The duration-dependent and sex-specific effects of neonatal sevoflurane exposure on cognitive function in rats

Clinical studies have found that neonatal sevoflurane exposure can increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction. However, recent studies have found that it can exhibit neuroprotective effects in some situations. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of sevoflurane neonatal exposure in rats. A total of 144 rat pups (72 males and 72 females) were assigned to six groups and separately according to sevoflurane exposure of different times on the seventh day after birth. Blood gas analysis and western blot detection in the hippocampus were conducted after exposure. The Morris water maze test was conducted on the 32nd to 38th days after birth. The expression of PSD95 and synaptophysin in the hippocampus was detected after the Morris water maze test. We found that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane promoted apoptosis in the hippocampus, and Bax and caspase-3 were increased in a dose-dependent manner. The 2-h exposure had the greatest effects on cognitive dysfunction. However, with the extension of exposure time to 6 h, the effects on cognitive function were partly compensated. In addition, sevoflurane exposure decreased synaptogenesis in the hippocampus. However, as the exposure time was extended, the suppression of synaptogenesis was attenuated. In conclusion, neonatal sevoflurane exposure exhibited duration-dependent effects on cognitive function via Bax-caspase-3-dependent apoptosis and bidirectional effects on synaptogenesis in rats.

Research on the dynamic changes of neurological dysfunction and cognitive function impairment in traumatic brain injury / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the dynamic changes and mechanisms of neurological and cognitive functions in mice with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Totally 60 12⁃month⁃old Balb/ c mice were divided into control group (10 in group) and TBI group (50 in group). TBT model mice were divided into 5 subgroups according to the time of model construction, including model 1 day, model 1 day, model 3 day, model 7 day, model 14 days and model 28 days group with 10 in each group. At the 29th day of the experiment, neurological scores and step down tests were carried out. After the test, the mice were sacrificed for brains which were detected by immunohistochemistry staining, inflammatory cytokine tests and Western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, the neurological scores of mice in TBI group increased, and then decreased after the 7th day when the scores reached the peak. However, the latency of step down errors was lower than control group, and the number of step down errors was higher than control group which had no changes. Compared with the control group, the expression of lonized calcium⁃binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), chemokine C⁃X3⁃C⁃motif ligand1 (CX3CL1), C⁃X3⁃C chemokine receptor 1(CX3CR1), NOD⁃like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), and phosphorylation nuclear factor(p⁃NF)⁃κB in TBI group increased and reached to the peak at the 7th day, and then started to decrease. At the same time, the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin⁃6(IL⁃6) and tumor necrosis factor⁃α(TNF⁃α) first increased to the peak, and then began to decrease. However, compared with the control group, the expression of amyloid β(Aβ) protein and p⁃Tau protein in the model group continued to increase at all time. Conclusion The TBI model caused continuous activation of microglia along with inflammatory response, which first increased and then decreased, resultsing in neurological scores changes. In addition, the inflammatory response may act as a promoter of Aβ protein deposition and Tau protein phosphorylation, leading to cognitive impairment in mice.

Effect of active music therapy on cognitive function for older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic review based on ICD-11 and ICF / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of the effect of active music therapy on cognitive function for older adults with cognitive impairment based on International Classification of Diseases, the 11th Revision (ICD-11), and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsA PICO framework was constructed. Thematic keyword searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang data, for literature on the effect of active music therapy on cognitive function for older adults with cognitive impairment, published up to November 5th, 2023. Information on authors, countries, publication date, sample characteristics, study designs, intervention methods, measurement tools and outcomes were extracted. The methodological quality of the researches was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. ResultsEight researches from six countries were included, which were all randomized controlled trials involving 356 older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The articles were published from 2014 to 2020, with an average of 7.4 of the PEDro scale. Active music therapy was used by singing and playing instruments. Interventions took place in hospitals, nursing homes, and health centers. The intervention duration ranged from mostly 30 to 60 minutes a time, with a few 120 minutes a time. Interventions were implemented mostly one to three times a week, lasting from eight to twelve weeks. Health outcomes focused on cognitive function, including overall cognitive function, executive function, attention function and memory function. ConclusionA theoretical framework for the benefits of active music therapy on the cognitive function for older adults with cognitive impairment has been constructed based on ICD-11 and ICF. Active music therapy can improve overall cognitive function, executive function, attention function and memory function for older adults with cognitive impairment.

