Collagen peptides against chronological skin aging: mechanisms of action and related clinical studies / 中华皮肤科杂志

In recent years, collagen peptides (CP) have become a research hotspot in delaying chronological skin aging. Animal experiments have shown that CP can repair chronologically aged animal skin by promoting collagen synthesis, inhibiting collagen degradation, and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. Cell experiments showed that CP can promote proliferation of fibroblasts and synthesis of collagen and elastin by stimulating nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and transforming growth factor-β/drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic signaling pathway. Clinical studies have demonstrated that long-term oral supplement with CP or CP in combination with other antioxidant active substances can increase the skin moisture content and reduce transepidermal water loss, improve skin wrinkles and elasticity, as well as improve the skin collagen fiber structure, dermal and epidermal quality and the overall condition of facial skin. This review summarizes recent studies on mechanisms underlying chronological skin aging and mechanisms of action of CP in repairing chronologically aged skin, in order to provide a theoretical basis for further clinical research into and application of CP in repairing chronologically aged skin.

Criteria for early diagnosis of third molar agenesis: a retrospective radiographic study

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the association between chronological, dental and skeletal ages and early diagnosis of third molars agenesis. Material and Methods: This retrospective radiographic study comprised a sample of 282 Portuguese patients (122 males and 160 females) who sought orthodontic treatment between 2007 and 2018. Each participant had panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs performed before and after the age of 14 years. The chronological age was categorized into three intervals between 11.0 and 13.11 years of age. The full eruption of the four-second molars was used as a criterion in determining dental age. Skeletal age was verified by the vertebral maturation method. The diagnosis of agenesis of third molars was initially performed by observation of the initial panoramic radiography undertaken before the age of 14 years. Subsequently, the diagnosis of agenesis of third molars was confirmed by visualizing the second panoramic radiography, obtained after the age of 14 years. The association between the accuracy of the diagnosis and the chronological, dental and skeletal ages was evaluated using the chi-square test, at a 5% significance level. Results: No significant association between chronological age and alterations in the diagnosis of third molar agenesis was identified. However, there was a significant association between third molar agenesis and both dental age (p<0.001) and skeletal age (p=0.006). Conclusion: The eruption of the four-second molars and the peak of growth could be considered as criteria for early diagnosis of third molar agenesis, whereas chronological age is not a reliable diagnostic indicator.

RESUMO Objetivo: Explorar a associação entre as idades cronológica, dentária e esquelética e o diagnóstico precoce da agenesia dos terceiros molares. Material e Métodos: Este estudo radiográfico retrospectivo compreendeu uma amostra de 282 pacientes portugueses (122 homens e 160 mulheres) que procuraram tratamento ortodôntico entre 2007 e 2018. Cada participante tinha radiografias panorâmicas e cefalométricas laterais realizadas antes e depois dos 14 anos de idade. A idade cronológica foi categorizada em três intervalos entre 11,0 e 13,11 anos de idade. A erupção completa dos quatro segundos molares foi usada como critério para determinar a idade dentária. A idade esquelética foi verificada pelo método de maturação das vértebras cervicais. O diagnóstico de agenesia de terceiros molares foi inicialmente realizado pela observação da radiografia panorâmica inicial, realizada antes dos 14 anos de idade. Posteriormente, o diagnóstico de agenesia de terceiros molares foi confirmado pela visualização da segunda radiografia panorâmica, obtida após os 14 anos de idade. A associação entre a acurácia do diagnóstico e as idades cronológica, dentária e esquelética foi avaliada por meio do teste qui-quadrado, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Não foi identificada associação significativa entre idade cronológica e alterações no diagnóstico de agenesia de terceiros molares. No entanto, houve associação significativa entre agenesia de terceiro molar e idade dentária (p<0,001) e idade óssea (p=0,006). Conclusão: A erupção dos quatro segundos molares e o pico de crescimento podem ser considerados critérios para o diagnóstico precoce da agenesia do terceiro molar, enquanto a idade cronológica não é um indicador diagnóstico confiável.

Application of chronological lifespan in the construction of Escherichia coli cell factories / 生物工程学报

Microbial cell factories capable of producing valuable chemicals from renewable feedstocks provide a promising alternative towards sustainability. However, environmental stress remarkably affects the performance of microbial cell factories. By extending the chronological lifespan of microbial cells, the performance of microbial cell factories can be greatly improved. Firstly, an evaluation system for chronological lifespan and semi-chronological lifespan was established based on the changes in survival rates. Secondly, the addition of anti-aging drugs such as cysteine, carnosine, aminoguanidine and glucosamine increased the chronological lifespan of E. coli by 80%, 80%, 50% and 120%, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated that extending the chronological lifespan of E. coli increased the yield of metabolites produced by E. coli cell factories with endogenous (lactic acid and pyruvic acid) or exogenous (malic acid) metabolic pathway by 30.0%, 25.0%, and 27.0%, respectively. The strategy of extending chronological lifespan of E. coli provides a potential approach for enhancing the performance of microbial cell factories.

