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Voice is the perception of physical complexity of the laryngeal tone modified by a resonating cavity. The voice parameters are the vital signs of an individual to project their personality and gender. The basic acoustical parameters of voice are: Fundamental frequency, Intensity, Jitter, Shimmer and Harmonics to noise ratio (HNR) and among these parameters HNR is the most significant. The voice component represents the periodic and aperiodic signals and predominantly aperiodic signals. There are many research work have been documented on acoustical analysis of voice with narrowed age range at different zonals in India. The motive of the study was mainly focused on the ratio between periodic and aperiodic components of voice and its changes from pre pubertal to post pubertal stages in both the genders. Due to the paucity of literature on changes in HNR in developing children, the present study was conducted to find out how do the changes in HNR occur in both the genders. Observational study design with convenient sampling method was used for the collection of raw data. A total of 198 subjects comprising of group I males (n = 99) and group II females (n = 99). These groups were further subdivided into 9 sub groups in males (n = 99) and females (n = 99) based on the age range. Sustained phonation of /a/ was used as a stimulus for voice sample. The data was analyzed using PRAAT software. The over mean Harmonic to Noise Ratio was found to be higher in males compared to the females. When age wise comparison was done, a significant difference in the Harmonic to Noise Ratio was found in males with no significant changes noticed in females. The transition in the Harmonic to Noise Ratio in males was seen to start at the age of 14–15 years.

The study aimed at comparing maxillofacial morphology and burden of surgical treatment in post-pubertal patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) following early vs. late secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG). In this retrospective study maxillofacial morphology was assessed on lateral cephalograms of skeletally matured patients with UCLP operated on consecutively in one center by the same method of one-stage primary cleft repair followed by SABG. Cephalometric analysis comprised 8 angular and 7 linear measurements. Maxillary growth restriction was evaluated by measuring SNA angle and Co-A and PNS-A distances. Five linear regression models with SNA, SNB, ANB, Co-A, and MP/SN as dependent variables and age at primary cleft repair, age at SABG, age at taking cephalogram, surgeon, and total number of surgical interventions as independent variables were also created. 135 patients were included in the study - 70 patients (47 males and 23 females) had early SABG (E-SABG group) and 65 patients (40 males and 25 females) had late SABG (L-SABG group). Mean age at bone grafting procedure was 2.7 years (range 1.5–5.9, SD 1.1) and 10.3 years (range 6.1–18.8, SD 3.2) in E-SABG and LSABG group respectively. The variables describing the degree of maxillary growth restriction – SNA, Co-A, and PNS-A – were comparable in both groups (p = 0.707, 0.116, and 0.932, respectively). Regression models demonstrated that independent variables were not associated with the values of SNA angle, SNB angle, ANB angle, MP/SN angle, and Co-A distance (p = 0.761, 0.088, 0.249, 0.380, and 0.363, respectively). The percentages of oronasal fistula repair, VPI repair, repeated SABG, upper lip correction, rhinoplasty, orthognathic surgery were 22.9, 7.1, 15.7, 24.3, 42.9, 2.9 in E-SABG group and 27.7, 7.7, 9.2, 36.9, 47.7, 3.1 in L-SABG group respectively. Mean number of all surgical interventions was 3.2 in E-SABG and 3.4 in L-SABG group, respectively (p = 0.271). Considering the comparable maxillofacial morphology and burden of surgical care in matured patients after early and late SABG, the choice of timing of bone grafting surgery could be left to the discretion of the surgeon.

Summary Objective To assess the stability of the effects of the modified Alt-RAMEC and facial mask (FM) protocol at a post-pubertal observation. Methods Twenty-one Class III patients (11 males and 10 females, 6.5 ± 0.7 years) treated consecutively with the Alt-RAMEC/FM approach and presenting with lateral cephalograms taken before treatment (T1), after treatment (T2), and at post-pubertal observations (T3) were compared with 22 Class III patients (9 males and 13 females, 6.9 ± 1.2 years) treated with the rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and FM protocol and with 15 Class III untreated subjects (7 males and 8 females, 6.2 ± 2.2 years). At T3, all patients showed a post-pubertal skeletal maturation stage (CS4–CS6). Descriptive statistics and statistical comparisons between the three groups at T1 and for the T3–T1, T2–T1, and T3–T2 changes were assessed by means of the ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test. Results During the overall observation period, Alt-RAMEC/FM and RME/FM protocols produced statistically significant favourable effects when compared with the Control group (ANB + 2.8° and +2.2°, respectively; Wits appraisal +4.4 mm and +2.7 mm, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between the outcomes of the Alt-RAMEC/FM and RME/FM protocols neither at the post-pubertal or short-term observations. Limitations Retrospective study and the comparison with an historical control sample of subjects with untreated Class III malocclusion. Conclusions The Alt-RAMEC/FM protocol cannot be recommended as the approach of choice for the therapy of Class III dentoskeletal disharmony in very young subjects compared to the conventional RME/FM protocol.

This study was carried out to document the pelvic and testicular biometric characteristics of Sahel goats. Record of body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference were obtained from 400 male and 600 female Sahel goats. All the goats were approximately 1.5 years old and weighing 14 to 18 kg, with body condition score of 3 or 4 (scale of 1-5). The mean bodyweight of Sahel bucks was 15.12 ± 1.10 kg while that of Sahel does was 13.22 ± 1.12 kg, height at withers in bucks and does were 52.22 ± 1.20 cm, and 48.13 ± 1.23 cm respectively. The scrotal length and circumference in Sahel bucks were 11.39 ± 1.12 cm and 17.95 ± 1.21 cm respectively. The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was 55.13 ± 1.16 cm. There was significant (P