Neuroprotective effect of sodium aescinate on rats with Parkinson’s disease by regulating SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the neuroprotective effect of sodium aescinate on rats with Parkinson’s disease by regulating the silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS The Parkinson’s disease rat model was constructed by using 6-hydroxydopamine injection method. Forty-eight rats successfully modeled were randomly divided into model group， sodium aescinate low-dose group （1.8 mg/kg）， sodium aescinate high-dose group （3.6 mg/kg）， sodium aescinate+EX527 （sodium aescinate 3.6 mg/kg+SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 5 mg/kg） group， with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 healthy rats were selected as the sham operation group. Each group was injected with the corresponding drug solution intraperitoneally， once a day， for 21 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the end of the last administration， the motor and cognitive functions of rats were detected， and the morphology of neurons in the substantia nigra and CA1 region of hippocampal tissue were observed. The content of dopamine （DA） in the nigrostriatal and the expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） and α-synuclein （α-Syn） in the substantia nigra were detected. The serum levels of pro-inflammatory factor [interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-18]， anti-inflammatory factor （IL-10）， and the expression levels of SIRT1， phosphorylated NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65） and NF- κB p65 protein in nigrostriatal were detected. RESULTS Compared with sham operation group， the neurons in the substantia nigra and CA1 region of hippocampal tissue were seriously damaged in model group； the number of rotations， escape latency， the expression levels of α-Syn in substantia nigra， the levels of serum pro-inflammatory factors， the relative expression ratio of p-NF- κB p65 and NF-κB p65 protein in nigrostriatal were increased or prolonged significantly （P＜0.05）； the target quadrant residence time， the content of DA in nigrostriatal， the expression level of TH in substantia nigra， the serum level of anti-inflammatory factor， and the expression level of SIRT1 protein in substantia nigra striatum were significantly decreased or shortened （P＜0.05）. Compared with model group， the damage degrees of neuron in sodium aescinate groups were alleviated， and the quantitative indicators were significantly improved， which were more significant in the high-dose group （P＜0.05）； EX527 could reverse the improvement effect of high-dose sodium aescinate （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Sodium aescinate can inhibit the activation of NF-κB signal by up-regulating the protein expression of SIRT1， thereby reducing the neuroinflammation of rats with Parkinson’s disease， improving the motor and cognitive dysfunctions， and finally playing a neuroprotective role.

Multidisciplinary Cognitive Function Assessment of Good versus Poor Performance in Children with Cochlear Implants: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Despite the developing technology of cochlear implants (CIs), implanted prelingual hearing-impaired children exhibit variable speech processing outcomes. When these children match in personal and implant-related criteria, the CI outcome variability could be related to higher-order cognitive impairment. Objectives To evaluate different domains of cognitive function in good versus poor CI performers using a multidisciplinary approach and to find the relationship between these functions and different levels of speech processing. Methods This observational, cross-sectional study used the word recognition score (WRS) test to categorize 40 children with CIs into 20 good (WRS/65%) and 20 poor performers (WRS < 65%). All participants were examined for speech processing at different levels (auditory processing and spoken language) and cognitive functioning using (1) verbal tests (verbal component of Stanford-Binet intelligence [SBIS], auditory memory, auditory vigilance, and P300); and (2) performance tasks (performance components of SBIS, and trail making test). Results The outcomes of speech processing at different functional levels and both domains of cognitive function were analyzed and correlated. Speech processing was impaired significantly in poor CI performers. This group also showed a significant cognitive function deficit, in which the verbal abilities were more affected (in 93.5%) than in the good performers (in 69.5%). Moreover, cognitive function revealed a significant correlation and predictive effect on the CI speech outcomes. Conclusion Cognitive function impairment represented an important factor that underlies the variable speech proficiency in cochlear-implanted children. A multidisciplinary evaluation of cognitive function would provide a comprehensive overview to improve training strategies.

Family instability in childhood affects language and memory in adulthood: results from the Pró-Saúde Study, Brazil / Instabilidade familiar na infância afeta a linguagem e memória na vida adulta: resultados do Estudo Pró-Saúde

Abstract The study aims to investigate associations between adverse childhood psychosocial exposures and declarative memory, language, and executive function in adults with secondary schooling or more and without dementia. In 361 participants from the Pró-Saúde Study, we estimated associations between maternal educational attainment, principal source of the family´s income, food insecurity, and childhood family structure and performance in learning, word recall, and semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tests using multiple linear regression models. Individuals whose mother was the family breadwinner (mean difference: -1.97, 95%CI: -3.27; -0.72) and head-of-household (mean difference: -1.62, 95%CI: -2.89; -0.35) or who lived with a non-parental caregiver or in institutions in childhood (mean difference: -2.19, 95%CI: -4.29; -0.09) showed a reduction in the mean number of words in language and memory in adulthood. The results provide further evidence of the effect of adverse exposures in childhood. Without effective interventions, such exposures are likely to have far-reaching impacts on cognition.

