Abstract Paraneoplastic syndromes are diseases caused by malignancies without direct anatomical relationship with it and it is crucial to realize that paraneoplastic phenomena are not caused by metastases. A paraneoplastic phenomenon can be the first indicator of cancer in an undiagnosed individual, and in severe cases lead to fatality. Various paraneoplastic rheumatological syndromes are associated with malignant neoplasms. Although they occur within various forms of malignancy, they most often suceed lung cancer, and adenocarcinoma stands out as the most prevalent histological subtype within pulmonary cancer. This article focuses on the understanding of paraneoplastic syndromes, particularly regarding paraneoplastic rheumatic syndromes due to their challenging differentiation from idiopathic rheumatic disorders.
Abstract The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people worldwide. Patients can develop a lot of different manifestations, from asymptomatic form to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pulmonary fibrosis, as a primary cause of mortality, is the main consequence of lung injury caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome. Unfortunately, effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis has not yet been found; that’s why we found an essential anti-fibrotic agent in the early acute phase of severe COVID-19 to fight the infection outcomes. This narrative review presents the therapeutic strategy and the importance of fighting pulmonary fibrosis to help patients worldwide protect themselves against severe and fatal viral infections. To prevent long-term sequelae and early mortality, it’s necessary to test the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Abstract The presence of sleep-related disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), instigates pathological changes during sleep, giving rise to frequent hypoxic episodes that generate elevated levels of a broad spectrum of inflammatory cytokines. C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker signifying the presence and intensity of inflammation, is frequently detected in elevated serum or plasma concentrations, correlating with the number of respiratory events, especially in moderate and severe forms, across both adults and children. Various available therapeutic approaches demonstrate the capacity to diminish serum levels, although the minimum duration of usage typically extends between 2-6 months. In the case of older individuals, OSA commonly coexists with additional conditions, further augmenting the baseline inflammatory level. This accelerated disease progression amplifies mortality rates, incurs heightened costs, and significantly diminishes the overall quality of life.
Abstract Short wavelenght light (blue light) contributes to dysregulations of the circadian cycles. In an era where most of the light sources were replaced by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), a new problem regarding sleep quality and nictemeral cycle appears. Even though blue light is currently being used a treatment for sleep dysregulations and insomnia (through cycle altering), this stimuli activates the melanopsin secretory mechanism via photoreceptor cells and thus supresses the pineal secretion of melatonin. Melatonin plays a crucial role in provoking pre-sleep symptoms, inducing and maintaining sleep, improving sleep quality and multiple other effects dependant to the organ, such as being an antioxidant or its protective atribute against diabetes. This paper is a general review of the literature and brings to a single place multiple studies about the importance of sleep, physiology of melatonin secretion and the effect of light exposure on those aforementioned.
Abstract In the field of medical imaging, techniques like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays are essential for diagnosing and monitoring diseases, particularly in pulmonary pathology. A significant development in this area is the application of automated segmentation and machine learning, enhancing the accuracy in diagnosing lung diseases, such as lung cancer. However, there remains a knowledge gap in fully understanding the potential and limitations of these technologies, especially across diverse clinical conditions and datasets. To address this gap, the paper delves into the integration of artificial intelligence with conventional imaging techniques, focusing primarily on the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformer-based models in automated segmentation. This approach is pivotal in improving the detection rates and accuracy of diagnoses in complex pulmonary diseases. Findings indicate that AI-enhanced imaging significantly advances the early detection of pulmonary diseases, notably lung cancer, and reduces the time until diagnosis. Yet, challenges such as the necessity for diverse and comprehensive training data and the generalizability of algorithms, persist. Moreover, ethical considerations in the deployment of AI technologies in healthcare are crucial. In conclusion, while these technologies mark substantial progress in pulmonary imaging, it is essential to find the balance between technological advancements and ethical considerations. This balance is key to ensuring effective and equitable healthcare, maximizing the benefits of AI in medical imaging while maintaining patient trust and privacy.
