Maturity Values Research Articles

COBIT 5 Monitoring and Evaluation on the Electronic Procurement Services in Gorontalo Province

In accordance with Gorontalo Provincial Government Regulation No. 3 of 2016 concerning the Implementation of Information and Communication Technology-Based Deliberations, the Local Government (the provincial, municipality and regency government) is obliged to manage data in information system applications for internal and external interests by paying attention to the security of the application of communication and informatics, Gorontalo’s LPSE serves to ensure that IT organizations use resources efficiently, secure organizational assets, maintain organizational data integrity and security, and achieve organizational goals effectively. This corresponds to the Province ’s vision of e-Government. One of Gorontalo’s e-Government infrastructures is the e-procurement service. To find out whether the LPSE service is effective, evaluation is needed. This paper presents an evaluation of Electronic Procurement Services using COBIT 5 (Target Control for Information and Technology related version 5). By analyzing awareness management on the strategic plan for Electronic Procurement Services (LPSE) that need to be evaluated. Namely in the process (ME1) in terms of information technology performance, after conducting an Awareness Management analysis then measure the level of management ability by using the Maturity model to get maturity values for performance domain information technology (ME1) with a maturity value of 2,56. internal control (ME2) with a maturity value of 1,80. In accordance with external requirements (ME3) with a maturity value of 2,44. and information technology governance (ME4) with maturity values 2,99.

Assessment of the depositional environment and source rock potential of permian shales, siltstones and coal seams from the Santa Terezinha Coalfield, Paraná Basin, Brazil

Coal, shale and siltstone samples from the Serra Alta, Irati, Palermo and Rio Bonito formations (Early Permian: Kungarian, Artinskian and Sakmarian) were collected from borehole CBM001-ST-RS (core ST) over a depth range from 496.40 to 637.75 m. This core was evaluated by geochemical parameters to identify organic matter type, depositional environment and hydrocarbon generation potential. The effects of igneous intrusion on the maturity parameters from the shale and carbonaceous shale from Rio Bonito Formation between 605.45 and 610.90 m were also evaluated. Regardless the geological formation, the mineralogical composition along the ST core shows few variations in quartz, Na-plagioclase, illite, kaolinite, carbonates such as calcite and ankerite and some contributions of pyrite. Samples are characterized by a predominance of terrigenous organic matter and the evaluation of the depositional environment indicates two types: fluvial-deltaic environment, where the organic matter was subjected to suboxic or periodically dysoxic conditions, and marine environment related to source rocks deposited under anoxic conditions. All samples are at present time at a maturity near the peak of the oil window (except samples in contact or near igneous intrusions), and have poor to fair hydrocarbon generative potential. In the stratigraphic interval of the Rio Bonito Formation, specifically in samples close to diabase intrusions (coal seam ST-5 and shale ST-6), TOC, bitumen, and SARA composition showed significant variations that are probably caused by the contact with igneous intrusions. In this interval, saturated biomarkers did not represent values indicating an advanced maturity degree. They seem not having reached their equilibrium or endpoint values of maturity. This behavior is attributed to the development of rapid heating rates probably caused by high temperatures associated with the diabase intrusions. However, aromatic hydrocarbon ratios such as the methylphenanthrene index (MPI-1 and MPI-1(modified)) and methyldibenzothiophene ratio (MDR) did show maturity trends that agree with reported vitrinite reflectance determinations in the contact zones with igneous rocks. As a result, these parameters may be used to identify maturity levels in areas with igneous activity.

