bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal degeneration: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, parkinsonism‐demantia, and Alzheimer disease
Authors: Garruto Ralph M.
Published: June 2005

Hyperendemic Pacific foci of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism‐dementia (PD) represent naturally occurring models of late‐onset chronic degenerative diseases that occur in different cultures, in different ecological zones, and among genetically divergent populations. These diseases occur among the Chamorros of the Mariana Islands, among the Auyu and Jakai of southern West New Guinea, and among the Japanese from the Kill Peninsula of Honshu Island.

Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that a defect in mineral metabolism may be etiologically involved. Toxic and essential elements, such as calcium aluminum, and silicon cross the blood‐brain barrier, deposit in affected neurons, and disrupt the axonal transport system, resulting in the abnormal copolymerization of cytoskeletal and amyloid β‐proteins in neurons. The pathological accumulation of these and other proteins into neurofibrillary tangles (the hallmark neuropathological lesion) causes neuronal dysfunction and death.

Recent immunocytochemical and biochemical studies indicate that the amyloid β‐protein in Guamanian PD has an identical amino acid sequence, a similar N‐terminus heterogeneity (variation in polypeptide length), and a similar immunoreactivity to those found in Alzheimer disease, suggesting a common mechanism of pathogenesis. Investigations are now underway to determine whether the abnormal accumulation of amyloid β‐protein in neurons of Guamanian patients with ALS and PD is the result of an aberrant post‐translational modification of a larger precursor protein, an additional copy of the amyloid gene, or an impairment of amyloid catabolism all of which may be mediated by metal‐enzyme or metal‐gene interactions. The abnormal copolymerization of other proteins such as neurofilament, microtubule‐associated protein tau, and ubiquitin in affected neurons suggests their interrelationship in the disease process.
Secular trends in physique and physical fitness in Japanese students during the last 20 years
Authors: Yagi Tamotsu , Takebe Yoshihide , Itoh Minoru
Published: June 2005

The secular trend of increase in physical size of children has often been reported. Children today are bigger than before, but there is a question whether their physical fitness has improved as well. Methodological differences make it difficult to compare older and newer data.

Data are presented from the tests and measurements of physical fitness of collage students measured once a year from 1964 to 1987. Identical methods of measurement were used throughout. Sample sizes are of about 500–2,300 for each year, and year to year changes are discussed.

Height, weight and chest grith measurements increased from 1964 to 1987 by 4.4 cm, 5.3 kg, and 3.7 cm, respectively, and their regression coefficients for the years are .15, .24, and .15, respectively. The rate of increase of height is greater in the first half of these years.

Vital capacity, standing broad jump, and 100 m dash records improved, but both right and left grip strength decreased. Back strength, ball throwing, and push‐up performance did not change significantly.

The results show that the size of young adults has increased, but that their physical fitness does not always follow a similar course.
Comparison of different bioelectrical impedance analyzers in the prediction of body composition
Authors: Graves James E. , Pollock Michael L. , Colvin Andrea B. , Van Loan Marta , Lohman Timothy G.
Published: June 2005

To investigate the influence of different bioelectrical impedance (BI) analyzers on the prediction of body composition from bioelectrical resistive impedance (R), 146 healthy white adults (73 men; 73 women) were studied at two independent laboratories: The University of Florida (UF) and the USDA, San Francisco. Whole body R was measured on each subject with three different BI analyzers. AT UF analyzers were: Valhalla Scientific model 1990‐A (VH), RJL Systems model BIA‐101 (RJL), and Medi‐Fitness model 1000 (MF). At USDA analyzers were: VH, RJL, and Bioelectrical Sciences model 200Z (BES). The largest difference in R (36 ohms, P ⩽ 0.01) was noted between BES and VH at USDA. When applied to current BI prediction equations, the observed differences among analyzers resulted in differences in predicated % fat of up to 6.3% although most comparisons among mean values (79%) showed differences below 3%. Crossvalidation of the selected BI prediction equations with hydrostatistically determines body composition using the different R values revealed total errors of prediction (E) ranging from 3.6 to 9.8% fat. The prediction equations were most accurate when used with data collected on the same instrument that was to used to develop the equation (E = 3.6 to 5.3% fat). These findings indicate that different analyzers can be a significant source of variation when predicting body composition from R. To minimize this source of variation, it is recommended that BI prediction equations be used with the same type of instrument as that with which they were developed.
Fatness and fat distribution in Mexican‐American children and youths from the Hispanic health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Kaplowitz Haley , Martorell Reynaldo , Mendoza Fernando S.
Published: June 2005

