Showing papers in "Annals of Human Biology in 2012"
TL;DR: Growth charts have developed considerably in 200 years and they represent an impressive synthesis of anthropometry, statistical summary and chart design.
Abstract: Context: De Montbeillard produced the first growth chart in the late 18th century. Since then, growth assessment has developed to become an essential component of child health practice. Objective: To provide a brief history of (i) anthropometry, i.e. growth measurements; (ii) growth references, the statistical summary of anthropometry and (iii) growth charts, the visual representation of growth references for clinical use. Methods: The major contributors in the three categories over the past 200 years were identified and their historical contributionsput in context with more recent developments. Results: Anthropometry was originally collected for administrative or public health purposes, its medical role emerging at the end of the 19th century. Growth reference data were collected in earnest from the 19th century, during which time the familiar statistical summary statistics—mean, SD, centiles—were developed. More advanced statistical methods emerged much later. Growth charts first appeared in the late 19...
139 citations
TL;DR: Dental maturity of boys from published reports was compared as maturity curves and difference to the 50th percentile in terms of chronological age and score and most published reports were similar to the database smoothed maturity curve.
Abstract: Background: A frequently reported advancement in dental maturity compared with the 50th percentile of Demirjian, Goldstein and Tanner (1973, Hum Biol 45:211–27) has been interpreted as a population difference. Aim: To review the assessment and interpretation of Demirjian et al.'s dental maturity. Subjects and methods: Dental maturity of boys from published reports was compared as maturity curves and difference to the 50th percentile in terms of chronological age and score. Dental maturity, as well as maturity of individual teeth, was compared in the fastest and slowest maturing groups of boys from the Chaillet database. Results: Maturity curves from published reports by age category were broadly similar and differences occurred at the steepest part of the curve. These reduced when expressed as score rather than age. Many studies report a higher than expected score for chronological age and the database contained more than expected children with scores>97th percentile. Revised scores for chronological age ...
71 citations
TL;DR: Equations to predict LBM from simple anthropometric measures, which account for the differing contributions of fat and lean to body weight at different ages and levels of adiposity, would be useful to both human biologists and clinicians.
Abstract: Background: Lean body mass (LBM) is not easy to measure directly in the field or clinical setting. Equations to predict LBM from simple anthropometric measures, which account for the differing contributions of fat and lean to body weight at different ages and levels of adiposity, would be useful to both human biologists and clinicians.Aim: To develop and validate equations to predict LBM in children and adolescents across the entire range of the adiposity spectrum.Subjects and methods: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure LBM in 836 healthy children (437 females) and linear regression was used to develop sex-specific equations to estimate LBM from height, weight, age, body mass index (BMI) for age z-score and population ancestry. Equations were validated using bootstrapping methods and in a local independent sample of 332 children and in national data collected by NHANES.Results: The mean difference between measured and predicted LBM was − 0.12% (95% limits of agreement − 11.3% to 8.5%) fo...
65 citations
TL;DR: The present study demonstrates that NC is a simple, inexpensive and accurate measurement that may be used to identify overweight and obesity in Han children.
Abstract: Background: The prevalence of obesity has reached alarming levels in recent years. Neck circumference (NC) has been shown to be an indicator of central adiposity.Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyse whether NC can be used to determine overweight and obesity in Han Chinese children.Subjects and methods: In 2011, anthropometric measurements were gathered in a cross-sectional, population-based study of 2847 Han children aged 7–12 years. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the 2004 Chinese obesity task force definition. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to assess the accuracy of NC as a diagnostic test for elevated body mass index (BMI) (overweight and obesity).Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys was 18.0% and 26.0%, respectively, and 11.7% and 15.7%, respectively, for girls. The mean NC in boys was significantly greater than in girls (29.2 ± 3.1 cm vs 28.1 ± 2.8 cm, p < 0.001). NC was significantly correlated with age, BMI and waist ci...
56 citations
TL;DR: Regression analyses showed that percentage body fat, waist circumference and BMI were similar in their ability to predict the MS in this age group, highlighting the importance of early screening for obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities and of developing successful multi-component interventions addressing adolescent obesity.