Jaffrabadi buffalo is one of the heaviest buffalo breeds of the world (800 kg) and is known for poor reproductive efficiency. There is a scarcity of normal physiological data regarding reproductive parameters of Jaffrabadi buffalo. The primary objective of this study was to elucidate ovarian follicular dynamics, hormonal and biochemical profiles in 10 post-pubertal heifers (n=5 each of age 42±2 and 48±2 months) and five >90 days postpartum lactating buffaloes. Ultrasound monitoring of ovaries of animals was done at weekly interval and all follicles with diameter less than 4 mm (small follicles), 4-8 mm (medium follicles) and greater than 8 mm (large follicles) as well as CLs identified were recorded. Blood samples were also collected soon after each USG from all animals for assay of hormonal and biochemical profiles. The findings revealed that the average number of small, medium and large follicles, total number of follicles per ovary as well as diameters of largest and subordinate follicles varied greatly among periods between three groups. The size of corpus luteum ranged from 13.7 to 21.2 mm, 13.7 to 23.9 mm and 15.3 to 22.7 mm, respectively, in Group-I, II and III. In the first week of study, significantly higher (p less than 0.05) average numbers of small follicles in Group-I and III, and medium follicles and total numbers of follicles in Group-III were observed as compared to other groups. The diameter of largest follicles and subordinate follicles were non-significantly different among all groups at all periods of the study. Plasma estrogen levels were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in Group-I as compared to Group-III and Group-II on first and second week, however, it increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in Group-II and I on fourth week of study period. Plasma insulin concentrations were significantly (p less than 0.01) lower in buffaloes (Group-III) than in heifers (Group-I and II) throughout the study period, while plasma total cholesterol and total protein levels were higher in Group-III on 3rd to 5th weeks of study. Further, there were no significant differences in the plasma FSH, LH, progesterone and blood glucose levels in animals of three groups between periods at any of the week. The ultrasonographic and endocrine profile suggested establishment of cyclicity with silent ovulation. However, the behavioural estrus was still not manifested by these post-pubertal heifers and postpartum lactating buffaloes. These results are helpful to diagnose anovulatory conditions and/or true anestrus and initiate estrus synchronization protocols for early conception in Jaffrabadi buffaloes.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) to treat skeletal maxillary discrepancies during the post-pubertal growth spurt stage. Materials and Methods Sixty patients with skeletal maxillary transverse deficiency during the post-pubertal growth spurt stage were randomly divided into MARPE and Hyrax groups. Thirty patients (mean age: 15.1 ± 1.6 years) were treated using the four-point MARPE appliance; 30 patients (mean age, 14.8 ± 1.5 years) were treated using the Hyrax expander. Cone beam computed tomography scans and dental casts were obtained before and after expansion. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests. Results The success rates of midpalatal suture separation were 100% and 86.7% for MARPE and Hyrax groups, respectively. Palatal expansion and skeletal to dental ratio at the first molar level were greater in the MARPE group (3.82 mm and 61.4%, respectively) than in the Hyrax group (2.20 mm and 32.3%, respectively) (P < .01). Reductions in buccal alveolar bone height and buccal tipping of the first molars were less in the MARPE group than in the Hyrax group (P < .01). Conclusions MARPE enabled more predictable and greater skeletal expansion, as well as less buccal tipping and alveolar height loss on anchorage teeth. Thus, MARPE is a better alternative for patients with skeletal maxillary deficiency during the post-pubertal growth spurt stage.

PURPOSE: Glycemic control is traditionally evaluated by monitoring of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). This study aims to explore factors related to glycemic control among pediatrics with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 454 students aged 6–18 years with T1DM in 2018. Demographic and disease related information were collected by a validated questionnaire. Generalized Linear Models (GLM) were used to investigate the association of explanatory variables with HbA1c concentration. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 11.7(± 3.3) years. The overall prevalence of suboptimal glycemic control was 85.5% (HbA1c ≥ 7%). Results showed that post pubertal children experienced a significant decrease in HbA1c levels compared to prepubertal children (β =—0.83, p = 0.003). Underweight children had an increase of 1.32% in HBA1c concentration compared with normal weight children (β = 1.32, P = 0.007). We also found that participants with passive smoking had higher HBA1c levels than those without (β = 0.536, P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that age, BMI and passive smoking and were significantly associated with HbA1c levels. It is suggested that glycemic control is related to multiple factors and the interaction of these factors with each other may have positive or negative effects on it which should be investigated in future studies. Improved understanding in this area could lead to prevention of deterioration in glycemic control.

Purpose The use of oxygen cost (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{O}$$\end{document}O˙aero) parameters to predict endurance performance has recently been criticized. Instead, it is suggested that aerobic energy cost (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{E}_{\text{aero}}$$\end{document}E˙aero) provides greater validity; however, a comparison of these quantification methods has not previously been made. Methods Fifty-six male (n = 34) and female (n = 22) competitive adolescent (17 ± 1 years) middle-distance runners participated in a sub-maximal and maximal incremental treadmill test. Running economy (RE) was measured at the speed corresponding to lactate turnpoint, and the three speeds prior. Maximal oxygen uptake (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{V}$$\end{document}V˙O2max), speed at \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{V}$$\end{document}V˙O2max and fraction of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{V}$$\end{document}V˙O2max utilized across a range of intensities, and speeds from 0.8, 1.5 and 3 km races were also quantified. RE and fractional utilization were calculated in units of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{O}$$\end{document}O˙aero and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{E}$$\end{document}E˙aero. Results Multiple linear regression models demonstrated no discernible difference in the predictive capability of RE, fractional utilization and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{V}$$\end{document}V˙O2max when expressed as \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{O}$$\end{document}O˙aero or \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{E}$$\end{document}E˙aero in both sexes. When plotted as a function of running speed, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{O}$$\end{document}O˙aero displayed a stepwise decrease (F = 11.59, p

BACKGROUND: Intrusion of maxillary incisors is the treatment of choice to correct deep bite problem in gummy smile patients. AIM: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of miniscrew-supported intrusion versus intrusion arch for treatment of deep bite.METHODS: The study sample consisted of 30 post pubertal patients (21 females and 9 males) with an age range from 17 to 29. They were divided into 2 groups (15 subjects in each group). Group 1 underwent maxillary incisor intrusion using miniscrews, and in group 2 intrusive arch was used. Pre and post-treatment lateral cephalometric x-rays and study models were made to evaluate the demo-skeletal effects. During the study period, no other intervention was attempted. Paired t-test was used to study the changes after treatment.RESULTS: The mean amount of overbite correction was 2.6 ± 0.8 (0.49 mm per month) in the miniscrew-supported intrusion group and 2.9 ± 0.8 (0.60 mm per month) in the intrusive arch group. No statistically significant difference was found in the extent of maxillary incisor intrusion between the two systems. The two intrusion systems were statistically different in the extent of incisor proclination, as an intrusive arch group tended to proline upper incisors more than miniscrews-supported intrusion group.CONCLUSION: Both systems successfully intruded the 4 maxillary incisors almost with no loss to the sagittal and vertical anchorage, although intrusive arch tended to proline upper incisors significantly.

