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A sample of 303 skeletons from the Etruscan necropolis of Spina (Ferrara, Italy, 6th-3rd centuries bc) was examined for paleopathological lesions in order to assess the general health, diseases and quality of life of this Iron Age population. The observed pathologies included porotic hyperostosis, specific and aspecific infections, metabolic and endocrine disorders, tumours and osteoarthritis. A total of 46.7% of adults and 7.7% of subadults showed at least one pathological lesion. Statistical comparisons were made between sexes and adult-age classes (20-35 years and >35 years) to analyse the prevalence of the lesions. The analysis of porotic hyperostosis and osteoperiostitis allowed to determine the general health status of this group, and the analysis of osteoarthritis allowed to hypothesise a gender division of labour. The results suggest a relatively high-life expectancy for the time as well as good health and quality of life. The few specific infections and metabolic disorders indicate fairly good nutrition, while the high frequency of porotic hyperostosis can be partly linked to some type of hereditary anaemia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests there is a tendency in overweight subjects to underestimate their weight status. This study investigated the perception of body image in Italian children, with particular regard to overweight children. METHODS: Primary school children (n = 866) were recruited for this cross-sectional nutritional survey in northern Italy. Anthropometric measurements were performed to determine body mass index (BMI). Body image perception was assessed with the Body Silhouette Chart for preadolescent children shown to the children and to their mothers (n = 778) during an interview. A new scheme to identify wrong (F.1, F.2) or inappropriate (F.3) self figure responses in overweight subjects was used. RESULTS: More than one-third of the Italian children examined were above the normal BMI range (prevalence of overweight: 35.8%, girls; 37.2%, boys). A higher degree of dissatisfaction was expressed by girls than by boys, and the percentage increased in overweight/obese children. A discrepancy between the self figure perception and the real nutritional status of the subject occurred in 6-9% of the overweight/obese children. CONCLUSION: The comparison of body image perception and anthropometric assessment of nutritional status could play an important role in future programs of nutritional surveillance as they provide indications of dissatisfaction and body image disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research suggests there is a tendency in overweight subjects to underestimate their weight status. This study investigated the perception of body image in Italian children, with particular regard to overweight children. Methods: Primary school children ( n = 866) were recruited for this cross-sectional nutritional survey in northern Italy. Anthropometric measurements were performed to determine body mass index (BMI). Body image perception was assessed with the Body Silhouette Chart for preadolescent children shown to the children and to their mothers ( n = 778) during an interview. A new scheme to identify wrong (F.1, F.2) or inappropriate (F.3) self figure responses in overweight subjects was used. Results: More than one-third of the Italian children examined were above the normal BMI range (prevalence of overweight: 35.8%, girls; 37.2%, boys). A higher degree of dissatisfaction was expressed by girls than by boys, and the percentage increased in overweight/obese children. A discrepancy between the self figure perception and the real nutritional status of the subject occurred in 6–9% of the overweight/obese children. Conclusion: The comparison of body image perception and anthropometric assessment of nutritional status could play an important role in future programs of nutritional surveillance as they provide indications of dissatisfaction and body image disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study compared the prevalence of obesity, fat distribution, body image perception and lifestyle among diabetic African and Albanian immigrants living in Italy, as well as diabetic Italians, aiming to identify health risks and their possible causes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 200 diabetic subjects living in Italy. A questionnaire regarding socio‐demographic and lifestyle information was administered to participants, and anthropometric measurements and body image perception were assessed. Proper perception of weight status and the degree of dissatisfaction in body image perception were valued. Results: Italians showed a higher health risk, both with regard to anthropometric characteristics and lifestyle, whereas African immigrants showed a lower one. All of the male groups underestimated their weight and Albanians were the most dissatisfied. Women perceived their current body image as heavier than their desired body image, showing a dissatisfaction toward their weight. Subjects of both sexes belonging to the overweight and obese categories generally underestimated themselves; this was particularly true in obese Africans. People with a higher body mass index were more likely to be dissatisfied than those with a lower one. Body image dissatisfaction increased when people estimated themselves as being overweight. Among lifestyle habits, being an ex‐smoker increased body image dissatisfaction. Conclusions: The underestimation of weight detected in the present study requires attention. Nevertheless, the high percentage of overweight/obese people, coupled with the higher frequency of people dissatisfied with their high weight, suggests an awareness of the problem that could be more effective for weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity is increasing, with negative medical and psychosocial consequences.Aims: This study examines the association between weight status and nutrient intake, sport and leisure habits of middle school students in Bologna (Italy).Methods: Anthropometric data (height, weight) of 598 subjects (321 males and 277 females) 11-14 years old were collected. Questionnaires on nutrient intake, sport and leisure behaviour were administered.Results: Protein, carbohydrate and total fat intakes of the adolescents were higher than the recommended ranges in all age groups and in both sexes. The proportion of energy from protein and total fat was higher than recommended, but the percentage from carbohydrate was lower. A significant proportion of the adolescents had a cholesterol intake above the Italian RDA and lower than recommended intakes for micronutrients. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher in males than in females at all ages (overweight: 35.2 vs 31.6 at 11 yrs.; 27.5 vs 20.2 at 12 yrs.; 18.6 vs 17.8 at 13 yrs.; 18.7 vs 10.9 at 14 yrs.; obesity: 5.5 vs 3.2 at 12 yrs.; 3.9 vs 1.1 at 13 yrs.; 5.3 vs 3.6 at 14 yrs.), except in subjects 11 years old (obesity: 7.4 vs 10.5). The overweight and obese adolescents consumed less carbohydrates and less fibre than their normal weight and underweight counterparts.Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate an unbalanced diet of the Bologna adolescents, which could damage their health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Numerous studies have been carried out on the growth of human migrant populations. However, studies on the auxological pattern of Chinese migrant population are limited in Italy. Aims : In this paper we examine the growth pattern from birth to 24 months and the body composition of Chinese infants born and living in Bologna (north Italy). Subjects and methods : A longitudinal study was conducted recruiting 224 healthy Chinese children. The anthropometric measurements were collected when the children were immunized. Body mass index (BMI), Arm Muscle Area and Arm Fat Area were calculated. Results : The growth of Chinese Italian children is adequate, being within the normal limits according to the NCHS reference standard. In comparison with Chinese children living in China and abroad, their body length is greater. Comparisons with growth curves for Italian children (Emilia-Romagna) show that weight and length values are higher in Chinese children than in Italians until 12 months, and comparable thereafter. The weight and length growth velocities are similar to those reported for Italian children. Conclusion : As a whole, the results of the present study support the hypothesis that Chinese children born and living in Italy grow in an appropriate environment to achieve their growth potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legg–Calvé–Perthes is a very rare disease involving childhood osteochondrosis of the femoral head due to interruption of its blood supply. The etiology is unknown. The signs of the pathology are well described in the literature but few paleopathological cases have been reported, mostly dating from Late Antiquity to Early Middle Ages. Here we report on morphometric and radiological analyses of a skeleton from the Etruscan necropolis of Spina (Ferrara, Italy, 6th–3rd century BCE), to our knowledge the most ancient case of Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease published thus far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of some dento-alveolar features (caries, dental calculus, tooth wear, enamel hypoplasia, abscesses, retraction of the alveolar bone, chipping, and ante mortem tooth loss) on an Iron Age sample from the Etruscan necropolis of Spina (North-Eastern Italy) and to make a relation with dietary evidence found in the archaeological records. These dental features were used to evaluate the oral health status and dietary habits with the aim of shedding light on the lifestyle and living conditions of this population. Materials and methods: The sample analysed consisted of 680 permanent teeth from 80 burials. Results: Overall, individuals at Spina exhibited a low incidence of caries, abscesses and ante mortem tooth loss, high calculus rates and severe attrition, suggesting a subsistence pattern based on a mixture of fishing, pastoralism and agriculture. The low incidence of hypoplasia was probably related to their good nutritional conditions and weak metabolic stresses during early childhood. Conclusions: These findings, quite similar to those of Etruscans from other parts of Italy, are very different from those of other populations living in the same territory during the same time. This pattern is indicative of a general good health status in this Iron Age population and may be related, at least in part, to the Etruscan diet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate relationships between nutritional status and growth among a sample of schoolchildren and adolescents living in a rural district of Kenya. Design: Cross-sectional nutritional and anthropometric survey. Setting: The data are from schools in a rural district of south-western Kenya. Subjects: Schoolchildren and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years of age. Anthropometric measurements and interviews on dietary intake were carried out in 2001 and 2002 on 1,442 subjects. Results: In this African rural sample, the degree of malnutrition differs with age (increasing with age) and sex (more accentuated in males). Several correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between nutrient adequacy ratios and anthropometric values, particularly in males. There were no correlations between anthropometric characteristics and sodium or vitamin C (in males and females) and vitamin A or potassium (in females). Conclusions: Malnutrition was more evident in subjects at puberty. The diet was deficient in sodium, calcium and potassium. Although weight-for-age (WAZ) and BMI-for-age (BMIZ) did not show significant relationships with nutrients in girls, the anthropometric variables were significantly correlated with micronutrients and thiamine in boys. To develop effective intervention strategies, it is vital to understand both how changes in malnutrition do occur and how different factors influence nutrient intake. The different growth pattern of boys and girls could be caused by sexual differences in environmental sensitivity, access to food and energy expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate relationships between