Cognitive Functions in Children and Adults with Moyamoya Vasculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Annick Kronenburg,Esther van den Berg,Monique M. van Schooneveld,Kees P. J. Braun,Lionel Calviere,Albert van der Zwan,Catharina J. M. Klijn 대한뇌졸중학회 2018 Journal of stroke Vol.20 No.3

Background and Purpose Patients with moyamoya vasculopathy (MMV) may experience cognitive impairment, but its reported frequency, severity, and nature vary. In a systematic review and metaanalysis, we aimed to assess the presence, severity, and nature of cognitive impairments in children and adults with MMV. Methods We followed the MOOSE guidelines for meta-analysis and systematic reviews of observational studies. We searched Ovid Medline and Embase for studies published between January 1, 1969 and October 4, 2016. Independent reviewers extracted data for mean intelligence quotient (IQ) and standardized z-scores for cognitive tests, and determined percentages of children and adults with cognitive deficits, before and after conservative or surgical treatment. We explored associations between summary measures of study characteristics and cognitive impairments by linear regression analysis. Results We included 17 studies (11 studies reporting on 281 children, six on 153 adults). In children, the median percentage with impaired cognition was 30% (range, 13% to 67%); median IQ was 98 (range, 71 to 107). Median z-score was –0.39 for memory, and –0.43 for processing speed. In adults, the median percentage with impaired cognition was 31% (range, 0% to 69%); median IQ was 95 (range, 94 to 99). Median z-scores of cognitive domains were between –0.9 and –0.4, with multiple domains being affected. We could not identify determinants of cognitive impairment. Conclusions A large proportion of children and adults with MMV have cognitive impairment, with modest to large deficits across various cognitive domains. Further studies should investigate determinants of cognitive deficits and deterioration, and the influence of revascularization treatment on cognitive functioning.

Non-destructive estimation of leaf area and leaf weight of Cinchona officinalis L. (Rubiaceae) based on linear models

Huaccha-Castillo Annick Estefany,Fernandez-Zarate Franklin Hitler,Pérez-Delgado Luis Jhoseph,Tantalean-Osores Karla Saith,Vaca-Marquina Segundo Primitivo,Sanchez-Santillan Tito,Morales-Rojas Eli,Semin 한국산림과학회 2023 Forest Science And Technology Vol.19 No.1

Non-destructive methods that accurately estimate leaf area (LA) and leaf weight (LW) are simple and inexpensive, and represent powerful tools in the development of physiological and agronomic research. The objective of this research is to generate mathematical models for estimating the LA and LW of Cinchona officinalis leaves. A total of 220 leaves were collected from C. officinalis plants 10months after transplantation. Each leaf was measured for length, width, weight, and leaf area. Data for 80% of leaves were used to form the training set, and data for the remaining 20% were used as the validation set. The training set was used for model fit and choice, whereas the validation set al.lowed assessment of the of the model’s predictive ability. The LA and LW were modeled using seven linear regression models based on the length (L) and width (Wi) of leaves. In addition, the models were assessed based on calculation of the following statistics: goodness of fit (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), and the deviation between the regression line of the observed versus expected values and the reference line, determined by the area between these lines (ABL). For LA estimation, the model LA¼11.521(Wi) 21.422 (R2¼0.96, RMSE¼28.16, AIC¼3.48, and ABL¼140.34) was chosen, while for LW determination, LW¼0.2419(Wi) 0.4936 (R2¼0.93, RMSE¼0.56, AIC¼37.36, and ABL¼0.03) was selected. Finally, the LA and LW of C. officinalis could be estimated through linear regression involving leaf width, proving to be a simple and accurate tool.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza on germination and initial growth ofCinchona officinalisL. (Rubiaceae)

Franklin Hitler Fernandez-Zarate,Annick Estefany Huaccha-Castillo,Lenin Qui~nones-Huatangari,Segundo Primitivo Vaca-Marquina,Tito Sanchez-Santillan,Eli Morales-Rojas,Alejandro Seminario-Cunya,Marly Gu 한국산림과학회 2022 Forest Science And Technology Vol.18 No.4