Early life stress (ELS), including childhood maltreatment, is a predictive factor for the emergence of cocaine use disorders (CUDs) in adolescence. Accordingly, we examined whether post-pubertal male and female rhesus macaques that experienced infant maltreatment (maltreated, n = 7) showed greater vulnerability to cocaine self-administration in comparison with controls (controls, n = 7). Infant emotional reactivity was measured to assess differences in behavioral distress between maltreated and control animals as a result of early life caregiving. Animals were then surgically implanted with indwelling intravenous catheters and trained to self-administer cocaine (0.001–0.3 mg/kg/infusion) under fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Days to acquisition, and sensitivity to (measured by the EDMax dose of cocaine) and magnitude (measured by response rates) of the reinforcing effects of cocaine were examined in both groups. Maltreated animals demonstrated significantly higher rates of distress (e.g., screams) in comparison with control animals. When given access to cocaine, control males required significantly more days to progress through terminal performance criteria compared with females and acquired cocaine self-administration slower than the other three experimental groups. The dose that resulted in peak response rates did not differ between groups or sex. Under 5-week, limited-access conditions, males from both groups had significantly higher rates of responding compared with females. In control monkeys, these data support sex differences in cocaine self-administration, with females being more sensitive than males. These findings also suggest that ELS may confer enhanced sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of cocaine, especially in males.

Background: Taking into account a common development of a visceral obesity at men, research of its influence on a spermatogenesis and antioxidative activity of an ejaculate is actual. Aims: Assessments of spermatogenesis and antioxidative activity of ejaculate in young men with post pubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological anamnesis in comparing with healthy men. Materials and methods: 80 men with post pubertal and nutritional visceral obesity in the age of until 30 years and 30 healthy men have been included in cross-section research. The assessments of waist circumference, levels of gonadotropins and total testosteron, antioxidant activity of an ejaculate, its electronic-microscopic examination was carried spent. Statistically significant counted differences between groups at p 0.05. Results: In young men with post pubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological anamnesis the spermatogenesis was significantly worse in comparing with healthy men. These differences were were significant for waist circumference more more then 98 cm. Antioxidative activity of ejaculate in men with visceral obesity also was significantly lower in comparing with healthy men. The maximal expressiveness of sperm pathogenetic disorders was in men with waist circumference more then 102 cm. Conclusions: In young men with post pubertal visceral obesity and normal andrological anamnesis the spermatogenesis is worse compared to healthy men. If the waist circumference less than 102 cm, the spermatogenesis is normal in most cases, but antioxidant activity of an ejaculate is pathological and mediated through oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the transverse skeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in pre and post-pubertal subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five databases were searched till May 2018; Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Lilacs and Web of science in addition to the manual search of other sources. There were no language restrictions. Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies MINORS was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the trials included. RESULTS: Six studies were finally included in the qualitative analysis. A meta-analysis wasn’t performed due to the heterogeneity of methodologies and outcomes. All of the included studies showed drawbacks in their structure yielding weak evidence. On the short term, RME caused an increase in the maxillary and lateral-nasal widths in pre-pubertal subjects by 3.4 mm and 3.3 mm, and by 2.8 and 2.2 mm respectively in post-pubertal subjects. Although statistically insignificant, the maxillary width increase was more than that of the post-pubertal subjects by 0.6 mm. Over the long term, expansion produced permanent increases in the transverse dimensions of both the dento-alveolar and skeletal components of the maxilla and circum-maxillary structures in pre-pubertal subjects. The post-pubertal subjects presented with a statistically significant increase only in the later-nasal width by 1.3 mm than the untreated controls with no permanent increase in the skeletal maxillary width. CONCLUSION: The literature is very deficient regarding the use of skeletal age as a reference in the treatment of skeletal crossbites using RME. Only weak evidence exists supporting the increased maxillary and lateral-nasal widths after tooth-tissue borne RME in pre-pubertal subjects, with these effects being less in the post-pubertal ones.

Purpose The factors affecting spermatogenesis in adulthood in patients with hypospadias (HS) are not clearly understood. In the present study, risk factors affecting post-pubertal high serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were evaluated in patients with HS. Materials and methods Among those with a history of HS surgery, patients in whom endocrinological evaluation regarding pituitary–gonadal axis was performed at 15 years of age or older between March 2004 and April 2018 were enrolled in the present study. High serum FSH was defined as greater than 10 mIU/ml. The severity of HS was divided into mild and severe. Factors affecting the post-pubertal high serum FSH were estimated. Results Seventy-nine patients were included in the present study. The severity of HS was mild in 35 and severe in 44. History of undescended testis (UDT) was confirmed in 12. High serum FSH was detected in nine. On logistic regression model analysis, a history of UDT was the only significant factor for high serum FSH. The incidence of high serum FSH in patients with UDT was significantly higher than that in those without UDT (58.3% vs 7.5%, p