094 Phase III Study Evaluating Efficacy and Safety of Ospemifene in Menopausal Women with Moderate to Severe Vaginal Dryness: Overall Patient Satisfaction with Treatment

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GMS), comprising vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), impacts the health and quality of life of postmenopausal women. Genital symptoms of VVA include dyspareunia and vaginal dryness as most bothersome symptoms (MBS) which over time lead to sexual dysfunction and emotional distress. This condition continues to be underdiagnosed, is characterized by poor patient satisfaction towards increasingly available treatments, and remains an area of unmet need. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ospemifene, an oral, selective estrogen receptor modulator and nonhormonal option for the treatment of vaginal dryness as the MBS of postmenopausal women with VVA. The proportion of responders and overall patient satisfaction were evaluated as secondary endpoints. This Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy and safety of ospemifene in menopausal women with vaginal dryness as MBS of VVA. Eligible subjects were postmenopausal, age 40-80 with moderate to severe vaginal dryness as a self-reported MBS. Subjects were randomized (1:1) to ospemifene 60 mg once daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline at 4, 8 and 12 weeks in: 1) Maturation Value (MV) calculated from the percentages of superficial, intermediate and parabasal cells; 2) Proportion of responders, defined as a composite of primary efficacy endpoints: specified degree of improvements in MV, vaginal pH and severity of dryness; 3) Female sexual function index (FSFI), a total score derived from a computational formula integrating individual domain scores; 4) Overall patient satisfaction evaluated using an eDiary and summarized weekly for 12 weeks for each treatment group.

Deriving economic values for national sheep breeding objectives using a bio-economic model

The economic value of a trait in a breeding objective can be defined as the value of a unit change in an individual trait, while keeping all other traits constant and are widely used in the development of breeding objectives internationally. The objective of this study was to provide a description of the development of economic values for the pertinent traits included in the Irish national sheep breeding objectives using a whole farm system bio-economic model. A total of fourteen traits of economic importance representing maternal, lambing, production and health characteristics were calculated within a whole farm bio-economic model. The model was parameterised to represent an average Irish flock of 107 ewes with a mean lambing date in early March, stocked at 7.5 ewes per hectare and weaning 1.5 lambs per ewe joined to the ram. The economic values (units in parenthesis) calculated for maternal traits were: €39.76 for number of lambs born (per lamb), €0.12 for ewe mature weight cull value (per kg), −€0.57 for ewe mature weight maintenance value (per kg), −€0.09 for ewe mature weight replacement value (per kg) and −€0.84 for ewe replacement rate (per%). The economic values calculated for lambing traits were: €54.84 for lamb surviving at birth (per lamb), −€0.27 and −€0.30 for direct lambing difficulty in single and multiple-bearing ewes, respectively (per%); the corresponding values for maternal single and multiple lambing difficulty (per%) were −€0.25 and −€0.27, respectively. The calculated economic values for production traits were: −€0.25 for days to slaughter (per day), €3.70 for carcass Conformation (per EUROP grade) and −€0.84 for carcass fat (per fat score). The economic values for health traits were: −€0.24 for ewe lameness (per%), −€0.08 for lamb lameness (per%), −€0.25 for mastitis (per%), −€0.34 for dag score (per dag score) and −€0.08 for faecal egg count (per 50 eggs/g). Within the two Irish breeding objectives, the terminal and replacement breeding objective, the greatest emphasis was placed on production traits across both the terminal (62.56%) and replacement (41.65%) breeding objectives. The maternal and lambing traits accounted for the 34.19% and 23.45% of the emphasis within the replacement breeding objective, respectively. Results from this study will enable the implementation of new economic values within the national terminal and replacement Irish sheep breeding objectives which highlights the traits of importance for increasing overall farm profitability.

Geological controls on the accumulation of shale gas: A case study of the early Cambrian shale in the Upper Yangtze area

