Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) programs are essential for patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases. Studies have shown that they aid in the rehabilitation process and may even facilitate a return to previous cardiorespiratory fitness. Also, patients who enroll and follow such programs have shown a lower rate of complications and mortality in the long run.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive impairment of neuronal transmission due to focal demyelination. The most common form is RRMS (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis), which, under the influence of certain factors, can progress to SPMS (secondary progressive multiple sclerosis). Our study aimed to validate the criteria proposed by a working group of the Romanian Society of Neurology versus the criteria proposed by a group of experts from Spain, Karolinska, and Croatia concerning the progression from RRMS to SPMS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground/objectives: The association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common one, with long-term therapeutic and prognostic impact. In view of the high pulmonary and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, self-management contributes to decreasing the risk of an acute cardiac event or pulmonary decompensation.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 100 patients admitted to Iasi Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital who were divided into two groups according to the presence (67 patients) or absence (33 patients) of MetS.
: Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent chromosomal condition, with the average life expectancy significantly rising from 25 years in 1983 to 60 years in 2020. People with DS generally can participate in most physical activities that individuals without the disability can, despite some physical limitations. However, the varying degrees of cognitive deficits can present challenges when it comes to performing physical activities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Although available therapies have changed the natural evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS), in time some patients assume a progressive course and no longer respond to treatment. There is no definitive clinical or laboratory parameter to certify MS progression from relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary progressive MS (SPMS) in early phases of transition. Our study aims to evaluate the value of clinical parameters and serum neurofilament light chain levels (sNfLs) as early warning signs of conversion to SPMS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: Down syndrome is characterized by physical abnormalities, intellectual disability (ID), and specific patterns of other health issues. Additionally, individuals with DS are known to experience premature aging and early onset of certain age-related medical conditions. These conditions are linked to higher incident disability and reduced survival rates compared to the general population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: The aortic arch (AA) branching model is challenging, considering the multiple anatomical variations documented in existing research. The bovine aortic arch (BAA) is the most prevalent anatomical variation among these. This variant of AA branching has long been considered a nonsymptomatic malformation, having been discovered incidentally during imaging investigations for other causes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: Asthma is a syndrome found in both adults and children, characterized by airflow obstruction caused by the inflammation of the airways. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have found that lipid metabolism influences both the development and symptomatology of asthma. Lipid metabolism plays an important role both in the occurrence of exacerbations and in the reduction of lung inflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe incidence and prevalence of cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases are constantly increasing, with chronic coronary syndrome and ischemic stroke as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to current knowledge, the heart-brain axis is more than a theoretical concept, with many common pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the onset and evolution of both coronary and cerebral ischemia. Moreover, the focus is on the prevention and early intervention of risk factors in searching for targeted and personalized medical treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: objective measures of disability and neurological impairmentare used to search for disease activity and monitor disease evolution in multiple sclerosis (MS). These are sometimes in disagreement with subjective quality-of-life measures. We aimed to establish the relations between the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life instrument (MSQOL-54) and objective measures of neurological impairment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Assessment of the prothrombotic, proinflammatory, and functional status of a cohort of COVID-19 patients at least two years after the acute infection to identify parameters with potential therapeutic and prognostic value. : We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study that included 117 consecutive patients admitted to Iasi Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic for reassessment and a rehabilitation program at least two years after a COVID-19 infection. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the presence ( = 49) or absence ( = 68) of pulmonary fibrosis, documented through high-resolution computer tomography.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: Nanomedicine, incorporating various nanoparticles and nanomaterials, offers significant potential in medical practice. Its clinical adoption, however, faces challenges like safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and biocompatibility issues. Despite these, recent advancements have led to the approval of many nanotechnology-based products, including those for pediatric use.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: We aim to develop novel gel formulations for transdermal drug delivery systems in acute and inflammatory pain therapy. (2) Methods: We induced inflammation by the injection of λ-carrageenan on the hind paw of 80 Wistar male rats. The animals were randomized into eight groups of 10 rats each: C (placebo gel), E (EMLA), L (lidocaine 2%), L-CD (lidocaine + cyclodextrin 2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: Telerehabilitation is an approach that uses digital technology to provide remote medical recovery services. It can be an option for cardiovascular recovery at home in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs. (2) Methods: We performed literature research through two databases: PubMed and Embase.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArterial stiffness naturally increases with age and is a known predictor of cardiovascular morbimortality. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training involves decreasing muscle blood flow by applying a strap or a pneumatic cuff during exercise. BFR induces muscle hypertrophy even at low intensities, making it an appealing option for older, untrained individuals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomedicines
December 2023
The overweight status or obesity can be confirmed through classical methods such as the body mass index (BMI) and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Apart from metabolic issues such as atherosclerosis, liver steatosis, or diabetes mellitus, long-term obesity or overweight status can pose a risk for cardiovascular and neurovascular complications. While some acute adverse events like coronary syndromes of strokes are well-documented to be linked to an increased body mass, there are also chronic processes that, due to their silent onset and evolution, are underdiagnosed and not as thoroughly studied.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Cortisol is a valuable marker for assessing the body's response to any form of stress. We conducted this study in order to evaluate the variations of salivary and serum cortisol levels in professional football players in relation to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and their significance in potentially evaluating overtraining in athletes. Also, the question of whether salivary cortisol determination could fully substitute serum sampling was addressed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection has been a subject of extensive discussion in the medical field, particularly in relation to the risk factors and effective treatment strategies for reducing the negative health outcomes associated with the virus. However, researchers indicate that individuals in the recovery phase after COVID-19 experience a range of symptoms that significantly impact their overall well-being and quality of life. At present, there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the claim that patients in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 are at an elevated risk of developing new-onset hypertension or even metabolic syndrome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: Exposure to different sources of stress can have a significant effect on both psychological and physical processes. (2) Methods: The study took place over a period of 34 days and included a total of 40 animals. Regarding the exposure to chronic stressors, we opted for physiological, non-invasive stressors, e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: There has been a growing interest in understanding the causes of obesity and developing effective prevention strategies. Lifestyle change programs are often considered the gold standard for weight reduction, and they can help individuals with obesity achieve an annual weight loss of around 8-10%. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of food during the winter holidays.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects both genders, but the knowledge of clinical and therapeutic aspects particular to each gender has a prognostic value, modulating the risk of amputation and helping to reduce the risk of death or the occurrence of an acute vascular event secondary to optimal management. : We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study that included 652 patients with PAD who were evaluated at "St. Spiridon" Hospital's Cardiology Department and divided into two groups according to gender: women (100 cases) and men (552 cases).
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(1) Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease that has autosomal dominant inheritance, being characterized by increased levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) due to a decreased clearance of the circulant LDLs. Alimentation is a key factor in patients with FH. Implementing a restrictive diet may have a significant impact on their quality of life, besides the social and environmental factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAtherosclerosis is a significant health concern with a growing incidence worldwide. It is directly linked to an increased cardiovascular risk and to major adverse cardiovascular events, such as acute coronary syndromes. In this review, we try to assess the potential diagnostic role of biomarkers in the early identification of patients susceptible to the development of atherosclerosis and other adverse cardiovascular events.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly integrating into diagnostic methods across many branches of medicine. Significant progress has been made in tumor assessment using AI algorithms, and research is underway on how image manipulation can provide information with diagnostic, prognostic and treatment impacts. Glioblastoma (GB) remains the most common primary malignant brain tumor, with a median survival of 15 months.
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