15502-m-pleumeekers

RESULTS Results show that subtype (EC or NC) is significantly different for all measured values (Ein, σ max , Eeq, t 1/2 , DNA, sGAG), except hydroxyproline. (Figure 2) Measured values of Ein, σ max , Eeq, t 1/2 , DNA, sGAG and hydroxyproline showed no significant differences between male and female sex for both EC and NC. All male and female data points were pooled for further analysis. Due to the limited number of EC samples available in child and middle adult groups, only young adult and old adult groups were used to investigate age differences. Results indicate age dependent differences in h, sGAG and hydroxyproline (Figure 3E,G,H), where older adults had thicker EC and lower sGAG and hydroxyproline content. Age groups were pooled for all parameters showing nonsignificant effects of age, i.e. Ein, σ max , Eeq, t 1/2 , DNA and elastin. Ein σ max Eeq t 1/2 h DNA sGAG HYP ELN Harvesting location ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Age ● ● ● Table 1. Significant effects observed for ear cartilage samples. Corresponding values for each region and age group are displayed in Figure 3. ● Indicates significant differences, where p <0.05. All values except hydroxyproline and elastin showed significant differences with harvesting location. (Table 1) Regional variation patterns across the auricle were observed for Ein, σ max and Eeq (Figure 3A,B,C), where the helix (HE) values were lowest, and the anti-tragus (AT) highest. This was significantly different from all regions except the tragus (TR). A different pattern was observed for t 1/2 with slower relaxation measured in the AH and HE. (Figure 3D) AT was thickest, with little variation seen in other regions. (Figure 3E) Likewise biochemical properties (DNA and sGAG content) presented regional variations. (Figure 3F,G). DNA content was highest in the scapha (SC) and lowest in the AT and TR. The highest sGAG content was measured in the AT and TR. No regional variations were observed for hydroxyproline and elastin content. (Figure 3H,I) 33 EAR CARTILAGE CHARACTERISTICS 2