The Sustainable Wetland Management adopted for this study depicts that, the identification of drivers and impacts is needed first, in other to get a clearer roadmap, after which the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversit...The Sustainable Wetland Management adopted for this study depicts that, the identification of drivers and impacts is needed first, in other to get a clearer roadmap, after which the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework would come into play to serve as a pathway for Sustainability. The study evaluates how Sierra Leone might implement the Framework’s proposed strategies in National Wetland Management. As a result, the research tried to thoroughly examine the factors that contribute to wetland degradation as well as the effects they have on the people who live nearby. The purposive sampling method was used to administer 385 structured questionnaires to inhabitants. The data was then processed in an Excel spreadsheet. Microsoft Publisher was used to draw the framework and a descriptive analysis was done. Results indicated that;the majority of the inhabitants of Aberdeen Creek are traders/self-employed, furthermore, the majority chose the place because it’s less expensive and nearer to the workplace, settlement expansion and pollution are the two most common degrading activities, while flooding and health-related issues are some of the consequences, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is regarded to be a perfect tool for wetland management. It was concluded that to accomplish the objectives in the framework, it is necessary to have both political and social will. Satellite data and water quality research are further needed to validate the report.展开更多
AIM To explore the agreement between the mini-mental state examination(MMSE) and montreal cognitive assessment(Mo CA) within community dwelling older patients attending an old age psychiatry service and to derive and ...AIM To explore the agreement between the mini-mental state examination(MMSE) and montreal cognitive assessment(Mo CA) within community dwelling older patients attending an old age psychiatry service and to derive and test a conversion formula between the two scales.METHODS Prospective study of consecutive patients attending outpatient services.Both tests were administered by the same researcher on the same day in random order.RESULTS The total sample(n = 135) was randomly divided into two groups.One to derive a conversion rule(n = 70),and a second(n = 65) in which this rule was tested.The agreement(Pearson's r) of MMSE and Mo CA was 0.86(P < 0.001),and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient(CCC) was 0.57(95%CI:0.45-0.66).In the second sample Mo CA scores were converted to MMSE scores according to a conversion rule from the first sample which achieved agreement with the original MMSE scoresof 0.89(Pearson's r,P < 0.001) and CCC of 0.88(95%CI:0.82-0.92).CONCLUSION Although the two scales overlap considerably,the agreement is modest.The conversion rule derived herein demonstrated promising accuracy and warrants further testing in other populations.展开更多
We examined the relationship between a brief cognitive screening measure and Framingham Coronary and Stroke Risk scores. We administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to participants in the Dallas Heart Stu...We examined the relationship between a brief cognitive screening measure and Framingham Coronary and Stroke Risk scores. We administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to participants in the Dallas Heart Study, a community-based multiethnic study investigating the development of atherosclerosis. The composition of the group was 50% African American, 36% Caucasian and 14% Hispanic. There were 765 subjects (mean age 51 years) who had both Coronary and Stroke Risk scores and an additional 144 subjects with only Coronary Risk scores available. There was a small significant inverse relationship between MoCA and Framingham Coronary and Stroke Risk scores. MoCA scores were influenced by education, but were not influenced by age or by the presence of one or more apoE4 alleles.展开更多
Historical overview In 1975,Michel Mathieu became the head of the newly autonomous Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Montreal.Mathieu’s growing reputation as a skilled clinician and researcher attracte...Historical overview In 1975,Michel Mathieu became the head of the newly autonomous Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Montreal.Mathieu’s growing reputation as a skilled clinician and researcher attracted excellent candidates to the department(1).Under his direction,Suzanne Véronneau-Troutman became the first resident and,subsequently,the first female ophthalmic surgeon at University of Montreal.Her immense contribution to the field of strabismus later gained worldwide appreciation,as recognized by the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology award named after her(2).Mathieu’s work,and that of his recruits,led to major advances in the fields of corneal transplantation,retinal degenerations,electroretinography,and ophthalmic surgical instrumentation(3).展开更多
