Trends Of Z-Scores Research Articles

The Effect of the Rate of Increase of Estrogen Replacement Therapy on Bone Mineral Density Accrual in Young Patients with Turner Syndrome

BackgroundTurner syndrome (TS) is caused by partial/complete X-chromosome monosomy with variable phenotypes, characterized by hypogonadism and short stature. To achieve pubertal changes, up to 50%-79% of patients with TS require estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), and 80% have low bone mineral density (BMD). Studies show that pubertal delays are associated with decreased BMD. Currently, guidelines suggest that ERT start at 12 years, increasing slowly, simulating pubertal progression. Many studies show that ERT increases BMD in adolescents with TS, but uncertainty remains as to how the rate of increase in ERT affects BMD. MethodsInstitutional review board approval was obtained from our institution for this retrospective chart review from 1991 to 2020. Charts were requested for the database using ICD 9-10 codes for TS and patients undergoing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Biometric data and medical and treatment histories were extracted from charts. Multilevel random effects models were constructed to assess the time-dependent associations between ERT and bone density parameters. The primary independent variable of interest was the rate at which patients went from initiating ERT to reaching final doses. The primary dependent variables measured were total body BMD (tbBMD) and corresponding z-scores, calculated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry techniques. Analyses were done with SAS software (version 9.4, Cary, NC). ResultsTwenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at TS diagnosis was 6.9 years; 8 patients had monosomy X, 16 had mosaic karyotypes, and 4 had unknown karyotypes. The average age for starting hormone replacement therapy was 14.1 years. Thirteen patients had spontaneous pubertal onset before starting hormone replacement therapy. tbBMD increased significantly with age (P = .03). However, change in BMD by age did not vary between patients who reached final adult doses of ERT within 0-2.5 years compared with patients who took 2.5-5.5 years (P = .7). Patients who took 2.5-5.5 years to reach final adult doses of ERT had a more negative trend in z-scores (−2.144) in comparison with patients who took 0-2.5 years (−1.776), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .15). Future larger studies are needed to better understand the relationship between duration of ERT use and tbBMD. ConclusionBMD in adolescents with TS increases with age. Neither absolute tbBMD values nor tbBMD z-scores increased faster when ERT doses were maximized within 2.5 years. This study identified a cohort of children under 12 years with TS who had not had any ERT or BMD measurements, a potential population for future larger prospective studies.

Australia’s Publicly Listed Manufacturing Companies – Analysing the connection between Return on Equity (ROE) and Altman Z-Scores

Australia’s economy is considered to be a highly developed market economy and a reasonably large economy globally. This article seeks to analyse the connection between the business, or financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market (the ASX or Australian Securities Exchange). A linear regression has been performed between these variables to ascertain the extent and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been examined. The study covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. Australia registered moderate-to-strong mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market as a business giant.

An Investigation into the linkage between Malaysian Listed Manufacturing Companies' Business Health and Financial Results

Malaysia is widely considered to be a key leading economy in the Asia Pacific region. This research paper investigates the linkage between the business (or financial) health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market (the ‘BURSA’ or Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange, formerly known as the KLSE or Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange). A linear regression has been conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. Malaysia registered moderate-to-strong mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market as an Asian giant.

Understanding the connection of Performance and Z-Scores for Manufacturing Firms in South Korea

South Korea is a key leading economy in the Asia Pacific region. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market. A linear regression has been conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. South Korea registered moderate mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market as an Asian giant.

Studying the Relationship between Japanese Firms' Corporate Health and Results

Japan is a key leading economy in the Asia Pacific region. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market (the Tokyo Stock Exchange). A linear regression has been conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. Japan registered moderate-to-strong mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market as an Asian giant.

An Examination of Corporate Performance and Altman Z-Scores of Indian Manufacturing Firms

India is a key leading economy in the Asia Pacific region. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market. A linear regression has been conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. India registered moderate-to-strong mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market as an Asian giant.

An Analysis of Z-Scores & Performance: Manufacturing Companies in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a key leading economy in the Asia Pacific region. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market. A linear regression has been conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. Hong Kong registered relatively healthy mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market as an Asian giant.Â

Studying the Relationship between Performance and Z-Scores for Manufacturing Firms in Singapore

Singapore is a key leading economy in the Asia Pacific region. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market. A linear regression has been conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. Singapore registered relatively moderate-to-healthy mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market in Asia.

Financial Health & Corporate Performance: A Comparison of Manufacturing Companies in China

The People’s Republic of China (China) is a key leading economy in the Asia Pacific region. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in this market. A linear regression has been conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a five-year period have also been analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2017 (inclusive) and yields a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for the market. China registered moderate-to-strong mean and median Z-Scores. These findings further support the strong economic position of this market as an Asian giant.

SOCIOECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF UNDER-FIVE BANGLADESHI CHILDREN AND TREND OVER THE TWELVE-YEAR PERIOD 1996-2007.

