Seroprevalencia de Toxoplasma gondii y su relación con trastornos mentales en adultos / Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and its Relationship with Mental Disorders in the Adult Population

El Toxoplasma gondii es un parásito que se encuentra, aproximadamente, en el 30 % de la población humana. Durante los últimos años se ha evidenciado que la infección latente puede ser un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de trastornos mentales; particularmente para la esquizofrenia, ansiedad, trastornos bipolares y trastornos de conducta. La asociación con los trastornos neuropsiquiátricos pueden explicarse por la influencia que tiene el parásito sobre la expresión de múltiples neurotransmisores; entre ellos la dopamina. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO de 2015 a 2023, se seleccionaron artículos originales y de revisión de revistas científicas internacionales, en idiomas inglés y español con el objetivo de describir la relación entre la seroprevalencia de T. gondii y el desarrollo de trastornos mentales en población adulta. Existe relación entre los trastornos mentales en la población adulta con la infección por Toxoplasma gondii y este aumenta la posibilidad de desarrollar esquizofrenia y depresión en individuos sin historial previo, y que podría exacerbar cuadros psiquiátricos previos con dificultad en el tratamiento. Sin embargo, no todos los datos estadísticos establecen una relación directa, algunos estudios demuestran una asociación, ciertos datos son discordantes, lo que abre una puerta para futuras investigaciones.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that is found in approximately 30 % of the human population. In recent years, it has been shown that latent infection can be a risk factor for the development of mental disorders; particularly schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and conduct disorders. The association with neuropsychiatric disorders can be explained by the influence of the parasite on the expression of multiple neurotransmitters; among them, dopamine has received the most attention. A narrative bibliographic review article was done with the search of original and review articles in international scientific journals, in English and Spanish listing the relationship between the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the development of mental disorders in the adult population. The relationship between mental disorders in the adult population with Toxoplasma gondii infection is present and increases the possibility of developing schizophrenia and depression in individuals with no previous history, including the ability to worsen previous psychiatric conditions, making it difficult for standard management. Not all statistical data establish a direct relationship, some studies show an association and certain data are discordant, which opens a door for future research.

Effect of edaravone on ERK-CREB signaling pathway in hippocampus of aged rats with postoperative cognitive dysfunction / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of edaravone on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in the hippocampus of aged rats with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).Methods:Sixty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 20 months, weighing 650-700 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), POCD group (group P), edaravone group (group E) and ERK inhibitor group (group I). The rats received laparotomy under 3% sevoflurane anesthesia to prepare POCD model in P, E and I groups. Edaravone 3 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before operation in E and I groups, ERK inhibitor PD98059 0.3 mg/kg was injected via the tail vein in group I. The open field test was performed at 3 days after operation to evaluate the spontaneous activity of rats, then Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the cognitive function of rats on 3-7 days after operation. The rats were sacrificed after the end of Morris water maze test, and hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of the expression of phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) (by Western blot) and dendrite length and density of dendrites in hippocampal CA1 area (using Golgi staining). Results:Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged after operation, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB, synaptophysin and PSD-95 was down-regulated, and the dendritic length and density of hippocampal neurons were reduced in group P ( P<0.05). Compared with group P, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB, synaptophysin and PSD-95 was up-regulated, and the dendritic length and density of hippocampal neurons were increased in group E ( P<0.05). Compared with group E, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB, synaptophysin and PSD-95 was down-regulated, the dendritic length of hippocampal neurons was shortened, and the density of hippocampal neurons was decreased in group I( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which edaravone improves POCD may be related to activating ERK/CREB signaling pathway and changing synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 region in aged rats.

