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Nanotechnology provides state-of-the-art solutions to a number of applications that have a significant impact on almost every aspect of our community, including medicine, smart cities, army, agriculture, and industry. e intertwining of nanoscale devices with the existing communication networks through the Internet defines a new networking paradigm referred to as the Internet of nanothings, which includes a large number of nanosensors providing more precise and more detailed information on a person's health, the environment or a particular structure in real time. is paper analyses possibilities for the use of nanotechnologies and the Internet of nanothings, as well as their different applications in smart cities. Finally, this paper presents a discussion on the risks, challenges, and security issues that these two revolutionary techniques may bring to mankind.

Heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome in which the structure and the function of the heart are damaged, with stiffness of the heart muscle, increased pressures in diastole and in the pulmonary circulation. The latest understanding of HFpEF is that it is a systemic disease of the microcirculation with chronic inflammation and impaired cellular metabolism. The aim of this review was to determine the association between physical activity and HFpEF based on the available research. By summarizing the literature data, it was shown that a sedentary lifestyle represents a risk factor for HFpEF and that continuous physical activity prevents the occurrence of HFpEF, while in patients already suffering from HFpEF it increases functional capacity, as well as the quality of life, mainly due to the improvement of peripheral muscles oxidative metabolism. The impact of physical activity on improving the diastolic function of the heart in people with heart failure is still under research. Patients with HFpEF usually have poor exercise tolerance, thus an individualized prescription of physical activity is indicated in accordance with their capabilities, preferably a combination of aerobic training, strength exercises, balance and an adequate diet. The gold standard for the assessment of aerobic capacity is the cardiopulmonary exercise test, which allows the measurement of oxygen consumption, maximum heart rate, the first and the second anaerobic thresholds, parameters needed for dosing the intensity of physical exercise.

Background/Objectives: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heart disorder characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the left ventricle, which increases the risk of cardiac complications. This study aims to analyze the expression of apoptosis-regulating genes (CASP8, CASP9, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2) in blood samples from HCM patients, to better understand their potential as biomarkers for disease progression. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate gene expression in blood samples from 93 HCM patients. The correlation between apoptosis-regulating genes was conducted and clinical parameters were integrated for feature importance and clustering analysis. Results: Most patients exhibited significant downregulation of CASP8, CASP9, and CASP3. In contrast, BAX expression was elevated in 71 out of 93 patients, while BCL2 was increased in 55 out of 93 patients. Correlation analysis revealed weak negative correlations between the BAX/BCL2 ratio and CASP gene expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that reduced expression of apoptotic genes may indicate a protective cellular mechanism, which could serve as a biomarker for disease progression. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential for therapeutic modulation of these pathways to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased lipid levels are one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of short-term (8 weeks) aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity on lipid profile in young healthy females. Methods: 27 female students (mean age 20.5 ± 1 year) completed 8 weeks of aerobic training that included two exercise sessions of continuous aerobic activity of moderate intensity (running 35-60 min) and one exercise session with interval training of vigorous intensity. Intervention aerobic capacity and lipid profile were examined before and after the exercise. Results: Exercise intervention has caused a decrease of low density lipoprotein levels per 9.8% (from 2.52 ± 0.47 to 2.27 ± 0.53 mmol/L; p < 0.001) and significant improvement of high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels per 22.7% (from 1.29 ± 0.24 to 1.59 ± 0.24 mmol/L; p < 0.001), total cholesterol/HDL ratio per 17.2 % and aerobic capacity (VO2 max) per 3.8 % (43.9 ± 3.7 to 45.56 ± 3.63 mLO2/kg/min). Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that a short-term aerobic exercise intervention of moderate to vigorous intensity may have significant effects on blood lipid profile in young healthy females.