Background & objectives: High-intensity exercise results in oxidative stress in adult population. Impact of pubertal attainment on high-intensity exercise-induced oxidative stress in sedentary paediatric population has not been investigated in detail. The present study was conducted to investigate the extent of high-intensity exercise-induced oxidative stress in sedentary pre- and post-pubertal boys through estimation of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total thiol content and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Methods: Sixty four sedentary pre-pubertal (n=32, age = 10.21±0.67 yr) and post-pubertal (n=32, age = 15.58±0.47 yr) boys performed incremental treadmill running exercise at 80 per cent of the age predicted maximum heart rate till volitional exhaustion. Blood sample (5 ml) was drawn from each individual before and after the exercise for estimation of oxidative stress markers. Results: Pre-exercise SOD activity and total thiol level showed significant positive relationship with age and were significantly higher in post-pubertal boys. Serum TBARS level, SOD and CAT activities increased while total thiol content decreased in both the groups following exercise. Post-exercise percentage change in TBARS, SOD activity and total thiol level was significantly higher in post-pubertal boys, and these variables had significant positive relationship with age. No significant intergroup variations were noted in CAT activity before or after exercise. Interpretation & conclusions: Extent of post-exercise oxidative stress increased significantly with attainment of puberty. However, baseline and post-exercise antioxidation status also increased significantly as a function of age with pubertal maturation allowing the post-pubertal boys to counter relatively higher oxidative stress more efficiently than their pre-pubertal counterparts. Post-exercise upregulation in CAT activity might not be influenced by age or pubertal maturation in this age group.

Eighteen cycling Holstein heifers were allotted at random by weight and body condition score to one of two treatments to evaluate the effects of GnRH on luteal response when injected 48 hours (h) after the first injection in a 10 day interval between two i njections of PGF2α . Heifers in the control group (n=9) received an injection of saline 48 h after the first injection of PGF2α; however, heifers in the μg) 48treatmenthafter group n=9) received an injection of GnRH (100 the first injection of PGF2α. Heife rs were checked for estrus 3 times daily for 60 minutes each time. Blood samples were collected for analysis of progesterone on d ays 0 (first injection of PGF2α), 2 (48 h after the fi rst injection), 10 ( at the second injection of PGF2) and at day 17 (7 days a fte r the second injection of PGF2α ). Plasma samples were analyzed fo r concentration of progesterone via radioimmunoassay to evaluate luteal cell function. Concentrations of progesterone did not differ between the control heifers and treatment animals at any day of the study. However, heifers treated with GnRH showed a significant decline in concentration of progesterone from day 0 to day 2 in a luteal response to the injection; nevertheless, concentrations of progesterone increased significantly from day 2 t o day 10. Thus, this data demonstrated that injecting GnRH 48 h after PGF2α either speeds up formation of new corpus luteum or prevents full regression of the corpus luteum present prior to the first injection of PGF2α.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:09:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 The reduction of gonadal steroid hormone secretion is identified as one of the factors responsible for the decrease in bone mass and, consequently, a decrease in bone mineral density. The study aimed to evaluate the bone mineral density by using radiographic optical densitometry of the distal epiphyseal region of the radius and ulna in prepubertal and post pubertal bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Thirty-four female dogs were divided into two groups of 16 animals, according with age of neutering: G1 - prepubertal bitches submitted to OVH; G2 - postpubertal bitches submitted to OVH. The animals were submitted to the evaluation of bone mineral density at 24 h before the surgical procedure, 24 and 48 weeks after the surgical procedure. No significant differences in bone mineral density were identified in all groups. Ovariohysterectomy in pre and postpubertal bitches did not induce significant variations in bone mineral density of the distal epiphyseal region of the radius and ulna by using radiographic optical densitometry, during 48 weeks of evaluation. Faculdade de Medicina veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ Botucatu) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Medicina veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ Botucatu) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

We retrospectively reviewed and compared the results of corporal plication procedures for the correction of congenital penile curvature (CPC) between pre-pubertal and post-pubertal boys and find whether age matters in the success rates. We reviewed the records of 32 patients with CPC without hypospadias treated by simple plication near the 12 o'clock position between 1998 and 2018 in our clinic. Patients under 13 years of age and not had puberty yet were accepted as pre-pubertal. Residual curvature less than 10 degrees during follow-up was accepted as a surgical success. The mean age of the pre-pubertal group was 8.3 (2-12) years, while 16.2 (14-21) for the post-pubertal patients. The mean follow-up was 38.7 (24-154) months in the pre-pubertal group and 45.1 (23-150) months in the post-pubertal group. The success rates of corporal plication in pre-pubertal and post-pubertal groups were 78% and 83% respectively (p = .753). The success rates of corporal plication were similar between pre-pubertal and post-pubertal boys. However, as the series was small further studies should be favoured to determine the effect of age on success rates.

Cancer remains a public health problem worldwide that also includes young adults. Given the ongoing improvements in survival for most malignancies, a significant proportion of people affected by cancer face the consequences of treatment-related late effects, making survivorship an area of crucial importance. [...]

Accurate characterization of the vaginal microbiome remains a fundamental goal of the Human Microbiome project (HMP). For over a decade, this goal has been made possible deploying high-throughput next generation sequencing technologies (NGS), which indeed has revolutionized medical research and enabled large-scale genomic studies. The 16S rRNA marker-gene survey is the most commonly explored approach for vaginal microbial community studies. With this approach, prior studies have elucidated substantial variations in the vaginal microbiome of women from different ethnicities. This review provides a comprehensive account of studies that have deployed this approach to describe the vaginal microbiota of African women in health and disease. On the basis of published data, the few studies reported from the African population are mainly in non-pregnant post pubertal women and calls for more detailed studies in pregnant and postnatal cohorts. We provide insight on the use of more sophisticated cutting-edge technologies in characterizing the vaginal microbiome. These technologies offer high-resolution detection of vaginal microbiome variations and community functional capabilities, which can shed light into several discrepancies observed in the vaginal microbiota of African women in an African population versus women of African descent in the diaspora.