Abstract: Background: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in obese adolescents has been reported to range between 18–42%, depending on country of origin, thus suggesting an ethnic-based association between obesity and MS.Aim: This study aims to investigate the magnitude of the association between obesity, insulin resistance and components of MS among adolescents in Lebanon.Subjects and methods: The sample included 263 adolescents at 4th and 5th Tanner stages of puberty (104 obese; 78 overweight; 81 normal weight). Anthropometric, biochemical and blood pressure measurements were performed. Body fat was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results: According to International Diabetes Federation criteria, MS was identified in 21.2% of obese, 3.8% of overweight and 1.2% of normal weight subjects. The most common metabolic abnormalities among subjects having MS were elevated waist circumference (96.2%), low HDL (96.2%) and hypertriglyceridemia (73.1%). Insulin resistance was identified in all subjects havin...
51 citations
TL;DR: Over 7.2 years, tracking was moderate-to-high for fatness, and Variance was explained by fatness indicators and to a small extent by physical fitness, physical activity and maturation.
Abstract: Aims: Investigating tracking of fatness from childhood to adolescence, early adolescence to young adulthood and late adolescence to young adulthood.Subjects and methods: Participants from the Madeira Growth Study were followed during an average period of 7.2 years. Height, body mass, skin-folds and circumferences were measured, nine health- and performance-related tests were administered and the Baecke questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. Skeletal maturity was estimated using the TW3 method.Results: The prevalence of overweight plus obesity ranged from 8.2–20.0% at baseline and from 20.4–40.0% at follow-up, in boys. Corresponding percentages for girls were 10.6–12.0% and 13.2–18.0%. Inter-age correlations for fatness indicators ranged from 0.43–0.77. BMI, waist circumference and sum of skin-folds at 8, 12 and 16-years old were the main predictors of these variables at 15, 19 and 23-years old, respectively. Strength, muscular endurance and aerobic fitness were negatively related to body fatn...
51 citations
TL;DR: This review connects Tanner's contributions to contemporary understanding of puberty as a process fundamentally driven by neuroendocrine maturation as well as introducing the concepts of the ‘hour-glass of puberty’ and ‘somatic strategy’ as heuristic constructs.
Abstract: Background: James Tanner's landmark publication, Growth at Adolescence, was not only the first and most comprehensive treatise on the subject of human pubertal development of its time, its core insights have held up remarkably well over time. Review: This review connects Tanner's contributions to contemporary understanding of puberty as a process fundamentally driven by neuroendocrine maturation. It introduces the concepts of the ‘hour-glass of puberty’ and ‘somatic strategy’ as heuristic constructs. The ‘hour-glass of puberty’ describes the converging pathways of information flow influencing the timing of the neuroendocrine events of puberty and its ramifying consequences throughout the body. Somatic strategy refers to the pattern of sex-specific, adult body morphology that develops at puberty as the individual undergoes a life history transition from juvenile to adult.
47 citations
TL;DR: The disaggregation of CIAF has an adequate potential to enhance the efficacy of a nutritional intervention programme by identifying double or multiple failures and provides more precision in identifying the nutritionally vulnerable segment of the population.
Abstract: Background: The present cross-sectional study evaluates the utility of the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) over conventional nutritional indices for nutritional assessment. It also assesses the impact of various socio-economic and demographic factors on the CIAF.Subjects and methods: Height, weight, age, socio-economic and demographic data were recorded from 3444 children (1682 boys; 1762 girls) aged 1–12 years and residing in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. The conventional anthropometric indices and CIAF were compared with the NCHS reference data to assess prevalence of under-nutrition. A multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the impact of different socio-economic and demographic variables on the CIAF.Results: Prevalence of under-nutrition was observed to be 21.5% (wasting), 43.3% (stunting) and 52.0% (underweight). This increased to 63.6% using the CIAF. The multinomial logistic regression odds showed that children suffering from double and multiple failures were ...
38 citations
TL;DR: Children from Cariri show a growth pattern in height, body mass and BMI that closely resembles the patterns observed in developed countries, but the absolute values in height and body mass are markedly lower than CDC references and growth references for other regions in Brazil.
Abstract: Aim: To construct reference values for height, body mass and BMI of children and adolescents from the Cariri region, Brazil; to compare the growth of Cariri children with those from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and with references from other Brazilian regions; to verify the associations between socioeconomic status and height, body mass and BMI in children and youth from both sexes.Subjects and methods: The sample comprised 3311 girls and 3280 boys aged 7–17 years, participating in the study ‘Healthy Growth in Cariri’. Socioeconomic status was defined according to school attendance: private and public. Centile curves for height, body mass and BMI were constructed using the LMS method.Results: Significant differences between children and adolescents from Cariri and those from other Brazilian regions and the CDC references were found for height and body mass. In girls from private schools, average differences in height compared to the CDC references ranged from 0.79–5.9 cm and in boys fr...
