The stability of sub-micron COD was worse than that of micron-gra

The stability of sub-micron COD was worse than that of micron-grade crystals. C6S can inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate

stones.”
“This study aimed to determine whether glutamine deamidation improves acid resistance of Lactobacillus reuteri, and to assess whether arginine, glutamine, and glutamate-mediated acid resistance are redundant or complementary mechanisms of acid resistance. Three putative glutaminase genes, gls1 gls2, and gls3, were identified in L. reuteri 100-23. All three genes were expressed during growth in mMRS and wheat sourdough. L. reuteri consistently over-expressed gls3 and the glutamate decarboxylase gadB. L reuteri 100-23 Delta gadB over-expressed gls3 and the arginine deiminase click here gene adi. Analysis of the

survival of L. reuteri in acidic conditions revealed that arginine conversion is effective at pH of 3.5 while glutamine or glutamate conversion were effective at pH of 2.5. Arginine conversion increased the pH(in) but not Delta Psi; glutamate decarboxylation had only a minor effect on the pHin but increased the Delta Psi. This study demonstrates that glutamine deamidation increases the acid resistance of L. reuteri independent of glutamate decarboxylase activity. Arginine and glutamine/glutamate conversions confer resistance to lactate at pH of 3.5 and phosphate at pH of 2.5, respectively. Knowledge of L. reuteri’s acid resistance improves the understanding MK-0518 cost HDAC inhibitor of the adaptation of L. reuteri to intestinal ecosystems, and facilitates the selection of probiotic and starter cultures. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Epigenetics, the study of functionally relevant chemical modifications to DNA that do not involve a change in the DNA nucleotide sequence, is at the interface between research

and clinical medicine. Research on epigenetic marks, which regulate gene expression independently of the underlying genetic code, has dramatically changed our understanding of the interplay between genes and the environment. This interplay alters human biology and developmental trajectories, and can lead to programmed human disease years after the environmental exposure. In addition, epigenetic marks are potentially heritable. In this article, we discuss the underlying concepts of epigenetics and address its current and potential applicability for primary care providers.”
“Objectives. – For women treated for a breast cancer and wanting childbearing, the issues of breastfeeding and its oncological safety are controversial. Therefore the aim of our study was to establish a state of knowledge of health professionals on this subject. Methods. – Two hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to hospital health professionals, in five Units of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Alsace. The results of our study were expressed as the number of responses, and percentage. Results.

Consequently BCDD caused apoptotic death in cervical cancer cells

Consequently BCDD caused apoptotic death in cervical cancer cells as evidenced by DNA fragmentation and PARP-cleavage. Further, BCDD did not affect the extrinsic signalling transduction

pathway as depicted by its null effect on caspase-8. The in vivo anticancer activity of BCDD was investigated in Ehrlich Ascites carcinoma model where it exhibited tumor regression by 48% at 30 mg/kg, i.p., in mice. These findings indicated that BCDD is a potential candidate that may be found useful in the management of cervical cancer. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: To critically examine the role of significant carotid stenosis in the pathogenesis of postoperative stroke following cardiac operations.\n\nDesign: MGCD0103 in vivo Retrospective cohort study.\n\nSetting: Single tertiary care hospital.\n\nParticipants: A total of 4335 patients undergoing coronary artery

bypass grafting, PF-00299804 cost aortic valve replacement, or both.\n\nMain Outcome Measures: Incidence, subtype, and arterial distribution of stroke.\n\nResults: Clinically definite stroke was detected in 1.8% of patients undergoing cardiac operations during the same admission. Only 5.3% of these strokes were of the large-vessel type, and most strokes (76.3%) occurred without significant carotid stenosis. In 60.0% of cases, strokes identified via computed tomographic head scans were not confined to a single carotid artery territory. According to clinical data, in 94.7% of patients, stroke occurred without direct correlation to significant carotid stenosis. Undergoing combined carotid and cardiac operations increases