Efecto de edad relativa en la Liga Nacional de Básquetbol de Chile (LNB) / Relative Age Effect in Chile's National Basketball League (LNB)

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue verificar la existencia de sobrerrepresentación de jugadores nacidos en la primera parte del año o Efecto de Edad Relativa (EER), en la elite del baloncesto masculino chileno.A partir de las nóminas oficiales de la Liga Nacional de Básquetbol de Chile (LNB) para la temporada 2019-20, se obtuvieron las distribuciones por mes, trimestre y semestre, de las fechas de nacimiento de los jugadores. Estas fueron comparadas con las distribuciones de nacimientos en Chile entre 1977 y 2005. La significancia estadística de las diferencias entre distribuciones esperadas y observadas se verificó mediante la prueba de χ2 (mensual y trimestral) y una distribución binomial (semestral).Los tres análisis arrojaron diferencias significativas entre las distribuciones esperadas y observadas, con una sobrerrepresentación de los nacidos en el primer semestre, primer trimestre y el mes de enero y subrepresentación de los nacidos el segundo semestre, cuarto trimestre y mes de diciembre. Se concluye que hay evidencia suficiente para confirmar la existencia de EER en LNB.Para disminuir el EER se proponen medidas tendientes a educar a entrenadores acerca de los efectos de las diferencias de edad en el rendimiento y el establecimiento de fechas de corte móviles durante la temporada competitiva.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the study was to verify the existence of overrepresentation of players born in the first part of the year or Relative Age Effect (RAE), in Chilean elite men's basketball.The distribution by month, quarter, and semester of players' birthdates were obtained from the official rosters of the National Basketball League of Chile (LNB) for the 2019-20 season. These were compared to the distribution of births in Chile between 1977 and 2005. The statistical significance of the differences between expected and observed distribution was verified using the 2 test (monthly and quarterly) and a binomial distribution (semi-annual).The three analyses yielded significant differences between the expected and observed distribution, with an overrepresentation of those born in the first semester, first quarter, and January and an underrepresentation of those born in the second semester, fourth quarter, and December. It is concluded that there is sufficient evidence to confirm the existence of RAE in LNB.To reduce RAE, measures are proposed to educate coaches about the effects of age differences on performance and the establishment of mobile cut-off dates during the competitive season.

Desarrollo psicomotor a los 18 meses de edad cronológica en recién nacidos de pretérminos extremos: comparación entre edad cronológica y edad corregida / Psychomotor development at 18 months of chronological age in extreme preterm infants: comparison between chronological age and corrected age

En recién nacidos pretérmino extremo (RNPTE) históricamente se ha utilizado la edad corregida (ECo) en la evaluación del desarrollo psicomotor (DSM). Existe controversia en la evidencia respecto de utilidad de esta práctica y riesgo de sobrecorregir. OBJETIVOS: escribir DSM a 18 meses edad cronológica (ECr) en RNPTE, y compararlo con DSM según ECo. OBJETIVO SECUNDARIO: evaluar presencia de patologías o complicaciones de prematurez, en pacientes con retraso en algún área de DSM según ECr. Pacientes y MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluyó RNPTE nacidos en Hospital San José entre Enero y Octubre 2016 con seguimiento en Hospital Roberto del Río. Se aplicó test de Bayley III a 18 meses de ECr y se comparó resultados con ECo. El retraso en algún área según ECr implicó una evaluación clínica neurológica. RESULTADOS: Nacieron 111 pacientes RNPTE entre enero-octubre 2016, 55 participaron del estudio. Según ECr catalogaron 30 pacientes normales y 21 en riesgo. Según ECo, 46 fueron catalogados normales y 5 en riesgo. Los 4 pacientes con retraso según ECr, persistieron en retraso al evaluar según ECo. Evaluación neurológica en pacientes con retraso evidenció trastornos neurológicos que explicaban esta condición. CONCLUSIÓN: Evaluar DSM en RNPTE a 18 meses de ECr permitiría detección de pacientes con riesgo de retraso, a diferencia de lo evaluado por Eco, que es relevante para seguimiento neurológico estrecho. Todos los RNPTE con retraso de DSM en algún área presentan un trastorno neurológico severo que lo explica y no es un desarrollo "madurativo" enlentecido de la prematurez.

