Structural and functional connectivity of the whole brain and subnetworks in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury:predictors of patient prognosis

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury have a diverse clinical presentation,and the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood.Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive technique that has been widely utilized to investigate neuro biological markers after mild traumatic brain injury.This approach has emerged as a promising tool for investigating the pathogenesis of mild traumatic brain injury.G raph theory is a quantitative method of analyzing complex networks that has been widely used to study changes in brain structure and function.However,most previous mild traumatic brain injury studies using graph theory have focused on specific populations,with limited exploration of simultaneous abnormalities in structural and functional connectivity.Given that mild traumatic brain injury is the most common type of traumatic brain injury encounte red in clinical practice,further investigation of the patient characteristics and evolution of structural and functional connectivity is critical.In the present study,we explored whether abnormal structural and functional connectivity in the acute phase could serve as indicators of longitudinal changes in imaging data and cognitive function in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.In this longitudinal study,we enrolled 46 patients with mild traumatic brain injury who were assessed within 2 wee ks of injury,as well as 36 healthy controls.Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging data were acquired for graph theoretical network analysis.In the acute phase,patients with mild traumatic brain injury demonstrated reduced structural connectivity in the dorsal attention network.More than 3 months of followup data revealed signs of recovery in structural and functional connectivity,as well as cognitive function,in 22 out of the 46 patients.Furthermore,better cognitive function was associated with more efficient networks.Finally,our data indicated that small-worldness in the acute stage could serve as a predictor of longitudinal changes in connectivity in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.These findings highlight the importance of integrating structural and functional connectivity in unde rstanding the occurrence and evolution of mild traumatic brain injury.Additionally,exploratory analysis based on subnetworks could serve a predictive function in the prognosis of patients with mild traumatic brain injury.

Impact of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on cognition and emotion in gastric cancer patients undergoing radical resection

BACKGROUND Propofol and sevoflurane are commonly used anesthetic agents for maintenance anesthesia during radical resection of gastric cancer.However,there is a debate concerning their differential effects on cognitive function,anxiety,and depression in patients undergoing this procedure.AIM To compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function,anxiety,depression,and organ function in patients undergoing radical resection of gastric cancer.METHODS A total of 80 patients were involved in this research.The subjects were divided into two groups:Propofol group and sevoflurane group.The evaluation scale for cognitive function was the Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment(LOTCA),and anxiety and depression were assessed with the aid of the self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS).Hemodynamic indicators,oxidative stress levels,and pulmonary function were also measured.RESULTS The LOTCA score at 1 d after surgery was significantly lower in the propofol group than in the sevoflurane group.Additionally,the SAS and SDS scores of the sevoflurane group were significantly lower than those of the propofol group.The sevoflurane group showed greater stability in heart rate as well as the mean arterial pressure compared to the propofol group.Moreover,the sevoflurane group displayed better pulmonary function and less lung injury than the propofol group.CONCLUSION Both propofol and sevoflurane could be utilized as maintenance anesthesia during radical resection of gastric cancer.Propofol anesthesia has a minimal effect on patients'pulmonary function,consequently enhancing their postoperative recovery.Sevoflurane anesthesia causes less impairment on patients'cognitive function and mitigates negative emotions,leading to an improved postoperative mental state.Therefore,the selection of anesthetic agents should be based on the individual patient's specific circumstances.

Cerebral arterial blood flow,attention,and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension,and surgery is currently the main treatment for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage,but the bleeding caused by surgery will cause damage to the patient's nerve cells,resulting in cognitive and motor dysfunction,resulting in a decline in the patient's quality of life.AIM To investigate associations between cerebral arterial blood flow and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.METHODS Eighty-nine patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage who were admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and July 2021 were selected as the observation group,while 100 patients without depression who had acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage were selected as the control group.The attention span of the patients was assessed using the Paddle Pin Test while executive function was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST)and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA).The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD-24)was used to evaluate the severity of depression of involved patients.Cerebral arterial blood flow was measured in both groups.RESULTS The MoCA score,net scores I,II,III,IV,and the total net score of the scratch test in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Concurrently,the total number of responses,number of incorrect responses,number of persistent errors,and number of completed responses of the first classification in the WCST test were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery were positively correlated with the net and total net scores of each part of the Paddle Pin test and the MoCA score(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with each part of the WCST test(P<0.05).In the observation group,the post-treatment improvement was more prominent in the Paddle Pin test,WCST test,HAMD-24 score,and MoCA score compared with those in the pre-treatment period(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery significantly improved in the observation group after treatment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Impaired attention,and executive and cognitive functions are correlated with cerebral artery blood flow in patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and warrant further study.

Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients caused by downregulation of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor subunits

BACKGROUND The expression pattern of gamma aminobutyric acid(GABA)receptor subunits are commonly altered in patients with schizophrenia,which may lead to nerve excitation/inhibition problems,affecting cognition,emotion,and behavior.AIM To explore GABA receptor expression and its relationship with schizophrenia and to provide insights into more effective treatments.METHODS This case-control study enrolled 126 patients with schizophrenia treated at our hospital and 126 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations at our hospital during the same period.The expression levels of the GABA receptor subunits were detected using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy.The recognized cognitive battery tool,the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery,was used to evaluate the scores for various dimensions of cognitive function.The correlation between GABA receptor subunit downregulation and schizophrenia was also analyzed.RESULTS Significant differences in GABA receptor subunit levels were found between the case and control groups(P<0.05).A significant difference was also found between the case and control groups in terms of cognitive function measures,including attention/alertness and learning ability(P<0.05).Specifically,as the expression levels of GABRA1(α1 subunit gene),GABRB2(β2 subunit gene),GABRD(δsubunit),and GABRE(εsubunit)decreased,the severity of the patients’condition increased gradually,indicating a positive correlation between the downregulation of these 4 receptor subunits and schizophrenia(P<0.05).However,the expression levels of GABRA5(α5 subunit gene)and GABRA6(α6 subunit gene)showed no significant correlation with schizophrenia(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Downregulation of the GABA receptor subunits is positively correlated with schizophrenia.In other words,when GABA receptor subunits are downregulated in patients,cognitive impairment becomes more severe.

Computerized cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive impairment and social function in patients with chronic schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Patients with schizophrenia may have various disease manifestations,most of which gradually tend toward incurable chronic decline,leading to mental disability.The basic symptoms of the disease can impair social function,whereas long-term hospitalization produces hospitalization syndrome,causing serious damage to social function.AIM To investigate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Remediation Therapy(CCRT)on cognitive and social functioning in patients with chronic schizophrenia.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 120 patients with chronic schizophrenia in Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center was performed.They were divided into an intervention group(60 cases treated with CCRT combined with conventional medication)and a control group(60 cases treated with conventional medication).After treatment,effects on cognitive function and social roles were observed in both groups.The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)was used to assess the patients'psychiatric symptoms.The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST)was used to assess the patients'cognitive functioning,and the Social Functioning Scale for Psychiatric Inpatients(SSPI)was used to assess the social functioning of the inpatient psychiatric patients.RESULTS No significant differences were observed in the PANSS,WCST,and SSPI intergroup scores before treatment(P>0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of therapy,general psychopathological factors,positive symptoms,negative symptoms,and total PANSS scores of PANSS in the intervention group were lower than in the control group(P<0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of treatment,the number of false responses,number of persistent bugs,and total responses in the WCST were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group(P<0.05),and the amount of completed classification was significantly higher than in the control group(P<0.05).After 2,4,and 6 wk of therapy,the SSPI scores were significantly greater than those of the controls(P<0.05).After 6 wk of treatment,the efficacy rates of the control and intervention groups were 81.67%and 91.67%,respectively.The curative effect in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION CCRT can significantly improve cognitive function and social abilities in patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Abnormalities of electroencephalography microstates in patients with depression and their association with cognitive function

