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Dietary fibre is important for regular laxation and reduces chronic disease risk. The National Health and Medical Research Council outlines daily fibre intake targets, yet the proportion of the population that meets these targets is unknown. Using the 2011⁻2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, we profiled fibre intake among Australian children and adults. Data from one-day dietary recalls were analysed ( n = 12,153, ≥2 years) as well as demographic and anthropometric factors. The median fibre intake was 18.2 g (interquartile range [IQR] 13.2⁻25.0) in children and 20.7 g (IQR 14.3⁻28.7) in adults. We found that 42.3% (95% CI 40.5⁻44.1%) of children and 28.2% (95% CI 27.3⁻29.1%) of adults met the Adequate Intake (AI), and less than 20% of adults met the Suggested Dietary Target (SDT) to reduce the risk of chronic disease. Older children (aged 14⁻18 years), girls, young adults (19⁻30 years), males, and those of lower socio-economic status were less likely to meet the AI ( p < 0.001). Those with a higher energy intake were more likely to meet the AI. Anthropometric measures were not associated with fibre intake or the likelihood of meeting the AI. Fibre is a nutrient of concern in Australian diets, with most children and adults falling short of recommendations. Adolescents, girls, young adults, men, and those of lower socio-economic status were less likely to meet the recommendations and may benefit most from public health interventions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Kellogg Australia had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

Online data collection could advantageously replace paper-and-pencil questionnaires in epidemiological studies by reducing the logistic burden, the cost and the duration of data processing. However, there is a need for studies comparing these new instruments to traditional ones. Our objective was to compare the web-based version of the NutriNet-Santé self-administered anthropometric questionnaire to the paper-based version. The questionnaire included 17 questions divided into subquestions (55 variables in all) dealing with height, weight, hip and waist circumferences, weight history, restrictive diet and weight self-perception. Both versions of the questionnaire were filled out by 147 volunteers (paper version first, N = 76, or web-based version first, N = 71) participating in the SU.VI.MAX ("Supplémentation en VItamines Minéraux et AntioXydants") cohort (age-range: 49-75 years; men: 46.3%). At the end of the test, subjects filled in a "satisfaction" questionnaire giving their opinions and feelings about each version. Agreement was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappas. We also quantified the number of errors inherent in the paper version. Agreement between the two versions was high. ICCs ranged from 0.86 to 1.00. Kappas ranged from 0.69 to 1.00 for comparable variables. A total of 82 data entry mistakes (1.5% of total entries), 60 missing values (1.1%), 57 inconsistent values (1.1%) and 3 abnormal values (0.1%) were counted in the paper version (non-existent in the web-based version due to integrated controls). The web-based version was preferred by 92.2% of users. In conclusion, the quality of information provided by the web-based anthropometric questionnaire used in the NutriNet-Santé Study was equal to, or better than, that of the paper version, with substantial logistic and cost advantages.

In order to detect an indicator of the onset of pubertal spurt, the DHEAS serie levels were correlated with age, weight, height, skeletal maturity stage (Hägg and Taranger) and sexual maturity (Tanner and, Prader). 33 patients; 18 males and 15 females, between 8 and 12 years old were studied. Healthy children in Tanner I sexual maturity stage was the research criteria for inclusion. The data were taken every six months during three years (2000-2002). The behavior of the anthropometric variables of the general population was published in a previous paper. In the group of males, we did not found any significant correlation between the seric levels of DHEAS with the studied variables, except for the weight at the beginning of the study. In the female group, a correlation was found with the ulnar sesamoid although not in the long term, and with the weight in the middle of the study. However, none of these associations and correlations confirmed our initial hypothesis because the correlations found were considerate such as isolated facts.

A systematic review of original articles published between 1993 and 2007 and indexed in SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) was carried out to identify the anthropometric indicators used to assess abdominal obesity in different target subgroups, and to provide an overview of available evidence regarding the relationship between these anthropometric indicators and obesity-associated comorbidities. The articles were analyzed and the following data were collected:year of publication, sample size and age, anthropometric measure used to detect abdominal obesity, and main results of the study. The review comprised 47 articles which met all inclusion criteria, most of them published over the last 5 years. Waist-hip ratio and waist circumference were used as indicators of abdominal obesity in 34 and 11 of the articles reviewed, respectively. With respect to age range, the samples were heterogeneous in most of the studies (n=27) and ten included adolescents. Four studies were conducted on elderly subjects and three included children, but none exclusively involved adolescents as the target population. The sample size was larger than 500 in 26 studies. Despite disagreement in terms of the degree of correlation, the studies generally showed that the anthropometric indicators of abdominal obesity were correlated with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemias, and coronary heart risk. The results of this review suggest that abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of studies involving the adolescent population, suggesting the need for further research in this area.

Introduction: Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a common problem in obese women affected by different parameters such as weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), type of delivery, etc. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the lumbar lordosis, anthropometric characteristics, and the incidence of urinary incontinence in obese women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 193 obese women (BMI>30 kg/m2) with and without UI. Anthropometric characteristics and lordosis angle were measured in participants, and then they were asked to fill out demographic information and urinary incontinence questionnaires. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS V. 23 using statistical tests, including the Independent t test, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression. Results: Women who suffered from UI had a lower lumbar lordosis angle, were younger, and shorter, with a higher number of natural deliveries. Discussion: Based on the findings of this study, a direct relationship exists between natural delivery and UI. However, an indirect relationship is observed between UI and age, lumbar lordosis angle, and height. Because of the effect of lumbar lordosis on the incidence of urinary incontinence in obese people, spine alignment, and changes in abdominal biomechanical parameters might also have an impact on UI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on judging to ‘be of a satisfactory degree of accuracy' while estimating body fat. Topics include proposing a series of initial body density equations solving for two components of body mass such as fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM); and curvilinear relationship between skinfold thickness and body density which being a proxy at the time for body fat content.

