Effect of Dexmedetomidine Combined with Ropivacaine on Cognitive Dysfunction and Inflammatory Response in Patients Undergoing Craniocerebral Surgery

Objective. To study the effects of dexmedetomidine in combination with ropivacaine in patients undergoing craniocerebral surgery and their efficiency on cognitive function and inflammatory response of patients. Methods. 100 patients undergoing craniocerebral surgery in our hospital from November 2018 to September 2020 were randomly selected and divided into a control group and an experimental group by drawing lots, with 50 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received routine anesthesia, while those in the experimental group received 1 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine combined with 0.5% of ropivacaine for anesthesia to compare the anesthesia onset time, analgesic time, postoperative awake time, Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS) cognitive function score after waking, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Ramsay sedation score, incidence of adverse reactions, postoperative inflammatory factor expression levels, and changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure at T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4 between the two groups. Results. The anesthesia onset time, SDSS cognitive function score after waking, VAS pain score, Ramsay sedation score, incidence of adverse reactions, and postoperative inflammatory factor expression levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05 ). The analgesic time and postoperative awake time in the experimental group were significantly longer than those in the control group, with statistical significance ( P < 0.05 ). There were no statistically significant differences in the changes of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure at T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4 between the two groups ( P > 0.05 ). Conclusion. Dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine has high application value in craniocerebral surgery.

Association between plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive deficits in Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia across age groups

It was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people. Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, and 50–59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance. Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18–29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18–29 years (B = 0.74, t = 3.12, p = 0.008). Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Combined with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cognitive Function and Sleep Disorders in Patients with Mild Vascular Dementia

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of acupuncture and repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with mild vascular dementia. Method: From May 2020 to May 2021, 40 patients with mild vascular dementia in Harbin Fourth Hospital (our hospital) were divided into the experimental group (20 cases, using conventional drugs + acupuncture + repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation) and the control group (20 cases, for example, the application of conventional medication). The improvement of cognitive function score, sleep quality score, quality of life score, and cerebral hemodynamics before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Result: Before treatment, the difference in cognitive function score, sleep quality score, quality of life score, and cerebral hemodynamic index between the two groups of patients did not form, that is, p>0.05; after treatment, the experimental group’s cognitive function score was (19.45±2.47) points , Sleep quality score (12.18±2.09), quality of life score (33.29±4.08), left cerebral blood flow velocity (65.76±3.32) cm/s, right cerebral blood flow velocity (64.32±3.25) cm/s, more For the control group, P<0.05. Conclusion: In the clinical treatment of patients with mild vascular dementia, based on conventional drugs, combined with acupuncture and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, the patients’ cognitive function can be improved, and the quality of sleep and quality of life can be improved. Comprehensive clinical promotion.

Association between Exposure to Pesticides and Cognitive Function in Greenhouse Workers (Case Study: Ahmadabad Village of Yazd Province)

Introduction: Exposure to pesticides in greenhouse workers is associated with several health outcomes, such as cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to pesticides and cognitive function in Yazd city greenhouse workers and those living in the proximity of the greenhouses. Materials and Methods: In this study, three groups of participants were selected, including the greenhouse workers, the residents in the proximity of the greenhouses, and the control group. A semi-quantitative assessment of pesticide exposure was used to calculate the subjects’ cumulative pesticide exposure as a proxy for long-term exposure to pesticides. Blood level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured as a biomarker of effect. Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Mini–mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive functions (including memory, executive functions, attention, visual, and verbal functions). Results: Mean cholinesterase activity in the greenhouse workers (average = 7009.3 U/L) was lower than the two other groups. The results of the cognitive function score for both FAB and MMSE tests did not show a significant difference between the direct exposure and indirect exposure groups, although the cognitive function score in the pesticide applicators was lower than the two other study groups (e.g. for FAB score: 13.89, 14.55, and 15.4 for the greenhouse workers, the residents in the proximity of greenhouses, and the control group). The results also showed that in the direct exposure group, those with lower levels of cholinesterase activity also had a lower cognitive function. Conclusion: The findings indicated that there is a potential link between impaired cognitive function and exposure to pesticides in the greenhouse workers.