In extreme preterm newborns (EPN), corrected age (CoA) has historically been used to evaluate psychomotor development (PSD). There is controversy in the evidence regarding this practice's usefulness and the risk of overcorrection. OBJECTIVE: To describe PSD at 18 months of chronological age (ChrA) in EPN and compare it with CoA. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the presence of pathologies or complications of prematurity in patients with delay in any area using ChrA. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cohort prospective study that included EPN patients born in San José Hospital between January and October 2016 with follow-up in Roberto del Río Hospital. Bayley III test was applied at 18 months ChrA and its results were compared with CoA. Delay in any area according to ChrA implied a clinical neurological evaluation. RESULTS: 111 EPN were born in San José Hospital (January-October 2016), 55 participated in the study. According to ChrA, 30 patients were cataloged as normal and 21 at risk. According to CoA, 46 were classified as normal and 5 at risk. The 4 patients with delay according to ChrA persisted in this category when evaluated with CoA. Neurological evaluation in patients with delay evidenced neurological disorders that explained this condition. CONCLUSION: Assessing PSD in EPN at 18 months ChrA allows early detection of patients with risk of developmental delay, regarding the use of CoA, with importance of a neurological follow-up of this group. All patients with delay in PSD had a severe neurological disorder that explained this delay, which was not just a slow "madurative" development of prematurity. .

Dental age estimation of Jordanian children: applicability of Demirjian method / Estimativa de idade dentária em crianças jordanas: aplicabilidade do método Demirjian

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of Demirjian method in estimating the chronological age of male and female Jordanian children and to establish a new dental age curve if the Demirjian method was not found to be accurate. Methods: Orthopantomograms (OPTs) of 1374 Caucasian Jordanian children (684 females and 690 males) aged 4 to16 years were selected and the dental age was determined by Demirjian method. The chronological ages of the children were obtained by subtracting their birthdates from the date of taking the radiograph. The OPTs were obtained from Archives of Dental Teaching Clinics /XXX and other private orthodontic practices in Irbid and Amman. Results: Demirjian method overestimated chronological age in female and male subjects aged 4 to 8 years. Afterwards, the method underestimated chronological age in females aged 9-11 years and 14-16 years. In male subjects, chronological age was underestimated in subjects aged 9-12 years and 15-16 years. New the dental age curves for Jordanian females and males were constructed. The constants for the quadratic model for the new curves were (b0=-25.341, b1=17.557, b2=-0.623) for females and (b0=-29.809, b1=17.396, b2=-0.595) for males. Conclusion: Demirjian method overestimated the chronological age of Jordanians below the age of 8 years and underestimated the age of Jordanians above 8 years. A new DA standard for Jordanian children was developed and tested for accuracy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a precisão do método Demirjian na estimativa da idade cronológica de crianças jordanianas do sexo masculino e feminino e estabelecer uma nova curva de idade dentária, se o método Demirjian não for acurado. Métodos: Foram selecionados radiografias panorâmicas (OPTs) de 1374 crianças jordanianas caucasianas (684 do sexo feminino e 690 do sexo masculino) com idades entre 4 e 16 anos, e a idade dentária foi determinada pelo método de Demirjian. As idades cronológicas das crianças foram obtidas subtraindo as datas de nascimento a partir da data da realização da radiografia. Os OPTs foram obtidos em Archives of Dental Teaching Clinics / XXX e outras clínicas ortodônticas particulares em Irbid e Amã. Resultados: O método Demirjian superestimou a idade cronológica em indivíduos do sexo feminino e masculino com idades entre 4 e 8 anos. Posteriormente, o método subestimou a idade cronológica em mulheres de 9 a 11 anos e 14 a 16 anos. Nos homens, a idade cronológica foi subestimada nos indivíduos de 9 a 12 anos e 15 a 16 anos. Novas curvas de idade dentária para mulheres e homens jordanianos foram construídas. As constantes para o modelo quadrático para as novas curvas foram (b0 = -25.341, b1 = 17.557, b2 = -0.623) para mulheres e (b0 = -29.809, b1 = 17.396, b2 = -0.595) para homens. Conclusão O método Demirjian superestimou a idade cronológica dos jordanianos abaixo de 8 anos e subestimou a idade dos jordanianos acima de 8 anos. Um novo padrão DA para crianças jordanianas foi desenvolvido e testado quanto à precisão.

