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Copyright of Canadian Journal of Health History is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recent studies have demonstrated a global decline in the age at menarche. Our study aimed to determine the age at menarche of Taiwanese women born between 1943 and 1989. Data were obtained from the Taiwan Biobank. To view the trends in age at menarche, we analyzed data from 74,799 women. The mean, standard deviation, and annual percentage change in age at menarche were calculated for birth-year cohorts. The mean age at menarche of Taiwanese women born in 1943 was 14.85 years. The age at menarche decreased to 12.20 years for those born in 1989. The mean age at menarche declined by 2.65 years across the 47-year study period; hence, the reduction rate was 0.56 years per decade. This study demonstrated a downward secular trend in the age at menarche of Taiwanese women born between 1943 and 1989. This trend occurred in three stages of decline: fast (1943–1953), slow (1953–1965), and moderate (1965–1989). The age at menarche decreased by 2.65 years among Taiwanese women born in 1943 compared with those born in 1989. This decline occurred in three stages: fast (1943–1953), slow (1953–1965), and moderate (1965–1989). This significant downward secular trend in age at menarche reflects Taiwan's socioeconomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease that benefits from many newly developed anti-osteoporosis medications (AOMs). Reimbursement policies need to allocate medical budgets properly based on evidence-based data. This study aimed to investigate the 11-year secular trend, focusing on older age and males in this adjustment wave of the National Health Insurance reimbursement. We adopted a nationwide cohort from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients undergoing newly initiated AOMs from 2008 to 2018 were included. The AOMs in this study included denosumab, zoledronate, ibandronate, alendronate, raloxifene, and risedronate. Patients <50 years, pathological fractures, missing data, and two AOMs prescribed were excluded. The real-world trends related to subsequent fragility fracture and death within 1 and 3 years were used to evaluate the potential effects due to revision of reimbursement policies. Of 393,092 patients, among them, 336,229 patients met the criteria, whose mean age ranged from 73.3 to 74.4 years, and nearly 80% were female. Further analysis showed a steady increase of AOMs from 5567 (17.1%) and 8802 (27.0%) in 2008–6697 (18.3%) and 10,793 (29.5%) in 2018 for males and 80+ years respectively. The subsequent fragility fracture within one and three years post AOMs initiation was 5.81% and 11.80% in 2018. This study showed an immediate drop in AOMs prescription after the implementation of a new stricter reimbursement policy. It took 5 years to return the annual prescription number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hope and love are popular themes of literature and art in many human societies. The human physiology of love and hope is less well understood. This review presents evidence that the lack of love and/or hope delays growth disturbs development and maturation and even kills. Main body: Love and hope intersect in promoting healthy human development. Love provides a sense of security and attachment, which are necessary for healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Hope provides a sense of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. Loving relationships can foster a sense of hope in individuals and in society by providing support systems during difficult times. Similarly, having a sense of hope can make it easier to form loving relationships by providing individuals with the confidence to connect with others. Hope and love are the fundamental basis of human biocultural reproduction, which is the human style of cooperation in the production, feeding, and care of offspring. Examples are given of the association between human growth in height with love and hope, including (1) the global "Long Depression" of 1873–1896, (2) "hospitalism" and the abuse/neglect of infants and children, (3) adoption, (4) international migration, (5) colonial conquest, and (6) social, economic, and political change in Japan between 1970 and 1990. Conclusion: Overall, this review suggests that love and hope are both critical factors in promoting healthy human development and that they intersect in complex ways to support emotional well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the last century, a progressive rise in stature, known as the 'secular trend', was documented worldwide, and especially in Sardinia, it has reached a peak in Europe. However, this situation recently ceased in several populations. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the stature secular trend has significantly leveled off in the Sardinian younger generations. Height measurements were retrieved from a database of patients undergoing digestive endoscopy, spanning generations between 1920 and 1990. Sex-specific principal component regression models were fitted to decompose stature variation into the contribution of age, period, and birth cohort. A steady increase in stature was observed in generations born after 1920, with an upward surge in those born after 1950. However, a significant leveling off was observed among cohorts born after 1970 among both sexes, as mean heights stabilized at 171.1 cm with a standard error (SE) of 0.9 cm among men and a mean of 160.1 cm (SE = 0.9 cm) among women. Our findings support a significant slowdown in the secular trend of stature among the latest Sardinian generations. Several factors, including the consumption of low-quality food, lack of physical activity, and late motherhood, among others, may explain the decline in the secular trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human growth process is influenced not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors. Therefore, regional differences in mean body heights may exist within a population or a state. In the present study, we described and evaluated the regional trends in mean body heights in the nine Austrian provinces over a period spanning more than four decades. Body height data of 1734569 male conscripts born in Austria with Austrian citizenship between 1961 and 2002 were anonymized and analyzed. From 1961 to 2002 birth cohorts, an overall increase in the mean body height of Austrian recruits was observed, although regional differences were evident. Regions with shorter body heights in the 1961–1963 birth cohorts showed a particularly pronounced increase in mean body heights. Meanwhile, the course of body height growth in the capital city, Vienna, was striking, where the highest body heights were documented for the 1961–1963 birth cohorts. In Vienna, mean body