The Role of Diabetes Mellitus in Diseases of the Gallbladder and Biliary Tract.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide continues to pose a heavy burden. Though its gastrointestinal impact is appropriately recognized, the lesser known associations may be overlooked. OBJECTIVE: We aim to review the negative implications of diabetes on the gallbladder and the biliary tract. METHODS: A MEDLINE® database search of literature was conducted with emphasis on the previous five years, combining keywords such as "diabetes," "gallbladder," and "biliary". RESULTS: The association of diabetes to the formation of gallstones, gallbladder cancer, and cancer of the biliary tract are discussed along with diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION: Though we uncover the role of diabetic neuropathy in gallbladder and biliary complications, the specific individual diabetic risk factors behind these developments is unclear. Also, in addition to diabetes control and surgical gallbladder management, the treatment approach also requires further focus.

Revisiting the pineal gland: a review of calcification, masses, precocious puberty, and melatonin functions.

Introduction: The pineal gland, an endocrine organ of the posterior cranial fossa famously involved in sleep and wakefulness, has continually been a topic of scientific advancement and curiosity. Methods: We review present an up-to-date review including the anatomy, embryology, and physiology of the pineal gland and its ability to secrete hormones including melatonin, pathophysiology of pineal gland tumors, cysts, and calcifications, their clinical presentation including their association with parkinsonism and precocious puberty, and various treatment approaches. Results: Exploring the biochemistry of melatonin, various calcification morphologies, and pineal tumors may uncover a wider role and the exhaustive case study consolidation allows clinicians to carefully review the literature and aid their treatment approaches. Conclusion: It is imperative that clinicians and diagnosticians are able to distinguish manifestations of an overlooked gland.

Current understanding of tumor lysis syndrome.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency from the intracellular release of material in lysing malignant cells. The earlier it is treated, the less likely it is to be harmful to an individual and spread through the body. Common complications of TLS include arrhythmias, which are caused by hypocalcemia or hyperkalemia, renal failures due to hyperuricemia or hyperphosphatemia, and seizures. Furthermore, the risk to develop TLS varies widely based on several factors including factors that are related to disease, the patient, and the treatment of the patient. Laboratory data can be used to gauge the severity of TLS based on patient serum levels for specific markers. On the contrary, evidence of TLS via radiological imaging and electrocardiogram findings has been a limited way to evaluate TLS, indicating the need for further research in this area. Common trends of treatment have also been seen in the past several years, evident by case studies seen in the following literature review.

Clinical utility of ozone therapy for musculoskeletal disorders.

Oxygen-ozone (O3) therapy serves as an alternative medical technique that increases the oxygen in the body along with the introduction of O3. O3 therapy has finally reached a level where the biological mechanisms of action have been understood, showing that they are in the domain of physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Few clinical applications have been reviewed here as well as exemplifying that O3 therapy is particularly useful in musculoskeletal disorders. In the therapeutic range, O3 can be used as a more effective and safe substitute of standard medications. O3 therapy has been used for many years for its ability to inactivate various viruses, cancer, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome but is now making strides in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar facet joint syndrome, subacromial bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, hip bursitis, shoulder adhesive capsulitis, herniated disc, and temporomandibular joint disorder.