the risk of BMS-777607 mouse postoperative stroke compared with patients with a similar degree of carotid stenosis but who underwent cardiac surgery alone (15.1% vs 0%; P=.004).\n\nConclusions: There is no direct causal relationship between significant carotid stenosis and postoperative stroke in patients undergoing cardiac operations. Combining carotid and cardiac procedures is neither necessary nor effective in reducing postoperative stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis.”
“Rubber compounds based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) containing organically modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were prepared using peroxide as a curing agent. The LDHs intercalated by organic compounds including sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) while the unmodified LDHs were used as contrast. Experimental results from TGA and XRD showed that both SSS- and SDBS-intercalated LDHs were successfully obtained. The morphology of the LDH composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and XRD. The chemical structure of NBR/LDHs compounds were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectrum.

The oral administration of 400 mg/kg of ELg produced an anti-infl

The oral administration of 400 mg/kg of ELg produced an anti-inflammatory effect on peritonitis induced by carrageenan. These effects can be associated with a decrease of inflammatory mediator synthesis by compounds of ELg, such as naringenin, which has anti-inflammatory

action as already described.”
“This work compares material properties of polycationic nanoparticles synthesized using the techniques of UV-initiated polymerization or ARGET ATRP and relates differences in material properties to differences in molecular structure. The nanoparticles are based on the pH-responsive monomer 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) copolymerized with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate

(PEGMA), tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA), and tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) in a surfactant-stabilized monomer-in-water learn more emulsion to form cross-linked nanoscale hydrogels. ARGET ATRP resulted in a narrower distribution of molecular weight for linear analogs of the polycationic nanoparticles. In addition, ARGET ATRP formulations showed a sharper glass transition than UV-initiated formulations, indicating increased homogeneity. These networks could be used as drug delivery carriers or for other nanogel applications that would benefit from polycationic nanoparticles with high homogeneity. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“To MK5108 inhibitor critically review currently AZD1208 solubility dmso available methods, or methods under development (in vivo, in vitro, in silico, etc.) used in the evaluation of skin sensitization potential and their applicability in the derivation of quantitative safety thresholds’.”
“The pathology in mice infected with neurovirulent South African lineage 2 West Nile virus (WNV) strains has not previously been described. Three- to 4-month-old male BALBc mice were infected with South African neurovirulent lineage 2 (SPU93/01) or lineage 1 (NY385/99) WNV

strains and the gross and microscopic central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS pathology of both investigated and compared. Mice infected with both lineages showed similar illness, paralysis, and death from days 7 to 11 postinfection (PI). Two survivors of each lineage were euthanized on day 21 PI. WNV infection was confirmed by nested real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of tissues, mostly brain, in the majority of mice euthanized sick or that died and in 1 healthy lineage 2 survivor. Gross lesions caused by both lineages were identical and included marked gastric and proximal small intestinal fluid distension as described in a previous mouse study, but intestinal microscopic lesions differed. CNS lesions were subtle.

However, management of hemophilia is more than just giving CFCs

However, management of hemophilia is more than just giving CFCs. Attention to the physical and psychosocial health of persons with hemophilia to improve their quality of life must be the goal. These goals can best be met by comprehensive care hemophilia (bleeding CH5183284 mw disorders) clinics designed to provide clinical service

and education to persons with hemophilia and their families, and to conduct research to improve hemophilia care. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Several studies have shown that lipid-lowering therapy to address hypercholesterolemia is generally inadequate because the target cholesterol goal is not achieved. Our study reviews the cholesterol goal attainment among patients receiving lipid lowering therapy in Indonesian

