Tree parameter extraction in Fokienia hodginsii plantation based on airborne LiDAR data.

Accurate and efficient extraction of tree parameters from plantations lay foundation for estimating individual wood volume and stand stocking. In this study, we proposed a method of extracting high-precision tree parameters based on airborne LiDAR data. The main process included data pre-processing, ground filtering, individual tree segmentation, and parameter extraction. We collected high-density airborne point cloud data from the large-diameter timber of Fokienia hodginsii plantation in Guanzhuang State Forestry Farm, Shaxian County, Fujian Province, and pre-processed the point cloud data by denoising, resampling and normalization. The vegetation point clouds and ground point clouds were separated by the Cloth Simulation Filter (CSF). The former data were interpolated using the Delaunay triangulation mesh method to generate a digital surface model (DSM), while the latter data were interpolated using the Inverse Distance Weighted to generate a digital elevation model (DEM). After that, we obtained the canopy height model (CHM) through the difference operation between the two, and analyzed the CHM with varying resolutions by the watershed algorithm on the accuracy of individual tree segmentation and parameter extraction. We used the point cloud distance clustering algorithm to segment the normalized vegetation point cloud into individual trees, and analyzed the effects of different distance thresholds on the accuracy of indivi-dual tree segmentation and parameter extraction. The results showed that the watershed algorithm for extracting tree height of 0.3 m resolution CHM had highest comprehensive evaluation index of 91.1% for individual tree segmentation and superior accuracy with R2 of 0.967 and RMSE of 0.890 m. When the spacing threshold of the point cloud segmentation algorithm was the average crown diameter, the highest comprehensive evaluation index of 91.3% for individual tree segmentation, the extraction accuracy of the crown diameter was superior, with R2 of 0.937 and RMSE of 0.418 m. Tree height, crown diameter, tree density, and spatial distribution of trees were estimated. There were 5994 F. hodginsii, with an average tree height of 16.63 m and crown diameter of 3.98 m. Trees with height of 15-20 m were the most numerous (a total of 2661), followed by those between 10-15 m. This method of forest parameter extraction was useful for monitoring and managing plantations.

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Living vegetation volume (LVV) can objectively and accurately reflect the urban greenery quality, and provide a reliable data foundation for the quantitative study aiming to reveal the mechanisms underlying urban greenery ecological functions. According to the characteristics of dispersion and small scale of unit affiliated green space, we proposed a LVV estimation scheme for such urban green space, which included data acquisition, processing, entity segmentation, classification, single tree canopy extraction, and LVV calculation. First, point cloud data was obtained with a backpack LiDAR system, and the ground point clouds were eliminated by a multi-scale algorithm. Second, the Density Based Spatial Clustering of Application with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm was used to cluster the non-ground point clouds, and density feature-based competitive algorithm was used to re-segmented for the overlapping area to generate independent objects. Third, the PointNet++ network model was used to extracted plant point clouds. Then, the canopy point clouds were extracted using the similarity of principal direction between neighboring points and distribution density of branch and leaf points. Finally, the LVV of individual tree canopy was calculated by the convex hull method, and then the LVV of the accessory greenland was summed up. Taking a science and technology park as an example, its total LVV was 21034.95 m3, among which the number of mango trees was the highest, and the total LVV was the largest (4868.64 m3, accounting for 23.2%). The tree species with the largest LVV per plant was Terminalia neotaliala tree, with an average of 120.37 m3 per plant. The relative error between LVV of trees estimated by this scheme compared with traditional method and convex hull method was 10.7%-33.7% and 2.7%-16.0%, with average value of 20.9% and 8.7%, respectively. This scheme could make full use of the characteristics of the three-dimensional point cloud and use a convex polyhedron to simulate the original form of the tree crown, which was more consistent with the actual situation of trees. The measurement and estimation solution of the LVV provided new ideas for rapid and accurate estimation of urban LVV.

Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 promotes hypoxic pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through the Wnt3α-ß-catenin/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 pathway.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is mainly characterized by abnormal pulmonary vascular hyperplasia and vascular remodeling, but its mechanism is complicated and currently unclear. Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (Csrp2) has been reported to promote cell proliferation and migration, and affect cell cycle progression. As a new invasive actin-binding factor, Csrp2 increased the invasion and even metastasis of some cancer cells. It was associated with tumor recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. However, the role of Csrp2 in PH remains unknown. We found that Csrp2 expression was increased both in pulmonary arteries (PAs) and smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in PH. Csrp2 enhanced PASMC proliferation and phenotypic transition. The Wnt3α-ß-catenin/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) pathway is involved in cell proliferation and phenotypic transition regulated by Csrp2 expression. These results suggest that hypoxia downregulates YinYang-1 (YY1) and then increases Csrp2 expression. Increased Csrp2 promotes PASMC proliferation and phenotypic transition by activating the Wnt3α-ß-catenin/LEF1 pathways, which leads to pulmonary vascular remodeling and even provides a new theoretical basis for studying the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of PH.

RETRACTED - Risk factors for mild behavioral impairment in non-demented geriatrics: a population-based survey in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate potential risk factors for mild behavioral impairment (MBI) among non-demented geriatrics. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Taiwan Alzheimer Disease Association (TADA) Database. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were selected by multistage random sampling of all Taiwan counties. They received in-person interviews between December 2011 and March 2013. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic data, lifestyle and habits, medical comorbidities, cognitive status measured by the Taiwanese Mini-Mental Status Examination (TMSE) and presence of MCI of the participants were collected. Subjects were distributed to the MBI and non-MBI groups. These factors had been evaluated for their effects on MBI in the univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: In total, 6,196 non-demented participants aged 65 years or older, including 409 MBI and 5,787 non-MBI participants, were recruited. After adjustment for age, sex, education, body mass index, lifestyle and habits, medical comorbidities, and MCI, good sleep was associated with lower risk of MBI (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.12). Low body weight (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.21-3.33), low-to-medium education (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.06-1.85; OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.67-3.21), medical comorbidities of hypertension (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.25-1.95), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.00-1.67), cancer (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.37-3.06) were significantly associated with increased MBI risk. MCI neither increased nor decreased risk of MBI (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.76-1.32). CONCLUSIONS: Good sleep was associated with lower MBI risk. Underweight, lower education, medical comorbidities of cancer, hypertension, hyperlipidemia were predictive of MBI.

Rural-urban Disparities in the Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Taiwan: A Door-to-door Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Screening or diagnosis for the elderly with dementia in rural regions might be delayed and underestimated due to limited utilization of healthcare resources. This study aimed to evaluate the disparities of prevalence and risk factors of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia between urban and rural residence. METHODS: In this nationwide door-to-door survey, 10,432 participants aged 65 years and more were selected through computerized random sampling from all administrative districts in Taiwan and were assessed using an in-person interview. We calculated the prevalence of MCI and dementia, with their risk factors examined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of dementia in rural, suburban, and urban areas among the elderly was 8.69% (95% CI, 8.68-8.69), 6.63% (95% CI, 6.62-6.63), and 4.46% (95% CI, 4.46-4.47), respectively. A similar rural-suburban-urban gradient relationship on the dementia prevalence was observed in any age and sex group. The rural:urban ratio was higher in women than in men for both MCI and dementia. Urbanization remained to be an independent factor for both MCI and dementia after adjustment for age, gender, education, lifestyle, and health status. The beneficial effects of exercise on dementia were more evident in rural areas than in urban ones. CONCLUSION: Significantly higher prevalence of MCI and dementia were found in rural areas than in urban ones, especially for women. The odds of risk factors for MCI and dementia varied by urbanization status. Focus on the rural-urban inequality and the modification of associated factors specifically for different urbanization levels are needed.

Perceptions of community dementia friendliness: A cross-sectional study of people with dementia, family caregivers, service providers, and the general public in Taiwan.

Promoting dementia-friendly communities is an important strategy for improving quality of life for people with dementia and dementia-family caregivers. The process of building dementia-friendly communities should include all people living in the community. The objective of this study was to compare perceived dementia friendliness in the community among people with dementia, family caregivers, service providers, and the general public. In Taiwan, we surveyed 60 people with dementia, 140 family caregivers, and 200 members of the general public face to face, with 200 service providers surveyed by mail. Participants completed the Perceived Community Dementia Friendliness measure, consisting of seven subscales: care services, community members, community environment, community interactions, transportation, hospitals, and stores and organisations. This measure has acceptable convergent validity, construct validity, and internal consistency reliability for use in Taiwan. Differences in perceived dementia friendliness were examined by chi-square tests/analysis of variance. Among the seven subscales, hospitals were rated with good dementia friendliness by 70% of people with dementia (n = 42); however, care services were rated poor by 23.3% of people with dementia (n = 14). Hospitals were also rated with good dementia friendliness by 39.2% of family caregivers (n = 54). Care services were rated as having good dementia friendliness by 43.5% of service providers (n = 87) and 47% of the general public (n = 86). Furthermore, community interactions were rated as good by small percentages of family caregivers (11.4%, n = 16), service providers (22.2%, n = 44), and the general public (30.9%, n = 58). Family caregivers, service providers, and the general public rated hospitals with the highest mean dementia-friendliness score and community interactions with the lowest. Perceived community-dementia friendliness among participants with dementia differed from that of participants without. People with dementia prioritised improving care services, while people without dementia rated facilitating community interactions as more vital. These differences provide vital insights into understanding the policies and administration of dementia-friendly communities.

