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Purpose: The popularity of fencing and intense sports competition has burdened adolescents with excessive training, harming their immature bodies. Traditional training methods fail to provide timely movement corrections and personalized plans, leading to ineffective exercises. This paper aims to use artificial intelligence technology to reduce ineffective exercises and alleviate the training burden. Methods: We propose an action recognition algorithm based on the characteristics of adolescent athletes. This algorithm uses multimodal input data to comprehensively extract action information. Each modality is processed by the same network structure, utilizing attention mechanisms and adaptive graph structures. A multibranch feature fusion method is used to determine the final action category. Results: We gathered the fencing footwork data set 2.0. Our model achieved 93.3% accuracy, with the highest precision at 95.8% and the highest F1-Score at 94.5% across all categories. It effectively recognized actions of adolescents with different heights and speeds, outperforming traditional methods. Conclusion: Our artificial intelligence-based training solution improves training efficiency and reduces the training burden on adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges in physical capabilities, making traditional training methods less effective for their specific needs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining balance, plyometric, and strength (CBPS) training with sprint training on physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to either a CBPS group or a control group that only maintained their regular sprint training. Participants underwent pre- and posttraining tests, including measures of balance, jumping, agility, and sprinting ability. The results showed that the CBPS group demonstrated significant improvements (p <.05) in one-leg stance, crossover-hop jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, and 10- and 30-m sprint at posttraining compared with pretraining. CBPS training combined with sprinting significantly improves physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities, suggesting implications for tailored training programs to enhance their physical fitness and overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The purpose of the study was to develop normative ranges and standards for knee and shoulder isokinetic and anthropometric values. These standards can be qualitatively interpreted and allow practitioners to classify isokinetic and anthropometric values more objectively for university-level netball players. Design: Posttest only observational study design. All players were only evaluated once during the in-season to generate normative ranges. Methods: A total of 51 female players volunteered. Participants were evaluated on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60° per second to obtain knee-extensor and knee-flexor values as well as shoulder-flexor and shoulder-extensor values. A total of 16 anthropometric variables were collected including stature, body mass, 8 skinfolds, and 6 circumferences. Between-group differences were calculated to determine whether playing level was a differentiating factor in data. Results: Normative standards were developed for isokinetic parameters associated with the knee and shoulder joints as well as skinfolds and circumference measures. No statistically significant between-group differences were evident (χKruskal-Wallis²[2] = 3.96, P = .140). Conclusion: These standards can be used by coaches and practitioners to set attainable goals for individual players or those from secondary leagues, classify individual and team-based performances, and facilitate decision-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine whether various athletic performances, anthropometric measures, and playing experience differentiate selected and nonselected ultimate Frisbee players trialing to compete in the world championship. Methods: Forty-three Australian male ultimate Frisbee players (age = 21.2 [1.2] y; height = 1.7 [6.8] m; body mass = 69.7 [8.2] kg; playing experience = 3.5 [1.5] y) participated in a 30-m sprint test, single-leg run-up jump approach (both left [JumpLL], and right leg [JumpRL]) and a stationary bilateral vertical jump (JumpBIL), and change-of-direction speed test. Following a selection camp, players were subdivided according to their selection or nonselection into the team. Results: A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that height, 10-m sprint time, acceleration, JumpLL, JumpRL, and JumpBIL were significantly greater for selected players than nonselected players (P <.05). Area under the curve (AUC) was greatest for JumpRL (AUC = 79%; optimal cutoff value of 37.5 cm, sensitivity and specificity values of 77% and 71%, respectively), JumpLL (AUC = 74%; optimal cutoff 38.5 cm, sensitivity and specificity values 77% and 77%, respectively), and JumpBIL (AUC = 78%; optimal cutoff value of 40.5 cm, sensitivity and specificity values 71% and 79%, respectively). The largest AUC (AUC = 81%; 95% CI 0.66–0.97; P =.001) was found when combining the explanatory variables that demonstrated moderate to large effect sizes (ie, height, playing experience, 10-m sprint, acceleration, JumpLL, JumpRL, and JumpBIL), with sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 71%. Conclusion: These athletic performance and anthropometric characteristics differentiating selected and nonselected players may help inform targeted training and player-development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 3 × 3 basketball is becoming more and more professionalized, which is leading to a growing interest in talent development and talent selection. Different studies have demonstrated relevant factors in the talent selection process of 5v5 basketball but not in 3 × 3 basketball. Therefore, this study investigated the main predictors in the talent selection process in 3 × 3 basketball athletes. Methods: A total of 192 athletes (M age = 16.11 ± 0.45 years; n = 85 were female) 3 × 3 basketball athletes were assessed for various anthropometric and motor performance variables as well as maturity status. All assessments were carried out during selection camps for the German "under 17" youth national team. Binomial logistic regression was conducted to determine which variables predicted selection (either 'selected', n = 30 female and n = 34 male, or 'non-selected', n = 55 female and n = 73 male). Results: The regression model was statistically significant in female athletes (χ ² (3) = 26.86, p <.001). It explains 37.9% (Nagelkerke's R 2) of the variance in selection status and suggests that the general motor-performance component (p <.001) and the anthropometric- and maturation-related component (p =.004) seem to be relevant for being selected. In male athletes, the binomial logistic regression model was also statistically significant (χ ² (3) = 11.38, p =.010) with explaining 14.2% (Nagelkerke's R 2) of the variance in selection status but only the anthropometric- and maturation-related component (p =.004) predict selection. Discussion: Anthropometric conditions (such as body height, body weight, and wingspan) and the maturity status are particularly important in talent selection in 3 × 3 basketball for both sexes. Regarding motor-performance variables, we found a predictive value for talent selection only in females (without sprinting), but not in males which means that more 'athletic' female athletes seem to be favoured in talent selection. The results suggest that the talent selection process might be biased by maturation status even in middle adolescence. Therefore, coaches who decide on athletes' selection should be aware of the temporal advantages induced by earlier maturation when evaluating talented athletes and should consider strategies such as bio-banding to evaluate the real and potential value of talented athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Research on treatments for children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is needed. This pilot case series describes outcome data for 20 children ages 6–12 years old with a diagnosis of ARFID and who are low‐weight. Method: Participants were recruited nationwide as part of an ongoing randomized clinical trial. All participants in this study received a 14‐session psychoeducational and motivational treatment (PMT) protocol. Parents completed measures of ARFID severity (the Pica, ARFID, Rumination Disorder Interview) and parental self‐efficacy (Parents vs. ARFID scale). Height and weight were self‐reported by parents and percent of estimated body weight (%EBW) was calculated. Assessments occurred at baseline, 1‐month within treatment, 2‐months within treatment, end‐of‐treatment (EOT), and 6‐month follow‐up. Results: Twenty children (10.34 ± 1.76 years; 85% Non‐Hispanic; 75% White; 70% female; 84.16 ± 4.66% EBW) with low‐weight ARFID and their parents received PMT‐ARFID with a clinician specializing in eating disorders. By EOT, PARDI severity scores decreased (large effect size) parental self‐efficacy increased (medium effect size), but %EBW remained unchanged. Discussion: Additional research evaluating PMT in adequately powered clinical trials for youth with ARFID is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is a noticeable underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) men in the existing empirical literature examining the sociocultural influences on body image concerns. To fill the gap, this study aimed to gain a better understanding of how sociocultural factors correlated with body dissatisfaction among BIPOC men living within the U.S. Design: Structural equation modeling was used to address this gap by examining how multiple sociocultural factors – interpersonal appearance pressure, media appearance pressure, ethnic-racial identity attitudes (including ethnic-racial salience, stereotype endorsement, and nationalistic assimilation) and ethnic self-hatred towards one's ethnic group – were linked to dissatisfaction with muscularity, body fat and height in a sample of 181 BIPOC men participants. Results: The proposed cross-sectional path model achieved satisfactory model fit and explained 