hypercholesterolemic patients.\n\nMethods: This survey was part of the Pan-Asian CEPHEUS (CEntralized Pan-Asian survey on tHE Under-treatment of hypercholeSterolemia) study, involving hypercholesterolemic patients >= 18 years of age, who were on lipid-lowering treatment for >= 3 months. Lipid concentrations were measured, demographic and other clinically relevant information were collected. HIF cancer Definitions and criteria set by the updated 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program – Adult Treatment Program III was applied.\n\nResults: In this survey, 149 physicians enrolled 979 patients, of whom only 834 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 56.5 years, 53.5% male, and 82.3% were on statin monotherapy. The LDL-C goal attainment rate amongst SB525334 solubility dmso Indonesians (31.3%) was below that of the overall Asian rate (49.1%). The lowest attainment (12.1%)

was found in patients with a therapeutic target <70 mg/dL. Additionally, the goal attainment rate in patients with metabolic syndrome (28%) was significantly lower than in patients without metabolic syndrome (37.5%, p = 0.006). Goal attainment was inversely related to cardiovascular risk and baseline LDL-C (p < 0.001). It was also noted that approximately 65.1% of patients believed he/she could miss a dosage without affecting his/her blood cholesterol concentration.\n\nConclusions: High proportions of Indonesian hypercholesterolemic patients on lipid-lowering drug are not at the recommended LDL-C levels, and remain at risk for cardiovascular disease.”
“HIV continues to exact an enormous toll on society and to disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Innovative prevention interventions are needed to reverse this trend. In August 2009, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention convened a meeting of scientists, community representatives, advocates, and federal partners to discuss innovative prevention-intervention science.

1 mu M tetrodotoxin Pretreatment with donepezil (0 1-10 mu M) fo

1 mu M tetrodotoxin. Pretreatment with donepezil (0.1-10 mu M) for 1 day significantly decreased cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, and a potent NMDA receptor antagonist, dizocilpine (MK801), showed a

neuroprotective effect click here at the concentration of 10 mu M. The neuroprotective effect of donepezil was not affected by nicotinic or muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists. We further characterized the neuroprotective properties of donepezil by measuring the effect on [Na+](i) and [Ca2+](i) in cells stimulated with veratridine. At 0.1-10 mu M, donepezil significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the veratridine-induced increase of [Ca2+](i), whereas MK801 had no effect. At 10 mu M, donepezil significantly decreased the veratridine-induced increase of [Na+](i). We also measured the effect on veratridine-induced release of the excitatory amino acids, glutamate and glycine. While donepezil decreased the release of glutamate and glycine, MK801 did not. In conclusion, our results

indicate that donepezil has neuroprotective activity against depolarization-induced toxicity in rat cortical neurons via inhibition of the rapid influx of sodium and calcium ions, and via decrease of glutamate and glycine release, and also that this depolarization-induced toxicity is mediated by glutamate receptor activation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Urine fingerprints from Schistosoma mansoni infected and control animals were acquired with ultra performance liquid

chromatography-MS (UPLC-MS) and compared with the urine fingerprints obtained by CE by applying buy CT99021 the same set of multivariate analysis tools. Principal component analysis of the aligned data provided a time trajectory where the infection JQ-EZ-05 was observed after 30 days with UPLC-MS and CE. Two main markers describing infected and control, respectively – phenyl acetyl glycine (PAG) and hippurate – were selected to illustrate the use of orthogonal partial least-square discriminant analysis in determining the discriminatory confidence. PAG was found to be significantly related to the disease (high covariance and correlation), whereas hippurate was found to be nonsignificant as an indicator. Orthogonal partial least-square discriminant analysis models were validated for sensitivity and specificity. Multivariate data analysis derived from two different detection systems showed that CE-UV and UPLC-MS found equivalent results. This work gives additional mechanistic insight into the progress of the S. mansoni infection; the biochemical role and specificity of PAG as a biomarker is yet to be determined.”
“Purpose/Objectives: To describe the experiences of older women regarding barriers to care for breast cancer in their prediagnostic period and throughout their diagnoses, treatments, and beyond.\n\nResearch Approach: Qualitative, descriptive study guided by grounded theory.

Vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained prior to (pre) and after

Vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained prior to (pre) and after the 8th (mid) and 15th set (post) of exercise. Three subjects returned to serve as non-exercising controls for a similar sequence of biopsies (CON). The ratio of phosphorylated MAPK to total MAPK increased significantly for p38 (3.0 fold, p < 0.05) and JNK (2.4 fold, p < 0.05) by the mid biopsy. ERK 1/2 phosphorylation followed a similar trend (2.3 fold) (p = 0.052). The ratio of phosphorylation to

total MAPK did not differ ERK inhibitor order from mid to post biopsy. None of the pathways were phosphorylated above resting in the CON condition (p > 0.05), and thus the biopsy procedure itself did not account for the entire increase in MAPK phosphorylation during EX. These data indicate MAPK pathways are activated early and remain elevated throughout the duration of high power resistance exercise. These findings help describe the mechanisms partially responsible for chronic adaptations in response to high intensity, high power resistance training in humans.”
“Cell-penetrating peptides including the trans-activating transcriptional activator (Tat) from HIV-1 have been used as carriers for intracellular delivery of

a myriad of cargoes including drugs, molecular probes, DNAs and nanoparticles. Utilizing fluorescence flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that a gamma-AApeptide mimetic of Tat (48-57) can cross the cell membranes and enter the cytoplasm

GSK2126458 and nucleus of cells, with efficiency comparable to or better than that of Tat peptide (48-57). Deletion of the four side chains of the gamma-AApeptide attenuates translocation capability. We also establish that the gamma-AApeptide is even less toxic GSK2879552 than the Tat peptide against mammalian cells. In addition to their low toxicity, gamma-AApeptides are resistant to protease degradation, which may prove to be advantageous over alpha-peptides for further development of molecular transporters for intracellular delivery.”
“We report the formation and characterization of new self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed from dihexadecyldithiophosphate (C-16)(2)DDP and compare their properties with those of SAMs formed from the structurally similar adsorbate dihexadecyldithiophosphinic acid (C-16)(2)DTPA. The new (C-16)(2)DDP SAMs were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The data indicate that (C-16)(2)DDP forms SAMs on gold films formed by e-beam evaporation in which all adsorbates chelate to gold, in contrast to (C-16)(2)DTPA SAMs, in which 40% of the adsorbates are monodentate. The alkyl chains of the (C-16)(2)DDP SAM are also less densely packed and ordered than those of the (C-16)(2)DTPA SAM.

When we investigated whether App1 would also bind to other comple

When we investigated whether App1 would also bind to other complement receptor(s), we found that App1 does bind to complement receptor 2 (CR2) in a dose-dependent manner. In certain lymphoma cell

lines, cellular proliferation is stimulated by complement through CR2, providing a potential use of App1 as a proliferation inhibitor Fedratinib of these cells. Initially discovered as an antiphagocytic protein regulating CR3-mediated innate immunity, App1 may also play a key role in the regulation of acquired immunity, because CR2 is mainly localized on B cells. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 182: 84-91.”
“A begomovirus disease complex associated with Sonchus arvensis, a common weed in Pakistan was studied using cloning, nucleic acid sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The complex associated with this weed consists of a monopartite begomovirus and several distinct betasatellites and alphasatellites. The monopartite begomovirus associated with yellow vein disease of Sonchus FK228 arvensis showed 95-99% nucleotide sequence identity with Alternanthera yellow

vein virus (AlYVV) reported from China, Vietnam and India. Two betasatellites were isolated from S. arvensis: one sharing between 91.4 and 95.3% nucleotide sequence identity with isolates of Ageratum yellow leaf curl betasatellite (AYLCB), and the other sharing between 78.2 and 99.9% identity with isolates of Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB). Two alphasatellites were identified: one was homologous to Potato leaf curl alphasatellite (PotLCuA), while the other was closely related to Hibiscus leaf curl alphasatellite (HLCuA). Thus, AlYVV in S. arvensis is associated with satellites shown previously to be associated with other begomoviruses in Pakistan. Our results suggest that monopartite begomoviruses Baf-A1 in vitro may associate with distinct satellites that are prevalent in