Mexican‐American children are shorter but relatively heavier than non‐Hispanic white children. The excess relative weight is probably due to increased fat rather than lean body mass and, more specifically, to increased fat deposition on the upper trunk sites. The objective of this paper is to describe the level of fatness and fat distribution in a large, representative sample of Mexican‐ American children and adolescents from the recently completed Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES). As expected, Mexican‐American children are generally fatter than white children measured in previous national surveys (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] II, Health Examination Survey [HES]). Differences are particularly evident for trunk skinfold thicknesses and generally increase with age. Indices of fat distribution clearly show a centralized, upper body adiposity pattern among Mexican‐Americans, a cause for concern since greater fat deposition on the trunk has been associated with increased risk of certain chronic disease.
Influence of prepregnant body mass and weight gain for gestation on spontaneous preterm delivery and duration of gestation during adolescent pregnancy
Authors: Scholl Theresa O. , Hediger Mary L. , Salmon Ruth W. , Belsky Daniel H. , Ances Isadore G.
Published: June 2005

We examined the influence of two measures of maternal nutritional status: prepregnant body mass (kilograms/meter2) and Weight gain during pregnancy (adjusted for duration of gestation) on spontaneous preterm delivery (<37 completed Weeks' gestation) and duration of gestation, as well as on low birthweight (<2,500 grams) and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) in pregnant adolescents. Inadequate Weight gain for gestation increased the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery when prematurity was reckoned by the obstetric estimate (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR = 1.75 95% CI 1.22–2.50) or from the mother's LMP (AOR = 1.49 95% CI 1.10–2.02). In linear models, gestation duration was significantly reduced, by more than half a week, when reckoned from eiter estimate of gestation. However, the association between preterm birth or gestation duration and prepregnancy body mass was not consistent and depended on the method of estimating gestation. Low birthweight and SGA were each significantly associated with inadequate weight gain during pregnancy as well as with prepregnant body mass. These results suggest that current maternal nutritional status, as measured by weight gain during pregnancy, may influence preterm delivery and gestation duration. The inconsistent results obtained with prepregnancy body mass may reflect a size bias inherent in the obstetric estimate of gestation, rather than effects of prepregnant maternal nutritional status on gestation.
Early weight gain in pregnant adolescents and fetal outcome
Authors: Hediger Mary L. , Scholl Theresa O. , Salmon Ruth Waxberg
Published: June 2005

While the contribution of total maternal gain to birthweight is well described, less is known about whether there are specific effects of early weight gain. Early weight gain adequacy may be a particular problem among teenage gravidas who are more likely to have low prepregnant weight and in developing countries where chronic undernutrition is endemic. We studied the effects of early weight gain adequacy on infant birthweight in a geographical cohort of 1,790 adolescents from Camden County, New Jersey. Weight gain was calculated for prepregnant weight to 24 weeks' gestation and 24 weeks to delivery. Inadequate early weight gain was defined as gains less than 4.3 kg and inadequate late gains as averaging less than 400 gm/week from 24 weeks' gestation to delivery. In regressions predicting birthweight outcome, we found significant independent effects of timing of weight gain inadequacy. Early inadequate gains were associated with a −186.6 ± 31.6 gm decrement in birthweight that was not diminished even when later weight gains were compensatory. Late inadequate (−154.4 ± 29.3 gm) and inadequate gains both early and later (−298.6 ± 49.1 gm) were also associated with birthweight decrements. However, overweight (body mass index >24.5) appeared to buffer some of the effects of inadequate weight gains, reducing the decrement to about −100 gm. Protocols that seek to improve infant outcomes should focus on early weight gain during pregnancy. Affecting weight gain only late in pregnancy may not be able to substantially reduce the risk of fetal growth retardation.
Interaction of anorexia and cultural beliefs in infant malnutrition in Mali
Authors: Dettwyler Katherine A.
Published: June 2005

Anorexia, the lack of a normal appetite or refusal to eat, has been reported among infants and young children worldwide. Many factors can contribute to anorexia, including a monotonous diet, chronic malnutrition, zinc deficiency, disease, anxiety, intestinal parasites, and sores in the mouth. At the same time, ethnographic research reveals wide variation in how, and to what extent, caretakers control food consumption (both quality and quantity) in infants generally, and how they deal with anorexia specifically. In some cultures, children are given considerable autonomy in deciding what and how much food to eat, even when anorectic. In other groups, Children's diets are closely monitored by adult caretakers and anorectic children are urged, or even forced, to eat. Theoretically, the potential for wildespread malnutrition and accompanying growth failure, even in the presence of adequate dietary resources, will be highest in populations which exhibit an interaction of (1) multiple conditions leading to anorexia and (2) cultural beliefs which allow children autonomy in food consumption decisions. Research in Mali provides examples of the potential consequences of the combination for child growth.
Longitudinal principal component analysis of somatic and motor characteristics
Authors: Lefevre J. , Beunen G. , Simons J.
Published: June 2005

Longitudinal principal component analysis was applied to the study of growth patterns of several somatic and motor characteristics. The data are from the “Leuven Growth Study of Belgian Boys,” in which six annual observations were made. Peak growth velocity and age at peak growth velocity for each variable were estimated. The results for height show three components sufficient to provide an adequate representation of the original information. The first component can be interpreted as a growth distance component, which characterizes the general position of an individual growth curve relative to the average growth curve during the period analyzed. Components 2 and 3 reflect fluctuations in percentile level during the age period studied and can be conceived as indices of stability. Component 2 provides additional information about the age at peak height velocity; component 3 characterizes variation in peak height velocity. These interpretations can, in general, be assumed for the other characteristics analyzed.
Association of lung cancer death rates by parish with migration rate by age group
Authors: Thurmon Theodore F. , Ursin Susonne A. , Wiley Kathleen R.
Published: June 2005