31.9% in muscularity dissatisfaction, 36.2% in body fat dissatisfaction, and 26.4% in height dissatisfaction. Among direct relationships, interpersonal appearance pressure emerged most prominently associated with height dissatisfaction, whereas media appearance pressure and ethnic self-hatred were more related to muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction. Regarding the mediation effects, media appearance pressure was found to partially mediate the relationship between interpersonal appearance pressure and body dissatisfaction, as well as the relationship between ethnic self-hatred and body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, ethnic self-hatred was found to be predicted by ethnic-racial identity attitudes. Conclusion: This research profoundly expands our understanding of the ethnic and racial complexities surrounding body dissatisfaction among BIPOC men and encourages health practitioners to acknowledge the unique sociocultural and systemic dynamics (ethnic-racial identities and associated stressors) when working with BIPOC men who present with body image concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Normal weight obesity can be associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, systemic inflammation and mortality. The main aim of the study was to analyze the changes in the prevalence of normal weight obesity in 8–18‐year‐olds from Kraków (Poland) between 2010 and 2020. Methods: The study was based on two sets of cross‐sectional, school‐based data obtained in 2010 and 2020. Body height, weight, and fat percentage were obtained. Body mass index was calculated, and only normal‐weight individuals were included. Normal weight obesity was defined as normal BMI with adiposity >85 percentile for age and sex. Results: The prevalence of normal weight obesity among Polish children and adolescents has been alarming for at least the last 10 years. Depending on the sex and age, normal weight obesity was present in more than 10% up to even more than 20% of the examined population. Conclusions: Alarming numbers of Polish children and adolescents suffer from NWO and this problem seems to be present for at least the last decade. A need for a maximally universal definition and cut‐offs to diagnose normal weight obesity should also be stressed, as it will be helpful in providing the best prophylaxis and help to persons already suffering from normal weight obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anthropometric data quality in large multicentre nutrition surveys is seldom adequately assessed. In preparation for the South African National Dietary Intake Survey (NDIS-2022), this study assessed site leads' and fieldworkers' intra- and inter-rater reliability for measuring weight, length/height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC) and calf circumference (CC). Methods: Standardised training materials and measurement protocols were developed, and new anthropometric equipment was procured. Following two training rounds (12 site lead teams, 46 fieldworker teams), measurement reliability was assessed for both groups, using repeated measurements of volunteers similar to the survey target population. Reliability was statistically assessed using the technical error of measurement (TEM), relative TEM (%TEM), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of reliability (R). Agreement was visualised with Bland-Altman analysis. Results: By %TEM, the best reliability was achieved for weight (%TEM = 0.260–0.923) and length/height (%TEM = 0.434–0.855), and the poorest for MUAC by fieldworkers (%TEM = 2.592–3.199) and WC (%TEM = 2.353–2.945). Whole-sample ICC and R were excellent (> 0.90) for all parameters except site leads' CC inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.896, R = 0.889) and fieldworkers' inter-rater reliability for MUAC in children under two (ICC = 0.851, R = 0.881). Bland-Altman analysis revealed no significant bias except in fieldworkers' intra-rater reliability of length/height measurement in adolescents/adults (+ 0.220 (0.042, 0.400) cm). Reliability was higher for site leads vs. fieldworkers, for intra-rater vs. inter-rater assessment, and for weight and length/height vs. circumference measurements. Conclusion: NDIS-2022 site leads and fieldworkers displayed acceptable reliability in performing anthropometric measurements, highlighting the importance of intensive training and standardised measurement protocols. Ongoing reliability assessment during data collection is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the importance of infancy for establishing growth trajectories, with later-life health consequences, we investigated longitudinal body composition among infants from six economically and ethnically diverse countries. Methods: We recruited mother-infant dyads using the WHO Multicenter Growth Reference Study criteria. We measured fat-free mass (FFM) in 1393 (49% female) infants from birth to 6 months of age (Australia, India, and South Africa; n = 468), 3–24 months of age (Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka; n = 925), and derived fat mass (FM), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length (WHZ) Z-scores were computed. Sex differences were assessed using a t-test, and country differences using a one-way analysis of covariance. We further compared subsamples of children with average (−0.25 > HAZ < +0.25), below-average (≤−0.25) and above-average (≥+0.25) HAZ. Results: HAZ performed well between 0 and 6 months, but less so between 3 and 24 months. The stunting prevalence peaked at 10.3% for boys and 7.8% for girls, at 24 months. By 24 months, girls had greater FMI (10%) than boys. There were significant differences in FFM (both sexes in all countries) and FM (Brazilian boys, Pakistani and South African girls) by 24 months of age between infants with average, above-average, and below-average HAZ. Conclusion: In a multi-country sample representing more ideal maternal conditions, body composition was heterogeneous even among infants who exhibited ideal length. Having a mean HAZ close to the median of the WHO standard for length reduced FFM between-country heterogeneity but not FM, suggesting that other factors may influence adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There's paucity of longitudinal studies assessing the role of adolescent growth on adult body composition in developing countries. The aims of this study were to assess the association between adolescent change in height, weight and BMI and early adult height, weight, body fat and lean mass. Methods: Magnitude, timing and intensity of height, weight and BMI growth were modelled for participants from the Birth to Thirty (Bt30) cohort (7–23 years). Early adult height, weight, BMI and DXA-derived body composition were obtained 1881 black participants (21–24 years). Linear regression analyses were used to assess associations. Results: Adolescents with an earlier onset of puberty were heavier in childhood and had an earlier timing and faster weight gain velocity in late adolescence. The intensity of adolescent weight gain was positively associated with adult BMI and fat mass index (FMI) in females. Early timing of adolescent BMI gain was associated with increased weight and BMI in adult females and FMI in adult males. Achieving peak weight velocity around age at peak height velocity was associated with lower BMI and fat mass in both sexes. Conclusion: This study confirms the adverse consequences of excessive weight gain prior to puberty, which is associated with an earlier and faster resurgence in weight gain velocity in early adulthood. Factors that contribute to an asynchronous timing of ages of peak weight and peak height velocities may accentuate the risk of adult obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood properties influence aerobic exercise performance. While vascular volumes and hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) are elevated in trained individuals, evidence of sex differences in vascular volumes is equivocal due to inadequate matching of aerobic fitness between males and females. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare hematological values normalized to body mass (BM) and fat-free mass (FFM) between males (n = 45) and females (n = 34) matched for aerobic fitness (V̇O2max) normalized to FFM (mL∙kg FFM−1∙min−1). Data included body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), V̇O2max from an incremental test, and hematological values derived from a CO rebreathe test. Fat mass was unrelated to blood volume (BV; R2 = 0.02, P = 0.26) and Hbmass (R2 = 0.03, P = 0.16), while FFM was the strongest predictor of both (R2 = 0.75 and R2 = 0.83, respectively, P < 0.001). Females exhibited higher FFM-normalized BV (+4%, P < 0.05) and plasma volume (PV) (+14%, P < 0.001) and lower red blood cell volume (RBCV) (−8%, P < 0.001) and Hbmass (−8%, P < 0.001) compared to males. Positive correlations between aerobic fitness and relative Hbmass and BV were observed in both sexes when normalized to BM and FFM (0.48 < r < 0.71; P < 0.003). Stepwise multiple regression models, including FFM, V̇O2max, height, and [Hb], provided accurate predictions of Hbmass (R2 = 0.91) and BV (R2 = 0.85). Overall, sex differences persist in relative Hbmass, BV, PV, and RBCV after matching of aerobic fitness, though relative BV and PV were greater in females. These findings suggest sex-specific strategies in oxygen delivery and/or extraction, and they underscore the importance of carefully selecting normalization practices when assessing sex-based differences in hematological variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is more available than gold-standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but DXA ability to estimate abdominal skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is unknown. DXA-derived abdominal fat-free mass (FFM; Hologic QDR2000 or QDR4500w) was correlated with single-slice MRI SMM at L4 (N = 69; r QDR2000 = 0.71, QDR4500w = 0.69; p < 0.0001). Linear regression to predict SMM, including DXA FFM, BMI, and age, resulted in an R-squared of 0.72 and 0.65 for QDR2000 and QDR4500. Bland-Altman limits of agreement were ±21 and ±31 g for 2–3 standard deviations from the mean difference. DXA predicted