BACKGROUND A growing number of recent studies have explored underlying activity in the brain by measuring electroencephalography(EEG)in people with depression.However,the consistency of findings on EEG microstates in patients with depression is poor,and few studies have reported the relationship between EEG microstates,cognitive scales,and depression severity scales.AIM To investigate the EEG microstate characteristics of patients with depression and their association with cognitive functions.METHODS A total of 24 patients diagnosed with depression and 32 healthy controls were included in this study using the Structured Clinical Interview for Disease for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition.We collected information relating to demographic and clinical characteristics,as well as data from the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS;Chinese version)and EEG.RESULTS Compared with the controls,the duration,occurrence,and contribution of microstate C were significantly higher[depression(DEP):Duration 84.58±24.35,occurrence 3.72±0.56,contribution 30.39±8.59;CON:Duration 72.77±10.23,occurrence 3.41±0.36,contribution 24.46±4.66;Duration F=6.02,P=0.049;Occurrence F=6.19,P=0.049;Contribution F=10.82,P=0.011]while the duration,occurrence,and contribution of microstate D were significantly lower(DEP:Duration 70.00±15.92,occurrence 3.18±0.71,contribution 22.48±8.12;CON:Duration 85.46±10.23,occurrence 3.54±0.41,contribution 28.25±5.85;Duration F=19.18,P<0.001;Occurrence F=5.79,P=0.050;Contribution F=9.41,P=0.013)in patients with depression.A positive correlation was observed between the visuospatial/constructional scores of the RBANS scale and the transition probability of microstate class C to B(r=0.405,P=0.049).CONCLUSION EEG microstate,especially C and D,is a possible biomarker in depression.Patients with depression had a more frequent transition from microstate C to B,which may relate to more negative rumination and visual processing.

Associations between residence and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: the mediating role of leisure activity

Background:Cognitive function is a current research hotspot,residence may be related to differences in cognitive function,and the mediating role of leisure activities are limited in Chinese research.This study used leisure activities as a mediating variable to investigate the mediating role of leisure activity between place of residence(city-town-rural)and cognitive function among Chinese older,this is where the innovation of the article comes in.Methods:Using cross-sectional data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey,Pearson correlation analyses were employed to examine the relationships among various indicators.Mediation analyses were conducted using the SPSS PROCESS macro program,version 3.5,written by Hayes,to explore the mediating effects of leisure activity between place of residence and cognitive function in older adults.Results:A total of 10955 older adults were included in this study,with a mean age of(84.23±11.57)years.Among them,2739(24.8%)lived in the city,3627(33.1%)in town,and 4615(42.1%)in rural areas;their leisure activity score was(5.34±3.77),and their cognitive function score was(24.69±6.65).Place of residence,leisure activities,and cognitive function were significantly correlated(P<0.01).Using city as a reference,place of residence is negatively associated with cognitive function,and place of residence not only had a direct effect on cognitive function in older adults:town-cognitive function(effect=–0.399;95%confidence interval(CI)=(–0.685,–0.113));rural-cognitive function(effect=–0.42;95%CI=(–0.698,–0.141)).There were also indirect effects on cognitive function through the pathway of leisure activity:town-leisure activity-cognitive function(effect=–0.17;95%CI=(–0.246,–0.1)),rural-leisure activity-cognitive function(effect=–0.199;95%CI=(–0.272,–0.13)).Conclusion:Leisure activities play a partially mediating role between the impact of place of residence and cognitive function in Chinese older adults,and it is vital to pay attention to the impact of place of residence on the cognitive function of older adults in various aspects,and to increase the participation rate of older adults in leisure activities,which is beneficial to the prevention of cognitive decline and the protection of older adult’s physical and mental health.

Diabetes and cognitive function:An evidence-based current perspective

Several epidemiological studies have clearly identified diabetes mellitus(DM)as a major risk factor for cognitive dysfunction,and it is going to be a major public health issue in the coming years because of the alarming rise in diabetes prevalence across the world.Brain and neural tissues predominantly depend on glucose as energy substrate and hence,any alterations in carbohydrate metabolism can directly impact on cerebral functional output including cognition,executive capacity,and memory.DM affects neuronal function and mental capacity in several ways,some of which include hypoperfusion of the brain tissues from cerebrovascular disease,diabetes-related alterations of glucose transporters causing abnormalities in neuronal glucose uptake and metabolism,local hyper-and hypometabolism of brain areas from insulin resistance,and recurrent hypoglycemic episodes inherent to pharmacotherapy of diabetes resulting in neuronal damage.Cognitive decline can further worsen diabetes care as DM is a disease largely self-managed by patients.Therefore,it is crucial to understand the pathobiology of cognitive dysfunction in relation to DM and its management for optimal long-term care plan for patients.A thorough appraisal of normal metabolic characteristics of the brain,how alterations in neural metabolism affects cognition,the diagnostic algorithm for patients with diabetes and dementia,and the management and prognosis of patients when they have this dangerous combination of illnesses is imperative in this context.This evidence-based narrative with the backup of latest clinical trial reviews elaborates the current understanding on diabetes and cognitive function to empower physicians to manage their patients in day-to-day clinical practice.

