Greater Increase In Height Research Articles

Vitamin D supplementation and growth in urban Mongol school children: Results from two randomized clinical trials.

BackgroundSymptomatic vitamin D deficiency is associated with slowed growth in children. It is unknown whether vitamin D repletion in children with asymptomatic serum vitamin D deficiency can restore normal growth.ObjectiveWe tested the impact of vitamin D-supplementation on serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and short-term growth in Mongol children, with very low serum vitamin D levels in winter.DesignWe conducted two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in urban school age children without clinical signs of rickets. The Supplementation Study was a 6-month intervention with an 800 IU vitamin D3 supplement daily, compared with placebo, in 113 children aged 12–15 years. A second study, the Fortification Study, was a 7-week intervention with 710 ml of whole milk fortified with 300 IU vitamin D3 daily, compared with unfortified milk, in 235 children aged 9–11 years.ResultsAt winter baseline, children had low vitamin D levels, with a mean (±SD) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration of 7.3 (±3.9) ng/ml in the Supplementation Study and 7.5 (±3.8) ng/ml in the Fortification Study. The serum levels increased in both vitamin D groups—by 19.8 (±5.1) ng/ml in the Supplementation Study, and 19.7 (±6.1) ng/ml in the Fortification Study. Multivariable analysis showed a 0.9 (±0.3 SE) cm greater increase in height in the vitamin-D treated children, compared to placebo treated children, in the 6-month Supplementation Study (p = 0.003). Although the children in the 7-week Fortification Study intervention arm grew 0.2 (±0.1) cm more, on average, than placebo children this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2). There were no significant effects of vitamin D supplements on differences in changes in weight or body mass index in either trial. For the Fortification Study, girls gained more weight than boys while taking vitamin D 3 (p-value for interaction = 0.03), but sex was not an effect modifier of the relationship between vitamin D3 and change in either height or BMI in either trial.ConclusionsCorrecting vitamin D deficiency in children with very low serum vitamin D levels using 800 IU of vitamin D3 daily for six months increased growth, at least in the short-term, whereas, in a shorter trial of 300 IU of D fortified milk daily for 7 weeks did not.

The effect of egg supplementation on growth parameters in children participating in a school feeding program in rural Uganda: a pilot study

ABSTRACTBackground: School feeding programs have gained popularity in developing countries . Eggs are an inexpensive source of micronutrients and high-quality protein. Therefore, the objective of this study was to gain preliminary data regarding the impact of egg supplementation on growth in primary school students participating in a school feeding program in rural Uganda.Methods: Children (ages 6–9; n = 241) were recruited from three different schools located throughout the Kitgum District of Uganda. All participants in the same school received the same dietary intervention: control (no eggs (0 eggs); n = 56), one egg five days per week (1 egg; n = 89), or two eggs five days per week (2 eggs; n = 96). Height, weight, tricep skinfold thickness (TSF), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured monthly over 6 months.Results: Following six months of egg supplementation, participants receiving 2 eggs had a greater increase in height and weight compared to the 0 eggs and 1 egg groups (P < 0.05). In addition, participants receiving 1 egg and 2 eggs had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) increase in MUAC at six months compared to 0 eggs.Conclusion: These results suggest that supplementation with eggs can improve parameters of growth in school-aged children participating in school feeding programs in rural Uganda.Abbreviations: MUAC: Mid-Upper Arm Circumference; TSF: Tricep Skinfold Thickness

