Adina Octavia Duse

Heart failure (HF) is an underrecognized complication of inflammatory arthritis that is incompletely addressed by atherosclerosis-centered prevention. This critical narrative review examines epidemiological, mechanistic, diagnostic, and treatment evidence in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis. RA cohorts support excess HF risk, with a stronger preserved ejection fraction signal; evidence in PsA and axial spondyloarthritis is less extensive and should not be inferred from RA or psoriasis-only populations. Inflammatory activity and traditional cardiovascular factors interact, and their causal contributions cannot be reliably partitioned. Diagnosis should integrate symptoms, natriuretic peptides, comprehensive echocardiography, and selective advanced testing. Reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) can reveal subclinical systolic dysfunction despite preserved ejection fraction but does not, in isolation, establish HF. RA serostatus, interstitial lung disease, thromboembolism, and renal impairment require explicit characterization. Management should coordinate HF care with disease-specific selection of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), renal and fluid surveillance, and review of glucocorticoids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Lower composite cardiovascular event rates during antirheumatic therapy do not establish prevention or reversal of HF. Prospective disease-specific phenotyping and adjudicated HF outcomes are needed.

Background/Objectives: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with excess cardiovascular (CV) morbidity, but the supporting literature spans heterogeneous observational, imaging, prediction, therapeutic, and guideline sources. This focused expert narrative review examines clinically relevant evidence for CV burden, risk markers, risk prediction, vascular imaging, treatment safety, and prevention in PsA. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE was searched through 12 August 2026 using domain-based search blocks, supplemented by EULAR, GRAPPA, and European Society of Cardiology guidance and citation tracking. The final synthesis intentionally prioritized direct human PsA evidence; mixed psoriatic-disease or other immune-mediated evidence was used only when required for clinical context and was labeled as indirect. Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were not searched; no formal risk-of-bias instrument or certainty-of-evidence grading framework was applied. Results: Conventional CV risk factors remain central. Direct PsA cohorts support associations between disease activity, metabolic abnormalities, and subsequent events, but do not establish incremental predictive value beyond validated risk models. Imaging studies demonstrate frequent subclinical atherosclerosis, yet plaque detection is distinct from event-prediction validation and does not establish benefit from universal screening. Therapeutic evidence is dominated by observational comparisons and low-event randomized-trial syntheses, precluding a causal cardioprotective ranking of drug classes. Conclusions: Current care should combine guideline-based CV prevention with treat-to-target PsA management for rheumatologic outcomes. PsA-specific risk modifiers, imaging-guided prevention, and treatment strategies intended to reduce hard CV outcomes require prospective validation. This article is a selective expert synthesis, not a systematic review, prediction model, or clinical pathway.

Background: This study evaluates the translational relevance of free computer-assisted ADMET platforms in drug discovery by comparing SwissADME and FAF-Drugs4 predictions with regulatory and curated reference data for approved anticancer drugs. Methods: Fourteen approved anticancer agents representing diverse chemical classes were analyzed using SwissADME and FAF-Drugs4. We compared predicted physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity-related properties with information extracted from FDA- and EMA-approved product information, DrugBank, and PubChem. We evaluated the concordance for oral absorption, permeability, metabolic stability, and toxicity-related trends. Results: The platforms showed good concordance for broad descriptor-driven properties, particularly oral suitability and physicochemical trends. Strong agreement was observed for intravenously administered taxanes, which displayed unfavorable oral drug characteristics, and for several orally active small molecules with generally compatible profiles. Partial concordance was observed for compounds such as temozolomide, whose clinical behavior is influenced by factors not fully captured by descriptor-based models. Toxicity outputs were informative as early warning signals, with vandetanib showing the clearest alignment between predicted elevated risk and documented safety concerns. Conclusions: Free computational ADMET tools are valuable computer-assisted drug discovery resources for early triage, predictive toxicology, and prioritization of repositioning candidates, but they should complement rigorous experimental and clinical evaluation.

