Correlation between in-vivo mercury exposure from Cinnabaris and memory disorders in juvenile rat / 中国药科大学学报

@#Cinnabaris(α-HgS) is a mineral traditional Chinese material medica, as a tranquilizer and sedative, which is widely used in combination with herbs for the treatment of children high fever and convulsion.However, a large amount of mercury in Cinnabaris poses a potential risk to the immature central nervous system of children and probably causes severe memory disorders.Inthisstudy,three groups of juvenile rats were given low, medium, and high doses of Cinnabaris by oral gavage once a day for 14 continuous weeks, respectively.The blood mercury concentrations of the rats at different growth phases were monitored by atomic fluorescence spectrometry.The brain structural and functional changes related to the memory functions were investigated through HE staining and Morris water-maze test. Correlation analysis was conducted to clarify the dose- mercury exposure-toxic effect relationship of Cinnabaris and memory disorders.It was found thatthe blood mercury levels increased in both time- and dose-dependent manner.After the 14-week continuous administration of Cinnabaris, the pathological lesions in hippocampal neurons of rats in the high dose group were observed including pyknosis and disordered cell arrangement.In the Morris water-maze test, compared with the control group, rats in the high dose group exhibited the significantly prolonged latency to find the platform and the target quadrant, and the time spent in the target quadrant was obviously shortened. Thus, the significant correlations were established between Cinnabaris dose and mercury exposure,mercury exposure and memory disorders, respectively. In conclusion, the long-term and overdose administration of Cinnabaris in juvenile rats can increase the in-vivo mercury level, destroy the normal hippocampal morphological structure, and lead to memory disorders. This study provided scientific references for the potential mercury poisoning risks pharmacovigilance of Cinnabaris-containing paediatric formulations.

Long-lasting brain fog is related with severity clusters of symptoms in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 patients may experience Long-lasting symptoms from weeks to even months. AIM: To evaluate long-term cognitive impairment based on the severity of symptoms of COVID-19 infection in a primary health system setting. Material and Methods: From a database of 363 patients, 83 cases aged 47 ± 15 years, (58% females) were selected from June to August 2020. In patients who survived the virus, 24 infection-related symptoms were collected to create three severity clusters (mild, moderate, and severe). The follow-up time was at least seven months. Comparing the first two clusters with the severe cluster, the existence of brain fog and risk factors (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and hypothyroidism) were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (37%) had persistent symptoms lasting up to 240 days. Fifty-one patients (61%) experienced brain fog. Concentration was affected by symptom severity (odds ratio [OR] 3.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-10.46, p = 0.02). Short- or long-term memory loss was not affected. Moreover, symptom severity was related to brain fog (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.05-9.51, p = 0.04). Patients with persistent symptoms had a concentration impairment associated with severity patterns (OR 24.3, 95% CI 1.73-340.11, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Brain fog is associated with symptom severity in COVID-19 survivors and lasts for more than eight months.

ANTECEDENTES: Los pacientes que han tenido COVID-19 pueden experimentar síntomas persistentes que duran semanas a meses. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el deterioro cognitivo a largo plazo en función de la severidad de los síntomas de la infección por COVID-19, en un escenario de sistema primario de salud. Material y Métodos: De una base de datos de 363 pacientes se seleccionaron 83 casos de 47 ± 15 años (58% mujeres), de junio-agosto de 2020. Se recopilaron 24 síntomas relacionados con la infección, creando tres grupos (leve, moderado y severo), en pacientes que padecieron y sobreviven al virus. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de al menos siete meses. La existencia de niebla cerebral y de factores de riesgo (obesidad, hipertensión, diabetes, enfermedad pulmonar crónica e hipotiroidismo) se comparó los dos grupos de severidad más bajos con el nivel superior. RESULTADOS: Treinta y un pacientes (37%) tuvieron síntomas prolongados con una duración de hasta 240 días. Cincuenta y un pacientes (61%) mostraron niebla cerebral. El deterioro de la concentración fue afectado por la severidad (Razón de riesgo (RR) = 3,63, Intervalos de confianza (IC) 95%: 1,26-10,46, p = 0,02). La pérdida de memoria a corto o largo plazo no fue afectada. El grupo con mayor severidad se asoció a niebla cerebral (RR = 3,16, IC95%: 1,05-9,51, p = 0,04). Los portadores de síntomas prolongados tuvieron una alteración de la concentración asociado a severidad (RR: 3,16, IC95%: 1,05-9,51, p= 0,04). Conclusiones: La niebla cerebral está relacionada con la severidad de los síntomas en supervivientes de COVID-19 permaneciendo por más de ocho meses.