Association between vision and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults in Selangor,Malaysia

AIM:To determine the association between distance and near visual acuity(VA)and cognitive function among older adults in Selangor,Malaysia.METHODS:A total of 230 older adults(age≥60y)participated in this study.Habitual distance and near VA were measured using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Chart and Lighthouse Near Visual Acuity Chart,respectively.Global cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination(M-MSE)and the Malay language version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(M-MoCA).Digit Symbol(DS)subtest was used to measure information processing.RESULTS:No significant association was observed between vision and M-MSE and M-MoCA scores.However,poor distance and near VA were found to be significantly associated with low DS scores[distance VA:β=-0.01,R2=0.1,P=0.02;odds ratio(OR)=2.84,95%confidence interval(CI),1.10-7.33,P=0.03;near VA:β=-0.05,R2=0.08,P=0.00;OR=3.32,95%CI,1.28-8.59,P=0.01].CONCLUSION:Poor vision is associated with a decline in information processing in older adults and substantiates the importance of preserving good vision in maintaining cognitive function.

Maternal stress exposure during pregnancy impairs ultrastructural changes in the white matter and reduces cognitive function in offspring mice

Objective:To explore whether maternal stress exposure during pregnancy impairs cognitive function and white matter ultrastructure in offspring mice.Methods:The parent rats were divided into two groups:pressure exposure group(group PE)and control group(group C),and the positive date of vaginal smear of female SD rats was day 0 of gestation.Female mice in group PE were exposed to binding pressure(3 times/day)on day 14-20 of gestation for 45 min-1 h/time.Behavioral tests(Morris water maze and Y maze)were performed on 1-month-old offspring mice followed by cardiac perfusion of fixed brain specimens and placement in mixed fixative solution.The total volume of white matter,total length and volume of myelinated nerve fibers and total length and volume of myelin sheath were calculated using modern stereoscopic methods,and the inner and outer diameter and inner and outer circumference of the myelin sheath were analyzed.Results:1)Behavioral tests:compared with the group C,the average latency of the 3th and 4th day in the group PE were significantly prolonged,the percentage of the resting time in the quadrant of the platform and the frequency of acrossing the effective area of platform in the fifth day of space exploration experiment were significantly reduced of Morris water maze test,and visiting distance,duration and numbers in novel arm significantly increased of Y-maze test(P<0.05).2)Compared with group C,the total volume of white matter,total length of myelinated nerve fibers,total volume of myelinated nerve fibers and myelin sheath in the group PE were significantly reduced(P<0.05),the inner diameter and outer diameter of myelin sheath decreased significantly(P<0.05),and the inner perimeter,outer perimeter and inner and outer perimeter differences increased significantly(P<0.05).3)There was a correlation between behavioral test results and white matter ultrastructure measurement results.Conclusions:Maternal stress exposure during pregnancy could impair the cognitive function and white matter and its ultrastructure in the offspring,and there was a correlation between decreased cognitive function and white matter damages.

Treatment outcomes and cognitive function following electroconvulsive therapy in patients with severe depression