Background: Youth soccer players are exposed to repeated unilateral loading during a period of rapid growth and neuromuscular maturation. These demands may contribute to postural deviations and inter-limb functional asymmetries that can influence movement control and mechanical efficiency. This study protocol aims to establish a standardized multimodal framework for assessing postural alignment, postural control, lower limb mechanical output, ankle dorsiflexion strength, support-limb neuromuscular activation, and contextual training and recovery variables in licensed youth soccer players aged 13 to 17 years. Methods: This prospective observational study will include 75 male youth soccer players recruited from S.C. Fotbal Club Ripensia Timișoara S.A. The primary outcome is the inter-limb asymmetry index derived from unilateral countermovement jump performance. Secondary outcomes include postural alignment, balance, bilateral jump performance, ankle dorsiflexion strength, and support limb electromyographic activity during the instep kick. Participants will complete a clinical evaluation questionnaire, including demographic, training, and recovery variables. Assessments will be conducted using the GaitON system, Kinvent K-Delta force platforms, K-Myo surface electromyography, and K-Pull dynamometry, before and after a regular training session. Biological maturation will be estimated using the Mirwald maturity offset method. Expected Results: The protocol will allow characterization of inter-limb asymmetries across postural, balance, jump, and electromyographic parameters. Conclusions: This protocol aims to provide a practical and standardized model for functional screening in youth soccer players.

Background and Objectives: Angiogenesis plays an important role in many types of cancers, including melanoma. Mast cells are among the most important cellular partners involved in the angiogenic process. The purpose of the present study is to establish the interrelations between microvessels and mast cell density, and to describe the prognostic role of mast cells in malignant melanoma. Materials and Methods: A total of 92 cases of melanoma were evaluated. Hematoxylin–eosin staining and CD34/mast cell tryptase double immunostaining were performed. Results: Of the cases, 28 were classified as T1 (30.43%), 31 as T2 (33.69%), 21 as T3 (22.82%), and 12 as T4 (13.04%). Mast cells were mainly located in the infiltrate area in cases with inflammatory infiltrate. Few mast cells were observed in the absence of infiltrate. A granular type was observed in intratumoral areas with an isolated and perivascular distribution of mast cells. A significant correlation was found between intratumoral MVD and intratumoral MCD (mast cell density) in T1 and T4 melanoma cases (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0029, respectively). In T2 cases, significant correlations were found between intratumoral and peritumoral MVD and G (p = 0.0169, p = 0.0003), between intratumoral MCD and MVD (p = 0.0041), and between peritumoral MVD and the number of peritumoral mast cells (p = 0.0011). T3 cases showed a significant correlation between the density of intratumoral mast cells and peritumoral ones (p = 0.001); between the MVD and mast cell density of the intratumoral area (p = 0.0001); between the intratumoral MVD and peritumoral mast cell density (p = 0.0001); between the MVD and mast cell density of the peritumoral area (p = 0.0325); and between the peritumoral MVD and intratumoral mast cell density (p = 0.0458). Conclusions: Both intratumoral and peritumoral mast cells were found to participate in melanoma progression, and they showed greater involvement in the early phases of angiogenesis in malignant melanoma.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by oxidative stress, innate immune dysregulation, vascular instability, and microbiome-related triggers. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg, licorice) root contains phenolics and triterpenoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic properties that may benefit rosacea-prone skin. Xanthan-gum hydrogels containing 2% methanolic Gg extract (S1, S2) were prepared and characterized. Rheology, in vitro release, and in vitro permeation were evaluated, with the aim of assessing their suitability as topical formulations for rosacea-prone skin. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Antimicrobial effects were tested against S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and C. acnes. Safety and bioactivity were examined through HaCaT keratinocyte assays (MTT, Neutral Red, LDH), the HET-CAM irritation test, and the CAM angiogenesis assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed on rosacea-related inflammatory markers. Both hydrogels showed suitable rheology, sustained release, and preserved strong antioxidant activity. Moderate antimicrobial effects were observed, particularly against S. pyogenes and C. acnes. HaCaT cell viability remained above 84% for the S2 formulation at the highest concentration (200 µg/mL), indicating improved cytocompatibility compared with formulation S1. The hydrogels were non-irritant in the HET-CAM model and reduced neovascularization in the CAM assay, with a more sustained effect observed for formulation S2. Immunohistochemistry supported potential modulation of inflammatory pathways relevant to rosacea, evidencing suppressed VEGF expression and preserved CD44-mediated integrity, particularly in the Labrasol-based formulation (S2), while Caspase-3 staining indicated a controlled apoptotic profile. Overall, Gg hydrogels are safe, biocompatible, non-irritant, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic activities, supporting their potential as biocompatible topical formulations with antioxidant and pathway-modulating properties relevant to the biological features associated with rosacea, while underscoring the importance of formulation design.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of an eight-week cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program on stabilizing blood pressure values and increasing the patients’ exercise capacity by comparing with other rehabilitation programs, such as hydrotherapy recovery, antihypertensive medication, and recommendations for a healthy life. Patients and methods: The prospective interventional pilot study was carried out with 100 patients (64 females, 36 males; mean age: 46±0.3 years; range, 30 to 60 years) diagnosed with hypertension between January 2023 and February 2023. The patients were divided into four homogeneous groups. An eight-week program was implemented. Group A benefited only from recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. Groups B, C, and D, in addition to the recommendations, benefited from pharmaceutical intervention. Additionally, group C participated in a cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program, and group D participated in a hydrotherapeutic program. Blood pressure values and effort capacity, with the six-minute walk test (6MWT), were registered for all the patients of the groups before the programs and after eight weeks of rehabilitation. Results: Intragroup comparison between baseline and final assessments revealed statistically significant differences for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p=0.002, pConclusion: Pharmaceutical treatment brings benefit to the patients. Addition of specialized recovery interventions, such as cardiorespiratory or hydrotherapy programs, increases patient’s resistance to effort and stabilizes blood pressure values.

