The coexistence of heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents a significant clinical challenge due to the common risk factors, overlapping symptoms, and complex pathophysiological interactions and mechanisms. This comprehensive review explores the bidirectional relationship between HF and COPD, emphasizing their combined impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Epidemiological data reveal that up to one-third of patients with HF also have COPD, complicating diagnosis and leading to suboptimal treatment strategies. We discuss the pathways through which each disease exacerbates the other, the limitations of the current staging systems, the diagnostic tools needed to differentiate cardiac from pulmonary symptoms, and the treatment choices. Therapeutic management requires careful integration of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies, with attention paid to potential drug interactions. Evidence from clinical trials confirms that beta-blockers can be safely used in patients with COPD and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary, patient-centered care models. Prevention strategies, including smoking cessation, vaccination, and patient education, play a critical role in improving outcomes. Finally, we identify key research gaps and calls for more inclusive clinical guidelines to address the needs of patients with this overlapping syndrome. A coordinated, evidence-based approach is essential for optimizing care and improving the quality of life of patients facing the dual burden of HF and COPD.

Background: Wearable electrocardiography (ECG) devices such as smartwatches offer a novel means for detecting cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), and ST-segment abnormalities. Their role in complementing or replacing traditional ECG methods is being increasingly investigated. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity) of wearable ECG devices in detecting AF and ST-segment changes, compared to 12-lead ECG as the gold standard. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and additionally, the SpringerLink platform was consulted up to June 2025, targeting open-access, English-language clinical studies from the last five years. Inclusion criteria: adult population, use of a wearable ECG device, 12-lead ECG comparator, and diagnostic accuracy reporting. Out of 145 records, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. The systematic review protocol was not prospectively registered in PROSPERO due to the limited number of available studies and the exploratory nature of the topic, which focused on the most recent clinical evaluations of wearable ECG devices. However, the review strictly adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for systematic reviews to ensure methodological transparency and reproducibility. Results: Five studies encompassing a total of 1133 participants were incorporated into the analysis. Devices evaluated included Apple Watch (Series 4–6), KardiaMobile 6L, FibriCheck, Preventicus, and HUAMI dynamic ECG. Sensitivity ranged from 83% to 100%, and specificity from 79% to 100%. Algorithm improvements and repeated measurements significantly reduced inconclusive recordings. Multichannel ECG methods using smartwatches showed high agreement with 12-lead ECG in ST-elevation myocardial infarction detection. Conclusions: Wearable ECG devices demonstrate high diagnostic performance for AF and ST-segment abnormalities, especially in supervised environments. However, inconclusive recordings and algorithm limitations remain barriers to widespread clinical use. Real-world validation and algorithm refinement are needed for broader adoption.

Background: Venous blood collection in pediatric patients is a critical procedure for diagnostic and monitoring purposes, yet it remains considerably more challenging than in adults. Factors such as small vein size, limited cooperation, and heightened sensitivity to pain contribute to technical difficulties and increased error rates. Objectives: This mini-review aims to provide a concise synthesis of current clinical practices and emerging technologies that support safer, more efficient venipuncture in children. Results: Key findings include the anatomical and procedural considerations relevant to pediatric venipuncture, age-specific recommendations for technique and positioning, as well as evidence-based strategies to reduce pain and anxiety. Common preanalytical errors, particularly hemolysis and insufficient sample volumes, are also addressed, along with their implications for clinical outcomes. Recent advances in medical digitalization, including the use of venous ultrasound, near-infrared projection, and transillumination, offer valuable support in overcoming procedural challenges. These technologies are not meant to replace human expertise but to complement it, improving vein visualization and increasing first-attempt success rates when integrated into a child-centered approach. Conclusions: Venous blood collection in pediatric patients requires a delicate balance between technical proficiency and human-centered care. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a child-centered approach, combining technical skill with empathy and clear communication. Enhancing the quality and safety of venous sampling in children requires not only training and standardization, but also a deeper understanding of the psychological dimensions involved in pediatric care.