Resumo Nosso objetivo é investigar as associações de exposições psicossociais adversas na infância com memória declarativa, linguagem e função executiva em adultos livres de demência com ensino médio completo ou mais. Em 361 participantes do Estudo Pró-Saúde estimamos as associações entre escolaridade materna, principal apoio financeiro familiar, insegurança alimentar e estrutura familiar na infância com o desempenho no teste de aprendizagem e evocação de palavras, e fluência verbal semântica e fonêmica usando modelos de regressão linear múltipla. Ter a mãe como principal suporte financeiro familiar (diferença média: -1,97, IC95%: -3,27; -0,72) e ter morado apenas com ela (diferença média: -1,62, IC95%: -2,89; -0,35) ou outra pessoa/ser institucionalizado (diferença média: -2,19, IC95%: -4,29; -0,09) na infância permaneceu associada à uma redução na média de palavras nos testes de linguagem e memória na vida adulta. Nossos achados adicionam mais evidências sobre o efeito de exposições na infância que, sem intervenções apropriadas, provavelmente terão legados de longo alcance na cognição.

Cognitive strategies and metacognition in occupational therapy for a long COVID-19 patient: a single case report / Estratégias cognitivas e metacognição em terapia ocupacional para um paciente com COVID-19 longa: estudo de caso

Abstract Introduction The impact of COVID-19 on occupational and cognitive functioning deserves further exploration since clinicians have observed long COVID and neurological manifestations of COVID-19 long after the remission of respiratory symptoms. Patients with long COVID represent an underexplored population in need of quality occupational therapy interventions. Objectives (a) present an experience report on occupational therapy for assessment and intervention with this population in a hospital setting; (b) demonstrate how perceived occupational performance and health behavior can be improved by the adoption of cognitive strategies and strategies for changing habits. Method This was a single-case study of a long COVID patient in a hospital setting. A description of the framework for assessment and treatment is provided. The patient received a total of nine sessions focused on the use of cognitive strategies and metacognition. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results After exploring guided interventions, the client could create new habits and routines and have perceived occupational performance. Conclusion This experience report presents a framework for assessing and intervening in long COVID that highlights neurocognition. Prospective studies should evaluate if the effects of the proposed awareness assessment and treatment guidelines are reproducible in other settings and if this approach could be helpful for other COVID-19 survivors.

Resumo Introdução O impacto da COVID-19 no desempenho ocupacional e funcionamento cognitivo merece ser mais explorado porque se observam manifestações neurológicas da COVID-19, mesmo após a remissão dos sintomas respiratórios. Os pacientes com COVID longa representam uma população pouco explorada e que necessita de intervenções de terapia ocupacional de qualidade. Objetivos (a) apresentar um relato de caso em terapia ocupacional com avaliação e intervenção com um paciente com COVID longa em hospital; (b) demonstrar como o desempenho ocupacional e bem estar podem ser melhorados com a adoção de estratégias cognitivas e estratégias de formação de hábitos de saúde Método Estudo de caso único com um paciente com COVID longa em hospital de reabilitação. Descrição de um modelo para avaliação e intervenção. O paciente recebeu um total de nove sessões com foque no uso de estratégias cognitivas e metacognição. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva. Resultados Após as intervenções o cliente foi capaz de criar novos hábitos e rotinas e ter uma percepção de melhora sobre o seu desempenho ocupacional. Conclusão Este relato de experiência apresenta um modelo para avaliar e intervir com pessoas com COVID longa, com destaque para a neurocognição. Estudos prospectivos devem verificar se a avaliação de terapia ocupacional e os efeitos das diretrizes de tratamento são reproduzíveis em outros ambientes e se esta abordagem poderia ser útil para outros sobreviventes de COVID-19.

Effects of upper limb exergames on functional recovery in stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of upper limb exergames on cognitive function, upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment. MethodsFrom August, 2020 to November, 2021, 50 troke patients with mild cognitive impairment in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were randomly allocated to control group (n = 25) and experimental group (n = 25). Both groups received traditional occupational therapy. Additional functional occupational therapy was provided to the control group, and upper limb exergames were provided to the experimental group, for four weeks. They were assessed with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after the treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of MoCA, FMA-UE and MBI improved in both groups (|t| > 3.354, |Z| > 4.379, P < 0.01), and the scores increased in five MoCA cognitive domains in the control group (except map naming and abstract thinking) (|Z| > 2.000, P < 0.05) and in six MoCA cognitive domains in the experimental group (except map naming) (|Z| > 2.646, P < 0.01). After treatment, the scores of MoCA, MoCA five cognitive domains (except map naming and abstract thinking) and FMA-UE were better in the experiment group than in the control group(|Z| > 1.982, t = 3.565, P < 0.05). ConclusionUpper limb exergames can facilitate the recovery of cognitive function, upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Research progress on the relationship between social isolation and cognitive ability in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

Social isolation represents the development of a certain level, either partial or complete, of deprivation of socialization and may have adverse effects in many aspects for the elderly, which can be physiological, psychological and social.Meanwhile, during the course of human life, aging becomes an inevitable process and brings about changes in cognitive ability, which become an important focus of our attention.This paper reviews the research progress on the relationship between social isolation and cognitive ability in the elderly, in order to provide a new perspective for future research on social isolation and cognitive ability in the elderly and also to offer new insight on how to construct a model of intervention and health management for the elderly population with social isolation.

