bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two evolutionary models for the interactions of dietary organic cyanogens, hemoglobins, and falciparum malaria
Authors: Jackson Fatimah Linda Collier
Published: June 2005

Significant regional and ethnic variations in hemoglobin S frequencies among 485 adult nonpregnant Liberian women uniformly exposed to holoendemic falciparum malaria suggest that an additional major factor may influence the distribution of this hemoglobinopathy and the severity of the infectious disease with which it is causally associated. The differential consumption of organic cyanogen‐rich cassava (Manihot esculenta) foodstuffs and subsequent dosage‐dependent in vivo exposure to sublethal CN−, SCN−, and CNO− may directly interact with hemoglobin S by inhibiting sickling diathesis, and, at higher intakes, this dietary factor may adversely affect Plasmodium survival and antigenicity. In this study, low dietary organic cyanogen intakes (0.3 mg CN−/kg body wt/day) in NW and W geographical areas are associated with higher regional hemoglobin S gene frequencies (11%; phenotypic incidence 20%), lower mean (± SD) positive Plasmodium antibody titers (861.6 ± 102.4), and a higher mean (± SEM) prevalence of clinical falciparum malaria [3.04 times (± 0.09) within the previous 12 months]. In contrast, high dietary organic cyanogen intakes (1.5 mg CN−/kg body wt/day in SE and C geographical areas) are associated with lower hemoglobin S gene frequencies (2%; phenotypic incidence 4%), higher mean (± SD) positive Plasmodium antibody titers (968.7 ± 160.5), and a lower mean (± SEM) prevalence of clinical falciparum malaria [1.73 times (± 0.11) within the previous 12 months]. No other significant malaria‐linked genetic variation exists between regions or ethnic groups. Two evolutionary models are hypothesized to suggest how 18 generations of differential dietary organic cyanogen intakes could produce two distinct patterns of change in hemoglobin S gene frequencies, modifying both the cadence and direction of evolution.
Long bone growth velocity in the Libben population
Authors: Lovejoy C. Owen , Russell Katherine F. , Harrison Mary L.
Published: June 2005

Growth‐attained curves have shown only limited effectiveness in studies of long bone growth in archaeological populations. As an alternative, the length of long bone diaphyses in children aged 0 to 12 years from the Libben skeletal collection were first normalized by average adult long bone length, and derivatives of fitted curves were then used to determine age‐specific growth velocity. The sample was compared to healthy Euroamerican children from Denver, Colorado (Maresh: American Journal of Diseases of Children 89:725–742, 1955). Results indicate almost identical patterns of growth in the two populations with one exception: the Libben sample shows significantly diminished velocity during the first three years of life. This period of depressed growth coincides with high levels of infectious disease.
Preterm baby delivery: Some genetic epidemiological aspects
Authors: Livshits Gregory
Published: June 2005

The present paper considers genetic risk factors associated with preterm births. We investigated two main hypotheses, namely: 1) Whether there is a detectable genetic or at least a family resemblance component that may predispose a mother to give birth prematurely and 2) whether the risk to preterm delivery can be predicted in the early stages of pregnancy by means of associated morphometric traits and biochemical genetic markers. Our data and published literature certainly point to the existence of a significant family component, although the findings are still scanty for precise determination of genetic and cultural heritability components. In particular, the available data on family correlations in gestational age do not allow one to distinguish between the contribution of the fetus's genotype from the maternal environment and maternal genotype. Parent‐children and marital correlations in gestational age, critical for nuclear family analysis, are rather difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. Therefore, we discuss in the present paper several realistic path analysis models for estimating the relative contribution of genetically inherited and environmental components. Some biochemical markers and also morphological asymmetry correlate with a predisposition to preterm delivery. Again, however, more empirical data are needed to properly assess these relationships.
Increased diffusion capacity maintains arterial saturation during exercise in the Quechua Indians of Chilean Altiplano
Authors: Schoene R. B. , Roach R. C. , Lahiri S. , Peters R. M. , Hackett P. H. , Santolaya R.
Published: June 2005