Background: Hypertension is in first place in Europe among cardiovascular diseases. Worldwide, only 1 in 5 adults pursue proper treatment that controls their high blood pressure. Endothelial dysfunction is a marker that indicates the progression of hypertension. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of antihypertensives and physical and hydrotherapy cardiovascular rehabilitation programs to control hypertension and improve endothelial dysfunction. Methods: A total of 100 patients with hypertension degree 1 (46 years ± 0.32) were divided into four homogenic groups. All subjects of the A, B, C and D groups benefited from recommendations for a healthy lifestyle; groups B, C and D also received antihypertensive medication; additionally, group C had a physical cardiovascular program and group D a cardiovascular hydrotherapy program. Several clinical endothelial damage markers and blood and urine parameters were registered, along with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, before and after 8 weeks of rehabilitation. Results: Group A registered a statistically significant decrease for 1 parameter LDL (p = 0.002). Group B showed statistically significant values for 14 parameters (p ≤ 0.05). The C and D groups registered significantly improved statistic values for 17 parameters each (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: Groups B, C and D that were given antihypertensive medication during rehabilitation registered improved endothelial dysfunctional markers and controlled blood pressure values, compared with group A which was given only recommendations for a healthy lifestyle.

Background: The overweight population is a major public health problem which is typical for the 21st century, considering the peak of the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The connection between hypertension—the number-one risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)—and the body mass index (BMI), which is growing worldwide, needs to be taken into consideration. Methods: Four homogeneous groups of twenty-five patients each with hypertension degree 1 benefited from different 8-week recovery programs: recommendation for a healthy lifestyle (all groups—A, B, C and D), antihypertensive medication (groups B, C and D), physical therapy program (group C), and hydrotherapy program (group D). Four parameters were pursued: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (Wcir.), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP-DBP). Results: Intragroup comparison between initial and final testing registered a statistically significant decrease in all parameters for group C: BMI (p = 0.001), Wcir, SBP and DBP (p < 0.0001). Additionally, parameters of group D decreased significantly: BMI (p = 0.0005), Wcir, SBP and DBP (each p < 0.0001). Group A registered a statistical increase in the DPB parameter (p = 0.03), and group B had a significant decrease in SBP (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Implication in established physical therapy and hydrotherapy had a better outcome in diminishing all four parameters compared to the recommendations for a healthy lifestyle when patients had to improve their lifestyle by themselves, unsupervised.

Studies showed that the mechanical properties of spinal muscles in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) differ from healthy controls; the continued disease duration alters elasticity and stiffness. Our research focused on analyzing the myotonometry parameters of the longissimus capitis and lumbar erector spinae muscles and spinal mobility in AS patients who followed an 8-week physical exercise program. 34 AS patients were evaluatedevaluated at the beginning of the physical exercise program and after 8 weeks by MyotonPRO (the device measures frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation time, and creep) and cervical and lumbar spine assessments. Significantly higher frequency was noted for right and left longissimus capitis muscle after rehabilitation. We recorded statistically significant decreasedstiffness and higher decrement for the right lumbar erector spinae muscle at the second assessment. After the physical exercise program, the cervical spine range of motionmotion improved significantly for all the tested movements. The Schober test had significantly increased values, while the finger-to-floor test decreased significantly. Significant correlations were noted between stiffness and right lumbar rotation and right lumbar lateral flexion at both baseline and 8-week assessments. Improvements in cervical and lumbar spinal motions can be analyzed in relation to mechanical muscles properties in AS pa-tients who have followed a physical exercise program.