Growth Curve Research Articles

Life Chances, Subjective Perceptions, and Healthy Lifestyles in Older Adults: Longitudinal Evidence From China.

Previous studies and theories show that healthy lifestyles are affected by life chances and subjective perceptions. However, it remains unclear how older adults change between different lifestyle profiles as they age. We proposed the healthy lifestyle duality framework and tested it among older Chinese adults using a longitudinal design. Data were obtained from 4 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Surveys conducted between 2008 and 2018 (N = 31,445). Latent transition analysis and hierarchical multinomial growth curve models were performed to investigate healthy lifestyle profiles and their associations with life chances and subjective perceptions over time. Four distinct healthy lifestyle profiles were identified: healthy, risky, low-standard, and mixed groups, and their changes show path dependency. Across 10 years, the proportion of the healthy group ranged from 11.16% to 16.97%. Both life chances and subjective perceptions were longitudinally associated with healthy lifestyles, with age and cohort effects observed. Our findings support the healthy lifestyle duality framework and reveal that life chances and subjective perceptions influence lifestyle changes over time. Public health policies and health intervention programs should adapt to the specific needs of different age groups and generations.

Growth trajectories and roles of expectancy, task value, and cost in middle-school physical education

This longitudinal investigation tracked the progression of students’ expectancy for success, task value, and perceived cost in the context of physical education throughout an academic year. The study involved 399 middle-school students from China, and data were collected at three distinct time points. Analysis using latent growth curve models revealed positive trajectories in both expectancy and task value, along with decreases in perceived cost. Variations in motivation were observed based on demographic factors, both in initial motivation levels and change rate. At the beginning of the academic year, senior students, girls, and students who were overweight exhibited lower motivation compared to their counterparts, but these motivation disparities tended to reduce over time. Changes in motivation were significant predictors of learning outcomes. Students who sustained high levels of expectancy and task value while reducing their perceived effort cost demonstrated higher cardiorespiratory fitness. The findings expand the theoretical understanding of expectancy, task value, and cost, thereby supporting the feasibility of implementing programmatic interventions to bolster motivation in physical education.

Modeling trajectories of physical aggression from infancy to pre-school age, their early predictors, and school-age outcomes.

This study identified latent trajectories of physical aggression (TPA) from infancy to preschool age and evaluated (a) effects of early parent, parenting and child predictors on TPA as well as on social, behavioral, and academic functioning in Grade 2, and (b) TPA effects net of early predictor effects on Grade 2 functioning. We used data from the Behavior Outlook Norwegian Developmental Study (BONDS), which included 1,159 children (559 girls). Parents reported on risk and protective factors, and on physical aggression from 1 to 5 years of age; teachers reported on Grade 2 outcomes. We employed latent class growth curve analyses and identified nine TPA. In fully adjusted models simultaneously testing all associations among predictors, trajectories, and outcomes, maternal and paternal harsh parenting, child gender, and sibling presence predicted TPA, which significantly predicted externalizing and academic competence in Grade 2. Child gender had a pervasive influence on all outcomes as well as on TPA. To our knowledge, this is the first trajectory study to determine which predictors are most proximal, more distal, or just confounded, with their relative direct effect sizes, and to link early paternal as well as maternal harsh parenting practices with children's TPA. Our findings underscore the need to include fathers in developmental research and early prevention and intervention efforts.

Isolation and characterization of two phages against emetic Bacillus cereus and their potential applications