Geographic distribution of cancer incidence, as judged from death certificates in Louisiana, shows evidence of strong epidemiological forces. Inspection of data on migration and lung cancer frequency shows them to be associated. Inmigrants account for a majority of the lung cancer deaths. Under assumptions of phenotypic complexity stemming from both genetic and environmental components, we used a multiple regression technique to test the significance of this association. Given the nature of the data and the assumptions of the analysis, there was a reasonable level of significance, suggesting that inmigration of older persons may be largely responsible for higher cancer rates in some parishes (counties) in Louisiana.
Genetic studies of human apolipoproteins: XII. Population genetics of apolipoproteins in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kamboh M. I. , Bhatia Kuldeep K. , Ferrell R. E.
Published: June 2005

The gene products of the apolipoprotein A‐I, A‐II, A‐IV, C‐II, C‐III, D, E and H loci have been screened by isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting from two Papua New Guinean populations, the Huli and the Pawaia. Only APO E and APO H revealed common polymorphisms. A putative unique A‐IV variant has been identified, but due to the lack of family data it is not characterized further. Three common APO H alleles were observed in both groups with comparable frequencies. But significantly different distributions of three APO E alleles were noted in the Huli and the Pawaia. The respective frequencies of the APO E*2, APO E*3, and APO E*4 alleles were 0.154, 0.356, and 0.490 in the Huli and 0.138, 0.603, and 0.259 in the Pawaia. A strikingly high frequency of the APO E*4 allele in Papua New Guinea may provide a useful insight into the studies of genetic and environmental interactions in controlling the cholesterol levels in the general population.
Nutritional status and morbidity on an irrigation project in Turkana District, Kenya
Authors: Brainard Jean
Published: June 2005

The research reported on here was undertaken to identify the most important contributors to continuing high mortality on a small‐scale irrigation project at Nakwamoru in Turkana District, Kenya. The health status of project settlers had not been assessed prior to the present study, which was undertaken in 1978–79, a decade after the project was started. The purpose of the study was to estimate the nutritional status of project children and the major causes of morbidity in the Nakwamoru area. Nutritional status was derived from cross‐sectional anthropometric measurements, including weights, heights, triceps skinfolds, and upper arm circumferences, taken on approximately 60% of project children (n = 236) aged 1–10 years. The major causes of morbidity in project settlers of all ages for the period 1973–78 were estimated from outpatient records from the local primary care facility. Age/sex patterns of clinic use were obtained through interviews.

Stunting was found to be prevalent, especially in children aged 1–4, while wasting was only observed in a small proportion of the sample, indicating a seasonal pattern of malnutrition. Derived cross‐sectional areas of upper arm muscle and fat were found to be low by comparison with U.S. standards, suggesting both energy and protein deficits in project children. Malaria and acute respiratory infections were found to be the major causes of illness in the local population, and both are likely to have contributed to the generally poor nutritional status of project children. Despite free biomedical care, 15% of the local population in general and 23% of adult females had never used clinic services.
Association of bioelectrical resistance with estimates of fat‐free mass determined by densitometry and hydrometry
Authors: Van Loan M. D. , Boileau R. A. , Slaughter M. H. , Stillman R. J. , Lohman T. G. , Going S. B. , Carswell C.
Published: June 2005

The relationship of whole‐body electrical resistance (WBR) to fat‐free mass, derived from densitometry (FFMDb), hydrometry (FFMTBW), and densitometric fat‐free mass corrected for hydration (FFMD+W) was investigated in three independent samples (AZ, IL, CA). Subjects included 75 males and 75 females ranging in age from 18 to 32 years. Whole‐body resistive index (WBRI) computed as height2/resistance was highly correlated to FFMDb, FFMTBW, and FFMD+W (r = 0.97, 0.95, and 0.97, respectively). Multiple regression analysis was employed to develop prediction equations for FFMDb, FFMTBW, and FFMD+W. In each prediction equation, WBRI was the single best predictor. Accounting for sex and variation in body weight significantly improved the prediction equations, by increasing the R2s to 0.95, 0.94, and 0.96 and decreasing the SEEs to 2.6, 3.2, and 2.5 kg, for FFMDb, FFMTBW, and FFMD+W, respectively. Similarity of the SEEs between methods (less than 1.0 kg difference) suggests consistency in the precision of WBRI estimates for body composition.
Blood lead levels and growth status of children
Authors: Little B. B. , Snell L. M. , Johnston W. L. , Knoll K. A. , Buschang P. H.
Published: June 2005