Abstract The results of sedimentological, mineralogical, geochemical and petrophysical studies on the early Cambrian shale in the Upper Yangtze area are summarized to provide insights on the paleoenvironmental conditions, diagenetic evolution and preservation conditions that give rise to shale gas accumulation. The lower Cambrian organic-rich Qiongzhusi shale is mainly developed in the outer shelf facies of an intracratonic sag [average total organic carbon (TOC): 1.3–2.5%] and in the southeast margin (average TOC: 3.5–5.5%) of the Upper Yangtze area. The thermal maturity values (Reqv) of the Qiongzhusi shale range from 2.19 to 4.23%, while first increasing and then decreasing from the center of the Sichuan Basin outward. The average porosities of the Qiongzhusi shale from the outer shelf facies association (FA5) in the intracratonic rift range from 1.5 to 3.41%, and those from the outer shelf facies association (FA4) in the southeast Sichuan and Guizhou areas range from 1.32 to 2.56%. The organic matter (OM) content and the development degree of OM pores are the main factors that control the porosity and pore structure of the Qiongzhusi shale. For the outer shelf deposits in the intracratonic rift, a quartz (detrital origin) content ranging between 25 and 35% is most favorable for providing an effective support framework for OM pore development due to the mixture of brittle and clay minerals. For the outer shelf deposits in the southeastern margin of the Upper Yangtze area, the high OM content and poor compaction resistance cause a poor development of OM pores, with a smaller average pore diameter than that in the outer shelf shale of the intracratonic rift. In addition, the carbonization of OM in the overmature Qiongzhusi shale change the microstructure and decrease the OM pore volume. Due to poor preservation conditions, the gas content is generally low in the organic-rich shale in the eastern and southeastern parts of the Upper Yangtze region. The Qiongzhusi shale in the interior of the Sichuan Basin, with good preservation conditions, high pressure coefficients, and high gas contents, is a favorable area for shale gas accumulation and potential exploitation.

Analisis Keamanan Sistem Informasi Berdasarkan Framework COBIT 5 Menggunakan Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)

Information technology is a very important part of a company or institution. The information system itself is expected to provide better benefits for companies or institutions. However, along with technological developments are often misused by some irresponsible parties that can lead to threats of the use of technology. Information system security is very important for institutions to maintain information optimally and safely. The existence of a security problem triggers a procedure to control access rights in an information system. A good information system is an information system that can be assessed at a security level, so that it can provide comfort for users. COBIT 5 as an information technology security control standard. Whereas to achieve the standard level of achievement CMMI is needed in information technology security. The combination of the two standards in the information system is able to provide a level of achievement of information technology. The results obtained from the maturity value are 4,458 which means the institutions are at the Managed and Measurable level. This level, institutions are increasingly made aware of technological developments. Institutions have implemented the quantification concept in each process, and are always monitored and controlled for performance. Information system security at this level is good, it's just that it still needs innovation and development to be ready, fast and right in handling security threats.

Radiographic evaluation of bone maturations in children and adolescents living in Erzurum using Greulich-Pyle method

Objectives: Bone age (BA) is used in age determination for a number of medico-legal reasons. One of the most commonly used radiographic methods in BA assessment is to compare hand-wrist radiographs with a standard reference. In this study, Greulich-Pyle (GP) method was used to determine the bone maturation values of a population of children and adolescents living in the city of Erzurum, Turkey. Methods: Hand and wrist radiographs of 507 individuals (243 boys and 264 girls) aged between 7–19 years were evaluated and the BA was estimated by a radiologist using the GP method. Difference between estimated BA and chronological age (CA) was analyzed. Results: In boys, except for the ages of 12,13 and 17 years, BA was significantly lower than the chronological age. In girls, BA was significantly lower than CA at 7, 8, 18 and 19 years of age, but not statistically different in the other ages. Conclusion: According to the GP atlas, it is suggested that many factors including high altitude, cold climate, environment, nutrition, genetics, ethnics and socio-economic diversities might cause differences between BA and CA. Our results obtained in this study suggest that this method can guide the determination of bone age in children living in Erzurum, Turkey. However, in certain age groups for both genders, the GP method significantly underestimated skeletal age.