Application status and advantages of ecological momentary assessment for evaluation of cognitive function among older adults / 中华老年医学杂志

The dynamic changes of cognitive function has been paid more and more attention by foreign scholars.Dynamic assessment based on ecological momentary assessment(EMA)can capture subtle changes in cognitive function and provide more comprehensive information for early identification and timely intervention of people with cognitive impairment, which is an effective supplement to traditional cognitive assessment.This paper reviewed the concept of ecological momentary assessment, its advantages in cognitive assessment, its feasibility and effectiveness, and its application status in the evaluation of cognitive function in the elderly, so as to provide a reference for making ecological assessment of the cognitive function for older adults that is in line with China's national conditions.

Correlation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cognitive dysfunction / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cognitive dysfunction.Methods:This is a case-control study. From February 2022 to October 2022, 32 COPD patients (inpatient and outpatient) from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and Rehabilitation Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and 32 healthy subjects were recruited. All participants underwent a thorough evaluation, which included Montreal Assessment of Cognitive Function (MoCA), visuospatial n-back task included accuracy (ACC) and mean response time (RT), the pulmonary functions including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), one-second rate (FEV 1/FVC) and maximum volume per minute (MVV), Health Survey Short Form (SF-36), and St. George′s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The correlation between cognitive dysfunction and lung function, SF-36 and SGRQ in COPD patients were analyzed. Results:The prevalence of smoking, hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the two groups were significantly different (all P<0.05). MoCA score, 1-back ACC and 2-back ACC in COPD group were significantly lower than those in healthy control group [(23.86±4.50) vs (27.55±1.29) points, (76.82%±16.60%) vs (90.61%±7.40%), (67.93%±10.10%) vs (78.74%±10.38%), all P<0.001]; 2-back RT was significantly higher than that of healthy group [(316.43±108.17) vs (254.09±101.62) ms, P<0.05]; and the Physiological function (PF), physiological function (RP), emotional function (RE), energy (VT), social function (SF), physical pain (BP) in SF-36 were significantly worse than the healthy control group (all P<0.05). The MoCA score of COPD group was positively correlated with FEV 1/FVC ( r=0.501, P=0.018). The 1-back ACC was positively correlated with FEV 1 and FEV 1/FVC ( r=0.568, 0.634; both P<0.05). The 1-back RT was negatively correlated with FEV 1/FVC and MVV ( r=-0.452, -0.534; both P<0.05). The 2-back ACC was positively correlated with FEV 1/FVC ( r=0.426, P=0.048). The 2-back RT was negatively correlated with MVV ( r=-0.571, P=0.006). In COPD group, MoCA score was negatively correlated with activity, influence and total score in SGRQ ( r=-0.533, -0.466, -0.521; all P<0.05). The 1-back ACC was negatively correlated with activity, influence and total score ( r=-0.552, -0.517, -0.584; all P<0.05). The 1-back RT was positively correlated with activity, influence and total score ( r=0.430, 0.379, 0.417; all P<0.05). The 2-back ACC was negatively correlated with impact and total score ( r=-0.398, -0.412; both P<0.05). Conclusion:COPD patients have impaired cognitive function, which is mainly manifested by the decline of working memory and executive function, and is correlated with the lung function, general health condition and quality of life.