Abstract: Latent fingermarks were deposited onto white office paper samples containing writing or printing from several media (for example, ballpoint pens and laser printers). Fingermarks were deposited both before and after writing/printing. The marks were then treated with appropriate latent fingermark development techniques. Once treated, they were examined with standard techniques applied in document examination (filtered light analysis, electrostatic detection device and Raman spectroscopy) to determine the sequence of application. The results suggested that the sequence of laser printing and latent marks could be determined via electrostatic detection device examination of undeveloped and Ninhydrin developed samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In large-scale epidemiology, bloodspot sampling by fingerstick onto filter paper has many advantages, including ease and low costs of collection, processing and transport. We describe the development of an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for quantifying insulin from dried blood spots and demonstrate its application in a large trial. Methods: We adapted an existing commercial kit (Mercodia Human Insulin ELISA, 10-1113-01) to quantify insulin from two 3-mm diameter discs (≈6 µL of blood) punched from whole blood standards and from trial samples. Paediatricians collected dried blood spots in a follow-up of 13,879 fasted children aged 11.5 years (interquartile range 11.3-11.8 years) from 31 trial sites across Belarus. We quantified bloodspot insulin levels and examined their distribution by demography and anthropometry. Results: Mean intra-assay (n = 157) coefficients of variation were 15% and 6% for 'low' (6.7 mU/L) and 'high' (23.1 mU/L) values, respectively; the respective inter-assay values (n = 33) were 23% and 11%. The intraclass correlation coefficient between 50 paired whole bloodspot versus serum samples, collected simultaneously, was 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 0.95). Bloodspot insulin was stable for at least 31 months at -80°C, for one week at +30°C and following four freeze-thaw cycles. Paediatricians collected a median of 8 blood spots from 13,487 (97%) children. The geometric mean insulin (log standard deviation) concentrations amongst 12,812 children were 3.0 mU/L (1.1) in boys and 4.0 mU/L (1.0) in girls and were positively associated with pubertal stage, measures of central and peripheral adiposity, height and fasting glucose. Conclusions: Our simple and convenient bloodspot assay is suitable for the measurement of insulin in very small volumes of blood collected on filter paper cards and can be applied to large-scale epidemiology studies of the early-life determinants of circulating insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms use signals of quality to communicate information about aspects of their relative phenotypic and genetic constitution. Badges of status are a subset of signals of quality that reveal information about an individual's size and dominance. In general, signals of quality require high and differential costs to remain honest (that is, prevent low-quality cheaters from exploiting any fitness benefits associated with communicating high quality). The theoretically required costs for badges of status remain controversial because the development (or‘production’) of such signals often seems to be relatively cost-free. One important hypothesis is that such signals impose social (or‘maintenance’) costs incurred through repeated agonistic interactions with other individuals. However, convincing empirical evidence for social costs remains elusive. Here we report social costs in a previously undescribed badge of status: the highly variable black facial patterns of female paper wasps, Polistes dominulus. Facial patterns strongly predict body size and social dominance. Moreover, in staged contests between pairs of unfamiliar wasps, subordinate wasps with experimentally altered facial features (‘cheaters’) received considerably more aggression from the dominant than did sham controls, indicating that facial patterns are signals and that dishonest signalling imposes social costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives : Challenges and threats to global security and the growing demands of today's society lead to significantly increased exposure to stress. Stress can negatively affect numerous physiological processes, including metabolic changes. An unhealthy lifestyle might intensify this disruption. The aim of the systematic review was to establish the effect of psychological stress on metabolic and anthropometric factors in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines; and the risk of bias (ROB) assessment was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database was conducted using specific search terms. Results: We identified 32 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for the review with the different experimental designs and aims. Most of the papers were at high ROB. The included studies were conducted in groups of adults and children/teenagers. The most-often-applied tool to measure stress severity was the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Twenty-two studies analyzed the connection between stress and body composition, and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was the most often used method. For biological parameters, the most frequently analyzed was cortisol (n = 9). The other examined factors included glucose, insulin, parameters related to food intake regulation, carbohydrates, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The included studies were incompliance in relation to the assessment method and type of assessed biological fluids. Conclusions: The vast majority of studies do not support the effect of chronic distress on anthropometric measurements and biological markers levels. However, many of them suggest adverse, synergistic effects of unhealthy lifestyle patterns and the stress on the examined variables. Further experiments should implement a similar and repeatable methodology.