Accuracy of Demirjian’s Method to Estimate Chronological Age in 5‒17-Year-Old Iranian Population

Introduction:To detect physiological maturity of a child, use of dental and skeletal development can be helpful. The Demirjian’s Method is one of the commonly used methods to estimate dental age. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of Demirjian method in Iranian population with different races.Materials and Methods:The present cross-sectional study was performed on a randomly selected sample of panoramic radiographs of 3073 patients aged 5‒17 years. The chronological age (CA) was calculated by subtracting the date of birth from the date on which the radiographs were taken. Estimated age (EA) was performed by Demirjian method using seven left mandibular teeth. Paired t-test was used to compare differences between chronological and estimated age.Results:The mean of CA was 11.14±2.61 years whereas the mean EA was 11.35±2.62; Original Research Article therefore, EA was calculated 2.5 months more than CA. According to paired t-test the difference between CA & EA was significant (P≤ 0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a strong linear correlation between CA and EA in total (r=0.891, P≤0.001), in girls (r=0.895, P≤ 0.001) and in boys (r=0.876, P≤ 0.001). The new regression line equation based on Iranian standards would be CA=1.08±0.89EA in total, CA=1.09±0.89EA in girls and CA=1.12+0.88EA in boys. Conclusion:Using Demirjian’sMethod overestimated dental age in the Iranian population. A new regression line equation based on Iranian standards was obtained according to the results of the present study

Dental Age Estimation In Children Using Willems Method And Its Correlation With Chronological Age: A Digital Orthopantomographic Study

Aim and Objective: To assess the developmental stages of seven mandibular left teeth for estimation of dental age (DA )in children aged 8-16 years of south Kerala origin and to evaluate the possible correlation between DA and chronological age (CA) using Willems method. Materials and methods: Digital OPGs of 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) who fit the study criteria were obtained .Assessment of mandibular teeth (31-37) development was undertaken and DA was assessed using Willems method. Results and Conclusion: There was significant correlation between DA and CA in both males (r=0.847) and females (r=0.801).The overall mean differences between DA and CA was 0.5 ± 1.2 with a gender variability as 0.330 ± 1.045 for males and 0.603 ± 1.417 for females.

Estimación de la edad dental en radiografías panorámicas en niños y adolescentes de 7 a 17 años mediante el método de Demirjian, Cuenca ­ Ecuador / Estimation of dental age in panoramic radiographs in children and adoloescents from 7-17 years through Demirjian method, Cuenca ­ Ecuador

La edad es un indicador de maduración somática dental, de importancia clínica en Odontología para la planificación del tratamiento de pacientes en crecimiento. El método de Demirjian es el más ampliamente difundido para estimar la edad dental. Con este método se han realizado numerosos estudios en diferentes grupos étnicos, analizándose niños europeos, asiáticos y americanos, entre otros. Estos resultados sugieren posibles diferencias en los patrones de maduración dental entre las diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue correlacionar la edad dental, utilizando el método de Demirjian, con la edad cronológica de acuerdo al género en un grupo de niños que acudieron al Centro Radiológico "Innova" ubicado en Cuenca - Ecuador en el período 2012 ­ 2014, siendo este estudio de tipo descriptivo, retrospectivo y analítico, en donde se seleccionó una muestra estratificada por edad y genero incluyendo 362 radiografías, de las cuales 205 son de género femenino y 157 de género masculino. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación inter- clase, como medida de correlación entre edad dental y cronológica, de 0,830 en el género femenino y 0,801 en el género masculino. En general el método de Demirjian tendió a subestimar la edad dental en niñas y en niños de manera similar. En conclusión, los resultados obtenidos en el presente trabajo no coinciden con numerosos lugares del mundo, es decir la edad dental en este grupo fue levemente menor tanto en las niñas como en los niños que la muestra original franco ­ canadiense. El rango obtenido, de la edad dental no es similar a la edad cronológica pero el grado de correlación entre ambas es el adecuado para aplicar en nuestra población, presentándose de igual manera de acuerdo al género por lo que se elaboró una tabla estándar para la población Cuencana. Consideramos que el método de Demirjian es aplicable a esta muestra de niños utilizando la base de datos planteada en la presente investigación

Age is an indicator of dental somatic maturation, of clinical importance in dentistry for planning the treatment of growing patients. The Demirjian method is the most widely disseminated to estimate dental age. With this method, numerous studies have been carried out in different ethnic groups, analyzing European, Asian and American children, among others. These results suggest possible differences in dental maturation patterns between different populations. The aim of the present study was to correlate the dental age, using the Demirjian method, with the chronological age according to gender in a group of children who attended the Radiological Center "Innova" located in Cuenca-Ecuador in the period 2012 - 2014, This study was descriptive, retrospective and analytical, in which a sample stratified by age and gender was selected, including 362 radiographs, of which 205 are female and 157 male. An inter-class correlation coefficient was obtained, as a measure of correlation between dental and chronological age, of 0.830 in the female gender and 0.801 in the male gender. In general, Demirjian's method tended to underestimate dental age in girls and boys in a similar way. In conclusion, the results obtained in the present work do not coincide with many places in the world, that is, the dental age in this group was slightly lower in both girls and boys than the original Franco - Canadian sample. The obtained range of dental age is not similar to the chronological age but the degree of correlation between both is adequate to apply in our population, presenting itself in the same way according to gender, so a standard table for the population was elaborated Cuencana. We consider that the Demirjian method is applicable to this sample of children using the database proposed in the present investigation.

