BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease has been associated with sarcopenia,but a causal relationship has not been established.Exploring the causal relationship between the two most common disability-burdening diseases in the aging population-Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia-and their potential mediating factors holds certain implications for further alleviating the healthcare costs and socioeconomic burden for older adults in China.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the general population using a Mendelian randomization study and to explore the role of body mass index in this context.METHODS:Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis based on published genome-wide association studies(GWAS)were used to infer causality,and univariate Mendelian randomization and mediation analyses were used in the study design.Through the Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)database,ieu-b-2 was selected as the Alzheimer's disease dataset(sample size:63 926),ieu-b-4816 as the body mass index dataset(99 998),ebi-a-GCST90000027 as the appendicular lean mass dataset(244 730),ukb-b-7478 as the left hand grip strength dataset(461 026),ukb-b-10215 as the right hand grip strength dataset(461 089)and ukb-b-4711 as the walking pace dataset(459 915).Inverse-variance weighting was used as the primary analysis method,and the results were validated by pleiotropy and heterogeneity analysis.The Steiger Directionality Test was performed to validate the reasonableness of the causal direction.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence that Alzheimer's disease predicted the risk of appendicular lean mass[odds ratio(OR)=1.009;95％confidence interval(Cl),1.001-1.017;P=0.023),and walking pace(OR=1.010;95％Cl,1.003-1.017;P=0.008).No correlation with hand grip strength was observed.(2)Alzheimer's disease was negatively correlated with body mass index(OR=0.893;95％Cl,0.811-0.984;P=0.022);body mass index was positively correlated with appendicular lean mass(OR=1.084;95％Cl,1.031-1.141;P=0.002)and negatively correlated with walking pace(OR=0.975;95％Cl,0.969-0.980;P＜0.001).(3)Mediation analyses showed that the causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and appendicular lean mass and walking pace was partially mediated by body mass index,with the proportion of mediations being 50.25％and 32.11％,respectively.(4)The results of this study suggest that based on large-scale population studies,genetic prediction of Alzheimer's disease is a potential risk factor for sarcopenia,in which body mass index plays an important mediating role.This suggests that in clinical practice,attention should be paid to the muscle condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease,and weight management should be implemented,as maintaining a body mass index within the normal high range may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of sarcopenia in patients with Alzheimer's disease.However,further research is needed to verify the applicability of this conclusion to other ethnic groups.This study utilized an international public database for analysis,providing a reference for research on the correlation between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the Chinese population.It also highlights the significant mediating role of body mass index,offering insights for further prevention and treatment of sarcopenia among Chinese individuals.

BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease has been associated with sarcopenia,but a causal relationship has not been established.Exploring the causal relationship between the two most common disability-burdening diseases in the aging population-Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia-and their potential mediating factors holds certain implications for further alleviating the healthcare costs and socioeconomic burden for older adults in China.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the general population using a Mendelian randomization study and to explore the role of body mass index in this context.METHODS:Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis based on published genome-wide association studies(GWAS)were used to infer causality,and univariate Mendelian randomization and mediation analyses were used in the study design.Through the Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)database,ieu-b-2 was selected as the Alzheimer's disease dataset(sample size:63 926),ieu-b-4816 as the body mass index dataset(99 998),ebi-a-GCST90000027 as the appendicular lean mass dataset(244 730),ukb-b-7478 as the left hand grip strength dataset(461 026),ukb-b-10215 as the right hand grip strength dataset(461 089)and ukb-b-4711 as the walking pace dataset(459 915).Inverse-variance weighting was used as the primary analysis method,and the results were validated by pleiotropy and heterogeneity analysis.The Steiger Directionality Test was performed to validate the reasonableness of the causal direction.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence that Alzheimer's disease predicted the risk of appendicular lean mass[odds ratio(OR)=1.009;95％confidence interval(Cl),1.001-1.017;P=0.023),and walking pace(OR=1.010;95％Cl,1.003-1.017;P=0.008).No correlation with hand grip strength was observed.