The nutritional status of under-five-year-old children is a sensitive indicator of a country's health status as well as economic condition. The objectives of this study were to analyse trends in the nutritional status in Bangladeshi children over the period 1996-2007 and to examine the associations between nutritional and socioeconomic status variables. Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHS) were the source of data, and a total of 16,278 children were examined. The Z-scores of the children were analysed as continuous as well as categorical variables (stunted, underweight and wasted). The socioeconomic status variables used were region, urban-rural residence, education and occupation of the parents, house type and household possession score. A series of General Linear Model and Sequential Linear and Binary Logistic Regression analyses were done to assess the relationship between demographic and socioeconomic variables and nutritional status. The trends of Z-scores were analysed by survey, as well as by child birth cohort. Region, house type, educational level of parents and household possession score showed significant associations with all three Z-scores of children after removing the effects of age, period of DHS and other explanatory variables in the model. No significant sex difference was observed between any of the Z-scores. There were improvements in mean WAZ and HAZ between 1996 and 2007 but deterioration in mean WHZ over this period. The obesity rate was below 2% in 2007, although the absolute numbers of obese children had nearly doubled in this 12-year period. Children from poorer households showed greater improvement than their better-off counterparts. The study reveals that over the years there has been substantial improvement in nutritional status of under-five children in Bangladesh and the main gains have been amongst the lower socioeconomic groups; it is also evident that malnutrition in Bangladesh is a multidimensional problem, like poverty itself, and warrants a proper policy mix and programme intervention.

Financial Health & Corporate Performance – a Comparison of Manufacturing Companies in China & India

The People’s Republic of China (China) and India are two leading economies in Asia Pacific. This study examines the relationship between the financial health, as measured by the Altman Z-Score, and corporate performance, as measured by the Return on Equity (ROE), of listed manufacturing companies in these two markets. A linear regression was conducted between these variables to determine the magnitude and direction of their relationships. The trends of Z-Scores over a fourteen-year period are also analysed. The analysis covers the period from 2000 to 2013 (inclusive) and yielded a statistically positive correlation between ROE and the Z-Score for both markets. China and India both registered moderate-to-strong mean and median Z-Scores. However, China is comparatively healthier. These findings further support the economic stature of these two markets as Asian giants.

Serum growth factors and growth indices pre- and post-pediatric intestinal transplantation

Background/purpose Although intestinal transplantation (ITx) has succeeded in liberating children with intestinal failure from total parenteral nutrition (TPN), positive growth has yet to be achieved in the majority of patients. This investigation aims to evaluate levels of serum growth factors as they relate to growth parameters and nutritional outcomes. Methods Serum measures of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) that had been obtained before and after transplantation were reviewed (with Institutional Review Board approval) in a subset of pediatric ITx recipients. Z-scores for weight and height were calculated at transplant and biannually thereafter for 2 years. Results Five children received a small bowel/liver transplant between August 1996 and March 2000 (median age, 1.3 years). Before transplantation, levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were low in 60% and 67% of patients, respectively. Posttransplant levels of these growth factors were within normal limits or elevated in all but 2 patients (IGFBP-3 only). A positive trend in z-scores was observed in just one of 5 patients for weight and in 2 of 5 for height/length during the follow-up period. Of the 3 patients who experienced negative linear growth velocity over time, 2 had low pretransplant levels of both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. All patients were weaned from TPN within 3 months after transplant. Conclusions Pretransplant levels of growth mediators may be predictive factors in children who will require an intensive regimen of nutritional rehabilitation posttransplant to promote the growth process. Absorption studies may aid in determining the appropriate nutrient substrates for the post-ITx population.

Long-term nutritional outcome after pediatric intestinal transplantation

Background/Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the long-term nutritional status of a large population of children after intestinal transplantation and to identify factors associated with nutritional outcomes. Methods: Longitudinal anthropometric data are maintained in a database registry for all patients referred to our Intestinal Care Center (ICC). Z-scores for weight and height were calculated biannually over a maximum of 2 years, and associations between baseline and follow-up laboratory measures and growth were evaluated for patients greater than 6 months post intestinal transplant. Results: Since the inception of the ICC in December 1996, 24 pediatric patients (18 boys, 18 white) received an isolated small bowel or small bowel/liver transplant (median age, 3.2 years). The majority of cases (75%) had been diagnosed with surgical short bowel syndrome and were dependent on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) at the time of transplant. Of the 23 patients who survived the initial postoperative period, 87% were weaned from TPN to an amino-acid or peptide-based enteral formula or solid food within 3 months. A positive trend in z-scores for weight and height/length was observed in only 30% and 26% of patients, respectively, during the follow-up period. Although mean albumin levels increased significantly from 2.8 to 3.1 mg/dl by 6 months posttransplant ( P [lt ] .01) no difference in alkaline phosphatase was found over time. Steroid doses were weaned within 3 to 4 months after transplantation but not discontinued. The cumulative survival rate was 91% at 1 year and 86% at 2 years posttransplant, whereas those weaned from TPN achieved 100% and 94% survival, respectively. Conclusions: Attainment of positive linear growth remains a challenge in the pediatric transplant population despite successful liberation from TPN, protein anabolism, and high survival rates. Further investigation into alternative methods of nutritional evaluation and manipulation as well as the use of growth factors to enhance the growth process need to be investigated.