Biomineralisation by earthworms - an investigation into the stability and distribution of amorphous calcium carbonate.

Background: Many biominerals form from amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), but this phase is highly unstable when synthesised in its pure form inorganically. Several species of earthworm secrete calcium carbonate granules which contain highly stable ACC. We analysed the milky fluid from which granules form and solid granules for amino acid (by liquid chromatography) and functional group (by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy) compositions.

Does 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate affect fetal biometry and birth weight in twin pregnancy?

Objective: Increasingly, maternal administration of 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) is utilized to prevent preterm birth, but the fetal safety of 17-OHPC is still a matter of concern. This study aimed to assess whether exposure to 17-OHPC during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy affects fetal biometry in twin gestations.

Methods: This study included a subset of women with a twin pregnancy who had been previously included in a randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of 17-OHPC and placebo on neonatal outcomes and preterm birth rates in multiple pregnancy.

[Mutual stereotypes of younger and older adults and their relation with self-concept and self-esteem].

In this study younger and older persons were compared with regard to their stereotypes about both age groups, their self-concept and self-esteem. We examined the relation between age and stereotypes about younger and older adults, the relation between stereotypes about one's own age group and self-concepts, and the relation between self-concepts and self-esteem. Stereotypes and self-concepts were measured on two dimensions, warmth and competence.