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Gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with the onset of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate whether the blood pressure (BP) pattern in GH is associated with the prevalence of hypertension later in life. In this prospective cohort study pregnant women screened for GH underwent medical history, laboratory analysis, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (AMBP), and transthoracic echocardiography (with left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS)) assessment. Overall, 138 GH (67 non-dippers and 71 dippers), 55 preeclamptic, and 72 normotensive pregnant controls were included. Women were followed in the postpartum period, first after 6 weeks and later on, for the occurrence of hypertension. The median follow-up was 8.97 years (8.23; 9.03). Non-dippers and PE compared with normotensives and dippers had a higher prevalence of hypertension onset (p < 0.01), as well as significantly reduced absolute values of LVGLS during pregnancy, after delivery, and at the time of onset of hypertension during follow-up (p < 0.01). Night-time diastolic BP, LVGLS, age, and left ventricular ejection fraction were the strongest predictors of postpartum onset of hypertension. The non-dipping BP pattern in GH was significantly associated with the onset of hypertension later in life, as well as with decreased systolic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is evidence that right ventricular (RV) contractile function, especially its coupling with the pulmonary circulation, has an important prognostic value in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Aims: This study aimed to identify the best echocardiographic parameters of RV function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) alone or in the form of the index of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RV-PA coupling) to determine the best predictor of 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which were defined as cardiovascular death and cardiac decompensation in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods and results: The study enrolled 191 HFrEF patients (mean age 62.28 ± 12.79 years, 74% males, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 25.53 ± 6.87%). All patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) evaluation, focusing on assessing RV function and non-invasive parameters of RV-PA coupling. RV function was evaluated using fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and peak tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TAS'). PASP was estimated by peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRVmax) and corrected by assumed right atrial pressure relative to the dimension and collapsibility of the inferior vena cava. The TAPSE/PASP and TAS'/PASP ratios were taken as an index of RV-PA coupling. During the follow-up (mean period of 340 ± 84 days), 58.1% of patients met the composite endpoint. The independent predictors of one-year outcome were shown to be advanced age, atrial fibrillation, indexed left atrial systolic volume (LAVI), LVEF, TAPSE/PASP, and TAS'/PASP. TAS'/PASP emerged as the strongest independent predictor of prognosis, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.67 (0.531–0.840), p < 0.001. Reconstructing the ROC curve 0.8 (0.723–0.859), p < 0.001, we obtained a threshold value of TAS'/PASP ≤ 0.19 (cm/s/mm Hg) (sensitivity 74.0, specificity 75.2). Patients with TAS'/RVSP ≤ 0.19 have a worse prognosis (Log Rank p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study confirmed previously known independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with HfrEF—advanced age, atrial fibrillation, LAVI, and LVEF—but non-invasive parameters of RV-PA coupling TAPSE/PASP and TAS'/PASP improved risk stratification in patients with HFrEF. Variable TAS'/PASP has been shown to be the most powerful, independent predictor of one-year outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) core collection was assessed based on the main nutritive and bioactive components. Nutritional profile was described for each cultivar and landrace. Protein content was in the familiar range for common bean (19.6-31.6%). Detected variability for potassium, sulphur, iron and zinc was 7.78, 16.7, 14.99, and 40.17%, respectively. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.8 to 14.1 mg GAE /g DW, with high variation (CV = 41.3%). Likewise, antioxidant tests DPPH, ABTS and FRAP had high, genotype-based, CV in range 29-46%. With the application of PCA and cluster analysis, better insight in underlying germplasm structure was acknowledged, as well accession’s grouping based on the studied traits. Cultivars Vulkan and Panonski tetovac, breeding line HR45, landraces L24, L92, L119, L120, and L125 had larger amounts of iron, nitrogen, and proteins. Elevated phenolic content was observed in cultivars Balkan and Spinel, as well as landraces L19, L29, L41 and L60. In addition, cultivar Royal Dutch was recognized for higher levels of zinc, and higher antioxidant capacity revealed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Therefore, these tests could be used in the selection of the accessions for breeding for nutritive quality enhancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Medica Medianae is the property of Acta Medica Medianae and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is among the most common forms of cardiomyopathies, with a prevalence of 1:200 to 1:500 people. HCM is caused by variants