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Wrist-worn heart rate monitors have become integral in personal health monitoring, particularly during exercise and daily activities. This review evaluates the precision of various commercially available smartwatches in assessing heart rate, focusing on their accuracy across different physical activities, such as walking, running, cycling, and elliptical training. A systematic analysis of 29 peer-reviewed studies, encompassing over 900 participants, was conducted to compare devices like the Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, and others. The results demonstrate significant variation in accuracy depending on the device, type of activity, and individual factors such as body mass index and skin tone. The Apple Watch consistently outperformed other devices, showing the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), particularly during moderate-intensity activities. In contrast, devices such as the Fitbit Blaze exhibited greater error rates, especially during high-intensity exercises or activities involving significant arm movement. Although wrist-worn heart rate monitors provide users with convenient real-time data, limitations such as motion artifacts, device placement, and external factors may affect their reliability.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by severe, inflammatory attacks predominantly affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord and central nervous system. NMOSD presents with clinical features such as optic neuritis, acute myelitis, and area postrema syndrome, making it a challenging condition to diagnose due to its varied clinical manifestations. Untreated, approximately 50% of NMOSD patients will be wheelchair users and blind, and a third will have died within 5 years of their first attack. Historically considered a variant of multiple sclerosis, NMOSD is now recognized as a distinct entity, largely due to the discovery of the pathogenic role of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies. Approximately 75% of patients have antibodies against aquaporin-4, a water channel expressed on astrocytes. These antibodies target astrocytes, leading to complement activation, inflammation, and subsequent damage to the central nervous system. Relapses are treated with high-dose steroids and plasma exchanges to prevent residual disability. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of NMOSD have paved the way for targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies that inhibit complement activation, B-cell depletion strategies, and interventions targeting interleukin-6 signaling. Four preventive immunotherapies have now been approved for AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD in many regions of the world: eculizumab, ravulizumab inebilizumab, and satralizumab. These treatments have significantly improved disease outcomes, offering hope for better management of NMOSD, although challenges remain in early diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and preventing relapses. Further research is essential to refine therapeutic approaches and explore novel targets to enhance patient care.

Post-Traumatic Epilepsy (PTE) is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that occur as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It represents a significant medical challenge due to its complex pathophysiology, diverse clinical manifestations, and the long latency period between the initial injury and the onset of epilepsy. It typically manifests weeks, months, or even years after the initial trauma, complicating the prognosis and management of head injury patients. The incidence of PTE varies widely, influenced by the severity and nature of the brain trauma, with higher risks associated with penetrating injuries, severe brain contusions, and hemorrhagic lesions. Pathogenetic mechanisms involve a cascade of molecular and cellular events, including neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, and neuronal hyperexcitability, which contribute to the formation of epileptic networks. Diagnosis relies on a detailed patient history, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography (EEG) to confirm seizure activity and exclude other causes. It is often delayed and complicates early intervention strategies. Current management primarily focuses on seizure control through antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), but response rates are variable, and many patients suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. Advances in neuroimaging and biomarker research hold promise for earlier detection and targeted therapies. This review synthesizes recent findings on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of PTE, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to improve outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.

Physical activity is a fundamental element in managing diabetes. In preventing complications of this condition, along with pharmacological treatment, key factors include an appropriate diet, sports, weight reduction, and the ability to cope with stress. In recent years, the use of mobile applications in the treatment of diabetes has gained significant importance. Research has shown that these applications play a crucial role in improving patients' daily lives by offering features that make it easier to control this disease, such as advice on healthy eating, monitoring physical activity (including adjusting appropriate workouts), and assessing sleep quality and recovery. This review discusses the current research on the impact of electronic applications used in various aspects of life on health-promoting behaviors and their effectiveness in patients with diabetes. In summary, studies indicate that the use of these applications often helps participants maintain better self-control and increase self-awareness of the disease. The results of the studies also encourage further development and improvement of new possibilities made possible by the use of electronic applications. Further studies focusing on this topic are also recommended to validate the conclusions and gain new knowledge in this area.