The majority of Quechua Indians of the Altiplano of Northern Chile spend their lives between 3,500 and 4,500 meters, while some work as miners at much higher altitudes. In order to gain insight into the factors of O2 transfer in the lung that permit them to live and work in this hypoxic environment, we studied 20 male Quechuas (26.2 ± 1.1 years) of Ollaque, Chile, at 3,900 meters (barometric pressure = 490 torr). Resting pulmonary function and hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) tests were done. Progressive exercise to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer was performed, and measurements of ventilation (VE, l/min, BTPS) oxygen consumption (VO2, STPD), heart rate (bpm), steady‐state diffusion capacity (DLCO, cc/m/torr), and hemoglobin (Hgb, gm/dl) were made. Vital capacities were 5.1 ± 0.1 1 (BTPS) while DLCO's were 36.9 ± 2.6 cc/m/torr. Hemoglobin values were 18.3 ± 0.4 gm/dl. Isocapnic HVR's were −0.17 ± 0.05 (VE l/min/BTPS/SaO2, %). During steady‐state exercise at 600 kpm/min subjects reached a VO2 of 1.7 ± 0.1 l/min, a ventilatory equivalent (VE/VO2) of 33.2 ± 1.02, a DLCO of 71.2 ± 4.5 cc/m/torr with heart rates of 169.6 ± 6.8 bpm, and an SaO2 of 84.74 ± 2.8%. At maximum exercise there was no subsequent arterial oxygen desaturation (SaO2 = 87.0 ± 1.0%) while VE/VO2's were increased to 44.5 ± 3.4 with a VO2 of 2.3 ± 0.3 l/min or 43.8 ± 9.5 cc/kg/min. The ventilatory responses are similar to those of lowlanders exposed to comparable hypoxia during exercise (Schoene et al., Fed. Proc. 42: 978, 1983) but the DLCOs are significantly higher. We conclude that high‐altitude natives of the Andes maintain arterial oxygen saturation during exercise because of an increased diffusion capacity for oxygen at the lung.
Birth seasonality in a Rural U.S. county, 1911–1979
Authors: Arcury Thomas A. , Williams Belinda Jo , Kryscio Richard J.
Published: June 2005

This paper examines birth seasonality in a rural U.S. county over the period 1911–1979. Data were taken from the complete series of birth certificates for the county population during this period. Birth seasonality was expected to reflect seasonal variation in agricultural workload earlier in the century (pre‐1940) but to disappear as this population became more integrated into the wage labor market from 1940 to 1979. The pattern of birth seasonality in each decade from the 1910s to the 1970s by week, month, and season was analyzed with descriptive and analytic techniques. However, no birth seasonality was found for any decade during this century. The absence of a seasonal fertility pattern remained when all births were examined, and when such factors as ethnicity (only births to white mothers), occupation (only births to women married to farmers), and stillbirths were controlled singly and in combination. The implications of the lack of birth seasonality in this population are discussed in terms of the understanding of the causes of birth seasonality and the place of birth seasonality in human adaptation.
Estimation of total body composition by regional dual photon absorptiometry
Authors: Going S. B. , Pamenter R. W. , Lohman T. G. , Carswell C. , Westfall C. H. , Perry C. D. , Boyden T. W.
Published: June 2005

The accuracy of estimating total body composition from dual photon absorptiometry (DPA) and the soft tissue attenuation ratio (Rst) from regional scans over the abdomen was investigated in a group (n = 82) of young adult (age = 17–38 years) females with diverse activity histories. Forearm bone mineral content (BMC) was estimated from single photon absorptiometry. Lumbar vertebrae and femur BMC, and trunk (lumbar region) soft tissue composition (Rst) were estimated from DPA. Percent body fat, the criterion variable, was estimated from body density (BD) after adjusting for individual variation in BMC, an important source of variability in body density. The test–retest reliability of Rst, assessed in a second group of subjects (n = 30), was excellent (r = 0.99; SEM = 0.10%). Rst was significantly (P ≤ .05) correlated with body density (r = .78), limb and especially trunk skinfolds, and predicted total body fat (%) with an SEE of 3.9%. These results demonstrate that DPA is a useful technique for obtaining estimates of both bone mineral and soft tissue composition, particularly in populations suspected to have significant bone loss. Given the association between Rst and trunk (abdominal) fat, DPA may prove to be a useful technique for investigating the association between abdominal fat and disease.
Mortality among Serere children in Senegal
Authors: Rosetta Lyliane , O'Quigley John
Published: June 2005

