Objective To explore whether virtual reality(VR)combined with computerized cogni-tive training intervention can improve the cognitive function in elderly stroke patients.Methods A total of 202 stroke patients admitted to our department from January 2022 to January 2024 were recruited and randomly divided into control group(101 cases,traditional cognitive training intervention)and study group(101 cases,VR combined with computerized cognitive training in-tervention).Before and after 3 months of intervention,Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA),Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),Activities of Daily Living Scale(ADL)were applied,serum levels of dopamine,neuropeptide Y(NPY),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and norepineph-rine(NE)were detected,and P300 wave of event-related potential was measured.The results were compared before and after intervention,and between the two groups.Results After intervention,the scores of MoCA,MMSE and FMA,the levels of NPY,5-HT,NE,dopamine,and the ampli-tude of P300 wave were obviously higher in both groups when compared with those before inter-vention(P＜0.05).The study group obtained notably higher MoCA score(27.64±0.62 vs 26.83±0.65),MMSE score(27.67±0.61 vs 26.83±0.62),NPY,5-HT,NE,dopamine,FMA score and amplitude of P300 wave after intervention than the control group(P＜0.01).The NIHSS score,ADL score and latency in the two groups after intervention were significantly lower than those before intervention(P＜0.05),and the above indicators in the study group were significantly low-er than the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion VR combined with computerized cognitive training intervention can effectively improve the cognitive function,neurological function,motor function and daily life function,and enhance the neurotransmitter levels in elderly stroke patients.

Objective To analyze the correlation between the poor position of pedicle screw after lumbar internal fixation and the occurrence of postoperative neurological symptoms.Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent lumbar pedicle screw surgery in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Record the patient's sex,age,diagnosis,surgical segment,the presence of postoperative neurological complications,the types of neurological complications.According to the postoperative CT,the screw penetration zone and grade were evaluated,and the distribution of different pedicle screw penetration types was recorded.The correlation between different types of pedicle screw penetration and postoperative neurological symptoms was analyzed.Results A total of 184 patients were included,including 80 males and 104 females.Age ranged from 18 to 82 years,with an average of 60.1±14.2 years.35 patients developed new neurological symptoms after operation.The incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms caused by pedicle medial quadrant screw penetration and lower quadrant screw penetration was higher than that of pedicle superior quadrant and lateral quadrant screw penetration.From L1 to L5,the risk of postoperative neurological symptoms caused by screw penetration in the medial quadrant of the pedicle increases gradually.When the penetration distance of pedicle medial quadrant screws in L4 and L5 segments is≥2mm,the risk of postoperative neurological symptoms is high.When the penetration distance of pedicle medial quadrant screws in L1,L2 and L3 segments is greater than 4mm,the risk of postoperative neurological symptoms is high.The distance of pedicle screw penetrating the medial quadrant of pedicle was positively correlated with the incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms(P<0.05).Conclusion The lateral and superior quadrants of the pedicle may be regarded as safety zones for lumbar pedicle screw placement.For the L1～L3 segments,screw penetration depth should not exceed 4 mm;whereas for the L4～L5 segments,the safety threshold must be strictly controlled within 2 mm.