Correlation of cognitive function and clinical characteristics in adolescent depressive disorder patients with self-injury behavior / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between cognitive function and addiction, impulsivity, and anhedonia in adolescent depressive disorder patients with self-injury behavior.Methods:From September 2021 to October 2022, adolescents with depressive disorders who visited the outpatient department of the Qingdao Mental Health Center were enrolled and divided into self-injury group and non self-injury group based on the presence or absence of self-injury behaviors, each with 60 participants.A self-compiled general information questionnaire, the 17 items Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-17), the Ottawa self-injury inventory (OSI), the Chinese version of the Barratt impulsiveness scale (BIS-11), and the temporal experience of pleasure scale(TEPS) were used to evaluate both groups.The Chinese brief cognitive test(C-BCT) was used to assess cognitive function in both groups.SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis, including t-test, χ2 test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results:The self-injury group had higher scores for OSI addiction factors (9.43±8.29) and BIS-11 (67.09±11.48) compared to the non self-injury group (OSI addiction factor scores: 0, BIS-11 scores: 53.70±7.12, t=6.22, 5.91, both P<0.05). TEPS score and C-BCT scores in various dimensions were lower in the self-injury group than those in the non self-injury group ( t=-2.93, -2.01, -2.88, -2.20, -5.35, all P<0.05). Information processing speed was negatively correlated with BIS-11 score ( r=-0.296, P<0.05), and attention score were negatively correlated with OSI addiction factor score and BIS-11 score ( r=-0.303, -0.561, both P<0.05) and positively correlated with TEPS score ( r=0.364, P<0.05), including a positive correlation with the scale of anticipatory anhedonia score ( r=0.318, P<0.05). Working memory score was negatively correlated with OSI addiction factor score and BIS-11 score ( r=-0.312, -0.416, both P<0.05). Comprehensive ability and executive function scores were negatively correlated with OSI addiction factor score and BIS-11 score ( r=-0.308, -0.679, both P<0.05), and positively correlated with TEPS score ( r=0.304, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BIS-11 scores were influencing factors of C-BCT dimensions ( β=-0.260, -0.592, -0.557, -1.797, t=-2.150, -3.314, -2.285, -5.165, all P<0.05). Conclusion:In adolescent depressive patients with self-injury, cognitive function is correlated with addiction, impulsivity and anhedonia, among which impulsivity is a risk factor for cognitive function.

The impact of childhood trauma on cognitive function in individuals with clinical high risk of psychosis / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the impact of cognitive function and childhood trauma in individuals with clinical high risk of psychosis (CHR).Methods:From June 2017 to September 2022, a total of 62 individuals with CHR(CHR group) were screened by structured interviews with psychiatric risk syndrome (SIPS) at Beijing Anding Hospital, and 61 healthy controls(healthy control group) matched in gender, age, and educational years were recruited. All participants were evaluated by the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) and the Chinese version of the MATRICS consensus cognitive test battery (MCCB). Differences in cognitive function and childhood trauma between the two groups were compared by R4.1.1 software, and the correlation between cognitive function and childhood trauma in the CHR group was analyzed.Results:The scores of MCCB composite score (41.46±6.97), information processing speed (40.20±8.40), attention vigilance (40.92±11.00), working memory (41.09±9.97), verbal learning, and visual learning of CHR group were significantly lower than those of healthy controls(MCCB composite score(46.26±7.64), information processing speed(45.83±8.36), attention vigilance(46.30±9.57), working memory(46.18±8.49)), and with statistically significant differences ( t=-3.73--2.03, P<0.05). The total CTQ score, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and physical neglect factor scores of the CHR group (40.0 (36.0, 50.8), 7.5 (6.0, 10.0), 5.0 (5.0, 7.0), 9.0 (7.0, 11.0)) were significantly higher than those of the healthy control group (34.0 (31.0, 40.0), 6.0 (5.0, 8.0), 5.0 (5.0, 6.0), 9.0 (6.0, 10.0) ) ( Z=-4.07--2.06, P<0.05). In the CHR group, the total score of childhood trauma and the score of physical abuse factors were negatively correlated with working memory ( r=-0.29, -0.28, P<0.05), and the total score of cognitive function, attention vigilance, and word learning were negatively correlated with physical neglect ( r=-0.28, -0.26, -0.31, P<0.05). After partial correlation analysis using gender, age, years of education, and total SIPS score as covariates, the aforementioned correlation remained significant. Conclusion:CHR individuals have multiple cognitive deficits, and childhood trauma is more serious. Childhood trauma, especially physical trauma, may affect the cognitive function of CHR individuals.