Rib cross-sectional shapes (characterized by the outer contour and cortical bone thickness) affect the rib mechanical response under impact loading, thereby influence the rib injury pattern and risk. A statistical description of the rib shapes or their correlations to anthropometrics is a prerequisite to the development of numerical human body models representing target demographics. Variational autoencoders (VAE) as anatomical shape generators remain to be explored in terms of utilizing the latent vectors to control or interpret the representativeness of the generated results. In this paper, we propose a pipeline for developing a multi-rib cross-sectional shape generative model from CT images, which consists of the achievement of rib cross-sectional shape data from CT images using an anatomical indexing system and regular grids, and a unified framework to fit shape distributions and associate shapes to anthropometrics for different rib categories. Specifically, we collected CT images including 3193 ribs, surface regular grid is generated for each rib based on anatomical coordinates, the rib cross-sectional shapes are characterized by nodal coordinates and cortical bone thickness. The tensor structure of shape data based on regular grids enable the implementation of CNNs in the conditional variational autoencoder (CVAE). The CVAE is trained against an auxiliary classifier to decouple the low-dimensional representations of the inter- and intra- variations and fit each intra-variation by a Gaussian distribution simultaneously. Random tree regressors are further leveraged to associate each continuous intra-class space with the corresponding anthropometrics of the subjects, i.e., age, height and weight. As a result, with the rib class labels and the latent vectors sampled from Gaussian distributions or predicted from anthropometrics as the inputs, the decoder can generate valid rib cross-sectional shapes of given class labels (male/female, 2nd to 11th ribs) for arbitrary populational percentiles or specific age, height and weight, which paves the road for future biomedical and biomechanical studies considering the diversity of rib shapes across the population., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Technological advancements have expanded the range of methods for capturing human body motion, including solutions involving inertial sensors (IMUs) and optical alternatives. However, the rising complexity and costs associated with commercial solutions have prompted the exploration of more cost-effective alternatives. This paper presents a markerless optical motion capture system using a RealSense depth camera and intelligent computer vision algorithms. It facilitates precise posture assessment, the real-time calculation of joint angles, and acquisition of subject-specific anthropometric data for gait analysis. The proposed system stands out for its simplicity and affordability in comparison to complex commercial solutions. The gathered data are stored in comma-separated value (CSV) files, simplifying subsequent analysis and data mining. Preliminary tests, conducted in controlled laboratory environments and employing a commercial MEMS-IMU system as a reference, revealed a maximum relative error of 7.6% in anthropometric measurements, with a maximum absolute error of 4.67 cm at average height. Stride length measurements showed a maximum relative error of 11.2%. Static joint angle tests had a maximum average error of 10.2%, while dynamic joint angle tests showed a maximum average error of 9.06%. The proposed optical system offers sufficient accuracy for potential application in areas such as rehabilitation, sports analysis, and entertainment.

Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) analysis of maxillofacial structures in dysmorphic patients offers clinical advantages over 2D analysis due to its high accuracy and precision in measuring many morphological parameters. Currently, no reliable gold standard exists for calculating 3D volumetric measurements of maxillofacial structures when captured by 3D surface imaging techniques. The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the scientific literature related to 3D surface imaging methods used for volumetric analysis of the dysmorphic maxillofacial structures of patients affected by CL/P or other syndromes and to provide an update on the existing protocols, methods, and, when available, reference data. Methods: A total of 17 papers selected according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were reviewed for the qualitative analysis out of more than 4500 articles published between 2002 and 2024 that were retrieved from the main electronic scientific databases according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A qualitative synthesis of the protocols used for the selection of the anatomical areas of interest and details on the methods used for the calculation of their volume was completed. Results: The results suggest a great degree of heterogeneity between the reviewed studies in all the aspects analysed (patient population, anatomical structure, area selection, and volume calculation), which prevents any chance of direct comparison between the reported volumetric data. Conclusions: Our qualitative analysis revealed dissimilarities in the procedures specified in the studies, highlighting the need to develop uniform methods and protocols and the need for comparative studies to verify the validity of methods in order to achieve high levels of scientific evidence, homogeneity of volumetric data, and clinical consensus on the methods to use for 3D volumetric surface-based analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising prevalence of obesity in children calls for new strategies for the provision of effective care by a multidisciplinary team. Telemedicine has overall proven to be an effective tool for promoting a healthy lifestyle. The main objective of the current paper is to present the protocol of our ongoing CardioMetabolic Prevention (CAMP) study and compare its design with published studies on telemedicine in paediatric obesity. Additionally, we analysed the preliminary anthropometric and laboratory data to test the efficacy of our 12-week intensive program that combines in-person and telemedicine support. The program demonstrated a positive impact on body mass index (BMI) and its z-scores in 21 adolescents, and BMI in 18 participating parents. However, we found no effect on body composition, waist circumference, cardiometabolic parameters, or fitness evaluated via a 6-min walk test in adolescents. In conclusion, the combination of in-person and telemedicine intensive support over 35 h delivered by a multidisciplinary team can be beneficial not only for adolescents with obesity but also for their parents. The ongoing CAMP study serves as a platform for precision medicine in future decisions regarding anti-obesity medication in adolescents with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a review of the papers indexed on Scientific Electronic Library Online to determine the anthropometric indicators used to assess abdominal obesity in various target subgroups. It provides an overview of available evidence regarding the relationship between these indicators and obesity-associated comorbidities. It suggests that abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic diseases.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of heart failure. The carboxypeptidase cathepsin A is a novel target in the treatment of cardiac failure. We aim to show that recently developed inhibitors of the protease cathepsin A attenuate post-MI heart failure.Methods: Mice were subjected to permanent left anterior descending artery (LAD) ligation or sham operation. 