[Driving Cessation and Mental Health in Persons With Dementia: A Preliminary Study].

BACKGROUND: The driving safety of persons with dementia (PwD) is an important public-health issue worldwide. Driving is closely related to personal autonomy, self-esteem, and independence. When PwD lose their driving privileges, this may lead to negative effects on mental health. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between driving cessation and mental health in PwD. METHODS: A cross-sectional design with convenient sampling was used, Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Participants were all PwDs who were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. RESULTS: A total of 78 PwD were recruited. Two-fifths (41%) of the participants were still driving, with motorcycle the most common vehicle used. The participants who had retired from driving were older, and most did not have a spouse, were less socially active, had a lower mean level of functional ability, and perceived a lower association between driving and quality of life. Driving cessation was found to be positively correlated with age and the instrumental activities of daily living. Depression and anxiety levels in former drivers were higher than in current drivers, although the differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Among PwD, depression and anxiety is higher in former drivers. It is suggested that a prospective study should be conducted, that driving safety issues for PwD should be addressed in public health education, and that standards of driving safety for PwD should be developed and enacted.

Decision-Making in People With Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Narrative Review of Decision-Making Tools.

OBJECTIVES: This review summarized the applicability of various decision-making tools for helping people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their families make decisions. DESIGN: This study was a narrative literature review. The protocol of this review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020182259). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: People with dementia or MCI and their families were included in this study. METHODS: This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Chinese Electronic Periodical Services databases from inception to May 2021. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists for a variety of study designs were used. RESULTS: Topics related to decision-making were categorized as everyday activity decisions or medical treatment decisions. Various types of decision-making tools were identified, and we observed that decision aids can be modified and used for both everyday activity decisions and medical treatment decisions. In addition to highlighting decision aids for specific decisional issues and topics, we also elucidated other validated tools that can be used to facilitate the decision-making process. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study highlighted the topics involved in decision-making and using decision-making tools. The current review provides information that can help individuals and health care professionals choose optimal decision-making tools. On the basis of our findings, future studies can determine the most appropriate tools for intervention or outcome measures.

Fluctuating interpretations: Striving to maintain a sense of self in early dementia.

This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework of the experience of persons living with the early stages of dementia. A grounded theory approach examined the experience from the perspective of the patient. Data were collected from dyads of persons with mild dementia and their family caregivers (N = 17) using face-to-face interviews at three timepoints over a one-year period. Transcribed interviews were analyzed with constant comparative analysis. The core category was "Fluctuating interpretations: striving to maintain one's sense of self." Interpretations were comprised of three subcategories: being a stranger to oneself, sense-making, and strategies for coexistence. Different situations influenced the process and affected individuals' attitudes and behaviors. Interpretations were a protective vehicle and stabilizing force that enabled persons with dementia to coexist with disease changes. Perspectives of persons with dementia during the early stages should be considered when designing intervention strategies for patient-centered care.

