The association between waist-to-height ratio and cognitive function in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple, practical, and effective tool used to assess central obesity. Despite its usefulness, few studies have investigated the association between WHtR and cognitive function among older adults in the United States. This study aims to investigate the associations between WHtR and cognitive function. METHODS: The study sample comprised adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2014. WHtR was calculated from measured waist circumference and height. Cognitive function was assessed using the digit symbol substitution test. A weighted multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between WHtR and cognitive function, with smooth curve fitting applied to detect non-linearities. RESULTS: Our analysis included 1709 participants over the age of 65. After adjusting for potential confounders, WHtR was found to have a negative association with cognitive function (ß = -36.91, 95% CI: -54.54 to -19.29, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyzes stratified by sex and race showed that the negative correlation of WHtR with cognitive function remained in both men and women, as well as in non-Hispanic white and other races. Among women, the association between WHtR and cognitive function followed an inverted U-shaped curve, with an inflection point of 0.68. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of a negative association between WHtR and cognitive function in older adults. These findings suggest that in advanced age, central obesity may have negative implications for cognitive function.

Therapeutic effect of tempo in Mozart's "Sonata for two pianos" (K. 448) in patients with epilepsy: An electroencephalographic study.

BACKGROUND: Mozart's "Sonata for two pianos" (Köchel listing 448) has proven effective as music therapy for patients with epilepsy, but little is understood about the mechanism of which feature in it impacted therapeutic effect. This study explored whether tempo in that piece is important for its therapeutic effect. METHODS: We measured the effects of tempo in Mozart's sonata on clinical and electroencephalographic parameters of 147 patients with epilepsy who listened to the music at slow, original, or accelerated speed. As a control, patients listened to Haydn's Symphony no. 94 at original speed. RESULTS: Listening to Mozart's piece at original speed significantly reduced the number of interictal epileptic discharges. It decreased beta power in the frontal, parietal, and occipital regions, suggesting increased auditory attention and reduced visual attention. It also decreased functional connectivity among frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital brain regions, also suggesting increased auditory attention and reduced visual attention. No such effects were observed after patients listened to the slow or fast version of Mozart's piece, or to Haydn's symphony at normal speed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Mozart's "Sonata for two pianos" may exert therapeutic effects by regulating attention when played at its original tempo, but not slower or faster. These findings may help guide the design and optimization of music therapy against epilepsy.

Paradoxical herniation after decompressive craniectomy provoked by mannitol: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Paradoxical transtentorial herniation is a rare but life-threatening complication of cerebrospinal fluid drainage in patients with large decompressive craniectomy. However, paradoxical transtentorial herniation after rapid intravenous infusion of mannitol has not been reported yet. CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old male suffered from a right temporal vascular malformation with hemorrhage. In a coma, the patient was given emergency vascular malformation resection, hematoma removal, and the right decompressive craniectomy. The patient woke up on the 1st d after the operation and was given 50 g of 20% mannitol intravenously every 8 h without cerebrospinal fluid drainage. On the morning of the 7th postoperative day, after 50 g of 20% mannitol infusion in the Fowler's position, the neurological function of the patient continued to deteriorate, and the right pupils dilated to 4 mm and the left to 2 mm. Additionally, computed tomography revealed an increasing midline shift and transtentorial herniation. The patient was placed in a supine position and given 0.9% saline intravenously. A few hours later, the patient was fully awake with purposeful movements on his right side and normal communication. CONCLUSION: Paradoxical herniation may occur, although rarely, after infusing high-dose mannitol intravenously in the Fowler's position in the case of a large craniectomy defect. An attempt should be made to place the patient in the supine position because this simple maneuver may be life-saving. Do not use high-dose mannitol when the flap is severely sunken.

Psychiatric symptoms as initial manifestation in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder without cortical lesions: A report of two cases.

Diagnosing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains a challenge, especially in patients with atypical presentations. Here, we describe two NMOSD patients who initially presented psychiatric symptoms without cortical lesions. This report expands our understanding of the possible presentations of NMOSD. Knowledge of rare initial symptoms may allow timely diagnosis and early therapeutic intervention, preventing more severe attacks affecting the spinal cord or eyes.