abdominal SSM is a moderate proxy for MRI abdominal SMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scaling, to remove the effects of body size, is an important methodological approach for enabling an equitable comparison of performance differences between individuals who vary in anthropometric characteristics. Many previous studies using scaling in sport have done so based on only one or two anthropometric characteristics, with only one study to date adopting a three‐dimensional approach. To apply a three‐dimensional allometric model to rowing ergometer performance (REP) in adolescents, and to detect whether key ‘scaling’ parameters remain stable when scaling REP both before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Novel three‐dimensional allometric models were used, incorporating body mass, stature and waist circumference (WC) to detect the most appropriate body size dimension(s) and scaling parameters associated with REP before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Using this more flexible and sensitive three‐dimensional allometry demonstrated that, following 6‐weeks of training, there was a change in the ideal body shape associated with REP. Before training, taller, but not heavier, adolescents performed better. After 6‐weeks of training, older participants with a greater body mass but smaller WC performed better. Scaling approaches are important for evaluating performance differences between individuals of differing body size. The findings from the current study (using a novel three‐dimensional allometry approach) emphasise that relatively subtle changes in individuals' behavioural characteristics, such as changes in their training/fitness status, can result in quite dramatic changes in the body dimension characteristics and scaling parameters deemed to be key for performance in activities such as REP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Poor anthropometric data quality affect the prevalence of malnutrition and could harm public policy planning. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to identify different methods to evaluate and clean anthropometric data, and to calculate the frequency of implausible values for weight and height obtained from these methodologies. Data Sources Studies about anthropometric data quality and/or anthropometric data cleaning were searched for in the MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases in October 2020 and updated in January 2023. In addition, references of included studies were searched for the identification of potentially eligible studies. Data Extraction Paired researchers selected studies, extracted data, and critically appraised the selected publications. Data Analysis Meta-analysis of the frequency of implausible values and 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. Heterogeneity (I 2) and publication bias were examined by meta-regression and funnel plot, respectively. Results In the qualitative synthesis, 123 reports from 104 studies were included, and in the quantitative synthesis, 23 studies of weight and 14 studies of height were included. The study reports were published between 1980 and 2022. The frequency of implausible values for weight was 0.55% (95%CI, 0.29–0.91) and for height was 1.20% (95%CI, 0.44–2.33). Heterogeneity was not affected by the methodological quality score of the studies and publication bias was discarded. Conclusions Height had twice the frequency of implausible values compared with weight. Using a set of indicators of quality to evaluate anthropometric data is better than using indicators singly. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020208977. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document lists the reviewers for Sociological Inquiry, Volume 94, acknowledging their crucial role in maintaining the journal's quality. The reviewers worked diligently over the past year to evaluate and provide feedback on submitted manuscripts, contributing to the journal's stature. The document expresses gratitude to all reviewers for their efforts in ensuring the journal's excellence. [Extracted from the article]

Scapula shape is highly variable across humans and appears to be sexually dimorphic—differing significantly between biological males and females. However, previous investigations of sexual dimorphism in scapula shape have not considered the effects of allometry (the relationship between size and shape). Disentangling allometry from sexual dimorphism is necessary because apparent sex‐based differences in shape could be due to inherent differences in body size. This study aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in scapula shape and examine the role of allometry in sex‐based variation. We used three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics with Procrustes ANOVA to quantify scapula shape variation associated with sex and size in 125 scapulae. Scapula shape significantly differed between males and females, and males tended to have larger scapulae than females for the same body height. We found that males and females exhibited distinct allometric relationships, and sexually dimorphic shape changes did not align with male‐ or female‐specific allometry. A secondary test revealed that sexual dimorphism in scapula shape persisted between males and females of similar body heights. Overall, our findings indicate that there are sex‐based differences in scapula shape that cannot be attributed to size‐shape relationships. Our results shed light on the potential role of sexual selection in human shoulder evolution, present new hypotheses for biomechanical differences in shoulder function between sexes, and identify relevant traits for improving sex classification accuracy in forensic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to investigate if there is an independent linear relationship between body mass index and gallbladder stone disease in obese people. In the years 2013-2019, 870 patients were recruited with new-onset asymptomatic gallbladder stone disease, and 870 healthy individuals at our university's affiliated hospital for annual medical examinations were also included. We examined weight, height, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and serum lipid indices, and used logistic multivariate regression analysis to assess their relationships. Multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and hypercholesterolemia were all significant risk variables for gallbladder stone disease (P < 0.01, all) in pre-initial overweight subjects. In both overweight and obese subjects, waist-to-height ratio had a significantly positive relationship with gallbladder stone disease (P < 0.01, both); hypercholesterolemia had a similar effect on overweight participants (P < 0.01). After stratification by gender, serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significant risk factors in male overweight-obese participants (P < 0.05, both), but waist-to-height ratio and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were equivalent in female overweight-obese subjects (P < 0.05, both). In conclusion, body mass index may be the best predictor for new-diagnosed asymptomatic gallbladder stone disease risk in the pre-initial overweight population without diagnosed diabetes, whereas abdominal adiposity may be during each phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite those with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being at increased risk of malnutrition, there is a notable absence of practical approaches for nutritional assessment in clinical practice. We investigated the usefulness of phase angle (PhA) and Total Psoas Area Index (TPAI) for indicating nutritional risk and HCC prognosis. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT), and handgrip strength (HGS) were assessed. The Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) was calculated. Body composition was assessed using bioimpedance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification determined the prognosis. Fifty-one males with HCC were enrolled (CTP C = 11.8%). PhA showed a moderate positive correlation with APMT (r = 0.450; p < 0.001) and HGS (r = 0.418; p = 0.002) and a weak positive correlation with TPAI (r = 0.332; p = 0.021). PhA had a strong positive correlation with NRI (r = 0.614; p < 0.001). Mean PhA values were significantly different according to disease severity (CTP C p = 0.001, and BCLC D p = 0.053). TPAI had no significant correlation with HGS, CTP, or BCLC. PhA was a superior approach for predicting nutritional risk and prognosis in HCC than TPAI. Lower PhA is associated with disease progression, lower muscle mass and function, greater severity of nutritional risk, and increased mortality in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recombinant human growth hormone therapy, which was introduced in the 1980s, is now routine for children with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are exhibiting growth impairment. Growth hormone usage remains variable across different centers, with some showing low uptake. Much of the focus on growth hormone supplementation has been on increasing height because of social and psychological effects of short stature. There are, however, numerous other changes that occur in CKD that have not received as much attention but are biologically important for pediatric growth and development. This article reviews the current knowledge about the multisystem effects of growth hormone therapy in pediatric patients with CKD and highlights areas where additional clinical research is needed. We also included clinical data on children and adults who had received growth hormone for other indications apart from CKD. Ultimately, having robust clinical studies which examine these effects will allow children and their families to make more informed decisions about this therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of Reynolds number on the wake characteristics of a notchback Ahmed body with effective backlight angle, βe = 17.8 deg. The Reynolds number based on the body height was varied from 5×10³ to 5×104 Prior to the Reynolds number investigation, a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model assessment was performed using nine turbulence models consisting of one- and two-equation eddy-viscosity models and second moment closure models. The standard Spalart-Allmaras model was the only model that accurately predicted the asymmetric time-averaged wake topology, as reported in previous studies, for the βe = 17.8 deg notchback Ahmed body at Re = 5×104 The drag coefficient decreased with increasing Reynolds number, while the lift coefficient remained constant for Re >= 1×104 The wake structure exhibited three regimes: symmetric (Re ≤ 1×104), transitionally asymmetric (1×104 < Re > 3.5×104) states. The wake asymmetry was attributed to an imbalance in entrainment from the sides and asymmetric separation from the roof and the C-pillars of the body. The tilting and stretching terms in the vorticity transport equation were used to provide insight into the source of asymmetry in the vorticity field around the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In the clinical routine of pediatricians, height is the most reliable indicator for assessing growth. However, there are situations where it is not possible to measure this parameter directly, making the estimation of height or length a useful alternative. The main goal of this study is to identify which segmental measure, including upper arm length (UAL), tibial length (TL), and knee-heel length (KHL), provides the stature estimate that most closely approximates directly measured height in the study participants. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study of the anthropometric and segmental measures of 248 participants, aged 0 to 14 years old, using Stevenson's and Kihara's equations to estimate indirectly measured height. Results The segmental measure that provided a measurement that deviated the least from the actual height was the KHL, followed by TL, both calculated using Stevenson's equations. Conclusion The use of segmental measures to infer a child's stature is valuable in clinical practice, particularly in bedridden and incapacitated patients. Based on the present findings, the KHL and TL segments yielded more accurate results than the UAL [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to identify trajectory patterns of weight and length in children from birth until two years of life and establish associations with maternal and child characteristics. Methods: A mixed-cohort study was conducted in public health services in Colombo-PR, Brazil, between 2018 and 2022. Pregnancy information was gathered through anthropometric data collection and questionnaires. Birth data were extracted from birth record forms, while weight and length data in the first two years of life were obtained from physical and electronic health service records. Weight and length trajectory patterns were identified using a group-based trajectory model. The definition of the number of trajectory patterns to be selected considered the model fit to the type of variable, its practical utility, as well as the probabilities of group membership. Results: Two trajectory patterns of weight and length were identified among the children. The majority exhibited a pattern of weight (67.8%, n = 382) and length (90.9%, n = 472) considered high and stable, with a tendency to decelerate from one and a half years of age. The probability of belonging to the lower weight gain group was associated with female sex (41.5%, p < 0.001), smoking during pregnancy (48.7%, p = 0.008), prematurity (65.0%, p = 0.001), cesarean delivery (36.4%, p = 0.009), small for gestational age (69.0%, p < 0.001), and twinning (69.2%, p = 0.002). Similarly, the probability of belonging to the lower length gain group was associated with female sex (11.7%, p < 0.001), smoking during pregnancy (20.6%, p = 0.003), cesarean delivery (10.1%, p = 0.048), born small for gestational age (46.4%, p < 0.001), and twinning (46.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Conditions during pregnancy and childbirth can impact growth patterns in the first two years of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) across an international soccer programme in male and female players aged 12 years old to seniors. One hundred forty-five male (age: 18.8 ± 4.6 years; body mass: 68.1 ± 10.2 kg; body height: 177.3 ± 10.5 cm) and 218 female (age: 15.9 ± 4.6 years; body mass: 66.2 ± 10.5 kg; body height: 170.6 ± 8.3 cm) players from a National Association were assessed. All participants were divided into four quartiles: January to March (BQ1), April to June (BQ2), July to September (BQ3), and October to December (BQ4). The results showed that the distributions for all male squads were significantly skewed, with more players than expected from BQ1 in the U-21, U-19, and U-17 and less players than expected from BQ4 in the U-19 squad. The distributions for all female squads showed significantly more players than expected from BQ1 in the U-16 and less players than expected from BQ4 in the U-14 squad. The distributions across the different positions for the male squads combined were significantly skewed with more forward players than expected from BQ1 and less forward and midfielder players than expected from BQ4. For the female squads, there were significantly more BQ1 defenders from the U-16 squad than expected. In conclusion, this study unveils significant disparities in quartile distributions among male and female squads. Moreover, the data emphasize the potential impact of heightened physical demands in certain positions on the RAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Familial tall stature (FTS) is considered to be a benign variant of growth with a presumed polygenic etiology. However, monogenic disorders with possible associated pathological features could also be hidden under the FTS phenotype. Objective To elucidate the genetic etiology in families with FTS and to describe their phenotype in detail. Methods Children with FTS (the life-maximum height in both the child and his/her taller parent > 2 SD for age and sex) referred to the Endocrinology center of Motol University Hospital were enrolled into the study. Their DNA was examined cytogenetically and via a next-generation sequencing panel of 786 genes associated with growth. The genetic results were evaluated by the American College of Molecular Genetics and Genomics guidelines. All of the participants underwent standard endocrinological examination followed by specialized anthropometric evaluation. Results In total, 34 children (19 girls) with FTS were enrolled in the study. Their median height and their taller parent's height were 3.1 SD and 2.5 SD, respectively. The genetic cause of FTS was elucidated in 11/34 (32.4%) children (47,XXX and 47,XYY karyotypes, SHOX duplication, and causative variants in NSD1 [in 2], SUZ12 [in 2], FGFR3 , CHD8 , GPC3 , and PPP2R5D genes). Ten children had absent syndromic signs and 24 had dysmorphic features. Conclusion Monogenic (and cytogenetic) etiology of FTS can be found among children with FTS. Genetic examination should be considered in all children with FTS regardless of the presence of dysmorphic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anthropometric measurements are crucial in pediatric critical care, but the impact of height on ICU outcomes is underexplored despite a substantial number of short-for-age children in ICUs. Previous studies suggest that short stature increases the risk of poor clinical outcomes. This study examines the relationship between short stature and ICU outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a Japanese nationwide database (the Japanese Intensive Care Patient Database; JIPAD), which included pediatric patients under 16 years admitted to ICUs from April 2015 to March 2020. Height standard deviation scores (SD scores) were calculated based on age and sex. Short-stature patients were defined as height SD score < − 2. The primary outcome was all-cause ICU mortality, and the secondary outcome was the length of stay in ICU. Results: Out of 6,377 pediatric patients, 27.2% were classified as having short stature. The ICU mortality rate was significantly higher in the short-stature group compared to the normal-height group (3.6% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression showed that short stature was independently associated with increased ICU mortality (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.81–4.11). Additionally, the Fine–Gray subdistribution hazards model indicated that short stature was associated with a lower chance of ICU discharge for each additional day (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81–0.90, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Short stature is a significant risk factor for increased ICU mortality and prolonged ICU stay in critically ill children. Height should be considered in risk assessments and management strategies in pediatric intensive care to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Methods Results Conclusion This study aims to explore the lasting effects of stress experienced by pregnant women during World War II (WWII) on body and head measurements of their adult daughters.The research sample consists of 336 female university students born in Poland between 1925 and 1951. The data include body measurements and socioeconomic information (parental occupation and number of siblings) acquired from questionnaires collected between the 1950s and 1970s. Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney test and Analysis of Variance were used to analyze differences in body measurements between groups of women born before and during the war, as well as the possible influences of socioeconomic variables.The mean measurements of body height, symphysion height, and waist circumference were lower in women conceived and born during the war compared to those born in the pre‐war period. In contrast, the mean measurements of biacromial (shoulder) width, trunk length, and three head dimensions were higher in women conceived and born during the war. Additionally, the number of siblings appeared to be a significant factor that may have influenced the body measurements of women in both groups. For instance, a higher number of living siblings, particularly sisters, was associated with reduced body dimensions, such as body height and waist circumference, while a greater number of deceased siblings was linked to an increase in certain body dimensions.The results suggest that war‐related prenatal conditions may have influenced the postnatal growth and development of women conceived and born during the war. Notably, the direction of these changes varied, which indicates that the growth response to the war‐related conditions was a complex adaptation, reflecting both positive and negative changes in different body parts, rather than a uniform pattern of growth suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hormone fluctuations in women are accompanied by an increase in obesity. Although obesity has various causes, the interaction between obesity and menopausal status remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between lifestyle physical activities (PAs), such as occupational and household activities, and purposeful exercise, such as sports, with appetite and their correlation with body composition during the menopausal transition (MT) and postmenopausal (PM) phases. Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional design. Methods: Women aged 42–62 years, in the MT or PM phases, were included. PA and appetite were measured using the validated Beacke questionnaire and the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, respectively. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured to estimate the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Results: A total of 101 women were included in the study. A significant positive relationship was found between appetite and PA in the MT group (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). In the MT group, PA (β = −0.38, p = 0.009) and appetite (β = 0.42, p = 0.004) predicted 16% of the BMI, while PA and appetite predicted 16% of the WHR. Only PA contributed significantly to the prediction of WHR (β = −0.33, p = 0.0.02). In the PM group, PA and appetite predicted 15% of the WHR (p = 0.030), and PA was a significant predictor of the WHR (β = −0.29, p = 0.0.03). There was no significant difference between the BMI and WHR in active women who regularly performed purposeful exercise compared to inactive women during the PM phase (p > 0.05). However, the appetite of active women was higher than of inactive women (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Menopausal status was effective on obesity indices, appetite, and PA. Lifestyle PA was superior to appetite in predicting obesity indices during the MT and PM phases, and particularly during PM; hence, PA was more important than exercise in determining obesity. Plain language summary: Exploring the impact of physical activity and appetite on obesity in women during menopause and after This study looked at how physical activity (PA) and appetite affect obesity in women going through menopause and after. Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to weight gain, but how this relates to activity levels and appetite is not well understood. Researchers included 101 women aged 42 to 62 who were either in the menopausal transition (MT) or postmenopausal (PM). They assessed the participants' levels of physical activity and appetite using questionnaires and measured body weight and measurements to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The results showed a strong link between appetite and physical activity in women going through menopause. Both PA and appetite were found to influence BMI and WHR in these women. Interestingly, while both factors predicted obesity measures, it was mainly physical activity that played a key role in affecting the waist-to-hip ratio. In the postmenopausal group, physical activity and appetite also influenced waist-to-hip ratio, but there was no significant difference in BMI and WHR between women who exercised and those who did not. However, active women reported a higher level of appetite compared to inactive women. In conclusion, the study found that menopausal status impacts body composition and appetite. Lifestyle physical activity was more influential than appetite in predicting obesity during both the menopausal transition and after menopause, highlighting the importance of staying active rather than just focusing on exercise in managing body weight [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative age effects (RAEs) and biological maturation are two distinct factors that have been identified to affect talent identification and selection. Previous research has suggested that talent selection should include sport-specific technical tasks instead of body size and/or physical test measurements, assuming that the technical tasks are less influenced by variations in maturation. Our purpose was to examine the prevalence of RAEs and to assess biological maturity, body size, and body composition within a single talent selection program for female handball players. Team coaches' recommendations, handball-specific drills, and in-game performance were the selection criteria. Birth distribution of all U14 female handball players were analysed (N = 3198) grouped in two-year age cohort. Measurements of body size, body composition (InBody 720), and bone age were performed in all players who were selected to participate in the selection program (n = 264) (mean±sd age: 13.1±0.6 years) and in a sample of not-selected players (n = 266) (mean±sd age: 13.2±0.6 years). Players were grouped in quarter-year intervals based on their date of birth. Chi-square was used to examine quartile distributions, differences between quartiles were tested with one-way analysis of variance, whereas differences between the selected and not-selected groups were examined with independent sample t-test (Cohen d effect size). Binary logistic regression was used to determine the effects of the predictors on the selection. In terms of all registered players, there was no difference in birth distribution. RAEs appeared at the first selection stage and were evident at all following stages. Quartiles differed only between the first and the last quartiles in body size and muscle mass. Only bone age differed between consecutive quartile or semi-year groups. Body size, body composition, and maturity had a significant, but of moderate power, effect on the selection. Larger body height increased the likelihood of selection by about 12%, larger muscle mass by 12% to 25%, larger bone age by 350–400%, while larger percent body fat decreased selection chances by 7%. The sport-specific criteria could not eliminate the prevalence of the RAEs. Relative age was connected to bone age, but not convincingly to body size and muscle mass. Although bone age had the largest effect on the selection, this was not associated with larger body size or muscle mass. Early maturation increased selection chances mainly during the coaches' subjective evaluation, but not convincingly when sport-specific tasks were applied. Given that differences were mostly evident between players of more than 1.5-year variation in their chronological age, one-year age cohorts within talent selection or the rotation of the cut-off dates of the bi-annual age grouping could be a promising strategy while also including maturation status and relative age in performance evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate assessment of body composition is essential for evaluating the risk of chronic disease. 3D body shape, obtainable using smartphones, correlates strongly with body composition. We present a novel method that fits a 3D body mesh to a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) silhouette (emulating a single photograph) paired with anthropometric traits, and apply it to the multi-phase Fenland study comprising 12,435 adults. Using baseline data, we derive models predicting total and regional body composition metrics from these meshes. In Fenland follow-up data, all metrics were predicted with high correlations (r > 0.86). We also evaluate a smartphone app which reconstructs a 3D mesh from phone images to predict body composition metrics; this analysis also showed strong correlations (r > 0.84) for all metrics. The 3D body shape approach is a valid alternative to medical imaging that could offer accessible health parameters for monitoring the efficacy of lifestyle intervention programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In conventional, gonadotropin stimulated, in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (c-IVF/ICSI) growth and development of multiple follicles is induced by gonadotropins, combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or antagonist. In recent studies, singletons conceived after c-IVF/ICSI cycles had lower birth weight not only than spontaneously conceived children but also children born after unstimulated natural IVF/ICSI cycles (NC-IVF/ICSI). Lower birth weight is associated with a catch-up growth within the first years of life. Following the Barker hypothesis accelerated growth has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. The aim of the study is to assess, if children conceived with NC-IVF/ICSI have a higher birthweight and therefore do not show a catch-up growth within the first two years. Therefore, we assume that children born after NC-IVF/ICSI have a better long-term cardiometabolic risk profile. Whether the weight- and height gain is comparable to spontaneously conceived children is unknown, since to our knowledge we are the first study to investigate the longitudinal growth of children born after unstimulated natural cycle ICSI (NC-ICSI). Material and methods: We conducted a single-center, prospective cohort study (2010-2017) including children (n = 139) born after NC-ICSI or c-ICSI treatment. Growth parameters up to 24 months were collected. Standard deviation scores based on growth references were calculated. Results: The study included 98 children in the NC-ICSI and 41 children in the c-ICSI group. The median birth weight in NC-ICSI children was 3.4 kg [0.1 standard deviation score (SDS)] compared to 3.3 kg (-0.3 SDS) in c-ICSI children (p=0.61). Median length at birth was 50 cm in both groups (NC-ICSI (-0.5 SDS), c-ICSI children (-0.8 SDS), p=0.48). At age 24 months, median weight in NC-ICSI children was 12.2 kg (0.3 SDS) versus 12.2 kg (0.2 SDS) in c-ICSI children (p=0.82) and median length 87.5 cm (0.1 SDS) versus 88.0 cm (0.4 