Disposições Valorativas entre Empreendedores Informais Brasileiros

Studies on entrepreneurial behaviour are neglecting various psychosocial specificities related to the informal entrepreneurship. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the behaviour of informal entrepreneurs through its values provisions that are underlying. For this, we counted with the participation of 173 informal entrepreneurs from three cities at the state of Alagoas, in which they are 84 (48.6%) men and 89 (51.4%) women, aged 14-70 years (M = 39.83, SD = 0.90). Participants were asked to answer to (1) the Basic Values Questionnaire and (2) the Socio-demographic Questionnaire. Informal entrepreneurs surveyed had value patterns with materialistic motivating and central guiding principle, being the Existence values (m = 6.277) more driven – Survival and Maturity values as priorities –, associated to a strong correlation with the Promotion values (r = 0.446; p = 0.000), which shows up congruent with what the literature attributes to the entrepreneur prototype. The study provided explanations on possible sociological and anthropological explainers for the informal entrepreneurship, about the structural nature of self-employment in Brazil, such as the difficulty in entering the formal labour market, the need for survival and the culture of informality linked to the construct of the Brazilian Jeitinho.

An overview of the phytoestrogen effect on vaginal health and dyspareunia in peri- and post-menopausal women.

The aim of this overview was to evaluate the effectiveness of phytoestrogens on vaginal health and dyspareunia in peri- and post-menopausal women. Three databases including MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were from inception to August 2017. Two systematic reviews and 11 RCTs were included in the overview. According to the findings, isoflavones increased the maturation value and attenuated the vaginal atrophy in the post-menopausal women. Topical isoflavones had beneficial effects on the vaginal atrophy. Similar efficacy was found in Pueraria mirifica and conjugated estrogen cream on dryness ( p = 0.277), soreness ( p = 0.124) and irritation ( p = 0.469), as well as discharge ( p = 0.225) and dyspareunia ( p = 0.089). However, the conjugated estrogen cream was more effective compared to Pueraria mirifica ( p > 0.005) regarding maturation index improvement. Comparison of fennel 5% vaginal cream and placebo gel showed significant difference in superficial cells ( p < 0.01), parabasal cells ( p < 0.01) and intermediate cells ( p < 0.01), whereas no difference was found between the oral fennel and placebo in terms of superficial, parabasal and intermediate cells as well as Maturation value. Administration of 80 mg red clover oil had a significant effect on superficial ( p < 0.005), intermediate ( p < 0.005) and parabasal and vaginal dryness ( p < 0.005) compared to the placebo. Flaxseed had also a trivial effect on maturation value. Genistein had a more prominent effect on the genital score. The severity of dyspareunia decreased by 27%. Phytoestrogens have various effects based on administration route and type on the vaginal atrophy.

Ethics‐relevant values in adulthood: Longitudinal findings from the life and time study

This study investigates a set of variables related to the relative valuing of narrow self-interest versus the concerns of a larger community. These values likely capture stable dispositions. Additionally, because ethics-relevant values are associated with ongoing cultural and moral socialization, they may develop over time as in May's theory of "mature" values. We administered eight value priority scales (Mature Values, Unmitigated Self-Interest, Materialism, Financial Aspirations, and Horizontal and Vertical Individualism and Collectivism) to a national community sample (N=864, 66% female, 71% White, mean age 36) on four occasions approximately one year apart (Time 4 N=570). We examined the mean-level change as cross-sectional age differences and longitudinal change, and rank-order stability. Correlations with Big Five/Big Six personality traits are reported. As people grew older, they increased in Mature Values and Horizontal and Vertical Collectivism, and decreased in Unmitigated Self-Interest, Materialism, and Vertical Individualism. Rank-order stability of the values was nearly as high as personality traits over three years. Stability increased with age for some scales. The stability of values scores suggests that they capture dispositional aspects, but age differences and longitudinal trends are also consistent with the hypothesis of socialization toward more inclusive value priorities.