AbstractBacillus cereus is a common foodborne pathogen capable of producing cereulide and enterotoxin. Consumption of food contaminated with cereulide can even result in fatality. Bacteriophages are increasingly being utilized as biocontrol agents to combat specific pathogens in a variety of food products. However, there are currently no lytic phages available to target cereulide‐producing B. cereus. This study aims to isolate and characterize two novel phages, DC1 and DC2, and assess their potential for use in food substrates. These two phages possessed the widest host range among the reported lytic phages that target B. cereus. The whole genome analysis demonstrated that DC1 and DC2 belonged to the Tsarbombavirus genus of the Bastillevirinae subfamily, which is part of the Herelleviridae family. The one‐step growth curve analysis revealed that DC1 had a latent period of 30 min and a burst size of approximately 39 PFU (plaque‐forming units) per cell. On the other hand, DC2 exhibited a shorter latent period of 15 min and a larger burst size of 124 PFU per cell. Both phages had a burst period of 30 min. Furthermore, DC1 and DC2 displayed excellent stability within a wide range of pH levels and temperatures. After undergoing a brief phage‐soaking treatment, DC1 and DC2 effectively reduced the bacterial count in spiked food samples. Additionally, they inhibited the formation of biofilms and degraded already‐formed biofilms. Collectively, DC1 and DC2 exhibit great potential as biocontrol agents for the prevention and control of B. cereus contamination in foods.

Age is not just a number: How incorrect ageing impacts close-kin mark-recapture estimates of population size.

Population size is a key parameter for the conservation of animal species. Close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) relies on the observed frequency and type of kinship among individuals sampled from the population to estimate population size. Knowledge of the age of the individuals, or a surrogate thereof, is essential for inference with acceptable precision. One common approach, particularly in fish studies, is to measure animal length and infer age using an assumed age-length relationship (a 'growth curve'). We used simulation to test the effect of misspecifying the length measurement error and the growth curve on population size estimation. Simulated populations represented two fictional shark species, one with a relatively simple life history and the other with a more complex life history based on the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). We estimated sex-specific adult abundance, which we assumed to be constant in time. We observed small median biases in these estimates ranging from 1.35% to 2.79% when specifying the correct measurement error standard deviation and growth curve. CI coverage was adequate whenever the growth curve was correctly specified. Introducing error via misspecified growth curves resulted in changes in the magnitude of the estimated adult population, where underestimating age negatively biased the abundance estimates. Over- and underestimating the standard deviation of length measurement error did not introduce a bias and had negligible effect on the variance in the estimates. Our findings show that assuming an incorrect standard deviation of length measurement error has little effect on estimation, but having an accurate growth curve is crucial for CKMR whenever ageing is based on length measurements. If ageing could be biased, researchers should be cautious when interpreting CKMR results and consider the potential biases arising from inaccurate age inference.

Anemoside B4 attenuates necrotic enteritis of laying hens induced by Clostridium perfringens via inhibiting NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathways

Poultry necrotic enteritis is an important enteric disease which might be controlled by antibiotics. However, with the excessive use of antibiotics, the phenomenon of drug resistance of Clostridium perfringens is becoming increasingly prominent. Anemoside B4 exhibits important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. This study was performed to estimate the effect of Anemoside B4 on chicken necrotic enteritis induced by C. perfringens in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo experiment we investigated the efficacy of Anemoside B4 on the growth curve, biofilm formation, haemolytic activity, virulence-related gene expression and NF-κB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation in Caco-2 cells induced by C. perfringens. The results showed that 12.5–50 μg/mL Anemoside B4 had no antibacterial activity but could inhibit biofilm formation, attenuate haemolytic activity and virulence-related gene expression of C. perfringens and weaken NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation triggered by C. perfringens in Caco-2 cells. In the in vivo experiment, 60 17-day-old healthy White Leghorns were randomly divided into six groups. The growing laying hens of the control group were fed a basic diet, and those of the five challenged groups were fed a basic diet (infection group), added 0.43 g/kg Anemoside B4 (0.43 g/kg Ane group), 0.86 g/kg Anemoside B4 (0.86 g/kg Ane group), 1.72 g/kg Anemoside B4 (1.72 g/kg Ane group) and 40 mg/kg lincomycin (lincomycin group), respectively. All challenged laying hens were infected with 1 × 109 CFU C. perfringens from day 17–20. Blood and intestinal samples were obtained, and the data demonstrated that Anemoside B4 improved the blood biochemical parameters, attenuated jejunum tissue injury, increased the spleen, thymus, bursa of fabricius index, and decreased lesion scores of the jejunum and the ileum. In the jejunum, Anemoside B4 and lincomycin downregulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ at mRNA levels. Moreover, Anemoside B4 significantly enhanced both mRNA and protein levels of tight junctions ZO-1, Claudin-1 and MUC-2 in the jejunum. Anemoside B4 weakened p-P65, p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expression in the jejunum infected by C. perfringens. Diets supplemented with Anemoside B4 alleviated C. perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis in laying hens by inhibiting NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathways and improving intestinal barrier functions.