Brain glucose hypometabolism and hippocampal inflammation in Goto-Kakizaki rats

Brain glucose hypometabolism and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic manifestations in neurological disorders. Neuroinflammation may also disrupt leptin signaling, an adipokine that centrally regulates appetite and energy balance by acting on the hypothalamus and exerting neuroprotection in the hippocampus. The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is a non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animal model used to investigate diabetes-associated molecular mechanisms without obesity jeopardizing effects. Wistar and GK rats received the maintenance adult rodent diet. Also, an additional control group of Wistar rats received a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFHS) provided by free consumption of condensed milk. All diets and water were provided ad libitum for eight weeks. Brain glucose uptake was evaluated by 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose under basal (saline administration) or stimulated (CL316,243, a selective β3-AR agonist) conditions. The animals were fasted for 10-12 h, anesthetized, and euthanized. The brain was quickly dissected, and the hippocampal area was sectioned and stored at -80°C in different tubes for protein and RNA analyses on the same animal. GK rats exhibited attenuated brain glucose uptake compared to Wistar animals and the HFHS group under basal conditions. Also, the hippocampus of GK rats displayed upregulated leptin receptor, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression and IL-1β and the subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB (p-p65) protein expression. No significant alterations were detected in the hippocampus of HFHS rats. Our data indicated that a genetic predisposition to T2DM has significant brain deteriorating features, including brain glucose hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, and leptin signaling disruption in the hippocampal area.

Chlorpyrifos should be banned in agriculture and livestock production in Colombia

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a pesticide widely used in Colombia´s agriculture, including crops, farm animals and pets, despite it has been banned for use in the European Union and the United States. Studies demonstrate that even low blood levels of CPF -which do not inhibit blood acetylcholinesterase- can lead to child developmental and neurological disorders such as smaller head circumference and brain alterations, and psychomotor and cognitive deficits related to learning ability, attention and memory. In adults, CPF is an endocrine disruptor and breast carcinogen. High direct and indirect economic costs have been associated with CPF exposure. Not only farmers and their families -who have the highest exposures- but the general population consuming crops sprayed with CPF are also at risk. For these reasons CPF was recently banned by the European Union (2020) and the USA (2021). Pesticide regulation policies vary greatly depending on which and how scientific studies are used to assess health risks. Pesticide evaluations funded by the chemical industry should be rectified to avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, political alignment with the interests of the industry should not take precedence over independent scientific evidence. It is discouraging, to say the least, that until stricter health laws are passed in Colombia, CPFs and related pesticides will continue to be imported from those countries that have already banned them. Colombian scientists should raise their voice to challenge blind acceptance of profits over unintended consequences, and efforts to prevent pesticide´s abuse should be encouraged.

El clorpirifos (CPF) es un pesticida ampliamente utilizado en la agricultura de Colombia, incluidos cultivos, animales de granja y mascotas, a pesar de haber sido prohibido en la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos. Los estudios han demostrado que incluso niveles bajos de CPF en sangre -que no inhiben la acetilcolinesterasa sanguínea- pueden provocar trastornos neurológicos y del desarrollo infantil, como menor circunferencia de la cabeza y alteraciones cerebrales, y déficits psicomotores y cognitivos relacionados con la capacidad de aprendizaje, la atención y la memoria. En adultos, el CPF es un disruptor endocrino y causante de cáncer de mama. Altos costos económicos directos e indirectos se han asociado con la exposición al CPF. No solo los trabajadores agrícolas y sus familias, que están más expuestos, sino también la población en general que consume cultivos rociados con CPF también están en riesgo. Por estas razones el CPF fue prohibido recientemente por la Unión Europea (2020) y los EE. UU. (2021). Las políticas de regulación de plaguicidas varían mucho según los estudios científicos escogidos para evaluar los riesgos para la salud. Las evaluaciones de plaguicidas financiadas por la industria química deben rectificarse para evitar conflictos de interés. Además, ante la evidencia científica independiente no debería prevalecer la alineación política con los intereses de dicha industria. Es desalentador, por decir lo menos, que hasta que se aprueben leyes de salud más estrictas en Colombia se seguirán importando CPF y pesticidas relacionados desde aquellos países que ya los han prohibido. Los científicos colombianos deben alzar la voz para desafiar la aceptación ciega de ganancias por encima de las consecuencias no deseadas en salud pública, y se deben alentar los esfuerzos para prevenir el abuso de pesticidas.