Cinchona officinalis, known locally as cascarilla or cinchona, is a plant species native to SouthAmerica. It was used as a source of quinine to combat malaria in the 17th century. The spe-cies is threatened by various anthropogenic activities. Further, the propagation of the spe-cies depends on seed dispersal and its germination capacity. Therefore, it is necessary toconserve and propagate this species. BecauseC. officinalisseeds have a low germinationcapacity, we determined the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) on their germination andgrowth. A randomized design was employed with two treatments, one treated with mycor-rhizae (CM) and another without mycorrhizae (SM). For each treatment, three replicates of100 seeds were used. Germination, growth, and fungal characteristics were evaluated. In ger-mination parameters, the CM treatment showed better performance, but the improvementwas statistically insignificant. However, the application of AM significantly improved seedlingheight (cm), root length (cm), leaf area (cm2), and root number by 53.52, 28.72, 29.73, and61.66%, respectively. Likewise, mycorrhization intensity (%), mycorrhization frequency (%),and extraradical mycelium length (cm) in the CM treatment were 37.13, 3.44, and 174.97%higher compared to the SM treatment, respectively. Therefore, the use of AM fungi provesto be advantageous in the propagation ofC. officinalis, and these results provide a basis forthe largescale and sustainable propagation of this species.

Innovative customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium lingual retainer versus standard stainless-steel lingual retainer: A randomized controlled trial

Emilie Gelin,Laurence Seidel,Annick Bruwier,Adelin Albert,Carole Charavet 대한치과교정학회 2020 대한치과교정학회지 Vol.50 No.6

Objective: To compare computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized nitinol retainers with standard stainless-steel fixed retainers over a 12-month study period. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 62 patients randomly allocated to a control group that received stainless-steel retainers or a test group that received customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium retainers. Four time points were defined: retainer placement (T0) and 1-month (T1), 6-month (T2), and 12-month (T3) follow-up appointments. At each time point, Little’s irregularity index (LII) (primary endpoint) and dental stability measurements such as intercanine width were recorded in addition to assessment of periodontal parameters. Radiological measurements such as the incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) were recorded at T0 and T3. Failure events (wire integrity or debonding) were assessed at each time point. Results: From T0 to T3, LII and other dental measurements showed no significant differences between the two groups. The data for periodontal parameters remained stable over the study period, except for the gingival index, which was slightly, but significantly, higher in the test group at T3 (p = 0.039). The IMPA angle showed no intergroup difference. The two groups showed no significant difference in debonding events. Conclusions: This RCT conducted over a 12-month period demonstrated no significant difference between customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium lingual retainers and standard stainless-steel lingual retainers in terms of dental anterior stability and retainer survival. Both retainers eventually appeared to be equally effective in maintaining periodontal health.

Comparative Evaluation of Periodontal Alteration in Pregnant Women in Relation to Foetal Sex

Jules Julien Ndjoh,Metogo Ntsama Junie Annick,Onana Messi Marie,Zilefac Brian Ngokwe,Sandra Lydie Akena Ndeng,René Ngoulma,Lawrence Essama Eno Belinga,Vicky Ama Moor 대한예방치과학회 2023 International Journal of Clinical Preventive Denti Vol.19 No.1

Objective: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition with a diverse aetiology that affects the gums and tooth supporting structures and, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss, dental implant loss and a reduced quality of life and self-confidence. Recent research has found that pregnant women with male foetuses experience more inflammation than those with female foetuses. Furthermore, periodontal disease has been linked to poor birth outcomes, emphasizing the significance of this research. Determine the extent of periodontal change in pregnant women in relation to foetal sex. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study from January 10th to May 30th 2022, recruiting participants from the YCH, the FMBS's laboratory of dental implantology and periodontology, and analysing samples at the YUTH Biochemistry laboratory. The sera samples were then used to analyse hormones (Testosterone and Progesterone) using the ELISA competitive and sandwich methods. Results: The average age was 30 years old, and the average gestational age was 31 weeks. In both groups, we found a 58% prevalence of PD, with 30% of the 58% being in women carrying male foetuses. Testosterone levels were higher in women carrying male foetuses than in women carrying female foetuses. Between people with periodontal disease and those who did not, there was a moderately strong relationship (r=0.552) and a statistically significant difference (p=0.042) in testosterone levels. Conclusion: Pregnancy increases the risk of periodontal disease. During pregnancy, the sex hormone progesterone had no significant association with the development of periodontal disease. Finally, women carrying male foetuses had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease than women carrying female foetuses.

