difference regarding the place of living between the groups BEN and N18 (χ2 = 23.970; p < 0.01), the frequency of occurrence of renal comorbidity (χ2 = 23.970; p < 0.01), the frequency of family renal comorbidity in siblings (χ2 = 23.970; p < 0.01), and the frequency of migrationes (χ2 = 4.874; p < 0.01). According to psychiatry scales, the patients from the BEN group were significantly more anxious and depressive than those from the control group. Conclusion. The signs of thanatophobia were revealed in both examined groups, but significantly more in the patients with BEN than in those with other nephrologic diseases. Thanatophobia starts before dialysis, and dialysis structures it into fear of death which is in a direct connection with the basic disorder. This intensive fear may be connected with dementia and depression, but also with other mental disorders.

The textile industry is one of the biggest industrial consumers of water especially dye houses which utilize synthetic dyes and other chemicals. Natural dyes are generally environmental friendly and have many advantages over synthetic dyes with respect to production and application. In recent years, there has been an interest in the application of these dyes due to their bio-degradability and higher compatibility with the environment. A review of previous work in the field of applying dyestuffs of natural source as possible textile dyes is given. From an ecological viewpoint, the substitution of chemical dyes by 'natural products' in textile dyeing may be feasible and may represent not only a strategy to reduce risks and pollutants, but also an opportunity for new markets and new businesses which can develop from the inclusion of ecology in trade policy.

Background. War wounds caused by modern infantry weapons or explosive devices are very often associated with the defects of soft and bone tissue. According to their structure, tissue defects can be simple or complex. In accordance with war surgical doctrine, at the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns of the Military Medical Academy, free flaps were used in the treatment of 108 patients with large tissue defects. With the aim of closing war wounds, covering deep structures, or making the preconditions for reconstruction of deep structures, free flaps were applied in primary, delayed, or secondary term. The main criteria for using free flaps were general condition of the wounded, extent, location, and structure of tissue defects. The aim was also to point out the advantages and disadvantages of the application of free flaps in the treatment of war wounds. Methods. One hundred and eleven microvascular free flaps were applied, both simple and complex, for closing the war wounds with extensive tissue defects. The main criteria for the application of free flaps were: general condition of the wounded, size, localization, and structure of tissue defects. For the extensive defects of the tissue, as well as for severely contaminated wounds latissimus dorsi free flaps were used. For tissue defects of distal parts of the lower extremities, scapular free flaps were preferred. While using free tissue transfer for recompensation of bone defects, free vascularized fibular grafts were applied, and in skin and bone defects complex free osteoseptocutaneous fibular, free osteoseptocutaneous radial forearm, and free skin-bone scapular flaps were used. Results. After free flap transfer 16 (14,4%) revisions were performed, and after 8 unsuccessful revisions another free flaps were utilized in 3 (37,5%) patients, and cross leg flaps in 5 (62,5%) patients. Conclusion. The treatment of war wounds with large tissue defects by the application of free microvascular flaps provided shorter wound-closing period, earlier beginning of physical therapy, as well as the treatment of great number of patients with the extensive tissue defects in the conditions of massive influx of the wounded.

Introduction. Coloboma is a Greek word, which describes the defect of all layers of the organ, and it can be congenital or as the result of an injury, operation, or some disease. Congenital upper eyelid coloboma is a rare anomaly, with the unknown incidence. The size of the defect is different, but it always involves all layers of the eyelid. This malformation is more frequent at the upper eyelid, and unilaterally, at the junction of the medial two thirds. Sometimes, it can also involve the eye, and may be a component of many syndromes (Goldenhar, Fraser, Manitoba, CHARGE, Cat eye). Case report. We are describing the case of the upper eyelid coloboma with the rare eyebrow anomaly at the three-month old girl, and the result of reconstruction. The baby was treated conservatively with lubricants and overnight patching. Pentagonal excision of the defect was performed in general anesthesia. Three layers of the eyelid were prepared: the skin, muscle and tarsoconjunctival layer. Because of orbicularis muscle malposition, reinsertion and reposition of the muscle fibres were performed. Then, lateral canthotomy was made and the suture of three layers of the eyelid. Catgut suture 7-0 was used for the conjunctiva and muscle. Nylon 6-0 was used for skin suture. Z-plasty was done on the upper part of the pentagonal excision in order to reduce skin tension at the suture line. The operation lasted about 60 minutes and the hospitalization three days. The occlusive dressing was applied for two days. The stitches were removed after seven days. The postoperative swelling of the upper and lower eyelid disappeared in five days. There were no complications in the postoperative period. Conclusion. The main principle of the treatment of eyelid coloboma is surgical reconstruction of all layers of the eyelid, in optimal period, using different surgical methods, which depends on the size of the defect. An early diagnosis is of the greatest importance, as well as the treatment of associated anomalies. Complications of the upper eyelid coloboma depend on the size of the defect, presence of the eye anomalies and the method of reconstruction.