Clorpirifós (CPF) é um pesticida registrado amplamente utilizado na agricultura colombiana, incluindo lavouras, animais de fazenda e animais de estimação, apesar de ter sido proibido na União Europeia e nos Estados Unidos. Estudos têm demonstrado que mesmo níveis baixos de CPF no sangue -que não inibem a acetilcolinesterase sanguínea-podem levar a distúrbios neurológicos e de desenvolvimento em crianças, como menor perímetro cefálico e alterações cerebrais, além de déficits psicomotores e cognitivos relacionados à capacidade de aprendizagem, atenção e memoria. Em adultos, o CPF é um desregulador endócrino e cancerígeno da mama. Altos custos econômicos diretos (devido ao tratamento) e indiretos (devido à perda de produtividade) têm sido associados à exposição ao CPF. Não apenas os trabalhadores agrícolas e suas famílias, que têm as maiores exposições, mas a população em geral que consome culturas pulverizadas com CPF também estão em risco. Por essas razões, o CPF foi recentemente proibido pela União Europeia (2020) e pelos EUA (2021). As políticas de regulamentação de pesticidas variam muito, dependendo de quais (e como) os estudos científicos são usados para avaliar os riscos à saúde. As avaliações de pesticidas financiadas pela indústria química devem ser retificadas para evitar conflitos de interesse. Além disso, o alinhamento político com os interesses da indústria não deve ter precedência sobre as evidências científicas independentes. É desanimador - para dizer o mínimo - que até que leis de saúde mais rígidas sejam aprovadas na Colômbia, o CPF e tóxicos relacionados continuarão a ser importados dos países que já os proibiram.

Role of mitophagy in cognitive dysfunction in rats with sepsis-associated encephalopathy / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of mitophagy in cognitive dysfunction in rats with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE).Methods:Twenty-four clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 13-14 weeks, weighing 230-250 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), SAE group and SAE+ autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group (3-MA group).The SAE models were developed by cecal ligation and puncture in anesthetized animals.3-MA 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min after developing the model in 3-MA group.Cognitive function was assessed by Morris water maze test, and the escape latency and ratio of the time of staying at the target quadrant were recorded.After the end of Morris water maze test, the rats were sacrificed and hippocampal tissues were collected for microscopic examination of the pathological changes which were scored after hematoxylin-eosin staining and for determination of the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3, Beclin1 and p62 (by Western blot).The ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰwas calculated.The hippocampal mitochondria were isolated to measure mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP content and ATPase activity by spectrophotometry. Results:Compared with Sham group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the ratio of the time of staying at the target quadrant was decreased, the pathological score of hippocampus was decreased, and the contents of MMP and ATP and ATPase activity were decreased in SAE and 3-MA groups, the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰwas significantly increased, the expression of Beclin1 was up-regulated, and the expression of p62 was down-regulated in SAE group, and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰwas significantly decreased, and the expression of Beclin1 and p62 was up-regulated in 3-MA group ( P<0.05).Compared with SAE group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the ratio of the time of staying at the target quadrant was decreased, the pathological score of hippocampus was decreased, the ratio of LC3/LC3Ⅰwas decreased, the expression of Beclin1 was down-regulated, the expression of p62 was up-regulated, and the contents of MMP and ATP and ATPase activity were decreased in 3-MA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Hippocampal mitophagy is involved in cognitive dysfunction in the rats with SAE.

Research progress of referral after screening for mild cognitive impairment in older adults / 中华老年医学杂志

The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment(MCI) is increasing.Screening and early intervention on MCI patients can effectively delay the course of the disease and improve the outcome.However, the visit rate of MCI in China is less than 4‰, and the majority of the patients did not receive the relevant health services.The referral is the key steps between patient screening and getting the follow-up health service, which is currently the weakest link.This review discusses the status of referral after MCI screening in recent years, summarizes and analyzes the factors influencing the referral from three aspects of the recipients, donors and environment.We also summarized interventions to improve the referral rate, which provided the theoretical foundation for improving the medical behavior in patients with MCI, so as to make patients receive proper treatment and care for reducing the country-related burden of disease.