the region.”
“The aim of this study was to evaluate, with contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the changing imaging appearance of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft during the revascularization phase by quantitatively assessing the morphological and signal intensity changes taking place at its cross-sectional surface over time.\n\nFifty patients underwent contrast-enhanced-MRI on the third postoperative day and at a mean of 6, 12, and 24 months time interval after surgery. Proton-density images were obtained to evaluate morphological and signal intensity characteristics. Oblique-axial T1-weighted images obtained before and after intravenous gadolinium administration were used for quantitative analysis.

A good

correspondence was observed between the gonad morp

A good

correspondence was observed between the gonad morphology and its histological structure. Oocytes in Nocodazole different development stages were observed in mature females. Most female in early maturity stages had sperm stored in the spermathecae, indicating that females copulate when still immature. There was no correlation between testis weight and the Needham complex, suggesting a protracted period of spermatophore production. Octopus insularis has a general gonadal development pattern similar to O. vulgaris, however, some differences were observed, as maturation at a smaller size, probably associated to a shorter life, and lower fecundity. The distinct reproductive features of O. insularis seem to be related to less variable conditions in the tropical environments. Management should take into account the differences and establish specific rules for the Northeast Brazil octopus fisheries.”
“Screening for Fabry disease (FD) reveals a high prevalence of individuals with -galactosidase A (GLA) genetic variants of unknown significance (GVUS). These individuals often do not express characteristic features of FD. A systematic

review on FD screening studies was performed to interpret the significance of GLA gene variants and to calculate the prevalence of definite classical and uncertain cases. We searched PubMed and Embase for screening studies on FD. We collected data on screening methods, clinical, biochemical and genetic assessments. The pooled prevalence of identified subjects and GSK3326595 ic50 those with a definite diagnosis of classical FD were calculated. As criteria for a definite diagnosis, we used the presence of a GLA variant, absent or near-absent leukocyte enzyme activity and characteristic features of FD. Fifty-one studies were selected, 45 in high-risk and 6 in newborn populations. The most often used screening method was an enzyme activity assay.

Cut-off values comprised 10-55% of the mean reference value Selleck Dibutyryl-cAMP for men and up to 80% for women. Prevalence of GLA variants in newborns was 0.04%. In high-risk populations the overall prevalence of individuals with GLA variants was 0.62%, while the prevalence of a definite diagnosis of FD was 0.12%. The majority of identified individuals in high-risk and newborn populations harbour GVUS or neutral variants in the GLA gene. To determine the pathogenicity of a GVUS in an individual, improved diagnostic criteria are needed. We propose a diagnostic algorithm to approach the individual with an uncertain diagnosis.”
“Aroma active volatiles in four southern highbush blueberry cultivars (‘Prima Dona’, ‘Jewel’, ‘Snow Chaser’, and ‘Kestrel’) were determined using solid phase microextraction (SPME) in combination with gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and identified via GC-PFPD and GC-MS using retention indices of reference compounds and mass spectral data. The aromas of total, unseparated SPME extracts evaluated using GC-O were rated 8.2-9.

Research in this area has unsurprisingly focussed largely on mana

Research in this area has unsurprisingly focussed largely on managing blood Phe concentrations to protect the brain. Protein requirements in dietary management of PKU are met mostly from Phe-free protein substitutes with the intake of natural protein restricted to patient tolerance. Several reports have suggested that growth in early childhood in PKU is sub-optimal, relative

to non-PKU control groups or reference populations. We reviewed the literature searching for evidence regarding PKU and growth as well as possible links between dietary management of PKU and growth. The search retrieved only limited evidence on the effect of PKU and its dietary management on growth. Physical development in PKU remains an understudied aspect of this disorder. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.”
“Case reports of kidney transplantation using HIV-positive GS-1101 datasheet (HIV+) donors in South Africa and advances in the clinical care of HIV+ transplant recipients have drawn attention to the legal prohibition of transplanting organs from HIV+ donors in the United States. For HIV+ transplant candidates, who face high barriers to transplant access, this prohibition violates beneficence by placing an unjustified limitation on the organ supply. However, transplanting HIV+ organs raises

