Ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 (interferon-stimulated gene of 15 kDa) in host defense against heart failure in a mouse model of virus-induced cardiomyopathy.

Background: Common causative agents in the development of inflammatory cardiomyopathy include cardiotropic viruses such as coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). Here, we investigated the role of the ubiquitin-like modifier interferon-stimulated gene of 15 kDa (ISG15) in the pathogenesis of viral cardiomyopathy.

Methods And Results: In CVB3-infected mice, the absence of protein modification with ISG15 was accompanied by a profound exacerbation of myocarditis and by a significant increase in mortality and heart failure.

Functional and haemodynamic assessment of mild-to-moderate pulmonary valve stenosis at rest and during exercise.

Objective: In adult patients with mild-to-moderate pulmonary valve (PV) stenosis, exercise capacity and haemodynamics have not been extensively studied, although regular exercise is recommended. Therefore, we aimed to assess exercise capacity to study the increase in PV gradient during exercise and to evaluate the impact of this increased pressure load on the RV.

Methods: Nineteen patients (8 female; 29±6.

Right ventricular load and function during exercise in patients with open and closed atrial septal defect type secundum.

Purpose: This study aimed at evaluating (1) right ventricular (RV) mean power during exercise, (2) the contribution of flow and pressure to RV mean power, and (3) the impact of pulmonary artery pressure on RV function during exercise.

Methods: Fifty patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) type secundum (20 open, 30 closed) were enrolled. All underwent standard echocardiography, a bicycle stress echocardiography, and symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Effects of an endurance and resistance exercise program on persistent cancer-related fatigue after treatment.

Background: Fatigue is a relevant problem of cancer patients during and after treatment. Several studies have shown that exercise can improve quality of life and functional status of cancer patients undergoing chemo- or radiotherapy. However, there is a lack of information about the effects of this intervention on persistent cancer-related fatigue.