Comprehensively Analyzing the Effect of Harvest Maturity on Storage Quality of Jinsha Pomelo Based on PCA

In order to select suitable harvesting maturity for long-term storage of Jinsha pomelo,the sensory quality and antioxidant indexes of fruits harvested at 195,206 and 216 d(maturityⅠ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ)after blossom and storaged for 180 d at room degree were assayed. And principal component analysis(PCA)was applied to comprehensively assess the effects of harvesting maturity on storage quality of Jinsha pomelo. The results of sensory quality test showed that the decay rate of maturity Ⅰ and Ⅲ was lower than that of maturity Ⅱ,and the weight loss rate of maturity Ⅱ and Ⅲ was lower than that of maturity Ⅰ. The CCI value of maturity Ⅱ were higher than those of maturity Ⅰ and Ⅲ,while the colour brightness(L* value)of maturity Ⅲ was highest. Soluble sugar,VC content and solid-acid ratio of maturity Ⅰ were higher than those of maturity Ⅱ and Ⅲ,but TA content was the opposite;TSS and VC of maturity Ⅱ were higher than those of maturity Ⅲ. The juice yield was not significant difference among the three. The antioxidant indexes showed that the total phenol content of maturity Ⅰ and Ⅱ was significantly higher than that of maturity Ⅲ within 180 d of storage,reaching the maximum at 180 d and 150 d respectively(197.68 and 201.08 μg/g). The content of total flavonoids in maturity Ⅰ and Ⅱ was higher than that in maturity Ⅲ. The DPPH scavenging rate of maturity Ⅱ and Ⅲ was higher than that of maturity Ⅰ in the first 30 d. The reductive power of FRAR at three maturities maintained about 0.35 OD value,and there was no significant difference among them. PCA analysis showed that the comprehensive score of maturity Ⅱ was the highest in 0~30 d. The comprehensive score of maturity Ⅰ was the highest in 60~180 d and reached the highest value of 0.59 score in 90 d. The overall score of maturity Ⅲ was the lowest. The results showed that fruits harvested at 206 d after blossom were suitable for short-term storage;fruits harvested at 195 d after blossom were suitable for long-term storage;and fruits harvested at 216 d after blossom were unsuitable for storage.

Effect of electrical cure of concrete on maturity and compressive strength

In this study, the effects of concretes which have 250, 300, 350 and 400 kg/m3 cement in per m3 and different voltage level application (0 V, 40 V, 60 V, 80 V and 100 V AC) on concrete maturity have been investigated. It has been researched if there is relationship with maturity and compressive strength on the concrete to which stress intensity has been applied. The electrical current has been applied on fresh concretes for 24 hours whose sizes are 10 × 10 × 35 cm. Their internal temperatures of concretes have been recorded and maturity values have been calculated. It has been concluded that AC stress intensity can be used to accelerate maturity through obtaining optimum degree on concrete’s internal temperature without any compressive strength lost.

Ethics-Relevant Values as Antecedents of Personality Change: Longitudinal Findings from the Life and Time Study

What leads personality to develop in adulthood? Values, guiding principles that apply across contexts, may capture motivation for growth and change. An essentialist trait perspective posits that personality changes only as a result of organic factors. But evidence suggests that psychosocial factors also influence personality change, especially during young adulthood. In the Life and Time study of sources of personality change in adulthood, we specifically explore ethically-relevant value priorities, those related to the relative prioritization of narrow self-interest over the concerns of a larger community. According to Rollo May (1967), “mature values”, including aspects of both self-transcendence and self-determination, should serve to diminish or prevent neurotic anxiety. This is consistent with research on materialism, which is associated with lower well-being. An index based on May’s proposal and several related constructs (materialism, unmitigated self-interest, collectivism and individualism) are tested longitudinally as possible antecedents of Big Five/Six personality trait change using bivariate LCMSR models in a national community sample (N = 864 at Time 1). Contrary to an essentialist trait perspective, these value priorities more often preceded change in personality traits than vice-versa. Somewhat consistent with May’s theory, higher “mature” values preceded higher openness (statistically significant at the p &amp;lt; .005 level). Higher vertical individualism significantly preceded lower compassion, intellect and openness. At the suggestive (p &amp;lt; .05) level, higher unmitigated self-interest preceded lower conscientiousness, higher vertical individualism preceded higher volatility, higher mature values preceded higher honesty/propriety and politeness, higher horizontal collectivism preceded higher orderliness, agreeableness, and assertiveness and lower intellect, and higher horizontal individualism preceded lower withdrawal. In two of three cases, suggestive personality-as-antecedent-of-values-change effects were reciprocal with the values-effects: higher conscientiousness scores reciprocally preceded lower unmitigated self-interest, and higher volatility higher vertical individualism. No significant or suggestive “stand-alone”, non-reciprocal personality on values effects were found.