BACKGROUND Traditional treatments for major depressive disorder(MDD),including medication and therapy,often fail and have undesirable side effects.Electroconvulsive therapy(ECT)uses electrical currents to induce brief seizures in the brain,resulting in rapid and potent antidepressant effects.However,owing to misconceptions and controversies,ECT is not as widely used as it could and often faces stigmatization.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ECT compared to those of medication and/or therapy in patients with severe MDD.METHODS This prospective cohort study included 220 individuals with severe MDD who were divided into the ECT and non-ECT groups.The patients in the ECT group underwent bilateral ECT three times a wk until they either achieved remission or reached a maximum of 12 sessions.The non-ECT group received medication and/or therapy according to clinical guidelines for MDD.The primary outcome was the variation in the hamilton depression rating scale(HDRS)score from treatment/ECT initiation to week 12.In addition,patients’quality of life,cognitive abilities,and biomarkers were measured throughout the study.RESULTS Although both groups showed significant improvements in their HDRS scores over time,the improvement was more pronounced in the ECT group than in the non-ECT group.Additionally,the ECT group exhibited a more substantial improvement in the quality of life and cognitive function than those of the non-ECT group.Compared with the non-ECT group,the ECT group exhibited evidently lower variations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and cytokine interleukin-6(IL-6)levels.The side effects were generally mild and comparable between the two groups.ECT is safer and more potent than medication and/or therapy in mitigating depressive symptoms,enhancing wellbeing,and bolstering cognitive capabilities in individuals with severe MDD.ECT may also affect the levels of BDNF and IL-6,which are indicators of neuroplasticity and inflammation,respectively.CONCLUSION ECT has emerged as a potentially advantageous therapeutic approach for patients with MDD who are unresponsive to alternative treatments.

Effects of surgical treatment modalities on postoperative cognitive function and delirium in elderly patients with extremely unstable hip fractures

BACKGROUND As the perioperative risk of elderly patients with extremely unstable hip fractures(EUHFs)is relatively high and therapeutic effect is not satisfactory,new therapeutic strategies need to be proposed urgently to improve the efficacy and clinical outcomes of such patients.AIM To determine the influence of two surgical treatment modalities on postoperative cognitive function(CF)and delirium in elderly patients with EUHFs.METHODS A total of 60 elderly patients consecutively diagnosed with EUHF between September 2020 and January 2022 in the Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital were included.Of them,30 patients received conventional treatment(control group;general consultation+fracture type-guided internal fixation),and the other 30 received novel treatment(research group;perioperative multidisciplinary treatment diagnosis and treatment+individualized surgical plan+risk prediction).Information on hip function[Harris hip score(HHS)],perioperative risk of orthopedic surgery[Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity(POSSUM)],CF[Montreal cognitive assessment scale(MoCA)],postoperative delirium[mini-cognitive(Mini-Cog)],adverse events(AEs;internal fixation failure,infection,nonunion,malunion,and postoperative delirium),and clinical indicators[operation time(OT),postoperative hospital length of stay(HLOS),ambulation time,and intraoperative blood loss(IBL)]were collected from both groups for comparative analyses.RESULTS The HHS scores were similar between both groups.The POSSUM score at 6 mo after surgery was significantly lower in the research group compared with the control group,and MoCA and Mini-Cog scores were statistically higher.In addition,the overall postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the research than in the control group,including reduced OT,postoperative HLOS,ambulation time,and IBL.CONCLUSION The new treatment modality has more clinical advantages over the conventional treatment,such as less IBL,faster functional recovery,more effectively optimized perioperative quality control,improved postoperative CF,mitigated postoperative delirium,and reduced operation-related AEs.

Pathological and therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases

Extracellular vesicles are released by all cell types and contain proteins,microRNAs,mRNAs,and other bioactive molecules.Extracellular vesicles play an important role in intercellular communication and in the modulation of the immune system and neuroinflammation.The cargo of extra cellular vesicles(e.g.,proteins and microRNAs)is altered in pathological situations.Extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of many pathologies associated with sustained inflammation and neuroinflammation,including cance r,diabetes,hype rammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy,and other neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.Extracellular vesicles may cross the blood-brain barrier and transfer pathological signals from the periphery to the brain.This contributes to inducing neuroinflammation and cognitive and motor impairment in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy and in neurodegenerative diseases.The mechanisms involved are beginning to be unde rstood.For example,increased tumor necrosis factor a in extracellular vesicles from plasma of hype rammonemic rats induces neuroinflammation and motor impairment when injected into normal rats.Identifying the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases will help to develop new treatments and diagnostic tools for their easy and early detection.In contrast,extra cellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have therapeutic utility in many of the above pathologies,by reducing inflammation and neuroinflammation and improving cognitive and motor function.These extra cellular vesicles recapitulate the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells and have advantages as therapeutic tools:they are less immunoge nic,may not diffe rentiate to malignant cells,cross the blood-brain barrier,and may reach more easily target organs.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have beneficial effects in models of ischemic brain injury,Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases,hyperammonemia,and hepatic encephalopathy.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells modulate the immune system,promoting the shift from a pro-inflammato ry to an anti-inflammatory state.For example,extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells modulate the Th17/Treg balance,promoting the anti-inflammatory Treg.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells may also act directly in the brain to modulate microglia activation,promoting a shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state.This reduces neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function.Two main components of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells which contribute to these beneficial effects are transforming growth factor-βand miR-124.Identifying the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells induce the beneficial effects and the main molecules(e.g.,proteins and mRNAs)involved may help to improve their therapeutic utility.The aims of this review are to summarize the knowledge of the pathological effects of extracellular vesicles in different pathologies,the therapeutic potential of extra cellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells to recover cognitive and motor function and the molecular mechanisms for these beneficial effects on neurological function.