Tumor is one of the leading diseases of today. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy healing chances are limited, so some alternative methods are resorted to. Many papers indicated that garlic and organosulphur compounds diallyldisulphide (DADS) and diallyltrisulphide, which are main components of garlic decrease the cancer risk and inhibit the cell proliferation. In this paper inhibition potency of disulphides (DADS and its synthetic analogues) and trisulphides with different alkyl and phenyl substituents on growth of various tumor (Non-Small cell Lung Cancer, Colon cancer, CNS Cancer, Melanoma, Ovarian Cancer, Renal Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Leukemia) cell lines was investigated. Concentration of each compound (DADS, diethyl disulphide, dipropyl disulphide, diphenyl disulphide, tetraethylthiuram disulphide (TETUDS), dimetil trisulphide, dipropyl trisulphide and metilpropyl trisulphide (MPTS) was 10 μmol/L. It was found that DADS has an inhibitory effect on the growth of several cancer cell lines, but synthetic analogues TETUDS and MPTS exhibit stronger effect on certain cells lines. MPTS inhibits the growth of even 12 cell lines for more than 10%, especially leukemia cell line SR and NCI-H522 cell line of Non-Small cell Lung Cancer (reduction of growth for 24% and 47%, resp.). Trisulphide analogues exhibit little higher inhibitory effects in comparison to disulphide ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The optical properties of 150keV N+ implanted ethylene–norbornene (TOPAS 6017S-04) copolymer were investigated using phase modulated spectroscopic ellipsometry (PMSE) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy in the ranges of 0.6–6.5eV and of 1.5–6.2eV, respectively. The single-effective-oscillator model was used to fit the calculated data to the experimental ellipsometric spectra. The results show that the oscillator and dispersion energies decrease with increasing ion fluence up to 1015 cm−2, and then these parameters increase with further fluence increasing. Analysis of the UV–Vis absorption spectra revealed the presence of indirect electronic transitions with the band gap energy in the range of 1.3 to 2.8eV. It was found that both the band gap energy and the energy width of the distribution of localized band tail states decrease, while the values of Tauc coefficient increase with increasing the ion fluence. From the ellipsometric data we found that the real part of the dielectric function increased about 7% after irradiation with 1015 cm−2, and decreased about 10% in samples modified with 1016 cm−2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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.)

Background: Patients after myocardial infarction have impaired vascular function. However, effects of lifestyle, e.g., physical activity level, on endothelial function and arterial stiffness remain scarce. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of physical activity level and risk factors on endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we ultrasonographically assessed parameters of vascular function, namely flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and carotid artery stiffness in patients after myocardial infarction referred to the cardiac rehabilitation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was obtained from all participants. Based on the IPAQ, patients were classified into three groups: vigorous, moderate, and low physical activity engagement. ANOVA was used for comparison among three groups using Bonferroni correction to determine differences between two sub-groups. Results: One hundred and eight patients after myocardial infarction (mean age 53 ± 10 years) were included. There were significant differences in terms of FMD (8.2 vs. 4.2 vs. 1.9%, p  < 0.001) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness (6.1 vs. 6.4 vs. 6.9 m/s, p  = 0.004) among groups of vigorous, moderate, and low physical activity engagement, respectively. However, in younger patients only FMD remained associated with physical activity level, while arterial stiffness was not. Low physical activity engagement was a significant predictor of both FMD and PWV in univariate and multivariate models, adjusted for age, sex, and other risk factors. Conclusion: Low physical activity level is associated with impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness in patients after myocardial infarction. Future studies are warranted to address this issue in a context of cardiac rehabilitation protocols optimization in order to improve vascular function in these patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Tršan, Košuta, Rajkovič, Fras, Jug and Novaković.)

