Purpose: Multiple regression equations that estimate the maturity offset for peak height velocity (PHV) have been used in studies regarding adolescents. However, to estimate the maturity of a ...Japanese population with characteristic proportions, a multiple regression equation developed using a sample of Japanese adolescents is necessary. This study aimed to develop a multiple regression equation that estimates the maturity offset for PHV that can be used for Japanese youth. Methods: Morphometry data of individuals (207 males and 209 females) aged 6 to 18 years were collected. Age at PHV was calculated from the change in the height of each individual, and a multiple regression equation was developed using morphometric data at each age (height, sitting height, lower limb length, and weight) and chronological age. The newly-developed multiple regression equation was compared with a previously-reported equation to determine if it is suitable for Japanese youth. Results: The coefficient of determination (R2) of the multiple regression equation was 0.948 for boys and 0.930 for girls. The differences between the estimated and measured maturity offsets obtained from the multiple regression equation in this study were −0.09 ± 0.81 years for boys and −0.28 ± 0.95 years for girls. In contrast, the differences between the estimated and measured maturity offsets obtained in previous studies were −1.25 ± 1.17 years for boys and −3.40 ± 1.59 years for girls. Conclusion: The newly-developed multiple regression equation is more accurate than previously-reported equations and accurately estimates the maturity offset of Japanese youth in a reliably and practically.
Purpose: Multiple regression equations that estimate the maturity offset for peak height velocity (PHV) have been used in studies regarding adolescents. However, to estimate the maturity of a ...Japanese population with characteristic proportions, a multiple regression equation developed using a sample of Japanese adolescents is necessary. This study aimed to develop a multiple regression equation that estimates the maturity offset for PHV that can be used for Japanese youth.Methods: Morphometry data of individuals (207 males and 209 females) aged 6 to 18 years were collected. Age at PHV was calculated from the change in the height of each individual, and a multiple regression equation was developed using morphometric data at each age (height, sitting height, lower limb length, and weight) and chronological age. The newly-developed multiple regression equation was compared with a previously-reported equation to determine if it is suitable for Japanese youth.Results: The coefficient of determination (R2) of the multiple regression equation was 0.948 for boys and 0.930 for girls. The differences between the estimated and measured maturity offsets obtained from the multiple regression equation in this study were -0.09 ± 0.81 years for boys and -0.28 ± 0.95 years for girls. In contrast, the differences between the estimated and measured maturity offsets obtained in previous studies were -1.25 ± 1.17 years for boys and -3.40 ± 1.59 years for girls.Conclusion: The newly-developed multiple regression equation is more accurate than previously-reported equations and accurately estimates the maturity offset of Japanese youth in a reliably and practically.
Plastic pollution is a worldwide concern causing the death of animals (mainly aquatic fauna) and environmental deterioration. Plastic recycling is, in most cases, difficult or even impossible. For ...this reason, new research lines are emerging to identify highly biodegradable bioplastics or plastic formulations that are more environmentally friendly than current ones. In this context, microbes, capable of synthesizing bioplastics, were revealed to be good models to design strategies in which microorganisms can be used as cell factories. Recently, special interest has been paid to haloarchaea due to the capability of some species to produce significant concentrations of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) when growing under a specific nutritional status. The growth of those microorganisms at the pilot or industrial scale offers several advantages compared to that of other microbes that are bioplastic producers. This review summarizes the state of the art of bioplastic production and the most recent findings regarding the production of bioplastics by halophilic microorganisms with special emphasis on haloarchaea. Some protocols to produce/analyze bioplastics are highlighted here to shed light on the potential use of haloarchaea at the industrial scale to produce valuable products, thus minimizing environmental pollution by plastics made from petroleum.