Efficacy of exercise rehabilitation for managing patients with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a progressive and degenerative neurological disease characterized by the deterioration of cognitive functions. While a definitive cure and optimal medication to impede disease progression are currently unavailable, a plethora of studies have highlighted the potential advantages of exercise rehabilitation for managing this condition. Those studies show that exercise rehabilitation can enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by AD. Therefore, exercise rehabilitation has been regarded as one of the most important strategies for managing patients with AD. Herein, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the currently available findings on exercise rehabilitation in patients with AD, with a focus on the exercise types which have shown efficacy when implemented alone or combined with other treatment methods, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying these positive effects. Specifically, we explain how exercise may improve the brain microenvironment and neuronal plasticity. In conclusion, exercise is a cost-effective intervention to enhance cognitive performance and improve quality of life in patients with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it can potentially become both a physical activity and a tailored intervention. This review may aid the development of more effective and individualized treatment strategies to address the challenges imposed by this debilitating disease, especially in low-and middle-income countries.

Neuroprotective effect of liraglutide and memantine in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease

Objective:To assess the effect of memantine combined with liraglutide on aluminum chloride(AlCl_(3))and D-galactose(D-GAL)-induced neurotoxicity in rats.Methods:Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 animals each:the positive control,the negative control,the memantine-treated group,the liraglutide-treated group,and the combination group treated with memantine and liraglutide.AlCl_(3)and D-GAL were used to induce neurotoxicity.Behavioral tests,brain beta-amyloid protein,and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated.Results:The Morris water maze test indicated an enhanced memory in the combination group.Moreover,the combination treatment of liraglutide and memantine resulted in a remarkable reduction in the beta-amyloid protein level in the brain tissue.Neuronal inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly reduced,and the levels of antioxidant parameters were enhanced.Conclusions:The combination of liraglutide and memantine exerts neuroprotective effects and enhances memory and cognitive functions in rats with Alzheimer’s disease.

Clinical Application and Research Progress of Common Event-Related Potentials

This paper review focuses on the diagnostic application and clinical efficacy correlation of event-related potentials,such as P300,MMN,CNV and N400,in patients with depression,and provides a reliable theoretical basis for the diagnosis and prognosis of later depression.

Increasing role of post-intensive care syndrome in quality of life of intensive care unit survivors

In this editorial we comment on the detrimental consequences that post-intensive care syndrome(PICS)has in the quality of life of intensive care unit(ICU)survivors,highlighting the importance of early onset of multidisciplinary rehabilitation from within the ICU.Although,the syndrome was identified and well described early in 2012,more awareness has been raised on the long-term PICS related health problems by the increased number of coronavirus disease 2019 ICU survivors.It is well outlined that the syndrome affects both the patient and the family and is described as the appearance or worsening of impairment in physical,cognitive,or mental health as consequence of critical illness.PICS was described in order:(1)To raise awareness among clinicians,researchers,even the society;(2)to highlight the need for a multilevel screening of these patients that starts from within the ICU and continues after discharge;(3)to present preventive strategies;and(4)to offer guidelines in terms of rehabilitation.An early multidisci-plinary approach is the key element form minimizing the incidence of PICS and its consequences in health related quality of life of both survivors and their families.