Skeletal Maturity of the Hand and Wrist in Bania Girls in Punjab Assessed by the TW2 Method.

Background: Chronological age of the child is a poor indicator of his/her maturity status especially during adolescence. Skeletal age derived from hand and wrist is well established as a method of estimating physical maturity and particularly valuable at about time of puberty when the greatest number of variations in maturation are found among children of same chronological age. Methods: The investigation was carried out cross- sectionally on the menstruating 200 bania girls from Punjab. Skeletal maturity was assessed by Tanner-Whitehouse-2 method (20 bone score) by taking hand wrist radiographs of left hand as advocated by Tanner. Results: The mean skeletal age is 11.625± .2252 at mean chronological age of 11.181± .1337 (20B) and mean skeletal age is 12.092± .8036 at mean chronological age of 12.013± .2736. Delay is seen in skeletal age than chronological age at 13 and 14 years. The differences between skeletal ages and chronological ages are statistically significant at p < .05 at 11 years and 13 years. Discussion: Bania girls showed advancement of skeletal age over chronological age at 11 and 12 years while Chinese girls showed advanced skeletal age at 12 and 13 years and well off Chandigarh girls showed advanced skeletal age at 12 years of age. Conclusion: The ages at which skeletal age preceded the chronological age occurred much earlier in bania girls than well off Chandigarh girls and Chinese girls. As all ratings were done by the first author with higher reliability and without information on age. All these factors suggest that sample is representative of bania girls from Punjab and the observations on the skeletal maturation are reliable.

The relative age effect on Brazilian Elite Futsal: Men and Women Scenarios

AIMS: The relative age effect (RAE) has been a research subject in several fields of society. RAE is present in different sports, influencing the young athlete's opportunities of participation. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of RAE in Brazilian elite men and women futsal. METHODS: Birthdate of 376 athletes from Brazilian Men National Futsal League (LNF)/2013 and 227 from Brazilian Women National Futsal League/2014 were collected on leagues' homepages and divided into four quarters (Q1:January-March, Q2:April-June, Q3:July-September and Q4:October-December) and two semesters (S1:January-June, S2:July-December). In men case, results were compared with Penna and Moraes (2010) data on LNF/2009. Chi-square test was used to analyze differences between distributions of birthdates by quarters and semesters. The significance level was set at α<0.05, with Bonferroni correction when necessary. RESULTS: there is RAE in men futsal, predominantly on athletes born in first semester. In women futsal, there is no evidence of RAE. CONCLUSIONS: On men futsal, there is a need for offering similar opportunities to young players, while on women, the small amount of athletes in Brazil must be regarded as an alert to the culture of futsal as a men social space, which deters the entry of new practitioners.(AU)

Cronología de la erupción dentaria en un grupo de mestizos caucasoides de Cali (Colombia) / Chronology of dental eruption in a group of Caucasoid mestizos from Cali (Colombia)

Introducción: La erupción cronológica de los dientes deciduos y permanentes implica una serie de procesos sucedáneos que van desde la morfogénesis de cada diente hasta el establecimiento fisiológico de la oclusión dental. Sin embargo, se ha identificado que diferentes factores genéticos y medioambientales locales y regionales pueden alterar el proceso secuencial de erupción de los dientes respecto a la edad cronológica de los seres humanos. Objetivo: Caracterizar la cronología de la erupción dentaria en un grupo de mestizos caucasoides de Cali (Colombia). Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transversal que determinó el dimorfismo sexual, la simetría de arco y la simetría bilateral a partir de la observación y análisis de la cronología de la erupción dentaria en 355 radiografías panorámicas pertenecientes a un grupo de mestizos caucasoides (181 de individuos femeninos y 174 de masculinos) de la ciudad de Cali (Colombia) a través del método de Schour y Massler. Resultados: Al correlacionar la edad cronológica con la edad radiográfica, no se evidenciaron diferencias entre sexo, arco y lado en la cronología de erupción de los dientes deciduos y permanentes. Conclusiones: El método de Schour y Massler permitió evidenciar una alta correlación entre la edad dental y la edad cronológica, lo cual es de gran utilidad en el contexto clínico odontológico para hacer seguimiento de la salud buco-dento-maxilo- facial en armonía con el crecimiento y desarrollo postnatal, y en el contexto antropológico y forense para para la estimación de la edad como parte de la cuarteta básica de identificación y para la documentación de los dictámenes médicolegales de edad.