Evaluating the Effects of Metformin Use on Height in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Metformin hydrochloride use is increasing in children and adolescents. Previous meta-analyses have identified a large variability in the effects of metformin use on body mass index changes but have not considered height changes as a confounder, to our knowledge. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of metformin use on height in children and adolescents. Computerized databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, were searched up to September 9, 2014, for terms related to metformin and childhood or adolescence. Randomized clinical trials examining the effects of metformin use on height of participants younger than 19 years were considered eligible. Trials with cointerventions other than lifestyle changes were excluded. Height, weight, body mass index, age, sex, metformin dosage, and study duration were independently extracted by 2 reviewers. The weighted mean differences for changes in height, weight, and body mass index were compared between the metformin and control groups using random-effects models. Height changes. Ten studies were included, with a total of 562 participants, 330 (58.7%) of whom were female. The mean age within the studies ranged from 7.9 to 16.1 years, with a high variability in most studies. The duration of metformin interventions lasted from 3 to 48 months. Overall, height changes were not significantly different between the metformin and control groups. However, stratified analyses according to the cumulative metformin dose (in milligrams per day times the number of days of treatment) showed a greater increase in height with metformin use in the 5 studies providing the largest cumulative metformin doses (weighted mean difference, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.0 to 2.0 cm) but not in the 5 studies providing the lowest doses (weighted mean difference, -0.1; 95% CI, -0.7 to 1.0 cm) compared with the control group. Preliminary evidence suggests a dose-response relationship between metformin use and increases in height in children and adolescents compared with a control group. While an approximate 1-cm increase in height may appear small, it is likely underestimated given that many studies were of short duration and included older adolescents, potentially after epiphyseal growth plate closure.

GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF POPLAR SPECIES IN SOUTHEASTERN KAZAKHSTAN

A small area of forestation and an acute shortage of timber are reasons to seek ways to improve productivity and the rational use of forests in the territory of Kazakhstan. A deficit in timber can be compensated, to some extent, by planting stands of fast-growing plantation species, including top and hybrid Populus spp, which are commonly referred to as “poplar”.There is an increased interest in poplar, globally, due to its organic traits and the economic value it provides, including:rapid growth and ability to produce wood that is technically suitable for cutting within 20 years of planting;a source of suitable timber for use in most industries;the ability to grow in soils that are not generally suitable for agricultural use;a potential source of timber for widespread use in screening, landscape and recreational plantings; andthe ability of most poplar species and hybrids to asexually propagate.There has been extensive planting of poplar trees in Kazakhstan, especially in the south and south-east. Poplar trees have been planted in populated areas, along roads and in forest stands. However, these plantings are unsuitable as a source of timber for commercial or ornamental purposes. Hence, there is a need to establish plantations of poplar for timber supply in Kazakhstan.The most common types of poplar in this country are the deltoid, Algerian, and Bolle, which were used in the extensive greenery planting of southeastern Kazakhstan. The main factors ensuring high productivity of poplar plantations are the soil conditions of fertility, good aeration and adequate moisture. Results of this study indicate that the greatest height increase occurs in these trees between the age of 5 and 10 years, and for trunk diameter, between the age of 4 and 9 years. After this age, the growth rate gradual declines, with a sharp fall off in the rate noticeable between years 14 and 16. Additionally, results of this study show the high productivity of poplar plantations, in plot sizes 2.5 to 3 m by 1.5 to 2 m, with 2000 – 3000 trees per hectare. This compares with the production of timber mass from stands of 5000 – 7000 trunks per hectare, which leads to rapid growth of trees in height, but an earlier growth reduction in diameter.

THE PATH OF CARBON IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS. XXXI. THE ROLE OF LECTINS

Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris) seedlings, grown hydroponically, exhibited significantly greater increases in height and weight in medium containing α-mannoside supplemented with calcium and manganese salts, than in control treatments lacking one or more of those components. Furthermore, seeds sown on medium containing α-mannoside plus Ca2+and Mn2+showed accelerated germination. Calcium and manganese are necessary to maintain the protein conformation of mannose-binding lectins. In the presence of those cations, glycosides displace specific sugars bound to lectins, making them available to support plant growth.

The Patterns of Limb Length, Height, Weight and Body Mass Index Changes after Total Knee Arthroplasty

The objective of this retrospective review of 466 patients was to document changes in limb length, leg length discrepancy (LLD), height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) 1 year after TKA and the patterns of height, weight, and BMI during 5 years. To determine change patterns over 5 years, the data of 291 patients were analyzed and compared with those of age and gender-matched normal subjects. Limb length, height, and weight increased, BMI remained unchanged, and LLD decreased 1 year after TKA. The bilateral group had a greater height increase and lower rate of LLD. Preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle was related to limb length increase, and patients with a smaller preoperative BMI showed more weight gain. During the 5 years, weight and BMI at 1 year were maintained, but height diminished, while the healthy population showed a decreasing trend in weight.