Mandarin version of dementia and driving decision aid (DDDA): Development and stakeholder evaluation in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Dementia causes cognitive and memory difficulties which can reduce the driving safety of the individuals. The decision-making process for driving retirement is challenging, and yet limited guidance is available. OBJECTIVES: This article reports the development of the Taiwanese version of dementia and driving decision aid (DDDA) and the evaluation from stakeholders through a dementia and driving education programme. METHODS: A multi-method approach was adopted using a pre-test, post-test survey and focus group interviews. A total of 154 healthcare professionals, family caregivers and people with dementia participated education programme, and 12 experts attended the focus group discussion. The survey included demographics, knowledge, confidence, competence and awareness of using DDDA. Participants completed a survey prior and immediately after the education programme. We translated a 32-page interactive DDDA booklet from the original English version to Mandarin. The education programme consisted of three-hour dementia and driving education module delivered both face-to-face and online. RESULTS: The majority of participants described the booklet as balanced (91.7%) with the information presented in a 'good' or 'excellent' manner (93.4%). Most participants (85.3%) felt that DDDA helps them in making decisions about driving. Five themes were extracted from the focus group interview: (1) approach targeted to people with dementia, (2) specific content and additional information, (3) culturally appropriate modification, (4) having the right to drive and (5) booklet dissemination. The knowledge, confidence, competence and awareness of using the DDDA increased significantly (p < 0.001) after the education programmes. CONCLUSION: We anticipate that use of the DDDA booklet will raise awareness of this social and health issue among the general public and facilitate collaborations with clinicians, municipalities and related organisations in providing a decision-making resource material for those with people living with dementia and their families. This study was not a clinical trial and the focus of this study was development and evaluation of the DDDA booklet. As mentioned in the methods section, participants were invited to attend the education program and provided their thoughts on the DDDA booklet based on their satisfaction level. Moreover, the education program was a one-day, workshop type program. This study was neither "prospectively assigns human participants or groups of humans to one or more health-related interventions" nor "to evaluate the effects on health outcomes", according to the definition of clinical trial by WHO. Therefore, we did not consider this study was a clinical trial. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: There is an urgent need for supporting people with dementia and their families to negotiate the complex decision-making involved in deciding to change their approach to driving. The DDDA booklet can fill an important gap in service delivery to people with dementia who are adjusting to life without driving.

Keratin 1 attenuates hypoxic pulmonary artery hypertension by suppressing pulmonary artery media smooth muscle expansion.

AIM: Abnormally activated vascular smooth muscle cells are key factors in pulmonary artery remodelling (PAR) and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Keratin 1 is involved in inflammatory diseases; however, its role in PAH is unknown. We speculated that keratin 1 could regulate PASMCs and prevent PAH. METHODS: Rats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2 ) or MCT (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) or treated with AAV6 virus. PAR was measured through HE and Masson staining. PASMC activities were measured using MTS assay, EdU and Western blot analyses after cell knockdown with siRNAs or overexpression with Krt1 vectors. RESULTS: 1. Hypoxic PAR was associated with a decrease in keratin 1, especially in PASMCs. 2. Keratin 1 knockdown led to cell proliferation, migration and contraction to synthetic transformation, while keratin 1 overexpression attenuated hypoxia-induced changes in PASMCs. 3. Decreased keratin 1 induced TLR7 upregulation and mediated increases in the inflammatory factors S100a8 and S100a9. 4. Keratin 1 overexpression reduced the inflammatory factor expression induced by TLR7 activation. 5. Further studies demonstrated that keratin 1 expression was negatively correlated with pulmonary vascular pressure following prolonged hypoxia. 6. Pre-treatment with keratin 1 decreased pulmonary artery pressure and the right heart hypertrophy index and alleviated PAR in two model rats. 7. Keratin 1 exhibited a hypermethylation status in hypoxic pulmonary arteries in the sequencing. Hypoxia-induced decrease in keratin 1 expression was associated with Dnmt1 upregulation induced by YY1 downregulation in PASMCs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that keratin 1 regulates PASMC expansion and has a preventive effect on PAH.

Dementia-friendly community indicators from the perspectives of people living with dementia and dementia-family caregivers.

AIMS: To identify dementia-friendly communities' indicators and their current conditions in Taiwan from the perspectives of people with dementia and dementia-family caregivers. DESIGN: This qualitative study explored the opinions and experiences of people with dementia and dementia-family caregivers regarding dementia-friendly communities. METHODS: Participants (16 people with dementia and 20 family caregivers) were recruited from neurological clinics, day care centres for people with dementia and support groups for family caregivers in the Taipei community from July - October, 2016. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews, which were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by Miles and Huberman's (1994) guidelines. RESULTS: Similar indicators for dementia-friendly communities were identified in Taiwan as in other countries, including dementia-friendly care services, dementia-friendly hospitals, dementia-friendly community environment, dementia-friendly transportation, dementia-friendly stores and shops, dementia friendly people, integrated dementia-related information and community contribution- and -involvement opportunities for people with dementia. However, Taiwanese people with dementia and family caregivers described no emphasis on the potential of people with dementia to contribute to developing dementia-friendly communities and more top-down expectations for the government's role. CONCLUSION: These indicators can be a guide for developing and evaluating dementia-friendly communities in Taiwan. Differences between Taiwan and Western developed countries in indicators for dementia-friendly communities can be further explored. Community nursing assessment, interventions, and evaluation based on these dementia-friendly communities indicators can be further developed. IMPACT: This study developed indicators for dementia-friendly communities in an Asian country. These indicators can be used as a guide for developing and evaluating dementia-friendly communities.