32 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that stunting reduces total energy expenditure (resting + active) in children is not supported and children with shorter stature and less lean body mass have lower totalEnergy expenditure.
Abstract: Background: Childhood stunting has been associated with an increased risk of obesity in adulthood, but the causes are unclear. This study hypothesizes that stunting significantly reduces both resting and activity energy expenditure. Aim: To assess and describe energy expenditure of low socio-economic Maya children and to determine whether stunting is independently related to energy expenditure after controlling for lean mass. Subjects and methods: Thirty-three urban Maya children, 17 boys, aged 7–9 years, living in Merida, Mexico, were measured for height, weight and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Body composition was estimated from BIA. Energy expenditure was measured for one week using the Actiheart (combined heart rate and accelerometer). Results: Stunting (height-for-age below the 5th percentile of NHANES III based references) affected 35% of these physically active children. Using multiple linear regression analysis, greater lean body mass predicted higher resting and activity energy expendi...
30 citations
TL;DR: There is an asynchronous pattern in the onset of puberty among Chinese boys, with urban boys achieving pubertal milestones at an earlier age than rural peers except for G5.
Abstract: Aim: To provide up-to-date pubertal characteristics in a representative population of boys from both urban and rural areas of China. Subjects and methods: The China Puberty Research Collaboration enrolled 15 011 boys of Chinese Han ethnicity aged 6.0–18.9 years in eight regions including both urban and rural areas. Stages of genital and pubic hair development were assessed by trained physicians according to the Tanner method. Testicular volume was evaluated with a Prader orchidometer. Results: Median age for onset of testicular volume of 4 mL or greater was 11.02 years. Median age for onset of genital (G2), pubic hair development (PH2) and spermarche was 11.24 years, 12.67 years and 14.32 years, respectively. Boys with BMI ≥ 85th percentile reached the onset of TV ≥ 4 ml (11.09 years), G2 (11.34 years) and G3 (13.01 years) later than boys with a normal BMI (10.95 years, 11.1 years and 12.88 years, respectively). Urban boys achieved pubertal milestones at an earlier age than rural peers except for G5 (13.4...
TL;DR: The impact of soft tissue body composition on bone density is different among men and women at older ages, and a significant relation between muscle mass and bonedensity is found among elderly males only.
Abstract: Aim: This paper examines sex specific associations between soft tissue body composition (lean and fat mass) and bone mineral density among older adults.Subjects and methods: Two hundred and eighty-two subjects (152 females and 130 males) aged 60–92 years ( = 71.9 ± 7.9) were enrolled. Body composition of the whole body and bone density (BMD) of the whole body and the femoral neckwere measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body mass index (BMI), relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass (RASM) and relative total muscle mass (RTSM) were calculated. Subjects were categorized based on sarcopenia, i.e. reduced appendicular skeletal muscle mass, osteopenia and osteoporosis. BMD of the femoral neck was used to categorize osteopenia and osteoporosis.Results: Sex-specific correlation patterns between soft tissue body composition and bone density were observed. Lean body mass (RASM and RTSM) correlated significantly with total and femoral neck bone density in men, absolute and relative fat mass were signifi...
TL;DR: A new anthropometric predication equation for FM (PE) was more valid for Brazilian children that existing equations, but further studies are needed to assess the validity of this PE in other populations.
Abstract: Background: The double burden of obesity and underweight is increasing in developing countries and simple methods for the assessment of fat mass in children are needed.Aim: To develop and validate a new anthropometric predication equation for assessment of fat mass in children.Subjects and methods: Body composition was assessed in 145 children aged 9.8 ± 1.3 (SD) years from Sao Paulo, Brazil using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and skinfold measurements. The study sample was divided into development and validation sub-sets to develop a new prediction equation for FM (PE).Results: Using multiple linear regression analyses, the best equation for predicting FM (R2 = 0.77) included body weight, triceps skinfold, height, gender and age as independent variables. When cross-validated, the new PE was valid in this sample (R2 = 0.80), while previously published equations were not.Conclusion: The PE was more valid for Brazilian children that existing equations, but further studies are needed to assess the ...