Purpose: To examine the effect of drop height on vertical jumping performance in children with respect to sex and maturity status. Methods: Thirty-seven pre-pubertal, 71 circa-pubertal, and 69 post-pubertal boys and girls performed, in a randomized order, 2 squat jumps, 2 countermovement jumps, and 2 drop jumps (DJ) from heights of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 cm. The trial with the best jump height in each test was used for analysis. Results: No significant sex × maturity status × jump type interaction for jump height was observed. However, on average, the children jumped higher in the countermovement jump than in squat jump and DJs (+1.2 and +1.6 cm, P Conclusions: Children, independent of sex and maturity status, performed best in the countermovement jump, and no performance gain was obtained by dropping from heights of 20 to 70 cm. During maturation, the use of drop heights between 20 and 40 cm may be considered in plyometric training, but the optimum height must be obtained individually.

The European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) and EUropean RAre CANcer (EURACAN) guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of post-pubertal and adult patients with medulloblastoma. The guideline is based on the 2016 WHO classification of tumours of the CNS and on scientific developments published since 1980. It aims to provide direction for diagnostic and management decisions, and for limiting unnecessary treatments and cost. In view of the scarcity of data in adults with medulloblastoma, we base our recommendations on adult data when possible, but also include recommendations derived from paediatric data if justified. Our recommendations are a resource for professionals involved in the management of post-pubertal and adult patients with medulloblastoma, for patients and caregivers, and for health-care providers in Europe. The implementation of this guideline requires multidisciplinary structures of care, and defined processes of diagnosis and treatment.

This study evaluated the use of short-scrotum castration to create sterile ram lambs. East Friesian x Lacaune male lambs born in February on a commercial sheep dairy were left intact (n = 19; IN) or rendered short-scrotum (n = 17; SS) within 10 d of birth. At 3 mo of age lambs were transferred to the study site and grazed as one group, while being supplemented with a grain mixture at 0.7 kg/d. Lambs were harvested at 6 mo of age, and reproductive tract of 5 IN and 5 SS lambs collected at random and shipped cold overnight for processing. Testis and epididymis were weighed. Segments of the left testis and epididymis were processed for histology, while a subsample of testicular parenchyma and epididymal segments of the right side were used to determine sperm reserves by tissue homogenization. Differences between testis types were determined using GLM of SAS. Testes and epididymal weights were reduced (P < 0.001) in SS (115 and 22 g) compared to IN (364 and 50 g) lambs. Seminiferous tubule diameter was also smaller (P < 0.001) in SS (142 µm) than IN (234 µm) lambs. Daily sperm production per gram testicular parenchyma (DSPG) was not different between types (3.8 vs. 2.3 million sperm/g; P = 0.06), but total daily sperm production was lower (P < 0.01) in SS (0.23 billion) than IN (1.34 billion) ram lambs. Considerable variation was noted in DSPG in IN lambs suggesting still incomplete development at this age, and accounting for the lack of a significant difference. Epididymal sperm reserves were markedly reduced (P < 0.001) in SS (0.1 billion) compared to IN (10.5 billion), and decreased along the epididymis, supported by evidence of phagocytic action by the epididymal epithelium. Data suggest that ram lambs rendered short-scrotum shortly after birth develop smaller testes with reduced sperm production, making them effectively infertile.

In pigs, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is still hampered by low blastocyst rates, first of all due to a high rate of polyspermy. The many attempts made to reduce this problem have often compromised penetration and fertilization rates, not improving overall developmental efficiency. Over the last decades, however, it has been convincingly demonstrated that in vitro maturation (IVM) and culture (IVC) are functioning well as part of somatic cell nuclear transfer (Liu et al., 2015). Therefore, it seems relevant to re‐evaluate the challenges in porcine in vitro embryo production with particular focus on the IVF part (cumulus cells, sperm concentration) and the oocyte source (gilt, sow). Thus, our study aimed (i) to determine the effect of cumulus cells and sperm concentration on (A) penetration and pronuclear formation as well as (B) further developmental competence in a porcine IVP system, resulting in selection of an optimized IVP protocol; (ii) to use this optimized IVP protocol to determine the developmental competence of oocytes from gilts and sows.

Purpose. The paper describes the relationships between anthropometric features, body composition, and anaerobic alactic power (AAP) in elite post-pubertal and mature male taekwondo athletes. Methods. The sample of 41 taekwondo athletes was divided into two groups: post-pubertal (P-P, n = 19, Mage = 15.6 ± 1.1 years) and mature (M, n = 22, Mage = 20.7 ± 2.8 years). Anthropometric features (WB-150, ZPU Tryb-Wag, Poland), body composition (BC-418 MA, Tanita, Japan), maturational status (Pubertal Maturational Observational Scale), and AAP (10-s version of the Wingate Anaerobic Test) were assessed. Results. Post-hoc testing revealed significant between-group differences (3.2-20.4%, p < 0.01) in all anthropometric and body composition measures, with effect sizes (ES) between −0.79 and −1.25 (p < 0.001), except for fat content and percentage of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (p ≥ 0.05). In group M, the maximal power output (Pmax) was greater (ES = −1.15, p < 0.001) and the time of its attainment shorter (ES = 0.59, p < 0.001) than in group P-P. Correlation analyses indicated notably strong associations between body mass (BM) and Pmax in group P-P (r = 0.950 [95% CI, 0.85-0.98], p < 0.001) and M (r = 0.926 [95% CI, 0.81-0.97], p < 0.001), and similar-sized strong correlations between fat-free mass (FFM) and Pmax in group P-P (r = 0.955 [95% CI, 0.86-0.99], p < 0.001) and M (r = 0.924 [95% CI, 0.82-0.96], p < 0.001). Additionally, a strong correlation was found between body height and Pmax in groups P-P and M (r = 0.805 [95% CI, 0.54-0.92], p < 0.001 and r = 0.819 [95% CI, 0.58-0.93], p < 0.001, respectively). Linear regression analyses demonstrated that FFM, BM, and absolute SMM best explained the variance in Pmax in both groups (r, 0.939-0.951; r2, 0.882-0.909). Conclusions. The strong correlations observed in both groups between BM, FFM, SMM, and Pmax demonstrate the significant effects of body size and composition on AAP. By determining the current levels of these measures for individual athletes and via regressive modelling, one can anticipate the individual developmental dynamics of AAP. On the basis of anthropometric profiling, we recommend the recruitment and selection of tall and lean individuals with high anaerobic predisposition in taekwondo. Such a profile may enable coaches to better predict future athlete development, particularly in AAP.