Background: Blood flow-restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) has been proven to be safe and efficacious in healthy older adults, but not in cardiovascular disease., Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute and training induced effects of BFR-RT on hemostatic and hemodynamic responses in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)., Methods: Stable patients with CAD were randomized to 8 weeks of BFR-RT (30%-40% 1-repetition maximum unilateral knee extension) combined with aerobic training or aerobic training alone (control group). At baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks, blood samples were taken before and after BFR exercise, whereas hemodynamic parameters were monitored throughout the exercise., Results: Twenty-four patients (12 per group; mean age, 60 ± 2 years; mostly male [75%]) completed the study. The BFR-RT significantly improved systolic blood pressure (-10 mm Hg; P = .020) and tended to lower diastolic blood pressure (-2 mm Hg; P = .066). In contrast, no posttraining alterations were observed in N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic hormone, fibrinogen, and D-dimer values. During BFR exercise, all hemodynamic variables significantly increased after the first and second set, whereas blood pressure immediately lowered after the cuff was released in the third set. Last, significant interaction was only observed for repetitions × intensity (P < .001; partial η2 = 0.908) of diastolic blood pressure at higher exercise intensity (40% 1-repetition maximum)., Conclusions: The BFR-RT was proven to be safe, with favorable hemodynamic and hemostatic responses in patients with CAD, and can be recommended as an additional exercise modality in cardiac rehabilitation.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT03087292., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Based on previous investigations where bis-bibenzyls isolated from liverworts showed various biological activities (cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiviral), we investigated their cytotoxic activity in several human cancer cell lines. From the methylene-chloride/methanol extract of the liverwort Pellia endiviifolia , three bis-bibenzyls of the perrottetin type were isolated, namely perrottetin E, 10'-hydroxyperrottetin E, and 10,10'-dihydroxyperrottetin E. The last two were found for the first time in this species. Their structures were resolved using 1D and 2D NMR, as well as by comparison with data in the literature. Cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was tested on three human leukemia cell lines, HL-60 (acute promyelocytic leukemia cells), U-937 (acute monocytic leukemia cells), and K-562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells), as well as on human embryonal teratocarcinoma cell line (NT2/D1) and human glioblastoma cell lines A-172 and U-251, and compared to the previously isolated bis-bibenzyls (perrottetins) of similar structure. The isolated compounds exhibited modest activity against leukemia cells and significant activity against NT2/D1 and A-172. Overall, the most active cytotoxic compounds in this investigation were perrottetin E (1), isolated in this work from Pellia endiviifolia , and perrottetin F phenanthrene derivative (7), previously isolated from Lunularia cruciata and added for a comparison of their cytotoxic activity.

Thirteen undescribed 24-methylene lanostane triterpenoids, named polyporenic acids E-M and fomitosides L-O, as well as seventeen known analogues, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Fomitopsis betulina. Their structures were determined using 1D, 2D NMR, IR, and HRESIMS. Fomitoside L and fomitoside N exhibited cytotoxicity against HL60 leukemia cells (IC 50  = 15.8 and 23.7 μM, respectively). Among the known compounds, notable cytotoxicities against HL60 leukemia cells and selectivity with respect to MRC-5 healthy cells were noticed for dehydropachymic acid (IC 50  = 10.9 μM, SI 8.6), pachymic acid (IC 50  = 11.0 μM, SI 9.8), 3-epi-dehydrotumulosic acid (IC 50  = 19.9 μM, SI 5.8) and 12α-hydroxy-3α-(3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxycarbonyl-3'-methylbutyryloxy)-24-methyllanosta-8,24 (31)-dien-26-oic acid (IC 50  = 19.2 μM, SI 2.2)., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ultrafast laser processing with the formation of periodic surface nanostructures on the 15×(Ti/Zr)/Si multilayers is studied in order to the improve cell response. A novel nanocomposite structure in the form of 15x(Ti/Zr)/Si multilayer thin films, with satisfying mechanical properties and moderate biocompatibility, was deposited by ion sputtering on an Si substrate. The multilayer 15×(Ti/Zr)/Si thin films were modified by femtosecond laser pulses in air to induce the following modifications: (i) mixing of components inside of the multilayer structures, (ii) the formation of an ultrathin oxide layer at the surfaces, and (iii) surface nano-texturing with the creation of laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS). The focus of this study was an examination of the novel Ti/Zr multilayer thin films in order to create a surface texture with suitable composition and structure for cell integration. Using the SEM and confocal microscopies of the laser-modified Ti/Zr surfaces with seeded cell culture (NIH 3T3 fibroblasts), it was found that cell adhesion and growth depend on the surface composition and morphological patterns. These results indicated a good proliferation of cells after two and four days with some tendency of the cell orientation along the LIPSSs.