TL;DR: The prevalence of relatively high BP among children and adolescents increased dramatically from 2000 to 2010 in Shandong, China and has become a public health problem and comprehensive interference measures are urgently needed.
Abstract: Background: Hypertension in adults remains a major public health problem. Several studies have provided ample evidence that hypertension in adults has its onset in childhood; children and adolescents with elevated blood pressure (BP) are more likely to become hypertensive adults.Aim: The present study examined the prevalent trend in relatively high BP among children and adolescents during the past 10 years in Shandong, China.Subjects and methods: Data for this study were obtained from three national surveys on students' constitution and health carried out by the government in 2000, 2005 and 2010 in Shandong Province, China. A total of 22 548 students aged 7–17 years old were included in this study (7776 in 2000, 7878 in 2005 and 6894 in 2010). Height, weight and BP of all subjects were measured. Relatively high BP status was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 95th percentile for age and gender. Body mass index (BMI) of adolescents was calculated from their hei...
TL;DR: Relationships between ACTN3 genotypes and power or body composition-related phenotypes were not significant, and as fat increased, power-related Phenotypes decreased and as body composition increased,Power- related phenotypes increased.
Abstract: Background and aim: To identify the distribution and explore the relationship between ACTN3 genotypes and power and body composition phenotypes.
Subjects and methods: Case control and association studies were employed using a homogeneous group of players (n == 102) and a control group (n == 110). Power-related phenotypes were measured using the counter movement jump (CMJ) and body composition phenotypes by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Statistics used were Pearson's chi-square, ANCOVA, coefficients of correlation and independent t-tests. Genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction followed by enzymatic Ddel digestion.
Results: Genotype proportions of players were compared with controls (p == 0.07). No significant genotype differences occurred between forwards or backs (p == 0.822) or within-forwards (p == 0.882) or within-backs (p == 0.07). Relative force and velocity were significantly larger in backs, power significantly greater in forwards; in body composition, all phenotypes were significantly greater in forwards than backs. Correlations between phenotypes were greater for the RX genotype (p == 0.05-0.01).
Conclusions: Relationships between ACTN3 genotypes and power or body composition-related phenotypes were not significant. As fat increased, power-related phenotypes decreased. As body composition increased, power-related phenotypes increased.
TL;DR: Boys and girls from high SES group were taller, heavier and more likely to be obese than their peers from moderate and low SES groups, with variations in development and prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents among different SES districts being related to the local SES.
Abstract: Background: There are wide-ranging differences in human growth, not only between ethnic groups but also between regions. Shandong is one of the most populous provinces in China, with inequalities of regional economic status. However, no studies on the differences in development among children and adolescents in different districts have been reported.Aim: This study assessed the differences in height, weight and prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents of different socioeconomic status (SES) districts in Shandong, China.Subjects and methods: Data for this study were obtained from a large cross-sectional survey of schoolchildren. A total of 42 286 students (21 222 boys and 21 064 girls) aged 7–18 years from 16 districts participated in this study. Height and weight of all subjects were measured and BMI was calculated from their height and weight. Prevalence rates of obesity and overweight were determined by comparing calculated BMIs (kg/m2) to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-offs. Ea...
TL;DR: Variations in the processes of development programme the function of a few key systems that are linked to chronic disease—the immune system, anti-oxidant defences, inflammatory responses, the number and quality of stem cells, neuro-endocrine settings and the balance of the autonomic nervous system.
Abstract: Context: Memorial to Jim Tanner. Objective: To examine the links between early growth and chronic disease in later life. Methods: Literature review. Results: There is now a developmental model for the origins of chronic disease in which the causes to be identified are linked to normal variations in feto-placental, infant and childhood growth and development. These variations lead to variations in the supply of nutrients to the baby that permanently alters gene expression, a process known as ‘programming’. Conclusions: Variations in the processes of development programme the function of a few key systems that are linked to chronic disease—the immune system, anti-oxidant defences, inflammatory responses, the number and quality of stem cells, neuro-endocrine settings and the balance of the autonomic nervous system. There is not a separate cause for each different disease. Which chronic disease originates during development may depend more on timing than on qualitative differences in exposures to external inf...