24 h post-surgery, LAD-ligated animals were treated with daily doses of the cathepsin A inhibitor SAR1 or placebo. After 4 weeks, the three groups (sham, MI-placebo, MI-SAR1) were evaluated.Results: Compared to sham-operated animals, placebo-treated mice showed significantly impaired cardiac function and increased plasma BNP levels. Cathepsin A inhibition prevented the increase of plasma BNP levels and displayed a trend towards improved cardiac functionality. Proteomic profiling was performed for the three groups (sham, MI-placebo, MI-SAR1). More than 100 proteins were significantly altered in placebo-treated LAD ligation compared to the sham operation, including known markers of cardiac failure as well as extracellular/matricellular proteins. This ensemble constitutes a proteome fingerprint of myocardial infarction induced by LAD ligation in mice. Cathepsin A inhibitor treatment normalized the marked increase of the muscle stress marker CA3 as well as of Igγ 2b and fatty acid synthase. For numerous further proteins, cathepsin A inhibition partially dampened the LAD ligation-induced proteome alterations.Conclusions: Our proteomic and functional data suggest that cathepsin A inhibition has cardioprotective properties and support a beneficial effect of cathepsin A inhibition in the treatment of heart failure after myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although there has been a favorable trend in the Infant Mortality Rate in India in the last decade, the country is still unlikely to meet the Millennium Development Goal #4. Of significance, there has been minimal improvement in the early neonatal mortality rate, which is an indicator of quality of perinatal care. In the efforts to address this aspect, a range of efforts and interventions have been considered. One such effort is in addressing and reducing hypothermia in neonates. Two low tech strategies, professional mummying/swaddling (PM/S) and ‘Kangaroo mother care’ (KMC), are seen as critical in the continuum of neonatal care. Objective: This study compared the effects of KMC and professional mummying/swaddling (PM/S) on select neonatal outcomes (temperature and weight) in a postnatal hospital unit in Chennai India. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study used a repeat measures time series approach monitoring weight and temperatures for neonates across the two interventions. Results: Significant findings were found in the retention of temperature which indicated that the KMC intervention aligned with higher neonatal temperatures than the PM/S interventions. Further, neither maternal or neonate indicators were found to impact significantly on weight or temperature changes in either group. Conclusions: KMC was found to provide a viable and meritous alternative to PM/S as a thermoregulatory strategy for full term neonates in a low resource setting. The study suggest that ongoing research will be necessary to ascertain the optimal approaches and potentials in both methods with such culturally diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has become common practice in health surveys to collect anthropometric measurements from young children. These datasets comprise one-point-in-time measurements for a number of children, and are very different in character from longitudinal data such as those collected during growth monitoring. This paper explores the nature of cross-sectional data, their applications and their limitations, using sample data from Burundi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Methods of analysis which treat the data as continuous or dichotomous are compared. The conclusion is that cross-sectional data can make a valuable contribution to health research provided their application and interpretation are properly understood.

Background. Metformin is commonly prescribed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, but in some cases, it may not be effective even at high doses or may cause intolerable side effects. Therefore, recent studies have examined the impact of combining metformin with other antidiabetic medications. Methods. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to 30 June 2023. All interventional studies that assessed the efficacy of different antidiabetic agents were included. Results. Among the 3488 records found in the primary search, 16 papers were included. Our study showed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) had the most significant impact on glycemic profile, while thiazolidinediones (TZDs) had the most influence on lipid levels. However, it was observed that patients taking only metformin experienced a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively modified various anthropometric measurements, such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. The effects of different antidiabetic drugs on hormone levels were inconclusive, although testosterone levels were more affected by GLP1RA, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and TZDs. None of the combined therapies showed a significant change in blood pressure. Conclusion. Since PCOS is a metabolic disorder, choosing the best combination of antidiabetic drugs in the clinical course of PCOS patients will be very important. Today, it seems that we need a new metabolic approach for better treatment of the metabolic aspects of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyse studies and research conducted in EU and non-EU member states to identify and compare trends in physical activity and motor skills. Thus, a comparative overview of the state of the art in the two pre-pandemic decades that can facilitate an understanding of the different territorial realities and training needs to be conducted, considering the different cultural situations. A scoping review was conducted by analysing a series of studies published between 1990 and 2022, including only those studies that collected data in the pre-pandemic period. The search was carried out on databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The following keywords were used for the acquisition of relevant studies: children, decline, motor skills, physical activity, and young people. From the literature review emerged clearly in all the longitudinal surveys a negative trend of body mass index (BMI), which was increasing in all the countries analysed, and cardiorespiratory fitness, which, in close relation to the increase in overweight levels, was in decline. If an unambiguous trend could be declared for the variables just mentioned, it was not possible to declare the same trend for the other variables analysed, which showed discordant results between the different countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is the fourth paper in our supplement on improving the health and well-being of rural indigenous Maya mothers and children in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, where the prevalence of stunting is the highest in Latin America and among the highest in the world. Reducing childhood undernutrition was one of the objectives of the Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011–2015, implemented by Curamericas/Guatemala. The implementation research portion of the Project attempted to determine if there were greater improvements in childhood nutritional status in the Project Area than in comparison areas and whether or not a dose–response effect was present in terms of a greater improvement in the Project Area with a longer duration of interventions. Methods: The Project provided nutrition-related messages to mothers of young children, cooking sessions using locally available nutritious foods, a lipid-based nutrient supplement (Nutributter®) for a short period of time (4 months), anti-helminthic medication, and repeated growth monitoring and nutrition