Producción de forraje y respuesta de cabras en crecimiento en arreglos silvopastoriles basados en Guazuma ulmifolia, Leucaena leucocephala y Crescentia cujete

El monocultivo de gramíneas, además de no ajustarse a los hábitos alimenticios naturales de los caprinos, presenta una deficiente producción de forraje durante la época de sequía, con repercusiones negativas sobre la productividad animal. Se determinaron las ventajas productivas de los arreglos silvopastoriles para sistemas de producción caprinos. Se utilizó un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con medidas repetidas en el tiempo. Se evaluaron seis tratamientos: monocultivo de pasto kikuyina (Bothriochloa pertusa) y monocultivo de pasto guinea (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania) como testigos; y cuatro arreglos basados en guácimo (Guazuma ulmifolia); totumo (Crescentia cujete); leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala); y mixto (guácimo, totumo, leucaena). Las informaciones obtenidas se sometieron a análisis de varianza. Los resultados revelaron mayor producción de forraje en los arreglos silvopastoriles en relación con el monocultivo de Bothriochloa pertusa. El mayor (p &lt; 0,05) crecimiento en altura, de 9 a 14 meses de edad, correspondió a leucaena. Los arreglos asociados presentaron ventajas en producción de forraje comparado con B. pertusa. Se destaca la más alta producción de materia seca de pasto guinea. La ganancia de peso de las cabras en crecimiento fue baja; sin embargo, se observó una respuesta diferenciada por los tratamientos. Los arreglos silvopastoriles presentaron las mayores (p &lt; 0,05) ganancias de peso (22,5 a 33,6 g/animal al día) en relación con el monocultivo pasto guinea (13,2 g/animal al día). Las cabras en crecimiento presentaron mayores porcentajes de celo en los tratamientos mixto (66,7%), y los basados en guácimo (66,7%) y en leucaena (55,6%).

Evaluation of Spectral Light Management on Growth of Container-Grown Willow Oak, Nuttall Oak and Summer Red Maple

Plant response to blue, red, gray or black shade cloth was evaluated with willow oak (Quercus phellos L.), Nuttall oak (Quercus nuttallii Palmer, Nuttall) and Summer Red maple (Acer rubrum L. ‘Summer Red’) liners. Light transmitted through the colored shade cloth had no influence on germination of willow oak acorns or height and caliper growth following germination. Tree height, trunk diameter, number of internodes, shoot and root dry weight were generally greater with the species tested when exposed to red or gray shade cloth, but were often similar to plants exposed to blue or black shade. Height increase of willow oak with red shade was similar to plants exposed to blue or gray; however, the average number of internodes was similar with oaks exposed to blue shade and 16% less with oaks exposed to gray shade. Summer Red maples exposed to black, blue or red shade cloth were similar in height, though plants with blue shade had 23% less dry weight. Nuttall oaks exposed to gray shade had the greatest height increase while the plants exposed to red shade had the largest trunk diameter. The growth parameters measured showed some increases with exposure to colored shade, but the morphology of the species tested was not significantly altered to recommend the use of colored shade during production.

Younger age at HAART initiation is associated with more rapid growth reconstitution

Patterns of growth following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) administration among children are not well defined. The objective of this study was to determine rates and predictors of growth reconstitution among children on HAART. A study was conducted among HIV-1-infected children initiating HAART at an HIV treatment clinic in Kenya. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models compared catch-up growth (Z-score ≥ 0) at 12 months post-HAART. Multivariate linear mixed-effects models determined rates and predictors of growth following HAART. One hundred and seventy-three HIV-1-infected children initiated HAART with a median age of 4.7 years [interquartile range (IQR) 2.4, 7.0]. At baseline, children below 3 years had lower weight-for-age (WAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ) Z-scores than children 3-5 and 6-10 years (WAZ: P = 0.03; WHZ: P = 0.006). Adjusting for baseline growth, children below 3 years were two to three-fold more likely to attain population age-norms (Z-score = 0) than 6-10 years (WAZ: P = 0.055; WHZ: P = 0.005) at 12 months post-HAART. After adjustment, children below 3 years had higher increases in WAZ and WHZ following HAART than 6-10 years (WAZ: P = 0.006; WHZ: P = 0.005). Children at WHO stage at least 3 at baseline experienced more rapid WHZ reconstitution (P = 0.002). Food supplementation while on HAART was associated with increased monthly gains in weight indices (WAZ: P = 0.001; WHZ: P = 0.005), and multivitamins were associated with greater increases in height (P < 0.01). Following HAART initiation, younger children had more rapid catch-up to the population-average weight of their peers than older children, demonstrating growth benefit of earlier HAART. In addition to HAART, food supplementation and multivitamins may also accelerate growth reconstitution.