Função auditiva, percepção da incapacidade e cognição em idosos: uma relação a elucidar / Hearing function, perception of disability (handicap) and cognition in the elderly: a relation to be elucidated

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a percepção da incapacidade auditiva, a audição e a cognição em idosos encaminhados para avaliação audiológica e verificar a existência de correlação entre a audição e as habilidades cognitivas. Método Estudo observacional e descritivo, realizado com 135 idosos. Os participantes realizaram a avaliação auditiva (Audiometria Tonal Limiar, Logoaudiometria, Imitanciometria) responderam a um inventário que avalia a percepção da incapacidade auditiva (questionário HHIE - Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly) e foram submetidos a um rastreio cognitivo (teste Mini Exame do Estado Mental - MEEM). Resultados Houve elevada prevalência de queixa auditiva e perda da audição nos idosos encaminhados para avaliação auditiva, mas não houve relação do grau da perda auditiva e da percepção da incapacidade auditiva em relação ao desempenho cognitivo. Conclusão Neste estudo, o grau da perda auditiva não influenciou o desempenho cognitivo dos idosos, e a percepção da incapacidade auditiva não diferiu entre indivíduos com cognição normal ou alterada.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze auditory perception, hearing and cognition in the elderly referred for audiological evaluation and search for correlations between hearing and cognitive abilities. Method An observational and descriptive study, carried out with 135 elderly people. The participants did the auditory (tonal audiometry, speech audiometry, immittance measures, HHIE Questionnaire - Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly) and the cognitive (MMSE - Mini Mental State Examination) assessments. Results There is a high prevalence of hearing complaints (91.85%) and hearing loss (91.85%) in the elderly referred for audiological assessment, but there was no relation between the degree of hearing loss (p = 0.537) and the auditory perception (p = 0.930) in relation to cognitive performance. Conclusion In this study, the degree of hearing loss did not influence the cognitive performance of the elderly, and the auditory handicap perception did not differ between individuals with normal or altered cognition.

The clinical characteristics and influencing factors on postoperative emotion and cognitive functions for elderly versus non-elderly male patients with laryngeal cancer / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and influencing factors on postoperative emotional and cognitive function for elderly versus non-elderly male patients with laryngeal carcinoma.Methods:The patients with laryngeal cancer hospitalized in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery were selected for a questionnaire survey in two Grade III-A Hospital in Shanxi Province from January 2018 to December 2019.There were 105 patients with laryngeal cancer, including 60 in the elderly and 45 in the non-elderly group.Negative emotion and cognitive function were investigated by using Self-rating Anxiety Scales(SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MOCA)before surgery, 10 days after surgery, and 1 year after surgery, respectively.The clinical characteristics of the elderly versus non-elderly groups were analyzed and compared.Results:One year after surgery, there were 52 cases(86.7%)and 27 cases(45.0%)of depression and cancer-related cognitive impairment(CRCI)in the elderly group, which were higher than 30 cases(66.7%)and 4 cases(8.9%)in the non-elderly group, with statistically significant difference( χ2 = 6.013, χ2 =16.115 and P<0.05, P<0.01). The elderly group showed much more anxiety and CRCI 10 days after surgery(60.50±4.31 vs.55.84±3.81, 27.47±1.08 vs.28.31±1.08, P<0.01)and showed much more depression and CRCI(57.20±5.66 vs.62.60±5.37, 27.36±1.37 vs.26.08±1.42, P<0.01)than did the non-elderly group 1 year after surgery.The results of multiple linear regression analysis in the elderly group showed that the mode of operation and the pronunciation one year after surgery significantly affected their anxiety; the marriage and the educated level significantly affected their depression; the marriage, the educated level and operation mode significantly affected their cognitive function.Clinical stage of tumor significantly affected anxiety and depression, the educated level significantly affected cognitive function in the non-elderly group. Conclusions:Postoperative negative emotion and cognitive function in patients with laryngeal cancer continues to deteriorate after surgery, which were affected by many factors, especially in elderly patients.It is necessary to conduct active and effective interventions as soon as possible.