Gender Stratification, Racial Disparities, and Student Debt Trajectories in the United States

In the United States, post-secondary educational outcomes are stratified by gender, with women attending college and completing their degrees at higher rates. At the same time, student loan debt has become an ubiquitous part of the college process for many pursuing higher education, increasing the financial risks associated with the pursuit of higher education while lessening the financial rewards. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97) of young adults who ever attended a post-secondary institution and growth curve models, we estimate gender disparities in student debt trajectories throughout young adulthood. Building on work on the racialization of the student debt landscape (Houle & Addo 2022), we also investigate the intersection of race and gender, and include both within race gender analyses and within gender racial analyses. Gender differences in student debt at baseline, or at the age of first college enrollment, are large and the gender debt gap grows at 1.2% per year. We document evidence of a curvilinear relationship in student debt in young adulthood, with student debt accumulating at the beginning of the college enrollment period and the rate of increase declining over time as adults age. Women, who start the period with larger amounts of student debt, experience faster growth in their debt accumulation followed by lower declines relative to young adult men. These patterns are magnified among Black young adults, with the gender debt disparity between Black women and Black men growing 3.4% annually. We find no association between gender and student debt trajectories among Latinx and White young adults. Within-gender models highlight the prevalence of the student debt crisis among Black women and Black men. Additional analyses suggest gender differences in debt trajectories are a function of postsecondary and young adult socioeconomic characteristics, reflecting broader societal inequalities that stem from structural elements related to post-secondary schooling and economic status. These patterns may inhibit wealth-building among women and Black adults in the United States.

Screening and Activity Evaluation of Novel BCR-ABL/T315I Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a kind of malignant tumor formed by the clonal proliferation of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. BCR-ABL fusion protein, found in more than 90% of patients, is a vital target for discovering anti- CML drugs. Up to date, imatinib is the first BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved by the FDA for treating CML. However, the drug resistance problems appeared for many reasons, especially the T135I mutation, a "gatekeeper" of BCR-ABL. Currently, there is no long-term effective and low side effect drug in clinical. This study intends to find novel TKIs targeting BCR-ABL with high inhibitory activity against T315I mutant protein by combining artificial intelligence technology and cell growth curve, cytotoxicity, flow cytometry and Western blot experiments. The obtained compound was found to kill leukemia cells, which had good inhibitory efficacy in BaF3/T315I cells. Compound no 4 could induce cell cycle arrest, cause autophagy and apoptosis, and inhibit the phosphorylation of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, STAT5 and Crkl proteins. The results indicated that the screened compound could be used as a lead compound for further research to discover ideal chronic myeloid leukemia therapeutic drugs.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms in LIBRETTO-431 patients with RET fusion-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

11068 Background: LIBRETTO-431 (NCT04194944), a randomized phase 3 trial, compared first-line selpercatinib to platinum-based chemotherapy +/- pembrolizumab (pembro). Selpercatinib, a highly selective and potent CNS penetrant RET inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of advanced RET fusion+ NSCLC. This analysis reported NSCLC symptoms and HRQoL from LIBRETTO-431. Methods: This analysis used data (cut-off date: May 01, 2023) from the intent-to-treat (ITT) pembro subpopulation [selpercatinib (n=129); chemotherapy + pembro (control, n=83)] to assess time to confirmed deterioration (TTCD) of NSCLC symptoms (cough, dyspnea, pain, fatigue, poor appetite using NSCLC-Symptom Assessment Questionnaire [SAQ]). TTCD of NSCLC symptoms were defined as time from randomization to the first score that met the pre-specified meaningful within-patient change thresholds, confirmed at next assessment. TTCD was compared between treatment arms using log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Changes of NSCLC-SAQ total score (meaningful important difference [MID] ≥2 points) and HRQoL (using EORTC QLQ-C30 Physical Function (MID ≥6 points) and Global Health Status (GHS)/QoL (MID ≥5 points)) up to 1 year were evaluated and compared between the arms using a growth curve model and mixed model for repeated measures. Results: Selpercatinib significantly (p <.05) delayed TTCD of all individual symptoms with hazard ratio ranging from 0.41 (cough and pain) to 0.57 (dyspnea), compared to control (Table). Selpercatinib also showed a significant and clinically meaningful difference in the mean NSCLC-SAQ total score (difference = -2.0, p <.001) and physical function (difference = 8.1, p =.003) at 1 year, compared to control. GHS/QoL was improved in both arms with no difference in the mean scores between the arms at 1 year. Conclusions: Selpercatinib significantly delayed TTCD of NSCLC symptoms and improved physical function compared to control in this patient population after 1 year of treatment. The findings were consistent with the favorable efficacy of selpercatinib compared with platinum-based chemotherapy + pembro and further support 1L use of selpercatinib in this population. [Table: see text]