Optimal Design of Plant Canopy Based on Light Interception: A Case Study With Loquat.

Canopy architecture determines the light distribution and light interception in the canopy. Reasonable shaping and pruning can optimize tree structure; maximize the utilization of land, space and light energy; and lay the foundation for achieving early fruiting, high yield, health and longevity. Due to the complexity of loquat canopy architecture and the multi-year period of tree growth, the variables needed for experiments in canopy type training are hardly accessible through field measurements. In this paper, we concentrated on exploring the relationship between branching angle and light interception using a three-dimensional (3D) canopy model in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl). First, detailed 3D models of loquat trees were built by integrating branch and organ models. Second, the morphological models of different loquat trees were constructed by interactive editing. Third, the 3D individual-tree modeling software LSTree integrated with the OpenGL shadow technique, a radiosity model and a modified rectangular hyperbola model was used to calculate the silhouette to total area ratio, the distribution of photosynthetically active radiation within canopies and the net photosynthetic rate, respectively. Finally, the influence of loquat tree organ organization on the light interception of the trees was analyzed with different parameters. If the single branch angle between the level 2 scaffold branch and trunk is approximately 15° and the angles among the level 2 scaffold branches range from 60 to 90°, then a better light distribution can be obtained. The results showed that the branching angle has a significant impact on light interception, which is useful for grower manipulation of trees, e.g., shoot bending (scaffold branch angle). Based on this conclusion, a reasonable tree structure was selected for intercepting light. This quantitative simulation and analytical method provides a new digital and visual method that can aid in the design of tree architecture.

Mild cognitive impairment in combination with comorbid diabetes mellitus and hypertension is negatively associated with health-related quality of life among older persons in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: To fill the gap in knowledge about associations of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly, we explored associations of comorbid DM, HTN, and/or MCI with HRQoL. METHODS: Data for this study were from a population-based cross-sectional survey of elderly Taiwanese (≥ 65 years old). Participants (N = 4,634; 47.9% male) were categorized into eight chronic-illness groups: DM only (n = 224); HTN only (n = 1226); DM and HTN (n = 365); MCI only (n = 497); DM and MCI (n = 58); HTN and MCI (n = 303); DM, HTN, and MCI (n = 101); and none (healthy; n = 1860). Associations were examined between the eight chronic-illness groups and HRQoL (measured by EQ-5D scores) using binary logistic regression analyses and generalized linear models adjusted for covariates. Index scores were calculated from EQ-5D scores using Taiwan's general population-preference weights. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy group, after adjusting covariates, MCI alone or with other comorbidities was significantly, negatively associated with HRQoL. Among all chronic-illness groups, comorbid DM, HTN, and MCI exhibited the lowest HRQoL. After adjusting covariates, between-group odds ratios for index scores were significant when comparing comorbid DM and MCI to DM only, comparing comorbid HTN and MCI to HTN only and comorbid DM, comparing HTN and MCI to comorbid DM and HTN, suggesting that MCI additively affects HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL of older Taiwanese adults was negatively associated with having MCI. Thus, clinicians managing older persons with chronic illnesses should assess their cognitive function to identify high-risk groups needing HRQoL assistance.

Cognitive dysfunction predicts worse health-related quality of life for older stroke survivors: a nationwide population-based survey in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the associations of cognitive status with specific/overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older stroke survivors in Taiwan. METHOD: A subsample of 592 older stroke survivors in a nationwide population-based survey of cognitive-dysfunction prevalencewas analyzed. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). RESULTS: Stroke survivors with dementia were 5.60 times more likely to have mobility problems, 12.20 times to have self-care problems, 16.61 times to have problems in usual activities, 4.31 times to have pain/discomfort, and 3.28 times to have anxiety/depression than stroke survivors with normal cognitive function. Stroke survivors with mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) were 2.57 times more likely to have mobility problems, 3.17 times to have self-care problems, 3.31 times to have problems in usual activities, 2.11 times to have pain/discomfort, and 2.35 times to have anxiety/depression than those with normal cognitive function. Both dementia (b = -15.13, p < .001) and MCD (b = -6.24, p < .001) significantly contributed to lower EQ-5D VAS; both dementia (b = -.15, p < .001) and MCD (b = -.10, p < .001) significantly contributed to lower EQ-5D index. CONCLUSION: Dementia and MCD strongly predicted worse overall and specific HRQoL dimensions, especially self-care and usual activities for older stroke survivors.

