Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to categorize and combine (according to the source of biomaterial) biomarkers of frailty syndrome and identify challenges in research on these biomarkers by reviewing the current literature from the past five years. Methods: We systematically searching five electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library—for citations from 1 January 2019 to 1 July 2024. We conducted a qualitative data synthesis and categorized the limitations by topics and subtopics. PROSPERO—CRD: 42024491369. Results: A total of 61 papers met the criteria for inclusion in this study. These studies included a total of 56,758 participants, and 1479 unique biomarkers. We categorized biomarkers such as blood, genetic, urinary, and salivary biomarkers. Our analysis identified three major categories of challenges: challenges related to study design, unclear pathophysiological mechanisms, and biomarker-specific challenges. Conclusions: This review underscores the extensive research into biomarkers associated with frailty syndrome, such as blood, genetic, urinary, and salivary biomarkers. However, significant challenges persist, including methodological inconsistencies, biomarker measurement variability, and a limited understanding of underlying mechanisms.

Aim . To assess the current status and identify prospects for harmonizing the training of ge­neral practitioners (GP) (family physicians (FP)) in individual members of the Common­wealth of Independent States (CIS) to improve the quality of primary health care (PHC). Material and methods . The study data was collected and analyzed in 2025 by researchers from leading medical universities in the CIS member states as part of the international research project GP-FP using specially developed questionnaires. Research methods inclu­ded statistical, analytical, and contextual comparison. Results . An analysis of regulatory data regarding GP-FP training revealed similar models of ma­naging PHC as the foundation of the entire healthcare system, the systematic GP-FP im­ple­mentation, and the use of the territorial-­district principle, as well as some differences. A comparison of country data on educational and professional standards and residency training programs revealed convergence across most parameters. The country data is sys­tema­tized and presented in tabular format. Conclusion . The significant similarities and some differences in the training and professional activities of GP-FP highlight the potential for harmonizing programs, requirements, and the regulatory framework for training these specialists across the CIS and, accordingly, outlined areas for further research.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus infection can negatively impact the mental and physical status of patients with chronic heart failure, exacerbating anxiety and depressive symptoms. These changes should be recognized and addressed promptly. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental and physical status of patients with chronic heart failure who were eligible for treatment in primary care settings. METHODS: The study included patients with chronic heart failure of various origins with or without a history of COVID-19. The physical and mental health of all patients was evaluated using three scales: the Sheehan Patient-Rated Anxiety Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale. Eligible patients with COVID-19 were prescribed sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, based on results of a psychometric evaluation. RESULTS: Sertraline is shown to significantly improve anxiety disorder, particularly severe cases, in patients with chronic heart failure who have recovered from COVID-19. Sertraline was found to be even more clinically effective in the treatment of depression; it improved depressive symptoms in all study groups. Sertraline was found to affect cardiovascular parameters in patients with chronic heart failure after COVID-19. Sertraline decreased heart rate, thereby improving the course of chronic heart failure. In addition, the ejection fraction remained virtually unchanged in the short term, which indicates the efficacy and safety of sertraline. This supports the recommendation to add sertraline to the combined therapy for this patient group. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the significant impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental status of patients with chronic heart failure. However, the agents used to treat these conditions may affect the cardiovascular system. Patients require a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes support for mental and physical health.

Background/Objectives: Accurately assessing the independence level of older adults using useful assessment tools is an important step toward providing them with the necessary care while preserving their dignity. These tools allow older adults to receive effective, personalized home care, which improves their quality of life. This study aimed to clarify the current prevalence of severe and complete functional dependence and associated factors among Kazakhstan’s older adults aged >60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in several polyclinics and geriatric service care centers in two cities of Kazakhstan from March to May 2024. Functional status was assessed by the Barthel Index. We combined the selection into two categories: total dependency and severe dependency in the category “dependent”, and moderate dependency, slight dependency, and total independence in the category “active patients”. Results: Among the 642 older people in this study, 43.3% were dependent patients, and 56.7% were active patients. The odds of severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for frail participants (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.70, 5.16], p < 0.001) compared to those that are not frail; eleven times higher for those at home (AOR =11.90, 95% CI [5.77, 24.55], p < 0.001) than those in nursing homes; two times higher for participants with sarcopenia (AOR =2.61, 95% CI [1.49, 4.55], p < 0.001) compared to those with no sarcopenia; and three times higher for participants with high risk of fracture (AOR =3.30, 95% CI [1.94, 5.61], p < 0.001) compared to those with low risk. The odds of having severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for participants with low dynamometry (AOR =1.05, 95% CI [1.03, 1.07], p < 0.001) compared to those with normal dynamometry. Conclusions: Old age, low dynamometry (for men ≤ 29 kg, for women ≤ 17 kg), frailty, being at home, high risk of fracture and osteoporosis, and sarcopenia were associated with increased risk of severe and total functional dependence.