Effect of Bushen Jianpi Kaixin formula on cognitive function and the expression of autophagy related proteins in Alzheimer’s disease model rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of the Bushen Jianpi Kaixin formula on the learning and memory ability of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats.Method:A total of 72 SPF grade male SD rats were divided into control group, model group, Bushen group, Jianpi group, Kaixin group and Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group according to the random number table method ( n=12 in each group). The rats were intraperitoneally injected with D-galactose once a day for 6 weeks to replicate the model of AD.And the rats in different medication groups were given corresponding administration (Bushen formula: gavage 3.60 g·kg -1·d -1, Jianpi formula: gavage 4.05 g·kg -1·d -1, Kaixin formula: gavage 2.34 g·kg -1·d -1, Bushen Jianpi Kaixin formula: gavage 9.99 g·kg -1·d -1), while rats in control group and model group were treated with equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution once a day for 28 days.The learning and memory ability was tested by Morris water maze.The expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) in cerebral cortical tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry.The relative mRNA levels of p62 and Beclin in brain cortical tissue were detected by RT-PCR.SPSS 25.0 software was used for data processing, one-way ANOVA was used for inter group comparisons, and LSD test was used for further pairwise comparisons. Results:Morris water maze results showed statistically significant differences in escape latency and the times of crossing platform among the six groups ( F=368.10, 47.43, both P<0.01). The escape latency of Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group((29.30±1.64) s) was shorter than that of model group((55.58±3.23) s) ( P<0.01), the times of crossing platform ((5.17±0.72) times) in Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group was higher than that of model group (1.50±0.52)time, P<0.01). Compared with the Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group, the escape latencies of Bushen group, Jianpi group and Kaixin group were longer (all P<0.01), the times of crossing platform in Bushen group was lower ( P<0.01). Immunohistochemical results showed statistically significant differences in the positive protein expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR proteins among the six groups ( F=68.52, 22.22, 31.52, all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of positive protein of PI3K ((0.47±0.15), (0.57±0.12)), Akt ((0.31±0.02), (0.38±0.02)), and mTOR ((0.22±0.18), (0.28±0.11)) in Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group were less (all P<0.01). Compared with the Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group, the levels of positive protein of PI3K and mTOR of Bushen group, Jianpi group and Kaixin group were higher (all P<0.01). RT-PCR results showed statistically significant differences in the relative mRNA levels of Beclin and p62 among all the groups ( F=8.79, 21.01, both P<0.01). The relative mRNA level of Beclin in Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group was higher than that of the model group ((0.97±0.07), (0.64±0.12)), and the relative mRNA level of p62 of Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group was less than that of model group((0.98±0.16), (1.16±0.24))(both P<0.01). The relative mRNA levels of p62 in Bushen group, Jianpi group and Kaixin group were higer than those of Bushen Jianpi Kaixin group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Bushen Jianpi Kaixin formula can improve cognitive impairment and learning and memory ability in AD model rats.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy pathway.The combination prescription is better than the split prescription.

Role of P2X7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in cognitive impairment in sleep deprived mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the possible role and mechanism of purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7(P2X7)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome pathway in cognitive impairment induced by sleep deprivation (SD)mice.Methods:SPF grade male C57BL / 6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the random number table method with 6 mice in each group.They were normal control group (CC group), SD group and SD+ P2X7 receptor antagonist brilliant blue G(BBG) group (SD+ BBG group). Modified multiple platform method was used to establish a 5-day SD model in mice.During the SD intervention period, the mice in SD+ BBG group were injected with BBG(50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally once a day, while the mice in CC group and SD group were injected with the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution.Morris water maze was conducted to evaluate the cognitive function of mice.The protein expression levels of P2X7, NLRP3, caspase-1, apoptosis-associated proteins(ASC) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in hippocampus were detected by Western blot.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-1β, interleukin-18(IL-18) and microglial polarization surface markers CD206 and CD86 in hippocampus.Graph pad Prism 8.0 software and SPSS 25.0 software were used for statistical analysis and mapping.Results:(1) The interaction effect between time and groups of escape latency in three groups of mice was significant ( F=15.76, P<0.001). From the 2nd to 5th day, the escape latencies of mice in SD group were higher than those of CC group, while the escape latencies of mice in SD+ BBG group were lower than those of SD group (all P<0.05). (2)The results of the space exploration experiment showed that there were statistically significant differences in target quadrant residence time and the times of crossing the platform( F=6.65, P=0.009; F=12.39, P<0.001). The target quadrant residence time ((23.42±0.55) s) and times of crossing the platform ((17.67±0.71) times) of the SD group were both lower than those of the CC group ((29.48±1.78) s, (23.33±0.95) times) (both P<0.05), while the target quadrant residence time ((28.62±1.19) s) and the times of crossing the platforms ((21.33±0.76) times) of the SD+ BBG group were both higher than those of the SD group (both P<0.05). (3)There were statistically significant differences in the protein levels of inflammatory related proteins such as P2X7, NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC and IL-1β in the hippocampus of mice among the 3 groups( F=8.23, 8.97, 8.45, 54.42, 8.12, all P<0.05). Compared with CC group, the protein levels of P2X7 ((0.93±0.02), (0.71±0.04)), NLRP3 ((0.97±0.04), (0.62±0.09)), caspase-1 ((1.00±0.03), (0.76±0.07)), ASC ((0.96±0.02), (0.77±0.04)) and IL-1β ((0.85±0.07), (0.54±0.04)) in SD group were all higher (all P<0.05). Compared with SD group, the protein levels of P2X7 (0.74±0.05), NLRP3 (0.78±0.02), caspase-1 (0.74±0.04), ASC (0.67±0.02), IL-1β (0.53±0.07) in SD+ BBG group were all lower (all P<0.05). (4)There were statistically significant differences in the mRNA levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, CD86 and CD206 in hippocampus among the three groups ( F=12.80, 12.28, 105.80, 7.06, 30.19, all P<0.05). The mRNA levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, CD86 in SD group were all higher than those in CC group(all P<0.05), while the mRNA level of CD206 in SD group was lower than that in CC group( P<0.05). Compared with SD group, the mRNA levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, CD86 were lower in SD+ BBG group (all P<0.05), while the CD206 mRNA level of SD+ BBG group was higher than that in SD group( P<0.05). Conclusion:SD intervention can lead to cognitive impairment and increased expression of P2X7 in hippocampus of mice, which may be related to the activation of P2X7/ NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, promoting the polarization of microglia into pro-inflammatory type and up-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Inhibition of P2X7 can improve the cognitive function of mice.