Background:Cognitive assessments,such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),use components that assume intact sensory abilities,however,adults show concomitant decreases in visual acuity with increasing age.Score...Background:Cognitive assessments,such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),use components that assume intact sensory abilities,however,adults show concomitant decreases in visual acuity with increasing age.Scores on cognitive assessments are typically lower for individuals with visual impairments compared to individuals with normal/corrected to normal vision.But it is not clear if lowers scores on cognitive assessments are due to the assessments relying on visual stimuli,or if individuals with visual impairments are actually more likely to have cognitive impairments.Therefore we simulated visual impairments,i.e.,reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity,in young healthy adults to determine how this impacts their scores on a measure of cognitive ability,i.e.,the MoCA.Methods:Participants(n=19)completed one of the three version of the MoCA under three conditions(20/20,simulated 20/80,simulated 20/200).The MoCA was administered following the clinical protocols.Only participants that scored>26(i.e.,normal cognitive function)at 20/20 were included in the analysis.For comparison,we included MoCA data from a sample of older adults with normal vision(n=19,Mage=74,Acuity M=0.04 logMAR,SD=0.16)or visual impairment(n=19,Mage=79,Acuity M=0.35 logMAR,SD=0.3).Results:Acuity of participants at 20/20(M=0.06 LogMAR,SD=0.1),simulated 20/80(M=0.63,SD=0.18)and simulated 20/200(M=0.88,SD=0.19)showed that the participants experienced simulated acuity loss with the goggles.For the MoCA scores,we found a main effect of acuity(F=16.22,P<0.001,η2=0.375,BF10=5,618).Planned post hoc comparisons showed a significant difference between scores with a 20/20 acuity(M=27.26,SD=0.93)and 20/80(M=24.74,SD=1.66,t=5.62,ptukey<0.001,d=1.88),and between 20/20 and 20/200(M=25.63,SD=1.46,t=3.63,ptukey=0.002,Cohen’s d=1.33).However,no difference was observed between 20/80 and 20/200(t=−1.99,ptukey=0.125,d=0.572).The MoCA scores in older adults with normal vision(M=27.32,SD=2.41)and with visual impairment(M=26.68,SD=2.52),did not differ significantly(t36=−0.787,P=0.436,d=0.26,BF10=0.4).Conclusions:Our findings show that simulated reductions in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity lead to lower scores on measures of cognitive ability,specifically the MoCA.However,it appears that older adults with actual visual impairments may have developed compensatory strategies to adapt to this loss in visual acuity as there were no significant differences in scores of older adults with and without visual impairments.Therefore,we would recommend that when assessing an individual with visual impairments to conduct the cognitive test by re-scoring it without the visual components,e.g.,the MoCA Blind,to magnify the visual components,or to substitue the visual component when possible using auditory alternatives,e.g.,the oral trail making task.展开更多
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment. Current treatments often involve synthetic drugs with significant side effects a...Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment. Current treatments often involve synthetic drugs with significant side effects and potential for dependency. This study investigates the effects of a natural supplement combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract on cognitive symptoms in a 77-year-old male with PD. The participant underwent a three-month supplementation regimen, with cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test before and after the intervention. The results indicated an improvement in cognitive scores, suggesting that the combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract may offer a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional PD treatments. This study highlights the potential of natural supplements in managing PD symptoms and calls for further research with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings. Human data was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki by the Roxbury District IRB Board (IRB Number: IRB00011767).展开更多
The depletion of the ozone layer, a vital shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is now a worldwide environmental concern. Human activities, particularly the release of ozone depleting su...The depletion of the ozone layer, a vital shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is now a worldwide environmental concern. Human activities, particularly the release of ozone depleting substances (ODS), have led to the thinning of this protective layer over recent decades. Simultaneously, illegal trade has emerged as a global challenge, giving rise to economic issues, losses of tax revenue, heightened criminal activities, health risks, and environmental hazards. The depletion of the ozone layer, a critical shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has become a global environmental concern. This paper delves into the legal dimensions surrounding ozone-depleting substances (ODS), their impact on the ozone layer, and the subsequent risk of skin cancer. As countries navigate international agreements, domestic regulations, and enforcement mechanisms, the intricate interplay between legal frameworks and the health implications of ozone layer depletion comes to the forefront. The paper highlights particular instances of illegal trade in ozone depleting substances, drawing from data reported by the parties to the Montreal Protocol. Notably, China stands out as a significant source of contraband ODS, with other countries such as Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, and France reporting numerous cases. Analyzing these case instances offers insights into the efficacy of legal frameworks and enforcement measures. The paper offers a comprehensive set of recommendations to strengthen global control and enforcement against the illegal trade of ozone depleting substances. These recommendations span diverse aspects such as production monitoring, customs collaboration, mutual verification, cross-border agreements, public-private partnerships, international cooperation, detection equipment, global regulatory standards, resource allocation, public awareness campaigns, alternative substance development, and controlling the trade at its source. By applying these recommendations and enhancing enforcement measures, we aim to protect the ozone layer and create a healthier and safer world for future generations and achieve sustainable development goals.展开更多