Correlation between Serum Platelet Count and Cognitive Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. The risk of cognitive impairment in patients with atrial fibrillation is significantly increased. Its occurrence may be related to blood hypercoagulable state and immune inflammatory reaction. Platelets can mediate immune inflammatory response, but there is no evidence about the relationship between platelet count and cognitive function in patients with atrial fibrillation. Purpose. To explore whether there is a certain correlation between platelet count and cognitive function in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single center in China, including 254 patients with atrial fibrillation. Cognitive function assessment and clinical and laboratory examinations were performed on all participants. After adjusting the related confounding factors, the relationship between platelet count and cognitive function was analyzed. Results. A total of 254 subjects with an average age of 59.71 ± 11.14 years were included. The average platelet count was 208.15 ± 68.30, and the average score of cognitive function was 19.29 ± 6.78. Result of fully adjusted binary logistic regression showed platelet count was negatively associated with the cognitive function score after adjusting confounders (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.000, 95%CI −0.01, 0.01). A nonlinear relationship was detected between platelet count and the cognitive function score, whose point was 230. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals of the left and right sides of the inflection point were 0.03 (0.01–0.05, P for nonlinearity = 0.011) and −0.03 (−0.05–0.00, P for nonlinearity = 0.023), respectively. Conclusion. Platelets have a nonlinear relationship with cognitive function in patients with atrial fibrillation. This finding suggests that, in patients with atrial fibrillation, platelets should be maintained at about 230.

Association Between Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Cognitive Deficits in Han Chinese Patients with Schizophrenia across Age Groups

Background: It was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people.Methods: Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance.Results: Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18-29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18-29 years (B = 0.61, t = 3.17, p = 0.013).Conclusions: Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.

Consequences of early life exposure to the 1983–1985 Ethiopian Great Famine on cognitive function in adults: a historical cohort study

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between early life famine exposure and cognitive function in adults.DesignHistorical cohort studySettingNorth Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia.ParticipantsWe recruited 1047 adult men and women aged 30–38 years who had history of early life exposure to Ethiopian great famine. Based on self-reported age and birth date, participants were categorised into famine exposed in early life (prenatal/postnatal) and non-exposed groups.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure of this study was cognitive function in adults after early life exposure to famine. Cognitive function was measured using Montreal Cognitive Assessment—basic. Associations between exposure and outcome variables were examined by linear regression analysis models.ResultsAdjusted for covariates, early life exposure to famine showed 1.29 (β=−1.29; 95% CI −2.16 to -0.52) points lower cognitive function score compared with non-exposed. Based on subanalysis for timing of famine exposure, postnatal exposure to famine resulted in 2.26 (β=−2.26; 95% CI −3.12 to -1.36) points lower cognitive function score compared with non-exposed groups. Prenatal famine exposure had 1.26 (β=−1.26; 95% CI −2.35 to 0.94) points lower cognitive function score although not statistically significant.ConclusionsFamine exposure in early life was associated with cognitive functions in adults. While the overall findings highlight the importance of optimal nutrition in early life for brain growth and development, the association observed between postnatal famine exposure and adult cognitive function may indicate the relative importance of learning and experience during early childhood for optimal brain development after birth. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential mechanism behind this association.