(2)Alzheimer's disease was negatively correlated with body mass index(OR=0.893;95％Cl,0.811-0.984;P=0.022);body mass index was positively correlated with appendicular lean mass(OR=1.084;95％Cl,1.031-1.141;P=0.002)and negatively correlated with walking pace(OR=0.975;95％Cl,0.969-0.980;P＜0.001).(3)Mediation analyses showed that the causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and appendicular lean mass and walking pace was partially mediated by body mass index,with the proportion of mediations being 50.25％and 32.11％,respectively.(4)The results of this study suggest that based on large-scale population studies,genetic prediction of Alzheimer's disease is a potential risk factor for sarcopenia,in which body mass index plays an important mediating role.This suggests that in clinical practice,attention should be paid to the muscle condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease,and weight management should be implemented,as maintaining a body mass index within the normal high range may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of sarcopenia in patients with Alzheimer's disease.However,further research is needed to verify the applicability of this conclusion to other ethnic groups.This study utilized an international public database for analysis,providing a reference for research on the correlation between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the Chinese population.It also highlights the significant mediating role of body mass index,offering insights for further prevention and treatment of sarcopenia among Chinese individuals.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteral lithotripsy(FURL)and non-retrograde percutaneous nephrolithotomy(NR-PCNL)for treating1.5-2.0 cm upper ureteral stones.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 130 patients with upper ureteral stones treated between October 2022 and October 2024.Sixty-two patients underwent FURL and 68 underwent NR-PCNL.Comparisons included operative time,pre-and postoperative changes in white blood cells(WBC),hemoglobin(Hb),and creatinine(Cr),postoperative C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,stone-free rate after primary surgery,postoperative hospitalization duration,pain scores,complications,and need for auxiliary treatments.Results Compared to the FURL group,the NR-PCNL group demonstrated advantages in operative time[54.0(44.3,69.3)min vs.82.5(66.0,101.0)min,Z=-5.565,P<0.001],WBC elevation[1.9(0.5,3.5)×109/L vs.4.5(3.0,6.0)×109/L,Z=-4.528,P<0.001],and secondary surgery rate[0%(0/68)vs.14.5%(9/62),P<0.001].The FURL group showed lower Hb reduction[3.0(2.0,6.3)g/L vs.8.0(5.0,11.0)g/L,Z=-4.262,P<0.001],less postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)pain scores[1.0(1.0,2.0)points vs.2.0(1.0,2.0)points,Z=-2.840,P=0.005],and shorter hospitalization duration[2.0(1.0,2.0)d vs.3.0(2.0,3.0)d,Z=-5.815,P<0.001].No significant differences were observed in Cr elevation,CRP levels,stone-free rate after primary surgery,complications,or analgesic requirements(P≥0.05).Conclusions Both NR-PCNL and FURL are safe and effective for 1.5-2.0 cm upper ureteral stones.FURL offers better patient comfort,while NR-PCNL shows superior overall safety.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of non-retrograde intubation combined with selectively tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy(NR-ST-PCNL).Methods A retrospective analysis included 213 patients with upper urinary tract stones and hydronephrosis(renal pelvic separation>10 mm)undergoing PCNL at our hospital from October 2023 to June 2025.Patients were divided into Group A(non-retrograde intuba-tion,n=109)and Group B(retrograde intubation,n=104).Primary endpoint was postoperative complications and secondary endpoints included operative time,stone-free rate(SFR),visual analog scale(VAS)pain scores,postoperative hospital stay,and hospitalization costs.Results Group A demonstrated significantly lower rates of postoperative complications[7.3%(8/109)vs.18.2%(19/104),P=0.017],shorter operative time[51.00(37.00,65.00)min vs.71.50(55.00,90.75)min,P<0.001],lower postoperative VAS scores[1.00(0.00,1.00)vs.1.00(0.00,2.00),P=0.008],shorter hospital stay[3.00(2.00,3.00)days vs.4.00(4.00,4.00)days,P<0.001],and lower hospitalization costs[17 028.00(15 178.05,17 934.50)RMB vs.20 653.00(19 176.25,22 630.00)RMB,P<0.001]compared with Group B.There was no significant difference in SFR between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion For patients with upper urinary tract stones and renal pelvic separation>10 mm,NR-ST-PCNL performed by experienced surgeons achieves comparable stone clearance to conventional techniques while reducing complication risk,shortening operative and hospitalization times,and lowering costs.It represents a safe,efficient,and optimized clinical approach.