counseling. Measures of height and weight for calculating the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting in under-2 children were analyzed and compared with the anthropometric data for children in the rural areas of the Northwestern Region and in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Results: The prevalence of stunting declined in Area A from 74.5% in September 2012 to 39.5% in June 2015. Area A comprised approximately one-half of the Project Area and was the geographic area with the greatest intensity and duration of nutrition-related Project interventions. Minimal improvements in stunting were observed in the Northwestern Region, which served as a comparison area. Improvements in multiple output and outcome indicators associated with nutritional status were also observed in Areas A and B: infant and young child feeding practices, routine growth monitoring and counseling, and household practices for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Conclusion: The Project Area in which Curamericas/Guatemala implemented the CBIO+ Approach experienced a reduction in the prevalence of stunting and other measures of undernutrition in under-2 children. Given the burden of undernutrition in Guatemala and other parts of the world, this approach merits broader application and further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving sustainable and healthy food systems in support of human and planetary health is a global challenge. We systematically reviewed papers (n = 2322) showing how village chicken products (meat, eggs, and offal) contribute to sustainable and healthy food systems for children along a rural–urban gradient. A total of 72 articles, representing all different sections covered in this review, were finally included. Production of village chickens contributed positively on livestock-derived food consumption by children. Households who owned chickens were likely to move from medium to high dietary diversity. Children from households that owned chickens had lower odds of anemia (1.07) and higher height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) scores. Egg intervention increased HAZ and WAZ for children by 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.88] and 0.61 [95% CI, 0.45–0.77], respectively. Village chicken ownership had positive effect on children's poultry meat and egg consumption. Per capita consumption of chicken by girls and boys combined was 38.2 g/day, where girls had 36.9 g/day and boys had 39.4 g/day. Children from households that owned chickens consumed eggs 2.8 more times per week compared to children from households without chickens. Moving along a rural–urban gradient, village chicken production was less common. Improved production and quality of village chicken products, and policies supporting optimal maternal and child intake these products are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a concept for an anthropomorphic replacement hand cast with silicone with an integrated sensory feedback system is presented. In order to construct the personalized replacement hand, a 3D scan of a healthy hand was used to create a 3D-printed mold using computer-aided design (CAD). To allow for movement of the index and middle fingers, a motorized orthosis was used. Information about the applied force for grasping and the degree of flexion of the fingers is registered using two pressure sensors and one bending sensor in each movable finger. To integrate the sensors and additional cavities for increased flexibility, the fingers were cast in three parts, separately from the rest of the hand. A silicone adhesive (Silpuran 4200) was examined to combine the individual parts afterwards. For this, tests with different geometries were carried out. Furthermore, different test series for the secure integration of the sensors were performed, including measurements of the registered information of the sensors. Based on these findings, skin-toned individual fingers and a replacement hand with integrated sensors were created. Using Silpuran 4200, it was possible to integrate the needed cavities and to place the sensors securely into the hand while retaining full flexion using a motorized orthosis. The measurements during different loadings and while grasping various objects proved that it is possible to realize such a sensory feedback system in a replacement hand. As a result, it can be stated that the cost-effective realization of a personalized, anthropomorphic replacement hand with an integrated sensory feedback system is possible using 3D scanning and 3D printing. By integrating smaller sensors, the risk of damaging the sensors through movement could be decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The National Family Health Survey-4 data from Odisha shows, adolescent growth spurt and nutritional level needs to be studied comprehensively for designing appropriate policies. Kandra community of Odisha is a Schedule Caste (SC) community with low socio-economic status. No study has been done on growth spurt of girls from this community. Hence, the paper examined growth and nutritional trend and test for significant difference on height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Methodology: Crosssectional study with 78 sample were collected from one Gram Panchayat of Ganjam district, India. Somatometric measurements i.e., height, weight, chest, and calf circumference were collected from school-going adolescent, randomly. Mean difference between early and middle adolescent were seen through Levene's Test for equality of variances and independent sample-t-test. Result: Findings say, adolescent growth spurt was highest at age 13-14 years. The overall median height and weight were reported less than Indian and National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) standards. The difference between 12-13 years and 14-16 years were significant at p<.001 for BMI. Conclusion: Findings were like the gaps reported in NFHS-4 nutritional indictors and is a concern as the girls are going to be future mother, and deficiency may pull their life into risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The authors present results on animal resources in the economy of medieval Moldova as they are reflected by analyses of animal skeletal remains recovered from archaeological sites situated in northeastern Romania and the Republic of Moldova. This paper aims to statistically evaluate the data of previous studies, and to analyse the case of the urban settlement from Târgu Neamț in the context of medieval Moldova. The results indicate the great importance of animal breeding and the low interest in hunting and fishing. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the medieval Moldovan economy by evaluating animal resources (e.g., animal husbandry, hunting, fishing) based on the skeletal remains found in archaeologic sites from northeastern Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Animal remains, especially those from the urban settlement of the 14th–16th centuries from Târgu Neamţ (NE Romania), were described in terms of their frequencies (i.e., number of identified specimens and minimum number of individuals), morphometry, and livestock management (i.e., animal selection by age and sex). The results were compared with those obtained from other settlements—rural, urban, and fortress—from medieval Moldova. Correspondence analysis of the identified animals and settlements on the basis of the frequency values reveals associations between the two variables (animal species and settlement). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Estonian Journal of Archaeology is the property of Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus 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.)