Subgroup analysis of the influence of body mass index on the association between serum lipids and cognitive function in Chinese population

Background: Previous studies reported that the association between lipid levels and cognitive function related with gender, age and specific cognitive domains, but the influence of body mass index (BMI) on this association is limited. This triggered our interest in exploring how serum lipids relate to cognitive function in different subgroups. Methods: Data was collected from 2009 wave and 2015 wave of China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Multivariable linear regression analyses examined serum lipids level as predictors of sex- and age-specific measure of cognitive function in different BMI levels, which were adjusted for nationality, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), smoking status, alcohol consumption and education level. Results: Cognitive function score have different concentration curves in serum lipids quartile levels in different BMI categories. After adjustment for confounding factors, serum TG was positively associated with cognitive function score in underweight (β±SE: 2.06±0.88, P=0.023) and obese (β±SE: 1.44±0.71, P=0.045) male group, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: 1.89±0.92, P=0.041) and obese (β±SE: 5.04±1.62, P=0.002) female group. Serum TC was negatively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: -2.55±1.26, P=0.043) mid-life adults, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: 2.15±0.94, P=0.022) and obese (β±SE: 5.33±2.07, P=0.011) older adults. Conclusion: The associations of serum lipids with cognitive function were related with BMI levels and differed between gender and age groups. This result indicated that better nutritional status has superior cognitive function performance.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) as a predictor of decreased quality of life and cognitive impairment in testicular germ cell tumor survivors.

e17063 Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN20) after curative treatment for testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) has been previously reported. The impact of CIPN on long-term quality of life (QOL) in GCT survivors remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to evaluate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN20) in association with QOL in GCT survivors. Methods: European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) CIPN20, QLQ-C30 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) questionnaires were prospectively completed by GCT survivors (N = 153) at National Cancer Institute in Slovakia during their annual follow-up. The median follow-up was 10 years (range 4-25). Upon obtaining the scores from each questionnaire per recommended guidelines, each score from QLQ-C30 and FACT-Cog was correlated with CIPN defined as high or low (above and below median) as obtained from CIPN20. Results: GCT survivors with CIPN high reported impairment in quality of life in QLQ-C30. The global health status was lower in survivors with high vs low CIPN (mean score ± SEM: 66.5 ± 1.9 vs. 86.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.00001). Survivors with CIPN high reported substantially worse physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social functioning compared to CIPN low (all P < 0.00001). CIPN high survivors perceived more fatigue, nausea, pain, dyspnoea, appetite loss and more sleeping disorders compared to CIPN low (all P < 0.0001). Higher burden of CIPN was associated with more financial problems vs CIPN low (mean score ± SEM: 19.6 ± 2.6 vs. 6.67 ± 2.3, P = 0.0002). Cognitive impairment was higher in all FACT-Cog domains including the overall cognitive function score (all P < 0.001) for CIPN high. Spearman analysis has confirmed negative correlations of CIPN20 overall score with QLQ-C30 global health status (R = -0.54, P < 0.0001) and with FACT-Cog overall cognitive function score (R = -0.52, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: CIPN is a powerful predictor of disturbances in QOL and cognitive functioning among GCT survivors. Physicians should never over-treat patients unnecessarily and novel therapies with lower burden of late toxicity should be researched

The sex-specific influence of body mass index on the association between serum lipids and cognitive function in Chinese elderly population: data from 2009-2015 CHNS

Objectives: Previous studies reported that the association between lipid levels and cognitive function related with sex, age and specific cognitive domains, but the influence of body mass index (BMI) on this association is limited. This triggered our interest in exploring how serum lipids relate to cognitive function in different BMI levels. Methods: Data was collected from 2009 wave and 2015 wave of China Health and Nutrition Survey (2009-2015 CHNS). Multivariable linear regression analyses examined serum lipids level as predictors of gender-specific measure of cognitive function in different BMI levels, which were adjusted for age, nationality, BMI, SBP, DBP, smoking status, alcohol consumption and education level. Results: Cognitive function score have different concentration curves in serum lipids quartile levels in different BMI categories. After adjustment for confounding factors, serum TG was positively associated with cognitive function score in underweight (β±SE: 2.06±0.88, P=0.023) and obese (β±SE: 1.44±0.71, P=0.045) male group, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: 1.89±0.92, P=0.041) and obese female group (β±SE: 5.04±1.62, P=0.002). Conclusions: The associations of serum lipids with cognitive function differed between different gender groups and were specific to BMI levels. This result indicated that better nutritional status has superior cognitive function performance.