in genes encoding cardiac sarcomeric proteins, of which a majority reside in MYH7, MYBPC3, and TNNT2. Up to 40% of the HCM cases do not have any known HCM variant. Genotype–phenotype associations in HCM remain incompletely understood. This study involved two visits of 46 adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HCM. In total, 174 genes were analyzed on the Next-Generation Sequencing platform, and transthoracic echocardiography was performed. Gene-specific discriminative echocardiogram findings were identified using the computer vision library Fast AI. This was accomplished with the generation of deep learning models for the classification of ultrasonic images based on the underlying genotype and a later analysis of the most decisive image regions. Gene-specific echocardiogram findings were identified: for variants in the MYH7 gene (vs. variant not detected), the most discriminative structures were the septum, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) segment, anterior wall, apex, right ventricle, and mitral apparatus; for variants in MYBPC3 gene (vs. variant not detected) these were the septum, left ventricle, and left ventricle/chamber; while for variants in the TNNT2 gene (vs. variant not detected), the most discriminative structures were the septum and right ventricle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a tentative analysis of the lipid composition of 47 legume samples, encompassing species such as Phaseolus spp., Vicia spp., Pisum spp., and Lathyrus spp. Lipid extraction and GC/MS (gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection) analysis were conducted, followed by multivariate statistical methods for data interpretation. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed two major clusters, distinguishing beans and snap beans (Phaseolus spp.) from faba beans (Vicia faba), peas (Pisum sativum), and grass peas (Lathyrus sativus). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) yielded 2D and 3D score plots, effectively discriminating legume species. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) achieved a 100% accurate classification of the training set and a 90% accuracy of the test set. The lipid-based fingerprinting elucidated compounds crucial for discrimination. Both PCA and LDA biplots highlighted squalene and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) of 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (C18:3) and 5,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid (C20:4) as influential in the clustering of beans and snap beans. Unique compounds, including 13-docosenoic acid (C22:1) and γ-tocopherol, O-methyl-, characterized grass pea samples. Faba bean samples were discriminated by FAMEs of heneicosanoic acid (C21:0) and oxiraneoctanoic acid, 3-octyl- (C18-ox). However, C18-ox was also found in pea samples, but in significantly lower amounts. This research demonstrates the efficacy of lipid analysis coupled with multivariate statistics for accurate differentiation and classification of legumes, according to their botanical origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the status of motor skill of balance and possible differences between girls and boys, of younger school age, in predicting the performance of selected gymnastic elements on the floor (shoulder stand, headstand, handstand). Eighty-four young participants were divided into two groups participating in the study (Group Males: n=42; Group Females: n=42). The participants had to perform four tests to evaluate motor ability of balance that have the necessary metric characteristics: standing on one leg with eyes open transversely on a balance bench - MBAP, standing on two legs longitudinally on a balance bench with eyes closed - MBAU2Z, standing on two legs longitudinally on balance benches with eyes open - MBAU2O and Flamingo test - FLAM. The success of the execution of the selected gymnastics elements was evaluated by the commission, which consisted of five licensed judges of the Gymnastics Federation of the Republic of Srpska, with marks from 0 to 10. Minor differences were found in the motor ability of balance and the results of predictable values for these gymnastic elements (p=0.05). Girls had lower results in the motor tests but better scores in the performance of the gymnastic elements, but it is no significant differences. The average results of all respondents in this research are lower than in previous research. The relatively low scores of the motor ability test results indicate the need to introduce additional pre-exercises to improve results in performing essential gymnastic elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In Serbia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production largely relies on improved commercial cultivars; however, many farmers still grow and maintain landraces. Productivity assessment of common bean landraces from Serbia may enrich knowledge of bean diversity from Western Balkans, Europe and worldwide. Aims: The study aims were to describe the underlying structure of a selected set of landraces and commercial cultivars of common bean, identify relatedness of accessions, and determine breeding values. Methods and key results: Overall productivity was assessed through main yield components during a 2-year field trial. Average seed yield per plant was 7.9 g, with 1000-seed weight 425 g, 7.4 pods per plant and 22.9 seeds per plant. Accessions were classified according to seed colour and shape, with the Albus group generally showing highest productivity