Synthesis and Property of Polyimines Containing 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl- 1,3-Cyclobutadiimine Moiety

이영범,이우형,James J. Worman,Annick Anctil,Brian Landi,배철성 한국고분자학회 2017 Macromolecular Research Vol.25 No.6

Although 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutadione (TMCBDI) has been known for more than 50 years, it has never been used for synthesis of polymer primarily due to its inefficiency in direct polycondensation reaction. We report the first synthesis of high molecular weight polyimines prepared from TMCBDI using Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling polymerization. To overcome sluggish condensation polymerization of TMCBDI, it was first converted to diimine monomer containing phenyl bromide on both sides (compound 1) via condensation reaction and polymerized with three different examples aryl diboronate compounds (2a, 2b, 2c). The resulting polyimines (3a, 3b, 3c) were found to exist in a mixture of E and Z isomers in a ratio of 2:1. The number and weight average molecular weights of polyimines were high considering the rigidity of the backbone structure: 20,000 and 44,300 g/mol and 23,100 and 40,500 g/mol for 3a and 3b, respectively. They also showed good thermal stability over 340 °C and a high glass transition temperature over 220 °C. There was no observable photoluminescence from the polyimines in the range of 800 to 300 nm. Apparently, the TMCBDI moiety disrupts electron delocalization in conjugated backbone of polymer chains.

Mutual Regulation of ntcA and hetR during Heterocyst Differentiation Requires Two Similar PP2C-Type Protein Phosphatases, PrpJ1 and PrpJ2, in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120

Jang, Jichan,Shi, Lei,Tan, Hui,Janicki, Annick,Zhang, Cheng-Cai American Society for Microbiology 2009 Journal of Bacteriology Vol.191 No.19

<B>ABSTRACT</B><P>The filamentous cyanobacterium <I>Anabaena</I> sp. strain PCC 7120 can form heterocysts for N2 fixation. Initiation of heterocyst differentiation depends on mutual regulation of <I>ntcA</I> and <I>hetR</I>. Control of <I>hetR</I> expression by NtcA is partially mediated by <I>nrrA</I>, but other factors must be involved in this regulation. <I>Anabaena</I> has two closely related PP2C-type protein phosphatases, PrpJ1 (formerly PrpJ) and PrpJ2; PrpJ1 is involved in heterocyst maturation. In this study, we show that PrpJ2, like PrpJ1, has Mn<SUP>2+</SUP>-dependent phosphatase activity. We further demonstrate that whereas <I>prpJ2</I> is dispensable for cell growth under different nitrogen regimens tested, a double mutant with both <I>prpJ1</I> and <I>prpJ2</I> disrupted did not initiate heterocyst differentiation. Ectopic expression of <I>hetR</I> in the double mutant could rescue the failure to initiate heterocyst development, but the heterocysts formed, like those of a <I>prpJ1</I> single mutant, were not mature. The expression of <I>prpJ2</I> was enhanced during heterocyst development, and the upregulation of the gene was directly under the control of NtcA. Upregulation of both <I>ntcA</I> and <I>hetR</I> was affected in the double mutant. We propose that PrpJ1 and PrpJ2 together are required for mutual regulation of <I>ntcA</I> and <I>hetR</I> and are thus involved in regulation of the initiation of heterocyst differentiation.</P>

The lumbar multifidus is characterised by larger type I muscle fibres compared to the erector spinae

Anouk Agten,Sjoerd Stevens,Jonas Verbrugghe,Bert O,Eijnde,Annick Timmermans,Frank Vandenabeele 대한해부학회 2020 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.53 No.2

