Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder: Recent Insights and Diagnostic Challenges.

Functional neurological disorder (FND), formerly called conversion disorder, is a condition characterized by neurological symptoms that lack an identifiable organic purpose. These signs, which can consist of motor, sensory, or cognitive disturbances, are not deliberately produced and often vary in severity. Its diagnosis is predicated on clinical evaluation and the exclusion of other medical or psychiatric situations. Its treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary technique addressing each of the neurological symptoms and underlying psychological factors via a mixture of medical management, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions. Recent advances in neuroimaging and a deeper exploration of its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation have shed new light on this disorder. This paper synthesizes the current knowledge on FND, focusing on its epidemiology and underlying mechanisms, neuroimaging insights, and the differentiation of FND from feigning or malingering. This review highlights the phenotypic heterogeneity of FND and the diagnostic challenges it presents. It also discusses the significant role of neuroimaging in unraveling the complex neural underpinnings of FND and its potential in predicting treatment response. This paper underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of FND in informing clinical practice and guiding future research. With advancements in neuroimaging techniques and growing recognition of the disorder's multifaceted nature, the paper suggests a promising trajectory toward more effective, personalized treatment strategies and a better overall understanding of the disorder.

Xyloglucan + Gelose Combination versus Placebo as Adjuvant Therapy to First-Line Antimicrobials for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Adults.

BACKGROUND: A medical device containing xyloglucan-gelose-hibiscus-propolis (referred to hereafter as xyloglucan + gelose) acts as a mucosal barrier protector and urinary acidifier. The safety and efficacy of this device were investigated as adjuvant therapy to first-line antimicrobials for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this multicentre, randomised, parallel group, double-blind, phase IV study, xyloglucan + gelose (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) were administered orally in combination with an antimicrobial agent (e.g., ciprofloxacin) for 5 days, then alone for 5 days, then beginning on Day 30 of the study for 15 days per month for 2 months. RESULTS: Frequency of adverse events (AEs) was 5 and 45% in the xyloglucan + gelose and placebo groups respectively. All AEs were unrelated to study products. Xyloglucan + gelose reduced uroculture positivity (defined as a bacterial count ≥103 CFU/mL) from 100% of patients at baseline to 0% at Day 11, with recurrence in 3 patients (15%) by Day 76. Corresponding results with placebo were 100% uroculture positive patients at baseline reduced to 45% at Day 11, with recurrence in 14 patients (70%) by Day 76. Xyloglucan + gelose significantly reduced the frequency of urinary incontinence and urgency of micturition compared with placebo (both p < 0.05), with symptom resolution in all patients by Day 90. CONCLUSIONS: The xyloglucan + gelose medical device was safe, well tolerated, and it reduced bacteriological and symptomatic parameters in adults with uncomplicated UTI.

Is nocturnal enuresis a predisposing factor for the overactive bladder?

Background/aim: This study aimed to perform a limited observational study to ascertain whether there is statistical support that nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a predisposing factor in the development of overactive bladder (OAB). Materials and methods: The authors recruited patients diagnosed with OAB over a period of twelve months, and those who declared a history of NE were asked additional questions regarding the features of their NE. Results: A total of 285 patients were diagnosed with overactive bladder, and 98 (34.38%) of them had previously displayed NE symptoms that had diminished before reaching the median age of 9.83. Separation of patients by sex revealed a male majority (58.16%). Additionally, most patients had urban origins (75.51%). The median time span from remission of NE to diagnosis of OAB was 24.79 years, and the median age at which patients began to suffer was 31.80 years. Behavioral factors (smoking, alcohol consumption) and psychological and infectious factors (past history of urinary tract infection) were identified at varying degrees. Conclusion: The presence of NE in a third of the patients who developed over time OAB and the earlier onset of OAB for these patients suggests a causal physiopathological relationship between NE and OAB. The preponderance of urban patients confirms the existence of acquired urban triggering factors of OAB (nutritious, social, or professional).