文摘The Sustainable Wetland Management adopted for this study depicts that, the identification of drivers and impacts is needed first, in other to get a clearer roadmap, after which the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework would come into play to serve as a pathway for Sustainability. The study evaluates how Sierra Leone might implement the Framework’s proposed strategies in National Wetland Management. As a result, the research tried to thoroughly examine the factors that contribute to wetland degradation as well as the effects they have on the people who live nearby. The purposive sampling method was used to administer 385 structured questionnaires to inhabitants. The data was then processed in an Excel spreadsheet. Microsoft Publisher was used to draw the framework and a descriptive analysis was done. Results indicated that;the majority of the inhabitants of Aberdeen Creek are traders/self-employed, furthermore, the majority chose the place because it’s less expensive and nearer to the workplace, settlement expansion and pollution are the two most common degrading activities, while flooding and health-related issues are some of the consequences, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is regarded to be a perfect tool for wetland management. It was concluded that to accomplish the objectives in the framework, it is necessary to have both political and social will. Satellite data and water quality research are further needed to validate the report.
基金Supported by A VIDI grant from the Netherlands Organiza-tion for Scientific Research(NWO,to Weersma RK),No.016.136.308an AGIKO grant from the Netherlands Organiza-tion for Scientific Research(NWO to Visschedijk MC),No.92.003.577MLDS grant of the Dutch Digestive Foundation,No.WO 11-72(to Alberts R)
文摘AIM: To validate the Montreal classification system for Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) within the Netherlands.
文摘AIM To explore the agreement between the mini-mental state examination(MMSE) and montreal cognitive assessment(Mo CA) within community dwelling older patients attending an old age psychiatry service and to derive and test a conversion formula between the two scales.METHODS Prospective study of consecutive patients attending outpatient services.Both tests were administered by the same researcher on the same day in random order.RESULTS The total sample(n = 135) was randomly divided into two groups.One to derive a conversion rule(n = 70),and a second(n = 65) in which this rule was tested.The agreement(Pearson's r) of MMSE and Mo CA was 0.86(P < 0.001),and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient(CCC) was 0.57(95%CI:0.45-0.66).In the second sample Mo CA scores were converted to MMSE scores according to a conversion rule from the first sample which achieved agreement with the original MMSE scoresof 0.89(Pearson's r,P < 0.001) and CCC of 0.88(95%CI:0.82-0.92).CONCLUSION Although the two scales overlap considerably,the agreement is modest.The conversion rule derived herein demonstrated promising accuracy and warrants further testing in other populations.
文摘We examined the relationship between a brief cognitive screening measure and Framingham Coronary and Stroke Risk scores. We administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to participants in the Dallas Heart Study, a community-based multiethnic study investigating the development of atherosclerosis. The composition of the group was 50% African American, 36% Caucasian and 14% Hispanic. There were 765 subjects (mean age 51 years) who had both Coronary and Stroke Risk scores and an additional 144 subjects with only Coronary Risk scores available. There was a small significant inverse relationship between MoCA and Framingham Coronary and Stroke Risk scores. MoCA scores were influenced by education, but were not influenced by age or by the presence of one or more apoE4 alleles.
文摘Historical overview In 1975,Michel Mathieu became the head of the newly autonomous Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Montreal.Mathieu’s growing reputation as a skilled clinician and researcher attracted excellent candidates to the department(1).Under his direction,Suzanne Véronneau-Troutman became the first resident and,subsequently,the first female ophthalmic surgeon at University of Montreal.Her immense contribution to the field of strabismus later gained worldwide appreciation,as recognized by the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology award named after her(2).Mathieu’s work,and that of his recruits,led to major advances in the fields of corneal transplantation,retinal degenerations,electroretinography,and ophthalmic surgical instrumentation(3).