Effect of Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids on ER-P38/MAPK pathway of memory impaired mice / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To study the effect of total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae on learning and memory impairment mice induced by sodium nitrite. Methods:75 mice were divided into blank group, model group, Kangnaoshuai capsule group, Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids group and Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids+inhibitor group according to the random number table method, with 15 mice in each group. The Kangnaoshui Capsule group was administered with Kangnaoshui Capsule 585 mg/kg, the Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids group was administered with the Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids 97.5 mg/kg, the Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids group and the inhibitor group were administered with the Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids by intragastric administration 97.5 mg/kg, and intraperitoneal injection of 0.072 mg/kg ICI182780 for 21 days, once a day. The model was established on the 22nd day. Except for the blank group, the other mice were injected with sodium nitrite intraperitoneally to replicate the mice model with impaired learning and memory capability. The learning and memory capabilit of mice were detected with water maze method, and the estrogen receptor in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry β (estrogen receptor β, ERβ). The expression of ERβ in hippocampus and the expression of phosphorylated P38 (P-P38) and the protein contents of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated death promoter (Bad) and Caspase-3 in the apoptotic system was detected by Western blot. The kit was used to detect MDA,SOD and NO protein content in hippocampus. Results:The latency of Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids group was significantly shorter than the model group, the number of crossing platform and the residence time in the target quadrant were significantly increased ( P<0.01); The expression of ERβ Protein in mice hippocampus (0.371 ± 0.010 vs. 0.124 ± 0.009), Bcl-2 protein (1.146 ± 0.028 vs. 0.726 ± 0.016) and the contents of SOD [(153.657 ± 6.385) U/mg vs. (67.719±5.845) U/mg] increased significantly ( P<0.01); The expression of P-P38/P38 protein (0.412 ± 0.043 vs.0.806 ± 0.069), Bad protein (0.421 ± 0.010 vs.0.633 ± 0.010), Caspase-3 protein (0.923 ± 0.042 vs.1.437 ± 0.033), and the content of MDA [(8.669 ± 0.662) nmol/mg vs. (11.772 ± 1.054) nmol/mg] and NO [(4.259 ± 0.225) nmol/mg vs. (10.805 ± 0.415) nmol/mg] decreased significantly ( P<0.01). In addition, ER blocker can antagonize the above recovery and improvement effects of Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids group. Conclusion:Rhizoma Drynariae total flavonoids can regulate memory impairment, inhibit neuronal apoptosis and reduce oxidative stress in sodium nitrite model mice through ER-P38/MAPK signal pathway.

Depressive symptoms may be associated with semantic memory decline in elderly adults / Sintomas depressivos podem estar associados a declínio na memória semântica em idosos

ABSTRACT Depressive symptoms are associated with a decline of episodic memory, but the relationship with semantic memory remains unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship of depressive symptoms with the semantic memory in a community-based sample of elderly adults. The sample comprised two groups, namely, clinical (with depressive symptoms) and control. Methods: The following instruments were used General Evaluation Questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic, Wechsler Abbreviate Scale of Intelligence, Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS-30), Beck Depression Inventory-II, Boston Nomination Test (BNT), vocabulary, verbal fluency test (fruits and animals), and Brief Cognitive Screening Battery. Results: The results showed a significant difference between groups only in BNT. A significant correlation was observed between the BNT and GDS-30. Participants with symptoms of severe depression performed poorly on BNT when compared with individuals with mild symptoms. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that depressive symptoms in elderly adults can affect semantic memory and may worsen with the severity of symptoms.

RESUMO Sintomas depressivos estão associados ao declínio da memória episódica, mas sua relação com a memória semântica permanece obscura. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a relação dos sintomas depressivos à memória semântica em idosos que vivem na comunidade. A amostra foi composta de dois grupos: clínico (com sintomas depressivos) e controle. Método: Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Questionário de Avaliação Geral, Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B), Wechsler Abbreviate Scale of Intelligence (WASI), Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS-30), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Teste de Nomeação de Boston (TNB), Vocabulário, Fluência Verbal (Frutas e Animais) e Bateria Breve de Rastreio Cognitivo. Resultados: Os resultados evidenciaram diferença significativa entre os grupos apenas no BNT. Foi observada uma correlação significativa entre TNB e GDS-30. Os participantes com sintomas de depressão grave tiveram um desempenho pior no BNT, quando comparados aos indivíduos com sintomas leves. Conclusão: Esses resultados apoiam a hipótese de que os sintomas depressivos em idosos podem afetar a memória semântica e aumentam com a gravidade dos sintomas.