Analysis of Growth Curve with Non-Linear Models of Gompertz and Logistics Model in Female Katjang X Boer Goats in Malaysia

Analysis of Growth Curve with Non-Linear Models of Gompertz and Logistics Model in Female Katjang X Boer Goats in Malaysia

Marine environmental variability in Northern Patagonia (Southwestern Atlantic Ocean) as recorded in Glycymeris longior shells

Certain marine regions in the world lack long instrumental records of environmental variables or such records are incomplete. This deficiency particularly applies to Argentine Patagonia, where existing instrumental records span only the last few decades. In the present study it was explored whether such data can be reconstructed from a natural archive, specifically shells of the bivalve mollusk Glycymeris longior from the San Matías Gulf, north Patagonia. For this purpose, a multidecade-long time-series was constructed using variations in the annual shell growth. The time-series spans from 1890 to 2020 and is based on shells from museum collections (live-collected from 1918, 1933 and 1945) and from scientific surveys conducted between 1989 and 2021. An analysis of the links between environmental variables and shell growth was performed between 1976 and 2020 (expressed population signal >0.85). The common signal among the growth curves of individual specimens of G. longior suggests that the growth is influenced by environmental parameters. However, the growth of G. longior did not show significant correlations with the low- nor with the high-frequency components of SST and food supply (chlorophyll-a concentration and POC), suggesting that these parameters do not limit shell growth at the studied site or were undetected with our analyses. The chronology also seems to be insensitive to regional climate patterns such as the Southern Annular Mode. The chronology has the potential for being expanded spatially and temporally.

Prognosis recovery score of apical surgery Guided Bone Regeneration using cone beam computed tomography and digital bioinformatics

ObjectiveGuided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a dental surgical procedure that uses barrier membranes to prevent soft tissue invasion and conduct new bone growth. This study aimed to define a Prognosis Recovery score (PR score) to objectively classify post-surgery responders from non-responder patients who underwent GBR using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). MethodsThis prospective-observational-longitudinal-cohort study recruited 250 individuals who were assigned to: Conventional-Apical-Surgery (CAS, n = 39), Apical-Surgery using human fascia lata Membrane placement (ASM, n = 42), and Apical-Surgery using human fascia lata Membrane placement and lyophilized allograft Bone powder (ASMB, n = 39); and Apical-Surgery using collagen membrane Porcine origin and Bovine Bone-matrix (ASPBB, n = 130), an independent external validation cohort. Surgery was performed, and evolution was monitored by CBCTs at 0, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24 months post-surgery. ResultsNormalized lesion volumes were calculated, and non-linear time evolution morphology curves were characterized. The three-time evolution bone growth patterns were: a linear tendency (PR0), “S'' shaped log-logistic (PR1), and “C" cellular growth (PR2). The treatment success rates were PR2-46 %, PR2-88 %, and PR2-95 %/PR1-5% for CAS, ASM, and ASMB groups. The xenograft ASPBB counterpart achieved PR2-92 % and PR1-8%. The score PR had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100 %. ConclusionsPatients' treatment success can be quantitatively, objectively, and precisely predicted with the Prognosis Recovery score (using only two CBCTs), according to their biological response to allograft or xenograft materials (time-evolution bone growth curves), reducing cost and radiation exposure. Clinical significanceThrough digital imaging and bioinformatic analysis of bone regeneration observed in CBCTs, we defined a Prognosis Recovery (PR) score using only two CBCT volume assessments (0 and 6 months). The PR score allowed us to define three time-evolution curves depending on the biomaterials used and to classify patients in a quantitative, objective, and accurate way.