Can We Improve the Salinity Tolerance of Genotypes of Taxodium by Using Varietal and Hybrid Crosses?

Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. var. distichum [baldcypress (BC)], Taxodium distichum var. mexicanum Gordon [Montezuma cypress (MC)], and a Taxodium hybrid (‘Nanjing Beauty’: BC × MC cross, T302) were evaluated for salt tolerance in 2006 at Nacogdoches, TX. Plants were irrigated weekly with four levels of salinity [0, 1, 3.5, and 6 ppt (0, 17, 60, and 102 mol·m−3)] for 13 weeks and then 0, 2, 7, and 12 ppt (0, 34, 120, and 204 mol·m−3) for another 12 weeks. Salinity treatments did not have a significant effect on growth rate; however, there were significant differences in growth rate among the three genotypes. Genotype T302 produced the greatest wet weight, whereas MC had stronger apical dominance and exhibited the greatest increase in height over the course of study. As expected, sodium (Na) concentration in Taxodium leaves increased as sea salt concentrations increased but did not tilt Na/potassium (K) ratios to stressful disproportions. Of the three genotypes, BC exhibited the highest leaf content of Na, calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and iron (Fe); MC had the lowest leaf content of Na, Ca, S, and Fe; and T302 was intermediate. The benefits of using a hybrid cross (T302) that maintains greater biomass than BC or MC across a range of salinities must be weighed against the potential additional pruning and training necessary for cutting-grown clones relative to BC and MC propagated from seed and flood tolerance relative to BC. Still, combining the best characteristics of different varieties of T. distichum should facilitate the production of favorable genotypes tolerant to a number of soil physical and chemical property fluctuations for arboricultural operations.

USE OF NATIVE PLANTS FOR REMEDIATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE: I. DECIDUOUS TREES

Phytoremediation of trichloroethylene (TCE) can be accomplished using fast-growing, deep-rooting trees. The most commonly used tree for phytoremediation of TCE has been the hybrid poplar. This study looks at native southeastern trees of the United States as alternatives to the use of hybrid poplar. The use of native trees for phytoremediation allows for simultaneous restoration of contaminated sites. A 2-mo, greenhouse-based study was conducted to determine if sycamore (Plantanus L.), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), and willow (Salix sachalinensis) trees possess the ability to degrade TCE by assessing TCE metabolite formation in the plant tissue. In addition to the metabolic capabilities of each tree species, growth parameters were measured including change in height, water usage, total fresh weight of each tissue type, and calculated total leaf surface area. Willow trees had the greatest increase in height among all trees tested; however, at higher concentrations TCE inhibits growth. Sycamore trees had the highest overall leaf surface area and total biomass, which correlated with sycamore trees also having the highest average water usage over the course of the experiment. Carbon tubes used to sample transpiration gases from sycamore, sweetgum, and cottonwood trees did not contain detectable levels of TCE. Tenex sample collection tubes used to sample willow trees during TCE exposure showed average TCE concentrations of up to 0.354 ng TCE cm−2 leaf tissue. All exposed trees contained TCE in the root, stem, and leaf tissues. The concentration of TCE remaining in tissues at the conclusion of the experiment varied, with the highest levels found in the roots and the lowest levels found in the leaves. Metabolites were also observed in different tissue types of all trees tested. The highest concentrations of trichloroacetic acid were observed in the leaves of the sycamore trees and cottonwood trees. Based on the growth parameters tested and the ability to metabolize TCE, sycamore and native cottonwood species are the best candidates for phytoremediation from this study.