heights continued to decline until the 1984 birth cohort and increased again from the 1988 birth cohorts. In addition to economic factors, increased stress factors in an urban environment and a form of urban penalty are discussed as causes. • Body height of Austrian conscript increased for all birth cohorts. • Regions with shorter body heights at the beginning showed a pronounced increase. • Vienna presented a deviating trend compared to the rest of provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead exposure continues to be a public health problem globally, yet very few countries perform systematic biomonitoring or surveillance of children's blood lead levels (BLLs). Secular trends in children's BLLs have not been well characterized outside North America and Europe. In 2009–19, we conducted a series of non-representative cross-sectional surveys in Montevideo, Uruguay, enrolling children living in areas of the city with known or suspected lead contamination. Lead was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry on fasting venous blood samples. Of the 856 children representing independent (non-sibling) observations, 759 had BLL measures. Other missing data were imputed. Using linear and logistic regression models, we estimated the covariate-adjusted year to year difference in mean BLL and the likelihood of having BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL. At the start of the study, mean ± SD BLL was 4.8 ± 2.6 μg/dL, and at the end 1.4 ± 1.4 μg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL also differed markedly between 2009 and 2019 (30.8% vs. 2.7% and 53.8% vs. 5.8%). Similarly, where 80.8% of children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL in 2011, in 2019 that number was 19.3%. The estimated year to year difference in BLL was ∼0.3 μg/dL. Despite this progress, pediatric lead exposure remains a problem in Montevideo. In years 2015–19, between 19 and 48% of school children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL, a level at which adverse neurobehavioral outcomes continue to be reported in the literature. Continued prevention and risk-reduction efforts are needed in Montevideo, including systematic surveillance of BLLs in all children. [Display omitted] • Secular trends in blood lead levels (BLLs) of ∼7-year-old children in Uruguay. • Ten cross-sectional samples were drawn in 2009–2019 among low-average income families. • Mean BLL was significantly lower in 2019 (1.4 ± 1.4 μg/dL) than 2009 (4.8 ± 2.6 μg/dL). • The prevalence of BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL was 53.8% in 2009 and 5.8% in 2019. • In 2015–2019, 19–45% of children had BLLs that are potentially neurotoxic (≥2 μg/dL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The global incidence of Clostridium difficile infection increased before 2004. • A downward trend was observed after 2004. • The incidences have stabilized in North America. • The incidences have increased significantly in Asia. Previous decades have witnessed a change in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infections. This study aimed to determine temporal trends in the incidence of C difficile infection across geographic regions. An initial search of the relevant literature was conducted from date inception to October 2018 without language restriction. We estimated the pooled incidences using logit transformation, weighted by inverse variance. The Joinpoint Regression Analysis Program was used to explore its temporal trend. Globally, the estimated incidence of C difficile infection increased from 6.60 per 10,000 patient-days in 1997 to 13.8 per 10,000 patient-days in 2004. Thereafter, a significant downward trend was observed, at –8.75% annually until 2015. From 2005 to 2015, the incidences in most European countries decreased at a rate between 1.97% and 4.11% per annum, except in France, where an increasing incidence was observed (β = 0.16; P <.001). The incidences have stabilized in North America over the same period; however, in Asia, the incidence increased significantly from 2006 to 2014 (annualized percentage change = 14.4%; P <.001). The increase was greatest in Western Asian countries, including Turkey and Israel (β > 0.10; P <.004). This study revealed rapid changes in the incidence of C difficile infection. This meta-analysis should inform the allocation of resources for controlling C difficile infection and future surveillance efforts in countries where epidemiologic information on C difficile infection remains sparse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. In the current situation of the demographic low and strong competition on the educational market, such issues as the level of education as well as competences and predispositions of students are under discussion more and more frequently. Aim of Study. The aim of this study was to analyse differences in body build and physical fitness of physical education (PE) students in the years 2004 and 2014. Material and Methods. In 2004 the authors examined 112 females and 287 males who were second-year students. The tests were repeated in 2014 and included 98 females and 242 males. Anthropometric features were measured according to Martin and Saller guidelines, and these measurements, in turn, were used to calculate body build type according to Heath-Carter method. Physical fitness was assessed with the use of Eurofit test. Results. In the assessed decade only slight changes in basic somatic features and negative changes in body build (especially in men) were noted. Physical fitness of students was similar to the results obtained 10 years earlier. Conclusions. The observed secular trends in body build and physical fitness may be interpreted as the effects of the improvement of living conditions of the male subjects and the improvement of admission process at the university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent blood distribution profiles for transfusions in Taiwan have not been comprehensively documented. This study aimed to analyze trends in red blood cell (RBC), platelet, and plasma distribution rates, and compares these profiles with those in other countries. The distribution rates of RBC, platelets, and plasma in Taiwan during 2015 were 47.6, 11.1, and 26.8 units per 1000 population, respectively. At least 1.5 and 2.5-fold higher platelet and plasma distribution rates were observed than other selected countries. During 2007-2015, there was no significant change in RBC distribution. However, we observed a significant increase of 0.20 (95% CI: 0.11-0.30) adult doses of platelets, and a significant decrease of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.45-1.93) units of plasma per 1000 population per annum. Seven other countries showed a general significant decreasing trend of RBC distributions. Higher blood distribution rates were observed in