Background: Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as triclosan (TCS) leads to disrupting the endocrine system and consequently effect on the birth outcomes. The findings of studies in this field are controversial. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta analysis was conducted based on the identified published papers in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed up to November 2019. All steps, including searching, screening, data extracting, and quality assessment, were done by two independent researchers. Results: Finally 15 published papers selected. The number of participants in whom the association of TCS exposure was assessed with birth weight, birth length, birth head circumference, and gestational age were 9112, 4311, 2854, and 3181 mother infant pairs, respectively. The pooled analysis showed that TCS exposure during pregnancy leads to increasing the birth weight for boys with β= 3.97 and 95% confidence interval (CI) (-3.98, 11.92), and girls with β= 5.37, 95% CI (-6.00, 16.75), but the association was not statistically significant. In addition, according to fixed effects models, the TCS exposure was not significantly associated with birth length (-0.008, 95% CI [-0.049, 0.034]), birth head circumference (-0.01, 95% CI [-0.08, 0.06]), and gestational age (-0.005, 95% CI [-0.017, 0.006]). Likewise, analysis for data segregated by gender of infants revealed similar results. Conclusion: The obtained results depicted that the TCS exposure during pregnancy period was associated with higher birth weight for boys and girls. No significant association was observed for TCS exposure with variation of birth length, head circumference, and gestational age duration. In fact, the results showed the evidence of null associations between maternal TCS exposure and birth outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It appears that from generation to generation the anthropometric dimensions of the human population are changing. The aim of this paper was to examine the extent of these changes and the need for generating updated measurements for the clothing industry. The clothing industry uses mannequins and avatars to represent the modal group of the population. The industry tends to use three different categories for the human body shape (endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic). The clothing industry should focus on specific measurements of the body rather than general categories and create more body shapes to satisfy customer needs. The paper also aimed at showing the problems faced by clothing designers. The traditional way of measuring takes into account only selected dimensions of the human body; this does not reflect the "true" overall body shape. The dimension tables used by the apparel industry are based on the fourth anthropometric photograph taken between 1987 and 1989. These tables are still in the use currently; however, after 30 years they are outdated and should be revised for the young contemporary generation. This study can be used for the development of new dimension tables as well as defining methods aimed at improving the quality of measurements for clothing engineering purposes. This is an important issue, because the National Institute of Anthropometry does not deal with such problems (the measurements are conducted mainly for understanding the human body shape rather than any other application), which means that anthropometric measurements are not ideally suited to applications of clothes fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study purpose. This paper is about the differences in anthropometric characteristics between elite and non-elite youth football players in the Republic of Kosovo. Therefore, our current study aims to compare the differences in anthropometric characteristics between elite and non-elite youth players. The test was conducted with 132 young football players aged 14±0.5 years. Materials and methods. The sample was divided into two groups, namely 66 young players playing in the elite league and 66 young players playing in the non-elite league. The sample of variables consisted of 10 anthropometric measurements. The results of the measurements were analyzed using statistical procedures characterized by descriptive parameters and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. The results show that the elite league players have higher values in height and body mass compared to the non-elite league players. It should be noted that the length of the left leg is also higher in the elite league players, while the waist circumference is higher in the non-elite league players. As for knee diameter, the values are identical in both groups. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is more pronounced in the non-elite group than in the elite league players. According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), significant differences were presented only in the three variables such as the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the back, triceps and suprailiac between the elite and non-elite groups at the level (p<0.05), while no differences were presented in other variables. That is, between the elite and non-elite groups. Conclusions. In summary, the elite league players had better values in the anthropometric characteristics compared to the non-elite league players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista del Museo de Antropología is the property of Museo de Antropologia - IDACOR 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 use of 3-D whole body scanners has opened new opportunities for effective anthropometric data collection and its numerous applications. Meanwhile, there is a growing concern about whether the scan-derived measurements are comparable with the manual measurements. In this paper, an experiment was first conducted with 263 human subjects to evaluate the scan-derived measurements. By comparing the mean absolute difference (MAD) between the repeated scan-derived measurements against the interobserver error of the traditional anthropometric survey, the precision of the scan-derived measurements was found to be better than that of the manual measurements. As for accuracy, the results of the paired T-test indicated that some of the scan-derived measurements were significantly different from the corresponding manual measurements. In addition, most of the MADs between the scan-derived measurement and the manual measurement exceed the ISO 20685 criteria. The unacceptable accuracy was possibly due to the variation caused by the human subject. Thus, a mannequin was utilized for a second-stage evaluation of the scan-derived measurements in which the variation of human subject was eliminated. In contrast to scanning human subjects, the experimental results showed that the scan-derived measurements produced acceptable and satisfactory accuracy and precision while scanning a mannequin. As a result, the variation caused by human subject seems to be a critical influencing factor and needs to be minimized in 3-D scanning. Moreover, some important countermeasures are proposed for enhancing the performance of 3-D scanning, including designing supporting devices to reduce body sway, training the staff with adequate measurement skill, and increasing the scanning speed and resolution of the 3-D body scanner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will be presenting research with application in the rehabilitation of hand motor functions by the aid of robotics. The focus will be on the dimensional parameters of the biological human hand from which the robotic system will be developed. The term used for such measurements is known as anthropometrics. The anthropometric parameters studied and presented in this paper are mainly related to the angular limitations of the finger joints of the human hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child malnutrition is an enormous public health problem in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). In this paper, we study the relationship between non‐maternal adult female household members (AFHMs) and under‐5 child nutritional outcomes using nationally representative Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data, 2016. Because most of the primary inputs that go into the production of child health are intensive in maternal time, having additional AFHMs may ease the time constraints of the child's mother. We use anthropometric measures such as