Zinc-containing Vaginal Moisturizer Gel Improves Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Symptoms: A Pilot Study.

ObjectivesAlthough vaginal estrogen is highly effective in alleviating genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), some women are reluctant to use hormonal treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel on GSM.MethodsWomen with GSM were enrolled. Patients were asked to use the vaginal gel daily for 2 weeks. Vaginal Health Index (VHI) was calculated. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was obtained on vaginal pain, dryness, burning, itching, dyspareunia and dysuria before and 2 weeks after the completion of treatment. Vaginal cytology was obtained. Vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire (VSQ-21) was used to assess subjective symptoms.ResultsThirty-seven women with GSM participated in the study. The VHI improved significantly (mean ± standard deviation, 13 ± 4 before vs. 17 ± 4 after treatment, P < 0.01). The patient reported VAS combined score was significantly lower after the treatment (18 ± 14 before vs. 7 ± 12 after treatment, P < 0.01). The largest improvement occurred in vaginal dryness. The maturation value did not change significantly. There were no signs of inflammation on vaginal cytology. VSQ-21 combined scores also improved significantly (7.9 ± 5.5 before vs. 2.7 ± 3.6 after the intervention, P < 0.01). Side effects were rare and minor.ConclusionsNovel zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel significantly improves postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms without serious side effects.

Outcomes of induction of labor with mature and premature amniotic fluid optical density (AFOD): A preliminary case control study

Background: Onset of spontaneous labor occurs on completion of fetal functional maturity at amniotic fluid optical density (AFOD) value 0.98 ± 0.27 (Mean ± SD). All three events occurring together at any time from 35 to 42 weeks indicate individual term for each fetus. Babies born with AFOD ≤0.40 are functionally premature and develop varying degrees of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In this study, we tested the hypothesis, labors with AFOD 0.98 ± 0.27 are functionally mature with well-established labor cascades and may respond well t o induction. On the other hand, labors with AFOD ≤0.40 are functionally premature with poorly established labor cascades and may not respond well t o induction. Methods: In this gestational age and parity-matched case control study, cases consisted of 36 uncomplicated singleton laboring women who delivered normally with premature (≤0.40) AFOD values. Controls consisted of 36 similar laboring women who delivered normally with mature AFOD (0.98 ± 0.27) values. Uncentrifuged fresh AF samples collected at amniotomy were used for OD measurement with colorimeter at 650 nm. Women were assigned to groups based on AFOD values. In both groups, labor was induced with vaginal T. Misoprostol 25 mcg 6 hourly up to 4 doses. Labor outcome measures; Bishop score at induction, induction- delivery intervals (IDI), induction failures, number of T. Misoprostol required, presence of fetal distress, RDS, and NICU admission days were recorded in both groups and compared. Results: Median Bishop scores at induction in cases and controls were 5.0 (IQR 4.25--6), 7.0 (IQR 6--8), respectively. Median IDI in cases and controls were 18 h (IQR 12.25--21.5 h) and 7.0 h (IQR 5--9.5 h), respectively. Number of induction failures in cases and controls were 8 and 0, respectively. Outcomes of Induction of labor with…. Statistically significant differences observed in all these outcomes between groups (P = 0.00) favoring inductions with mature AFOD. Conclusion: Labor induction with mature AFOD value was successful in all women with shorter IDI and with better perinatal outcomes.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of three dosages of oestriol after continuous vaginal ring administration for 21 days in healthy, postmenopausal women.