Objective To analyze the correlation between the poor position of pedicle screw after lumbar internal fixation and the occurrence of postoperative neurological symptoms.Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent lumbar pedicle screw surgery in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Record the patient's sex,age,diagnosis,surgical segment,the presence of postoperative neurological complications,the types of neurological complications.According to the postoperative CT,the screw penetration zone and grade were evaluated,and the distribution of different pedicle screw penetration types was recorded.The correlation between different types of pedicle screw penetration and postoperative neurological symptoms was analyzed.Results A total of 184 patients were included,including 80 males and 104 females.Age ranged from 18 to 82 years,with an average of 60.1±14.2 years.35 patients developed new neurological symptoms after operation.The incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms caused by pedicle medial quadrant screw penetration and lower quadrant screw penetration was higher than that of pedicle superior quadrant and lateral quadrant screw penetration.From L1 to L5,the risk of postoperative neurological symptoms caused by screw penetration in the medial quadrant of the pedicle increases gradually.When the penetration distance of pedicle medial quadrant screws in L4 and L5 segments is≥2mm,the risk of postoperative neurological symptoms is high.When the penetration distance of pedicle medial quadrant screws in L1,L2 and L3 segments is greater than 4mm,the risk of postoperative neurological symptoms is high.The distance of pedicle screw penetrating the medial quadrant of pedicle was positively correlated with the incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms(P<0.05).Conclusion The lateral and superior quadrants of the pedicle may be regarded as safety zones for lumbar pedicle screw placement.For the L1～L3 segments,screw penetration depth should not exceed 4 mm;whereas for the L4～L5 segments,the safety threshold must be strictly controlled within 2 mm.

Objective To explore whether virtual reality(VR)combined with computerized cogni-tive training intervention can improve the cognitive function in elderly stroke patients.Methods A total of 202 stroke patients admitted to our department from January 2022 to January 2024 were recruited and randomly divided into control group(101 cases,traditional cognitive training intervention)and study group(101 cases,VR combined with computerized cognitive training in-tervention).Before and after 3 months of intervention,Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA),Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),Activities of Daily Living Scale(ADL)were applied,serum levels of dopamine,neuropeptide Y(NPY),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and norepineph-rine(NE)were detected,and P300 wave of event-related potential was measured.The results were compared before and after intervention,and between the two groups.Results After intervention,the scores of MoCA,MMSE and FMA,the levels of NPY,5-HT,NE,dopamine,and the ampli-tude of P300 wave were obviously higher in both groups when compared with those before inter-vention(P＜0.05).The study group obtained notably higher MoCA score(27.64±0.62 vs 26.83±0.65),MMSE score(27.67±0.61 vs 26.83±0.62),NPY,5-HT,NE,dopamine,FMA score and amplitude of P300 wave after intervention than the control group(P＜0.01).The NIHSS score,ADL score and latency in the two groups after intervention were significantly lower than those before intervention(P＜0.05),and the above indicators in the study group were significantly low-er than the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion VR combined with computerized cognitive training intervention can effectively improve the cognitive function,neurological function,motor function and daily life function,and enhance the neurotransmitter levels in elderly stroke patients.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of low-frequency pulse therapy combined with ingestion-swallowing training in the treatment of patients with post-stroke dysphagia.