Seasonal variation in nutritional status and child survival was studied in a representative sample of 40 Serere households in a rural area in Senegal. Hazard models (Gage:Am. J. Phys. Anthropol.76: 429–441, 1988, Rosenberg:J. Biosoc. Sci. 21(3): 335–348, 1989) were used to investigate risk factors associated with child mortality in a Senegalese rural area. Not surprisingly the most important risk factor was the child's nutritional status, as reflected in the BMI. These models can incorporate sequentially observed information and in this way it becomes clear how a falling relative BMI manifested itself in a sharply rising hazard rate. In addition to the BMI, we investigated other risk factors and their relation to child survival. Of these, birth rank and mother's age were seen to be associated with survival and all the more so in the presence of an unfavourably evolving BMI.
Inheritance of longevity evinces no secular trend among members of six New England families born 1650–1874
Authors: Mayer Peter J.
Published: June 2005

This study investigated the historical trend in resemblance between first‐degree relatives for age at death. Data from genealogies of six New England families (N = 13,656) were divided into nine 25 year birth cohorts, 1650–1874, to test the hypothesis that familial influence on human longevity has changed during the past 300 years. Heritability (h2) for longevity demonstrated no historical trend, whether calculated by regression of offspring's longevity on paternal, maternal, or mid‐parental longevity or by intraclass correlations (t) among sibships. Ninety‐five percent confidence intervals (C.I.) for h2 (additive genetic variance) were in the range 0.10–0.33 for parent–offspring regressions and 0.16–0.22 based on mean of sibship regressed on mean of parents. Based on sibship t, the 95% C.I. for the upper limit to h2 (which includes variance contributions caused by dominance interactions and common developmental environment as well as additive genetic effects) was 0.33–0.41. In this socially elite sample, the statistical contribution of first‐degree relatives to age at death has varied within a historically consistent range over the past 300 years, directly implying a persistent genetic influence on longevity. The magnitude of this influence with respect to additive genetic variance, about 10–30%, may overestimate h2 because of the elite nature of the sample. Nevertheless, these results support a genetic component to lifespan even though the majority of variation in human longevity is not explained by genetic factors.
Phylogenies and the forces of evolution
Authors: Livingstone Frank B.
Published: June 2005

The construction of phylogenetic trees from gene frequency data assumes that a history of binary fissioning of populations has been the major cause of genetic variation. However, in many areas of the world human populations have been relatively stable with local gene flow. This population history is closer to an isolation by distance model. It was modelled by a simulation of gene frequency changes in a linear sequence of 50 stable populations with gene flow among neighboring populations. Phylogenetic trees were constructed from the gene frequencies after the simulation was run for 500 generations. Using only a few loci there is little correlation between genetic and geographic distance, but with 40 or more loci, there was a perfect correlation with geographic distance. A different population model can thus result in a phylogenetic tree comparable to those assumed to be produced by binary fission.
Skin reflectance of children and young adults of Aymara ancestry
Authors: Greksa Lawrence P. , Spielvogel Hilde , Driscoll John D.
Published: June 2005

The skin reflectance of 556 Andean Indians of Aymara ancestry (305 males, 251 females; 10.0–29.9 yr) residing in La Paz, Bolivia (average altitude of about 3,600 m) is described. Reflectances were measured at three wavelengths (425 nm, 545 nm, and 685 nm) on two different sites, the medial surface of the upper arm and forehead. Males tended to be significantly darker than females on both the upper arm and forehead (P < .05). Female Aymara tended to lighten significantly in skin color with age on both the upper arm and forehead, while males tended to lighten significantly with age only on the upper arm (P < .05). The results of comparisons between three categories based on paternal and maternal surnames (two Aymara surnames, one Aymara and one Spanish surname, and two Spanish surnames) were consistent with the hypothesis that the possession of Spanish surnames is positively related to the degree of European admixture in urban Aymara. However, the extent of admixture within each surname category may differ between rural and urban Aymara, making classification by surnames problematic for rural‐urban comparisons.
The relationship of body fat distribution to non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus in a Navajo community
Authors: Hall Teri R. , Hickey Martin E. , Young Terry B.
Published: June 2005