Several studies have shown that elevated blood lead (Pb) levels in children are associated with decreased growth. Among 139 children aged 1 to 10 years (66 male, 73 female) who attended a Pb clinic in Dallas, Texas, growth was decreased by 1.6 cm in height, 1.4 kg in weight, and 0.6 cm in head circumference for each 10 μg/dl increase in blood Pb. Consistent with previously reported effects of Pb, several clinical symptoms (hearing deficit, dental problems, hyperactivity) were increased in frequency among children with high blood Pb levels (X̄Pb = 34.6 μg/dl ± 5.6) compared to the children in the low Pb level group (X̄Pb = 11.9 μg/dl ± 3.3). Interestingly, pica was significantly increased in frequency among children in the high Pb group, indicating oral consumption of non‐food matter was a major source of Pb intoxication. These results suggest that increased Pb level is an important risk factor for growth deficits in children.
Basal metabolism of obese adolescents: Evidence for energy conservation compared to normal and lean adolescents
Authors: Katch Victor L. , Marks Charles C. , Becque M. Daniel , Moorehead Catherine , Rocchini Albert
Published: June 2005

To test if obese adolescents systematically conserve energy, comparisons of basal metabolic rate (BMR) of obese, normal, and lean male and female adolescents were made. Obese had eleevated values by as much as 23% (P ≤ 0.05) expressed as kJ · 24 hr−1 compared to the normal and lean. When indexed to body mass (kJ · kg‐BM−1 · hr−1), the BMR for the obese was depressed by as much as −53% (P ≤ 0.01), and when indexed to fat free mass (kJ · kg‐FFM−1 · hr−1) it was depressed by −33% compared to normal and lean adolescents. A “theoretical metabolic rate” (TMR), based on the observed fat free mass, fat mass, and their thermal equivalents, was proposed as a theoretical way to properly index basal metabolism, referenced to body composition. Comparisons of the TMR between the obese, normal, and lean revealed that the obese values were depressed by an average −22% (P ≤ 0.05). In comparison, differences in TMR between the normal and lean males and females were no larger than 8% (ns). It was concluded that since both the observed BMR (expressed relative to body composition), and the derived TMR values were depressed for the obese compared to the normal and lean adolescent, the data suggest an energy saving hypothesis for obese adolescents.
Developmental responses to high‐altitude hypoxia in Bolivian children of European ancestry: A test of the developmental adaptation hypothesis
Authors: Greksa Lawrence P.
Published: June 2005

The developmental adaptation hypothesis (DAH) proposes that highlanders adapt to their hypobaric hypoxic environment during growth and development. This report utilizes data on children (9.0–19.9 yr) of European ancestry residing in Santa Cruz and La Paz, Bolivia, to test selected aspects of the DAH. Previous tests of this hypothesis have been hampered by difficulties in controlling for socioeconomic and genetic influences. However, due to their high socioeconomic status and their relatively short history of residence at high altitudes, these factors can be reasonably well controlled in studies of European children. The data on European children are consistent with some but not all aspects of the DAH. First, examination of the available data on V̇O2max (ml/kg/min) in European boys suggests that chronic exposure to hypobaric hypoxia results in an enhancement of the overall functional capacity of the oxygen transport system during adolescence, as predicted by the DAH. Second, chronic exposure to hypobaric hypoxia results in a delay in linear growth and maturation in European children, as well as in an enhancement of their lung volumes, also as predicted by the DAH. However, the effects of chronic hypoxia on linear growth, after controlling for health and nutritional status, are not as large as previously believed and, contrary to the expectations of the DAH, they need not be acquired through a distinctive pattern of growth during late childhood and adolescence. Instead, it appears that these patterns are established in European highlanders prior to 9 years of age and are then maintained, rather than accentuated, during later developmental periods.
Birth order effects on dermatoglyphs on fingers, palms, toes, and soles
Authors: Mukherjee D. P.
Published: June 2005

Coefficients of correlation of 47 dermatoglyphic traits with birth order vary widely in a sample of 145 sibships of a Bengali speaking population. In general, ridge‐counts and pattern intensities tend to decrease with birth order. Linear effects of birth order are, however, significant in samples of two sexes only for ridge‐counts on the ab regions of palms and on toes, and in males only for triradial number on toes, D‐line exit, hallucal ridge‐count and triradial number on soles, and ridge‐count on index fingers. Their relative intensities do not follow the order of appearance or of heritabilites of the traits. The maximal atd angle, which has a negligible correlation with birth order, shows no consistent trend of a linear or non‐linear change with birth order in the two sexes even within sibships.
Differentially delayed development in the hand–wrist skeletons of children with cystic fibrosis: Round versus tubular bones
Authors: Mahaney Michael C.
Published: June 2005

