Anxiety disorders represent one of the most widespread mental health challenges globally, yet access to traditional therapeutic interventions remains constrained, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an AI-powered chatbot, developed using ChatGPT, in managing anxiety symptoms through evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Fifty participants with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms engaged with the chatbot over two observational phases, each lasting seven days. The chatbot delivered personalized interventions, including mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and breathing techniques, and was accessible 24/7 to provide real-time support during emotional distress. The findings revealed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in both phases, with an average improvement of 21.15% in Phase 1 and 20.42% in Phase 2. Enhanced engagement in Phase 2 suggested the potential for sustained usability and familiarity with the chatbot’s functions. While participants reported high satisfaction with the accessibility and personalization of the chatbot, its inability to replicate human empathy underscored the importance of integrating AI tools with human oversight for optimal outcomes. This study highlights the potential of AI-driven interventions as valuable complements to traditional therapy, providing scalable and accessible mental health support, particularly in regions with limited access to professional services.

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, causing significant personal and societal burdens. Traditional therapies, while effective, often face barriers such as limited accessibility, high costs, and the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots offers a novel solution by providing accessible, cost-effective, and immediate support for individuals experiencing anxiety. This comprehensive review examines the evolution, efficacy, advantages, limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of AI chatbots in the treatment of anxiety disorders. A methodologically rigorous literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on publications from 2010 to 2024 that evaluated AI chatbot interventions targeting anxiety symptoms. Empirical studies demonstrate that AI chatbots can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms by delivering therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy through interactive and personalized dialogues. The advantages include increased accessibility without geographical or temporal limitations, reduced costs, and an anonymity that encourages openness and reduces stigma. However, limitations persist, such as the lack of human empathy, ethical and privacy concerns related to data security, and technical challenges in understanding complex human emotions. The key challenges identified involve enhancing the emotional intelligence of chatbots, integrating them with traditional therapy, and establishing robust ethical frameworks to ensure user safety and data protection. Future research should focus on improving AI capabilities, personalization, cultural adaptation, and user engagement. In conclusion, AI chatbots represent a promising adjunct in treating anxiety disorders, offering scalable interventions that can complement traditional mental health services. Balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility is crucial to maximize their potential benefits.

Cancer progression and therapeutic resistance are driven by complex molecular interactions between genomic instability and immune modulation. Defects in the DNA damage response (DDR) not only promote tumor heterogeneity but also shape the tumor immune landscape through the generation of neoantigens, activation of the cGAS–STING pathway, and modulation of immune checkpoints. This review provides an integrative overview of the molecular mechanisms linking DDR dysfunction to immune crosstalk, emphasizing how these processes influence tumor evolution and response to therapy. We discuss emerging therapeutic strategies that exploit DDR–immune interactions, including PARP and ATR inhibitors, synthetic lethality approaches, and combination regimens with immune checkpoint blockade. Understanding the bidirectional connection between DNA repair pathways and immune signaling unveils new translational opportunities for precision oncology and offers a framework for developing combinatorial therapies capable of overcoming resistance and improving long-term cancer control.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains one of the most aggressive solid tumors, characterized by marked molecular heterogeneity and a complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent evidence highlights the pivotal role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating tumor progression, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and stromal remodeling. This review synthesizes current insights into miRNA-mediated molecular pathways that modulate the TME in HNSCC and discusses emerging therapeutic strategies, including nanocarrier- and exosome-based miRNA delivery systems, targeting these molecules. Key miRNAs, including miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-221, orchestrate bidirectional signaling between cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune infiltrates, thereby shaping tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Advances in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of miRNA-based therapeutics—such as mimics, antagomiRs, and exosome-mediated systems—capable of restoring physiological expression patterns and reprogramming the TME toward an anti-tumor state. However, clinical translation remains hindered by challenges in targeted delivery, molecular stability, and tumor heterogeneity. By integrating molecular and translational perspectives, this review underscores how miRNA-targeting strategies may evolve into a new generation of precision therapies, bridging the gap between molecular oncology and personalized treatment of head and neck cancer.

Background/Objectives: Mental health awareness is rising; thus, neurological and psychiatric side effects also benefit from increased attention from the medical and scientific community. Ibuprofen is a well-known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is often available over-the counter (OTC) for both adults and children, expressing good efficacy in reducing pain and fever through non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibition. As ibuprofen has already been associated with different neuropsychiatric disorders, the aim of this study was to perform an up-to-date analysis of such signals detected in the cases reported in EudraVigilance (EV). Methods: The disproportionality analysis offered a contextual insight into the real-world situation depicted in the analyzed database. Results: From the total cases reported for ibuprofen (n = 58,911), 13.9% contained nervous system disorders (n = 8214) and 10.7% entailed psychiatric disorders (n = 6295). The cases were distributed between all age groups, with a sensible higher incidence in teenagers and in women in general. Severe cases, including deaths, have been reported. By comparison with ketoprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, and diclofenac, ibuprofen presented a higher probability of reporting psychiatric and behavioral symptoms. Regarding cognitive and attention disorders and disturbances, no disproportionate signal was observed between ibuprofen and all other NSAIDs. Sleep disturbances (hypersomnia, narcolepsy and sleep paralysis) are reported as more probable for ibuprofen than for acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen, and diclofenac. A higher risk of reporting suicidal and self-injurious behaviors was noted for ibuprofen versus all other selected NSAIDs. A limitation of the study can be noted as due to suspected causality, not an established one, and EV reports cannot accurately determine adverse drug reaction frequencies. Conclusions: Considering that ibuprofen is easily accessible as an OTC drug and the higher probability of reporting several neuropsychiatric adverse effects as shown by this study, patient counseling, when possible, and general education for the public are valuable tools in managing these adverse reactions.

Chronic nasopharyngeal and otic disorders in children represent a significant clinical challenge due to their multifactorial etiology, variable presentation, and frequent resistance to standard therapies. Although often approached from a symptomatic or anatomical perspective, these conditions are deeply rooted in histological and molecular alterations that sustain inflammation, impair mucosal function, and promote recurrence. This narrative review synthesizes the current knowledge on the normal histology of the nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, and middle ear, and explores key pathophysiological mechanisms, including epithelial remodeling, immune cell infiltration, cytokine imbalance, and tissue fibrosis. Special emphasis is placed on the role of immunohistochemistry in defining inflammatory phenotypes, barrier dysfunction, and remodeling pathways. The presence of biofilm, epithelial plasticity, and dysregulated cytokine signaling are also discussed as contributors to disease chronicity. These findings have direct implications for diagnosis, therapeutic stratification, and postoperative monitoring. By integrating histological, immunological, and molecular data, clinicians can better characterize disease subtypes, anticipate treatment outcomes, and move toward a more personalized and biologically informed model of pediatric ENT care.