height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ) and weight‐for‐age z‐scores (WAZ) to measure stunting and underweight, respectively, as objective indicators of child nutritional status. Among our sampled households, we find that 40% of the children are stunted, 18% severely stunted, 27% underweight and 8% severely underweight. Furthermore, about 20% of the sampled children live with at least one extra non‐maternal AFHM. The multivariate regression results suggest that an additional AFHM is associated with significantly higher HAZ and WAZ scores and less likelihood of severe stunting compared with children living with fewer AFHMs. Finally, the paper discusses the potential pathways through which non‐maternal AFHMs can influence child nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Culinary nutrition education programs are increasingly used as a public health intervention for older adults. These programs often integrate nutrition education in addition to interactive cooking workshops or displays to create programs suitable for older adults' needs, ability and behaviour change. Synthesising the existing literature on nutrition education and interactive cooking programs for older adults is important to guide future program development to support healthy ageing. Objectives: To determine the extent of published literature and report the characteristics and outcomes of interactive culinary nutrition education programs for older adults (> 51 years). Design: This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines recommended for reporting and conducting a scoping review. Methods: Five databases were searched of relevant papers published to May 2022 using a structured search strategy. Inclusion criteria included: older adults (≥ 51 years), intervention had both an interactive culinary element and nutrition education and reported dietary outcome. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, followed by full-text retrieval. Data were charted regarding the characteristics of the program and outcomes assessed. Results: A total of 39 articles met the full inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies (n= 23) were inclusive of a range of age groups where older adults were the majority but did not target older adults exclusively. There were large variations in the design of the programs such as the number of classes (1 to 20), duration of programs (2 weeks to 2 years), session topics, and whether a theoretical model was used or not and which model. All programs were face-to-face (n= 39) with only two programs including alternatives or additional delivery approaches beside face-to-face settings. The most common outcomes assessed were dietary behaviour, dietary intake and anthropometrics. Conclusion: Culinary nutrition education programs provide an environment to improve dietary habits and health literacy of older adults. However, our review found that only a small number of programs were intentionally designed for older adults. This review provides a summary to inform researchers and policy makers on current culinary nutrition education programs for older adults. It also recommends providing face-to-face alternatives that will be accessible to a wider group of older adults with fewer restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence clearly shows poor implementation of nutrition interventions, in Ethiopia and other African countries, with many missed opportunities in the first 1000 days of life. Even though there are high‐impact interventions in this critical period, little is known about the barriers and facilitators influencing their implementation. This paper aims to explore barriers and facilitators for the implementation of nutrition services for small children with a focus on growth monitoring and promotion, iron‐folic acid supplementation and nutrition counselling. We conducted a qualitative study in four districts of Ethiopia. The data collection and analysis were guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). A total of 42 key informant interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and service providers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using CIFR constructs. We found that from 39 constructs of CFIR, 14 constructs influenced the implementation of nutrition interventions. Major barriers included lack of functional anthropometric equipment and high caseload (complexity), poor staff commitment and motivation (organisational incentive and reward), closed health posts (patient need and resource), false reporting (culture), lack of priority for nutrition service (relative priority), poor knowledge among service providers (knowledge and belief about the intervention) and lack of active involvement and support from leaders (leadership engagement). Adaptability and tension for change were the facilitators for the implementation of nutrition interventions. Effective implementation of nutrition interventions at primary health care units requires several actions such as improving the healthcare providers' motivation, improving leadership engagement, and creating a strong system for monitoring, supportive supervision and accountability. Key messages: Key barriers include lack of resources such as functional anthropometric equipment, high caseload, poor staff commitment and motivation, closed health posts, false reporting and lack of accountability, lack of priority for nutrition services, poor nutrition counselling, and poor leadership engagement and support.Improving implementation of nutrition services requires systematic identification of barriers and designing adaptable solutions.Our study highlights the need for separate growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) rooms and service providers. Service providers need adequate training to provide nutrition services. There is a need for improved monitoring supervision, leadership engagement and regular and improved carrier development and incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Relaciones de la Sociedad Argentina de Antropología is the property of Sociedad Argentina de Antropologia 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.)

Forensic genetics is a rapidly evolving science thanks to the growing variety of genetic markers, the establishment of faster, less error-prone sequencing technologies, and the engineering of bioinformatics models, methods, and structures. In the early 2000s, the need emerged to create an international genetic database for forensic purposes. This paper describes a judicial investigation of skeletal remains to identify the subject using various methods. The anthropological examination of the remains allowed identification of the Caucasoid (European) ethnic group, a height of 156 ± 4 cm, and an age between 47 and 50 years. The genetic profiles obtained from typing several microsatellites made it possible to evaluate the compatibility between the skeletal remains and the suspected decedent. To identify the remains, the two extrapolated genetic profiles were compared. The case described highlights the central role of forensic genetics in identifying skeleton remains by means of comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribal population is at a higher risk of undernutrition. It leads to different deficiency diseases and even death by decreasing body immunity. The problem of undernutrition is more severe among PVTGs. Therefore, the present paper aims to investigate the prevalence of undernutrition through the two most conventional anthropometric indicators. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 (68 males and 75 females) adult Birhor (PVTGs) tribal people of five Birhor villages of Purulia district, West Bengal, India. The present study's findings revealed that the mean values of height, weight and MUAC among males were significantly higher than their counterparts. However, no significant sex difference was noticed in the mean BMI. The overall prevalence of BMI-based undernutrition was 39.72 %, and females (44.59 %) were more undernourished than males (34.33 %). Whereas the overall prevalence of MUACbased undernutrition was 32.87 %, females (40.00 %) shared more undernutrition rate than males (25.00 %). The present study revealed that this Particularly Vulnerable Trible group still suffers from undernutrition stress. Both State and Central Government agencies should take appropriate steps to reduce the burden of malnutrition among the vulnerable tribal people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistics derives its power from classifying data and comparing the resulting distributions. In this paper, I will use two historical examples to highlight the importance of such data practices for statistical reasoning. The two examples I will explore are Franz Boas's anthropometric studies of native American populations in the early 1890s, which laid the foundation for his later critique of the race concept, and Wilhelm Johannsen's experiments in barley breeding, which he carried out for the Carlsberg Laboratory around the same time and which prepared the ground for his later distinction of genotype and phenotype. Both examples will show that the manipulation of data depended on complex classificatory practices: the distinction and articulation of "tribes," "races," and "family lines" in the case of Boas, and the selection and construction of "populations" and "pure lines" in the case of Johannsen. They also reveal a fundamental difference between data practices in the human and the life sciences: whereas the latter are relatively free to construct populations in the laboratory, the field, or on paper, the former have to rely on social categories shaped by historical accident and self-perception of the subjects under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Paleontologists, anthropologists and forensic scientists work with skeletal evidence that is often damaged or fragmented. Inferring what the original morphology of the bones was like is important for reconstructing fossils or identifying individuals. In this paper, we evaluate how accurate a statistical method (linear regression) is for estimating missing shape data. For this purpose, we worked with 3D models of complete human zygomatics (a face bone) that were altered to simulate damage, and reconstructed them using this method. We then evaluated how closely the original morphology resembled the reconstructed one. We conclude that this method can faithfully estimate the original anatomical data, especially when the damage is small, but the error increases significantly with increasing damage size. Skeletal remains analyzed by anthropologists, paleontologists and forensic scientists are usually found fragmented or incomplete. Accurate estimations of the original morphologies are a challenge for which several digital reconstruction methods have been proposed. In this study, the accuracy of reconstructing bones based on multiple linear regression (RM) was tested. A total of 150 digital models from complete zygomatics from recent past populations (European and African American) were studied using high-density geometric morphometrics. Some landmarks (i.e., 2, 3 and 6) were coded as missing to simulate incomplete zygomatics and the missing landmarks were estimated with RM. In the zygomatics, this simulated damage affects a few square centimeters or less. Finally, the predicted and original shape data were compared. The results indicate that the predicted landmark coordinates were significantly different from the original ones, although this difference was less than the difference between the original zygomatic and the mean zygomatic in the sample. The performance of the method was affected by the location and the number of missing landmarks, with decreasing accuracy with increasing damaged area. We conclude that RM can accurately estimate the original appearance of the zygomatics when the damage is small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient care and convenience remain the concern of medical professionals and caregivers alike. An unconscious patient confined to a bed may develop fluid accumulation and pressure sores due to inactivity and deficiency of oxygen flow. Moreover, weight monitoring is crucial for an effective treatment plan, which is difficult to measure for bedridden patients. This paper presents the design and development of a smart and cost-effective independent system for lateral rotation, movement, weight measurement, and transporting immobile patients. Optimal dimensions and practical design specifications are determined by a survey across various hospitals. Subsequently, the proposed hoist-based weighing and turning mechanism is CAD-modeled and simulated. Later, the structural analysis is carried out to select suitable metallurgy for various sub-assemblies to ensure design reliability. After fabrication, optimization, integration, and testing procedures, the base frame is designed to mount a hydraulic motor for the actuator, a DC power source for self-sustenance, and lockable wheels for portability. The installation of a weighing scale and a hydraulic actuator is ensured to lift the patient for weight measuring up to 600 pounds or lateral turning of 80 degrees both ways. The developed system offers simple operating characteristics, allows for keeping patient weight records, and assists nurses in changing patients' lateral positions both ways, comfortably massage patients' backs, and transport them from one bed to another. Additionally, being lightweight offers reduced contact with the patient to increase the healthcare staff's safety in pandemics; it is also height adjustable and portable, allowing for use with multiple-sized beds and easy transportation across the medical facility. The feedback from paramedics is encouraging regarding reducing labor-intensive nursing tasks, alleviating the discomfort of long-term bed-ridden patients, and allowing medical practitioners to suggest better treatment plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the correlation between two major anthropometric parameters, by the mathematical statistical applications corresponding to the bidimensional distributions for following pairs: - Global dimensions of the human body (body height - bust perimeter), - Body height - waist perimeter, - Bust perimeter - waist perimeter, a study that was carried out on a sample of 150 men aged between 20-29 years. Based on theoretical and experimental results shown in this paper can then properly structure the main stages of the manufacturing process. Combinations of sizes and weights of framing made rationally affect specific consumption and hence production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropometry is a Greek word that consists of the two words "Anthropo" meaning human species and "metery" meaning measurement. It is a science that deals with the size of the body including the dimensions of different parts, the field of motion and the strength of the muscles of the body. Specific individual dimensions such as heights, widths, depths, distances, environments and curvatures are usually measured. In this article, we investigate the anthropometric characteristics of patients with chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes) and find the factors affecting these diseases and the extent of the impact of each to make the necessary planning. We have focused on cohort studies for 10047 qualified participants from Ravansar County. Machine learning provides opportunities to improve discrimination through the analysis of complex interactions between broad variables. Among the chronic diseases in this cohort study, we have used three deep neural network models for diagnosis and prognosis of the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a case study. Usually in Artificial Intelligence for medicine tasks, Imbalanced data is an important issue in learning and ignoring that leads to false evaluation results. Also, the accuracy evaluation criterion was not appropriate for this task, because a simple model that is labeling all samples negatively has high accuracy. So, the evaluation criteria of precession, recall, AUC, and AUPRC were considered. Then, the importance of variables in general was examined to determine which features are more important in the risk of T2DM. Finally, personality feature was added, in which individual feature importance was examined. Performing by Shapley Values, the model is tuned for each patient so that it can be used for prognosis of T2DM risk for that patient. In this paper, we have focused and implemented a full pipeline of Data Creation, Data Preprocessing, Handling Imbalanced Data, Deep Learning model, true Evaluation method, Feature Importance and Individual Feature Importance. Through the results, the pipeline demonstrated competence in improving the Diagnosis and Prognosis the risk of T2DM with personalization capability., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.