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Background/Aim: The association of frailty with heart failure (HF) is common in the elderly, and its presence is a poor prognostic factor; it increases the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the incidence of physical frailty in patients with HF and the role of physical exercise in improving physical performance. Patients and Methods: A total of 141 patients with musculoskeletal pathology, aged over 65 years, who followed a specific physical training program were included. The patients were assigned to two groups: HF patients -group HF (n=53) and patients without HF -group N-HF (n=88). Results: At cohort level, mild and moderate frailty was detected in 20.56% of patients enrolled in the study (n=29). Severe form of frailty was identified in 2.83% of cases (n=4). The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe frailty in the two groups differed significantly (p<0.05). Patients with mild frailty and moderate frailty in the HF group represented 24.52% compared to 18.18% in the N-HF group (p=0.007). Severe frailty was present in 5.66% in the HF group, not significantly different from the N-HF group (1.13%), p=0.317. The values obtained in the functional independence and functional performance domains were significantly improved at the reassessment after 6 months. Conclusion: Exercise-based rehabilitation is a primary therapy for improving physical performance, reflected by increased independence related to daily activities and functional performance in HF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1) Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for vital functions like mastication, swallowing, and suction reflex and other relational functions, like talking and phonation. The etiology of temporomandibular joint disorders is multifactorial and involves subjective and objective clinical symptomatology. (2) Methods: The therapy is complex and encompasses a series of methods that interconnects various medical specialties. Bad habits and parafunction are risk factors that may initiate and exacerbate a temporomandibular joint pathology. This prospective study aimed to show the positive impact of correct multidisciplinary therapy on the complex of TMJ disorders - pain and bad oral behaviors. The therapy methods used in this study were: medical, prosthetic, orthodontic, surgical, and physiotherapy (PKT). (3) Results: The data obtained showed good results if the oral habits and TMJ disorders are treated correctly and simultaneously. (4) Conclusions: All therapeutical approaches addressed in this study had beneficial effects on the recovery of the temporomandibular joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for generating a global pandemic with deadly consequences and life changes worldwide. With the appearance of the new variants of the virus, clinical manifestations have been reported in the pediatric population, some with severe evolution. The aim of this study was to identify the laboratory parameters necessary to establish an effective therapy. Patients and Methods: In the period from August 2020 to September 2021, 234 pediatric patients met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the study. After confirming the COVID-19 diagnosis, laboratory parameters were analyzed and compared to the severity of the illness. Results: Thrombocytopenia (p<0.001), leukocytosis (p<0.001), and lymphopenia (p<0.001) correlated with the severity of the disease. Also, D-dimer values were closely monitored due to the high association of this parameter with an unsatisfactory prognosis and a severe form of the disease. Conclusion: The D-dimer values and complete blood count are useful parameters in COVID-19 evaluation in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "The impact of comorbidities on the physical and psychological dimension in heart failure patients" by Diana Carina Iovanovici et al. explores the effects of comorbidities on the physical and psychological well-being of individuals with heart failure. The authors discuss the importance of understanding the relationship between comorbidities and heart failure in order to provide comprehensive care for patients. The article is published in the Balneo & PRM Research Journal and provides valuable insights for researchers and healthcare professionals working in the field of cardiology. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Benefits of sacubitril/valsartan administration and physical training in cardiac rehabilitation: current trends and bibliometric analysis of the years 2015-2024" by Diana Carina Iovanovici et al. was published in the Balneo & PRM Research Journal in June 2024. The article explores the benefits of sacubitril/valsartan administration and physical training in cardiac rehabilitation. It also includes a bibliometric analysis of the years 2015-2024. The article provides valuable information for individuals conducting research on cardiac rehabilitation and related topics. [Extracted from the article]

Background and objectives Heart failure (HF) significantly influences the quality of life, both physically and emotionally, as well as social and environmental relationships. One major objective of HF treatment is to maintain or improve the quality of life. The aims of the study were to assess the impact of HF on social relationships and the relationship with the environment, according to therapeutic class and the presence of comorbidities, and to identify predictive factors for the impairment of these dimensions of the quality of life. Materials and methods This study was based on a cross-sectional survey; 252 patients with HF who have referred themselves to the medical rehabilitation department of the "Avram Iancu" Clinical Hospital, Oradea, between February 2023 and February 2024 were included. The patients were divided into two groups (Group HF-S/V, patients undergoing treatment with sacubitril/valsartan; Group HF-CT, patients receiving conventional therapy). All patients were asked to complete two assessment tools: the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Results The mean values obtained per the domain of social relationships were significantly better for Group HF-CT (65.762 ± 12.519 versus 61.266 ± 12.428, p = 0.024). The mean values obtained on the domain of social relations and in relation to the environment were significantly better for Group HF-CT (65.762 ± 12.519 versus 61.266 ± 12.428, p = 0.024; 61.333 ± 13.461 versus 51.719 ± 16.769, p < 0.001). Both dimensions of the quality of life correlate with age and CCI (F = 7.793, p < 0.001, for social relationships; F = 16.821, p < 0.001, for relationship with the environment). Conclusions Social relationships and the relationship with the environment are affected in HF patients and correlate with age and comorbidity index, regardless of the type of therapy., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Research Ethics Commission of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the University of Oradea issued approval CEFMF/02/19.05.2022. Ethics committee approval (approval number: CEFMF/02/19.05.2022) was obtained for the conduct of the study. The research was conducted according to the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. Participation in the study was voluntary. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Iovanovici et al.)

Femoral head osteonecrosis is a disease characterized by the decrease of blood vascularization in the femoral head, which leads to death of the osteocytes, demineralization and resorption of bone spans, change of trabecular architecture, with the reduction of the bone mechanical resistance and collapse of the articular surface in the femoral head. Left untreated, the disease may have a rapid progression, leading to severe symptoms, with significant articular dysfunction, functional impotence and a serious impact on the patient's quality of life. The prevalence of the disease is ever growing all over the world, affecting mainly people in their 30s, 40s or 50s. In the present study, we analyzed a number of 76 patients with femoral head osteonecrosis with severe symptoms that required a surgical treatment. There was observed that more than ¾ of the investigated patients were males, while 81.58% were younger than 60 years old. Among the identified risk factors, smoking came first, followed by alcohol intake, obesity and chronic administration of corticosteroids. A very high percentage of patients (84.21%) were diagnosed in stages III and IV of the disease., Competing Interests: None to declare., (Copyright © 2014, Medical University Publishing House Craiova.)