Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. First applications

During the past several years the application of digital health and artificial intelligence in sleep medicine has been developing at an extremely rapid pace. The diagnosis and treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea can be improved by artificial intelligence, facilitating the clinical work of sleep medicine specialists. Technologies based on artificial intelligence are becoming an integral part of the clinical practice of specialists in sleep medicine and ENT specialists. Artificial intelligence in medicine serves to make the right diagnosis, which is the key to proper treatment. From the literature review of scientific articles on artificial intelligence, the authors conclude that its application in sleep medicine can bring many benefits for rapid diagnosis and treatment. Artificial intelligence supports the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and, even though it demands the right amount of data, which is a hurdle, it will prevent the development of a variety of problems, including severe morning headaches, daytime drowsiness, neurocognitive disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders

Giacomo Puccini—a great composer and a genius

Giacomo Puccini is one of the most renowned opera composers in the world. He continued the work of Giuseppe Verdi. Italian composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, Grand Duchy of Tuscany on December 22, 1858. In 1880, he entered the Milan Conservatory, where he studied with the famous composer Ponchielli (1834–1886). Puccini began writing his last opera Turandot in poor health. The pains in the throat were very painful and prolonged. He showed symptoms of cancer of the larynx and, in the fall of 1924, the condition of the great composer worsened. On November 4, Giacomo Puccini traveled with his son Antonio to the city of Brussels, where he underwent radiation therapy. After the radiotherapy he temporarily felt better and in Brussels he attended the performance of the new opera La bohème for the last time. Puccini worsened and, on November 29, 1924, he died in Brussels, Belgium. The purpose of the scientific publication about Giacomo Puccini is to draw attention to the topic of diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the larynx. In most cases of cancer of the larynx, as well as in 90% of cases of head and neck cancer, prevention is possible thanks to lifestyle changes to avoid carcinogenic factors. We must emphasize that timely diagnosis of laryngeal cancer is a key to its therapy. Cancer of the larynx is curable in more than 70% of cases if diagnosed early. The diagnosis is made by an otorhinolaryngologist, who must do an endoscopic examination of the larynx

Investigation of voice characteristics and their modification in dental prosthetics

Each person's voice is unique. Voice quality is characterized by intelligibility of speech (correlation between voice pitch, volume, timbre and speech speed). Changes in the oral cavity due to tooth loss and resorption of processus alveolaris maxillae or processus alveolaris mandibulae can cause defects in the patient's voice and speech. When using incorrect or functionally low-quality dentures, other changes can be observed, such as skipping, replacing, distorting, adding sounds, as well as nasal speaking. Restrictions or changes in the normal movement of the jaws may interfere with the transmission of acoustic energy through the oral cavity, thereby affecting both the voice characteristics and capabilities, and the balance of the oral resonance. Phonetic adaptation of prosthetic patients depends on the choice and placement of artificial teeth, on the thickness, size and placement of the prosthetic base, optimal tongue space, individual adaptive ability, and the patient's ability to recognize the sound. This report presents the possibilities for maximum restoration of voice characteristics in effective collaboration between the dental team and specialists in otolaryngology and speech therapy