AimsEvaluation of the oestriol pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety in healthy, postmenopausal women under treatment with a vaginal ring with continuous delivery rates of 0.125 (Test 1), 0.250 (Test 2) or 0.500 mg day–1 (Test 3) for 21 days.MethodsThirty‐one subjects received a single application of Test 1, 2 or 3. The oestriol plasma concentration was determined by liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and sex hormone‐binding globulin serum concentrations, and maturation value (MV) and vaginal pH were assessed to describe the pharmacodynamics. Adverse events, local tolerability and endometrial thickness were evaluated to determine safety.ResultsThe 90% confidence interval of the coefficient/slope β was 0.5997–1.174% for area under the curve of plasma concentration (AUC) up to the last measurement, 0.5838–1.115% for AUC extrapolated to infinity and 0.2408–0.943% for maximum plasma concentration. Dose proportionality could not be rejected for AUC, but a deviation from proportionality was statistically significant for maximum plasma concentration. The FSH and LH curves showed a decrease that was more pronounced with higher delivery rates; however, sex hormone‐binding globulin did not present this behaviour. A treatment effect on MV and vaginal pH was comparable for all formulations. All products showed increase in MV (70–80%) and the distribution of parabasal, intermediate and superficial cells showed a shift towards superficial cells. The vaginal pH values markedly decreased under treatment. The effect on endometrial thickness was not dose‐dependent.ConclusionAll formulations released sufficient oestriol to trigger the maximum local effect. However, there was no difference between formulations regarding surrogate parameters for clinical efficacy. A dose‐dependency; however, was clearly demonstrated for FSH and LH. The product was well tolerated and safe.

Sitagliptin Alters Bone Composition in High-Fat-Fed Mice.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is recognized as a significant risk factor for fragility of bone. Among the newer anti-diabetic agents, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have been reported to decrease the occurrence of bone fractures although the reason is unclear. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sitagliptin treatment on tissue bone strength and compositional parameters in the high-fat-fed mouse model. Male NIH swiss mice were allowed free access to high-fat diet for 150days to induce chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Sitagliptin was administered once daily for 3weeks. High-fat-fed mice administered with saline were used as controls. Bone strength was assessed at the organ and tissue level by three-point bending and nanoindentation, respectively. Bone microarchitecture was investigated by microcomputed tomography and bone composition was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared imaging and quantitative backscattered electron imaging. Administration of sitagliptin increased non-fasting insulin, improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity. This was associated with clear ameliorations in bone strength at the organ and tissue level. No changes in trabecular or cortical microarchitectures were observed. On the other hand, higher values of Camean, Caturn, collagen maturity, mineral/matrix ratio, mineral maturity and crystal size index were evidenced after sitagliptin treatment. Correlation analysis significantly linked the modifications of bone strength to changes in bone compositional parameters. These results bring new light on the mode of action of sitagliptin on bone physiology and demonstrate a benefit of DPP4i.

Can the use of probiotics in association with isoflavone improve the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause? Results from a randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of isoflavone administration, either in conjunction with probiotic use or not, on the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and compare the effects with those of hormone therapy. A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women aged 40 to 60 years, randomly assigned to receive oral isoflavone (150 mg dry extract of glycine max) alone or isoflavone plus probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium lactis) or hormone therapy (1 mg estradiol and 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate). The urogenital symptom subscale of the Menopause Rating Scale and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form were used to assess genitourinary symptoms. Vaginal maturation value, pH, vaginal health score, and vaginal flora were used to evaluate vaginal atrophy. Equol, equol intermediate, O-dimethylangolensin, and aglycones were measured using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. After 16 weeks of treatment, the urogenital symptoms, mainly vaginal dryness and sexual problem complaints, improved significantly in the hormone therapy group. There was a significant increase in the daidzein, glycitein, equol intermediate, and O-dimethylangolensin contents after 16 weeks in the isoflavone plus probiotic group. The maturation value, vaginal pH, and vaginal flora improved in the hormone therapy group. The vaginal health score increased in the isoflavone and hormone therapy groups. Probiotics improved the metabolism of isoflavones after 16 weeks of treatment. However, the increase in the contents of isoflavones and their metabolites failed to yield an estrogenic effect on the urogenital tract and relieve the vulvovaginal symptoms.