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 122 patients with post-stroke dysphagia admitted in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2024.According to different interventions,they were divid-ed into a control group(ingestion-swallowing training on the basis of conventional treatment,60 cases)and a combined treatment group(low-frequency pulse therapy and the treatments in the control group,62 cases).Before and after treatment,VFSS and standard swallowing assessment(SSA)were performed,hyoid bone movement displacement(hyoid bone forward and upward)and vertebrobasilar artery blood flow indicators[pulsatility index(PI),mean blood flow velocity(Vm),systolic blood flow velocity(Vs)]were observed,and serum levels of nerve growth factor(NGF)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)were detected in all the patients.The chan-ges in quality of life(swallow quality of life questionnaire)and occurrence of complications during treatment were observed in the two groups.Results In both groups after treatment,the VFSS score,quality of life score and swallowing symptom score,hyoid bone forward and upward dis-tances,vertebrobasilar artery Vm and Vs,and serum NGF and BDNF levels were all risen signifi-cantly while the SSA score and vertebrobasilar artery PI were obviously declined when compared with the levels before treatment(P＜0.05).After treatment,the combined treatment group had more remarkably improved VFSS score,quality of life score,swallowing symptom score,hyoid bone forward and upward distances,vertebrobasilar Vm and Vs,and serum NGF and BDNF levels,and more notably declined SSA score and vertebrobasilar PI than the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).No statistical difference was seen in the total incidence of complications between the combined treatment group and control group(4.8％vs 10.0％,P＞0.05).Conclusion Com-bined low-frequency pulse therapy and ingestion-swallowing training can effectively promote the recovery of swallowing function,increase the activity of hyoid bone,promote the vertebrobasilar artery blood flow and neurotrophic conditions,and thus improve the quality of life in patients with post-stroke dysphagia,with less complications.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of low-frequency pulse therapy combined with ingestion-swallowing training in the treatment of patients with post-stroke dysphagia.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 122 patients with post-stroke dysphagia admitted in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2024.According to different interventions,they were divid-ed into a control group(ingestion-swallowing training on the basis of conventional treatment,60 cases)and a combined treatment group(low-frequency pulse therapy and the treatments in the control group,62 cases).Before and after treatment,VFSS and standard swallowing assessment(SSA)were performed,hyoid bone movement displacement(hyoid bone forward and upward)and vertebrobasilar artery blood flow indicators[pulsatility index(PI),mean blood flow velocity(Vm),systolic blood flow velocity(Vs)]were observed,and serum levels of nerve growth factor(NGF)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)were detected in all the patients.The chan-ges in quality of life(swallow quality of life questionnaire)and occurrence of complications during treatment were observed in the two groups.Results In both groups after treatment,the VFSS score,quality of life score and swallowing symptom score,hyoid bone forward and upward dis-tances,vertebrobasilar artery Vm and Vs,and serum NGF and BDNF levels were all risen signifi-cantly while the SSA score and vertebrobasilar artery PI were obviously declined when compared with the levels before treatment(P＜0.05).After treatment,the combined treatment group had more remarkably improved VFSS score,quality of life score,swallowing symptom score,hyoid bone forward and upward distances,vertebrobasilar Vm and Vs,and serum NGF and BDNF levels,and more notably declined SSA score and vertebrobasilar PI than the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).No statistical difference was seen in the total incidence of complications between the combined treatment group and control group(4.8％vs 10.0％,P＞0.05).Conclusion Com-bined low-frequency pulse therapy and ingestion-swallowing training can effectively promote the recovery of swallowing function,increase the activity of hyoid bone,promote the vertebrobasilar artery blood flow and neurotrophic conditions,and thus improve the quality of life in patients with post-stroke dysphagia,with less complications.

The incidence of spinal infections,a relatively rare infectious disease,is on the rise due to the empirical use of antibiotics that increases the chances of infection with drug-resistant bacteria,as well as advances in testing technology that have led to an increase in detection rates.Identifying the type of pathogen to target antibi-otics is the key to treatment.However,conventionaldetection methods have low detection rates and are time-consum-ing,which are not conducive to the rapid and accurate diagnosis of spinal infection.Metagenomics next-generation sequencing(mNGS)is a detection technique that can sequence all nucleic acid fragments in samples,the emer-gence of which subverts traditional detection methods and plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal infections.This article summarizes the application of mNGS in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal infection.