Background: The chronological eruption of the deciduous and permanent teeth involves a sequential process that go from the morphogenesis of each tooth to the physiological establishment of the dental occlusion. However, it has been identified that different local and regional genetic and environmental factors can alter the sequential process of eruption of the teeth with respect to the chronological age of human beings. Objective: Characterize the chronology of tooth eruption in a group of Caucasoid mestizos from Cali (Colombia). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study that determined sexual dimorphism, arch symmetry and bilateral symmetry from the observation and analysis of the chronology of tooth eruption in 355 panoramic radiographs belonging to a group of Caucasoid mestizos (181 female and 174 men individuals) from the city of Cali (Colombia) through the method of Schour and Massler. Results: When correlating chronological age with radiographic age, no differences between sex, arch and side in the chronology of eruption of the deciduous and permanent teeth were found. Conclusions: The Schour and Massler method showed a high correlation between dental age and chronological age, which is very useful in the dental clinical context to monitor the oral-maxillofacial health in harmony with postnatal growth and development, and in the anthropological and forensic context for the estimation of age as part of the basic identification proceedings and for the documentation of medical-legal age opinion.

Biological maturity status and motor performance in fourteen-year-old basketball players / Estado de madurez biológica y desempeño motriz en jugadores de baloncesto de catorce años de edad

The aims of this study were to detect biological maturity and certain athletic skills in boys aged 14 participating in competitive basketball, and to compare certain athletic skills of participants according to their biological maturity status. The participants were most talented Serbian basketball players (n= 49) who were divided into three groups according to their maturity status: early (n= 14), average (n= 24) and late maturing (n= 11). Biological maturity status of participants was assessed by technique developed by Mirwald et al. (2002). Nine tests of basic athletic skills: vertical jump, medicine ball throwing, run at 20, 30 and 50 m, agility t-test, zigzag agility drill, agility run 4x15 m, the line drill, as well as four basketball skills field tests (speed spot shooting, passing, control dribble and defensive movement) were applied. The results of this study showed that the three groups of subjects differed in applied variables (p <0.05). Average maturers achieved the best results in almost all variables, while late maturers achieved the worst results. Early maturers achieved the best results only in one variable - medicine ball throwing. Only harmonized chronological and biological age, i.e. chronological and biological growth and development, enable the best demonstration of motor abilities based on morphological characteristics.

Los objetivos fueron detectar la madurez biológica y ciertas habilidades atléticas en los varones mayores de 14 años que participan en el baloncesto competitivo, y compararlas en función de su estado de madurez biológica. La muestra se conformó con jugadores de baloncesto serbios de mayor talento (n= 49) que fueron divididos en tres grupos de acuerdo a su estado de madurez: temprana (n= 14), promedio (n= 24) y tardía (n= 11). El estado de madurez biológica de los participantes se evaluó mediante la técnica desarrollada por Mirwald et al. (2002). Se aplicaron nueve pruebas de habilidades atléticas básicas: salto vertical, lanzamiento de balón medicinal, carrera de 20, 30 y 50 m, prueba t de agilidad, agilidad en zig-zag, carrera en 4x15 m, línea de perforación, así como pruebas de campo de baloncesto de cuatro habilidades (velocidad de disparos punto, de paso, control de regate y movimiento defensivo). Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que los tres grupos de sujetos diferían en variables aplicadas (p <0,05). Los jugadores de maduración media obtuvieron los mejores resultados en casi todas las variables, mientras que los jugadores de maduración tardía alcanzaron los peores resultados. Los jugadores de maduración temprana lograron el mejor resultado en sólo una variable ­ el lanzamiento de balón medicinal. Solamente el desarrollo cronológico armónico y la edad biológica, es decir, el crecimiento y el desarrollo cronológico y biológico, permiten la mejor demostración de las habilidades motoras basadas en características morfológicas.

Relative age effect on anthropometry, biological maturation and performance of young soccer players / Efeito da idade relativa na antropometria, maturação biológica e desempenho em jovens futebolistas

Abstract The study examined the presence of the relative age effect (RAE) and association between birth quartile and anthropometry, biological maturation and physical and technical performance of young Brazilian soccer players. The sample included 119 male players, 74 of U-15 category and 45 of U-17 category, which were divided into quartiles according to the birth year. Biological maturation was assessed using the method of skeletal age of Fels. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, stature and subcutaneous adiposity. Physical fitness assessment included strength tests in the lower limbs, speed, aerobic endurance and anaerobic power. Technical skills included ball control, dribbling and kicking accuracy. Overall, 65.5% of soccer players were born on the first half of the year (c2= 8.069, p = 0.04); however, in the analysis by category, there was no significant difference in the distribution of birth dates for quartile when compared with the reference population (U-15: c2=6.322, p=0.10; U-17: c2=2.339, p=0.50). MANCOVA revealed no significant differences between anthropometry, biological maturation and physical and technical performance in both competitive categories. These results suggest that there is a higher proportion of young Brazilian soccer born on the first months of the year, but that RAE does not necessarily constitute an advantage under the anthropometric, physical and technical standpoint. The process of biological maturation of individuals should be considered by coaches in the selection of athletes.