TL;DR: Waist-to-height ratio is a convenient and appropriate measure of adiposity during puberty and should be taken into account in adjusting weight for height in adolescents.
Abstract: Background: Puberty is a critical period in the development of obesity. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and skin-fold thickness are used generally as estimates of body fat in children and adults. Aim: To identify a marker of adiposity that is independent of pubertal status and determine its relationship to physical fitness in adolescence. Subjects and methods: Girls (n = 147) and boys (n = 100) from year 8 in three Welsh schools self-reported Tanner stages. Anthropometric measurements of adiposity were made and aerobic fitness estimated with a 20-metre shuttle-run test. Results: Children in early and late puberty were of similar chronological age. BMI strongly correlated with height in early puberty in girls (r = 0.366, p < 0.001) and boys (r = 0.594, p < 0.001), but not in late puberty. Waist-to-height ratio adjusted for the effect of height on waist measurements; and correlated with percentage fat mass in early and late puberty in girls (r = 0.865 and r = 0.772, both p < 0.001) and boys (r = ...
TL;DR: The results are consistent with the known genetic admixture origin of most Venezuela populations and highlight the need for pharmacogenetic studies taking into account biogeographical and anthropological considerations.
Abstract: Background: Differences in genes encoding enzymes involved in the biotransformation of a large number of compounds, such as CYP2D6, are related to inter-individual and inter-ethnic variability in the metabolism of many drugs, which have also been linked to susceptibility to cancer and other health outcomes. Therefore, populations are likely to benefit from inclusion in pharmacogenetic research studies. Aim: To determine the frequency of functionally important allele variants of CYP2D6 gene in a sample of an Urban/admixed and five Amerindian Venezuelan populations. Subjects and methods: DNA of 328 unrelated volunteers was analysed for the presence of CYP2D6 *2, *3, *4, *5, *6 and *10 variants. Results: The frequency in the Urban/admixed population for *2, *3, *4, *5, *6 and *10 alleles was 37.9%, 0%, 13.4%, 2.0%, 1.2% and 4.0%, respectively. In the Bari population, the prevalence of *4 allele associated with decreased enzyme activity was observed in 42.5%, whereas the poor metabolizer genotype *4/*4 was found in 25%. In the Panare, Pemon, Warao and Wayuu populations the *4 allele was found in 5.4%, 2.5%, 1.7% and 4.2%, respectively. The *10 allele frequency found in Amerindians (0.0‐6.3%) was lower than reported for Asians. Conclusion: The results are consistent with the known genetic admixture origin of most Venezuela populations. Nevertheless, the observed significant differences among Amerindians highlight the need for pharmacogenetic studies taking into account biogeographical and anthropological considerations.
TL;DR: The level of FMI was 6.6 kg/m2 in men and women predicted at upper limits of 25% and 30% body fat, respectively, for defining obesity, according to ROC curve analysis.
Abstract: Background: The assessment of Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass indices provides valuable information about changes in body composition.Aim: To identify cut-off points for Fat Mass Index (FMI) to predict an upper limit of percentage body fat of men (25%) and women (30%) for defining obesity and its association with hypertension.Subjects and methods: A total of 436 men and 596 women were included in the study. Fat mass was calculated using skin-fold measurements. FMI cut-off points to predict an upper limit of percentage body fat of 25% (men) and 30% (women) for defining obesity were assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: ROC curve analysis indicated that the level of FMI was 6.59 kg/m2 in men and 6.64 kg/m2 in women at 25% and 30% body fat, respectively. Risk estimation for hypertension with FMI indicated high risk of hypertension in men (OR: 3.4, CI: 2.1–5.5) as well as in women (OR: 5.3, CI: 2.3–12.4).Conclusion: The level of FMI was 6.6 kg/m2 in men and women predicted ...
TL;DR: The present work is the first to describe STR markers polymorphism in the general Libyan population in order to contribute to the analysis of its genetic diversity for forensic purposes and demonstrates their usefulness for forensic and parental purposes.