The relationship between non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and body fat distribution (BFD) as measured by waist/hip circumference (WHR) was investigated in a Navajo community. A sample of 136 females and 89 males, 20 years and older, was recruited using a cluster‐sampling design. Fifty percent of the females and 30.3% of the males are overweight [body mass index (BMI) equivalent of >120% ideal body weight]. Prevalence of NIDDM is 14% in females and 10.1% in males. The sample is characterized by central BFD (mean WHR=0.897±0.075, females and mean WHR=0.963±0.071, males). WHR is significantly related to age and BMI in males (P < 0.05), but not in females. Adjusted odds ratios for risk of NIDDM prevalence with increasing WHR category were estimated from a multiple logistic regression model which controlled for age and BMI. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) is 2.19 (1.14, 4.19) for risk of NIDDM prevalence for a female in the middle BFD category compared to a female in the low BFD category. Risk increases to 3.63 (95% CI=1.25, 10.52) for a female in the highest BFD category. Although there is an increased risk of NIDDM prevalence with central BFD for males, it is not statistically significant. Preferential energy storage in abdominal fat depots may be a phenotypic expression of the “Thrifty Genotype,” which places American Indians at greater risk for metabolic disorders.
Genetics, ethnohistory, and linguistics of Brač, Yugoslavia
Authors: Zegura Stephen L. , Janicijevic Branka , Sujoldzic Anita , Roberts Derek F. , Rudan Pavao
Published: June 2005

Serogenetic data involving 21 genetic systems were collected from 12 villages on the island of Brač (Yugoslavia) in 1987. Maximum sample size was 709 individuals. The UPGMA dendrogram based on genetic distances was readily interpretable within the contexts of village settlement history, social relationships, and sample size considerations. The gene diversity value (H = 0.3029 ± 0.0119) was both quite high and extremely similar to the average heterozygosity value on the neighboring Pelješac peninsula. Quadratic assignment procedures were used to investigate genetic‐linguistic‐geographic correspondences. Unlike the Pelješac peninsula, where the distance matrix correlations between genetics and linguistics, genetics and geography, and linguistics and geography were all positive and highly statistically significant; on Brač, only the linguistics‐geography correlation achieved statistical significance. Reasons for the differences are sought in the different migrational characteristics of these two population systems, in the complex interaction between evolutionary forces promoting population differentiation (genetic drift) and homogeneity (gene flow), and in known patterns of sociocultural interaction that might have skewed the genetic‐geographic associations on Brač.
Sources of measurement variation in child anthropometry in the Malawi maternal and child nutrition study
Authors: Pelletier David L. , Low Jan W. , Msukwa Louis A. H.
Published: June 2005

An examination of intra‐ and inter‐observer error in child anthropometry and variation between two skinfold calipers was conducted as part of a large prospective study of maternal and child nutrition in Malawi, Central Africa. Measurements include length, weight, head and arm circumferences, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and estimated cross‐sectional arm fat and arm muscle areas. Total observer error, expressed as a percentage of total variance in each trait, is ⩽3.2% for length, weight, and head circumference; 7% for arm circumference; 10% for arm fat area; and 16–20% for skinfolds and arm muscle area. When total observer error is divided into the two additive components studied, intraobserver error represents approximately 50% or more of total observer error for most traits. An exception is the subscapular skinfold for which intra‐observer represents 38% of total observer error. Errors of this magnitude will cause an attenuation of approximately 10% in the correlation coefficients between anthropometric and other variables, and a loss of power in attempting to detect associations between anthropometric variables and either their determinants or outcomes. However, the effects of errors of this magnitude are minor compared to those encountered in studies correlating nutrient intake with other variables. This study also finds that the SlimGuide caliper systematically overestimates skinfolds at low readings and underestimates skinfolds at high readingss relative to the Lange caliper.
Genetic and environmental contributions to the variance of the body mass index in a Norwegian sample of first‐ and second‐degree relatives
Authors: Tambs Kristian , Moum Torbjørn , Eaves Lindon , Neale Mike , Midthjell Kristian , Lund‐Larsen Per G. , Næss Siri , Holmen Jostein
Published: June 2005

Height and weight were measured in a health screening of the population in Nord‐Trøndelag, Norway. Correlations for the body mass index were computed for 23,936 pairs of spouses, 43,586 pairs of parents and offspring, 19,151 pairs of siblings, 1,251 pairs of grandparents and grandchildren, 1,146 cognate avuncular pairs, 801 noncognate avuncular pairs, 168 pairs of same‐sexed twins, and smaller groups of other types of relatives. Correlations were largely independent of age and age difference within pairs of relatives, suggesting a stable effect of the same set of genes and familial environment throughout adulthood. No effect of convergence during marriage could be detected. Correlations were approximately .20 for parents and offspring, .26 for same‐sexed siblings, .20 for opposite‐sexed siblings, .58 for monozygotic twins, and close to zero for most second‐order relatives. Results from structural equation model‐fitting indicate a broad heritability of .4, much of which is due to genetic dominance or other genetic nonadditivity.
Family resemblance for patterns of growth in early childhood
Authors: Byard Pamela J. , Guo Shumei , Roche Alex F.
Published: June 2005