Common symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia that are easily recognizable by families / Sintomas comuns da demência de Alzheimer facilmente reconhecíveis pelas famílias

ABSTRACT. The increase in dementia incidence among the elderly is directly related to aging, which is associated with changes in bodily functions and other health-related risk factors. Alzheimer's dementia is the most prevalent form of dementia, and individuals in the late stages are predominantly dependent on other family members. Therefore, it is important for families, as the closest support group, to recognize common symptoms early. Objective: To provide a family-friendly guide to the ten common symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. Methods: This is a descriptive survey-based research that included 354 families comprising elderly people (≥60 years) residing in Jakarta. The instrument aimed at identifying ten common Alzheimer's dementia symptoms in Indonesia. Descriptive statistical analysis based on frequency tables was used. Results: The participant's major characteristics were age ≥66 years (52.3%), female sex (70.3%) and primary school education (87.3%). The predominant symptoms experienced by 42.4% of the elderly included forgetting recent events and asking questions and narrating a particular detail repeatedly. The remaining 35.6% demonstrated signs of forgetting where an item was placed and frequently suspecting others of theft and concealment of personal items. Conclusion: The symptoms of frequently forgetting new events and the location of personal belongings are of particular concern for families, as they have a propensity to progress and interfere with daily activities. Therefore, the families of affected individuals are expected to identify this symptom early on and present the affected individual for screening or examination at a health care facility.

RESUMO. O aumento da incidência de demência entre os idosos está diretamente relacionado ao envelhecimento, que está associado a alterações nas funções corporais e outros fatores de risco relacionados à saúde. A demência de Alzheimer é a forma mais prevalente de demência e os indivíduos nos estágios avançados são predominantemente dependentes de outros membros da família. Portanto, é importante que as famílias, como grupo de apoio mais próximo, reconheçam os sintomas comuns precocemente. Objetivo: fornecer um guia familiar para os dez sintomas comuns da demência de Alzheimer. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva de base survey que incluiu 354 famílias compostas por idosos (≥60 anos) residentes em Jacarta. O instrumento teve como objetivo identificar dez sintomas comuns de demência de Alzheimer na Indonésia. Foi utilizada análise estatística descritiva baseada em tabelas de frequência. Resultados: As principais características do participante foram idade ≥ 66 anos (52,3%), sexo feminino (70,3%) e escolaridade primária (87,3%). Os sintomas predominantes vivenciados por 42,4% dos idosos incluem o esquecimento de acontecimentos recentes, fazer perguntas e narrar um determinado detalhe repetidamente. Os 35,6% restantes demonstraram sinais de esquecimento de onde um item foi colocado e frequentemente suspeitam de furto e ocultação de itens pessoais. Conclusão: Os sintomas de esquecimento frequente de novos eventos e da localização de objetos pessoais são de particular preocupação para as famílias, visto que apresentam tendência para progredir e interferir nas atividades diárias. Portanto, espera-se que as famílias dos indivíduos afetados identifiquem esse sintoma logo no início e apresentem o indivíduo afetado para triagem ou exame em uma unidade de saúde.

Comparison of screening tests in the evaluation of cognitive status of patients with epilepsy / Comparação de testes rastreio na avaliação do estado cognitivo em pacientes com epilepsia

ABSTRACT. Epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition which is associated with neurobiological and psychosocial changes, affects 0.5 to 1% of the world's population, presenting in most cases a deficit in reasoning, memory and attention. Objective: To contribute to the implementation of screening strategies for cognitive decline and memory deficits in patients with epilepsy. Methods: Two questionnaires, MMSE and MoCA, were used in this cross-sectional and observational study. Fifty-four patients diagnosed with different types of epilepsy (55% refractory) were assessed; they were all over 18 years old, of both genders, with autonomy to answer the questionnaire. They were followed exclusively at an outpatient clinic of the Neurology Service Department, specialized in epilepsy, which is part of the tertiary healthcare level of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Results: The final sample consisted of 54 patients. There was a significant correlation (p<0.001) between the scores of both tests, indicating that low values in the MMSE score also corresponded to low values in the MoCA score. Sensitivity was 90% (ROC curve adjusted) and 87.5% of the patients with a normal score in the MMSE test obtained alterations in the MoCA scores. None of them showed a low MMSE score with a normal MOCA score. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.80. Also, there was a significant relationship between both immediate memory and delayed recall memory and the type of seizure (p<0.03) and level of schooling (p<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The MoCA is a well-suited test to be performed in epilepsy patients to evaluate their cognition as it seems more extensive and complete compared to MMSE.