SDS) (p=0.43). Conclusion: We found no difference in growth between children conceived after stimulated and unstimulated ICSI. Growth parameters of both treatment groups did not differ from Swiss national growth references (N = 8500). One of the main limitations of our study was the small sample size (N=139) of complete data sets over time and the high drop-out rate of 49% (68/139). Nevertheless, with the increasing number of children born after IVF/ICSI every year it is of immense importance to search for possibilities to reduce their long-term cardiometabolic risk and we want our data to contribute to this discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion This study investigated the association between gestational age and birth size with pubertal timing, measured as peak height velocity, and adult height.This retrospective, population‐based study was conducted in Sweden in 2023. A sub‐group of the 1974 and 1990 GrowUp Gothenburg cohorts was used (n = 4700, 50% males). The subgroup consisted of healthy individuals with Nordic ethnicity, known parental heights and measured adult heights. Data on birth characteristics (gestational age, birth length, birth weight) were collected. Pubertal timing was assessed as age at peak height velocity. Univariable linear regression analysis and bivariate correlations were conducted to answer the research questions.Gestational age was not associated with age at peak height velocity or adult height. Birth length and weight could explain 12% and 8% (p ≤ 0.001) respectively of attained adult height. However, birth length and birth weight could only explain the variation in age at peak height velocity to a small degree.This study showed that gestational age is not associated with age at peak height velocity or adult height. A positive relationship was found between birth size, particularly birth length, and adult height. No strong associations were found between birth size and age at peak height velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 3 × 3 basketball is becoming more and more professionalized, which is leading to a growing interest in talent development and talent selection. Different studies have demonstrated relevant factors in the talent selection process of 5v5 basketball but not in 3 × 3 basketball. Therefore, this study investigated the main predictors in the talent selection process in 3 × 3 basketball athletes. Methods: A total of 192 athletes (Mage = 16.11 ± 0.45 years; n = 85 were female) 3 × 3 basketball athletes were assessed for various anthropometric and motor performance variables as well as maturity status. All assessments were carried out during selection camps for the German "under 17" youth national team. Binomial logistic regression was conducted to determine which variables predicted selection (either 'selected', n = 30 female and n = 34 male, or 'nonselected', n = 55 female and n = 73 male). Results: The regression model was statistically significant in female athletes (χ² (3) = 26.86, p < .001). It explains 37.9% (Nagelkerke's R²) of the variance in selection status and suggests that the general motor-performance component (p < .001) and the anthropometric- and maturation-related component (p = .004) seem to be relevant for being selected. In male athletes, the binomial logistic regression model was also statistically significant (χ² (3) = 11.38, p = .010) with explaining 14.2% (Nagelkerke's R²) of the variance in selection status but only the anthropometric- and maturation-related component (p = .004) predict selection. Discussion: Anthropometric conditions (such as body height, body weight, and wingspan) and the maturity status are particularly important in talent selection in 3 × 3 basketball for both sexes. Regarding motor-performance variables, we found a predictive value for talent selection only in females (without sprinting), but not in males which means that more 'athletic' female athletes seem to be favoured in talent selection. The results suggest that the talent selection process might be biased by maturation status even in middle adolescence. Therefore, coaches who decide on athletes' selection should be aware of the temporal advantages induced by earlier maturation when evaluating talented athletes and should consider strategies such as bio-banding to evaluate the real and potential value of talented athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the influence of fatigue and defensive pressure on the kinematic parameters of the three-point jump shot in basketball. Fourteen male collegiate basketball players (age: 21 ± 3 years old, body height: 186.35 ± 7.02 cm, body mass: 82.20 ± 10.99) participated in the study. Each participant performed three-point jump shots under four conditions: without defense, with defense, without defense after a fatigue protocol, and with defense after a fatigue protocol. Kinematic data were collected using the Xsens MVN inertial suit system and the OptoJump Next system. The analysis focused on various parameters including jump height, center of mass, release height, shoulder angle, and segment velocities. The repeated-measures ANOVA was used to observe the differences between each shot condition (fatigue, defense). Results indicated significant changes in the kinematic parameters due to both fatigue and defensive pressure. Fatigue notably changed shooting performance, affecting jump height and release mechanics. The defensive pressure altered shooting technique, leading to quicker ball release and higher release points. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating fatigue and defensive scenarios in training, suggesting that coaches develop more targeted training plans to improve performance under conditions of fatigue and defensive pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of meteorological conditions on IOP using a large-scale health examination cohort were investigated. There were a total of 811,854 measurements from 126,630 eyes of 63,839 subjects in 9 years from a health checkup cohort followed up annually for age, sex, body height, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and IOP. The effects of these variables and the meteorological data of daily average temperature (TP), daily average local atmospheric pressure (AP), daily average volumetric humidity (VH), and daily amount of rainfall (RF) on the day of IOP measurement on IOP were investigated. Several variables were significantly associated with IOP, including sex, age, body height, BMI, SBP, DBP, average TP, average AP, average VH, RF, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, guanosine triphosphate, calcium, and HbA1c. This study indicated a correlation between meteorological factors and IOP. Higher AP and RF were associated with elevated IOP, whereas higher TP and VH were associated with decreased IOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arm span is the most reliable anthropometric measurement to predict the stature of an individual. Arm span, hand length, foot length, head circumference etc., have been proven to be useful to correctly estimate the height of a person. This study was intended to derive a model for the estimation of height and body mass index from arm span and also to determine the socio-demographics characteristics of the participants. Samples of 500 students in Bowen University were used for this research (250 males and females respectively) with varying ethnicity. Heights were measured accurately while Weight was taken using a standard calibrated weight scale; arm span measurement. Analyzed by Pearson's correlation, the results analysis showed a significant effect of arm span on height on males, and a significant effect of height on BMI in both sexes. There is a significant effect of arm span on BMI on male and no significant effect in females; results from t- test indicated sexual dimorphism in height and arm span but not in BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial hybrids are the main germplasm source for developing maize lines in breeding programs in Brazil; additionally, nitrogen (N) is one the major limiting maize production in Brazilian tropical areas. Here, we assessed the combining ability among ten commercial hybrids under contrasting N inputs and selected the best parental hybrids to develop breeding populations for optimal and N-stress environments. We evaluated the 45 F1 crosses for agronomic traits under contrasting N inputs and over two summer seasons. A mixed model approach was used to estimate the variance components of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) as well as to predict the GCA and SCA effects. N-stress caused a reduction in GY (33.25%) of F1 crosses averaged across seasons. We found presence of combining ability (GCA and SCA) x N input interaction for grain yield (GY), days to pollen and plant stature. The parental hybrids showed differences in GCA for cycle and plant stature but not for GY, irrespective of N inputs. Additionally, the variance components of SCA were not significant (P>0.10) for GY under LN, whereas SCA was the major component accounting for variation among F1 crosses under HN. Based on estimates of GCA effects for cycle and plant height, we selected the hybrids BAL188, BM3061, GNZ7210, BRS1060 and DKB390 as sources of favorable alleles for earlier maturing and shorter stature maize for both N conditions and suggested that hybrids GNZ7201 and DKB390, and AG1051 and NS70, which presented very small estimates of SCA for GY, must be recombined to develop two synthetic populations to begin a reciprocal recurrent selection program, mainly for non N-stress environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project sought to educate providers on the benefits of lung protective ventilation (LPV), implement a LPV protocol in robotic surgery, and evaluate adherence to the protocol in the adult (≥ 18 years) robotic-assisted surgery population. This project used a pre/post quality improvement design with a retrospective chart review and periodic knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys over the course of 6 months. This project retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records to assess adherence to the LPV protocol. The type of surgery; ventilator settings including positive end-expiratory