Eco-friendly and rapid microwave processing of a precipitate was used to produce Fe-doped zinc oxide (Zn1-xFexO, x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.20; ZnO:Fe) nanoparticles, which were tested as catalysts toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a moderately alkaline solution. The phase composition, crystal structure, morphology, textural properties, surface chemistry, optical properties and band structure were examined to comprehend the influence of Zn2+ partial substitution with Fe3+ on the catalytic activity of ZnO:Fe. Linear sweep voltammetry showed an improved catalytic activity of ZnO:5Fe toward the ORR, compared to pure ZnO, while with increased amounts of the Fe-dopant the activity decreased. The improvement was suggested by a more positive onset potential (0.394 V vs. RHE), current density (0.231 mA cm-2 at 0.150 V vs. RHE), and faster kinetics (Tafel slope, b = 248 mV dec-1), and it may be due to the synergistic effect of (1) a sufficient amount of surface oxygen vacancies, and (2) a certain amount of plate-like particles composed of crystallites with well developed (0001) and (0001[combining macron]) facets. Quite the contrary, the OER study showed that the introduction of Fe3+ ions into the ZnO crystal structure resulted in enhanced catalytic activity of all ZnO:Fe samples, compared to pure ZnO, probably due to the modified binding energy and an optimized band structure. With the maximal current density of 1.066 mA cm-2 at 2.216 V vs. RHE, an onset potential of 1.856 V vs. RHE, and the smallest potential difference between the OER and ORR (ΔE = 1.58 V), ZnO:10Fe may be considered a promising bifunctional catalyst toward the OER/ORR in moderately alkaline solution. This study demonstrates that the electrocatalytic activity of ZnO:Fe strongly depends on the defect chemistry and consequently the band structure. Along with providing fundamental insight into the electrocatalytic activity of ZnO:Fe, the study also indicates an optimal stoichiometry for enhanced bifunctional activity toward the OER/ORR, compared to pure ZnO.

Nowadays, great focus is given to the contamination of surface and groundwater because of the extensive usage of pesticides in agriculture. The improvements of commercial catalyst TiO 2 activity using different Au nanoparticles were investigated for mesotrione photocatalytic degradation under simulated sunlight. The selected system was 2.43 × 10 -3 % Au-S-CH 2 -CH 2 -OH/TiO 2 (0.5 g/L) that was studied by transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. It was found that TiO 2 particles size was ~20 nm and ~50 nm, respectively. The Au nanoparticles were below 10 nm and were well distributed within the framework of TiO 2 . For 2.43 × 10 -3 % Au-S-CH 2 -CH 2 -OH/TiO 2 (0.5 g/L), band gap energy was 2.45 eV. In comparison to the pure TiO 2 , addition of Au nanoparticles generally enhanced photocatalytic removal of mesotrione. By examining the degree of mineralization, it was found that 2.43 × 10 -3 % Au-S-CH 2 -CH 2 -OH/TiO 2 (0.5 g/L) system was the most efficient for the removal of the mesotrione and intermediates. The effect of tert -butanol, NaF and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt on the transformation rate suggested that the relative contribution of various reactive species changed in following order: h + > ● OH ads > ● OH bulk . Finally, several intermediates that were formed during the photocatalytic treatment of mesotrione were identified.