From a sample of 50 cystic fibrosis patients in whom a previous study had demosntrated a lack of statistical interdependence between disease severity and significant TW2–20 bone age delays, hand–wrist radiographs for a preadolescent subsample of 30 (14 females and 16 males, 7.4 to 13.0 years of age) are reassessed using the TW2 method to (1) elucidate any significant differences in maturational delays exhibited by the carpals and the tubular bones (radius, ulna, and short bones [RUS]) of the hand–wrist complex and (2) assess the relationships between the clinically derived measure of pulmonary disease severity, anthropometric indices of nutritional status, and the bone age delays in these two regions. Female and male carpal bone age delays, pulmonary disease severity scores, and weight/height2 differ significantly. However, both sexes exhibit significant mean TW2–carpal bone age delays, while mean TW2‐RUS ages are either non‐significantly delayed or advanced with respect to normative standards. Correlation and all‐subsets multiple linear regression analyses reveal no significant interdependence or predictive relationships between clinically derived measures of pulmonary disease severity and anthropometric measures of nutritional complications and delayed skeletal maturation in either the carpals or tubular bones of the hand–wrist complex.
Estimation of total body water by bioelectrical impedance analysis in blacks
Authors: Zillikens M. Carola , Conway Joan M.
Published: June 2005

Several differences exist between the body composition of blacks and whites. This study was designed to investigate the applicability of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in blacks, using prediction equations developed in whites. A multiple regression equation developed on 79 white adults, using deuterium oxide dilution space total body water (D2O‐TBW) as the reference method, was prospectively applied to 88 blacks aged 19–50 years. Although the regression line of D2O‐TBW on BIA‐TBW was not significantly different from the line of identity (r = 0.98, SEE = 1.71 liters), mean TBW was significantly underestimated by 0.84 liter. Other BIA equations from the literature also underestimated D2O‐TBW in blacks, except for an equation developed on a mixed black and white population. Multiple regression analysis on the data of the black and white subjects combined showed that race, offered as a separate independent variable, improved the correlation with D2O‐TBW slightly but significantly (P < 0.01). It was concluded that BIA may be valuable in the assessment of body composition in blacks as well as in whites. In this study a small underestimation of TBW occurred in blacks, using (BIA) equations from whites. This may be due to racial differences in body composition or to factors unrelated to ethnicity.
Model fitting to early childhood length and weight data from the fels longitudinal study of growth
Authors: Byard Pamela J. , Guo Shumei , Roche Alex F.
Published: June 2005

Length and weight data from 3 months to 6 years of age from 466 participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study of Growth were used to fit the Jenss non‐linear growth curve. Six (1%) of the Fels participants had extremely outlying values for length parameters, and 20 (4%) had outlying values for weight parameters. The general pattern in the outliers is for average or below average size in infancy, followed by unusually rapid growth or weight gain in childhood. This outlier pattern is associated with significantly higher mean stature or weight at 18 years of age. The results for the majority of the participants are similar to those found in 229 children from the Harvard Growth Study, except for the non‐linear intercept for length and the linear intercept for weight. Significant sex differences have not previously been reported for Jenss parameters, perhaps because previous applications have used much smaller sample sizes.
Skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue weights in older Japanese determined by cadaver dissection
Authors: Satake Takashi , Ozaki Tadashi
Published: June 2005

Forty‐six embalmed cadavers of elderly Japanese 48 to 95 years of age, 35 males and 10 females, were completely dissected, and the weights of skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue were determined. Absolute and relative skin weight in males (2.68 kg, 5.7%) were similar to those in females (2.73 kg, 6.1%). However, females had more dissectible subcutaneous adipose tissue (5.82 kg, 12.3%) than males (3.18 kg, 6.3%). These figures are comparable to dissection data obtained from embalmed cadavers in Belgium which covered a similar age range. There were statistically significant differences between Japanese and Belgians for body weight and skin weight. However, there was no difference in relative skin weight. Similar sex differences were apparent in the Japanese and Belgians. Skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue weights were significantly correlated with body weight in both sexes. Prediction equations for skin weight (SW) and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight (SATW) from body weight in Japanese are SW (g) = 0.04357 Body weight + 638.3 (r = 0.70; SEE = 386.7 g) (for males and females); SATW (g) = 0.18902 Body weight − 5837.4 (r = 0.78; SEE = 1,328.3 g) (for males); and SATW (g) = 0.36497 Body weight − 10581.5 (r = 0.79; SEE = 2,560.1 g) (for females).
Infertility in Herero pastoralists of southern Africa
Authors: Pennington Renee , Harpending Henry
Published: June 2005

Transition from low to high rates of fertility among Herero pastoralists of the northern Kalahari of Botswana is examined. Total fertility rates have increased from 2.65 in the first half of this century to 7.02 in the last decade, while postreproductive women report having had only 3.47 births. We use an indirect estimator of the fertility of mothers to show that the Herero have been afflicted with abnormally low fertility since early in this century. Although the several possible causes of subfertility in this population, including disease, maternal health, and child care practices are examined, it is concluded that the effects of venereal diseases are most likely responsible for abnormally low fertility. The dramatic increase in fertility following treatment of a major cause of infertility underscores the potential impact diseases may have on human reproductive patterns. This study is the first to document subfertility in an ethnic group of southern Africa.
Longitudinal principal components analysis of patterns and predictors of growth in Guatemalan children
Authors: Kaplowitz Haley J. , Cronk Christine E. , Martorell Reynaldo , Rivera Juan
Published: June 2005