RESUMO. A epilepsia, condição neurológica crônica associada a alterações neurobiológicas e psicossociais, afeta de 0,5 a 1% da população mundial. Na maior parte dos casos, há redução de raciocínio, memória e atenção. Objetivos: Contribuir para a implementação de estratégias de rastreio de declínio cognitivo e distúrbios na memória nos pacientes com epilepsia. Métodos: Estudo transversal observacional de 54 pacientes diagnosticados com epilepsia de diversos tipos (55% refratários) e com idade superior a 18 anos, de ambos os sexos, com autonomia para responder o questionário e em acompanhamento exclusivamente pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em um ambulatório especializado em epilepsia, do serviço de neurologia, que faz parte do nível terciário de atenção à saúde. Foram aplicados dois questionários: o MEEM e o MoCA. Resultados: Amostra final de 54 pacientes. Encontrou-se uma correlação significativa (p<0,001) entre os escores dos dois testes, o que significa que valores baixos do escore MEEM correspondem a valores baixos do escore MoCA. Sensibilidade de 90% (curva ROC ajustada). Verificou-se que dentre os pacientes considerados normais no MEEM, 87,5% deles obtiveram escore com alterações por meio do teste de rastreio MoCA. Não se obteve nenhum caso de escore no MEEM baixo com pontuação no MoCA normal. O coeficiente de correlação Spearman foi 0,80. Há relação significativa da memória imediata e evocação tardia com o tipo de crise (p<0,03) e escolaridade (p<0,001), respectivamente. Conclusão: Torna-se pertinente a adição do teste MoCA para rastreio cognitivo em pacientes com epilepsia por ser um instrumento mais extenso e preciso, minimizando as chances de "falsos-negativos" quando comparado ao MEEM.

Nursing diagnoses of impaired memory and chronic confusion for older adults: diagnostic content validation / Diagnósticos de enfermagem memória prejudicada e confusão crônica para idosos: validação de conteúdo diagnóstico / Diagnósticos de enfermería memoria deteriorada y confusión crónica en adultos mayores: validación del contenido diagnóstico

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnoses, impaired memory and chronic confusion for older adults, by testing diagnostic concept definitions among expert nurses. Methods: We used a Diagnostic content validation using an online survey of expert clinical nurses. Results: 195 expert nurses performed the diagnostic validations. Findings provided validity of impaired memory with 11 major defining characteristics and chronic confusion, with 11 major and one minor defining characteristics. In both diagnoses, content validity index was 0.85. Factor analysis provided four and five supported factors for impaired memory and chronic confusion, respectively. Conclusion: The study provided evidence of validity of the two diagnoses and made them clearer. Using these updated nursing diagnoses, nurses have the potential to improve accuracy and quality of care for elderly patients, contributing to more accurate nursing gerontological care.

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar as características definidoras dos diagnósticos de enfermagem memória prejudicada e confusão crônica para idosos, testando as definições dos diagnósticos entre enfermeiros especialistas. Método: Validação de conteúdo diagnóstico utilizando um questionário online para enfermeiros clínicos especialistas. Resultados: 195 enfermeiras especialistas realizaram as validações diagnósticas. Os resultados demonstraram a validade de memória prejudicada com 11 características definidoras principais, e confusão crônica com 11 características definidoras principais e uma secundária. Em ambos os diagnósticos, o índice de validade de conteúdo foi de 0,85. A análise fatorial forneceu quatro para memória prejudicada e cinco fatores para confusão crônica. Conclusão: O estudo forneceu evidências de validade dos dois diagnósticos, tornando-os mais claros. Por meio do uso desses diagnósticos de enfermagem atualizados, os enfermeiros podem melhorar a precisão e a qualidade do atendimento a pacientes idosos, contribuindo para um cuidado gerontológico de enfermagem mais preciso.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Validar las características que definen los diagnósticos de enfermería memoria deteriorada y confusión crónica en adultos mayores, testeando las definiciones de los diagnósticos entre enfermeros especialistas. Método: Se trata de una validación del contenido diagnóstico realizado mediante un cuestionario en línea para enfermeros clínicos especialistas. Resultados: Las validaciones de diagnóstico las llevaron a cabo 195 enfermeras especialistas. Los resultados demostraron la validez del deterioro de la memoria con 11 características principales definidoras y la confusión crónica, con 11 principales definidoras y una secundaria. En ambos diagnósticos, la tasa de validez del contenido fue de 0,85. El análisis factorial proporcionó cuatro factores para el deterioro de la memoria y cinco para la confusión crónica. Conclusión: El estudio trajo evidencias de la validez de los dos diagnósticos y los dejó más claros. Al valerse de estos diagnósticos actualizados, los enfermeros pueden mejorar la precisión y la calidad de la atención de los pacientes adultos mayores y contribuir aún más con el cuidado gerontológico de enfermería.