In view of risk coupled with synthetic polymer waste, there is an imperative need to explore biodegradable polymer. On account of that, six PHAs producing bacteria were isolated from mangrove forest ...and affilated to the genera Bacillus &Pseudomonas from morpho-physiological characterizations. Among which the potent PHAs producer was identified as Bacillus megaterium OUAT 016 by 16S rDNA sequencing and in-silico analysis. This research addressed a comparative account on PHAs production by submerged and solid-state fermentation pertaining to different downstream processing. Here, we established higher PHAs production by solid-state fermentation through sonication and mono-solvent extraction. Using modified MSM media under optimized conditions, 49.5% & 57.7% of PHAs were produced in submerged and 34.1% & 62.0% in solid-state fermentation process. Extracted PHAs was identified as a valuable polymer PHB-co-PHV and its crystallinity & thermostability nature was validated by FTIR, 1H NMR and XRD. The melting (Tm) and thermal degradation temperature (Td) of PHB-co-PHV was 166 °C and 273 °C as depicted from DTA. Moreover, FE-SEM and SPM surface imaging indicated biodegradable nature, while FACS assay confirmed cytocompatibility of PHB-co-PHV.
Introduction:
Most contraceptive combinations can interfere with the processes of bone formation and resorption.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 combinations of low-dose ...oral hormonal contraceptives (20 µg ethinyl estradiol EE/150 mg desogestrel COC1 or 30 µg EE/3 mg drospirenone COC2) on bone mass acquisition in adolescents over 2 years by means of bone densitometry and measurement of biomarkers of bone remodeling.
Methods:
Parallel-group, non-randomized controlled clinical trial of 127 adolescents divided into a control group and 2 groups receiving either COC1 or COC2. The participants were submitted to anthropometric assessment and evaluation of secondary sexual characteristics (Tanner criteria) and bone age. Bone densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and measurement of bone biomarkers (bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and C-terminal telopeptide) were performed at baseline and after 24 months.
Results:
No significant differences in the variables analyzed were observed between COC1 or COC2 users and the control group at baseline. After 24 months, non-users had incorporated more bone mass (content and density) than either group of contraceptive users. This negative impact was more pronounced in the COC2 group than in the COC1 group. A significant reduction in the percentage values of bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin was observed in users of oral contraceptives.
Conclusion:
Bone mass acquisition was compromised in adolescent users of combined hormonal contraceptives. The negative impact was more pronounced in adolescents using contraceptives that contain 30 µg EE/3 mg drospirenone.
Resumen Azotobacter es un tipo de bacteria no patógena, Gram negativa con capacidad para sintetizar simultáneamente en condiciones aerobias dos polímeros biodegradables extra e intracelulares tales ...como alginatos y polihidroxialcanoatos respectivamente, cuyas propiedades físicas, mecánicas y biodegradables han despertado el interés en la industria. Por ello, esta revisión compila información sobre la síntesis química de estos polímeros y la modificación genética de esta bacteria con la finalidad de producir un polímero particular y mejorar sus rendimientos. Adicionalmente, mostramos que los alginatos obtenidos presentan un mayor peso molecular, grado de acetilación y relación M/G comparado con otras fuentes orgánicas como las algas marinas; mientras los polímeros de polihidroxialcanoatos presentan mejores características físicas y mecánicas (temperatura de fusión, módulo de Young, elongación y temperatura de transición vítrea) comparado con otros polímeros sintéticos. Estas características presentes en ambos polímeros han permitido el desarrollo de diversas aplicaciones en la industria alimentaria, farmacéutica, médica y agronómica. Finalmente, es necesario estudiar nuevas estrategias para controlar la variabilidad del grado de acetilación y peso molecular para los polímeros de alginato y mejorar la producción de polihidroxialcanoatos con la finalidad de promover nuevas futuras aplicaciones en la industria.
Abstract
Comprehensive information on the characteristics of surgical heart valves (SHVs) is essential for optimal valve selection. Such information is also important in assessing SHV function after ...valve replacement. Despite the existing regulatory framework for SHV sizing and labelling, this information is challenging to obtain in a uniform manner for various SHVs. To ensure that clinicians are adequately informed, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) set up a Task Force comprised of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, engineers, regulatory bodies, representatives of the International Organization for Standardization and major valve manufacturers. Previously, the EACTS–STS–AATS Valve Labelling Task Force identified the most important problems around SHV sizing and labelling. This Expert Consensus Document formulates recommendations for providing SHV physical dimensions, intended implant position and haemodynamic performance in a transparent, uniform manner. Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for the introduction and use of a standardized chart to assess the probability of prosthesis–patient mismatch and calls valve manufacturers to provide essential information required for SHV choice on standardized Valve Charts, uniformly for all SHV models.
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