Background: Gender affects the clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The classic OSA symptoms, such as sleepiness, snoring, and apnea, are not so frequent in women. Objectives: To evaluate possible gender differences in questionnaires used for OSA prediction, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), STOP, STOP Bang (SB), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and Fatigue Scale (FS). Methods: 350 males were matched with 350 women referred to a sleep clinic, according to OSA severity. All responded to the questionnaires and underwent a sleep study. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients were separately analyzed. Results: ESS did not differ between genders. SB was higher in males, whereas STOP, BQ, AIS, and FS were higher in females. BQ presented the highest sensitivity in both genders, whereas STOP exhibited the highest specificity in males and ESS in females. AIS and FS were more sensitive and SB more specific in females, whereas BQ was more specific in males. For severe OSA, the predictive values of SB and BQ were almost similar for both genders; however AIS and FS were higher in women. CVD patients presented higher scores, independent of gender, except for AIS, which was higher in females. Conclusion: Gender-specific evaluation of questionnaires is necessary to prevent OSA under-diagnosis.

Colorectal cancer still remains the third cause of cancer death among cancer patients. Early diagnosis is crucial and they can be either endoscopic or with blood biomarkers. Endoscopic methods consist of gastroscopy and colonoscopy, however; in recent years, endoscopic ultrasound is being used. The microenvironment is very important for the successful delivery of the treatment. Several proteins and hormones play a crucial role in the efficiency of the treatment. In the current mini review we will focus on interferon-γ.

Background: The diagnosis of peribronchial pulmonary lesions located in the tertiary bronchi, also known as segmental bronchi, as well as, the 4th order and 5th order segmental bronchi is very difficult. Histopathological specimens cannot be easily obtained by endobronchial biopsies (EBBX) due to the patent but small segmental bronchial lumen. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of the novel technique with radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) assisted conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) in the diagnosis of solitary peribronchial pulmonary lesions located in segmental bronchi from 3th to 5th order.Methods: From December 2014 to December 2015, 16 patients with solitary peribronchial pulmonary lesions in the segmental bronchi from 3th to 5th order confirmed by computed tomography (CT) were enrolled. The lesions were located using radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) to determine the sites of conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA), then, histopathological specimens were obtained using the technique of C-TBNA. The final pathological diagnosis was made based on the findings from the surgical specimens. Statistical analyses were performed for specimen results and complications.Results: On pathological evaluation, 14 of the 16 specimens were malignant, including 8 adenocarcinomas, 4 squamous cell carcinomas, and 2 small cell carcinomas, while 2 were non-malignant diseases. The diagnostic accuracy rate, sensitivity and missed diagnosis rates were 87.5%, 87.5% and 12.5%, respectively. When Combined the results of cytology with histologic samples obtained from C-TBNA the total diagnostic accuracy rate, sensitivity and missed diagnosis rate were 93.75%, 93.75% and 6.25%, respectively. There were 2 cases of bleeding complications >5 mL after C-TBNA, and both were resolved with endobronchial management.Conclusions: The combination of R-EBUS with C-TBNA was advantageous and safe for the diagnosis of solitary peribronchial pulmonary lesions located in the segmental bronchi. However, possible bleeding complications should be anticipated with needle aspiration. Further verification of this combined application should be investigated in larger clinical trials.