Effects of infrasound with electroacupuncture on learning, memory and the CaMKⅡ-Tau protein signaling pathway / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at the Baihui acupoint on learning and memory ability and on the calmodulin kinase (CaMK)Ⅱ-Tau protein signal pathway in rats exposed to infrasound, and to explore its mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, an infrasound group, a Baihui group and a non-acupoint group, each of 12. The rats in the blank group were placed in an infrasound chamber without infrasound for 2 hours daily. Those in the other 3 groups were exposed to 8Hz, 130dB infrasound in the chamber for 2 hours daily for 7 consecutive days. The rats in the Baihui and non-acupoint groups were given electroacupuncture within 2 hours after the infrasound exposure at the Baihui acupoint or elsewhere respectively. The rats in the blank and infrasound groups were given the same grasping and fixation, but no electroacupuncture. On the 6th and 7th day of intervention, Morris water maze positioning and navigation experiments and spatial exploration experiments were used to quantify the rats′ spatial learning and memory ability. Nissl staining was used to observe any changes in the morphology of the neurons in the hippocampus of 6 rats in each group. The expression of phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (P-CaMKⅡ) and phosphorylated Tau protein (P-Tau) in the hippocampus was also documented using western blotting.Results:After 6 or 7 days the average escape latency of the rats in the infrasound group was significantly longer than the blank group′s average. Platform quadrant time and distance ratios and the number of times crossing the platform area were also significantly lower. Compared with the infrasound group, the average escape latency of the Baihui group was significantly shorter, with the platform quadrant time and distance ratios and the number of times crossing the platform area significantly higher. After 7 days, the damage to hippocampal neurons among the rats in the infrasound group was significantly aggravated and the number of neurons was reduced significantly compared with the blank group. Compared with the infrasound group, significantly fewer neurons in the hippocampus were damaged in the Baihui group and the number of neurons had increased significantly. After the intervention the levels of P-CaMKⅡand P-Tau protein in the infrasound group had increased significantly compared with the blank group, but those levels in the Baihui group were significantly lower, on average.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at the Baihui acupoint can improve the learning and memory ability of rats exposed to infrasound, and has some protective effect against infrasound brain damage. That may be due to its inhibiting Tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus by reducing CaMKⅡ activity.

Thalamic infarction and cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Thalamus plays an important role in the connection of sensory, motor and cognitive functions between multiple subcortical regions and cerebral cortex. In recent years, the important role of thalamus in cognitive function has attracted more and more attention. This article reviews the related research progress of thalamic infarction and cognitive impairment.

Memory impairments and increased GFAP expression in hippocampal astrocytes following hypercaloric diet in rats / Prejuízos de memória e expressão aumentada de GFAP em astrócitos hipocampais após dieta hipercalórica em ratos

ABSTRACT Objective: Hypothalamic inflammation and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) overexpression in astrocytes are well described in obese animals, as are some cognitive and memory deficits. As the hippocampus plays important roles in the consolidation of information, this investigation aimed to observe the memory function and the astrocyte expression of GFAP in the hippocampus of rats that received either a hypercaloric or a normocaloric diet. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats received a high-fat (cafeteria) or a standard diet for 60 days. On the 61st day, the rats were submitted to the novel object recognition (NOR) test at three and 24 hours after the first contact with objects, to assess short-term and long-term memory, respectively. Thereafter, the rats were euthanized and their brains were collected for GFAP immunohistochemical investigation in the hippocampus (CA1, CA2, CA3 areas) and hypothalamus (periventricular and arcuate nuclei). Astrocytic reactivity was assessed by morphometry. Different white adipose tissue depots and brown adipose tissue were weighed to calculate the adiposity index. Results: The hypercaloric diet increased body weight gain, adiposity index, white adipose tissue weight (epididymal, subcutaneous and retroperitoneal) and brown adipose tissue weight. Rats fed with the hypercaloric diet showed short-term and long-term memory impairments in the NOR test, as well as increased GFAP expression in astrocytes from all analyzed hypothalamic and hippocampal areas. Conclusion: This astrogliosis suggests that the neuroinflammatory response also occurs in the hippocampus and may be involved in the memory losses observed in obese/overweight animals.

RESUMO Objetivo: A inflamação hipotalâmica e a superexpressão da proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP) em astrócitos são bem descritas em animais obesos, assim como déficits cognitivos e de memória. Como o hipocampo desempenha importante papel na consolidação de informações, esta investigação teve como objetivo observar a função da memória e a expressão astrocitária da GFAP no hipocampo de ratos que receberam dieta hipercalórica ou normocalórica. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos adultos receberam dieta rica em gordura (cafeteria) ou dieta padrão por 60 dias. No 61º dia, os ratos foram submetidos ao teste de reconhecimento de objetos (NOR) 3 e 24 horas após o primeiro contato com os objetos, para avaliação da memória de curto e de longo prazo, respectivamente. Após, os ratos foram eutanasiados e os encéfalos coletados para pesquisa imuno-histoquímica da expressão astrocitária de GFAP no hipocampo (áreas CA1, CA2 e CA3) e no hipotálamo (núcleos periventricular e arqueado). A reatividade astrocitária foi avaliada por morfometria. Diferentes depósitos de tecido adiposo branco e marrom foram pesados para calcular o índice de adiposidade. Resultados: A dieta hipercalórica aumentou o ganho de peso corporal, o índice de adiposidade, o peso do tecido adiposo branco (epididimal, subcutâneo e retroperitoneal) e marrom. Ratos alimentados com dieta hipercalórica apresentaram prejuízos na memória de curto e longo prazo no teste NOR e aumento da expressão de GFAP em astrócitos de todas as áreas hipotalâmicas e hipocampais analisadas. Conclusão: Esta astrogliose sugere que a resposta neuroinflamatória também ocorre no hipocampo, podendo estar envolvida nas perdas de memória observadas em animais obesos/com sobrepeso.