Physical activity has emerged as a crucial component in the comprehensive care of oncological patients, offering significant benefits across the cancer continuum—from prevention to treatment, recovery, and survivorship. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the role of exercise in cancer care, highlighting its potential to improve physical function, reduce treatment-related side effects, enhance mental well-being, and improve overall quality of life. Epidemiological evidence supports the protective effect of regular physical activity in reducing the risk of developing certain cancers, such as breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancer, through mechanisms like hormonal regulation, inflammation reduction, and immune function enhancement. During active cancer treatment, exercise helps combat common side effects such as fatigue, muscle wasting, and cardiovascular decline, while also offering psychological benefits like reduced anxiety and depression. Tailored exercise programs, developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, are essential for addressing the unique needs of cancer patients, considering factors like cancer type, treatment stage, and comorbidities. Post-treatment, physical activity continues to play a vital role in rehabilitation, reducing the risk of recurrence, and supporting long-term survivorship. Despite the clear benefits, barriers such as physical limitations, psychological distress, and lack of access to resources can hinder patients' ability to engage in regular exercise. Addressing these challenges through personalized care plans, patient education, and supportive interventions is crucial. As research in exercise oncology advances, integrating physical activity into routine cancer care holds promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of cancer patients.

Background Botulinum toxin injection in the masseter muscle has gained popularity for both therapeutic and aesthetic applications, such as treating bruxism, masseter hypertrophy and lower facial slimming. Despite its efficacy, adverse effects associated with this procedure have been documented. This literature review aims to analyse and summarize the adverse effects associated with botulinum toxin injection in the masseter muscle, examining their incidence, underlying mechanisms and management strategies. Keywords botulinum toxin, masseter hypertrophy, bruxism, complications, adverse effects Material and methods A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted using above-mentioned keywords. Conclusions Masseter muscle botox injection is considered a safe procedure with low incidence rate. Although the complications are temporary, they can significantly reduce patient satisfaction and confidence. To minimize the risk of complications, clinicians should familiarize themselves with risk mitigation strategies.

Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of the thyroid gland, leads to hypothyroidism and a range of metabolic disturbances. Conventional treatments primarily focus on hormone replacement therapy, which does not address the underlying autoimmune mechanisms. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential revolutionary treatment for Hashimoto's disease, aiming to regenerate thyroid tissue and modulate the immune response. This abstract explores the potential of stem cell therapy in restoring thyroid function and reducing autoimmune activity. Preclinical studies using animal models and in vitro human cell studies have demonstrated promising results, showing that stem cells can reduce thyroid inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and restore hormone production. Early-phase clinical trials are underway to assess the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and other stem cell types in patients with Hashimoto's disease. Despite the promise, challenges such as immune rejection, ethical considerations, regulatory hurdles, and cost must be addressed. Ongoing research and technological advancements hold the potential to transform the treatment landscape for Hashimoto's disease, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Introduction and purpose Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment, affecting 2-4% of the global population, with a higher prevalence among women and those of lower socioeconomic status. The pathogenesis of FM is complex and multifactorial, involving central sensitization and neurochemical dysregulation. This review highlights the latest advancements in pharmacological and behavioral therapies for fibromyalgia. State of knowledge Management of fibromyalgia currently is based on a combination of medication use and non-pharmacological approaches, primarily based on physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This review explores advancements in FM treatments, focusing on novel pharmacological agents such as vortioxetine, eslicarbazepine acetate, and tapentadol, which target specific neurochemical pathways to alleviate symptoms. Vortioxetine offers new mechanisms of action with potential cognitive benefits, while eslicarbazepine acetate and tapentadol provide alternative approaches for pain modulation and central sensitization. Additionally, non-pharmacological therapies, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and virtual reality (VR) therapy, demonstrate promise in enhancing physical fitness, reducing pain, and improving quality of life for FM patients. Summary Overall, the integration of these novel therapies into comprehensive, individualized treatment plans can optimize outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals with FM. Ongoing research and personalized medicine approaches are essential to further refine and validate these emerging treatments.