Influence of a Twelve-Month Conditioning Program on Physical Growth, Serum Hormones, and Neuromuscular Performance of Peripubertal Male Fencers

This study examined the effects of a typical fencing training program on selected hormones, neuromuscular performance, and anthropometric parameters in peripubertal boys. Two sets of measurements, before training and after 12 months of training, were performed on 2 groups of 11- to 13-year-old boys. One group consisted of fencers (n = 8), who trained regularly for the 12-month period, and the other group (n = 8) consisted of inactive children of the same age. There was no difference in Tanner's maturation stage of the 2 groups before (controls, 2.5 +/- 0.3; fencers, 2.1 +/- 0.3) and after the 12 months (controls, 3.0 +/- 0.3; fencers, 3.0 +/- 0.3). Serum testosterone, growth hormone, sex hormone binding globulin, free androgen index, and leptin changed significantly over time, reaching similar values in the 2 groups at the end of the study. Significantly greater increases in body mass (16 +/- 3%) and leg cross-sectional area (CSA) (32 +/- 7%) were observed only in the fencers' group, and these differences disappeared when height was set as a changing covariate. Although there was a greater increase in height for the fencers compared to the control group (8.6 +/- 1.2 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.9 cm, p < 0.01), the height reached at the end of the study was almost identical in the 2 groups (controls, 163.6 +/- 5.1; fencers, 165.4 +/- 2.8). Arm CSA, handgrip strength, and vertical jump performance changed significantly over time for both groups, with no differences between groups. It was concluded that a typical fencing training program for peripubertal boys did not have any effect on selected growth and anabolic hormones and did not influence the normal growth process, as this was reflected by changes in selected anthropometric and neuromuscular performance parameters. This may be because of the characteristics of the present fencing training program, which may not be adequate to alter children's hormonal functions in such a way as to override the rapid changes occurring during puberty.

(99) Development of an Ohio Tree Liner Production System in Retractable Roof Houses; Field Comparisons with West Coast-grown Liners

Currently, the majority of tree liners used in the Ohio nursery industry are imported, mainly from the West Coast. The Ohio growing season is 156 days, whereas the Oregon season is 225 days. We are developing an Ohio liner production system, utilizing a retractable roof greenhouse (RRG) that extends the growing season. Liners grown in a RRG have shown greater caliper, height, and root and shoot dry weight than those grown outside of a RRG (Stoven, 2004). The objective of this research was to compare the growth of RRG-grown liners, outdoor-grown liners, and West Coast-grown liners when planted in the field. Four tree species [Quercus rubra, Malus `Prairifire', Acer ×freemannii `Jeffersred' (Autumn Blaze®), and Cercis canadensis] were started from either seed or rooted cuttings in early 2003. They were grown in a glass greenhouse and then moved to their respective environments in March (RRG) and May (outside). In Oct. 2003, the Ohio-grown liners were planted in the field at the Waterman Farm of The Ohio State University, Columbus. In Spring 2004, liners from the West Coast were purchased and planted in the same field setting. Caliper and height were measured in June and Sept. 2004. After one season in the field, trees grown from the RRG and outdoor environments resulted in greater height and caliper than the West Coast liners in Malus, Acer, and Cercis. Acer liners from Oregon had a greater increase in height from June to September than those grown outdoors or in the RRG. Quercus liners from the RRG and outdoor environments displayed greater caliper growth and growth in height than those from the West Coast. Across all species, liners grown from the RRG had the greatest increase in caliper growth.