Multiethnic growth standards for fetal body composition and organ volumes derived from 3D ultrasonography

BackgroundA major goal of contemporary obstetrical practice is to optimize fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy. To date, fetal growth during prenatal care is assessed by performing ultrasonographic measurement of two-dimensional fetal biometry to calculate an estimated fetal weight. Our group previously established two-dimensional fetal growth standards using sonographic data from a large cohort with multiple sonograms. A separate objective of that investigation involved the collection of fetal volumes from the same cohort. ObjectiveThe Fetal 3D Study was designed to establish standards for fetal soft tissue and organ volume measurements by three-dimensional ultrasonography and compare growth trajectories with conventional two-dimensional measures where applicable. Study DesignThe NICHD Fetal 3D Study included research-quality images of singletons collected in a prospective, racially and ethnically diverse, low-risk cohort of pregnant individuals at 12 U.S. sites, with up to five scans per fetus (N=1,730 fetuses). Abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness was measured from two-dimensional images and fetal limb soft tissue parameters extracted from three-dimensional multiplanar views. Cerebellar, lung, liver and kidney volumes were measured using virtual organ computer aided analysis (VOCAL). Fractional arm and thigh total volumes, and fractional lean limb volumes were measured, with fractional limb fat volume calculated by subtracting lean from total. For each measure, weighted curves (5th, 50th, 95th percentiles) were derived from 15-41 weeks’ using linear mixed models for repeated measures with cubic splines. ResultsSubcutaneous thickness of the abdomen, arm, and thigh increased linearly, with slight acceleration around 27-29 weeks. Fractional volumes of the arm, thigh, and lean limb volumes increased along a quadratic curvature, with acceleration around 29-30 weeks. In contrast, growth patterns for two-dimensional humerus and femur lengths demonstrated a logarithmic shape, with fastest growth in the 2nd trimester. The mid-arm area curve was similar in shape to fractional arm volume, with an acceleration around 30 weeks, whereas the curve for the lean arm area was more gradual. The abdominal area curve was similar to the mid-arm area curve with an acceleration around 29 weeks. The mid-thigh and lean area curves differed from the arm areas by exhibiting a deceleration at 39 weeks. The growth curves for the mid arm and thigh circumferences were more linear with some decelerations. Cerebellar two-dimensional diameter increased linearly, whereas cerebellar three-dimensional volume growth gradually accelerated until 32 weeks and then decelerated. Lung, kidney, and liver volumes all demonstrated gradual early growth followed by a linear acceleration beginning at 25 weeks for lungs, 26-27 weeks for kidneys, and 29 weeks for liver. ConclusionGrowth patterns and timing of maximal growth for three-dimensional lean and fat measures, limb and organ volumes differed from patterns revealed by traditional two-dimensional growth measures, suggesting these parameters reflect unique facets of fetal growth. Growth in these three-dimensional measures may be altered by genetic, nutritional, metabolic or environmental influences and pregnancy complications, in ways not identifiable using corresponding two-dimensional measures. Further investigation into the relationships of these three-dimensional standards to abnormal fetal growth, adverse perinatal outcomes, and health status in postnatal life is warranted.