nonmaleficence concerns given limited data on recipient outcomes. Informed consent and careful monitoring of outcome data should mitigate these concerns, even in the rare circumstance when an HIV+ organ is intentionally transplanted buy BLZ945 into an HIV-negative recipient. For potential donors, the federal ban on transplanting HIV+ organs raises justice concerns.

While in practice there are a number of medical criteria that preclude organ donation, only HIV+ status is singled out as a mandated exclusion to donation under the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA). Operational objections could be addressed by adapting existing PHA-739358 clinical trial approaches used for organ donors with hepatitis. Center-specific outcomes should be adjusted for HIV donor and recipient status. In summary, transplant professionals should advocate for eliminating the ban on HIV+ organ donation and funding studies to determine outcomes after transplantation of these organs.”
“Deleterious mutations can accumulate in the germline with age, decreasing the genetic quality of sperm and imposing a cost on female fitness. If these mutations also affect sperm competition ability or sperm production, then females will benefit from polyandry as it incites sperm competition and, consequently, minimizes the mutational load in the offspring. We tested this hypothesis in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a species characterized by polyandry and intense sperm competition, by investigating whether age affects post-copulatory male traits and sperm competition success.

In this study, the AnnAGNPS model was calibrated using USGS monit

In this study, the AnnAGNPS model was calibrated using USGS monitored data; and then the effects of different phosphorus

fertilization rates on phosphorus loadings were assessed. It was found that P loadings increase as fertilization rate increases, and long term higher P application would lead to much higher P loadings to the watershed outlet. The P loadings to the watershed outlet have a dramatic change after some time with higher P application rate. This dramatic change of P loading to the watershed outlet indicates that a. critical point. may exist in the soil at which soil P loss to water changes dramatically. Simulations with JQ1 solubility dmso different initial soil P contents showed that the higher the initial soil P content is, the less time it takes to reach the. critical point. where P loadings to the Selleckchem MK-2206 watershed outlet increases dramatically. More research needs to be done to understand the processes involved in the transfer of P between the various stable, active and labile states in the soil to ensure that the model simulations are accurate. This finding may be useful in setting up future

P application and management guidelines.”
“In the present study, the essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck and Citrus limon L. were analysed by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) and evaluated for their toxic effects on Sternechus subsignatus and Rhyssomatus subtilis, two important pest of soybean in South America. Contact toxicity assayed by impregnation on filter paper discs showed that these oils caused significant mortality of the test insects (100% of mortality at 5 mu L/cm(2)). Eucalyptus oil (98.9 % of 1,8-cineole) had the greatest contact toxicity (LD50 = 0.40 and 0.84 mu L/cm(2) for S. pinguis and R. subtilis, respectively),

whereas orange (87.6 % of limonene) and lemon oils (62.5 and 12.6 % of limonenen and beta pinene, respectively) were less toxic (LD50 > 1 mu L/cm(2) for both insects). All the responses were found dose-dependent. Rhyssomatus subtilis was more resistant than Sternechus pinguis to the toxicity of the essential oils studied.”
“Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate GW 572016 the hardness of the paraspinal muscles in the convexity and concavity of patients with scoliosis curvatures and in the upper trapezius (UT) muscle in subjects with mild idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and to observe the correlation between the myotonometer (MYO) measurements and the value of body mass index (BMI) and the Cobb angle. Methods: The sample included 13 patients with a single-curve mild IS (Risser sign smaller than = 4) at thoracic, lumbar, or thoracolumbar level (mean Cobb angle of 11.53 degrees). Seven females and 6 males were recruited, with a mean age of 12.84 +/- 3.06 (9-18) years.