Resumo O estudo teve como propósito investigar a presença do efeito da idade relativa e a influência do quartil de nascimento na antropometria, maturação biológica e desempenho físico e técnico de jovens futebolistas. Foram amostrados 119 futebolistas do sexo masculino, sendo 74 da categoria infantil (sub-15) e 45 da categoria juvenil (sub-17). A data de nascimento dos atletas foi dividida em quatro quartis. Foram avaliadas a massa corporal, a estatura e as dobras cutâneas. A maturação biológica foi acedida através da idade esquelética, pelo método de Fels. O desempenho físico incluiu testes de força de membros inferiores, velocidade, resistência aeróbica e potência anaeróbica. O desempenho técnico foi avaliado pelas provas de controle da bola, condução da bola e precisão de chute. No geral, 65,5% dos futebolistas nasceram no primeiro semestre do ano (c2=8,069, p=0,04), porém, na análise por categoria, não houve diferença significante na distribuição das datas de nascimento por quartil quando comparado com a população de referência (sub-15: c2=6,322, p=0,10; sub-17: c2=2,339, p=0,50). A MANCOVA não revelou diferenças significantes entre os quartis na antropometria, maturação biológica e desempenho físico e técnico em ambas as categorias competitivas. Estes resultados sugerem que existe maior proporção de jovens futebolistas brasileiros nascidos nos primeiros meses do ano, mas que o EIR não constitui necessariamente uma vantagem sob o ponto de vista antropométrico, físico e técnico. Os processos individuais de maturação biológica devem ser considerados pelos técnicos na seleção dos atletas.

The Power of Moxibustion / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

At the symposium, "The Power of Moxibustion", four panelists discussed the mechanism, clinical effectiveness, and current conception of moxibustion in Japan with an aim to explore the potential role of moxibustion in the future. <BR>Mika Ohta noted that a bioinformatics approach could select basic research for the effectiveness of moxibustion. She also reported an example result of bioinformatic analysis focusing on the "heat"which can be produced by moxibustion and it can predict the mechanism of moxibustion. <BR>Keiko Tsujiuchi, an acupuncture and moxibustion practitioner, has been promoting moxibustion since 1980s.She has engaged in clinical research on obstetrics and reported a variety of favorable outcomes from using moxibustion in that field. <BR>Motoko Otsuka presented Ehime's cultural inheritance of moxibustion as a "healing tradition."She reported cases in which the patients received important interventions from moxibustion for their life, measured by chronological analysis, by introducing clinical practice including acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Care Unit, East Asian Traditional Medicine, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, and instruction in self-moxibustion at the Perinatal Medical Center for mother and child health. <BR>Sachiko Y. Itaya, from the United States, reported activities and results of Moxafrica, which is using direct Moxibustion as an adjunctive treatment for tuberculosis in South Africa and Uganda. She emphasized that the role of moxibustion could be expanded much further as shown by the achievements of Moxafrica.

Narratology and History in Amitav Ghosh’s River of Smoke.

Amitav Ghosh‟s novel River of Smoke belongs to the genere of the historical novel. With the help of different narrative strategies, Amitav Ghosh in this novel has re-written history that covers the period of opium trade in Canton, in 1838. The story is about the struggle of Manchu Empire against the British Empire who made war on China in the name of free trade. Ghosh has re-inventing past through using different narratological devices while presenting the personal history with nation‟s history. He uses memory, interior monologue, stream of consciousness, authentic and official voices of historical personals , original documentation ,edicts, Canton journals, Hukamnamas , proclamations, translators, letters, painting and drawings etc. to present opium war period in Canton . The novel moves in flash back in non- chronological order. There are analeptic movements, embedded stories, characterized by fragmented sequences, ellipsis, digression and jumbled chronology. The narrative is presented through third person omnipresent narrator along with first person character narrator. The point of views from which the story is told keeps on changing. Different perspectives of the colonized, the downtrodden, the oppressed, the sufferers, the marginals, of the colonizers and real historical persona present vivid account of the period. This shifting focalization also helps to present vividly the history of opium war period in Canton.

