There are several immune privileged sites including the testis, anterior chamber of the eye, brain, central nervous system, maternal fetal interface of the placenta, hair follicles and some tumors. The testicular environment is not always tolerogenic or immunologically ignorant. The local factors and cellular components of the testis determine the immune response. It is now known that immune cells (antigen presenting cells, T cells and NK cells) involved in mounting an effective immune response are present in the testis. Both endocrine and paracrine networks coordinate to regulate testicular immune privilege. Tregs contribute to testicular immune privilege. The role of androgens in testicular immune regulation has long been underestimated; yet, accumulating evidence now shows that they orchestrate the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression and shift cytokine balance toward a tolerogenic environment. Androgens also regulate the testicular immunoprivileged status. The androgens synthesized by Leydig cells suppress both systemic and testicular immune responses to auto-antigens. Moreover, several negative regulatory immune systems have been found in the testis. In particular, numerous paracrine cytokines, including various anti-inflammatory factors, would contribute to the maintenance of testicular immune privilege. The testis represents a distinct immunoprivileged site where both allo-antigens and immunogenic auto-antigens can be tolerated without evoking detrimental immune responses. Testicular innate immunity is particularly critical when systemic immunity is reduced. Here, we discuss the local cellular innate immune defense system of the testis. Impairment of immune homeostasis in the testis can result in orchitis, an etiological factor of male infertility. This review will focus on immune privilege in the testis.

The bidirectional relationship between mental health disorders and cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a major clinical challenge with significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Patients with coexisting psychiatric and cardiovascular conditions experience a mutually reinforcing deterioration, driven by complex neuroendocrine, autonomic, inflammatory, and metabolic mechanisms. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis promotes water and sodium retention and increases circulating free fatty acids, thereby worsening heart failure. Sympathetic overactivity, elevated catecholamines, and reduced heart rate variability contribute to arrhythmogenesis and myocardial dysfunction. This interplay creates a vicious cycle in which depression and anxiety amplify cardiovascular vulnerability, and cardiovascular disease exacerbates psychiatric symptoms. Integrating mental health evaluation into cardiovascular care is essential for optimizing outcomes, improving treatment adherence, and reducing long-term risk. Comprehensive management includes lifestyle interventions, behavioural support, metabolic monitoring, and psychotropic regimens tailored to the cardiovascular profile. Recognition of the intricate links between psychiatric and cardiovascular pathology underscores the central role of psychocardiology in modern preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing gastrointestinal disease management by improving diagnostic accuracy, enabling early detection, and supporting personalized treatment strategies. AI-powered algorithms in endoscopy have demonstrated remarkable success in real-time detection of polyps and precancerous lesions, significantly reducing missed diagnosis rates. Machine learning models analyze complex datasets from imaging, histopathology, and clinical records to predict disease progression in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and liver disorders. These predictive tools support clinicians in tailoring interventions, optimizing patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. Moreover, AI-based decision-support systems assist in workflow automation, risk stratification, and treatment planning, enhancing efficiency across gastroenterological practice. Despite these advances, challenges persist regarding data standardization, model validation, and ethical considerations like patient privacy and algorithm transparency. In conclusion, AI tools hold great promise for transforming gastrointestinal disease management, bridging technology and clinical practice to deliver more precise, efficient, and patient-centered care.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing gastrointestinal disease management by improving diagnostic accuracy, enabling early detection, and supporting personalized treatment strategies. AI-powered algorithms in endoscopy have demonstrated remarkable success in real-time detection of polyps and precancerous lesions, significantly reducing missed diagnosis rates. Machine learning models analyze complex datasets from imaging, histopathology, and clinical records to predict disease progression in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and liver disorders. These predictive tools support clinicians in tailoring interventions, optimizing patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. Moreover, AI-based decision-support systems assist in workflow automation, risk stratification, and treatment planning, enhancing efficiency across gastroenterological practice. Despite these advances, challenges persist regarding data standardization, model validation, and ethical considerations like patient privacy and algorithm transparency. In conclusion, AI tools hold great promise for transforming gastrointestinal disease management, bridging technology and clinical practice to deliver more precise, efficient, and patient-centered care.

This paper presents an overview of pulmonary rehabilitation in Romania, tracing its evolution from initial implementation to current integration with digital technologies. Pulmonary rehabilitation is now recognized as a cornerstone in the management of chronic lung diseases, aiming to enhance patients’ quality of life and functionality through tailored, multidimensional interventions. The development of pulmonary rehabilitation in Romania began in the 1970s and was significantly advanced by the establishment of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Working Group (PRWG) in 2006. The key components of pulmonary rehabilitation programs include physical training, education, psychological support, nutritional counseling, occupational therapy, and strategies for managing secretions. Current pulmonary rehabilitation practices are enhanced by telemedicine, digital health platforms, virtual reality, robotics and artitifical intelligence. These innovations enable remote monitoring, personalized exercises, and enhanced patient engagement, promising a transformative impact on pulmonary care. Future directions emphasize ongoing research to optimize technology integration, improve protocols, and ensure equitable access, thereby maximizing the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for diverse patient populations.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that may present unique clinical and diagnostic challenges in pediatric patients. In children, invasive diagnostic procedures such as skin biopsy are often avoided because of pain, anxiety, and cosmetic concerns, prompting interest in non-invasive imaging modalities. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy presenting with erythematous, scaly plaques on the scalp and knees, clinically and dermoscopically suggestive of psoriasis. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) revealed parakeratosis with bright polygonal keratinocytes, preserved honeycomb pattern of the epidermis, and dilated dermal capillaries with visible leukocyte flow. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, and vertically oriented dilated capillaries. These findings supported the clinical diagnosis of psoriasis without the need for histopathological confirmation. This case highlights the diagnostic value of multimodal non-invasive imaging, particularly RCM and OCT, in pediatric psoriasis. Such approaches improve diagnostic confidence, reduce patient discomfort, and may represent viable alternatives to skin biopsy in children.