Saponin and Phenolic Composition and Assessment of Biological Activities of L. Root Extracts.

The purpose of this study was to identify the saponin and phenolic components in root extracts of , a widespread species, found in Cyprus. A total of six major saponins, including gypsogenin and gypsogenic acid derivatives, as well as saponariosides C, D, and E, were identified using UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis, with gypsogenin derivatives being the most common saponins detected through quantitative analysis. A total of six phenolic compounds were also identified, including rutin, quercetin galactoside, syringic acid, apigenin, protocatechuic, and vanillic acid.

Physiological Changes in QRS Fragmentation in Athletes and Nonathletes without Cardiac Disease.

QRS fragmentation has not been linked with increased mortality in individuals without known cardiac disease. We aimed to investigate the physiological determinants of QRS fragmentation in individuals without cardiac disease. Study participants were 163 (54 athletes, 109 nonathletes) asymptomatic individuals with QRS fragmentation but without cardiac disease.

Ergophysiological evaluation of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation the following: 1) the comparison of temporal changes between peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and first ventilatory threshold (VO2VT1), 2) the association of VO2peak and VO2VT1 changes with physiological factors, and 3) the differential effects of continuous aerobic exercise (CAE) and interval training (IT) on VO2peak and VO2VT1.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria were 1) original research articles using exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, 2) stable HF patients with reduced EF, 3) available values of VO2peak and VO2VT1 (in mL/kg/min) both at baseline and after exercise training with comparison between these time points.

An echocardiographic study of acute, progressive cardiac changes following a 246 km running race.

We describe the case of an ultra-marathon runner who finished first the "Spartathlon", a 246 km running race. The finishing time was the second fastest time ever in "Spartathlon". After finishing the race, the athlete suffered non-cardiac syncope and was administered intravenously 3 L of fluids for 5 hours.

Prolonged QT Interval in Athletes: Distinguishing between Pathology and Physiology.

Background: The physiological QT prolongation in athletes is expected to widen the gray zone between physiology and pathology of QT, increasing the diagnostic challenges encountered in athletes with QT prolongation.

Summary: According to international recommendations for electrocardiogram in athletes, further evaluation for long QT syndrome (LQTS) is indicated in male athletes with corrected QT (QTc) ≥470 ms and in female athletes with QTc ≥480 ms. Apart from QTc ≥500 ms, diagnostic challenges arise in borderline cases of QTc prolongation, where further clinical investigations are needed to be performed to clarify whether LQTS exists.