traits. Phenotypic and genotypic variability of the selected set was previously determined. Principal component analysis was used to assess bean germplasm structure, revealing subdivisions partially according to gene pool (Mesoamerican or Andean), evident through the existence of one larger Andean group. Relatedness of genotypes was assessed by hierarchical cluster analysis. Additional variation concentrated within the Andean gene pool was detected. Positive correlations were observed among numbers of pods and seeds per plant, yield per plant and plant height. According to the Mantel test, positive associations were observed among productivity trait distance, genetic distance and descriptive trait distance. Conclusions: Substantial variation in productivity was observed for bean landraces, with differences among gene pools and seed forms, revealing their agronomic value. Acknowledged structure of agronomic traits and recognised stratification will assist in multilevel organisation of common bean breeding programs. Implications: Combined information on phenotypic, genotypic and productivity value should benefit selection of promising parental lines associating good agronomic performance with sufficient variability, according to consumer preferences. Diversity of common bean from Serbia was investigated. Substantial diversity was found in terms of agronomic value, corroborated by genetic and morphological variability. Information on variation in bean shape, size and productivity suggests suitability for different types of cultivation and use, and should ensure conservation and further research of this germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central European Agriculture is the property of Journal of Central European Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Field & Vegetable Crops Research / Ratarstvo i povrtarstvo is the property of Institute of Field & Vegetable Crops and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: There is a paucity of data on physiological heart adaptation in elite-level judo female athletes. This study aimed to assess left ventricular morphology and function in highly trained elite female judokas. Methods: The study prospectively included 18 females aged 23.5 ± 2.25 years, nine elite level judokas, and nine healthy non-athlete volunteers. All participants underwent a medical examination, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic 2D echocardiogram. Left ventricular diastolic and systolic diameters and volumes were determined, and parameters of left heart geometry and function (systolic and diastolic) were measured, calculated, and compared between groups. Results: When groups were compared, judokas had significantly increased left ventricular cavity dimensions p < 0.01, left ventricular wall thickness p < 0.01, and volumes p < 0.01. Elite female judokas exhibited left ventricular dilatation demonstrated as high prevalence increased end-diastolic volume/index, and increased end-systolic volume/index in 88.9% of judokas vs. 0% in controls, p < 0.01. Left ventricle mass/index was significantly increased in judokas, p < 0.01), with a 43.3% difference between groups. The majority (77.7%) of judokas had normal left ventricular geometry, although eccentric hypertrophy was revealed in 2 (22.2%) of judokas. Conclusion: Elite, highly trained female judokas exhibit significant changes in left heart morphology as a result of vigorous training compared to non-athletes. These findings suggest that female judokas athletes' heart follows a pattern toward chamber dilatation rather than left ventricular wall hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study examines the influence of cardiac rehabilitation program (CR) on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), functional capacity and major cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in patients after with PCI resolved acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We performed a non-randomised study included a total of 85 subjects after resolved ACS, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 45% and LVDD, without heart failure. Subjects were divided into control (N = 29) and intervention group (N = 56), depending on CR program attendance consisted of exercise training sessions for 12 weeks, 3 times per/week, 30 min per session. Initially and after 12 weeks, patients were subjected to echocardiography to assess LV filling pressure (E/e') as well as CPET to asses improvement in peak VO2. Initially subjects were similar in CVRF, LVDD and CPET parameters (p > 0.05). Following CR, the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in E/e' (8.0 ± 3.0 vs 7.0 ± 2.2; p < 0.05), compared to the control group (8.4 ± 3.0 vs 9.0 ± 3.1; p > 0.05), as well as a significant improvement in peak VO2 (23.2 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min vs 24.8 ± 5.8 ml/kg/min; p < 0.001). Control group also exhibited significant worsening in peak VO2 without CR (23.0 ± 4.0 vs 21.2 ± 4.1 ml/kg/min; p = 0.02). CVRF improved in both groups, except for glycaemia levels and body mass index, which improved only in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Following ACS treated with PCI, CR had a positive effect on major CVRFs, the degree of LVDD and exercise capacity and should be considered as effective tool to reduce morbidity in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Matica Srpska Journal for Natural Sciences is the property of Matica Srpska, Department of Natural Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with