The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Artificial intelligence (AI), be it neuronal networks, machine learning or deep learning, has numerous beneficial effects on healthcare systems; however, its potential applications and diagnostic capabilities for immunologic diseases have yet to be explored. Understanding AI systems can help healthcare workers better assimilate artificial intelligence into their practice and unravel its potential in diagnostics, clinical research, and disease management. RECENT FINDINGS: We reviewed recent advancements in AI systems and their integration in healthcare systems, along with their potential benefits in the diagnosis and management of diseases. We explored machine learning as employed in allergy diagnosis and its learning patterns from patient datasets, as well as the possible advantages of using AI in the field of research related to allergic reactions and even remote monitoring. Considering the ethical challenges and privacy concerns raised by clinicians and patients with regard to integrating AI in healthcare, we explored the new guidelines adapted by regulatory bodies. Despite these challenges, AI appears to have been successfully incorporated into various healthcare systems and is providing patient-centered solutions while simultaneously assisting healthcare workers. Artificial intelligence offers new hope in the field of immunologic disease diagnosis, monitoring, and management and thus has the potential to revolutionize healthcare systems.

Importance of risk assessment, endoscopic hemostasis, and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) is a common medical emergency in clinical practice. While the incidence has significantly reduced, the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades, thus presenting a significant challenge. This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis. Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population, the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes. A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly. Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality. Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC (age, blood tests, co-morbidities) score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions. While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches, novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives, particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities. By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities, clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Gallbladder tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma: A case report of a rare entity.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder TB (GBTB) is a rare disease with a non-specific presentation, simulating cholecystitis and gallbladder malignancies. We describe a rare case of infiltrative GBTB with biliary strictures in a young female who was initially diagnosed with metastatic gallbladder carcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old female presented with recurrent episodes of obstructive jaundice, significant weight loss, fatigue, and oligomenorrhoea. Imaging studies revealed features of locally advanced gallbladder carcinoma with proximal and distal common bile duct strictures. However, biopsy of the liver tissue surrounding the gallbladder mass confirmed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with similar findings from fine needle aspiration of the cervical lymph node. Along with the histopathological findings, radiological evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed the diagnosis of infiltrative GBTB. The patient was successfully managed with anti-tubercular drugs along with biliary decompression. DISCUSSION: The rarity of GBTB is attributed to the high alkalinity of bile and bile acids, which afford protection against tubercle bacilli. Patients commonly present with abdominal pain, fever, abdominal lump, anorexia, and weight loss. Biliary strictures, though rare, have been described in GBTB and simulate cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the non-specific findings of pre-operative laboratory and radiological investigations, most patients are taken up for surgery and diagnosed with TB on post-operative histological analysis. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder TB is a rare disease which poses a diagnostic challenge because it lacks any pathognomonic features. A tissue diagnosis must be carried out before confirming gallbladder and biliary tract malignancies. Physicians in TB-endemic regions should possess a high index of suspicion for diagnosing GBTB.

Planetary health and its relevance in the modern era: A topical review.

Planetary health is a relatively new concept that has gained traction in recent years due to the urgent need to address the health of our planet and its inhabitants. It refers to the interdependent health of both humans and the environment, recognizing that the two are inseparable and that the health of one is intricately linked to the health of the other. This article aims to advocate changes in how health care for both the environment and humans is envisaged, and aligned with sustainable development goals using ethically sound, solution-oriented, and practical approaches to education. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth led to environmental degradation and climate change in this era. These factors have profound implications for human health, with the World Health Organization estimating that 23% of global deaths are linked to environmental factors. Climate change and extreme weather events are exacerbating existing health problems. Air pollution, water pollution, and toxic chemicals are additional environmental factors that add to it and lead to health issues, including non-communicable diseases and death. A collaborative and interdisciplinary approach is needed to address planetary health challenges, including working across sectors and investing in research to understand better the complex interactions between human health and the environment. By promoting sustainable development and protecting the planet's health and inhabitants, we can ensure a healthy future for generations.

Multifocal Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: A Case Report of a Rare Neoplasm.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, highly aggressive malignancy predominantly affecting adolescents and young adults. We report a case of multifocal DSRCT in an 11-year-old male who presented with complaints of unilateral forehead swelling, proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia for four months along with abdominal pain and dysphagia for six months. A whole-body computed tomography revealed widespread lesions in the skull, orbit, thorax, and abdomen with local infiltration. Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the forehead lump was performed. Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations, it was diagnosed to be a DSRCT with multifocal presentation. The patient underwent chemo-radiation but unfortunately succumbed to neutropenic sepsis and renal failure. DSRCT is a very rare, highly aggressive malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis. Orbital presentations are even rarer, with less than 10 such cases currently described in English medical literature.