Correlation between peripheral blood hypersensitive C-reactive protein and cognitive function in patients with depression / 中国基层医药

Objective:To correlate peripheral blood hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with cognitive function in patients with depression.Methods:Seventy-five patients with depression who received treatment in the Second People's Hospital of Lishui from January 2019 to May 2020 were included in the depression group. An additional 50 healthy controls were included in the control group. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was used to evaluate participates' cognitive function. Serum hs-CRP level was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning and reasoning/problem-solving scores in the depression group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 10.774, 2.774, 9.840, 5.064, 7.915, all P < 0.01). Serum hs-CRP level in the depression group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(13.05 ± 2.94) mL vs. (1.13 ± 0.18) mL, t = 28.595, P < 0.01]. Speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning and reasoning/problem-solving scores in patients with moderate and severe depression were significantly lower than those in patients with mild depression. Serum hs-CRP level in patients with moderate and severe depression was (10.41 ± 2.21) mg/L and (25.71 ± 4.04) mg/L, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in patients with mild depression [(3.03 ± 0.49) mg/L, t = 3.015, 3.370; 3.903, 3.441; 3.541, 3.604; 4.503, 4.661; 4.001, 3.980; 4.035, 3.669, all P < 0.01]. Speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning and reasoning/problem-solving scores in patients with severe depression were significantly lower than those in patients with moderate depression ( t = 8.331, 5.227, 10.031, 6.003, 9.416, all P < 0.01). Serum hs-CRP level in patients with severe depression was significantly higher than that in patients with moderate depression [(25.71 ± 4.04) mg/L vs. (10.41 ± 2.21) mg/L, t = 11.005, P < 0.01]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum hs-CRP level in patients with depression was remarkably negatively correlated with speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning and reasoning/problem-solving scores (all P < 0.01). Conclusion:Serum hs-CRP level in patients with depression is greatly increased, can reflect the severity of depression and is related to cognitive function.

Effectiveness of an intervention to increase the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the return and disposal of unused medications

@#This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention (Safe D.U.M.P) to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the return and disposal of unused medications. Community-dwelling adults in Malaysia who could understand English were recruited from two healthcare events. Participants were asked to fill out the validated Return and Disposal of Unused Medications (ReDiUM) questionnaire (pre-intervention), view six educational intervention posters on how to dispose of unused medications (Safe D.U.M.P), then answer the ReDiUM questionnaire immediately after viewing the posters (post-intervention). A total of 390 out of 456 participants participated (response rate=85.5%). Most were female (71%) with a median age of 42 years. The overall knowledge of participants significantly increased from 60% to 80% (p<0.001). However, no improvement was seen regarding their overall attitude and practice. This outcome was as expected as it may be more difficult to improve attitude and practice (when compared to knowledge) with a single educational session.

Factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among patients with diabetes mellitus in primary health care: Many questions, few answers

@#Introduction: People with diabetes mellitus (DM) may have concurrent mental health disorders and have been shown to have poorer disease outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study to determine the prevalence of DASS in patients with diabetes mellitus without mental disorders, aged 20 years or more, in primary health care, and to determine any association between DASS and patients’ sociodemographic and clinical attributes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a primary health care center, in the department of general practice. Patients with DM who visited the doctor and agreed to fill in the questionnaire were included in the study. Data were collected using the questionnaire DASS-21. Descriptive statistics, the Pearson chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of a total of 102 respondents with DM, 29 (28.4%) had some form of psychological symptoms. The prevalence of DASS was 16.7%, 16.6%, and 23.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference between sociodemographic variables according to stress status. Respondents aged 40–49 years more often showed emotional states of depression and anxiety. There was a significant association between emotional status of DASS and HbA1c values. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age (OR=2.57, 95% CI: 1.59-4.13) was a predictor of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Unpleasant emotional states DASS are common in patients with DM, depression (16.7%), anxiety (16.6%), and stress (23.5%). Age is the strongest predictor of DASS status. The screening and monitoring of unpleasant emotional states in people with diabetes should be performed from a young age.