文摘Background:Cognitive assessments,such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),use components that assume intact sensory abilities,however,adults show concomitant decreases in visual acuity with increasing age.Scores on cognitive assessments are typically lower for individuals with visual impairments compared to individuals with normal/corrected to normal vision.But it is not clear if lowers scores on cognitive assessments are due to the assessments relying on visual stimuli,or if individuals with visual impairments are actually more likely to have cognitive impairments.Therefore we simulated visual impairments,i.e.,reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity,in young healthy adults to determine how this impacts their scores on a measure of cognitive ability,i.e.,the MoCA.Methods:Participants(n=19)completed one of the three version of the MoCA under three conditions(20/20,simulated 20/80,simulated 20/200).The MoCA was administered following the clinical protocols.Only participants that scored>26(i.e.,normal cognitive function)at 20/20 were included in the analysis.For comparison,we included MoCA data from a sample of older adults with normal vision(n=19,Mage=74,Acuity M=0.04 logMAR,SD=0.16)or visual impairment(n=19,Mage=79,Acuity M=0.35 logMAR,SD=0.3).Results:Acuity of participants at 20/20(M=0.06 LogMAR,SD=0.1),simulated 20/80(M=0.63,SD=0.18)and simulated 20/200(M=0.88,SD=0.19)showed that the participants experienced simulated acuity loss with the goggles.For the MoCA scores,we found a main effect of acuity(F=16.22,P<0.001,η2=0.375,BF10=5,618).Planned post hoc comparisons showed a significant difference between scores with a 20/20 acuity(M=27.26,SD=0.93)and 20/80(M=24.74,SD=1.66,t=5.62,ptukey<0.001,d=1.88),and between 20/20 and 20/200(M=25.63,SD=1.46,t=3.63,ptukey=0.002,Cohen’s d=1.33).However,no difference was observed between 20/80 and 20/200(t=−1.99,ptukey=0.125,d=0.572).The MoCA scores in older adults with normal vision(M=27.32,SD=2.41)and with visual impairment(M=26.68,SD=2.52),did not differ significantly(t36=−0.787,P=0.436,d=0.26,BF10=0.4).Conclusions:Our findings show that simulated reductions in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity lead to lower scores on measures of cognitive ability,specifically the MoCA.However,it appears that older adults with actual visual impairments may have developed compensatory strategies to adapt to this loss in visual acuity as there were no significant differences in scores of older adults with and without visual impairments.Therefore,we would recommend that when assessing an individual with visual impairments to conduct the cognitive test by re-scoring it without the visual components,e.g.,the MoCA Blind,to magnify the visual components,or to substitue the visual component when possible using auditory alternatives,e.g.,the oral trail making task.
文摘Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment. Current treatments often involve synthetic drugs with significant side effects and potential for dependency. This study investigates the effects of a natural supplement combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract on cognitive symptoms in a 77-year-old male with PD. The participant underwent a three-month supplementation regimen, with cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test before and after the intervention. The results indicated an improvement in cognitive scores, suggesting that the combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract may offer a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional PD treatments. This study highlights the potential of natural supplements in managing PD symptoms and calls for further research with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings. Human data was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki by the Roxbury District IRB Board (IRB Number: IRB00011767).
文摘The depletion of the ozone layer, a vital shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is now a worldwide environmental concern. Human activities, particularly the release of ozone depleting substances (ODS), have led to the thinning of this protective layer over recent decades. Simultaneously, illegal trade has emerged as a global challenge, giving rise to economic issues, losses of tax revenue, heightened criminal activities, health risks, and environmental hazards. The depletion of the ozone layer, a critical shield protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has become a global environmental concern. This paper delves into the legal dimensions surrounding ozone-depleting substances (ODS), their impact on the ozone layer, and the subsequent risk of skin cancer. As countries navigate international agreements, domestic regulations, and enforcement mechanisms, the intricate interplay between legal frameworks and the health implications of ozone layer depletion comes to the forefront. The paper highlights particular instances of illegal trade in ozone depleting substances, drawing from data reported by the parties to the Montreal Protocol. Notably, China stands out as a significant source of contraband ODS, with other countries such as Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, and France reporting numerous cases. Analyzing these case instances offers insights into the efficacy of legal frameworks and enforcement measures. The paper offers a comprehensive set of recommendations to strengthen global control and enforcement against the illegal trade of ozone depleting substances. These recommendations span diverse aspects such as production monitoring, customs collaboration, mutual verification, cross-border agreements, public-private partnerships, international cooperation, detection equipment, global regulatory standards, resource allocation, public awareness campaigns, alternative substance development, and controlling the trade at its source. By applying these recommendations and enhancing enforcement measures, we aim to protect the ozone layer and create a healthier and safer world for future generations and achieve sustainable development goals.