Longitudinal principal components (LPC) analysis was used to assess growth patterns in children from rural Guatemala in order to determine if this methodology could provide additional information regarding correlates of growth compared to more traditionally used methods based on attained size and increments. LPC analysis reduces measures at many points in time into a few parameters. However, LPC analysis requires complete data, and many cases may be lost due to missing values. Thus the potentially greater sensitivity of LPC analysis should be weighed against the reduced power resulting from smaller sample sizes. Component indices representing centile level and centile shift, attained size, and 3 to 36 month increments of growth in length and weight were used as the dependent variables in multiple regression models in order to examine the effects of environmental variables, such as home dietary intake, supplementation, and prevalence of diarrhea on growth. Regardless of which growth index, i.e., attained size, incremental change, or principal component, was used, regression results were similar; higher nutritional intakes were generally associated with greater and more rapid growth from birth to age 3 years. The possible advantages of LPC analysis over more traditional methods were not great; therefore, LPC analysis is not recommended as the method of choice in this population.
The effect of height on family income
Authors: Ekwo Edem , Gosselink Carol , Roizen Nancy , Brazdziunas Dana
Published: June 2005

The effect of height on earnings of adult males sampled in the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1976–1980, was examined. Data were collected using the multistage probability sampling method. Information was available on medical history, physical examination, anthropometric dimensions, diet, and sociodemographic characteristics. Complete information was available on 4,563 males, aged 20–65 years. The correlation between family income and height was low (r = 0.13, P = 0.001). There was a secular trend for increasing mean height over time, so that younger individuals were taller than older ones even after correction for the decrease in stature caused by aging. After stratifying by age and race, education and marital status, but not height, were significantly associated with total family income. The weight‐height ratio was significantly related to income of Whites but not of nonwhites. White males in the highest income category were significantly taller, heavier, more adipose, had higher levels of education, and were more often married than were their lowest income white counterparts. Among nonwhites, marital status and education alone differentiated highest from lowest income nonwhite males. Thus, at least for White males, appearance, that is, adiposity, together with education and marital status, are major factors relating to income.
Anthropometric assessment of nutritional status among highland Kashmiri children: Reevaluating the assumption of female nutritional disadvantage
Authors: Himmelgreen David A. , Dannenhoffer Raymond , Baht Imtiaz , Lee Richard V.
Published: June 2005

As part of a larger project investigating the health of rural villagers in Kashmir, India anthropometric data were collected from 132 residents of the highland village of Basmina. Here data for 70 children (53% of the total sample) less than 10 years old are examined and compared to United States reference data and presented as a percentage of the median and Z‐scores to describe nutritional status differences by age and sex. Overall, these children maintain indices of weight/age, stature/age, and arm circumference (AC)/age at almost −2.0 Z‐scores or more below reference medians. Weight/height and triceps skinfold/age approximate −1.4 and −1.3 Z‐scores below the median, respectively. These data along with clinical observations suggest that the Basmina sample is low normal to mildly malnourished. However, preschool children show evidence of moderate and severe malnutrition. The entire child sample shows a higher prevalence of malnutrition when compared to other populations living under similar conditions. The results are contrary to the belief that Indian girls are at a nutritional disadvantage when compared to boys. In fact, preschool girls maintain higher, though not significant, percentages of weight/age, weight/height, and AC/age. Girls between 5 and 10 years old also maintain a higher triceps/age index. On the other hand, boys between 5 and 10 years old maintain a higher stature/age index, but the difference is not statistically significant.
Comparative genetic variance and heritability of head and facial traits in northwest Indian and Belgian twins
Authors: Sharma Krishan , Susanne Charles
Published: June 2005

Genetic variance analysis of 13 head and facial traits is considered in samples of Northwest, Indian and Belgian twins. Modified t tests, based on the nested structure of twin data, indicate differences between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) mean values of bigonial diameter in Indian females and in Belgian males, i.e., for only two of 52 instances. Heterogeneity of variance is observed in about 30% of the craniofacial traits in both samples, invalidating conventional within‐pair genetic variance estimates for these traits. Patterns of environmental bias on zygosities differ between sexes within the same population and also between the two samples. Revised average genetic variance ratios are higher in Indian than in Belgian twins. Male twins manifest, on average, higher genetic variance ratios than female twins in both the samples. There is stronger evidence of enviornmental covariance in MZ than in DZ twins for both Indian and Belgian twins. The pattern of intraclass corrlations, based on average values, is as follows: ♂rMZ > ♀rMZ > ♂rDZ ≥ ♀rDZ in the Indian twins and ♂rMZ > ♀rMZ > ♀rDZ > ♂rDZ in the Belgian twins.
Sociogeographic variation in the physical fitness of a cross‐sectional sample of Flemish girls 13 to 18 years of age
Authors: Taks Marijke , Renson Roland , Beunen Gaston , Claessens Albrecht , Colla Maggy , Lefevre Johan , Ostyn Michel , Schueremans Chris , Simons Jan , Van Gerven Dirk , Vanreusel Bart
Published: June 2005