Effect of electroacupuncture on the learning and memory abilities in type 2 diabetic model rats with cognitive impairment / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the protein and gene expressions of Bax, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in cerebral cortex of type 2 diabetic rats with cognitive impairment (CI), and to explore the mechanism of EA in improving the learning and memory abilities. Methods: A total of 100 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group (n=10) and a model group (n=90) by random number table method. Rats in the model group were intraperitoneally injected with a small dose of streptozotocin (STZ) to establish the type 2 diabetic models, after being fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 1 month. Twenty CI rats were selected from the 50 successful model rats by the Morris water maze (MWM) test and randomly divided into a model group and an EA group according to the blood glucose level and MWM data (n=10). Rats in the EA group received acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44) and Yishu (Extra), of which Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting (ST 44) were stimulated by EA apparatus, 20 min/time, once a day for 6 d a week and 4 consecutive weeks. The rats in the model and the normal groups were fixed without treatment. After 4-week treatment, the random blood glucose level of the rats was measured; the learning and memory abilities of rats were measured by MWM; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect apoptotic cells; Western blot (WB) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the protein and gene expressions of Bax, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in cerebral cortex. Results: After modeling, the random blood glucose level and the escape latency tested by MWM were significantly increased, and the number of crossing the platform tested by the MWM was decreased in the EA and model groups, and were significantly different from those in the normal group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the differences between the model group and the EA group were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). After 4-week treatment, the random glucose level and the escape latency tested by MWM were significantly increased (both P<0.05), and the number of crossing the original platform tested by the MWM was significantly reduced (P<0.01), the protein and gene expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased (all P<0.001), the protein and gene expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly reduced (both P<0.001), and the number of neuron apoptosis was significantly increased (P<0.001) in the model group than in the normal group; the random blood glucose level was significantly reduced (P<0.05), the escape latency tested by MWM was significantly shortened (P<0.05), and the number of crossing the original platform tested by MWM was significantly increased (P<0.05), the protein and gene expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly reduced (all P<0.001), the protein and gene expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly increased (both P<0.001), and the number of neuron apoptosis was significantly reduced (P<0.001) in the EA group than in the model group. Conclusion: EA can improve the learning and memory damages induced by type 2 diabetic model rats with CI; the action mechanism may be achieved via anti-apoptosis.

Neuroprotective effect of low mean arterial pressure on postoperative cognitive deficit attenuated by prolonged coronary artery bypass time: a meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction: The true influence of the low mean arterial pressure (low MAP) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on the development of postoperative cognitive deficit (POCD) remains controversial. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis and meta-regression to determine the effect of low MAP on POCD, as well as moderator variables between low MAP and POCD. Methods: The Web of Science, PubMed database, Scopus and the Cochrane Library database (up to June 2018) were searched and retrieved articles systematically reviewed. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing maintenance of low MAP (<80 mmHg) and high MAP (>80 mmHg) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were included in our final review. Statistical analysis of the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the overall effect. The overall effect and meta-regression analysis were done using Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (MHRR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of 731 patients in three RCTs were included in this study. POCD occurred in 6.4% of all cases. Maintenance of low MAP did not reduce the occurrence of POCD (MHRR 1.012 [95% CI 0.277-3.688]; Z=0.018; P=0.986; I2=66%). Shorter CPB time reduced the occurrence of POCD regardless of group assignment (MH log risk ratio -0.519 [95% CI -0.949 - -0.089]; Z= -2.367; P=0.017). Conclusion: POCD is a common event among CABG patients. The neuroprotective effect of low MAP on POCD was attenuated by the prolonged CPB time.