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of non-retrograde intubation combined with selectively tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy(NR-ST-PCNL).Methods A retrospective analysis included 213 patients with upper urinary tract stones and hydronephrosis(renal pelvic separation>10 mm)undergoing PCNL at our hospital from October 2023 to June 2025.Patients were divided into Group A(non-retrograde intuba-tion,n=109)and Group B(retrograde intubation,n=104).Primary endpoint was postoperative complications and secondary endpoints included operative time,stone-free rate(SFR),visual analog scale(VAS)pain scores,postoperative hospital stay,and hospitalization costs.Results Group A demonstrated significantly lower rates of postoperative complications[7.3%(8/109)vs.18.2%(19/104),P=0.017],shorter operative time[51.00(37.00,65.00)min vs.71.50(55.00,90.75)min,P<0.001],lower postoperative VAS scores[1.00(0.00,1.00)vs.1.00(0.00,2.00),P=0.008],shorter hospital stay[3.00(2.00,3.00)days vs.4.00(4.00,4.00)days,P<0.001],and lower hospitalization costs[17 028.00(15 178.05,17 934.50)RMB vs.20 653.00(19 176.25,22 630.00)RMB,P<0.001]compared with Group B.There was no significant difference in SFR between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion For patients with upper urinary tract stones and renal pelvic separation>10 mm,NR-ST-PCNL performed by experienced surgeons achieves comparable stone clearance to conventional techniques while reducing complication risk,shortening operative and hospitalization times,and lowering costs.It represents a safe,efficient,and optimized clinical approach.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteral lithotripsy(FURL)and non-retrograde percutaneous nephrolithotomy(NR-PCNL)for treating1.5-2.0 cm upper ureteral stones.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 130 patients with upper ureteral stones treated between October 2022 and October 2024.Sixty-two patients underwent FURL and 68 underwent NR-PCNL.Comparisons included operative time,pre-and postoperative changes in white blood cells(WBC),hemoglobin(Hb),and creatinine(Cr),postoperative C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,stone-free rate after primary surgery,postoperative hospitalization duration,pain scores,complications,and need for auxiliary treatments.Results Compared to the FURL group,the NR-PCNL group demonstrated advantages in operative time[54.0(44.3,69.3)min vs.82.5(66.0,101.0)min,Z=-5.565,P<0.001],WBC elevation[1.9(0.5,3.5)×109/L vs.4.5(3.0,6.0)×109/L,Z=-4.528,P<0.001],and secondary surgery rate[0%(0/68)vs.14.5%(9/62),P<0.001].The FURL group showed lower Hb reduction[3.0(2.0,6.3)g/L vs.8.0(5.0,11.0)g/L,Z=-4.262,P<0.001],less postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)pain scores[1.0(1.0,2.0)points vs.2.0(1.0,2.0)points,Z=-2.840,P=0.005],and shorter hospitalization duration[2.0(1.0,2.0)d vs.3.0(2.0,3.0)d,Z=-5.815,P<0.001].No significant differences were observed in Cr elevation,CRP levels,stone-free rate after primary surgery,complications,or analgesic requirements(P≥0.05).Conclusions Both NR-PCNL and FURL are safe and effective for 1.5-2.0 cm upper ureteral stones.FURL offers better patient comfort,while NR-PCNL shows superior overall safety.

Objective:To discuss the surgical strategies of atlantoaxial dislocation in children with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA.Methods:8 cases of atlantoaxial dislocation in children with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA treated with posterior atlantoaxial reduction, decompression, bone graft and internal fixation from April, 2019 to October, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 2 females, aged 6.2±3.1 years (range, 2-10 years). All the 8 children had lower limb weakness and walking instability, and some of them could not even stand and walk, and all of them had odontoid hypoplasia, atlantoaxial dislocation and systemic skeletal dysplasia. Measures, including American Spinal injury Association (ASIA) grade, modified atlanto-dental interval (mADI) and reduction rate, screw placement type and fusion of bone graft, were recorded and analyzed.Results:The follow-up time was 17.8±7.4 months (range, 8-27 months). The total operation time was 144.0±43.1 mins (range, 90-220 min) and the blood loss during the surgery was 89.1±55.1 ml (range, 15-180 ml). The ASIA grade were 3 cases of "C" level, 4 cases of "D" level and 1 case of "E" level before the operation, and 1 case of "C" level, 1 case of "D" level and 6 cases of "E" level at the latest follow-up. The mADI reduced from 7.38±2.62 mm pre-surgery to 2.50±1.60 mm ( t=5.71, P=0.001). The reduction rate of the latest follow-up mADI was 65.0%±26.3%. 31 pedicle screws were inserted, including 26 Type I screws (83.9%), 4 Type II screws (12.9%) and 1 Type III screw (3.2%), and no injury of spinal cord or blood vessels were observed associated with the Type III screw. One unilateral axial lamina screw was used in 1 case. 5 patients showed fusion (autogenous bone) 6 months after the surgery, 2 patients got fusion (allogeneic bone) 1 year after the surgery, and other patients showed bone graft resorption (allogeneic bone) at the latest follow-up. One patient developed type II respiratory failure on the night of operation and recovered after rescue. Other patients had no complications such as vascular and nerve injury, screw loosening and so on. Conclusion:The majority of children with type IVa mucopolysaccharidosis are accompanied by absence of odontoid process. If such children are complicated with atlantoaxial dislocation and cervical spinal canal stenosis resulting in cervical spinal cord injury, timely surgical intervention should be carried out. Posterior atlantoaxial fusion is a safe and effective surgical method. As children have the characteristics of multi-system involvement, multi-disciplinary cooperation may be needed to ensure perioperative safety.