Taiwan. Therefore, the adoption of patient blood management is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We trace the secular trend in height in the Second Polish Republic (1918–1939). • We find a positive trend between 1901 and 1914–1920 birth cohorts. The tempo was 0.7 per decade, i.e. similar as before 1914. • The tempo of the trend differed regionally. In remote districts it was 0.5 per decade. • Adaptive mechanisms erase the consequences of exposure to nutritional stress during the later periods of growth. The paper traces the secular trend in stature in Poland in the interwar period. On the basis of individual measuring cards created by military authorities for Krosno and Sarny districts, the author states that the secular trend in stature that started in the mid-1860s continued between the two world wars with the velocity of at least 0.7 cm per decade, i.e. at a similar rate as in the second half of the 19th century. Although regional differences inside the Second Polish Republic were clearly visible, cohorts born during the Great War were able to make up the lost ground in their teens despite the hardships caused by the Great Depression of the 1930s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key summary points: Aim: Our aim was to investigate whether there has been a recent secular trend in the grip strength of older English adults, using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Findings: We found evidence of a slight decline in mean grip strength between 2004 and 2013. This decline is equivalent to 65-year-olds' mean strength declining to that previously seen in individuals at age 69, and did not appear to be explained by differences in lifestyle risk factors. Message: These findings are important since they raise the possibility that more recent cohorts of older people remain at similar, or possibly slightly greater, risk of the adverse consequences of weak muscle strength. Purpose: Weaker grip strength in older adults is associated with adverse health outcomes and is a key component of sarcopenia. The secular trend of grip strength is, therefore, relevant in the setting of ageing populations. A recent study suggested differences in this trend among countries in mainland Europe. We used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) to investigate the recent secular trend of older English adults. Methods: We used data on participants aged 50–89 having their first measurement of grip strength in waves 2 (2002/2003), 4 (2008/2009) or 6 (2012/2013) of ELSA. Grip was measured using a Smedley dynamometer. We expressed grip values as Z-scores (number of standard deviations above the age and gender mean from normative data) for use in linear regression analyses examining the annual secular trend after adjustment for potential confounders. Results: We included a total of 11,476 participants from the three waves of ELSA. Grip strength declined across the three waves, with mean (SD) Z-scores of 0.01 (0.94), − 0.06 (0.97) and − 0.20 (0.98) in waves 2, 4 and 6, respectively. The annual Z-score decline after adjustments was 0.03 SDs (95% CI 0.02, 0.03) per year. Conclusion: We saw evidence of a recent slight decline in the grip strength of older English adults. Over the 9-year period of this study, the decline seen is equivalent to 65-year-olds' mean strength declining to that previously seen in individuals at age 69. Further monitoring of secular trends in grip strength and investigation of possible causes are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body height often serves as a proxy for economic progress. In this paper, we investigate the evolution of average height and height dispersion in Poland based on full administrative data on body height (n = 36,393,246). Especially for the cohorts between 1920 and 1950, we discuss the caveat of shrinking. In the cohorts born between 1920 and 1996, the average height of men increased by 10.15 cm, while the average height of women rose by 8.18 cm. Height increase was fastest in the years 1940 – 1980. After the economic transition, body height stagnated. Post-transition unemployment had negative effects on body height. Height declined in municipalities where there were State Agricultural Farms. Height dispersion decreased in the first decades under investigation and increased after the economic transition. • We analyze the long-run evolution of body height in Poland based on administrative data covering the whole population. • In the years 1920 – 1996, mean male height increased by 10.15 cm for men, while mean female height increased by 8.18 cm. • Height dispersion decreased in the first decades under investigation and increased after the economic transition. • The estimated effects of post-transition unemployment on body height are negative and statistically significant. • The estimated effects of the liquidation of State Agricultural Farms on the body height are negative and statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the secular trends in height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of children in a Turkish primary school in a 23-year time interval. Methods: The height, weight and BMI of 1099 children between 7 and 15 years old were measured. Data were compared to those of children of the same ages from previous measurements carried out in 1993 (867 children) and in 2003 (1214 children) in the same school. The changes in weight, height and BMI were determined and analyzed statistically. Results: Weight increments between 7.7 and 16.2 kg/23 years and height increments between 1.1 and 8.3 cm/23 years were observed in boys. For girls, weight increments between 6.5 and 13.4 kg/23 years and height increments between 1.3 and 7.2 cm/23 years were indicated. Usually, there were significant height increments between 1993 and 2016 in both genders. However, there were no significant differences in height between 2003 and 2016 for all age groups. Furthermore, there were significant differences in BMI measurements in all age and gender groups between 1993 and 2016. Conclusions: The secular ascending trend in height seems to stop between 2003 and 2016; however, increments in weight and mean BMI tend to continue in Turkish primary school children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Researchers have documented secular trends in tooth size among recent generations. This study was a test for a change in mandibular leeway space. Materials and Methods: Dental casts from participants in the Denver Growth Study (23 boys, 22 girls; born in the 1930s) were compared with casts from a contemporary series of orthodontic patients (23 boys, 22 girls; born in the 1990s). All were phenotypically normal, healthy American whites. Results: Analysis of variance (accounting for sex) showed that the cumulative mandibular primary canine plus first and second primary molar size (c � m1 � m2) was slightly larger in the recent cohort (23.53 mm earlier vs 23.83 mm recent cohort; mean difference: 0.30 mm; P � .009), principally due to larger second primary molars (m2) in the recent cohort. In turn, the sum of the permanent canine and two premolars (C � P1 � P2) was significantly larger in the recent cohort (21.08 mm earlier vs 21.80 mm recent cohort; mean difference: 0.72 mm; P�.002). Larger teeth in the contemporary series produced a mean leeway space per quadrant of 2.03 mm versus 2.45 mm in the earlier cohort�a clinically and statistically significant reduction (P �.030). Some tooth types (primary second molar and permanent canine) were significantly larger in boys than in girls, but the sex difference in leeway space was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Results suggest that mandibular leeway space is decreasing in 21st century American whites and may present a challenge to orthodontists in managing tooth size�arch length discrepancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the expression of possible secular trend in timing of the emergence of permanent teeth in Finnish children over the past few decades, considering the differences between genders. Materials and Methods: Two age groups of Finnish children, one born in 1976-1985 (group 1980) and the other born in 1999-2002 (group 2000), were examined. Group 2000 comprised 483 children (235 girls and 248 boys) aged 6.4 to 8.5 years at the time of the examination, and the same children were examined at the age of 9.0 to 11.8 years. Altogether 405 children could be recalled, 196 girls and 209 boys. For comparison, matching age groups were selected from the group 1980 data (n = 1579), resulting in a sample of 312 children (155 girls and 157 boys) aged 6.4 to 8.5 years and 393 children aged 9.0 to 11.8 years. The emergence stage of each permanent tooth was determined clinically (Grades 0-3), based on which the subjects were furthermore divided according to the emergence stage of the dentition. Results: Linear regression models showed that the permanent teeth of the first phase of the mixed dentition erupted earlier in group 2000 than in group1980, but the teeth of the second phase of the mixed dentition erupted later in group 2000. Girls showed more advanced tooth eruption than boys. Conclusion: The longer duration of mixed dentition in group 2000 than in group 1980 makes the duration of combined follow-up and active treatment longer, and should be considered in timing of efficient orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of socioeconomic development on secular trend in height among children and adolescents in China. Body height and spermarcheal/menarcheal ages were obtained from two periodic large-scale national representative surveys in China between 1975 and 2010. Chinese socioeconomic development indicators were obtained from the United Nations world population prospects. The effects of plausible determinants were assessed by partial least-squares regression. The average height of children and adolescents improved in tandem with socioeconomic development, without any tendency to plateau. The increment of height trend presented larger around puberty than earlier or later ages. The partial least-squares regressions with gross national income, life expectancy and spermarcheal/menarcheal age accounted for increment of height trend from 88.3% to 98.3% for males and from 82.9% to 97.3% for females in adolescence. Further, through the analysis of the variable importance for projection, the contributions of gross national income and life expectancy on height increment were confirmed to be significant in childhood and adolescence, and the contribution of spermarcheal/menarcheal age was superior to both of them in adolescence. We concluded that positive secular trend in height in China was significantly associated with socioeconomic status (GNI as indicator) and medical and health conditions (life expectancy as indicator). Earlier onset of spermarche and menarche proved to be an important role in larger increment of the trend over time of height at puberty for a population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to reveal the secular trends in body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish schoolchildren between the years 1966–2012, during which intense socio-political changes took place. Four surveys were conducted in several districts of Poland looking at 69,746 schoolchildren aged 7–18. Significant increase in mean BMI as well as in the prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed. During this time the highest increase in both mean BMI and excess weight was observed between 1988 and 2012, i.e. after the political transformation, resulting in the improvement of living conditions. However, with respect to girls in late adolescence, between these years, the mean BMI as well as the prevalence of overweight were leveling off, while the percentage of boys with excess body fat in the same developmental category significantly increased in 2012. In the years 1966–1978 and 1978–1988 the pattern of changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity reflected the social and economic circumstances, i.e. temporary economic improvements, or deepening political crises and food shortage. In conclusion, the weight status of schoolchildren strongly reflects socio-political changes that took place in Poland, as well as in most of the Central European countries in the last half century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study explores the long-term trends in socioeconomic differences in height among young adult men. We linked information from conscript inspections to a longitudinal demographic database of five parishes in Southern Sweden. Detailed information on the occupation and landholding was used to investigate the differences in height. Even if there is indication of a reduction in the magnitude of the differences in height over time the reduction is neither dramatic nor uniform. The most systematic and consistent difference is that sons of fathers with white collar occupations were taller than others. They were 4 cm taller than the sons of low-skilled manual workers in the first half of the 19th century, and almost 2 cm taller in the mid-20th century. This difference is much smaller than those found between elite and destitute groups historically, in for example Britain, but comparable to that found in other studies on 19th century populations using information on family background. Most of the reduction in the socioeconomic differences in height was a result of reduced height penalty and premium for small disadvantaged and privileged groups. Changes in the distribution of income and the economic structure are plausible explanations for the changes in socioeconomic differences in height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The changes in body dimensions and BMI followed the trend in national GDP in Zagreb adolescents. [•] From 1951 to 2010, an approximate increase in height was 6.2cm in girls and 12.2cm in boys. [•] In the same period, an approximate increase in weight was 6.8kg for girls and 17.3kg for boys. [•] The prevalence of adolescent obesity, especially in boys, is growing. [•] According to CDC 95th BMI percentiles, in 2010 there were 3.5 times more obese girls and 3.7 more obese boys than in 1997. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Objectives: Little evidence exists to support the common assertion that adult sleep duration has declined. We investigated secular trends in sleep duration over the past 40 years through a systematic review. Methods: Systematic search of 5 electronic databases was conducted to identify repeat cross-sectional studies of sleep duration in community-dwelling adults using comparable sampling frames and measures over time. We also attempted to access unpublished or semi-published data sources in the form of government reports, theses and conference proceedings. No studies were excluded based on language or publication date. The search identified 278 potential reports, from which twelve relevant studies were identified for review. Results: The 12 studies described data from 15 countries from the 1960s until the 2000s. Self-reported average sleep duration of adults had increased in 7 countries: Bulgaria, Poland, Canada, France, Britain, Korea and the Netherlands (range: 0.1–1.7 min per night each year) and had decreased in 6 countries: Japan, Russia, Finland, Germany, Belgium and Austria (range: 0.1–0.6 min per night each year). Inconsistent results were found for the United States and Sweden. Conclusions: There has not been a consistent decrease in the self-reported sleep duration of adults from the 1960s to 2000s. However, it is unclear whether the proportions of very short and very long sleepers have increased over the same period, which may be of greater relevance for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the mean age of menarche, its secular trend in Korean women, and the relationship between malocclusion and the rate of skeletal maturation, as defined by menarcheal age. Methods: We retrospectively collected data on menarcheal age from 931 Korean women born during 1961 - 1997. Subjects were divided by the malocclusion type and birth-year decade into 3 and 4 groups, respectively. The mean menarcheal age for each group was determined, and one-way ANOVA was performed for intergroup comparison (p = 0.05). Two-way ANOVA was also performed to compare all the 12 subgroups (p = 0.05). Results: The mean age of menarche was 12.82 years for Korean women born during 1961 - 1997. A distinct downward secular trend of menarcheal age was noticed (p < 0.05). For the birth-year decade 1961 - 1970, the Class III malocclusion group showed earlier onset of menarche than the other malocclusion groups (p < 0.05), but the other birth-year groups did not show any significant difference in the type of malocclusion (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A positive secular trend towards earlier menarche exists among Korean women. Malocclusion does not show any significant relationship with the rate of skeletal maturation, as defi ned by menarcheal age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Sportpsychologie is the property of Hogrefe Verlag GmbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Candidaemia is associated with high mortality and high healthcare costs. The incidence of candidaemia in Taiwan rose markedly during the period 1980–2000. We conducted this hospital-based surveillance study in order to explore the secular trend in incidence of candidaemia during the period 2000 to 2008. In our study, Candida spp. were the fourth most common cause of bloodstream infections, with a 30-day crude mortality rate of 36.7%. Candida albicans was the most common species identified, although mortality rate did not differ significantly among species. The incidence of candidaemia began to decrease in 2004. Risk factors related to higher mortality included longer hospital stay before onset of candidaemia, liver cirrhosis, malignancy, end-stage renal disease requiring renal dialysis, dependence on mechanical ventilation and urinary catheterisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Information on adult height and associated secular trends in relation to socioeconomic characteristics based on a nationally representative sample is not available from India. Objective. To assess the average adult height and secular trends in height in different states of India in relation to socioeconomic characteristics and dietary intakes according to data from the Third National Family Health Survey (NFHS 3). Methods. Average heights and associated secular trends were analyzed for each state and in relation to socioeconomic variables. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the association of socioeconomic factors and consumption of animalsource foods with height. Results. Data from anthropometric measurements were available for 69,245 men and 118,796 women in the age group from 20 to 49 years. The average heights of adult men and women were 165 and 152 cm, respectively, with wide variation among states. Overall, there was a modest secular increase in height (0.50 cm per decade in men and 0.22 cm per decade in women), with a negative secular trend in some of the states. There were striking regional differences in the average heights and the secular trends in height. Similarly, higher socioeconomic status was associated with greater height and a greater secular increase in height. Milk consumption had a positive association with height in men (r = 0.69, p < .001) and women (r = 0.63, p < .001) in various/ different states. Conclusions. The secular increase in height has been modest in India in spite of impressive economic growth. Consumption patterns of milk in different states may be related to the regional differences in height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether the secular trend of a decreasing age of puberty has continued over the past 50 years remains controversial. Data that had been classically used to address this issue are reviewed and large epidemiologic studies, which had not previously been included, are now considered to challenge the conclusions of prior debates of this topic. The effect and timing of excessive weight gain are discussed in detail and recent observations about the opposing effects of obesity on the pubertal timing of girls versus boys are considered. The second half of the review examines both the causes and the long-term health consequences of early puberty, touching on the possible effect of stress and endocrine-disrupting chemicals along with the risks of reproductive cancers, metabolic syndrome, and psychosocial consequences during adolescence and beyond. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background/purpose: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a fatal complication of diabetes, and is strongly related to the quality of diabetes care. This study aimed to establish recent secular trends of incidence density (ID) of DKA in patients with diabetes in Taiwan and to explore the effects of age and sex on the risk of a DKA emergency.Methods: Using the National Health Insurance claims data, we identified annual diabetic cohorts (around 650,000 diabetic patients annually) from 1997 to 2005, and searched for possible admissions due to DKA emergencies. We performed log-linear regression analysis to assess the trend in ID of DKA and to assess the independent effects of age and sex on the risk of DKA.Results: Although the annual ID of DKA showed a slight but significant declining trend over the study period, from 6/1000 to 5/1000 person-years, the age/sex-specific analysis indicated that female patients aged ≤ 34 years showed a significantly increasing trend. Multivariate analysis revealed that calendar year and sex had significant but small independent effects on risk of DKA admission. In contrast, age was strongly associated with risk of DKA emergency. Compared with patients aged > 65 years, notably high adjusted rate ratios (ARRs) of DKA were observed in patients aged <15 years (ARR = 48.84) and 15-34 years (ARR =15.21).Conclusion: Although the overall ID of DKA linearly decreased between 1997 and 2005, significant rising trends were still observed in female diabetic patients aged < 35 years. More aggressive diabetic care programs aimed at young female patients should be considered to reduce this emergency and possibly fatal diabetic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed to compare neuromotor fitness test scores of 9–12-year-old Dutch youth in 2006 with scores of same aged children in 1980. Body height, body weight and performance on neuromotor fitness test items were measured in 2050 Dutch children from 9 to 12 years in 2006 and were compared with data of 2603 same aged Dutch children measured in 1980 with the same neuromotor fitness test battery. Dutch 9–12 year olds in 2006 were significantly taller and heavier than their peers in 1980. Age- and sex-specific performance on almost all neuromotor fitness test items was significantly worse in 2006. Thus, our data suggest that neuromotor fitness of Dutch youth has significantly decreased over the past 26 years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a study which examined the secular trend for body height in school children in Northeast Attica, Greece. The study analyzed the difference in height between Greek and immigrant children. During the 20th century, the mean height gain of boys in Greece was 11.8 centimeters (cm) and 7.3 cm in girls. The immigrant children who were included in the study came from Albania, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, Russia and Moldavia. A chart is presented that compared the body mass index (BMI) of children in 2006 and in 1994-1995.

The article presents anthropometric research on changes in stature of the population of the region of Castilla y Leon, Spain. The authors analyze data from military draft records corresponding to the period 1830-1940 and explore the impact of various social, economic and environmental factors. Their results show cyclical changes and the influence of economic and environmental factors on nutrition. Stature declined in urban contexts and among day/laborers during the second part of the 19th century and increased in the first half of the 20th century.

The article discusses a study which investigated the pubertal development of Turkish school children. It is important to assess the onset and progression of sexual maturation because this has immediate clinical application in the interpretation of endocrine and growth status. The timing and progression of puberty are affected by secular trends, genetic factors and nutritional status. Results showed that the mean age at menarche was 12.41 years and menarcheal age was earlier in overweight and obese children. The authors concluded that girls started pubertal development earlier than in other populations.

The article discusses the analysis of three studies from Central Europe on the impact of weight status on the onset and parameters of puberty. The studies, two coming from Germany and the other from Switzerland, took into consideration body weight, height, peak height velocity and pubertal stages. Children were grouped into three groups based on body mass index (BMI), lean, overweight and normal. The analysis concluded that the impact of overweight on the acceleration of puberty is more noticeable in boys than in girls.

Copyright of Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Gymnica is the property of Palacky University in Olomouc and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The trend of increasing height can be interpreted as a reflection of the unfolding progress of civilization. Height changes among children and adolescents are good markers of this trend. We analyze the secular trend in the heights of children and adolescents in the Czech Republic on the basis of data from anthropological surveys. The earliest height data pertain to Czech youths who attended the Military Schools in Austria in 1800–1809. Data also exist for 1895 and continue in 1951 and at 10-year intervals thereafter. Growth curves were obtained for separate age groups by fitting mean values via third-order polynomial smoothing splines. Between 1951 and 2001, the mean heights of boys and girls aged 2.5 years increased by 2.7 and 3cm, respectively. Since 1895, the mean height of 13-year-old boys has increased by 19.4cm, and the mean height of girls has increased by 18.3cm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: We present 127 years of data on the physical stature of military conscripts born in Italy during 1854–1980, as well as an analysis of regional variations in height (for birth cohorts born during 1927–1980). The height of young men has increased in all regions of Italy. The secular trend and the regional changes in stature are correlated with economic growth and a general improvement of living conditions. This is suggested by the relationship between height and various socio-economic indicators. A comparison of the 1927 birth cohort with the 1980 birth cohort shows that the mean heights for populations in Italy''s southern areas, which were shorter than the national average in 1927, underwent the largest increases. In recent years, mean height has been gradually approaching an upper bound for all regions in Italy, with the exception of some central and southern regions. A multiple regression analysis evaluates the impact of living conditions on the convergence of regional heights. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To compare the onset and completion of sexual maturation among U.S. children between 1966 and 1994. Methods: Tanner stages were from 3042 non-Hispanic white boys, 478 black boys, 2625 white girls, and 505 black girls (NHES 1966–70), from 717 Mexican-American boys and 712 Mexican-American girls (HHANES 1982–84) and from 259 non-Hispanic white boys, 411 black boys, 291 white girls, 415 black girls, 576 Mexican-American boys and 512 Mexican-American girls (NHANES III 1988–1994). Proportions of entry into a stage, probit analysis estimated medians and selected percentiles for ages at entry were calculated using SUDAAN. Results: NHANES III (1988–1994) non-Hispanic white boys entered stage 2, 3, and 4 genital development and stages 3 and 4 pubic hair earlier than NHES (1966–1970) white boys, but they entered stage 5 genital development significantly later. NHANES III (1988–1994) Mexican-American boys were in stage 2, 3 and 4 genital development earlier than HHANES (1982–1984) boys, but entry into stage 5 genital and pubic hair development was not significant. NHANES III (1988–1994) white girls entered stage 5 pubic hair later than NHES (1966–1970) white girls. NHANES III (1988–1994) Mexican-American girls entered stage 2 breast and pubic hair development earlier than HHANES (1982–1984) girls, entered stage 4 breast and pubic hair development earlier but entered stage 5 pubic hair later than the HHANES (1982–1984) girls. Conclusion: Persuasive evidence of a secular trend toward early maturation is not found between 1966 and 1994 in non-Hispanic black boys and non-Hispanic black and white girls. Some evidence of this trend is found in non-Hispanic white boys between 1966 and 1994 and in Mexican-American boys and girls between 1982 and 1994. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Diabetes & Metabolism is the property of Masson Editeur and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sexual maturation in humans is characterized by a unique individual variability. Pubertal onset is a highly heritable polygenic trait but it is also affected by environmental factors such as obesity or endocrine disrupting chemicals. The last 30 years have been marked by a constant secular trend toward earlier age at onset of puberty in girls and boys around the world. More recent data, although more disputed, suggest an increased incidence in idiopathic central precocious puberty. Such trends point to a role for environmental factors in pubertal changes. Animal data suggest that the GnRH-neuronal network is highly sensitive to endocrine disruption during development. This review focuses on the most recent data regarding secular trend in pubertal timing as well as potential new epigenetic mechanisms explaining the developmental and transgenerational effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on pubertal timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of a secular trend in the distribution of occlusal patterns was studied in two generations of children. Study models and demographic data of a sample of 265 children from the previous generation (group A) and recordings of clinical examinations of 988 children from the present generation (group B) served as the data base for this study. Children in whom caries affected the occlusion and those in the deciduous dentition stage were excluded. Thus, occlusal analysis was performed for 102 children in group A and 703 in group B. A dramatic decrease was found in the prevalence of caries affecting the occlusion. No difference existed between the two groups with respect to molar and canine anteroposterior relationships. However, there was a decrease in the prevalence of normal occlusion accompanied by an increase of Class I malocclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In children with isolated unilateral undescended testis mechanical anomalies are commonly implicated and a diagnosis of simple hypospadius implies that the rest of the external genitalia are normal. Patients with disorders of sexual development, by contrast, have other associated genital anomalies including micropenis and should be referred to the endocrinologist for hormonal assessment before surgical correction of undescended testis or hypospadius. Early diagnosis of abnormal penile size is important but proper assessment begins with defining the normal population-specific age-appropriate reference range. Anogenital distance (AGD) reflects prenatal and early postnatal testosterone levels. The aim of our study was to establish mean reference values and percentile curves for strtetched penile length (SPL) and AGD in healthy Egyptian males from the age of one month to five years and to determine the mean monthly increase in SPL and AGDs from 1 to 13 months of age (a reflection of mini-puberty). This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Cairo University and Mataria Hosptals, Egypt to determine SPL and AGD in 2972 Egyptian males aged from one month to five years from October 2016–December 2018. In addition, we measured length/height, weight and body mass index. SPL increased gradually from a mean ± SD of 3.55 ± 0.51 cm in the first year of life to 5.52 ± 0.67 cm by five years of age with a growth from 1 to 12 months of life of 0.6 cm. SPL showed smaller values in infants 6–9 months old compared to younger infants. AGD increased from 7.48 ± 1.47 cm in the first year of life to 12.83 ± 0.58 cm by 5 years of age with a growth from 1 to 12 months of 4.34 cm. SPL and AGD Z-scores correlated positively with each other and with age (months), and Z-scores of height/length, weight and BMI (p < 0.001). The rapid increases in SPL and AGD observed in our study group in the first few months of life reflect the effects of mini-puberty. The fact that SPL and AGD correlated positively with other anthropometric measurements suggests that SPL and AGD may be controlled by nutritional and/or hormonal factors. We suggest that waning testosterone levels marking the end of minipuberty might explain smaller values for SPL in our group of 6–9 month old infants compared with younger infants. We have not included children under one month old. It is important for each country to develop its own national percentile curves for all growth parameters. This will allow the physician to identify normal differences in the population and to pick up disorders at an age when intervention may yield better results We have developed percentile curves for SPL and AGD that can be used as references for Egyptian male infants and young children. Summary Figure Stretched penile length 3rd-97th percentiles and corresponding stretched penile lengths (cm) for children aged from 1 month to 5 years. Summary Figure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To examine pubertal status of contemporary Greek boys and compare the data with those of a previous study we performed in the year 1996. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 932 healthy boys, aged from 8.05 to 16.05 years. Development of the genitalia (G) and pubic hair was assessed by the method of Tanner and testicular volume (TV) was determined with a Prader orchidometer. Genitalia stage 2 (G2) was assessed by probit analysis. Results: Median (95% confidence interval [CI]) age at G2, defined as TV 4 mL, was 11.3 (10.9–11.6) years, almost the same age as in our study performed in 1996, which was 11.4 (10.7–11.7) years (p = .21). When G2 was defined as change in scrotum texture and TV2 mL, median (95% CI) age at onset of puberty was 10.9 (10.5–11.3) years, again similar to the study performed in 1996 which was 11.0 (10.7–11.4) (p = .32). Median (95% CI) age of pubic hair development was 11.2 (10.8–11.6) years versus 11.5 (11.1–12.0) years in 1996, p = .015. Conclusions: Our data provide no evidence of a secular trend for gonadarche in Greek boys, although such a trend was evident for pubarche. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Growth references (growth charts) are used to assess the nutritional and growth status of children. In developed countries, there are growth charts based on the country's national surveys. However, many developing countries do not have their own growth references, so they usually use WHO and US CDC references. In such cases, it is known that the growth statuses of the subject are underestimated or overestimated. This study sought to accurately assess the growth status of children by developing a local growth chart for children living in the Southern Province of Zambia. Methods: Anthropometric measurements were conducted on 1135 children aged 2–19 years in the target area. The height and weight data for each sex and age were smoothed using the LMS method, and a percentile curve of height and weight was developed. Based on the US CDC reference, three indicators of undernutrition (stunting, underweight, and thinness) were calculated to determine the proportion of those who are undernourished (z-score < − 2). Results: The 50th percentile curve of height and weight in the growth chart of the target population was equivalent to the 5–25th percentile curve of the US reference, and the children of Zambia were both small and of low weight. Conversely, although many subjects are small and of low weight, it was found that there were few poor nutritional statuses as judged by BMI. Through comparison with a previous study in the Southern Province of Zambia, a secular change in the growth of children over 20 years was found. Although there was no significant increase in height and weight in the older age group, there was a significant increase in height and weight at an earlier age. This is thought to be due to an increase in the growth rate of children due to improved socioeconomic conditions, women's education level, and improvement in health care standards. Conclusions: The subjects were small and of low weight compared to the US population, but the nutritional status was not poor by BMI. The height and weight at an earlier age increased compared to 20 years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of puberty strongly depends on organizational processes taking place during the fetal and early postnatal life. Therefore, exposure to environmental pollutants such as Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during critical periods of development can result in delayed/advanced puberty and long-term reproductive consequences. Human evidence of altered pubertal timing after exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals is equivocal. However, the age distribution of pubertal signs points to a skewed distribution towards earliness for initial pubertal stages and towards lateness for final pubertal stages. Such distortion of distribution is a recent phenomenon and suggests environmental influences including the possible role of nutrition, stress and endocrine disruptors. Rodent and ovine studies indicate a role of fetal and neonatal exposure to EDCs, along the concept of early origin of health and disease. Such effects involve neuroendocrine mechanisms at the level of the hypothalamus where homeostasis of reproduction is programmed and regulated but also peripheral effects at the level of the gonads or the mammary gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Atrophic corpus gastritis (ACG) is believed to be an early precursor of gastric adenocarcinoma. We aimed to investigate trends of ACG in Northern Sweden, from 1990 through 2009, and to identify possible risk factors. Methods We randomly selected serum samples collected from 5284 participants in 1990, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009, as part of the population-based, cross-sectional Northern Sweden Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease study (ages, 35–64 y). Information was collected on sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and medical factors using questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for levels of pepsinogen I to identify participants with functional ACG; data from participants with ACG were compared with those from frequency-matched individuals without ACG (controls). Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies against Helicobacter pylori and Cag pathogenicity island protein A. Associations were estimated with unconditional logistic regression models. Results Overall, 305 subjects tested positive for functional ACG, based on their level of pepsinogen I. The prevalence of ACG in participants age 55 to 64 years old decreased from 124 per 1000 to 49 per 1000 individuals between 1990 and 2009. However, the prevalence of ACG increased from 22 per 1000 to 64 per 1000 individuals among participants age 35 to 44 years old during this time period. Cag pathogenicity island protein A seropositivity was associated with risk for ACG (odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.69–3.12). Other risk factors included diabetes, low level of education, and high body mass index. The association between body mass index and ACG was confined to individuals age 35 to 44 years old; in this group, overweight and obesity were associated with a 2.8-fold and a 4.7-fold increased risk of ACG, respectively. Conclusions Among residents of Northern Sweden, the prevalence of ACG increased from 1990 through 2009, specifically among adults age 35 to 44 years old. The stabilizing seroprevalence of H pylori and the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity might contribute to this unexpected trend. Studies are needed to determine whether these changes have affected the incidence of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]