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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. One of the most frequent changes that can occur during pregnancy is ureterohydronephrosis (dilatation of pylon and of the renal calices) which happens in about 90% of pregnancies. If this situation is accompanied by what seems to represent a renal colic, we have to carefully evaluate the situation because our therapeutic decisions can affect both mother and fetus. Material and method. We analyzed the experience of Urology and Kidney Transplant Clinic in Iași as regards the management of the pregnant woman with symptomatic ureterohydronephrosis through the cases presented and admitted in the course of the year 2015. The group studied was represented by pregnant women admitted to whom we have analyzed the age, ureterohydronephrosis stage, gestational age and its connection with the dilatation degree and the need for a surgical maneuver during admission or in postpartum recovery. Results. The majority of the patients were between the ages of 20 and 29 years. Gestational age was relatively evenly distributed in the group studied without a linear correlation between the age of the patients and gestational age at presentation, although we observed a slight tendency for the presentation of the cases in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. We have noticed an increase of the ureterohydronephrosis degree correlated with the gestational age. Patients presented with minimal dilation had an average gestational age of 17,71 weeks, those with dilation grade I had gestational age average of 22,41 weeks, dilation grade II: 24,15 weeks and the degree III: 29 weeks. The majority of cases (72.9%) have ureterohydronephrosis on the right kidney. Of the admitted patients 45 had a favorable evolution after conservative treatment (antispastic/ antibiotic) and only a number of 25 (35,7%) requiring a surgical procedure due to the unfavorable evolution, this procedure being represented by the insertion of a JJ stent. After birth only a number of 3 cases have required a therapeutic approach adapted to a stone that was persistent. Conclusions. Although ureterohydronephrosis in pregnant woman presents an increased risk of developing various complications, frequently, under conservatory treatment, progress is favorable. Otherwise the insertion of a JJ stent can be a simple and safe maneuver witch ensures a favorable status, in spite of the symptoms accompanying the wearing of an urinary stent. After delivery the patient must return to urologist for evaluation of the presence or absence of an urethral calculus that will require a subsequent therapeutic approach. The vast majority of patients have no litiasic obstacle, the simple extraction of the JJ stent being the only maneuver they will still have to bear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii infection has been correlated with an increased risk of psychosis, but the connection between T. gondii and psychosis-like symptoms in the general adult population remains unclear. This paper analyzes the case of a 36-year-old patient with psychiatric history who was hospitalized after a suicide attempt by medication ingestion. Serological lab test results indicated the presence of T. gondii antibodies, and psychiatric evaluation revealed symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, delusional ideas, and psychotic anxiety. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a demyelinating lesion in the right frontal area, and ophthalmologic examination revealed ocular abnormalities: lessening of nervous fibres in the temporal region of the retina, three macular and juxta-macular lesions. The formulated diagnosis was acute psychotic disorder secondary to a general medical condition. The patient's treatment included Olanzapine, Sertraline, and Diazepam, with good response. The discussion explores the potential link between toxoplasmosis and psychiatric manifestations, supporting the hypothesis of a causal relation. The conclusions highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach in diagnosing and treating mental disorders associated with somatic manifestations and organic causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the magnetic survey on an area of more than five hectares, located south-west of Cetățuie, we are currently aware of an extension of the Cucutenian habitation, consisting of numerous burned and unburned structures, pits and two defensive ditches in the form of circular arcs. The magnetic map allowed, beginning with the 2017 campaign, the placement of smaller (test trenches) or larger excavation units for the verification of various types of anomalies (burnt houses, defence ditch, pits). In the last (2022) campaign, in addition to investigating a defensive ditch and a dwelling, it was decided to excavate also an anomaly initially considered a pit. The surprise was the identification of a pottery kiln, belonging to phase B of the Cucuteni culture, located in the immediate vicinity of the last defensive ditch (in the north-western part of the settlement). Its excavation revealed a quasi-unique type of pottery firing installation, partially buried, updraught, with two chambers (a lower, combustion chamber, and an upper firing chamber). Its unique feature is the absence of the usual stoking chamber and stoking pit for fuel supply in front of the kiln. Instead, the kiln had an elongated stoke hole, placed laterally, which communicated with just one channel, to the south. Being a rather rare discovery, at least in the Cucuteni area west of the Prut River, the presence of this kiln brings evidence of the specialized practice of the pottery craft in the eponymous settlement and nuances the known typology of pottery firing installations in the prehistory of south-eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]