As pressure equipment is most commonly used in various industrial fields, making manufacturing processes eco-friendlier (e.g., mass reduction of the final product, material and energy savings, etc.) and transitioning to sustainable production by developing eco-innovative products will have a positive effect on the environment. The aim of this paper is to analyze globe valve housing exposed to internal pressure using full-field experimental 3D digital image correlation (3D-DIC) method and numerical strain and stress data in order to propose improvements for more sustainable development, with respect to practical engineering application of EN standards. The highest von Mises strain values around 0.03% were measured on the point of highest geometrical discontinuity, sphere/cylinder intersection. Stresses of the examined globe valve using numerical and theoretical approach are significantly below material yield limit and allowable stress for internal pressure values of 30 bar, that is significantly higher than nominal operating pressure of 6 bar, proving that structure is over-dimensioned and can be optimized. New experimental procedure development and application in full-field strain analysis contributes to increased valve housing reliability, mass reduction and material and energy savings during manufacturing which directly affects its eco-friendliness, lowers manufacturing price and increases market competitiveness.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of applying synchronized music and appropriate music selection on motivation for exercise and achieving better results in individuals of different fitness levels. Methods: The study included a total of 20 female participants, who for certain analyses were divided into two groups with slightly different levels of aerobic fitness: students from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (n = 10, age 23.0 ± 2.8), and middle-aged adult women exercising recreationally (n = 10, age 38.3 ± 11.6). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was conducted using a treadmill and gas analysis equipment, and motivational music qualities were assessed using the BMRI-2 questionnaire. The procedure included an initial maximal CPET test, echocardiography, and spirometric tests, followed by an interview to select preferred music tracks. A second CPET test was then performed with the chosen motivational music. The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale was used in both tests. Results: The internal consistency of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.982. The synchronized motivational music significantly improved cardiopulmonary parameters such as peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2), oxygen consumption (VO2) at the second ventilatory threshold (VT2), peak heart rate (peak HR), test duration, and reduced perceived exertion (RPE) at the beginning of the test and at the intensity level corresponding to the VT2. Negligible differences were noted between students and recreational athletes, so it can be assumed that music had an equal impact on these two groups of subjects. Conclusions: The study concluded that synchronous motivational music significantly enhances cardiopulmonary performance and reduces perceived fatigue during physical exertion by serving as a key motivational element and facilitating more economical movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endocrine system plays a major role in both permissive and regulatory activities in order to adequately respond to physical stress of exercise. But level and direction of activation depend on many factors and are not easily interpreted. Methods: We tested a group of male professional athletes (21 water polo players and 15 wrestlers), together with 20 sedentary controls matched by age. All participants took a continuous progressive exercise stress test on a treadmill until exhaustion and plateau of oxygen consumption (VO2). Blood samples for cortisol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone were drawn in four time points: baseline (B), start of the test (S), point of maximal strain (MAX) and in the 3 u minute of recovery period (R). Results: Cortisol levels significantly increased in both groups, but the response between S and MAX was more pronounced in controls (p=0.036). The athletes had significantly higher levels of cortisol in all points in test, except during R (p=0.118), when their cortisol levels gradually started to decline. Significant increase in total testosterone was in great deal a consequence of increase in SHBG level (p

The athlete's heart is an exercise-induced cardiac remodeling phenomenon, which is individual and depends on the intensity, duration and frequency of training, as well as genetic factors. Cardiovascular screening prior to participation in sports activities, is a systematic practice of medical evaluation in the athlete population. The current US recommendations for the screening of cardiovascular abnormalities in high school and university athletes at all levels of performance were initially put forther by the American Heart Association in 2007. These recommendations consist of 12 points, factoring personal and family history data, as well as physical examination. On the other hand, European recommendations suggest the importance of non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as the 12-lead ECG, which should be carried out in combination with a history and physical examination. According to the European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging, standard echocardiography is the first line approach to differentiate an athlete's heart from pathological left ventricular hypertrophy. Updated 'Seattle criteria' from 2017. include criteria for assessing abnormalities in the electrocardiogram of athletes and their differentiation from the adaptive electrophysiological changes, which do not require further evaluation. Since sudden cardiac death during sport activities remains a major concern and, as such, it is imperative for the physician to diagnose unrecognized pathological conditions in athletes. Following current expert consensus recommendations on this topic helps to prevent untoward events during physical activity in those who are found to be at elevated risk.

The athlete's heart is a set of morphological and functional characteristics that develop over time due to sports training. These adaptive changes result in increase in cardiac work efficiency and economy. They are manidested as cardiac muscle hypertrophy and dilation, with accompanying angiogenesis and slower heart rate, that are influenced by variable regulatory systems and genetic predisposition. The problem o f sudden cardiac death in athletes, which persists despite numerous activities aimed at prevention, creates the need for a better definition of the athlete's heart, especially in terms of its differentiation from certain pathological conditions. This is of particular importance in the context of cardiac electrical activity. Right heart adaptations, hormonal regulatory mechanisms and the effects of nonphysiological adaptations during training, that may lead to pathologic alterations direction, are all relevant in the investigation of adverse cardiac events in athletes. In order to prevent sudden cardiac death in athletes, it is necessary to examine competitive athletes as well as apparently health individuals who recreationally exercise at a high volume. There are guidelines for mass screening and individual examinations, for all age groups and both genders, as well as for public service staff who require intense physical activity during their occupation. Both American and Eu ropean recommendations require a detailed anamnesis and physical examination, whereas European, apart from that, require initial electrocardiography. The implementation of additional tests is necessary if the existence of any underlying pathophysiologic process is suspected. Checks should be performed before engaging in sports activities, as well as during training and competition periods.