Background: The global aging population faces an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often complicated by frailty, cognitive decline, and impaired manual dexterity. These factors make glucose self-monitoring particularly challenging. Minimally invasive glucose monitoring methods, particularly continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as well as emerging non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies offer potential solutions, but remain insufficiently evaluated in older adults. Objective: To systematically review and synthesize available evidence on the advantages of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and non-invasive glucose monitoring methods in older adults aged ≥65 years, focusing on clinical efficacy, usability, adherence, and existing knowledge gaps. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, including studies from 2020 to 2025. Eligible studies included participants aged ≥65 years and evaluated the clinical performance of CGM or other minimally invasive or non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies. The PRISMA framework guided screening and selection. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Due to substantial heterogeneity among study designs and reported outcomes, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted. Results: A total of 426 records were identified, of which 13 met the predefined eligibility criteria after full-text screening. After risk of bias assessment, one study was excluded, resulting in 12 studies included in the final synthesis. No eligible studies evaluating completely non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies were identified, highlighting a significant research gap in this area specifically for older adults. CGM was associated with improved glycemic control, reduced hypoglycemia, and increased time in range among older adults. Usability was generally high, particularly with newer, user-friendly devices. Conclusions: CGM is associated with improved glycemic outcomes and favorable usability in adults aged ≥65 years. However, a significant gap exists in research on non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies in this population. Future studies should address the accuracy, feasibility, and usability of non-invasive glucose monitoring devices, while accounting for the physiological and behavioral complexities associated with aging.

Background and Clinical Significance: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are a re-emerging class of tobacco products that present themselves as alternatives to conventional cigarettes with reduced risks. However, recent evidence has shown potential association with lung injury. We present a case of a pulmonary complication associated with use of IQOS, a popular HTP, contributing to the growing evidence of its risks. Case Presentation: A 22-year-old man presented with sharp right posterior thoracic pain, antalgic dyspnea, chills which developed suddenly in the morning, and fever. He had no past medical history. He had been a conventional smoker for 2 years (1 pack-year) but had switched to IQOS for the previous 4 years. A thoracic X-ray examination showed a big emphysematous bulla, about 84/60 mm, located in the right middle pulmonary lobe. A thoracic CT scan described a cyst of 77/84/62 mm with hydroaeric level in the right lobe and another emphysema bulla of 11 mm in the inferior right lobe. A differential diagnosis was performed, and autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis and viral infections were excluded. Alpha-1 antitrypsin level was normal. Blood culture was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy, the infection was cured. Surgery was necessary for pleuro-pulmonary release with division of adhesions of the giant bulla. Conclusions: Case reports of pulmonary injury associated with IQOS use need to be published, contributing to a better understanding of the product’s toxicity and health impact.

Background/Objectives: There are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the heterogeneity of heart failure (HF) phenotypes, particularly among patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). Our aim was to identify phenotypes within the hospitalized North-Eastern Romanian HFpEF cohort and their impact on short-term outcomes. Methods and Results: We derived a cluster model from 924 patients with HFpEF hospitalized over an 18-month interval in the Internal Medicine II Department of the “Sf. Spiridon” Emergency Clinical County Hospital in Iași, Romania. The median age of the patients was 74 years [range 30–101], 59.8% were women, and the most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (93.2%), valvular heart disease (68.7%), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD, 64.6%) and atrial fibrillation (43%). Statistical analysis identified five distinct phenotypes: cluster 1 (21.6% of patients) consisted of normal-weight patients with valvular disease predominance; cluster 2 (18.2%) described a severe cardiometabolic phenotype; cluster 3 (19.6%) defined a young, hypertensive, and atherosclerotic phenotype; cluster 4 (21.26%) described a hypertensive–atrial fibrillation phenotype; and cluster 5 (18.9%) included elderly, hypertensive non-diabetic patients with severe vascular burden (ASCVD 100%). Conclusions: This study defines five distinct phenotypes within the HFpEF population in our region which differ in terms of clinical characteristics and heart failure pharmacological therapy. These results confirm the significant heterogeneity of HFpEF. The identified phenotypes were not associated with significant differences in composite short-term outcomes, including in-hospital mortality and 30-day rehospitalization for heart failure.