Abstract: Background: Until recently Libya remained the only state of the Maghreb without genetic evolution investigations of the genetic landscape of its population. Apart from some studies of Libyan Jews and Libyan Tuareg, only two recent investigations, based on autosomal ancestry informative SNP and mitochondrial DNA markers, have concerned the general Libyan population.Aim: The present work is the first to describe STR markers polymorphism in the general Libyan population in order to contribute to the analysis of its genetic diversity for forensic purposes.Subjects and Methods: Allele frequencies for 15 STR loci (CSF1PO, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D21S11, FGA, TH01, TPOX, VWA, D2S1338, D19S433) included in the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit were determined in a sample of 99 unrelated individuals originating from the general Libyan population.Results: No deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed, with the exception of CSF1PO. Genetic parameters of forensic interest such...
TL;DR: The Croatian islanders are characterized by a high prevalence of metabolic abnormalities, the strongest being waist circumference, which means the population is at substantial risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract: Background: Metabolic syndrome, a constellation of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Epidemiological studies in transitional societies will provide insight into the underlying factors that interact in its manifestation.Aims: To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, provide a comparative analysis of two metabolic syndrome definitions and assess clustering and association of metabolic traits and cardiovascular diseases in an Adriatic island population.Subjects and methods: In a cross-sectional study, data on four anthropometric, blood pressure and 11 biochemical traits were obtained from 1430 adults from the island of Hvar.Results: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 25% and 38.5% based on Adult Treatment Panel III and International Diabetes Federation definitions, respectively. Rates of abdominal obesity, elevated blood glucose and hypertension were high. Among the traits not included in the definitions, levels of ...
TL;DR: A perspective on how growth models have determined the questions researchers ask and the methods used to analyse data is historically informative and growth models are important descriptive summaries, embody empirical evidence and provide the opportunity for hypotheses-testing that aides the understanding, explanation and prediction of growth processes and systems.
Abstract: Context: James Tanner had a foundational role in promoting the modelling of growth data as an important step in further understanding the science of human growth. Objective: A perspective on how growth models have determined the questions researchers ask and the methods used to analyse data is historically informative. Alternatively, it is useful to review that mathematical models are representations of growth as a function of time and carry assumptions that require consideration in terms of the goals of a research inquiry. Methods: An overview of the history of the study of human growth models and modelling is summarized with reference to the important roles that these have played in the perceptions of the human growth process. Results: Growth models are important descriptive summaries, embody empirical evidence and provide the opportunity for hypotheses-testing that aides the understanding, explanation and prediction of growth processes and systems. These models are modified as novel data emerge. More frequent sampling protocols and the development of mathematical models has advanced mechanistic investigations of the human growth process. Conclusions: Technical advances in science are important to investigate potential underlying mechanisms of growth and develop interventions based on a more accurate model of growth biology.
TL;DR: Bilateral agenesis of the vas deferens is classed as a form of cystic fibrosis with only genital expression and different mutations found in this study were associated with polymorphisms which decrease the severity of the disease and delay its onset.
Abstract: Background: Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) is responsible for 2–6% of male infertility. It occurs in 95% of men with cystic fibrosis.This malformation is present in patients with a sterile obstructive azoospermia but without clinical evidence of cystic fibrosis. Molecular study of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene responsible for cystic fibrosis could show the relationship between this disease and bilateral absence of vas deferens.Patients and methods: The study involved 20 male patients aged between 28–40 years, referred with suspected cystic fibrosis and in whom bilateral absence of vas deferens was confirmed by cyto-biochemical analyses and urogenital ultrasound. Molecular study of the CFTR gene was based on several techniques: DHPLC, DGGE and direct sequencing.Results: Thirteen patients had CFTR mutations: F508del, G542X, W1282X, E1104X, 711+1G → T, V201M (TG) m and IVS8-5T. These mutations were associated with polymorphisms: M470V and D1270N. Se...
TL;DR: This paper reviews studies on the causes and long-term effects of poor nutrition as well as data from clinical studies of growth retardation and metabolism and body composition that may explain the link between poor growth and later risk for NRCD.
Abstract: Context: Despite significant economic development in many parts of the world, upwards of 150 million children are short for their age. Epidemiologic and clinical data suggest that stunting increases the risk for nutrition-related chronic diseases (NRCD), a particular problem for transitional countries as dietary and environmental shifts that accompany development are also reported to increase the risk for NRCD. Objective and methods: This paper reviews studies on the causes and long-term effects of poor nutrition as well as data from clinical studies of growth retardation and metabolism and body composition that may explain the link between poor growth and later risk for NRCD. Results: Growth retardation is the physical outcome of a complex interaction of socio- economic factors during key periods of development. Growth-retarded children may present with metabolic or body fat distribution profiles that predispose them to NRCD, a risk factor that may be compounded by consuming a diet consistent with the ‘n...