Labial fusion is defined as either partial or complete adherence of the labia minora. It is also known as vulvar fusion, labial adhesion, labial agglutination or synechia of the vulva. This condition is common in pre-pubertal girls when estrogen levels are low and commonly resolves spontaneously post-puberty. This condition is usually asymptomatic and can be treated with topical application of estrogen or betamethasone cream or by manual or surgical separation of adhesions. We present a case of labial fusion in post pubertal girl which was managed surgically.

Chemically, soy contains a group of phytoestrogens called isoflavones, pre-dominantly genistein and daidzein. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of post weaning consumption of dietary soy isoflavones on prepubertal and postpubertal serum levels of some reproductive hormones of male Wistar rats. The study involved investigating the effects of different doses of isoflavones in the diet. Male rats were weaned on either soy isoflavone free diet or on isoflavone containing diets, formulated by adding increasing amounts of Novasoy, a commercially available isoflavone supplement to the isoflavone free diet to give varying concentrations of isoflavones. Three isoflavone containing diets were used and these had 74.5, 235.6 and 1046.6 mg total isoflavones/kg pelleted diet. These diets represented the isoflavone concentration lower, equal to and more than that found in soy-based infant formulas respectively. The results obtained showed that; administration of low doses soy isoflavones (74.5 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum Antimullerian Hormone levels both in prepubertal and post pubertal rats, when compared to the control groups. Administration of moderate doses of isoflavones (235.6 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of Antimullerian Hormone and Inhibin in both prepubertal and post pubertal rats when compared to the control groups. Administration of high doses of isoflavones (1046.6 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of Inhibin in both prepubertal and post pubertal rats when compared to the control groups. From this study, it was concluded that post-weaning consumption soy isoflavones produced significant changes in serum Inhibin and Antimullerian Hormone both in prepubertal and post pubertal male Wistar rats and the changes were dose dependent.

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze post pubertal results of pre pubertal tunica albuginea plication with non-absorbable sutures in the correction of CPC. Materials and Methods: The files of patients who underwent tunica albuginea plication without incision (dorsal/lateral) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients younger than 13 years of age at the time of operation and older than 14 years of age in November 2015 were included. Patients with a penile curvature of less than 30 degrees & more than 45 degrees and penile/urethral anomalies were excluded. All of the patients underwent surgery followed by circumcision. Results: The mean age of patients at the time of the operation was 9.7 years (range, 6-13 years). The mean degree of ventral penile curvature measured during the operation was 39 degrees while it was 41 degrees in the lateral curvatures. All of the patients were curvature-free at the end of the operation. At the time of the follow-up examination, the mean age was 16.7 years (range, 14-25 years). Six patients had a straight (0-10 degrees) penis during erection and seven patients had recurrent penile curvatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees. Conclusion: Pre pubertal tunica albuginea plication of congenital penile curvature (30-45 degrees) with non-absorbable sutures performed without incision is a minimal invasive method especially when performed during circumcision. However, recurrence might be observed in half of the patients after puberty.

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) also known as folliculitis keloidalis nuchae (FKN) is a chronic form of scarring folliculitis seen mostly in men of African descent. The term AKN is commonly used even though the condition is not a keloid, and the affected individuals do not have a tendency to develop keloids in other areas of the body. It is seen in post pubertal men and is rare after the age of 55 years. A few cases have been reported in females. which has been classified as a primary cicatricial alopecia since the exact cause of acne keloidalis (AK) remains unknown. However, a few inciting agents have been suggested which include androgens, inflammation, infection, trauma, genetics, and ingrowing hairs. AK shares some similar features with other forms of cicatricial alopecia and may occur together. Papules, pustules, and sometimes tumorous masses in the nuchal or occipital regions of the scalp hence the name “bumps” evolved in the environment. Despite its common occurrence, only a few seek help in hospital when lesions start to unsightly affect the individual’s quality of life. The presences of the keloidal lesions are more stressful compared to the resulting alopecia. Various attempts to reduce the bumps with corrosives, acids, and car engine oils lead to larger lesions or unsightly scars. Active lesions produce bleeding during haircuts. This is worrisome as a couple of individuals with active AK share shaving instruments at the barber shop and are at risk of acquiring or transmitting blood-borne infections. There is an urgent need to encourage safe shaving habits and treatment of lesions at onset so as to prevent unsightly lesions.

Short-scrotum (induced cryptorchid) rams can retain growth and performance characteristics of intact-rams while making them sterile and facilitating co-grazing with ewe-lambs. East Friesian x Lacaune male lambs left intact (n = 19; IN), rendered short-scrotum (n = 17; SS) or neutered (n = 25; WE) by 10 d of age, were used to evaluate libido and semen quality at 7-mo old. Lambs were managed as one group on a forage-based diet supplemented with a grain mixture (barley and soybean meal at 0.7 kg/d). Four CIDR-treated estrus-induced ewes were placed two/pen in adjacent 2.5x2.5 m pens for libido testing. Males were introduced individually to ewe pens for 5 min and reproductive behaviors recorded (anogenital sniffs, foreleg kicks, flehmen, false mounts, and service). Semen was collected from 6 random IN and SS lambs via artificial vaginas using estrus-induced ewes as teasers. Volume was recorded, and ejaculate extended in milk/egg yolk, packaged into straws, and stored at 5°C for analysis with a CASA system the following day. Behavior measurements were compared between types using PROC GLM. Ejaculate characteristics are presented as mean±SD due to insufficient sperm concentrations of SS ejaculates. Anogential sniffs, foreleg kicks, and mounts were similar in IN and SS, and higher (P < 0.05) than in WE (7.44 and 6.34 vs. 4.76; 1.72 and 1.60 vs. 0.17; 1.78 and 2.05 vs. 0.22; respectively). Number of services were higher (P < 0.001) in IN than SS (1.11 vs. 0.53), but time to service (112 sec) was not different. Ejaculate volume was similar in IN and SS (0.51 mL), but SS ejaculates were essentially devoid of sperm. Ejaculates from IN lambs had 0.69x109±0.48 x109 sperm, with 68.9±12.5% progressive motility, 81.8±6.1% viability and 87.1±6.1% morphologic normality. Ram lambs rendered short-scrotum by 10 d of age had reproductive behavior similar to intact post-pubertal rams, but ejaculate characteristics showed them to be sterile