nutritional status and growth among a sample of schoolchildren and adolescents living in a rural district of Kenya. Design: Cross-sectional nutritional and anthropometric survey. Setting: The data are from schools in a rural district of south-western Kenya. Subjects: Schoolchildren and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years of age. Anthropometric measurements and interviews on dietary intake were carried out in 2001 and 2002 on 1,442 subjects. Results: In this African rural sample, the degree of malnutrition differs with age (increasing with age) and sex (more accentuated in males). Several correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between nutrient adequacy ratios and anthropometric values, particularly in males. There were no correlations between anthropometric characteristics and sodium or vitamin ? (in males and females) and vitamin A or potassium (in females). Conclusions: Malnutrition was more evident in subjects at puberty. The diet was deficient in sodium, calcium and potassium. Although weight-for-age (WAZ) and BMI-for-age (BMIZ) did not show significant relationships with nutrients in girls, the anthropometric variables were significantly correlated with micronutrients and thiamine in boys. To develop effective intervention strategies, it is vital to understand both how changes in malnutrition do occur and how different factors influence nutrient intake. The different growth pattern of boys and girls could be caused by sexual differences in environmental sensitivity, access to food and energy expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity is increasing, with negative medical and psychosocial consequences. Aims: This study examines the association between weight status and nutrient intake, sport and leisure habits of middle school students in Bologna (Italy). Methods: Anthropometric data (height, weight) of 598 subjects (321 males and 277 females) 11-14 years old were collected. Questionnaires on nutrient intake, sport and leisure behaviour were administered. Results: Protein, carbohydrate and total fat intakes of the adolescents were higher than the recommended ranges in all age groups and in both sexes. The proportion of energy from protein and total fat was higher than recommended, but the percentage from carbohydrate was lower. A significant proportion of the adolescents had a cholesterol intake above the Italian RDA and lower than recommended intakes for micronutrients. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher in males than in females at all ages (overweight: 35.2 vs 31.6 at 11 yrs.; 27.5 vs 20.2 at 12 yrs.; 18.6 vs 17.8 at 13 yrs.; 18.7 vs 10.9 at 14 yrs.; obesity: 5.5 vs 3.2 at 12 yrs.; 3.9 vs 1.1 at 13 yrs.; 5.3 vs 3.6 at 14 yrs.), except in subjects 11 years old (obesity: 7.4 vs 10.5). The overweight and obese adolescents consumed less carbohydrates and less fibre than their normal weight and underweight counterparts. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate an unbalanced diet of the Bologna adolescents, which could damage their health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to investigate the psycho-social health and weight status of two samples of North African immigrants measured in 1990 (166 males) and in 2000–2002 (173 males and females), respectively. In addition to the cross-sectional study, we conducted a repeated study on a sub-sample of 21 males measured both in 1990 and in 2000–2002. The study was carried out in Italian health and care dedicated centres spread all over the Bologna administrative areas, that belong to the AUSL (Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, Administrative Local Health Unit). To evaluate the health and weight status, we calculated the body mass index (BMI) and measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Questionnaires were used to assess the psycho-social status. The mean BMI increased significantly (p<0.05) after immigration, as the prevalence of overweight (BMI>25) was higher after a decade. There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in stress-related factors and in the desire to return home. We also recorded an increase in weight disorders, as the length of time since immigration was an important risk factor for overweight. Therefore, immigrants may have a high risk of obesity-related co-morbidities. However, the factors related to malnutrition and stress had only weak effects on blood pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In historical times, plague epidemics intermittently ravaged Europe for more than 1,400 years, and still represent a threat in many countries all over the world. A debate is ongoing about the past plague, if it killed randomly in a population or discriminated among persons on the basis of their biological features. To address questions of plague lethality, we reviewed a large number of anthropological studies published in the last twenty years on victims of the past pestilences in Europe. In particular, we focused on data concerning demography (age at death and sex determination), and health status (skeletal biomarkers). We applied to these data a model system based on Multiple Linear Regression, which aimed to discern among possible predictors of sex-selective plague lethality in entire populations, in different periods and regions. Based on available data, we lack evidence for general trends of association between biological features. Differences in sex ratio are more likely due to the original population compositions or to distinct cultural behaviours of the two genders. We concluded that generalizations on biological evidence are not feasible for ancient plagues if we exclude that the infection possibly killed primarily persons between 5-10 and 20-35 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study which examined the human skull that was discovered inside a plastic bag at the Church of St. Cristoforo at the Monumental Certosa of Ferrara in Italy on November 23, 2008. It cites the use of the tooth wear method, the degree of ecto-cranial suture closure, and the use of egression equation to determine the subject's age at death. The skull also underwent direct and indirect morphometric analysis.