Indicadores antropométricos associados à demência em idosos de Florianópolis - SC, Brasil: Estudo EpiFloripa Idoso / Anthropometric indicators associated with dementia in the elderly from Florianópolis - SC, Brazil: EpiFloripa Ageing Study

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a associação entre demência e indicadores antropométricos em idosos de Florianópolis. Estudo transversal, de base populacional, realizado com 1.197 idosos (≥ 60 anos) em 2013/2014. A demência foi considerada como a presença conjunta de escore baixo no Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e a incapacidade funcional moderada/grave nas atividades de vida diária (AVD). As variáveis independentes avaliadas foram: índice de massa corporal (IMC), perímetro da cintura (PC), índice de conicidade e relação cintura/estatura (RCEst). A regressão logística (bruta e ajustada) foi utilizada para identificar os fatores associados. A prevalência estimada de demência foi de 15,1%. Após ajustes para características sociodemográficas, estilo de vida e sintomas depressivos, a demência foi positivamente associada aos tercis superiores do IMC (OR: 2,32; IC95%: 1,26-4,25), PC (OR: 2,22; IC95%: 1,20-4,11) e RCEst. (OR: 2,30; IC95%: 1,19-4,43). De acordo com os resultados, tanto a obesidade quanto a gordura abdominal foram associados ao desfecho, sugerindo que o IMC, o PC e a RCEst. devam ser considerados na investigação dessa relação.

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between dementia and anthropometric indicators in the elderly from Florianópolis. Method This is a cross-sectional population-based survey performed with 1,197 elderly (≥ 60 years) in 2013/2014. Dementia was defined as the combined evidence of low MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) score and moderate/severe disability in the activities of daily living. The independent variables were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), conicity index and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Logistic regression (crude and adjusted) was performed to identify associated factors. Results Dementia prevalence was estimated at 15.1%. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle and depressive symptoms, dementia was positively associated with the upper tertiles of the BMI (OR: 2.32; CI95%: 1.26-4.25), WC (OR: 2.22; CI95%: 1.20-4.11) and WHtR (OR: 2.30; CI95%: 1.19-4.43). Conclusion Results have shown that both obesity and abdominal fat were associated with the outcome, suggesting that BMI, WC and WHtR should be considered in the investigation of this relationship.

Total magnetic resonance imaging burden of cerebral small vessel diseases and its application / 中华神经科杂志

Imaging findings of cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD) include white matter lesions,enlarged perivascular spaces,lacunar infarcts and cerebral microbleeds.These imaging markers often appear at the same time.In recent years,the "total small vessel diseases score" was proposed by combining the different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers into one measure of CSVD,so that we can capture all the brain damage from CSVD more accurately through the evaluation of total MRI burden.This paper reviews the research progress of total small vessel diseases score and its application.

Risk factors and a prognostic model for postoperative cognitive dysfunction after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery in elderly women / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD)after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery in elderly female patients,and to establish a risk model for prognosis.Methods Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) was used to evaluate the cognitive function of 280 elderly women who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery from April 2014 to March 2016 in four tertiary-level hospitals in Hubei Province.Thirty-two cases were excluded due to withdrawal or loss of follow-up,and 248 cases with complete and valid data were collected for analysis.According to the degree of cognitive impairment on the 7th day after operation,subjects were grouped into a POCD group and a non-POCD group.Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors and establish a prognostic model for POCD.Results Of the 248 subjects enrolled,62 (25.0％) were diagnosed with POCD on the 7th day after operation.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) grade(OR =4.578,95％CI:1.156 ～18.139,P =0.030),age (OR =1.465,95％ CI:1.230 ～ 1.745,P =0.000),and duration of anesthesia(OR =1.030,95 ％ CI:1.005 ～ 1.056,P =0.017) were independent risk factors for POCD,and intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine (OR =0.069,95 ％ CI:0.508 ～ 14.094,P =0.011),dexamethasone (OR =0.135,95 ％ CI:0.200 ～ 0.928,P =0.042),and maintenance of deep anesthesia(OR =0.761,95 ％ CI:0.630 to 0.919,P =0.005) were protective factors.A prognostic model was established based on the principle of logistic regression equation.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve determined Y=4.291 as the best risk value,and the expected sensitivity and specificity were 90.3％ and 97.8％,respectively.Additionally,another 50 independent cases were included to verify the predictive efficacy of the model.It showed that the overall correct rate was 86.0％,and the sensitivity and specificity were 81.8％ and 87.2％,respectively.Conclusions Increased ASA grade,advanced age,prolonged anesthesia time are independent risk factors for POCD,and intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine,dexamethasone,maintenance of deep anesthesia play a protective role.The prognosis model of POCD has certain clinical value.