The present study evaluates natural composition of Serbian roasted hazelnut skins (HS) with potential role in application as functional nutrient of various food products. Total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids contents (TFC) in HS extracts obtained with different ethanol concentrations (10%-I, 50%-II and 96%-III) and their antioxidant activities were investigated. The highest total phenols content (706.0 ± 9.7 mgGAE/g extract ) was observed in 96% ethanol HS extract. Ethanol HS extracts showed very high antioxidant activity with effective concentrations (EC 50 ) ranged between 0.052 and 0.066 mg/mL. The phenol and flavonoid content of roasted HS extracts I-III was determined by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses. Contents of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, metals, and C, H, N, S elements in roasted HS were also determined. Relatively high C/N, C/P and C/N/P ratios, rich metal contents and fatty acids composition indicated that hazelnut skin might be a good candidate for use as either human or fungal functional nutrient. In addition, possible application of phenolic HS extracts as UV booster was studied by recording UV spectra (220-440 nm) of 10 mg/L of HS extracts I-III combined with 10 mg/L of chemical sunscreen agent benzophenone-3 and in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) was calculated.

Background: We hypothesized that a 2-week twice daily aquatic endurance plus calisthenics exercise training program: (i) increases aerobic exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake/ V ˙ O 2 peak), (ii) improves endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and (iii) reduces circulating markers of low-grade inflammation and hemostasis, as compared to land-based endurance plus calisthenics exercise training or no exercise in patients undergoing short-term residential cardiac rehabilitation after a recent coronary artery disease (CAD) event., Methods: Patients with a recent myocardial infarction or revascularization procedure were randomized into two interventional groups and a control group. The interventional groups underwent supervised aerobic endurance plus calisthenics exercise training either in thermo-neutral water or on land at moderate intensity (60-80% of the peak heart rate achieved during symptom-limited graded exercise testing) for 30 min twice daily for 2 weeks (i.e., 24 sessions). The control group was deferred from supervised exercise training for the 2-week duration of the intervention, but was advised low-to-moderate intensity physical activity at home while waiting. At baseline and after the intervention period, all participants underwent estimation of aerobic exercise capacity, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD, measured ultrasonographically at rest and during reactive hyperemia after 4.5 min of forearm cuff inflation), markers of cardiac dysfunction (NT-proBNP), inflammation (hsCRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), cell adhesion (ICAM, P-selectin), and hemostasis (fibrinogen, D-dimer)., Results: A total of 89 patients (mean age 59.9 ± 8.2 years, 77.5% males, V ˙ O 2 peak at baseline 14.8 ± 3.5 ml kg -1 min -1 ) completed the study. Both exercise modalities were safe (no significant adverse events recorded) and associated with a significant improvement in V ˙ O 2 peak as compared to controls: age and baseline V ˙ O 2 peak-adjusted end-of-study V ˙ O 2 peak increased to 16.7 (95% CI 16.0-17.4) ml kg -1 min -1 with land-based training ( p < 0.001 for change from baseline) and to 18.6 (95% CI 17.9-19.3) ml kg -1 min -1 with water-based training ( p < 0.001 for change from baseline), but not in controls (14.9 ml kg -1 min -1 ; 95% CI 14.2-15.6; p = 0.775 for change from baseline). FMD also increased in both intervention groups (from 5.5 to 8.8%, p < 0.001 with land-based, and from 7.2 to 9.2%, p < 0.001 with water-based training, respectively), as compared to controls ( p for change 0.629). No significant changes were detected in biomarkers of inflammation, cell adhesion or hemostasis, whereas levels of NT-proBNP (marker of cardiac dysfunction) decreased in the water-based training group ( p = 0.07 vs. controls)., Conclusion: Endurance plus calisthenics exercise training in thermo-neutral water is safe, and improves aerobic exercise capacity and vascular function in patients undergoing short-term residential cardiac rehabilitation after a recent CAD event., Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02831829.