Identifying regrowth forests with advanced mature forest values

In this study, we examined the associations between field-assessed floristic and structural habitat values for mature forest and GIS-derived variables to assess whether high conservation value forests could be predicted for strategic reservation at a landscape scale. We investigated the Eucalyptus regnans forests of the Victorian Central Highlands in south-eastern Australia, where several extensive wildfires in the last century have left little mature forest. We assessed the extent to which the floristic composition and a suite of habitat-related structural variables could be explained by two forest inventory GIS variables (percentage senescence and site productivity) and whether explanatory capacity improved from inclusion of additional environmental variables (climate, soils, topography, structure and spatial location). Results showed that the floristic composition was weakly related to productivity, but not to percentage senescence. Four habitat-related structural variables were positively related to percentage senescence (density of old-growth eucalypts, the quadratic mean diameter (QMD) of both live and dead eucalypts, and the maximum eucalypt form class (a proxy for tree hollows)) while the volume of CWD had a marginally significant positive relationship. Three structural variables were related to productivity (the maximum eucalypt form class, the QMD of dead understorey trees and of dead eucalypts). However, in all cases the explanatory power of percentage senescence and productivity was weak (proportion of deviance explained by the models <0.3). Inclusion of the other environmental variables did not substantially improve explanatory power in any case. Our results suggest that there is a high degree of stochasticity driving floristic and structural composition within these forests, making the detection of most mature forest values difficult without site visits. There may be some limited capacity for the presence of senescent trees visible in aerial photographs to highlight stands more likely to contain habitat trees, but there was no relationship with floristic maturity. Our results also suggest that more productive sites do not have substantially greater habitat values, indicating that the current timber harvesting approach of prioritising the harvest of stands on more productive sites is unlikely to have negative consequences for biodiversity.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE RED BIGEYE (Priacanthus macracanthus Cuvier, 1829) IN PALABUHANRATU BAY, INDONESIA

The reference point of reproductive biology play an important roles in developing a baseline information for fishery management. Different waters will provide different overview of fisheries related to its biological aspects. The red bigeye (Priacanthus macracanthus) is one of economically important demersal fish species in Indonesia. To support the biological status of this species, a regular field observation were carried out during May 2016 to April 2017 in Palabuhanratu bay, south of West Java. The objective of this study is to estimate the spawning season and potential reproductive stages including to evaluate how the key management related to the species and its gear selectivity. Numbers of red bigeye (Priacanthus macracanthus) specimen was collected from bottom gillnetter and hand liner. Basic information related to length-weigth, bio-reproduction (maturity) were collected regularly to determine GSI, Fecundity and its impact of fishing (Lc, Lm) to evaluate the recent stock status. The result showed sex ratio no significant differences between males and females except in September to December. The growth pattern indicated negative allometric. The predicted of spawning seasons were around June-July and December-January. Mean of fecundity was estimated to be 230,000 ± 178,000 eggs. Management keys were obtained i.e. length at first maturity (Lm) value was to be 21.9 cm TL which is smaller than length at first capture (Lc) 22.4 cm TL for bottom gill netter and 23.1 cm TL for average fishes caught by hand liner. Therefore it is recommended to close the waters in the bay area during the spawning period. In the case of catch, it is important to apply the precautionary approach with emphasizes to the size of fish allowed to be captured more than the Lm value (above 21.9 cm TL).