Aging is a complex process influenced by genetics and the environment, leading to physiological decline and increased susceptibility to diseases. Cognitive decline is a prominent feature of aging, with implications for different neurodegenerative disorders. The gut microbiome has gained attention for its potential impact on health and disease, including cognitive function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and cognitive function in the context of aging. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was employed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies exploring the role of the microbiome in cognition and neurodegenerative disorders, published between 2013 and 2023, were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Quantitative synthesis using statistical analyses was performed to examine microbial diversity and relative abundance in various cognitive conditions. Sixteen studies involving a total of 1303 participants were included in the analysis. The gut microbiota’s relative abundance was different in individuals with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, compared to the healthy controls. The most prevalent phyla affected were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. Meta-analyses indicated substantial heterogeneity among studies focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. The overall quality of evidence related to microbial analysis was moderate. The gut microbiome’s role in cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders warrants investigation. Altered microbial abundance, particularly in specific phyla, is associated with cognitive impairments. However, variations in study findings and methodologies highlight the complexity of the relationship between the gut microbiome and cognitive function. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying this connection and its potential implications for aging and cognitive health.

Background: Fibromyalgia, depression, and autoimmune diseases represent a triad of interconnected conditions characterized by overlapping biological pathways, including chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and neurochemical imbalances. Understanding their shared mechanisms offers opportunities for innovative therapeutic approaches. Objective: This systematic review explores the common inflammatory- and immune-related pathways among these conditions, emphasizing their implications for biomarker development and novel therapeutic strategies. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies examining the relationship between fibromyalgia, depression, and autoimmune diseases with a focus on immune responses, inflammatory biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions were included. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: From the 255 identified studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence supports the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and neurochemical dysregulation (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) as key factors in the pathophysiology of these conditions. Pilot studies highlight the potential of immune-modulating therapies, including low-dose IL-2 and anti-inflammatory agents such as N-acetylcysteine and minocycline, in alleviating both physical and psychological symptoms. Emerging biomarkers, including cytokine profiles and platelet serotonin activity, show promise for personalized treatment approaches. Conclusions: The shared inflammatory pathways linking fibromyalgia, depression, and autoimmune diseases underscore the need for integrated therapeutic strategies. Although pilot studies provide preliminary insights, validation through large-scale, multicenter trials is essential. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies and leveraging biomarker-driven precision medicine to improve outcomes for patients with these complex, multifactorial conditions.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, chronic, and disabling neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent mood disturbances (mania/hypomania and depression, with or without mixed features) and a constellation of cognitive, psychomotor, autonomic, and endocrine abnormalities. The etiology of BD is multifactorial, including both biological and epigenetic factors. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of epigenetic regulators of gene expression playing a central role in brain development and plasticity, have been related to several neuropsychiatric disorders, including BD. Moreover, an alteration in the number/distribution and differentiation potential of neural stem cells has also been described, significantly affecting brain homeostasis and neuroplasticity. This review aimed to evaluate the most reliable scientific evidence on miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of BD and assess their implications in response to mood stabilizers, such as lithium. Neural stem cell distribution, regulation, and dysfunction in the etiology of BD are also dissected.

Background: Mental disorder is extremely common globally and integration of mental health in primary health services represents a critical gap especially in low- and middle-income Countries like Egypt. The World Health Organization has repeatedly called for effective training and support of primary care providers in the identification and treatment of mental health problems over the last decades.Methods: This paper aimed to evaluate attitudes and knowledge of health care providers toward mentally ill patients and measure knowledge and retention of training messages over time. A 3-day mental health training workshop for nurses of public health facilities in the Governorate of Port Said was organized. Pre-training and post-training questionnaires (immediately after the workshop and 3 months later) were used. Significance of gain in scores was examined between baseline and following cross sectional rounds.Results: The 73 participants in the study revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and attitude toward mental health from the baseline (pre-training), from a general mean score for desirable answers of 10.5 (± 1.2) to 21.2 (± 0.6). However, results slightly declined three months after from the workshop (18.5 (± 0.6)).Conclusions: Intensive short-term training on mental illness could be instrumental in improving knowledge and attitudes in countries like Egypt with extensive needs in terms of quality of comprehensive healthcare at primary and secondary level. However, additional evidence is needed to improve retention of information over time and to translate knowledge into clinical practice.

Background: Neurological disorders, particularly those associated with aging, pose significant challenges in early diagnosis and treatment. The identification of specific biomarkers, such as platelets (PLTs), has emerged as a promising strategy for early detection and intervention in neurological health. This systematic review aims to explore the intricate relationship between PLT dynamics and neurological health, focusing on their potential role in cognitive functions and the pathogenesis of cognitive disorders. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was employed in the PubMed and Scholar databases to identify studies on the role of PLTs in neurological disorders published from 2013 to 2023. The search criteria included studies focusing on PLTs as biomarkers in neurological disorders, their dynamics, and their potential in monitoring disease progression and therapy effectiveness. Results: The systematic review included 104 studies, revealing PLTs as crucial biomarkers in neurocognitive disorders, acting as inflammatory mediators. The findings suggest that PLTs share common features with altered neurons, which could be utilised for monitoring disease progression and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. PLTs are identified as significant biomarkers for detecting neurological disorders in their early stages and understanding the pathological events leading to neuronal death. Conclusions: The systematic review underscores the critical role of PLTs in neurological disorders, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of disease progression. However, it also emphasises the need for further research to solidify the use of PLTs in neurological disorders, aiming to enhance early diagnosis and intervention strategies.

Psychopathy is currently a condition that arouses great interest among psychiatrists because of its significant involvement in the forensic field. The authors illustrate the course over time of the concept of psychopathy, starting from the definition of “moral insanity” of Prichard. The historical journey allows to illustrate the different positions that the various European schools of psychiatry have had toward psychopathy, until modern nosographic classification systems such as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Special attention is paid to the “core” of psychopathy: the alteration of the moral sense, and through the illustration of moral development is provided a reading of morality in the psychopath and the reasons for its impairment. A clinical and critical examination of psychopathy assessment scales is proposed, with the aim to broaden the horizons of assessment, also to individuals who do not show violent behavior, but with compromised moral sense. Lastly, authors propose an interpretation of the social aspects of psychopathy that goes beyond the assessment of the psychopath confined in jails, with several highlighted aspects of psychopathy that contribute to social success in work, relationships, and career and that can contribute to the success of the psychopath.