Growth Hormone Improves Bone Mineral Content in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Osteoporosis and osteopenia have been reported as common complications of cystic fibrosis (CF); however, little is known about accrual of bone mineral in CF. The goal of our study was to measure bone mineral content (BMC) in non-acutely-ill, but poorly growing children with CF, and to determine the relationship between height, lean body mass and BMC. Our second aim was to evaluate the effect of one year of treatment with human recombinant growth hormone (GH) on total body BMC. We measured total-body BMC using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 32 poorly growing (height < or =10th percentile for age) prepubertal Caucasian children (ages 7 years 6 months-12 years 9 months, 17 M and 15, F) with CF. BMC and lean tissue mass (LTM) were measured at baseline, at 6 months and one year. One half of the children were randomly assigned to receive treatment with GH (GHTX). Results were compared to reference data maintained for healthy children matched for age and ethnicity. Sex steroid and IGF-I levels were also measured. Children with CF exhibited lower total body BMC and LTM than age-, ethnicity- and gender-matched controls. This was still apparent when the data were matched for height and bone age. BMC correlated with height, LTM, and IGF-I levels. Although at baseline the groups were similar, the GHTX group demonstrated significantly greater increase in height, weight, LTM and BMC than the NonTX group. These differences remained despite correction for increase in height Our study is the first to evaluate BMC in children with CF and suggests that poor accumulation of bone mineral is a problem. We have further demonstrated that GH treatment improves accumulation of bone mineral.

The influence of microhabitat variation on seedling recruitment ofChamaecyparis thyoides andAcer rubrum

Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white-cedar) swamps are in decline in the New Jersey Pinelands, whileAcer rubrum (red maple) swamps are increasing. One possible reason for this occurrence may be differences in seedling recruitment of the two species. Seedling establishment of different species is expected to vary with physical conditions and requirements for safe sites. This study examined differences in seedling recruitment forC. thyoides andA. rubrum in the New Jersey Pinelands. A field survey of sixC. thyoides swamps found thatC. thyoides seedlings occur most often under an open orC. thyoides canopy on peaty, cedar needle covered soils or on mats ofSphagnum. In contrast,A. rubrum seedlings were most often found underA. rubrum canopies onSphagnum mats or grass-dominated bottom areas. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine whether differences in microhabitat occupation were related to differences in growth ofC. thyoides andA. rubrum seedlings. Seedlings were grown in different soil types (Sphagnum or peat) and at different water levels (inundated, saturated, or moist soil) typical of those found inC. thyoides swamps within the New Jersey Pinelands.Chamaecyparis thyoides experienced the greatest increase in height in moist soils and the least increase in height in inundated soils.Chamaecyparis thyoides achieved greater biomass thanA. rubrum in peat soil, whileA. rubrum had greater biomass inSphagnum. These results indicate thatC. thyoides andA. rubrum differ in conditions that are best for their seedling growth and that different management schemes may favor one species over the other.

Styrene-Lined and Copper-Coated Containers Affect Production of Cornus florida

Abstract Response of dogwood cultivars (Cornus florida ‘Barton's White’ and ‘Weaver's White’) to styrene lining and copper hydroxide coating of 10.3 liter (#3) black plastic containers was evaluated in 1993 and 1994. After the first growing season, dogwoods were either left in their original containers or repotted into untreated 23.3 liter (#7) containers. Copper hydroxide reduced root circling of both cultivars in containers; however, root dry weight of plants grown in copper-treated containers was reduced during the first season. Copper-treated containers resulted in less growth in height when plants were left in their original container during the second growing season and less trunk diameter growth of plants repotted into 23.3 liter (#7) containers. In the absence of copper, more surface root coverage and less surface root dieback occurred with plants grown in styrene-lined containers. Both cultivars grown the second season in their original styrene-lined containers had greater height increase than those in unlined containers. After being repotted into 23.3 liter (#7) containers, both cultivars originally grown in styrene-lined containers had greater trunk diameter growth than those in unlined containers.

Performance of Cornus florida L. Selections in the Southeast

In a full-sun Auburn, Ala., field study, 23 cultivars and 1 forma of Cornus florida L. were evaluated for growth from 1994 to 1996 and bract characteristics in Spring 1996. The selections were divided into three groups for analyses: 1) white bracted with green foliage, 2) red or pink bracted with green foliage, and 3) variegated foliage. Among the white bracted cultivars with green foliage, `Weaver' and `Welch Bay Beauty' had the greatest height and stem diameter increases, `Autumn Gold' the least. `Cloud 9' had the largest bract size. `Welch's Junior Miss' had the greatest height increase, while `Stokes' Pink' had the greatest stem diameter increase for the red or pink bracted cultivars with green foliage, and f. rubra the least. `Red Beauty' had the largest bract size. There were no differences among the variegated cultivars in height increase or bract size; however, `First Lady' had the greatest stem diameter increase.