Avaliação da satisfação e das preferências do doente com o diário em cuidados intensivos / Assessment of patient satisfaction and preferences with an intensive care diary

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a satisfação dos doentes internados em uma unidade de cuidado intensivo com o diário e analisar possíveis pontos de melhoria deste instrumento. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo observacional, decorrido entre março de 2014 e julho de 2017, em uma unidade de cuidado intensivo polivalente de um hospital distrital. Foi iniciado o diário em doentes sedados por 3 ou mais dias. Depois de 3 meses da alta, foi avaliada a satisfação deles por meio de um questionário. O doente que concordou com as cinco afirmações que visavam avaliar esclarecimento, preenchimento de lacunas de memória, ajuda na recuperação, tranquilização e recomendação da intervenção foi definido como satisfeito. Resultados: Foram incluídos 110 doentes, dos quais 55 responderam o questionário. Destes, 36 (65,5%) foram classificados como satisfeitos. Cada item teve uma resposta positiva em mais de 74% dos casos. Sugeriram o aumento do número de fotografias 60% dos participantes. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na análise de subgrupos (idade, sexo, tempo de sedação e ventilação, tempo de diário, gravidade à admissão, delirium, depressão ou ansiedade na unidade de cuidado intensivo). Conclusões: A maioria dos doentes mostrou-se satisfeita com o diário, sugerindo, no entanto, o aumento do número de fotografias.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the satisfaction of patients admitted to the intensive care unit using a diary and analyze possible points for improving this instrument. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective study, conducted between March 2014 and July 2017, in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit of a district hospital. The diary was implemented in patients sedated for 3 or more days. Three months after discharge, their satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire. A patient who agreed with the 5 statements assessing the diary's help in clarifying the intensive care unit stay, in filling memory gaps, in recovery, in reassurance, and in the recommendation of this intervention was defined as satisfied. Results: A total of 110 patients were included, of whom 55 answered the questionnaire. Of these, 36 (65.5%) were classified as satisfied. Each item had a positive response in more than 74% of cases. A total of 60% of the participants suggested increasing the number of photographs. No significant differences were found in the subgroup analysis (age, sex, duration of sedation and ventilation, length of diary keeping, severity on admission, or delirium, depression, or anxiety in the intensive care unit). Conclusions: Most patients were satisfied with the diary but suggested an increase in the number of photographs.

The Von Restorff effect in the Brazilian version of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test in an elderly population / Efeito de Von Restorff na versão brasileira do Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey em idosos

ABSTRACT. The Von Restorff (isolation) effect refers to a stimulus that is more likely to be remembered amongst other stimuli in memory tasks. It has been demonstrated with different age ranges and methodologies. Objective: To investigate: a) the presence of the isolation effect in elders tested with the new Brazilian Portuguese version of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task (RAVLT) in which a word with potential emotional weight (mother) was introduced; b) whether isolation effects persist in memory disorders of different degrees of severity (Mild Cognitive Impairment [MCI]; Alzheimer's Dementia [AD]). Methods: The RAVLT was administered to 287 consecutive volunteers. Individuals underwent medical and neuropsychological evaluation and were further sub-grouped into normal controls (n=114), MCI (n=87) and AD (n=86) patients. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-squared tests were performed. Post-hoc Tukey analysis was conducted to assess significance of group differences. Results: There were significant group effects on the learning curve. A W-shape - instead of the classical U-shape - was found for the serial position curve in all groups. Conclusion: The new Brazilian version of the RAVLT exhibited the Von Restorff effect, where this phenomenon was evident not only in older adults but also patients with MCI and AD, providing further psychometric measures for inter-group analyses.

RESUMO. Efeito de von Restorff (efeito de isolamento) refere-se ao estímulo que é mais facilmente lembrado em relação a outros em tarefas de memória. Tal efeito foi demonstrado em diferentes faixas etárias com diferentes metodologias. Objetivo: Investigar: a) presença do efeito de isolamento numa população idosa avaliada com a nova versão brasileira do Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey (RAVLT), em que uma palavra com potencial carga emocional ('mãe') foi introduzida; b) se o efeito de isolamento persiste em distúrbios de memória de diferentes gravidades (Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve [MCI]; Demência de Alzheimer [AD]). Métodos: RAVLT foi aplicado em 287 voluntários. Indivíduos participaram de avaliações médica e neuropsicológica e foram posteriormente agrupados em controles normais (n=114), MCI (n=87) e DA (n=86). Análises de variância e testes de Chi-quadrado foram realizados. Análises post-hoc foram conduzidas para avaliar diferenças de características entre os grupos. Resultados: Observaram-se efeitos significativos de grupo na curva de aprendizagem. Todos os grupos apresentaram curva de posição serial em formato W - invés do clássico formato em U. Conclusão: A nova versão brasileira do RAVLT evidenciou um efeito de von Restorff. Tal fenômeno foi visto não apenas em idosos, mas também em pacientes com MCI e AD, fornecendo medidas psicométricas adicionais para análises de diferenças intergrupais.