TL;DR: Stable variation in inflammatory phenotype could impact the gestational environment of offspring, thus pointing to potential inter-generational effects of chronic low-grade inflammation.
Abstract: Background: Although maternal infection and inflammation during pregnancy can adversely affect offspring birth weight (BW), whether low grade inflammation in the non-pregnant state predicts BW is unknown.Aim: To evaluate relationships between offspring BW and pro- and anti-inflammatory factors measured in parous but non-pregnant women.Subjects and methods: Data come from 234 parous Filipino females (21.5 ± 0.3 years) in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, a population-based birth cohort in Metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Pro-inflammatory [Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), C-reactive protein (CRP)] and anti-inflammatory [Interleukin-10 (IL-10)] factors were measured in fasting plasma when the women were not pregnant, and related to recalled offspring BW.Results: BW in female offspring was lower only among women with high IL-1β. Although pro-inflammatory cytokines did not predict BW in male offspring, women with higher anti-inflammatory IL-...
TL;DR: This study shows that homogamy for body height is present in the current Japanese population and that it may in part result from an individual's preference, and indicates a possible role of a sexual imprinting-like mechanism in human mate choice.
Abstract: Background: Homogamy for body height has been repeatedly documented in Western societies. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism is unclear and the reasons for its apparent absence in non-Western societies remain unexplained.Aim: This study investigates spousal correlation and mate preference for height in the Japanese population.Subjects and methods: This study analyses self-reported data on the height of individuals, their parents and their ideal marriage partners, collected by a series of questionnaires on university students.Results: In contrast to a previous study, this study found a significant positive correlation between the heights of Japanese spouses, after controlling for age. It also found a positive correlation between the heights of subjects and of their ideal partners, suggesting that an individual's self-referent preference may contribute to the observed homogamy for height. However, a subject's preference is also influenced by the height of his/her opposite-sex—but not same-sex—parent, wh...
TL;DR: The new automated TW ratings show good accuracy relative to the manual ratings of the Zurich data and the Gold Series and there are significant differences between manual TW raters, an effect which is eliminated with the automated method.
Abstract: Background/aims: The Tanner-Whitehouse (TW) method for bone age determination has been the basis for many population studies and it is used in many clinics. However, TW bone age raters can differ s...
TL;DR: In late infancy the WHO standard will allow a more focused intervention effort and use of resources for targeting programmes at infants most at risk of malnutrition, as shown in theWHO standard.
Abstract: Background: The WHO 2006 child growth standard is advocated in India, although the conformity of the growth of Indian infants to the WHO standard has only been assessed at cross-sectional points.Aim: To assess the implications of using the WHO standard in rural India and to investigate the factors responsible for any departure from optimal growth, as shown in the WHO standard.Subjects and methods: Mixed-effects models were applied to serial weight and length data from 384 rural south Indian infants. Unadjusted and adjusted (for, among other things, breastfeeding and maternal education) estimates were converted to Z-scores and the risks of underweight, wasting and stunting using the WHO standard compared to the NCHS 1977 child growth reference were calculated.Results: Weight growth was more similar to the WHO standard than the NCHS reference and in late infancy the WHO standard was less likely to classify underweight (RR at 15 months = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.31–0.65). Adjusting the serial data shifted the curves...
TL;DR: Secular changes in the growth and maturation pattern are still taking place in the Hungarian population; sexual maturation in boys has shifted to a younger age.
Abstract: Background: Secular changes in the pattern of growth and maturation have been analysed by many regional surveys in Hungary during the last century. The first representative Hungarian National Growth Study was carried out between 1980–1983. Aim: The main objectives of the 2nd Hungarian National Growth Study (2003–2006) were to construct reference data of the most important indicators of body development and nutritional status in Hungarian children (aged 3–18 years, n = 25 278); to analyse the influence of nutrition, habitual physical activity and socio-economic background factors on body development; to study secular changes in the pattern of development in Hungary in the last 20 years; and to analyse the relationship between body development and psychic health. Subjects and methods: Anthropometric dimensions and proportions, sexual maturity status, body composition, nutritional status and body shape were used for body developmental estimation. Some indicators of psychic health were also investigated. Resu...