The aim of this study was to develop new soft contact lens (SCL) materials which would, after recommended and existing machining processes, improve surface roughness. Nanomaterials (fullerene, fullerol and methformin hydroxylate fullerene) were incorporated into commercial material for SCL (SL38) based on PHEMA, which were derived by the technology in the production lab of the company Soleko (Milan, Italy). Nanophotonic SCLs (SL38-A, SL38-B, SL38-C, respectively) were produced in the company Optix (Belgrade, Serbia) from the obtained materials. For the surface characterization of SCLs, AFM analysis and lacunarity method were performed. The results showed that for the SL38-B average roughness value is lower than those of SL38-A and SL38. The topography parameters of SL38-C were between the parameters of SL38-A and SL38-B. Lacunarity analysis of AFM images confirmed that SCLs surface state should belong to either group of adequate (slanted p-diagram) or inadequate (contorted p-diagram) roughness concerning tear film stability. Nanophotonic SCL SL38-C exibits more acceptable performance considering SCL surface functional behavior as compared to other SCLs. The positive result of incorporating nanomaterials into basic material for SCL is better quality of the nanophotonic SCLs surfaces. On the bases of these experiments, the assumption that incorporation of fullerene derivate will not increase surface roughness parameters is confirmed.

The Jordan river basin is a part of the Middle East which has for centuries been a site of great religious, cultural, political and other upheavals. Bearing in mind that the resources of drinking water in this arid region are naturally limited, and that since 1930s there has been a rapid increase in population, expansion of urban areas, agricultural development and increase in industrial production, along with consequences caused by climate change, it is no wonder that limited resources of drinking water are a stumbling block and a source of tension, conflicts and clashes between countries in the region, i.e. Israel on one side, and the Arab states on the other. The paper especially highlights the geographical situation and the condition of drinking water resources in the basin of the Jordan river; factors and actors that jeopardize the drinking water resources; and conflicts and consequences of Israel's hegemony applied in resolving the division of drinking water resources in this basin.

Magnesium has a fundamental role in human body and it is necessary for many processes such as: transmembrane ion flux, neuronal activity, neurotransmitter release, regulation of adenylate cyclase and hormone receptor binding. In the central nervous system magnesium blocks the activity of NMDA receptors and magnesium-deficiency leads to NMDA receptors overactivity, possibly causing neuronal injury and neurological dysfunction, which consequently may manifest as major depression. Numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies confirmed that magnesium influences several systems associated with development of depression. On the other hand, standard antidepressants are ineffective in 40% of cases, and have some unpleasant side-effects. Even though the first positive effect of magnesium in patients with agitated depression was reported in 1921, unfortunately, only small number of studies that favor magnesium's effectiveness in treating depression was published in past decades, including one randomized clinical trial in which magnesium was as effective as imipramine in depressed elderly patients that suffered from diabetes. Even though much more clinical research is needed to extend this important line of research and to confirm its efficacy, due to its safety magnesium preparations could be considered as a potential addition for treatment resistant depression cases.

Background: Sleep deprivation, malnutrition and lack of physical activity are contemporary stress-related factors present in the student population. Stress activates the HPA and often suppresses the HPG axis, but also influences cytokine synthesis and consequently regulates immune response. Since magnesium deficiency facilitates negative pathophysiological consequences, a reasonable question imposes, whether Mg supplementation might correct the adrenal/gonadal hormone balance and immuno-endocrine function. Methods: Fifteen male students were given 2 x 250 mg Mg for four weeks. Serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), ACTH and cortisol (C) were measured before and after supplementation and the T/C ratio was calculated. Furthermore, IL-6, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC) and the WBC differential were measured. Results: Despite no change in the serum level of ACTH, a statistically significant (p

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The objective of the study was to test the possibility of using the fixed value (12-13) of the Rating of Perceived scale (RPE scale), as a valid method for determination of ventilatory threshold (VT). The sample of the subjects included 32 physically active males (age: 22.3; TV: 180.5; TM: 75.5 kg; V02max: 57.1 mL/kg/min). During the continuous test of progressively increasing load on a treadmill, cardiorespiratory and other parameters were monitored using ECG and gas analyzer. Following the test, VT and V02max were determined. During the test, at each level, at the scale from 6 to 20, the subjects pointed the number that suited best their currently feeling of strain. The RPE threshold was defined as constant value of 12-13. Average values of ventilatory and RPE threshold were expressed by parameters that were monitored and then compared by using t-test for dependent samples. No significant difference was found between mean values of VT and RPE threshold, when they were expressed by relevant parameters: speed, load, heart rate, absolute and relative oxygen consumption. Fixed value (12-13) of RPE scale may be used to detect the exercise intensity that corresponds to ventilatory threshold.