Objective: Supervised exercise training (walking) is recommended in patients with intermittent claudication, both as a means to improve symptoms (walking distance and quality of life [QoL]) and as a means to improve general cardiovascular health (including vascular function and heart rate variability [HRV]). Our aim was to compare two types of supervised training (moderate-pain and pain-free walking) with comparable intensity based on heart rate, in terms of walking capacity, QoL, vascular function, biomarkers, and HRV in patients with intermittent claudication., Methods: Thirty-six adults with intermittent claudication were randomized to either moderate-pain or pain-free exercise training (36 sessions, two or three times a week) or usual care (no supervised exercise). Initial walking distance and absolute walking distance using treadmill testing, flow-mediated vasodilation and pulse wave velocity using ultrasound, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and fibrinogen levels, HRV, and QoL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire) were determined at baseline and after the intervention period., Results: Twenty-nine patients (mean age, 64 ± 9 years; 72% male) completed the study. Both training programs similarly improved walking capacity. Initial walking distance and absolute walking distance significantly increased with either moderate-pain walking (median, 50 m to 107 m [P = .005] and 85 m to 194 m [P = .005], respectively) or pain-free walking (median, 53 m to 128 m [P = .003] and 92 m to 163 m [P = .003], respectively). QoL also similarly improved with both training modalities, whereas only moderate-pain walking was also associated with a statistically significant improvement in the vascular parameters flow-mediated vasodilation (4.4% to 8.0%; P = .002) and pulse wave velocity (6.6 m/s to 6.1 m/s; P = .013). Neither training program was associated with changes in biomarker levels and HRV., Conclusions: Both moderate-pain and pain-free training modalities were safe and similarly improved walking capacity and health-related QoL. Conversely, vascular function improvements were associated with only moderate-pain walking., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A new flavonoid glucoside derivative, patuletin 3 -O-(2- O-feruloyl)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside, named atriplexin IV (1), and three new triterpenoid saponin derivatives, two sulfonylated, β-d-glucopyranosyl-3 -O-(2- O-sulfo-β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside-30-alolean-12-en-28-oate (2), named atriplexogenin I, β-d-glucopyranosyl-3- O-(2- O-sulfo-β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside)-30-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oate (3), named atriplexogenin II, and β-d-glucopyranosyl-3 -O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside)-30-alolean-12-en-28-oate (4), named atriplexogenin III, were isolated by silica gel column and semipreparative HPLC chromatography from the n-butanol extract of the salt marsh plant Atriplex tatarica. In addition, two known secondary metabolites, patuletin3 -O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1‴→2″)-β-d-glucopyranoside (5) and patuletin 3 -O-5‴- O-feruloyl-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1‴→2″)-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), were isolated for the first time from A. tatarica. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, IR, and UV data. Antibacterial activity by the microdilution method and antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa were assessed. Compound 5 possesses significant antibacterial activity, while the most potent antibiofilm agent is compound 2.

Resistance training may be associated with unfavorable cardiovascular responses (such as hemodynamic alterations, anginal symptoms or ventricular arrhythmias). In healthy adults, blood flow-restricted (BFR) resistance training improves muscle strength and hypertrophy improvements at lower loads with minimal systemic cardiovascular adverse responses. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of BFR resistance training in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to usual care. Patients with stable CAD were randomized to either 8 weeks of supervised biweekly BFR resistance training (30-40% 1RM unilateral knee extension) or usual exercise routine. At baseline and after 8 weeks, patients underwent 1-RM knee extension tests, ultrasonographic appraisal of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle diameter and of systemic (brachial artery) flow-mediated dilation, and determination of markers of inflammation (CD40 ligand and tumor necrosis factor alfa), and fasting glucose and insulin levels for homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). A total of 24 patients [12 per group, mean age 60 ± 2 years, 6 (25%) women] were included. No training-related adverse events were recorded. At baseline groups significantly differ in age (mean difference: 8.7 years, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (mean difference: 12.17 mmHg, p = 0.024) and in metabolic control [insulin ( p = 0.014) and HOMA IR ( p = 0.014)]. BFR-resistance training significantly increased muscle strength (1-RM, +8.96 kg, p < 0.001), and decreased systolic blood pressure (-6.77 mmHg; p = 0.030), whereas VL diameter (+0.09 cm, p = 0.096), brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (+1.55%; p = 0.079) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA IR change of 1.15, p = 0.079) did not improve significantly. Blood flow restricted resistance training is safe and associated with significant improvements in muscle strength, and may be therefore provided as an additional exercise option to aerobic exercise to improve skeletal muscle functioning in patients with CAD. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03087292.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) have been used for the production of activated carbon (AC) by impregnation with different ratios of phosphoric acid at 600 °C, Xp (H 3 PO 4 /coffee): 3:1 30% , 4:1 30% , 3:1 50% and 4:1 50% . The obtained AC was characterized by BET, FTIR and SEM. BET surface area corresponds to 803.422 m 2 g -1 . The influences of the main parameters such as contact time, the pesticides initial concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and temperature on the efficiency of separation process were investigated during the batch operational mode. Results were modeled by adsorption isotherms: Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms, which gave satisfactory correlation coefficients. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir isotherms were 11.918 mg g -1 for carbendazim and 5.834 mg g -1 for linuron at room temperature. Adsorption kinetics of carbendazim and linuron have been studied by the pseudo-first-order, the pseudo-second-order and the intraparticle diffusion model. The results of adsorption kinetics have been fitted the best by pseudo-second-order model. The resulted data from FTIR characterization pointed to the presence of many functional groups on the AC surface. SCG adsorbent, as an eco-friendly and low-cost material, showed high potential for the removal of carbendazim and linuron from aqueous solutions.