pressure, FiO2, tidal volume, SpO2, ventilator mode, compliance, driving pressure and peak pressure; patient height and weight; patient body mass index; and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification were collected. Analyzed results compared baseline preeducation data and data collected at 3- and 6-months postimplementation. Adherence to the LPV protocol parameters of tidal volume (P < .001), respiratory rate (P = .014), and driving pressure (P < .001) within LPV limits improved with statistical significance from pre- to postimplementation. Provider confidence and knowledge increased from pre- to posteducation (P = .049). Adherence to a LPV protocol improved with education and information tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different types of particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) measurements, namely planar-PIV, micro-PIV, and stereo-PIV, are integrated to provide a full picture of the interaction between a spanwise plasma jet array and a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) at Reθ = 1208. Quiescent-flow characterization reveals that the plasma actuator array induces a wavy jet. With increasing duty cycle (DC), the peak jet velocity grows yet the height of the jet body decreases. When the TBL is actuated by such a plasma jet array, the spanwise distribution of the relative drag variation exhibits two regions with opposite signs, and the formation of these two regions can be attributed to the upwash and the downwash effects of the plasma-induced vortex, respectively. After spatial-averaging in the plasma actuation zone, net drag reduction (DR = 3.2%) is only achieved at the lowest DC of 10%. Although, by increasing the duty cycle, more drag reduction can be obtained in the upwash zone, the accompanying drag increase in the downwash zone is even prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forecasting plant responses under global change is a critical but challenging endeavour. Despite seemingly idiosyncratic responses of species to global change, greater generalisation of 'winners' and 'losers' may emerge from considering how species functional traits influence responses and how these responses scale to the community level. Here, we synthesised six long‐term global change experiments combined with locally measured functional traits. We quantified the change in abundance and probability of establishment through time for 70 alpine plant species and then assessed if leaf and stature traits were predictive of species and community responses across nitrogen addition, snow addition and warming treatments. Overall, we found that plants with more resource‐acquisitive trait strategies increased in abundance but each global change factor was related to different functional strategies. Nitrogen addition favoured species with lower leaf nitrogen, snow addition favoured species with cheaply constructed leaves and warming showed few consistent trends. Community‐weighted mean changes in trait values in response to nitrogen addition, snow addition and warming were often different from species‐specific trait effects on abundance and establishment, reflecting in part the responses and traits of dominant species. Together, these results highlight that the effects of traits can differ by scale and response of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pediatric loss‐of‐control (LOC) eating is associated with high BMI and predicts binge‐eating disorder and obesity onset with age. Research on the etiology of this common comorbidity has not explored the potential for shared genetic risk. This study examined genetic and environmental influences on LOC eating and its shared influence with BMI. Method: Participants were 499 monozygotic and 398 same‐sex dizygotic twins (age = 17.38 years ± 0.67, BMIz = 0.03 ± 1.03, 54% female) from the Colorado Center for Antisocial Drug Dependence Study. LOC eating was assessed dichotomously. Self‐reported height and weight were converted to BMIz. Univariate and bivariate twin models estimated genetic and environmental influences on LOC eating and BMIz. Results: More girls (21%) than boys (9%, p < 0.001) reported LOC eating. The phenotypic correlation with BMIz was 0.03 in girls and 0.18 in boys. Due to the nonsignificant phenotypic correlation in girls, bivariate twin models were fit in boys only. Across all models, the best‐fitting model included genetic and unique environmental effects. Genetic factors accounted for 0.51 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.73) of the variance of LOC eating in girls and 0.54 (0.18, 0.90) in boys. The genetic correlation between LOC eating and BMIz in boys was 0.45 (0.15, 0.75). Discussion: Findings indicate moderate heritability of LOC eating in adolescence, while emphasizing the role of unique environmental factors. In boys, LOC eating and BMIz share a proportion of their genetic influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess changes in the anthropometric and motor characteristics of male and female Polish university students between 1994 and 2024. Methods: The first study was conducted in 1994 on 712 female and 495 male university students aged 19–25 years (19.94 ± 1.09), and the second study was conducted in 2024 on 323 female and 339 male university students aged 19–25 years (19.92 ± 1.08). The participants' body mass and height were measured, and the students participated in a modified version of Pilicz's test consisting of four motor ability tests. The changes in the students' performance over time were also analyzed in the context of their socioeconomic status (SES), including the place of permanent residence and the parents' education. Results: The students' BMI values (as well as body mass and body height in female students) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in 2024 than in 1994. The male students examined in 1994 demonstrated significantly higher strength abilities in the medicine ball forward throw test. In turn, the females studied in 1994 received significantly better scores in motor ability tests, including the zig-zag run, 1-Minute Burpee Test, and the medicine ball forward throw (29.4 s, 22 cycles, 591.3 cm, respectively) than those examined in 2024 (30.1 s, 19.3 cycles, and 463.3 cm, respectively). The variations in the results were similar when the participants' SES was considered in the analysis, which suggests that these factors had no significant effect on the analyzed characteristics over time. Conclusions: This study revealed a greater decline in the anthropometric and motor characteristics of female than male university students over a period of 30 years. The observed changes were not influenced by SES factors such as the place of permanent residence or the parents' education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) have gradually become a highly recommended aquaculture mode due to their environmental friendliness. However, due to their high factory and equipment investments and high electricity consumption, they usually require the farming objects to have high economic value in order to cover their high running costs. Seahorses have high economic value and may be suitable for RASs. Currently, there are almost no reports on the large-scale farming of seahorses using RASs. To provide a new farming object for RASs, in the present study, the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) was employed to determine a suitable stocking density in RASs. As is well known, optimizing the stocking density of farmed objects is a prerequisite for their commercial aquaculture. The present study determined suitable stocking densities for lined seahorse juveniles at different growth stages, which will contribute to the development of recirculating aquaculture for the lined seahorse. Seahorses are increasingly regarded as a promising farming object suitable for recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) due to their high economic value. However, reports on the large-scale farming of seahorses in RASs are rare, and some key parameters, such as stocking densities, are still unclear. In the present study, we employed the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus), for which large-scale farming has been achieved, to determine the suitable stocking density for three different-sized juveniles in RASs. The three different-sized juveniles had body heights of 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0 cm, and their test density gradients were 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4 inds/L; 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3 inds/L; and 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 inds/L, respectively. The juveniles were cultivated for one month, and then their survival, growth, and plasma cortisol and brain serotonin contents (two stress-related indicators) were analyzed. The results show that, regardless of the size of the juveniles, a high density can inhibit growth and trigger stress responses. In addition, for small- (4.0 cm) and medium-sized (7.0 cm) juveniles, a high density can also exacerbate size heterogeneity and cause death. Taking into account the welfare and yield of farmed seahorses, the present study suggests that the suitable stocking densities for 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0 cm juveniles in RASs are 0.6, 0.4, and 0.2 inds/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) causes pain and functional limitations. Little is known regarding walking characteristics, volume, and intensity evaluated in laboratory and free-living conditions and whether these measures differ between those with FAIS and uninjured individuals. To examine the differences in laboratory gait measures and free-living step-based metrics between individuals with FAIS and uninjured control participants. Comparative, cross-sectional study. We enrolled 25 participants with FAIS and 14 uninjured controls. We evaluated laboratory spatiotemporal gait measures (cadence, velocity, step length, stride length) during self-selected and fast walking speeds using an instrumented walkway. Participants then wore an accelerometer around the waist during waking hours for 7 consecutive days. Free-living step-based metrics included average daily steps, peak 1- and 30-minute