Exploring Symptom Overlaps: Post-COVID-19 Neurological Syndrome and Post-Concussion Syndrome in Athletes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, particularly among athletes. This paper explores the intersection of post-COVID-19 neurological syndrome (PCNS/PASC) and post-concussion syndrome (PCS), focusing on their implications in sports medicine. Our analysis covers the symptomatology, pathophysiology, and management strategies for PCNS/PASC and PPCS, with special attention paid to the unique challenges faced by athletes recovering from these conditions, including the risk of symptom exacerbation and prolonged recovery. Key findings reveal that both PCNS/PASC and PPCS present with overlapping symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, exercise intolerance, and mental health issues, but differ in specific manifestations like anosmia and ageusia, unique to COVID-19. Pathophysiological analysis reveals similarities in blood-brain barrier disruption (BBB) but differences in the extent of immune activation. Management strategies emphasize a gradual increase in physical activity, close symptom monitoring, and psychological support, with a tailored approach for athletes. Specific interventions include progressive aerobic exercises, resistance training, and cognitive rehabilitation. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of integrating neurology, psychiatry, physical therapy, and sports medicine to develop comprehensive care strategies. Our findings underscore the dual challenge of COVID-19 and concussion in athletes, necessitating a nuanced, interdisciplinary approach to effective management. Future research should focus on the long-term neurological effects of both conditions and optimizing treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for advancing the management of athletes affected by these overlapping conditions and ensuring their safe return to sports.

Exploring the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Lentzea flaviverrucosa strain E25-2 isolated from Moroccan forest soil.

The alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has created a significant public health challenge, necessitating the discovery of new therapeutic agents to combat infectious diseases and oxidative stress-related disorders. The Lentzea flaviverrucosa strain E25-2, isolated from Moroccan forest soil, represents a potential avenue for such research. This study aimed to identify the isolate E25-2, obtained from soil in a cold Moroccan ecosystem, and further investigate its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed the strain's classification within the Lentzea genus, with a sequence closely resembling that of Lentzea flaviverrucosa AS4.0578 (96.10% similarity). Antimicrobial activity in solid media showed moderate to strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus strain ATCC 14579, Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25922, Candida albicans strain ATCC 60193 and 4 phytopathogenic fungi. In addition, ethyl acetate extract of this isolate demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against 7 clinically multi-drug resistant bacteria. Furthermore, it demonstrated antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals, as well as a significant increase in ferric reducing antioxidant power. A significant positive correlation was observed between antioxidant activities and total content of phenolic compounds (p < 0.0001), along with flavonoids (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of amines, hydroxyl groups, pyridopyrazinone rings, esters and pyrrolopyrazines. The Lentzea genus could offer promising prospects in the fight against antibiotic resistance and in the prevention against oxidative stress related diseases.

Patients' and caregivers' attitudes towards patient assisted suicide or euthanasia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-a meta-analysis.

Assisted suicide and euthanasia are long debated topics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients care. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the attitudes of ALS patients and their caregivers toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia. Also, we were interested to identify the factors associated with the positive or negative attitude of patients and caregivers towards PAS/euthanasia. A thorough search of the online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was conducted and eligibility criteria according to the PRISMA guidelines were used to include the studies in the current meta-analysis. The assessment of the quality of the selected studies was carried out using a pre-specified set of criteria by Cochrane. The studies that were selected for this meta-analysis suggested that the expression of the wish to die is more likely correlated with depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and lack of optimism. The overall prevalence of considering PAS/euthanasia significantly varies in a dependent manner over the cultural, legal, and societal factors. In this context, we found that the opinion on this topic can be deeply personal and may vary widely among individuals and communities. Lower quality of life and lower religiosity were associated with a positive attitude toward PAS/euthanasia. On the other hand, patients who are more religious are less likely to choose PAS/euthanasia. Gender does not appear to play a significant role in determining attitudes towards PAS/euthanasia in ALS patients. Other factors, such as education and psychological state, could also be important. In conclusion, end-of-life decisions in ALS patients are complex and require careful consideration of individual values, beliefs, and preferences. Understanding the factors that influence a patient's attitude towards PAS/euthanasia can help healthcare providers to offer appropriate care and support for these patients and their families.

Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma in Students at a Dental Technical College: A Report of 3 Cases.

Bladder cancer is one of the main types of neoplasia affecting men, with the highest incidence reported toward the end of the seventh decade of life. Unlike other malignancies, bladder cancer is attributable to specific widely occurring carcinogenic risk factors in 60-70% of cases, and numerous professions have been linked to higher rates of the disease. The present study includes the cases of three male graduates (mean age, 23 years) from the same dental technical college, two of whom were students at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Iași University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Iași, Romania) at the time of diagnosis. The individuals were occupationally exposed for a mean of 43.66 months. Histopathological examinations following resection indicated the presence of benign lesions (1 case) and malignant lesions of low aggressiveness (2 cases). The patients' outcomes were favorable, and there was no tumor recurrence over a mean observation period of 56 months. The aim of the present study was to highlight the young age at which these patients developed bladder tumors under similar etiological conditions and over short periods of exposure to known occupational risk factors. This shorter time of exposure to risk factors makes it even harder to establish causality with the occurrence of bladder tumors. However, the present cases could lead to a suspicion of a direct association between the exposure and the tumors or an entirely coincidental occurrence.