Three aspects of physical fitness—somatic characteristics, motor fitness, and sport participation—of girls from different sociogeographic origins of Belgium were contrasted. The sample consisted of a cross‐sectional sample of 4,528 Flemish girls 13 to 18 years of age, who were classified by dwelling area as rural, semi‐urban, and urban. Somatic characteristics included 16 anthropometric dimensions, skeletal maturity, and somatotype. Motor fitness was assessed by 10 tests. Sociocultural background information and the level of sport participation were investigated by questionnaire and interview. Data were analysed via one‐way analyses of variance and growth curves were plotted to compare the sociogeographic differentiation patterns in physical fitness variables. The results show small motor and somatic differences between rural and urban youngsters, which is explained by the process of conurbation. However, urban girls were significantly more involved in sports than their rural counterparts. This is most probably due to greater sport involvement of parents from urban girls and/or the differences in available sport facilities.
Postnatal growth in two species of macaques
Authors: Gavan James A.
Published: June 2005

Using weight as a measure of growth, a comparison is made between Macaca nemestrina, the pigtailed macaque, and Macaca mulatta, the rhesus monkey. As these are closely related species, there should be resemblances and differences in the postnatal growth process. The analysis indicates little, if any, difference in growth rate. The data may not be adequate to indicate the average duration of growth. The rhesus, however, does become the larger adult. The methodology used in the analysis was that used for the published pigtailed data. The question is raised as to its appropriateness for the current problem.
Skeletal material associated with the Lindbergh kidnap case
Authors: Bass William M.
Published: June 2005

In the late 1970s and early 1980s an attempt was made to reopen the Lindbergh kidnap case. On May 25, 1977 Dr. Krogman x‐rayed and examined the twelve (12) bones associated with the Lindbergh case which were supplied to him by the New Jersey State Police. On June 14, 1982 I made an examination of the same twelve (12) bones and took anthropometric measurements and photographs. I had been asked to look at the material by the lawyer representing Mrs. Hauptmann, widow of the convicted kidnapper, Bruno Hauptmann. Of the twelve (12) bones, ten (10) are human and two (2) are animal. Each bone is identified and a description and anthropometric measurements are given. The bones examined are from the hands and feet and are consistent with the skeletal development of a 20‐month‐old male.
Menarcheal age and spontaneous abortion: Further evidence for a connection
Authors: Madrigal Lorena
Published: June 2005

This paper examines the association between menarcheal age and risk of spontaneous abortion with a data set collected in Limon, Costa Rica. The Limonense sample differs from those previously reported in terms of age, socioeconomic and ethnic background. Thus, the sample is excellent to test whether menarcheal age and risk of miscarriage are associated in a nonindustrialized group as they appear to be in industrialized samples. Females who experienced one or more miscarriages have a significantly earlier age at first menses than those who did not. The results also indicate that a possible reason for this association is that early maturers tend to experience first pregnancy at an earlier age than do late maturers.
Age‐related changes in root transparency of teeth in males and females
Authors: Drusini Andrea G.
Published: June 2005

The correlation between root transparency and chronological age was examined in a sample of 366 intact teeth from 295 individuals of known sex and age. Correlations, especially for anterior teeth (incisors and canines), were slightly higher in females than males, but neither the slopes nor the Y intercepts of the regression lines were significantly different. Linear regression analysis to predict age separately for males, females, and the total sample resulted in standard errors of estimate ranging from 8.88 to 11.46 years.
High‐resolution two‐dimensional electrophoretic survey of serum protein genetic types in Schmiedeleut Hutterites
Authors: Harrison Harold H. , Ober Carole , Miller Kathy L. , Elias Sherman
Published: June 2005

High‐resolution, two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) was used to examine allele frequencies in eight serum protein marker systems and to screen for rare or previously undescribed alleles in 152 members of the Schmiedeleut branch of the Hutterite Brethren. The results include the first report of α2‐HS glycoprotein, apolipoprotein E, and SPPM‐158 frequencies and haptoglobin 1F and 2S subtype frequencies in the Hutterites. Designed as part of ongoing genetic studies in this reproductively isolated population, this study was done to determine which markers might correlate with medical features or could be useful in population studies. Prior studies of erythrocyte surface and enzymatic markers, lymphocyte surface and enzymatic markers, and serum proteins by other investigators have identified common, rare, and private markers in approximately 40 polymorphic systems. This study included five serum protein markers that were not examined in previous studies. The study identified a 2DE marker, SPPM‐158, that was later confirmed in other populations to be a ubiquitous serum protein polymorphism. Allele frequencies for α2‐HS glycoprotein, apolipoprotein E, group‐specific globulin, haptoglobin, SPPM‐158, α1‐antitrypsin, apolipoprotein A‐IV, and transferrin are presented. The first five of these had allele frequencies useful for population studies. We did not find any rare or private variants with 2DE in these systems. Overall, the 2DE data were in good agreement with prior studies in the Hutterites and relevant European populations.
Historical demographic and epidemiological studies of aging in American Samoans
Authors: Crews Douglas E. , Ozeran Janelle E. Smith
Published: June 2005