Cognitive phenotype and biological mechanisms of Turner syndrome / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Turner syndrome is a disease resulted from the complete or partial loss of an X chromosome, and the typical karyotype is 45, X. Patients with Turner syndrome are susceptible to many medical problems, including short stature, congenital agenesis of ovaries and cognitive function impairment. More specifically, recent studies reported that these patients’ brain structure and brain function are different with normal people, especially in the occipital area, the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe.And they also show a particular pattern of cognitive impairment(including visuospatial ability, abstract reasoning and excutive function) and social impairment and an increased risk of specific neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, haploinsufficiency of escape genes, gonadal steroid deficiency and failure to express parentally imprinted genes may contribute to the differences in brain structure and brain function between these patients and normal people, causing cognitive and social impairment in patients with Turner syndrome. This study reviewed the alterations and biological mechanisms in brain structure, brain function and cognitive profile in patients with Turner syndrome.

Mediating effects of self-perceptions of aging between frailty and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the mediating role of self-perceptions of aging between frailty and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.Methods:From February to July 2021, a total of 528 elderly people in Xinxiang community were investigated with the frailty phenotype, the brief self-perceptions ageing questionnaire and the Mini-mental state examination(MMSE) scale.According to the MMSE total score and education level, the subjects were divided into cognitive impairment group (illiteracy≤17, primary school≤20, junior high school and above≤24, n=74) and cognitive normal group( n=454). SPSS 25.0 software was used for common method deviation test, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, while AMOS 24.0 software was used to build structural equation model and Bootstrap method was used for intermediary effect test. Results:(1)The prevalence of cognitive impairment among the elderly in the community was 14.1%. The differences between the cognitively normal group and cognitively impaired group were statistically significant in terms of age, education, number of chronic diseases suffered and depression ( χ2=59.21, 6.53, 9.84, 25.47, all P<0.05). The differences were statistically significant in terms of frailty( χ2=75.65, P<0.001) and self-perceptions of aging ( t=77.67, P<0.001). (2)Self-perceptions of aging in the cognitively impaired group (47.39±8.66) was higher than that in the cognitively normal group (38.22±8.24) ( t=77.67, P<0.001) .Frailty score in cognitively impaired group (2.00 (1.00, 3.00)) was higher than that in the cognitively normal group (0.00 (0.00, 1.00))( Z=-8.63, P<0.001) . (3)Frailty was negatively correlated with cognitive function ( r=-0.492, P<0.01), and positively correlated with self-perceptions of aging ( r=0.540, P<0.01). Self-perceptions of aging was negatively correlated with cognitive function ( r=-0.541, P<0.01) . After controlling the influencing factors such as age, education level, chronic diseases and depression, the correlation was still significant (all P<0.01) . (4) Self-perceptions of aging played a partially mediating role in the relationship between frailty and cognitive function, the mediating effect accounted for 58.5% of the total effect. Conclusion:Frailty and self-perceptions of aging have a significant impact on the cognitive function of the elderly in the community, and self-perceptions of aging plays a partial intermediary role between the frailty and cognitive function of the elderly in the community.