COVID-19 is triggered by various mechanisms and can significantly affect the patient's further treatment and prognosis. The study aimed to investigate the characteristics, major complications, and predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients with ACS. All consecutive patients hospitalized from 5 July 2020 to 5 May 2021 for ACS with confirmed SARS-Co-2 were prospectively enrolled and tracked for mortality until 5 June 2021. Data from the electronic records for age and diagnosis, matched non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 ACS group, were extracted and compared. Overall, 83 COVID-19 ACS patients, when compared to 166 non-COVID ACS patients, had significantly more prevalent comorbidities, unfavorable clinical characteristics on admission (acute heart failure 21.7% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.01) and higher rates of major complications, 33.7% vs. 16.8%, p < 0.01, and intrahospital 30-day mortality, 6.7% vs. 26.5%, p < 0.01. The strongest predictors of mortality were aortic regurgitation, HR 9.98, 95% CI 1.88; 52.98, p < 0.01, serum creatinine levels, HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01; 1.04, p < 0.01, and respiratory failure therapy, HR 13.05, 95% CI 3.62; 47.01, p < 0.01. Concomitant ACS and COVID-19 is linked to underlying comorbidities, adverse presenting features, and poor outcomes. Urgent strategies are needed to improve the outcomes of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our study aimed to determine the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the incidence and severity of hypertensive syndrome in pregnancy. Methods: The study included women with high-risk pregnancies and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ of 10. Polygraphic testing was done between 18 and 20 weeks. Participants were divided into three groups: pregnant women with OSA starting treatment with CPAP for 4 weeks between 24 and 28 gestational weeks, women with OSA treated conservatively, and women without OSA as the control group. Participants were followed up regularly for 4 weeks until the delivery and 1 week after for the occurrence of hypertensive syndrome and other maternal complications. Results: Among the 110 women enrolled in the study, the prevalence of hypertensive syndrome in 41 pregnant women with OSA treated conservatively was 39%, 50 women with OSA treated with CPAP 26%, and 19 women in the control group 21%, p = 0.1. The group treated with CPAP when compared with the conservatively treated group had a significantly lower incidence of severe forms of hypertensive syndrome (8% vs. 24%, p = 0.02.), and after 1 month of treatment had higher night oxygen saturation (92%, vs. 87%, p = 0.003) and lower Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (respectively, 4.2 ± 2.3 vs. 9.4 ± 4.1, p < 0001). The respiratory event index was significantly associated with hypertension severity (patients with preeclampsia 9.5 ± 4.9 vs. without hypertension 6.9 ± 4.5, p = 0.04). Conclusion: CPAP therapy significantly reduced the incidence of severe forms of hypertensive syndrome in pregnant women with OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to use the United States Optimality Index (OI-US) to assess the feasibility of its application in making decisions for more optimal methods of delivery and for more optimal postpartum and neonatal outcomes. Numerous worldwide associations support the option of women giving birth at maternity outpatient clinics and also at home. What ought to be met is the assessments of requirements and what could be characterized as the birth potential constitute the basis for making the right decision regarding childbirth.Materials and Methods: The study is based on a prospective follow-up of pregnant women and new mothers (100 participants) who were monitored and gave birth at the hospital maternity ward (HMW) and pregnant women and new mothers (100 participants) who were monitored and gave birth at the outhospital maternity clinics (OMC). Selected patients were classified according to the criteria of low and medium-risk and each of the parameters of the OI and the total OI were compared.Results: The results of this study confirm the benefits of intrapartum and neonatal outcome, when delivery was carried out in an outpatient setting. The median OI of intrapartum components was significantly higher in the outpatient setting compared to the hospital maternity ward (97 range from 24 to 100 vs 91 range from 3 to 100). The median OI of neonatal components was significantly higher in the outpatient compared to the inpatient delivery. (99 range from 97 to 100 vs 96 range from 74 to 100). Certain components from the intrapartum and neonatal period highly contribute to the significantly better total OI in the outpatient conditions in relation to hospital conditions.Conclusion: Outpatient care and delivery provide multiple benefits for both the mother and the newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Crimen: Journal for Criminal Justice is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Law and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In confluence areas, where river flow slowdowns can be substantial, the selection of design flows for the purpose of designing a flood control system directly depends on flood waves at the mainstem and its tributaries. The aim of this paper is twofold: to elaborate a procedure that will define the flood exceedance probability in the analyzed area within a multidimensional probability space and to develop a