Aims To determine whether the time elapsed since an episode of alleged child sexual abuse is important for discovering positive physical findings, in relation to the type of abuse, gender and pubertal stage of the child. Method The medical records of 796 children seen over a 7 ½ year period who were consecutively referred to a specialist paediatric sexual assault referral centre for suspected sexual abuse were evaluated. The variables extracted were time elapsed since latest episode of abuse to examination ( 21 days), gender, pubertal stage of child (pre, peri and post pubertal), type of abuse (penetrative and touching, if known) and physical findings on anogenital examination. Results After exclusion criteria were applied, the data from 543 records were analysed. Abnormal anogenital examination findings were present in 191 (35.2%) patients. Over half the patients (51.4%) were seen within 72 hours. The prevalence of positive findings was higher when patients were seen within that period; 44.7% at Other variables which were also seen to have an impact on discovery of positive findings were 1. Gender: female vs male patients (36.9%, 167/453 vs 26.7%, 24/90). 2. Type of abuse: penetrative vs touching abuse (38%, 159/408 vs 7.1%, 4/56). 3. Pubertal stage: in post-pubertal vs pre-pubertal females who were examined past the 21 day period (44.2%, 23/52 vs 20.5%, 9/44). Conclusion Positive findings are more likely to be present on earlier examination, with pre-pubertal children in particular being more likely to have positive anogenital findings identified when seen within 72 hours. These findings highlight the importance of a specialist paediatric forensic examination either by a forensic paediatrician or jointly with a paediatrician and forensic physician of the patient as soon as possible after the alleged abuse is suspected or disclosed.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T17:28:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Ultrasonography can provide information about the integrity of organs; however, rarely is applied to the reproductive organ evaluation of bulls. The objective of the present study was to characterize and compare values for variables and ultrasonographic characteristics of the testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands, as well as spectral Doppler indices of the testicular and internal iliac arteries, between peri- and post-pubertal Nelore and Caracu bulls. Nelore (n = 203) and Caracu (n = 79) bulls were assigned by age class: peri-pubertal (12-15 months) and postpubertal ( > 22 months). Data were analyzed using SAS's PROC MIXED procedure (P < 0.05). The biometric variables of the testes and cauda epididymis differed between peri- and postpubertal Nelore and Caracu bulls. There was a difference between breeds for the vesicular glands, ampulla of vas deferens, disseminate portion of the prostate, and craniocaudal dimension of the bulbourethral glands. Echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma differed between breeds and age classes. The pulsatility and resistive indices of the testicular arteries differed between Nelore and Caracu bulls. The biometric and ultrasonographic characteristics of the testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands, as well as of the arterial indices in bulls are affected by genetic group and age class, and when assessed there is useful information regarding the progression of sexual maturation. Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Via Acesso Prof Paulo Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Ctr APTA Bovinos De Corte, Inst Zootecnia, Rodovia Carlos Tonani,Km 94, BR-14160900 Sertaozinho, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Via Acesso Prof Paulo Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

Introduction: The first description of epididymal cysts in children appears from a 1976 case study. Since then, there have been a total of 24 indexed publications relating to pediatric epididymal cysts. Risk factors that may exist for children presenting with epididymal cyst remain unknown, as has the best method of management. And there have not been any studies looking at the cost implications of this diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, clinico-demographics, outcomes, and costs of epididymal cysts in pre-pubertal boys compared with a post-pubertal epididymal cyst cohort, and to assess whether this cohort requires continued surveillance. Methods: Our institutional ultrasound (US) database was searched for all scrotal US. From these, a filtered, institution review board-approved search was performed for any reports containing the word “cyst.” These were then cross-referenced with a retrospective chart review (October 2006 to September 2017). Clinico-demographics, cyst characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed for both pre- and post-pubertal boys using descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods. Results: Of 4508 boys undergoing scrotal US during the study period, 191 were indicated to contain cysts. This was manually reduced to 109 scans (2.4%) that met inclusion criteria (85 pre-pubertal; 24 post-pubertal). Thirty-one scans were ordered by urology, including all those with abnormal testicular echotexture (n=5). The average age of the post-pubertal cohort was 15.8 years, compared with 3.8 years in the pre-pubertal cohort. Most (70.5%) epididymal cysts were incidental. There was no difference between the pre- and post-pubertal cohorts in terms of presence of hydrocoeles (p=0.9), symptoms (p=0.9), ordering service (p=0.61), rate of resolution (4.2% vs. 8.2%; p=0.68), or length of followup (4 vs. 4.5 years; p=0.44). Pre-pubertal cysts were significantly smaller in size (3.35 vs. 14.52 mm; p=0.025) and more likely to trigger repeat scanning (67 vs. 10; p=0.008). There were no operative interventions and no subsequent clinical deterioration occurred with observation. At a cost of $71.10 CAD per US, $15 002.10 CAD was expended on epididymal cyst surveillance in direct cost to the healthcare system. Conclusions: Epididymal cysts are comparable in both pre- and post-pubertal boys and can be safely managed non-operatively without the use of continued US surveillance or urological referral. The higher than expected rate of detection may be a result of the improved ultra-resolution of modern scanners. These children should not require continued followup with repeat surveillance imaging solely for epididymal cysts and could be managed in the primary care setting as part of routine clinical examination

Complete animal models investigating the pathogenesis and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are not completely established. Although dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced pre-pubertal rat model for PCOS has been widely used, the model exhibits weaknesses such as decreased ovary weight. Here, we report an innovative DHEA-induced PCOS model that addresses limitations of the pre-pubertal model. The 21-day-old (pre-pubertal) and 42-day-old (post-pubertal) female rats were subcutaneously injected with DHEA (60 mg/kg body weight) daily for up to 20–30 days. The post-pubertal model showed a steady increase in ovary weight and the number of ovarian cysts as well as uterine weight and thickness, which may be key features of PCOS, compared with the pre-pubertal model. Therefore, a post-pubertal PCOS model induced by DHEA may be an improved model to investigate the etiology of PCOS and development of therapeutic interventions.