Modulation of growth factors by growth hormone in children with chronic renal failure

Anthropometric measurements and circulating growth factors were studied serially in 44 prepubertal children with growth failure and chronic renal failure (GFR = 10 to 40 ml/min/1.73 m2) who were randomized to receive either recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH; N = 30) or no treatment (N = 14). RhGH was given as Nutropin, 0.05 mg/kg/day, and the studies were carried out at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. At baseline, serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and -2 levels were, while IGFBP-3 levels were not, higher than those of children with normal renal function. In addition, height SDS at baseline correlated inversely with serum IGFBP-2 levels (r = -0.461, P = 0.0016), but did not correlate significantly with any other factor. After 12 months of study, the 30 children receiving rhGH showed: (i) greater increase in height (9.1 +/- 2.8 vs. 5.5 +/- 1.9 cm, P < 0.0001); (ii) increases in serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, free IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and acid labile subunit (ALS); (iii) a greater decrease in serum IGFBP-1 levels; and (iv) no significant difference in serum IGFBP-2 levels, when compared to the 14 control patients. The change in height SDS after 12 months of rhGH (+0.8) in the 30 treated children correlated significantly and positively with serum ALS, IGFBP-3, total IGF, IGF-I, IGF-II and free IGF-I levels measured during treatment. These observations suggest that, in children with growth failure associated with chronic renal failure: (i) IGFBP-2, and not IGFBP-3, is likely to be a growth inhibitor; (ii) rhGH stimulates catch-up growth in part by increasing serum levels of IGF peptides; and (iii) linear growth is influenced by the balance between growth stimulating IGFs and growth inhibitory IGFBPs.

Preweaning growth of Brahman, Braford, and Africander first-cross calves in the subtropics of New South Wales

Preweaning growth of 435 first-cross Brahman x Hereford (BH), Braford x Hereford (BM) and Africander x Hereford (AM) calves was evaluated at Ballina in the subtropics of New South Wales. Thirty-five Brahman, 32 Braford, and 23 Africander sires were mated to Hereford females over 3 years to produce the calves. Mean gestation of BH calves (290 days) was 4 and 6 days longer than BfH and AfH calves, respectively. BH and AfH calves had more eyelid pigmentation (88 and 98%, respectively) than BM calves (59%). For males, birth weights of BH calves were higher than BfH, which, in turn, were heavier than AfH calves (38.6 v. 34.8 v. 31.5 kg). For females, birth weights of BH and BfH calves were not significantly different but were higher than those of AfH calves (33.3 and 32.6 v. 30.4 kg). BH calves had higher average daily gain (ADG) than BfH and AfH calves during the second half of the preweaning period, resulting in 200-day liveweights of 175.4, 167.5, and 167.3 kg for BH, BfH, and AfH calves. BH calves were taller and had larger girths than the other crosses at birth, but AM calves exhibited the greatest increase in height and body length from birth to weaning. For BH, BMI, and AfH calves, 34,6, and 94% were predominantly red, whereas 6, 94, and 5% were also red but had a Hereford coat colour pattern.

Patterns of species composition, recruitment, and growth within canopy gaps in two New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) forests

Abstract Within-gap patterns of forest species composition, tree growth, and associated micro-climate were investigated in two kauri (Agathis australis) forests in northern New Zealand. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of sites at Trounson Kauri Park revealed a gradient of changing species composition from gap centre to forest understorey. However, while some species were typical either of the understorey (e.g., Dysoxlylum spectabile) or the centre of large gaps (e.g., Knightia excelsa, Leucopogon fasciculata), no species was restricted solely to gap edge sites. Growth of potted tree seedlings over 6 months at different locations in and near a large canopy gap revealed a significant positive relationship between percent canopy openness (%CO) and height increase for each of the five species tested. The early successional tree Kunzea ericoides showed the greatest height increase at gap centre, while the long-lived conifer Dacrydium cupressinum had the greatest height increase in the forest understore...