Correlations of plasma homocysteine with cerebral white matter lesion severity and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with hypertension / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the correlations of plasma homocysteine(Hcy)levels with cerebral white matter lesion(WML)severity and cognitive impairment in elderly hypertension patients.Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted.Ninty-eight elderly patients with hypertension were enrolled.Based on the presence or absence of hyperhomocysteinemia(hypertension with plasma Hcy levels ≥10μmol/L was defined as H-type hypertension),patients were divided into two groups:a control group(n =48) and an H-type hypertension group(n =50).The degree of WML was rated by the Fazekas scale using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)analysis.Neuropsychological examinations including mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA)were taken to assess cognitive function.The degree of WML and cognitive impairment were compared between the two groups.Correlations of plasma Hcy levels with the degree of WML and cognitive impairment were analyzed.Results Compared with the control group,scores of the Fazekas scale(3.2 ± 1.0 vs.2.5 ± 1.0,P ＜0.05) and deep white matter hyperintensity on MRI(1.7 ± 0.8 vs.1.3±0.7,P＜0.05)increased,and scores of MMSE(24.9±3.3 vs.27.7±1.8,P＜0.05)and MoCA(18.6±3.9 vs.25.0±3.0,P＜0.05)decreased in the H-type hypertension group.Plasma Hcy levels were positively correlated with the degree of WML (r =0.430,P ＜ 0.01) and negatively correlated with cognitive function(r=-0.406 in MMSE and-0.663 in MoCA,P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression showed that Hcy,fasting blood-glucose,deep WML,low-density lipoprotein cholesterolin,age and systolic pressure were influencing factors for cognitive impairment (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions WML and cognitive function are worse in elderly H-type hypertension patients than in hypertension patients with normal Hcy levels.WML and cognitive impairment are aggravated with increased plasma Hcy levels.The plasma Hcy level may be an effective clinical indicator of cognitive function in elderly people with hypertension.

White matter hyperintensities and vascular cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a common type of cerebral small vessel disease and an important pathological change in cognitive impairment.Numerous studies have shown that WMHs are closely associated with vascular cognitive impakment.This article reviews the relationship between WMHs and vascular cognitive impairment,and provides a new research direction for the prevention and treatment of WMHs in order to improve vascular cognitive impairment.

Intestinal Microorganisms and Aging / 中国药学杂志

More and more evidence shows that the type and quantity of intestinal microbes have undergone subtle changes during the aging process, affecting the aging state of the body. Among them, the two-way regulatory mechanism between the brain and the intestinal microflora gut-brain-axis affects senile cognitive impairment by regulating inflammatory factors. Through reasonable dietary fiber, probiotic intervention and microbial transplantation, the structure and quantity of intestinal flora can be adjusted to a certain extent, and diseases caused by dysbacteriosis of the intestinal flora can be reduced, which can delay aging.

Recent advances in the vascular brain injury of cognitive function network / 中国脑血管病杂志

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) , characterized with progressive worsening of executive function,learning and memory ability,is a clinical syndrome associated with vascular etiologies. Vascular injury leads to the compromise of integrity in the anatomical network connectivity and functional network connectivity within white matter, cortical gray matter and subcortical gray matter of the brain. Recent advances of VCID at different levels, from molecule and cell to brain structure, functional network and clinical disease,are summarized in this review.