cadence, and average daily time spent in walking cadence bands. We compared laboratory gait measures and step-based metrics between groups. The groups did not differ in laboratory spatiotemporal gait measures during both speeds (all P >.05). The FAIS group took fewer daily steps (5346 ± 2141 versus 7338 ± 2787 steps/d; P =.030) and had lower peak 1-minute (92.9 ± 23.9 versus 119.6 ± 16.3 steps/min; P <.001) and 30-minute cadences (60.9 ± 27.1 versus 86.8 ± 22.4 steps/min; P =.003) compared with uninjured controls, respectively. The FAIS group also spent less time in slow (6.0 ± 3.6 versus 10.3 ± 3.4 min/d; P =.001), medium (4.5 ± 4.2 versus 8.9 ± 4.4 min/d; P =.005), and brisk/moderate (4.5 ± 6.2 versus 12.2 ± 10.3; P =.020) cadence bands compared with uninjured controls. Clinical/laboratory gait measures alone may not be representative of real-world walking-related physical activity behavior in individuals with FAIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite tall stature being a characteristic feature of Klinefelter syndrome, occasional cases of short stature have been reported. These cases are often attributed to GH deficiency. This case report details a unique case of a 16-year-old male with Klinefelter syndrome exhibiting proportionate short stature resulting from a heterozygous, likely pathogenic, variant in the ACAN gene c.7141G > A (p.Asp2381Asn). This specific variant, previously identified once in a family with a recessive inheritance pattern is reported here for the first time in an individual with Klinefelter syndrome. This report emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation and consideration of genetic testing for an underlying diagnosis in short-statured individuals with Klinefelter syndrome. Timely detection would enable appropriate therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Achilles Tendinopathy (AT) is a common cause of disability. Despite the economic and social relevance of the problem, the causes and mechanisms of Achilles Tendinopathy remain unclear. Tendon vascularity, gastrocnemius-soleus dysfunction, age, sex, body weight and height, pes cavus, and lateral ankle instability are considered common intrinsic factors. Achilles tendinopathy is essentially a failed healing response characterized by random tenocyte growth, some tendon cell degeneration, disruption of collagen fibres, and an increase in non-collagenous matrix. Tendinopathic tendons undergo a higher rate of matrix remodelling, which makes them less mechanically stable and more prone to injury. Methods Ninety subjects who has been diagnosed as Achilles Tendinopathy were taken as subject in this study. All subjects were randomly divided into two group, A & B, with forty-five subjects in each group. Group A underwent received ultrasound therapy (UST) with cryokinetics & Group B underwent treatment of received ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (Deep Transverse Friction Massage). Outcome Measures The outcome was measured by using Visual Analogue Score (VAS) to assess the pain & functional improvement was assessed by using Achilles questionnaire The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A). Results The study result showed more statistically significant improvement in functional status of ankle joint & reduced pain in Achilles Tendinopathy in both Group A & B. But there is statistical greater improvement in Group B, in which subjects were received ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (deep transverse friction massage). Conclusions It is concluded that, there is statistically significant improvement in functional status of ankle joint & reduced pain in Achilles Tendinopathy, in both Group A & B. But there is statistical greater improvement in Group B, in which subjects were received ultrasound therapy with soft tissue massage (Deep Transverse Friction Massage). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Right atrial volume (RAV) and function have proven prognostic value in the assessment of cardiac disease and may be more accurately assessed using three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Normal 3DE reference values for the right atrial (RA) volume and function in healthy children have not yet been published. Furthermore, current methods of indexing cardiac measurements to body surface area (BSA) alone may be insufficient. We aimed to develop reference values for 3DE‐derived RAV and function in the pediatric population, to provide a comparison of regression methods using BSA, height, weight, and sex, and to compare 3DE values to two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE) derived volumes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 187 3DE datasets acquired for a multi‐center study on healthy children at two international centers. 3DE volumes were measured with vendor‐agnostic software (Tomtec), and 2DE endo‐diastolic volume (EDV) using the area‐length single‐plane approach. Regression curve‐fitting of height (Ht), weight (Wt), BSA, and sex were explored to optimize Pearson coefficient and homoscedasticity. Results: The relationship of 3DE RAVs to BSA alone was heteroscedastic, with a residual positive relationship on indexing (R2 = 0.2506). Optimal regression of Ln (Volume) = b0 + x*Ln (Ht) + y*Ln (Wt) + z*Sex was homoscedastic. Total RA emptying fraction (EF) did not vary across age or sex, however active and passive emptying was best fit by a spline curve with a knot at approximately BSA = 1 m2. Strong agreement with 2DE‐derived EDV was present (r2 = 0.83). Conclusion: We provide reference values for RA size and function in the pediatric population and provide a comparison of methods for indexing these values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depending on anthropometrics and coaching style, pitchers are taught to pitch with a stride strategy that are traditionally classified as "tall and fall" or "drop and drive" for the purpose of maximizing pitch velocity. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of stride strategy (tall and fall vs drop and drive) in college baseball pitching on pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque. It was hypothesized that pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque would increase as pitchers aligned more with the tall and fall technique. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Markerless motion capture data were recorded on 64 collegiate pitchers (height, 1.89 ± 0.06 m; weight, 93.06 ± 9.44 kg) during game play at the host institution during the 2023 season. Peak magnitudes of body center of mass (COM) vertical displacement were determined using a straight-line trajectory between peak knee height and lead foot contact and used as a continuous variable. Pitchers were required to throw ≥4 fastballs during their outing to be included in the analysis. Multilevel modeling was used to determine associations between peak magnitudes of positive and negative vertical displacement of COM on pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque. Every fastball throughout the season with biomechanics data for each pitcher was included in the multilevel model. Results: Fastball velocity was mean ± SD 90.68 ± 2.90 mph (40.54 ± 1.29 m/s). Mean maximal negative vertical COM displacement was −0.91 ± 0.47 inches (−0.023 ± 0.012 m), which occurred 18.1% ± 5.75% of the way between peak knee height and stride foot contact. Mean maximal positive vertical COM displacement was 1.73 ± 1.14 inches (0.044 ± 0.029 m), which occurred 65.7% ± 7.8% of the time from peak knee height to stride foot contact. Positive COM displacement (β = 0.54; P <.001) and timing of peak positive COM displacement (β = 1.82; P =.023) reduced interpitcher variance by 9.9% and improved the ability of our model to predict fastball velocity. Negative COM displacement improved the ability of our model to predict ball velocity (β = −0.45; P =.021). Vertical COM displacement did not influence elbow valgus torque. Conclusion: Increasing vertical COM displacement in either the positive or the negative direction resulted in increased fastball velocity but did not result in greater elbow valgus torque. This indicates that the stride method may be used for performance enhancement but is unlikely to influence ulnar collateral ligament injury risk in college baseball pitchers. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should not use stride mechanics as an injury risk indicator or diagnostic factor in injury etiology for college baseball pitchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the current prevalences of nutritional status and intestinal parasites, and their potential association with socio‐environmental conditions among schoolchildren in Aristóbulo del Valle, Misiones. Methods: We measured body weight and height in 444 schoolchildren aged 3–14 years and evaluated their nutritional status following WHO criteria. We examined fecal samples and anal swabs from 234 schoolchildren and collected socio‐environmental data through questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of undernutrition was 4.5% and excess of weight was 24.1%. The prevalence of stunting and of being overweight reached 2.3% and 12.4%, respectively. About 42% of the schoolchildren were infected with at least one of the 12 species identified. The most prevalent species were Blastocystis sp., Enterobius vermicularis, and Giardia lamblia. Entamoeba dispar was recorded for the first time in the locality. The multiple correspondence analysis identified peri‐urban, urban, and rural groups. Underweight, stunting and obesity were highest in the peri‐urban group, while overweight, wasting and parasitism rates were highest in the rural group. The urban group showed the lowest parasitic prevalences. Bed‐sharing, mother's education, and animal husbandry were associated with parasitic infections. Conclusions: The study highlights a decrease in undernutrition but a rise in overweight and obesity, indicating an ongoing nutritional transition. The association between socio‐environmental risk factors and parasitic infections underscore the need for comprehensive interventions addressing both nutritional and socio‐environmental conditions to improve the population's life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]