Synthesis of acylated derivatives of alginate oligosaccharides and evaluation of their potential antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus

Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) are crucial carbohydrate-based biomaterial used in the synthesis of potential drugs and biological agents, but their antibacterial activities are not significant. In this study, AOS acylated derivatives were synthesized by grafting maleic anhydride (MA) onto AOS at varying ratios. Additionally, their inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus were thoroughly investigated. Characterization of the AOS acylated derivatives (AOS-MA-x, where x = 1, 5, 10, and 20) was conducted using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, which confirmed the successful synthesis of these derivatives. The bacteriostatic activity of the AOS-MA derivatives was assessed using growth curves and plate coating method, demonstrating significant antibacterial effects against S. aureus, as compared with AOS. Among these derivatives, AOS-MA-20 exhibited the most potent bacteriostatic activity and was selected for further investigation of its inhibitory mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that treatment with AOS-MA-20 led to the lysis and rupture of S. aureus cells, expelling their intracellular contents. Moreover, AOS-MA-20 disrupted the integrity of cell wall and cell membrane, impacted ATPase activity, and inhibited the formation of biofilm to some extent, ultimately resulting in bacterial death. These findings lay a foundational framework for the development of environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents.

Centroid of the bacterial growth curves: a metric to assess phage efficiency

Phage replication can be studied using various approaches, including measuring the optical density (OD) of a bacterial culture in a liquid medium in the presence of phages. A few quantitative methods are available to measure and compare the efficiency of phages by using a single index based on the analysis of OD curves. However, these methods are not always applicable to non-canonical OD curves. Using the concept of center of area (centroid), we developed a metric called Centroid Index (CI), sensitive to the trend of the growth curves (OD distribution) including bacterial regrowth, which is not considered by the methods already available. We also provide a user-friendly software to facilitate the calculation of CI. This method offers an alternative and more precise way to determine phage efficiency by considering the OD variations over time, which may help in the selection of phages for biocontrol applications.

USP14 increases the sensitivity of retinoblastoma to cisplatin by mediating the ferroptosis.

The aim of this study is to explore the function of USP14 on the sensitivity of retinoblastoma (RB) to cisplatin (DDP) and the underlying mechanism. USP14 was knockdown in Y79 cells by transfecting three siRNAs (si-USP14-1, si-USP14-2, and si-USP14-3), with si-USP14 NC as the negative control. si-USP14-3 was selected by results of Western blotting. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the IC50 of Y79 cells and the growth curve. The cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and ROS level were measured by flow cytometry. The expression level of P-GP, ERCC1, survivin, GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4, NOX1, COX2, and FASN was determined by the Western blotting assay. CO-IP assay was utilized to evaluate the interaction between USP14 and FASN. The IC50 of DDP in Y79 cells and Y79/DDP cells was 7.83 µM and 24.67 µM, respectively. Compared to control and si-USP14 NC groups, increased apoptotic rate and ROS level, and arrested cell cycle in S phase were observed in USP14-knockdown Y79 cells. Compared to control and si-USP14 NC groups, increased apoptotic rate and arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase were observed in USP14-knockdown Y79/DDP cells. Compared to control, increased ROS level was observed in USP14-knockdown Y79/DDP cells. Compared to the si-USP14 NC groups, extremely downregulated P-GP, ERCC1, survivin, GPX4, FTH1, NOX1, COX2, and FASN were observed in USP14-knockdown Y79 cells or Y79/DDP cells, accompanied by the elevated expression of ACSL4. The interaction between USP14 and FASN was identified according to the result of CO-IP assay. By silencing USP14 in Y79 and Y79/DDP cells, levels of resistance-related proteins (P-GP, ERCC1, and survivin), ferroptosis-related proteins (FTH1 and GPX4), and lipid metabolism-related proteins (NOX1, COX2, and FASN) were dramatically reduced, accompanied by enhanced ROS level, increased apoptosis, and restrained DNA content, indicating that USP14 might suppress the DDP resistance in RB by mediating ferroptosis, which is an important target for treating RB.