This manuscript describes the first detailed chemical investigation of endemic species Iris adriatica, including isolation and structure elucidation. Chemical analyses of the rhizome CH 2 Cl 2 /MeOH (2:1) extract revealed fourteen secondary metabolites, mainly isoflavonoids. Among isoflavonoids, two groups have been found: nigricin-type and tectorigenin-type. Dominant group of the isolated compounds has been nigricin-type isoflavones: nigricin, nigricin-4'-(1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and nigricin-4'-(1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1-6)-β-D-glucopyranoside) with 2.5, 10 and 1% of the total extract, respectively. Irisxanthone - xanthone C-glucoside, β-sitosterol, benzophenone and one of its derivatives have also been found. Nigricin-type isoflavonoids and irisxanthone can be considered as possible chemotaxonomic markers for I. adriatica. 5,3',5'-Trimethoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyisoflavone-4'-(1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and benzophenone have been isolated from Iris species for the first time.

Introduction: Adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) have impaired exercise capacity, vascular and cardiac autonomic function, and quality of life (QoL). Specific effects of high-intensity interval or moderate continuous exercise training on these parameters in adults with repaired ToF remain unknown., Methods and Results: Thirty adults with repaired ToF were randomized to either high-intensity interval, moderate intensity continuous training (36 sessions, 2-3 times a week) or usual care (no supervised exercise). Exercise capacity, flow-mediated vasodilation, pulse wave velocity, NT-proBNP and fibrinogen levels, heart rate variability and recovery, and QoL (SF-36 questionnaire) were determined at baseline and after the intervention period. Twenty-seven patients (mean age 39±9years, 63% females, 9 from each group) completed this pilot study. Both training groups improved in at least some parameters of cardiovascular health compared to no exercise. Interval-but not continuous-training improved VO2peak (21.2 to 22.9ml/kg/min, p=0.004), flow-mediated vasodilation (8.4 to 12.9%, p=0.019), pulse wave velocity (5.4 to 4.8m/s, p=0.028), NT-proBNP (202 to 190ng/L, p=0.032) and fibrinogen levels (2.67 to 2.46g/L, p=0.018). Conversely, continuous-but not interval-training improved heart rate variability (low-frequency domain, 0.32 to 0.22, p=0.039), heart rate recovery after 2min post-exercise (40 to 47 beats, p=0.023) and mental domain of SF-36 (87 to 95, p=0.028)., Conclusion: Both interval and continuous exercise training modalities were safe. Interval training seems more efficacious in improving exercise capacity, vascular function, NT-proBNP and fibrinogen levels, while continuous training seems more efficacious in improving cardiac autonomic function and QoL. (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02643810)., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Anticonvulsants that belong to the third generation are considered as 'newer' antiepileptic drugs, including: eslicarbazepine acetate, lacosamide, perampanel, brivaracetam, rufinamide and stiripentol. Areas covered: This article reviews pharmacodynamics (i.e. mechanisms of action) and clinically relevant drug-drug interactions of the third-generation antiepileptic drugs. Expert opinion: Newer antiepileptic drugs have mechanisms of action which are not shared with the first and the second generation anticonvulsants, like inhibition of neurotransmitters release, blocking receptors for excitatory amino acids and new ways of sodium channel inactivation. New mechanisms of action increase chances of controlling forms of epilepsy resistant to older anticonvulsants. Important advantage of the third-generation anticonvulsants could be their little propensity for interactions with both antiepileptic and other drugs observed until now, making prescribing much easier and safer. However, this may change with new studies specifically designed to discover drug-drug interactions. Although the third-generation antiepileptic drugs enlarged therapeutic palette against epilepsy, 20-30% of patients with epilepsy is still treatment-resistant and need new pharmacological approach. There is great need to explore all molecular targets that may directly or indirectly be involved in generation of seizures, so a number of candidate compounds for even newer anticonvulsants could be generated.