Comparative efficacy of various exercise interventions on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia:A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background:Exercise is a promising nonpharmacological therapy for cognitive dysfunction,but it is unclear which type of exercise is most effective.The objective of this study was to compare and rank the effectiveness of various exercise interventions on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment(MCI)or dementia and to examine the effects of exercise on the symptoms relevant to cognitive impairment.Methods:We searched PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,SPORTDiscus,and PsycInfo through September 2019 and included randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness of exercise interventions in patients with MCI or dementia.Primary outcomes included global cognition,executive cognition,and memory cognition.Secondary outcomes included activities of daily living,neuropsychiatric symptoms,and quality of life.Pairwise analyses and network meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model.Results:A total of 73 articles from 71 trials with 5606 participants were included.All types of exercise were effective in increasing or maintaining global cognition,and resistance exercise had the highest probability of being the most effective intervention in slowing the decrease in global cognition(standard mean difference(SMD)=1.05,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.56-1.54),executive function(SMD=0.85,95%CI:0.21-1.49),and memory function(SMD=0.32,95%CI:0.01-0.63)in patients with cognitive dysfunction.Subgroup analyses for patients with MCI revealed different effects,and multicomponent exercise was most likely to be the optimal exercise therapy for preventing the decline of global cognition(SMD=0.99,95%CI:0.44-1.54)and executive function(SMD=0.72,95%CI:0.06-1.38).However,only resistance exercise showed significant effects on memory function for patients with MCI(SMD=0.35,95%CI:0.01-0.69).Exercise interventions also showed various effects on the secondary outcomes.Conclusion:Resistance exercise has the highest probability of being the optimal exercise type for slowing cognitive declin e in patients withcognitive dysfunction,especially in patients with dementia.Multicomponent exercise tends to be most effective in protecting global cognition and executive function in patients with MCI.

Hippocampal insulin resistance and the Sirtuin 1 signaling pathway in diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction

In the peripheral nervous system,the activation of Sirtuin 1 can improve insulin resistance;however,the role played by Sirtuin 1 in the central nervous system remains unknown.In this study,rat models of diabetes mellitus were generated by a single injection of streptozotocin.At 8 weeks after streptozotocin injection,the Morris water maze test and western blot assays confirmed that the diabetic model rats had learning and memory deficits,insulin resistance,and Sirtuin 1 expression could be detected in the hippocampus.Insulin and the insulin receptor inhibitor S961 were intranasally administered to investigate the regulatory effects of insulin signaling on Sirtuin 1.The results showed that insulin administration improved the impaired cognitive function of diabetic model rats and increased the expression levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor,phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1,and Sirtuin 1 in the hippocampus.Conversely,S961 administration resulted in more severe cognitive dysfunction and reduced the expression levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor,phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1,and Sirtuin 1.The Sirtuin 1 activator SRT2104 and the inhibitor Sirtinol were injected into the lateral ventricle,which revealed that the activation of Sirtuin 1 increased the expression levels of target of rapamycin complex 1,phosphorylated cAMP-response elementbinding protein,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.Hippocampal dendritic length and spine density also increased in response to Sirtuin 1 activation.In contrast,Sirtinol decreased the expression levels of target of rapamycin complex 1,phosphorylated cAMP-response elementbinding protein,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor and damaged the dendritic structure.These findings suggest that the Sirtuin 1 signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance-related cognitive deficits in diabetic rats.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Welfare Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine(approval No.ZYFY201811207)in November 2018.

Resveratrol improves cognition and reduces oxidative stress in rats with vascular dementia

Resveratrol possesses beneficial biological effects, which include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Recently, resveratrol has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects in models of Parkinson＇s disease, cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer＇s disease. However, its effects on vascular dementia remain unclear. The present study established a rat model of vascular dementia using permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. At 8-12 weeks after model induction, rats were intragastrically administered 25 mg/kg resveratrol daily. Our results found that resveratrol shortened the escape latency and escape distances in the Morris water maze, and pro- longed the time spent percentage and swimming distance percentage in the target quadrant during the probe test, indicating that resveratrol improved learning and memory ability in vascular dementia rats. Further experiments found that resveratrol decreased malonyldialdehyde levels, and increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of vascular dementia rats. These results confirmed that the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on vascular dementia were associated with its anti-oxidant properties.