Modeling the growth curve in ducks: a sinusoidal model as an alternative to classical nonlinear models

The present study aimed to apply a sinusoidal model to duck body weight records in order to introduce it to the field of poultry science. Using 8 traditional growth functions as a guide (Bridges, Janoschek, logistic, Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy, Richards, Schumacher, and Morgan), this study looked at how well the sinusoidal equation described the growth patterns of ducks. By evaluating statistical performance and examining model behavior during nonlinear regression curve fitting, models were compared. The data used in this study came from 3 published articles reporting 1) body weight records of Kuzi ducks aged 1 to 70 d, 2) body weight records for Polish Peking ducks aged 1 to 70 d, and 3) average body weight of Peking ducks aged 1 to 42 d belonging to 5 different breeds. The general goodness-of-fit of each model to the various data profiles was assessed using the adjusted coefficient of determination, root mean square error, Akaike's information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion. All of the models had adjusted coefficient of determination values that were generally high, indicating that the models generally fit the data well. Duck growth dynamics are accurately described by the chosen sinusoidal equation. The sinusoidal equation was found to be one of the best functions for describing the age-related changes in body weight in ducks when the growth functions were compared using the goodness-of-fit criteria. To date, no research has been conducted on the use of sinusoidal equations to describe duck growth development. To describe the growth curves for a variety of duck strains/lines, the sinusoidal function employed in this study serves as a suitable substitute for conventional growth functions.

Durability Analysis of Cold Spray Repairs: Phase I-Effect of Surface Grit Blasting.

This paper presents the results of an extensive investigation into the durability of cold spray repairs to corrosion damage in AA7075-T7351 aluminium alloy specimens where, prior to powder deposition, the surface preparation involved grit blasting. In this context, it is shown that the growth of small naturally occurring cracks in cold spray repairs to simulated corrosion damage can be accurately computed using the Hartman-Schijve crack growth equation in a fashion that is consistent with the requirements delineated in USAF Structures Bulletin EZ-SB-19-01, MIL-STD-1530D, and the US Joint Services Structural Guidelines JSSG2006. The relatively large variation in the da/dN versus ΔK curves associated with low values of da/dN highlights the fact that, before any durability assessment of a cold spray repair to an operational airframe is attempted, it is first necessary to perform a sufficient number of tests so that the worst-case small crack growth curve needed to perform the mandated airworthiness certification analysis can be determined.

Does Social Support Moderate the Relationship Between Frailty and Functional Ability Trajectory Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults?

Functional ability is the important prerequisite to live independently and achieve aging in place, which depends on the complex interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Identifying the trends and influencing factors of functional ability would contribute to the accurate assessment and intervention of geriatric health. This study aimed to disentangle the moderating effect of 3 types of social support, namely objective support, subjective support, and support utilization, on the relationship between frailty and functional ability trajectories. This was a secondary analysis using data from a prospective 3-wave study with a sample of 777 Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Social support was assessed using the Social Support Rating scale. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale. Functional ability was measured by the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. Latent growth curve models were implemented to test their relationships. Objective support but not subjective support or support utilization moderated on the relationship between frailty and functional ability slope. Functional ability decline over time was buffered by objective support among robust individuals but exacerbated among (pre)frail individuals. The moderating effect of social support on the relationship between frailty and functional ability trajectory varies by support types, which reminded that social support may be a promising intervention target to maintain functional independence for frail individuals, opening up a new perspective on social support in the field of disability prevention. Effective interventions should particularly address objective support in conjunction with empowering the frail older population to optimize the trajectory of functional ability.

STUNTING: EARLY DETECTION WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS AND MANAGEMENT

Stunting is a condition of short stature in which the length or height of the body is not appropriate for the age when compared to the growth curve. Stunting is also known as a condition of failed growth in children (body and brain growth) caused by long-term malnutrition related to low socioeconomic status, poor maternal nutrition and health, history of recurrent illness, and inappropriate infant and child feeding practices. One way to detect initial stunting is through anthropometric measurements. Early detection prevents stunting with periodic measurements of weight and height according to age, which can help prevent and manage stunting. This research method is a literature review. Literature searches use online databases such as Google Scholar, including PubMed, DOAJ, and GARUDA, for articles published in the last ten years. Keywords related to the theme are applied during the article search process. A total of 14 articles or journals were selected as study materials. The results of the literature review explain the epidemiology, aetiology, risk factors, anthropometric measurements, and prevention of stunting in children. In conclusion, early detection through anthropometric measurements can prevent stunting and ensure more optimal management.