Plain Radiologic Findings and Chronological Changes of Incipient Phase Osteosarcoma Overlooked by Primary Physicians

BACKGROUND: We assessed the plain radiographic characteristics of 10 cases of osteosarcomas during the initial painful period that had been overlooked by a primary physician. In addition, we evaluated chronologic changes in radiographic findings from initial symptomatic period to the time of accurate diagnosis. METHODS: The clinical records were reviewed for clinical parameters including age, sex, location, presenting symptoms, initial diagnosis, duration from initial symptoms to definite diagnosis, and initial and follow-up plain radiographic findings of the lesion. RESULTS: Initial clinical diagnoses included a sprain in 6, growing pain in 2, stress fracture in 1, and infection in 1 patient. Initial plain radiographic findings were trabecular destruction (100%), cortical disruption (60%), periosteal reaction (60%), and soft tissue mass (10%). Intramedullary matrix changes were osteosclerosis in 6 and osteolysis in 4 patients. On progression, 4 cases with minimal sclerosis changed to osteoblastic lesion in 3 patients and osteolytic lesion in 1. Four cases with faint osteolytic foci transformed into osteolytic lesion in 3 and mixed pattern in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Notable plain radiologic findings of incipient-stage osteosarcoma include trabecular disruption along with faint osteosclerosis or osteolysis. In symptomatic patients with trabecular destruction, additional imaging study including magnetic resonance imaging should be performed to exclude osteosarcoma in the incipient phase, even without radiologic findings suggesting malignant tumor, such as cortical destruction or periosteal reaction.

Visual analysis of features of citations in papers on AIDS vaccine / 中华医学图书情报杂志

Important papers representing the advances in AIDS vaccine research were retrieved from Web of Sci-ence using HistCite.The citation chronological chart was plotted by analyzing the relation between their citation fre-quency and cited frequency , and analyzing their citation sequences , which shows the development rules and histori-cal development path in AIDS vaccine research , and provides a certain reference value for the researchers in related fields at home and abroad.

Traditional healing of mind and body / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

We created a new medical interview form which is called chronological analysis for East Asian Traditional Medicine (EATM). <BR>I would like to focus on our medical interview in EATM. Our patient comes to see a doctor with his or her life and medical histories. <BR>When we interview and write them on CHRONOLOGICAL ANALYSIS CHART, we can give them into several groups. Each group is characterized as a chronic health problem (CHP) and named by the traditional major pattern diagnosis and the symptom-to-medicine pattern diagnosis. The former base on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and the latter Japanese Kampo Medicine. <BR>On this chart the patient's life events are written in the left side and his or her active symptoms are written in right side. We write them to make in the same longitudinal time line. Comparison with light life events and right illnesses makes us understand the structure consisting of several groups. We already saw more than three hundred thousand patients in 30 years. A 52 year-old women came to see us. We interviewed by our chronological analysis. Her history consist of several groups:The 1 st group is Detoxication pattern, the 2 nd is heat in intestine blood, the 3rd is congestion in blood, and the 4 th is Liver "CHI"congestive dysfunction and finally we diagnosed as Toukakujyoukitou decoction for climacteric dysfunction. <BR>The most significance is we could guess that she had a stressful time in the blue colored part. <BR>After observing each patient's chronic health problems, we relate them chronologically to their life events and develop a graphic structure for each patient comprehensively. To see a patient from this kind of this view, we call emphasize them in both modern and traditional medicine. We show a new interview way using chronological chart to understand patients more deeply. <BR>Amid the growing medical needs of an aging society this chronological analysis is significant to understand our patients comprehensively. <BR>Through these medical approach we understand patients and give them traditional healing of mind and body.

Health status of khangai mountain regions’ population (30-69 years) / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Backround: Biological age score plays an essential role in the evalution of aging process and health status. The study was focused on clarifying relavance of health status scores of a population of Khangai mountain region with geographical and ecological specifics of the places they live. Goal: To determine the grades of aging (GA) and biological age score (BAS) among population (30-69 years) of Zavkhan aimags.Materials and Methods: We examined 1901 men and women aged 30-69 years old in Zavkhan aimags in 2012 and healthy subjects were assessed with physical, physiological variable. The BAS equation was employed to compute the individual BAScores for all subjects. Quantative data has been processed with the use of statistical data processing software SPSS-19. Results: Health scores of 92.1% of male in the age group of 30-39 years, 68.7% of male in the age group of 40-49 years had health problems (in level IV, V ). In all age groups 70.3% -98.6% had normal adaptation and adaptation functional tension. 54.2- 55.1% of both sex in the ages group 60-69 years had unsatisfactory adaptation.Conclusions: Aging process for women in age groups of 50-59, 60-69 years was significantly delayed or delayed. For men of 30-49 ages aging process was accelerated, for men of 50-69 years it was normal or delayed. Health scores of men in the age group of 30-39, 40-49 years is significantly at a lower level (IV,V) and health scores of women all age groups is significantly at a high level (IIII).