Correlation between volume and perfusion changes of deep gray matter nuclei and clinical score in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To investigate deep gray matter volume and perfusion changes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) with voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (3D pCASL), and to explore the relationship between the changed parameters of deep gray matter and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and neuropsychological scale scores. Methods Totally 30 RRMS patients (RRMS group) and 24 healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled and tested with EDSS scale and neuropsychological scale to evaluate memory function. All subjects underwent 3D T1WI and 3D pCASL, and the images were pretreated with SPM 8 and VBM 8 software on the Matlab platform. SPM statistical software was used to analyze the changes of deep gray matter volume and perfusion in RRMS patients, and further extraction of deep gray matter volume, perfusion parameter values in significantly changed brain regions, and correlation analysis was done for EDSS and neuropsychological scores. Results Compared with the control group, the volume of bilateral thalamus, left hippocampus, left putamen and right globus pallidus decreased significantly in RRMS group (all P0.05). Conclusion Volume and perfusion of deep gray matter are changed in RRMS patients, and the decrease volume and perfusion associate with impairment of memory function.

Evaluating the impact of psoriasis on cognitive function in mouse models by using Morris water maze / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the impact of psoriasis on spatial learning and memory abilities in mouse models by using Morris water maze.@*Methods@#Twenty healthy male C57BL/6J mice aged 10 months were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups: psoriasis group topically treated with imiquimod 5% cream on the back once a day for a week, and control group topically treated with vaseline once a day for a week. After successful establishment of mouse models, the Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess the learning and memory abilities in the mice in the 2 groups.@*Results@#In the place navigation experiment, the escape latency was significantly longer in the psoriasis group (38.24 ± 13.59 s) than in the control group (14.28 ± 3.80 s, t = 5.37, P < 0.01) . In the spatial probe test, the number of times passing through the platform (1.70 ± 0.95 vs. 5.00 ± 1.76, t = 5.21, P < 0.01) , the duration of stay in the target quadrant (t = 2.80, P < 0.05) and the swimming distance (t = 5.74, P < 0.01) were all significantly lower in the psoriasis group than in the control group. The psoriasis group showed significantly decreased swimming distance in the second quadrant (t = 2.49, P < 0.05) , but significantly longer duration of stay in the fourth quadrant compared with the control group (t = 2.46, P < 0.05) . There were no significant differences in swimming distance or duration of stay in other quadrants between the psoriasis group and control group (all P > 0.05) .@*Conclusion@#The spatial learning and memory abilities were impaired in the mouse model of psoriasis.

Memory and emotional disorders after thalamic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

The thalamus plays an important role in the process of production of memory and emotion. Patients with thalamic stroke have memory and emotional disorders. Memory disorders are mainly manifested in the generation of hallucinatory memory and amnesia, while emotional disorders are mainly manifested in the effect of negative emotions.

Role of hippocampal nNOS-PSD95 coupling in short-term memory retrieval disorder induced by sevoflurane in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the role of hippocampal neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-postsynaptic dense protein 95 (PSD95) coupling in short-term memory retrieval disorder induced by sevoflurane in mice.@*Methods@#Sixteen clean-grade healthy Kunming mice of both sexes, aged 2-3 months, weighing 30-35 g, were divided into 2 groups (n=8 each) according to the random number table method: sevoflurane group (S group) and nNOS-PSD95 uncoupling agent ZL006 group (Z group). After successful establishment of dark avoidance memory, 3.3% sevoflurane and 40% O2 were inhaled for 2 h in both groups, and normal saline 1.5 ml was intraperitoneally injected in group S and ZL006 1 mg/kg in group Z at 30 min before anesthesia.The step-through latency and error times were recorded before anesthesia and at 12 h after the end of anesthesia.The mice were then sacrificed, and hippocampal tissues were taken for determination of the expression of nNOS and PSD95 (by Western blot) and co-expression of nNOS and PSD95 (by immunoprecipitation).@*Results@#Compared with that before anesthesia, the step-through latency was significantly shortened, and the error times were increased at 12 h after anesthesia in group S (P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the above indicators in group Z (P>0.05). Compared with group S, the step-through latency was significantly prolonged, error times were decreased, the co-expression of nNOS and PSD95 was down-regulated (P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the expression of nNOS and PSD95 in group Z (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#The mechanism by which sevoflurane induces short-term memory retrieval disorder may be related to promoting the coupling of nNOS to PSD95 in the hippocampus of mice.