Parameters of the Jenss curve representing linear and non‐linear components of growth in early childhood were fitted to longitudinal recumbent length and weight measurements from participants in the Fels Longitudinal Growth Study. Nuclear family correlations were estimated for each of four Jenss parameters (a linear intercept and slope and a non‐linear intercept and degree of curve) for length and for weight. The TAU path model was fit to the correlations, in order to estimate path coefficients representing transmissibility from parent to child (t2) and non‐transmissible sibling resemblance (s). Likelihood ratio χ2 tests suggest that significant family resemblance exists for each Jenss parameter for both variables. Transmissibility is the major component in family resemblance for the linear and non‐linear intercepts for length, whereas non‐transmissible sibling environmental effects are dominant for three of the four weight parameters. The source of the family resemblance for the remaining parameters could not be pinpointed. The linear slope and degree of curve for weight are more similar for same sex siblings than for opposite sex pairs, suggesting that the degree of shared sibling environment affecting the shape of the growth curve for weight may be greater for same sex pairs.
Hemoglobin concentration and working capacity of nonpregnant rural women of the Kathmandu valley of Nepal
Authors: Malville Nancy J.
Published: June 2005

The relationship between hemoglobin concentration, nutritional status, and working capacity of village women in Nepal was investigated. Subjects were 71 nonpregnant women (ages 18 to 60 yr) living at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 m in a rural area near Kathmandu. Half of the women (51%) performed manual wage labor on a daily basis, working as field hands during the agricultural season and breaking rocks into gravel during the remainder of the year; the remaining 49% worked only in their own fields or in exchange labor groups. Anemia was mild but widespread; 62% of the women had hemoglobin concentrations of 12.0 gm/dl or lower. Mean hemoglobin for the total sample was 11.7 ± 1.4 gm/dl (range 7.2 to 15.6 gm/dl). A step test was used to measure working capacity, and expired air samples were analyzed for O2 and CO2 using a Scholander 0.5 ml gas analyzer. Caste and ethnic groups differed significantly with respect to hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.005) and heart rate response to submaximal exercise (P < 0.001), but not in anthropometric measurements. Among those ethnic groups accustomed to daily physical labor, i.e., the Newars and Tamangs, lower hemoglobin concentration was correlated significantly with higher heart rate, higher oxygen uptake, and lower mechanical efficiency during submaximal aerobic exercise.
Urbanization‐dependent gradients in stature among polish conscripts in 1976 and 1986
Authors: Bielicki Tadeusz , Waliszko Hanna
Published: June 2005

On the basis of two successive surveys of 19‐year‐old Polish conscripts, one in 1976 and another in 1986, secular trends in stature and the relationship between stature and population size of locality of habitation were examined. In spite of the serious economic crisis in the early 1980s and a rather abrupt cessation of the trend towards earlier menarche in Poland between 1977 and 1987, the trend towards taller stature continued unabated and was intense (2.0 cm in the general population). In 1976, stature decreased systematically with decreasing population size in the following order: (1) cities over 500,000, (2) cities between 100,000 and 500,000, (3) towns between 25,000 and 100,000, (4) towns below 25,000, and (5) villages. A similar gradient persisted in the 1986 survey. In 1986, about one‐half of the total statural gradient was accounted for by the gap between rural conscripts and those next on the urbanization scale, i.e., conscripts from the smallest towns, and the magnitude of this gap was unaltered during the decade. However, the rural‐large city gap has declined from 3.6 cm in 1976 to 2.8 cm in 1986. The relative shortness of rural conscripts and the tallness of their large‐city age peers are consistent with the pattern of social variation in stature and maturation rate observed among Polish school children and with the country's postwar economic and social history.
Dependability and precision of anthropometric measures in a longitudinal field study in an Egyptian village
Authors: Harrison Gail G. , Galal Osman M. , Ritenbaugh Cheryl , Shaheen Farouk M. , Wahba Saneya Abdel‐Azim , Kirksey Avanelle , Jerome Norge W.
Published: June 2005