methodology for defining flood coincidence in the mainstem reach with its main tributaries and thus determine design flows in order to design the flood control system in the confluence area. Mathematical models are based on (1) two-dimensional probability distribution (PROIL model) and (2) the copula function (Archimedean class of copulas), and fitted to a practical application in a two-dimensional probability distribution space. In case of random variables, simultaneous quantitative characteristics of flood wave (water flow) hydrographs for the mainstem and a tributary are considered. The paper discusses the specific reach of the Danube, from the Hungarian-Serbian border to the city of Smederevo, which encompasses three significant tributaries—the Drava, the Tisa, and the Sava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term runoff variability is identified to consist of the selected large rivers with long-term data series in the Danube River Basin. The rivers were selected in different regions of the Danube River Basin and have a large basin area (Danube: Bratislava gauge with 131,338 km2; Tisza: Senta with 141,715 km2; and Sava: Sremska Mitrovica with 87,966 km2). We worked with the station Danube: Reni in the delta as well. A spectral analysis was used to identify the long-term variability of three different types of time series: (1) Average annual discharge time series, (2) Minimum annual discharge time series and (3) Maximum annual discharge time series. The results of the study can be used in a long-term forecast of the runoff regime in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balkan Peninsula is one of the most important biodiversity centers in Europe. Despite that, the usage of plant species in the traditional medicine of some Balkan regions remained largely unexplored in the past. This study aimed to collect and document data on the traditional use of medicinal plants in Pčinja district in South-Eastern Serbia, which is among the least developed regions in Serbia. Also, comparison with data collected by Dr. Jovan Tucakov, in a book called Herbal therapy was conducted. The survey was carried out using semi-structured interviews and 113 informants were interviewed. Quantitative ethnobotany factors were calculated, allowing us discussing the results. The informants reported data on 86 medicinal plants belonging to 43 families in Pčinja district. Lamiaceae, Asteraceae , and Rosaceae were the dominant locally used families. The species with the highest number of use reports were Mentha piperita , Matricaria chamomilla , and Hypericum perforatum. Gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory problems and skin diseases were the most frequently reported indications. Usually, the administration was primarily oral followed by topical applications. Leaves were dominantly exploited plant parts and the most frequent preparation form was infusion. Medicinal plants in Pčinja district are mainly used as a mode of primary health care for treating minor health issues. After comparing our results with the ones collected half a century ago by Dr. Jovan Tucakov we can conclude that plant species mentioned in our investigation previously had a much wider spectrum of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice so far has shown that the tourist destination is managed through the public sector, private companies or according to the model of public-private partnership. Modern business and everyday life is unthinkable without the use of social networks and e-marketing. There is an unbroken link between the products of the information sector, social networks and everyday business and private communications. Tourism as a service activity is particularly dependent on social networks. Potential buyers of tourism products with just "one click" can book, pay for the service, view the pictures and read comments about the desired destination. Using concrete data and business on National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, the authors point to a growing trend of using social networks in presenting Serbia as a desirable destination. Tourist Organization of Serbia (TOS) uses integrated on-line marketing for promotive activities and targeting marketing campaigns. This paper discusses the importance and role of the public sector as a way of managing a tourist destination through TOS, but with synergetic effects with the use of social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medical Journal / Medicinski Časopis is the property of Serbian Medical Society, Section Kragujevac and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Medica Medianae is the property of Acta Medica Medianae and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To analyze clinical characteristics of ocular sarcoidosis in a group of biopsy-proven sarcoid patients treated at the single referral center for sarcoidosis in Serbia.Methods: A prospective study carried out on 88 biopsy-proven sarcoid patients between January 2012 and December 2014. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination.Results: Ocular sarcoidosis was present in 32 patients (36.4% of all) and included: eyelid skin lesions (2.3%); orbital inflammation (2.3%); conjunctival lesions (7.9%); anterior uveitis (2.3%); intermediate uveitis (1.1%); posterior uveitis (15.9%); panuveitis (5.7%), and neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations (9.1%). Complications included cataract (20.4%); glaucoma (5.7%); cystoid macular edema (3.4%); epiretinal membrane formation (4.5%); macular atrophy (2.3%); and choroidal neovascularization (1.1%). Binocular visual impairment was present in one patient (1.1%), due to complications of posterior uveitis (macular scars).Conclusions: Patients in Serbia demonstrated ocular sarcoidosis as the first most common site of extrapulmonary sarcoid manifestations, with more often neuro-ophthalmologic lesions than in other European populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Biochemistry is the property of Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Aim of the Study Unplanned hospital readmissions are responsible for increased health care costs and have direct influence on patient quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine the predictors for hospital readmission after open-heart surgery. Methods Prospective study analyzed all patients who underwent cardiac surgery in the year 2012. Follow-up period was one year from the date of operation. Patients were divided in two groups based on their readmission status. Results In the study period of one year, 1268 patients who underwent cardiac surgery were included. A total of 121 patients (9.54%) were readmitted within one year after the operation. The main reasons for readmission were congestive heart failure (17.3%), sternal dehiscence (14.9%), rhythm and conduction disturbances (14.9%), wound infection (11.6%), recurrent angina pectoris (11.6%), and pericardial effusion (10.7%). Independent predictors for hospital readmission were previous stroke (p = 0.002), chronic heart failure (p < 0.0005), and postoperative pericardial effusion (p = 0.006). Conclusions Our study determined risk factors and predictors for hospital readmission after cardiac surgery. This may help to reduce readmission rates. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12441 (J Card Surg 2015;30:1-6) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming affects the hydrological cycle and the long-term water budget of river basins. Flow variations have been noticed in the Danube River Basin, especially in its south-western parts where a downward trend in mean annual flows has been prevalent in the past several decades. Time series of mean annual and seasonal flows of the Sava River at hydrological stations Sremska Mitrovica and Zagreb are analysed in this paper. The trend is assessed with the Mann-Kendall test including the effect of serial correlation. Additionally, the trends are assessed in the multi-temporal framework. It is concluded that the long-term periodicity of annual flows has a considerable impact on the time series trend. Long-term component with cycles of 40 years in mean annual flows are detected by the time series analysis in frequency domain. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation between mean annual flows of the Sava River and annual precipitation, mean annual atmospheric pressure and air temperatures at meteorological station Ljubljana, as well as with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Biochemistry is the property of Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While LV diverticula (LVD) contain all three layers of the ventricular wall and contract synchronously with the rest of the myocardium, LV aneurysms are akinetic or dyskinetic, usually with a wider neck. Ambulatory 24-h electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed repetitive ventricular premature beats and stress ECG nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Biochemistry is the property of Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objectives: There is emerging evidence of the usefulness of left atrial strain (LAS) in the assessment of diastolic dysfunction (DD). In this study we assess the sensitivity and specificity of LAS, to determine cut-off values and their association to DD with increased left atrial pressure (LAP) in patients with well-treated arterial hypertension. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 180 subjects with well-treated arterial hypertension. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Patients were divided into two groups: a group without increased LAP and/or DD and a group with increased LAP DD. Results: In multivariate logistic regression, LAS proved to be the strongest statistically significant predictor of DD with increased LAP (OR 0.834, p < 0.0005), with AUC 0.885 and a set cut-off value of 24.27% with high sensitivity of 78.9% and specificity of 84.6%. The set cut-off for LAS > 24.27% was significantly highly prevalent in the group of DD with increased LAP 78.9% when compared to the group without increased LAP 15.4%, p < 0.0001. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that LAS could be a useful and highly sensitive and specific marker in the evaluation of DD. There is the potential for using LAS in everyday practice as a standard parameter in diastolic function assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to compare the efficacy of 1-year peak expiratory flow (PEF)-based self-management of asthma against conventional treatment and to analyze the long-term effectiveness of self-management. Eighty adult patients with persistent asthma (group B). After 1 year, significant improvement was noted in markers of asthma severity in group A but there were no changes in group B. After 6 years of the self-management program, asthma morbidity and emergency use of health services were reduced. These results show short-term and long-term effectiveness of a PEF-based self-management program in persistent asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]