Role of hippocampal nNOS-PSD95 coupling in short-term memory retrieval disorder induced by sevoflurane in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the role of hippocampal neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS)-postsynaptic dense protein 95(PSD95)coupling in short-term memory retrieval disorder induced by sevoflu-rane in mice.Methods Sixteen clean-grade healthy Kunming mice of both sexes,aged 2-3 months,weighing 30-35 g,were divided into 2 groups(n＝8 each)according to the random number table method:sevoflurane group(S group)and nNOS-PSD95 uncoupling agent ZL006 group(Z group).After successful establishment of dark avoidance memory,3.3％sevoflurane and 40％O2 were inhaled for 2 h in both groups,and normal saline 1.5 ml was intraperitoneally injected in group S and ZL006 1 mg/kg in group Z at 30 min before anesthesia.The step-through latency and error times were recorded before anesthesia and at 12 h after the end of anesthesia.The mice were then sacrificed,and hippocampal tissues were taken for de-termination of the expression of nNOS and PSD95(by Western blot)and co-expression of nNOS and PSD95(by immunoprecipitation).Results Compared with that before anesthesia,the step-through latency was significantly shortened,and the error times were increased at 12 h after anesthesia in group S(P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the above indicators in group Z(P>0.05).Compared with group S,the step-through latency was significantly prolonged,error times were decreased,the co-expression of nNOS and PSD95 was down-regulated(P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the expression of nNOS and PSD95 in group Z(P>0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which sevoflurane induces short-term memory retrieval disorder may be related to promoting the coupling of nNOS to PSD95 in the hippocam-pus of mice.

Efficacy and safety of huperzine A in treating patients with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and Meta-analysis / 中国中药杂志

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of huperzine in treating patients with mild cognitive impairment. The randomized controlled trials(RCT) were retrieved from EMbase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP. The methodology quality of the included studies was evaluated, and a Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of nine RCTs were included. The Meta-analysis results showed that compared with placebo, Huperzine significantly increased the scores of memory quotient(MQ) and mini-mental state examination(MMSE). However, there was no statistical difference between oral tablet and capsule. Compared with placebo, huperzine A was superior in the scores of MQ and MMSE. Huperzine is safe with mild side effects. Due to the low quality of original studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify its efficacy.

Characteristics of brain glucose metabolism on 18F-FDG PET imaging in patients with early Parkinson's disease accompanied by visuospatial working memory impairment / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective To assess the characteristics of brain glucose metabolism in patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD) accompanied by visuospatial working memory impairment using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging.Methods Between January 2015 and March 2017,early PD patients with visuospatial working memory impairment (14 males,6 females,age:(55.7±6.7) years),early PD patients without visuospatial working memory impairment (13 males,7 females,age:(55.7±8.5) years) and healthy controls (14 males,6 females,age:(54.6±6.4) years) were included.Resting-state 18F-FDG PET was performed to obtain the brain glucose metabolism,Subsequently,statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to compare the brain glucose metabolic changes among different groups.Results Compared with the control group,hypermetabolism was observed in putamen,globus pallidus,thalamus,pons,cerebellum and primary motor cortex and hypometabolism was found in part of the occipital and temporal lobe in the groups ofearly PD (Zmax values:3.19-6.86,t values:2.11-9.96,all P＜0.001).The PD group with visuospatial working memory impairment had hypometabolism regions in bilateral lateral prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex compared with the group without visuospatial working memory impairment.Conclusion Abnormal metabolism of glucose in visual processing channels of brain in early PD patients may be one of the causes of visuospatial working memory impairment.

Effects of Subjective Memory Complaints, Depression and Executive Function on Activities of Daily Living in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of subjective memory complaints, depression and cognitive function on performance of activities of daily living (ADL) in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: A total sample consisted of 250 MCI patients diagnosed within one year. All participants were assessed with a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests, self-report measures of subjective memory complaints and depression, and performance of basic and instrumental ADL. Correlational and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with performance of basic and instrumental ADL, respectively. RESULTS: Executive function and depression explained 9.4% of the variance in basic ADL. Reduced executive function and greater depressed mood were associated with worse performance on basic ADL. Executive function, subjective memory complaints, and time since onset of cognitive symptoms accounted for 22.2% of the variance in instrumental ADL in individuals with MCI. Lower executive function (t=−2.02, p=.044), greater memory complaints (t=5.36, p<.001), and longer periods of experiencing cognitive symptoms (t=2.24, p=.026) were associated with worse instrumental ADL performance. CONCLUSION: These results may help healthcare professionals develop interventions to improve cognitive outcomes with better understanding of the relationship among cognition, mood, and behavioral performance in individuals with MCI.