Reliability and its components, precision and dependability, are analyzed for a complex dataset involving longitudinal anthropometric measurements on subjects of varying ages in an Egyptian village setting. Results are compared with other published datasets. Technical error of measurement is similar to or compares favorably with other datasets for both adults and children. Overall reliability is strongly influenced by dependability coefficients, which are calculated in this analysis over relatively longer time periods (2 weeks for young children and longer for older individuals) than in other comparable datasets. It is evident that some components of the theoretical construct of imprecision, i.e., measurement error derived from variation over longer periods of time in factors contributing to accuracy, are actually captured in the analytical component of variance called undependability.
Growth and motor performance of black and white children 6–10 years of age: A multivariate analysis
Authors: Malina Robert M. , Moriyama Masaki
Published: June 2005

The relationships between anthropometry and physical performance were considered in 439 Black and 386 White children, 6 through 10 years of age. Anthropometric dimensions included weight, statute, sitting height, six skeletal breadths, three limb circumferences, and three skinfolds. Performance variables included four static strength and three motor tasks. Principal components analysis was used to reduce the anthropometric dimensions to four components for each age group (sexes combined) within race. Only two components had eigenvalues greater than 1 in all age and both racial groups. The first two components accounted for 81 to 87% of the variance in anthropometry in Black children and for 79 to 85% of the variance in White children. Path coefficients from sex directly to performance and the products of path coefficients from sex to the first or second principal component to performance were computed for each strength and motor task in each age and race group. With few exceptions, path coefficients from sex directly to performance were negative and suggested an effecct of sex on performance which is independent of anthropometric characteristics.
The Raymond Pearl memorial lecture, 1991: Health, exercise, and athletics: A millennium of observations—A century of research
Authors: Montoye Henry J.
Published: June 2005

The history of exercise science reveals that at least three scientists received the Nobel prize for investigations in exercise physiology. The work of these men and their contemporaries was concerned with physiological mechanisms and work performance, not directly with health. Hippocrates and other physicians and philosophers of the ancient world believed that regular physical activity contributed to health and longevity. However, it was only during the last 30–40 years that the focus of exercise research shifted to a study of the impact of physical activity on health and disease. The reason for this change in research emphasis is due to the fact that a) chronic disease is associated with life‐styles, b) people are less active in the Western world, c) prevention is perhaps the ultimate answer to the maintenance of health, and d) chronic disease frequently begins in childhood. A summary of our knowledge concerning the effects of exercise is presented. Because former college athletes have engaged in strenous sports training in their youth, they are of particular interest in this regard. Results of many investigations indicate that former college athletes live about as long as their classmates, and die at about the same rate from heart disease. Former athletes come from larger families, gain less weight after college up to the age of 55 years, are more active in life, and are more likely to be smokers and/or drinkers than their former college classmates.
Mathematical modelling of human growth: A comparative study
Authors: Guo Shumei , Siervogel Roger M. , Roche Alex F. , Chumlea Wm. Cameron
Published: June 2005

Kernel regression is a nonparametric procedure that provides good approximations to individual serial data. The method is useful and flexible when a parametric method is inappropriate due to restricted assumptions on the shape of the curve. In the present study, we compared kernel regression in fitting human stature growth with two models, one of which incorporates the possible existence of the midgrowth spurt while the other does not. Two families of mathematical functions and a nonparametric kernel regression were fitted to serial measures of stature on 227 participants enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study. The growth parameters that describe the timing, magnitude, and duration of the growth spurt, such as midgrowth spurt and pubertal spurts, were derived from the fitted models and kernel regression for each participant. The two parametric models and kernel regression were compared in regard to their overall goodness of fit and their capabilities to quantify the timing, rate of increase, and duration of the growth events. The Preece‐Baines model does not describe the midgrowth spurt. The dervied growth parameters from the Preece‐Baines model show an earlier onset and a longer duration of the pubertal spurt, and a slower increase in velocity. The kernel regression with bandwidth 2 years and a second‐order polynomial kernel function yields relatively good fits compared with the triple logistic model. The derived biological parameters for the pubertal spurt are similar between the kernel regression and the triple logistic model. Kernel regression estimates an earlier onset and a more rapid increase of velocity for the midgrowth spurt.
Urban–rural differences in the growth status of Venezuelan children
Authors: Blanco M. Lopez , Jimenez M. Landaeta , Castellano H. Mendez
Published: June 2005