Objective:To assess the relationship between appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and ankle brachial index (ABI) among patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, from July 2018 to March 2019, a total of 278 patients with type 2 diabetes treated in Zhongda Hospital were enrolled in this study, and there were 158 males and 120 females. General information and clinical biochemical parameters and ABI in the patients were collected. The appendicular muscle mass was quantitatively measured with body composition analyzer to achieve ASM. And the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass/body mass index (ASM/BMI) were calculated respectively. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses with different adjustment models were conducted to analyze the correlation between ABI and above-mentioned indexes.Results:The Pearson correlation analysis showed that ABI had significant positive correlation with ASM, ASMI and ASM/BMI ( r=0.14, 0.13, 0.13, all P<0.05), but a marginal relation with SMI ( r=0.116, P=0.053). Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that ASMI ( β=0.053, 95% CI: 0.006-0.101, P=0.027) and AMI/ABI ( β=0.347, 95% CI: 0.040-0.654, P=0.027) were significantly related to ABI. Conclusion:ASM is positively associated with ABI in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective:To explore the relationship between metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and albuminuria in the Chinese population.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2018 among residents aged 20 to 70 years in ten regions of eight provinces in China; all residents had lived in their region for more than 5 years. Various parameters were measured, included fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), blood lipids, renal function, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), etc. Data of 5 060 subjects meeting the criteria were included in the study. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 ml·min -1·1.73 m -2 or UACR≥30 mg/g. Albuminuria was defined as UACR≥30 mg/g. METS-IR was calculated and categorized into quartiles: Q1, METS-IR≤32.19; Q2, METS-IR 32.20-37.10; Q3, METS-IR 37.11-42.58; and Q4, METS-IR>42.58. The correlation between METS-IR and CKD and albuminuria was analyzed by binary logistic regression, and subgroup analyses were performed. Results:There were 1 266, 1 266, 1 265, and 1 263 participants included in Q1-Q4 groups, respectively. With the increase of METS-IR quartile, various parameters increased, including age, fasting blood glucose, HbA 1c, triglycerides, serum uric acid, waist circumference, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the proportion of males also increased (all P<0.05). The proportion of patients with CKD and albuminuria increased significantly with the increase in interquartile range (Q) of METS-IR (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that for every 1-unit increment of METS-IR, the risk of CKD and albuminuria were both increased by 2% [for both: odds ratio ( OR)=1.02, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.01-1.03]. Compared with the lowest METS-IR group (Q1), the ORs for CKD and albuminuria in the highest METS-IR group (Q4) were 1.57 (95% CI 1.17-2.10) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.09-1.96), respectively. In the subgroup analyses, increased METS-IR was significantly associated with CKD and albuminuria among women (CKD: OR=1.62, 95% CI 1.14-2.31; albuminuria: OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.07-2.18), individuals with HbA 1c<7% ( OR=1.64, 95% CI 1.21-2.23; OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.14-2.11), individuals with eGFR≥90 ml·min -1·1.73 m -2 ( OR=1.78, 95% CI 1.27-2.49; OR=1.80, 95% CI 1.28-2.53), and the Chinese Han population ( OR=1.56, 95% CI 1.13-2.17; OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.01-1.96). Conclusions:METS-IR is significantly associated with CKD and albuminuria in a Chinese population. Furthermore, the higher the METS-IR, the higher the risk of CKD and albuminuria.

Background/Aims: Older adults are vulnerable to central obesity, while the association of changes in central fatness with risk of diabetes and metabolic control has not been investigated among this particular population. This study was aimed to address these issues. Methods: A total of 1,815 adults aged ≥ 60 years without diabetes at baseline were followed for 4 years. Incident diabetes was ascertained based on plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, medical history, and/or the use of anti-diabetic drugs. Central fatness was assessed by waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WHtR), and body roundness index (BRI). Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of changes in central fatness with risk of diabetes, along with dose-response and mediation analyses. Results: During the 4-year follow-up, 177 participants developed diabetes. The risk of diabetes was increased by 42%, 41%, and 40% per 1 standard deviation increases in WC, WHtR, and BRI, respectively, in multivariable-adjusted models (all p < 0.01). Moreover, these relationships were all linearly-shaped (all pnonlinearity ≥ 0.11). Increases in WC, WHtR, and BRI correlated with increases in hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides-and-glucose index, triglycerides, white blood cell, and C-reactive protein (all p ≤ 0.04). Yet only changes in hemoglobin A1c and triglycerides-and-glucose index were identified as the possible mediators for risk of diabetes, with their mediating effect being about 35% and 21%, respectively. Conclusions Increases in central fatness were related to elevated risk of diabetes, and this association might be partly explained by the worsening of glycemic control and insulin resistance in older adults.