Effect of acute sleep fragmentation on cognitive function and hippocampal Homer1a expression in aged rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of acute sleep fragmentation (SF) on cognitive function and the relationship between hippocampal Homer1a and synaptic plasticity in aged rats.Methods:One hundred and eight SPF grade male SD rats aged 22 to 24 months were divided into three groups according to random number table: control group (Control group), non-sleep fragmentation group (NSF group) and sleep fragmentation group (SF group), with 36 rats in each group.A sleep fragmentation model was established by sleep deprivation rod method.Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests were used to evaluate the learning and memory function of rats.Homer1a expression in hippocampus was detected by Western blot, and its distribution in CA1 area of hippocampus was observed by immunohistochemical staining.Golgi staining was used to observe the density of dendritic spines in CA1 area of hippocampus, and in vitro electrophysiological patch clamp test was used to detect the slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potential(fEPSP) from CA3 to CA1 in hippocampus.SPSS 22.0 and GraphPad Prism 9.3 softwares were used for data statistical analysis and mapping.One-way ANOVA was used for comparison among groups, and Tukey-Kramer test was used for further pairwise comparison. Results:(1)In the behavioral tests, there were statistical differences in the times of crossing the original platform, the target quadrant residence time and the new object recognition index at 1 h and 24 h among the three groups( F=13.63, 11.34, 21.26, 16.22, all P<0.01). The times of crossing the original platform in SF group((2.00±1.27) times) was lower than that of Control group ((5.67±2.16) times) and NSF group ((6.50±2.35) times) (both P<0.05). The target quadrant residence time in SF group ((9.02±4.84) s) was shorter than that in Control group ((24.73±7.37) s) and NSF group ((27.81±8.37)s) (both P<0.05). The new object recognition index at 1 h and 24 h in SF group were lower than those in Control group and NSF group (all P<0.05). (2) In Western blot assay, the expression of Homer1a protein in hippocampus of SF group(0.91±0.13) was higher than that of Control group(0.70±0.05) and NSF group(0.74±0.04)(both P<0.05). (3) In immunohistochemical staining, the optical density value of the Homer1a protein in CA1 area of hippocampus in the SF group was higher than that in the Control group and NSF group(both P<0.05). (4) In Golgi staining, the density of dendritic spines in CA1 area of hippocampus in SF group was lower than that in Control group and NSF group (both P<0.05). (5) In vitro electrophysiological test showed that the slope of fEPSP in CA3-CA1 area of hippocampus in SF group were lower than that in Control group and NSF group (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Acute SF intervention in aged rats can cause cognitive impairment, which may be associated with the inhibition of hippocampal synaptic plasticity induced by hippocampal Homer1a overexpression.

Relationship between self-perceptions of aging and cognitive function in community elderly: the mediating and moderating effects of loneliness / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between self-perceptions of aging and cognitive function, and the mediating and moderating effect of loneliness among them.Methods:A multi-stage stratified sampling was conducted in Jinzhou from September to November 2021, and 318 community-based elderly were included.General data questionnaire, the brief ageing perceptions questionnaire (BAPQ), UCLA loneliness scale(UCLA-LS) and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were applied to all subjects.IBM SPSS 25.0 software was used to conduct independent sample t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation analysis, and Bootstrap program of AMOS 22.0 was used to analyze the mediation effect.The model in SPSSAU on-line analysis program was used to test the moderating effect. Results:The average scores of self-perceptions of aging, loneliness and cognitive function were (44.85±12.48), (41.70±8.73) and (24.87±3.40) respectively.And 65 of 318 subjects had cognitive impairment, and the detection rate was 20.44%(65/318). Self-perceptions of aging, loneliness and cognitive function scores were significantly correlated between each other(all P<0.05). Self-perceptions of aging had a negative effect on cognitive function ( β=-0.467, P<0.01). Self-perceptions of aging had a positive effect on loneliness ( β=0.585, P<0.01). Loneliness had a negative effect on cognitive function ( β=-0.234, P<0.01). The indirect standardization effect of loneliness between self-perceptions of aging and cognitive function was -0.137, and the mediating effect accounted for 22.68% of the total effect.Loneliness played a moderating role between self-perceptions of aging and cognitive function ( β=-0.114, t=-2.26, P=0.025). Conclusion:Self-perceptions of aging and loneliness can predict the cognitive function in the elderly, and loneliness plays a mediating role between self-perceptions of aging and cognitive function.Early detection of negative senility emotion and loneliness of the elderly will play a positive role in preventing the occurrence of cognitive impairment.

Effects of butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on post-stroke cognitive impairment / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:A total of 90 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment who were hospitalized within 72 hours of onset in Suining County People's Hospital from December 2019 to November 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 45/group). The control group was given conventional treatment and the observation group was given butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to conventional treatment. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, and Activities of Daily Living score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results:Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, and Activities of Daily Living score between the two groups (all P > 0.05). At 14 days and 1 month after surgery, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores in the observation group were (4.02 ± 2.18) points and (3.21 ± 2.03) points, which were significantly lower than (5.21 ± 2.24) points and (4.62 ± 2.68) points in the control group ( t =2.55, 2.81, both P < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score in the observation group were (19.79 ± 5.67) points and (23.69 ± 2.67) points, which were significantly higher than (16.88 ± 5.12) points and (19.74 ± 2.29) points in the control group ( t = 2.56, 7.53, both P < 0.05). At 1 and 3 months after treatment, Activities of Daily Living scores in the observation group were (54.85 ± 5.69) points and (74.38 ± 4.98) points, which were significantly higher than (46.78 ± 6.24) points and (63.21 ± 5.24) points in the control group ( t = 6.41, 9.76, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Butylphthalide combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke can alleviate neurologic deficits, and improve cognitive function and the ability of daily life.