Uncovering Interoceptive Human Insular Lobe Function through Intraoperative Cortical Stimulation-A Review.

The insular cortex, a critical hub in the brain's sensory, cognitive, and emotional networks, remains an intriguing subject of study. In this article, we discuss its intricate functional neuroanatomy, emphasizing its pivotal role in processing olfactory information. Through concise exploration, we delve into the insula's diverse connectivity and its involvement in sensory integration, particularly in olfaction. Stimulation studies in humans reveal compelling insights into the insula's contribution to the perception of smell, hinting at its broader implications for cognitive processing. Additionally, we explore an avenue of research in which studying olfactory processing via insular stimulation could unravel higher-level cognitive processes. This innovative approach could help give a fresh perspective on the interplay between sensory and cognitive domains, offering valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognition and emotion. In conclusion, future research efforts should emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, combining advanced imaging and surgical techniques to explore the intricate functions of the human insula. Moreover, awake craniotomies could offer a unique opportunity for real-time observation, shedding light on its neural circuitry and contributions to higher-order brain functions. Furthermore, olfaction's direct cortical projection enables precise exploration of insular function, promising insights into cognitive and emotional processes. This multifaceted approach will deepen our understanding of the insular cortex and its significance in human cognition and emotion.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosed Using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire Scale on Postoperative Complications Following Major Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Purpose Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and often undiagnosed condition in patients undergoing major surgeries, including cardiac surgery. This disorder is associated with peri- and postoperative problems. This study measured the association between OSA and peri- and postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Methods Candidates for elective cardiac surgery were evaluated for OSA by the STOP-Bang questionnaire before the surgery. We evaluated patients before and after the operation regarding the cardiac, respiratory, and neurologic complications. We divided the participants into high-risk (score of 5-8), intermediate-risk (score of 3-4), and low-risk groups (score of 0-2) based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Results Of the 306 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, 173 (56.5%) were in the high-risk group, 100 (32.7%) were in the intermediate-risk group, and 33 (10.8%) were in the low-risk group for OSA. Patients in the high-risk group were significantly older than the other two groups (p value=0.013), had higher BMI (p<0.001), and suffered more from relevant comorbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia (all p-values significant at < 0.05). However, not significant, patients in the high-risk group suffered more from postoperative complications including cardiac, respiratory, and neurological complications. Conclusion OSA is common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Our findings indicate that these patients manifest a higher incidence of postoperative complications compared to those with a lower risk of OSA. Because of the limited use of polysomnography, a simple STOP-Bang questionnaire is beneficial to screen patients for the risk of OSA peri-operatively, and patients diagnosed with OSA can get extra care during and after the surgery.

A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of treating primary nocturnal enuresis with Solifenacin Plus Desmopressin, Tolterodine Plus Desmopressin, and Desmopressin alone: a randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nocturnal enuresis (enuresis) is one of the most common developmental problems of childhood, which has often a familial basis, causes mental and psychological damage to the child and disrupts family solace. Objectives: In this study, we compared therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of treating primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) with solifenacin plus desmopressin, tolterodine plus desmopressin, and desmopressin alone. Because we don't have enough information about this comparison especially about solifenacin plus desmopressin. Patients and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 62 patients with enuresis aged 5-15 years who referred to the urology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahwaz in 2017-2018. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the three different therapeutic protocols and any participants were given a specific code. After that, we compared the therapeutic response and the level of satisfaction of each therapeutic group in different months. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The mean age of patients was 8.70±66 years. In the therapeutic group with desmopressin and solifenacin, 19 of 20 patients (95%) achieved complete remission (1) after a 3-month treatment in comparison with monotherapy group in which 14 of 22 patients (63.63%) achieved complete remission; and in the combination therapy group of desmopressin and tolterodine, in the study and the evaluation of the consequences of 3-month treatment of this group, it was found that 17 of 20 patients (85%) had complete remission. Overall, the therapeutic response in combination therapy groups of desmopressin plus anticholinergic was higher than the monotherapy group of desmopressin alone. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the combination of desmopressin and an anticholinergic agent is highly effective in treatment of children with PMNE. Although desmopressin has long been a first - line treatment for PMNE, desmopressin monotherapy often fails to achieve a successful response in patients with PMNE.

A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of treating primary nocturnal enuresis with Solifenacin Plus Desmopressin, Tolterodine Plus Desmopressin, and Desmopressin alone: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturnal enuresis (enuresis) is one of the most common developmental problems of childhood, which has often a familial basis, causes mental and psychological damage to the child and disrupts family solace. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we compared therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of treating primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) with solifenacin plus desmopressin, tolterodine plus desmopressin, and desmopressin alone. Because we don't have enough information about this comparison especially about solifenacin plus desmopressin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study was performed on 62 patients with enuresis aged 5-15 years who referred to the urology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahwaz in 2017-2018. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the three different therapeutic protocols and any participants were given a specific code. After that, we compared the therapeutic response and the level of satisfaction of each therapeutic group in different months. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 8.70±66 years. In the therapeutic group with desmopressin and solifenacin, 19 of 20 patients (95%) achieved complete remission (1) after a 3-month treatment in comparison with monotherapy group in which 14 of 22 patients (63.63%) achieved complete remission; and in the combination therapy group of desmopressin and tolterodine, in the study and the evaluation of the consequences of 3-month treatment of this group, it was found that 17 of 20 patients (85%) had complete remission. Overall, the therapeutic response in combination therapy groups of desmopressin plus anticholinergic was higher than the monotherapy group of desmopressin alone. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the combination of desmopressin and an anticholinergic agent is highly effective in treatment of children with PMNE. Although desmopressin has long been a first - line treatment for PMNE, desmopressin monotherapy often fails to achieve a successful response in patients with PMNE.

Patient with recurrence dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A case report.

We present a typical case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans(DFSP) with a complaint of a painful and various recurrence, make a review of the most important aspects. This is a rare tumor and we call special attention to the fact that its recurrence is extremely frequent, so there is absolute need to observe these patients periodically after surgery.