Asymmetric bioreduction of activated alkenes by a novel isolate of Achromobacter species producing enoate reductase.

The strain Achromobacter sp. JA81, which produced enoate reductase, was applied in the asymmetric reduction of activated alkenes. The strain could catalyze the bioreduction of alkenes to form enantiopure (R)-β-aryl-β-cyano-propanoic acids, a precursor of (R)-γ-amino butyric acids, including the pharmaceutically active enantiomer of the chiral drug (R)-baclofen with excellent enantioselectivity.

Effect of two kinds of different combined oral contraceptives use on bone mineral density in adolescent women.

Background: Steroid hormonal contraceptives are highly effective and widely used. Most studies have shown a negative effect of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on the bone mineral density (BMD) of adolescents. The study was conducted to compare BMD among users of ethinylestradiol/desogestrel, users of ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate and nonhormonal control subjects in women aged 16-18 years.

The effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on bone mineral density (BMD) and evaluating changes in BMD after discontinuation of DMPA in Chinese women of reproductive age.

Background: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) as a hormonal contraceptive is highly effective and widely used, but it may reduce bone mineral density (BMD) and increase the risk of osteoporosis. We compared BMD between users of intramuscular DMPA and nonhormonal subjects and evaluated the changes in BMD after discontinuation of DMPA.

Study Design: The study included 68 women aged between 25 and 40 years using DMPA for 24 months and 59 women aged between 25 and 40 years using nonhormonal contraception as nonusers of hormonal contraception.