Purpose: Adults after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) may have impaired vascular and cardiac autonomic function. Thus, we wanted to assess interrelations between heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR), as parameters of cardiac autonomic function, and arterial stiffness, as a parameter of vascular function, in adults with repaired ToF as compared to healthy controls., Methods: In a case-control study of adults with repaired ToF and healthy age-matched controls we measured: 5-min HRV variability (with time and frequency domain data collected), carotid artery stiffness (through pulse-wave analysis using echo-tracking ultrasound) and post-exercise HRR (cycle ergometer exercise testing)., Results: Twenty-five patients with repaired ToF (mean age 38 ± 10 years) and 10 healthy controls (mean age 39 ± 8 years) were included. Selected HRR and HRV (time-domain) parameters, but not arterial stiffness were significantly reduced in adults after ToF repair. Moreover, a strong association between late/slow HRR (after 2, 3 and 4 min) and carotid artery stiffness was detected in ToF patients (r = -0.404, p = 0.045; r = -0.545, p = 0.005 and r = -0.545, p = 0.005, respectively), with statistical significance retained even after adjusting for age, gender, resting heart rate and β-blockers use (r = -0.393, p = 0.024 for HRR after 3 min)., Conclusion: Autonomic cardiac function is impaired in patients with repaired ToF, and independently associated with vascular function in adults after ToF repair, but not in age-matched healthy controls. These results might help in introducing new predictors of cardiovascular morbidity in a growing population of adults after surgical repair of ToF.

The chemical composition, antimicrobial and antiquorum sensing activity of the essential oil of Micromeria thymifolia (Scop.) Fritsch were investigated. Limonene, piperitone epoxide and piperitenone epoxide were found as the main constituents using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. In vitro antimicrobial activity of the oil was tested against six bacterial and seven fungal strains and high antimicrobial potential was noticed. Minimum inhibitory concentration varied from 0.031 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL for bacterial and 0.062 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL for fungal strains. The antiquorum properties of the essentidl oil were evaluated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO 1. The oil was tested at subMIC concentrations for anti-quorum sensing activity. The analyses on quorum-sensing functions have been carried out by evaluating twitching and swarming of bacterial cultures and the total amount of pyocyanin production produced by P. aeruginosa. This study showed that M thymifolia essential oil exhibited antiquorum sensing activity and may be used as an antipathogenic drug.

Diarylheptanoids represent a group of plant secondary metabolites that possess multiple biological properties and are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential. A comparative study was performed on structurally analogous diarylheptanoids isolated from the bark of green (Alnus viridis) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa) to address their biological effects and determine structure-activity relationship. The structures and configurations of all compounds were elucidated by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, UV and IR. Diarylheptanoids actions were studied in human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells (NCI-H460) and normal keratinocytes (HaCaT). A. viridis compounds 3v, 5v, 8v and 9v that possess a carbonyl group at C-3 were considerably more potent than compounds without this group. A. viridis/A. glutinosa analogue pairs, 5v/5g and 9v/9g, which differ in the presence of 3' and 3″-OH groups, were evaluated for anticancer activity and selectivity. 5v and 9v that do not possess 3' and 3″-OH groups showed significantly higher cytotoxicity compared to analogues 5g and 9g. In addition, these two A. viridis compounds induced a more prominent apoptosis in both cell lines and an increase in subG0 cell cycle phase, compared to their A. glutinosa analogues. 5v and 9v treatment triggered intracellular superoxide anion accumulation and notably decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In HaCaT cells, 9v and 9g with a 4,5 double bond caused a more prominent loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential compared to 5v and 5g which possess a 5-methoxy group instead. Although green alder diarylheptanoids 5v and 9v displayed higher cytotoxicity, their analogues from black alder 5g and 9g could be more favorable for therapeutic use since they were more active in cancer cells than in normal keratinocytes. These results indicate that minor differences in the chemical structure can greatly influence the effect of diarylheptanoids on apoptosis and redox status and determine their selectivity towards cancer cells., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)