In the cognitive psychology literature, auditory processing has been extensively researched and suggested as a foundation of first language acquisition in childhood. This study tests an emerging theoretical view that the same faculty underpins post-pubertal second language (L2) pronunciation learning. A total of 100 late Polish-English bilinguals in the UK with diverse age and experience backgrounds were assessed for their ability to represent various characteristics of sounds via behavioural and neurophysiological measures. Subsequently, the participants’ biographical backgrounds and auditory processing profiles were compared to various dimensions of their L2 pronunciation proficiency. According to the results of mixed-effects modeling analyses, individual differences in participants’ L2 pronunciation proficiency were equally accounted for by age (age of arrival), experience (length of residence), and auditory processing (encoding, reproduction). Within the current dataset, the degree of auditory precision was negatively associated with participants’ chronological age (19–45 years). The findings suggest that earlier age of onset may allow them to take advantage of more precise auditory processing, which in turn helps them to make the most of every input opportunity throughout extensive immersion experience, leading to more advanced L2 phonological skills in the long run.

Cellulite is a multifactorial condition induced by topographic alteration of skin giving rise to ‘orange peel’ appearance. It is a universal aesthetic problem affecting 85% of post pubertal females. The present article provides an exclusive overview of all aspects related to cellulite, including its clinical manifestation, etiology, pathophysiology, evaluation and classification. Approaches for reducing cellulite appearance are innumerable. Conventional therapeutic strategies and modern practices such as physical, mechanical methods - including subcision and mesotherapy- and pharmacological agents, oral and topical routes, are reviewed. Novel delivery systems based on nanocarriers incorporating anti-cellulite agents developed in the past decade have been enumerated and analyzed for their efficacy in delivering drugs to target sites. Two main carrier based systems have been reviewed; lipid and polymer based carriers. Methylxanthines, specifically caffeine, has been critically evaluated due to its lipolytic effect of fat cells through inhibition of phosphodiesterase enzymes. The main challenge of this active moiety is its inability to penetrate the closely packed lipophilic stratum corneum. Its incorporation in such delivery systems have shown promising results in its bioavailability and efficacy. However, despite the utilization of nanocarriers in achieving targeted drug delivery has been demonstrated, yet its application in this indication has emerged recently and is limited. It is anticipated that this is a golden opportunistic research area to be exploited and developed.

The goal of this paper is to explore whether combining dental and skeletal maturation data increases the reliability of determining whether an individual is 16 years old or older. This is tentatively done by building probabilistic models for age estimation based on dental and skeletal maturation using a longitudinal sample of eight males, with annual assessments between the ages of 13 and 19, totalling 56 observations. Skeletal maturity was assessed for the radius and ulna using the TW2 method, and dental maturity was assessed for the second and third molars using Demirjian’s scheme. Logistic regression was selected to determine the probability of an individual being 16 years of age and older, by combining dental and skeletal maturity scores and using them separately. The age estimation models combining dental and skeletal maturity scores seem to perform better than either dental or skeletal maturity in isolation. In addition, when in isolation or combination, models based on skeletal maturity sco...

A follow-up study was conducted to validate observations from an earlier trial on reproductive function in ram lambs following short scrotum castration. Again, East Friesian x Lacaune male dairy lambs from a commercial sheep dairy born in February and March were either left intact (IN, n=25), rendered short-scrotum (SS; n=18), or completely banded (WE; n=25) within 10 d of birth. At a mean age of 65 d, lambs were moved to the study site and managed as one group on cool season forages and supplemented with grain at 2–3% BW. At a mean age of 172 d, lambs were tested for libido in a 5 min pen test, and semen was collected from 7 IN and 7 SS lambs. Four estrus-induced teaser ewes were used for libido testing and semen collection by artificial vagina. Lambs were harvested the day after testing/collection, and reproductive tracts were recovered from 5 IN and 5 SS lambs at random. Differences between male lamb types were analyzed using PROC GLM. No statistical differences (P >0.05) in reproductive behaviors were observed between IN and SS, though number of services and kicks were numerically higher in IN than SS (1.3 vs. 0.45; 1.6 vs. 0.73). No reproductive behaviors was observed in WE. Ejaculate volume was not different between IN and SS (0.56 vs. 0.49 ml), but percent motile sperm (45 vs. 6 %; P< 0.01) and sperm concentration (1.52 vs. 0.05 billion/ml; P< 0.05) were higher in IN then SS lambs. Total testis and epididymis weight were also higher (P< 0.01) in IN than SS lambs (291 vs. 109 g; 53.8 g vs. 17.7 g). Additionally, epididymal sperm reserves were higher (P< 0.05) in IN than SS (9.42 vs. 0.89 billion) lambs. Results confirm our earlier findings that reproductive function was greatly reduced, but did not cease in short scrotum ram lambs.

Aims and Objectives: Deep bite is one of the common malocclusion which has a varied of etiologies; this case report includes correction of deep bite with help of anterior bite plane. Materials and Methods: One post pubertal patient of age 15 years with proclined maxillary incisors with class II skeletal and class II molar treated with fixed orthodontic appliance with anterior bite plane. Results: It resulted in favorable skeletal and dentoalveolar changes. Midlines were coinciding, molars were in class I relationship and smile was improved. Conclusion: Using anterior bite plane corrected class II deep bite in patient, corrected lip trap and proclined maxillary incisors.