American Samoan mortality records, from 1920 through 1988, and epidemiological survey data from 1976 are used to examine demographic definitions of the elderly in different time periods and to examine the association of body habitus and blood pressure with mortality among middle‐aged and older Samoans. In the 1920s, the average Samoan lived 24 years, but over 50% of deaths occurred prior to age 15. In the 1980s the average Samoan lived about 54 years and 50% of deaths occurred after age 58. The common definition for matua (an elder or true old one) was 50 years in 1962, an age to which only 17% of the population lived in the 1920s; this value increased to 60–65 years by 1976, when 53% of the population survived to age 50 years and 34% to age 65 years. These data suggest that quantitative demographic factors may have constrained Samoan cultural definitions of matua i.e., “elderliness” during the 20th century. Among middleaged and older Samoans who died between 1976 and 1980, body weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were differentially associated with cause‐specific mortality by age and sex. None of these risk factors was associated with mortality in older men, but BMI and systolic pressure were significanlty lower among middle‐aged men who died. In contrast, all four risk factors were associated positively with mortality in middle‐aged women, but in older women only systolic pressure was.
Biocultural predictors of age increases in adult blood pressure among Samoans
Authors: McGarvey Stephen T.
Published: June 2005

A five‐year follow‐up sample of 509 adult male and female Samoans experiencing modernization in American Samoa was studied to determine the relation between baseline biocultural factors and follow‐up blood pressure level. Analyses were stratified by sex and baseline age: 18–44 and ≥45 years. Baseline factors in the predictive models included blood pressure level, sum of skinfolds, age, education level, and reported salt intake. This Samoan adult sample was characterized by high prevalence of overweight at all ages, continual fat gain, and high incidence of overweight in young adults over five years. Blood pressure levels were moderate in young adults considering the adiposity, although almost one‐third of those ≥45 years of age were hypertensive. In young adults baseline adiposity was the most important predictor of follow‐up blood pressure, whereas in older adults age itself was most important. As age increases, physiologic blood pressure regulation may become less labile due to long‐term adiposity and salt intake and lead to persistent elevations of blood pressure.
Interobserver error in a large scale anthropometric survey
Authors: Gordon Claire C. , Bradtmiller Bruce
Published: June 2005

The adverse effects of interobserver error on morphometric population comparisons are well documented in the literature. While interobserver error can rarely be avoided, it can be minimized by having a single individual locate and mark relevant landmarks, by limiting the number of observers for each variable, and by reviewing repeated measures data daily to catch and correct measurer drift during data collection. In this study, two pairs of experts participated in interobserver error trials designed to pre‐set observer error limits for use in the quality control of a large scale anthropometric survey. Repeatability data were also collected twice daily in the field and reviewed with the measurers. Interobserver errors obtained in the field were lower than those achieved by the experts for 27 of 30 dimensions. These results suggest that establishment of permissible interobserver error in advance of data collection and frequent review of repeated measurements during data collection can reduce the magnitude of interobserver error below that obtained by experts measuring in a laboratory setting. However, even differences of small magnitude can be serios when they are directional, and 17 of 30 dimensions exhibited statistically significant bias between measurers despite all quality control efforts. The magnitudes of interobserver error observed in this study have proven particularly useful in evaluating the biological relevance of statistically significant differences which are of relatively small magnitude.
Comparison of blood lipids and blood pressure in black and white collegiate male athletes
Authors: Millard‐Stafford Mindy , Sparling Phillip B.
Published: June 2005

Blood lipids, lipoproteins, and blood pressure (BP) were examined in 74 black and 93 white male NCAA Division I‐A collegiate football athletes. Subjects were involved in resistance training and anaerobic running and all ate at the same training table. All measurements were done in the morning following a 12 hour fast. No significant differences were found in mean systolic (128 mm Hg) or diastolic (77 mm Hg) BPs. Blacks and whites were similar in age, height, weight, V̇O2max estimated from a 12 minute run test, total serum cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). However, the black athletes had significantly (P < 0.01) lower serum triglycerides, total cholesterol to HDL‐C ratio, and higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) compared to whites. In a subgroup of 34 subjects, there were no differences in dietary fat, carbohydrate, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, calcium, or fiber intake. These data suggest a race‐related difference in some blood lipids‐lipoproteins without a concomitant difference in BP within a group of young adult male athletes.
Development of reference data for increments in variables related to growth
Authors: Roche Alex F. , Guo Shumei
Published: June 2005

This paper directs attention to the progress made during the last few decades in methods for the development of reference data for increments and in the application of such data. This progress is exemplified by analyses of increments in recumbent length during infancy based on data from the Fels Longitudinal Study that have led to the development of reference data that can be applied easily to individuals and groups. The methods used to develop incremental reference data have improved considerably, but further progress is needed to construct better models, to refine the procedures for fitting models, and to simplify the application of incremental reference data. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.