The metabolic capacity of a muscle is one of the determinants of muscle function. Muscle fiber type characteristics give an indication about this metabolic capacity. Therefore it might be expected that the lumbar multifidus (MF) as a local stabilizer contains higher proportions of slow type I fibers, compared to the erector spinae (ES) as a global mobilizer. The aim of this study is to determine the muscle fiber characteristics of the ES and MF to provide insight into their structural and metabolic characteristics, and thereby the functional capacity of both muscles. Muscle fiber type characteristics in the ES and MF were investigated with an immunofluorescence staining of the myosin heavy chain isoforms. In both the ES and MF, type I muscle fibers are predominantly present. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of type I muscle fibers is significantly larger in the lumbar MF compared to the ES. However, the mean muscle fiber type percentage for type I was not significantly different, which resulted in an insignificant difference in relative cross-sectional area (RCSA) for type I. No significant differences were found for all other muscle fiber types. This may indicate that the MF displays muscle fiber type characteristics that tend to be more appropriate to maintain stability of the spine. However, because we could not demonstrate significant differences in RCSA between ES and MF, we cannot firmly state that there are functional differences between the ES an MF based only on structural characteristics.

Ectopic expression of LjmiR156 delays flowering, enhances shoot branching, and improves forage quality in alfalfa

Banyar Aung,Margaret Y. Gruber,Lisa Amyot,Khaled Omari,Annick Bertrand,Abdelali Hannoufa 한국식물생명공학회 2015 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.9 No.6

MicroRNA156 (miR156) is a regulator of flowering time and biomass production through regulation of members of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) gene family. To expand our investigations on the utility of miR156 in alfalfa, we generated transgenic alfalfa expressing a heterologous miR156 from Lotus japonicus (LjmiR156a). 5’ RACE and qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that the same three SPL genes (MsSPL6, MsSPL12, and MsSPL13) targeted by MsmiR156d are also targets of LjmiR156a in alfalfa. Ectopic expression of LjmiR156a down-regulated these SPL genes in transgenic alfalfa, coupled with reduced internode length, a more extreme delay in flowering time than occurred with MsmiR156d, enhanced shoot branching, and elevated biomass production. While root length was maintained, nodulation was reduced in some transgenic genotypes. Furthermore, heterologous expression of LjmiR156a enhanced the contents of starch, soluble sugars, and phenolics in all transgenic genotypes in contrast to the impact from MsmiR156d enhancement, even though the effects on lignin, cellulose, pectin, structural sugars, flavonoids, and carotenoids were variable among the new alfalfa genotypes. The variations among the traits/genotypes reflect the change in expression of alfalfa SPL genes targeted by LjmiR156a and show that LjmiR156a could be employed as a tool to improve quality and yield of alfalfa biomass.

The Core Values that Support Health, Safety, and Well-being at Work

Gerard I.J.M. Zwetsloot,Arjella R. van Scheppingen,Evelien H. Bos,Anja Dijkman,Annick Starren 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2013 Safety and health at work Vol.4 No.4

BackgroundHealth, safety, and well-being (HSW) at work represent important values in themselves. It seems, however, that other values can contribute to HSW. This is to some extent reflected in the scientific literature in the attention paid to values like trust or justice. However, an overview of what values are important for HSW was not available. Our central research question was: what organizational values are supportive of health, safety, and well-being at work?MethodsThe literature was explored via the snowball approach to identify values and value-laden factors that support HSW. Twenty-nine factors were identified as relevant, including synonyms. In the next step, these were clustered around seven core values. Finally, these core values were structured into three main clusters. ResultsThe first value cluster is characterized by a positive attitude toward people and their “being”; it comprises the core values of interconnectedness, participation, and trust. The second value cluster is relevant for the organizational and individual “doing”, for actions planned or undertaken, and comprises justice and responsibility. The third value cluster is relevant for “becoming” and is characterized by the alignment of personal and organizational development; it comprises the values of growth and resilience. ConclusionThe three clusters of core values identified can be regarded as “basic value assumptions” that underlie both organizational culture and prevention culture. The core values identified form a natural and perhaps necessary aspect of a prevention culture, complementary to the focus on rational and informed behavior when dealing with HSW risks.