Relationships Between Cognitive Dysfunction and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Persons in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Survey.

BACKGROUND: To examine the relationships between cognitive dysfunction status and quality of life. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a nationwide population-based survey (≥65 years) in Taiwan. The 5-dimension EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D) was completed by 10 013 participants. RESULTS: Participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; odds ratio = 4.88), very mild dementia (VMD; 7.96), or dementia (32.85) were more likely than those with normal cognition to report self-care problems. Participants with MCI (3.86), VMD (9.26), or dementia (31.61) were more likely to have usual-activity problems, and those with MCI (3.04), VMD (3.82), or dementia (9.23) were more likely to have mobility problems. Participants with MCI (2.10 and 2.14), VMD (2.77 and 2.18), or dementia (3.04 and 3.02) were more likely to report pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. CONCLUSION: Dementia was negatively associated with EQ-5D, especially self-care, usual activities, and mobility. Mild cognitive impairment or VMD was also negatively associated, with VMD more negatively associated. Developing interventions for patients with specific cognitive dysfunctions is critical.

Association of Polypharmacy With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Cognitive Ability: A Nationwide Survey in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy, defined as the concomitant use of 5 or more medications, has a documented negative association with cognitive impairment such as delirium and is associated, potentially, with a higher risk of dementia. However, whether polypharmacy contributes to increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or decreased cognitive capacity requires further investigation. This nationwide population survey investigated the association among polypharmacy, MCI, and dementia. METHODS: Through random sampling based on the proportion of all Taiwan counties, subjects were recruited and received in-person interviews between December 2011 and March 2013. Demographic data and clinical information included medical histories, medication use, and mental status measured by the Taiwanese Mini-Mental State Examination (TMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Data on lifestyle and habits were collected, and subjects were distributed to cognitively normal, MCI, or all-cause dementia groups based on criteria by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association. RESULTS: A total of 7,422 people aged 65 years or older were recruited. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, education, medical comorbidities, and lifestyle and habits, polypharmacy was associated with a 1.75-fold increased odds of MCI and 2.33-fold increased odds of dementia. Polypharmacy was associated with a 0.51-point decrease in TMSE scores (P = .001) and a 0.10-point increase in CDR score (P < .001). Additionally, for those without specific vascular comorbidities, polypharmacy had a greatly more negative impact on cognitive capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy is common in the elderly and is associated with significantly lower cognitive capacity and higher risks of MCI and dementia, especially for persons without diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or cerebrovascular diseases.

Three-dimensional digitization of the arid land plant Haloxylon ammodendron using a consumer-grade camera.

Plant structural parameters are important for ecological studies and for monitoring the environment. Terrestrial laser scanning has become a widely accepted technique for acquiring accurate high-density three-dimensional information about plant surfaces; however, this instrument is expensive, technically challenging to operate, heavy, and difficult to transport to hard-to-reach areas such as dense forests and undeveloped areas without easy vehicle access. Using Haloxylon ammodendron, a plant widely distributed in arid lands, as an example, we used a consumer-grade handheld camera to take a series of overlapping images of this plant. Computer vision and photogrammetric software were used to reconstruct highly detailed three-dimensional data of the plant surface. This surface data was compared to the point cloud of the plant acquired from concomitant terrestrial laser scanning. We demonstrated that the accuracy and degree of completeness of the image-derived point clouds are comparable to that of laser scanning. Plant structural parameters (such as tree height and crown width) and three-dimensional models extracted from the point clouds also agree well with a relative difference of less than 5%. Our case study shows that a common camera and image processing software can be an affordable, highly portable, and viable option for acquiring accurate and detailed high-density and high-resolution three-dimensional information about plant structure in the environment. This digitization technique can record the plant and its surrounding environment effectively and efficiently, and it can be applied to many ecological fields and studies.