The height and weight of 28,752 urban and 10,557 rural individuals aged birth to 18 years were measured as part of a cross‐sectional national survey (Project Venezuela) between 1981 and 1986. The Preece‐Baines model 1 was fitted to the means; pooled residual mean squares of 0.21 and 0.13 in height and 0.44 and 0.13 in weight, for boys and girls respectively, indicated a good fit. Derived means and biological parameters were compared. The nutritional status of 18,849 children aged birth to 8 years was assessed using the WHO‐recommended NCHS/CDC 3rd or 10th and 90th centiles as cut‐off points for weight for height, weight for age, and height for age. A t test for proportions was used to test significance. Urban children were taller and heavier than their rural counterparts; differences were evident after age 2 and maximal at 14 years in boys and 12 years in girls, due to differences in tempo, although part of the differences persist into adulthood. Prevalences of wasting and stunting were 3.5% and 10.5% higher in rural children and overweight was 3.6% higher in urban children, significantly so in height for age. A mixed nutritional problem is present in Venezuelans, with a prevalence of stunting greater than that of wasting and a prevalence of overweight greater in urban children. Urban–rural differences in growth persisted into adulthood in boys, while rural girls were similar to urban girls at the end of growth.
Multivariate allometry as a model of morphometric harmony of four skinfolds in the newborn
Authors: Bacallao J. , Molina J. R. , Izquierdo R. , Castillo M. M.
Published: June 2005

The concept of harmony in a set of anthropometric dimensions is identified with the notion of minimum variance associated with a function of several variables in those dimensions. When the chosen function is linear in the natural logarithms of the variables, the resulting model is the well‐known multivariate allometry and the notion of minimum variance corresponds to the eigenvector associated with the smallest eigenvalue of the covariance matrix. This multivariate allometry model was fitted to four skinfolds in a sample of 250 newborns. The existence of a harmonic relationship among the skinfolds which is independent of weight, total body fat, body mass index, and several other maternal variables is indicated. There is, however, some evidence suggesting a possible correlation with the nutritional condition of the mother. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemoglobin comparisons between African American and European American males with hemoglobin values in the normal range
Authors: Jackson Robert T.
Published: June 2005

There are conflicting reports about the nature and magnitude of hemoglobin (Hb) differences between African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). Several reports suggest that AA have lower mean Hb values and that differences between AA and EA are large and are due to “racial” differences. Some have even called for separate Hb standards. In this study, Hb comparisons were made between AA and EA males in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1976–1980. Comparison of AA and EA males with normal Hb values (i.e., 13.0 g/dl or greater) indicated that observed mean Hb differences exist primarily at the lower end of the Hb distribution (i.e., the distribution is skewed to the left). Several factors are likely contributors to lower hemoglobin values at the lower end of the distribution, including hemoglobinopathies, thalassemias, and/or nutritional deficiencies. If racial differences exist between these groups, controlled prospective studies are necessary to demonstrate this possibility. This study supports a single Hb standard for AA and EA males. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethnic and familial factors in early child development
Authors: Otremski Itshak , Livshits Gregory , Cohen Zvi
Published: June 2005

A sample (1,031 individuals) of infants born at varying gestational ages (26–42 weeks) and birth weights (860–4,750 g) was used in a study of 5 developmental traits appearing during the first 2 years of life: the ages at which a child could turn over, sit up, stand up, walk without support, and eruption of the first tooth. The mean age of attaining each developmental milestone was not significantly different among the Jewish ethnic groups represented in the sample. In addition, the following potential predictor variables were evaluated: the infant's weight, length, and head circumference at birth and at 1.5 years of age; maternal body weight, height at the infant's birth, and number of miscarriages; family size and parental occupation. Only few variables showed significant effects with developmental milestone; birth weight made the greatest contribution. Highly significant intraclass and Pearson correlations were observed between siblings in the ages of appearance of each of the 5 developmental milestones. The correlations ranged between 0.30 and 0.53 for the total group, after adjusting for all significant covariates. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of apoB, HLADQ alpha, and D1S80 polymorphisms in the Italian population using the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Novelli Giuseppe , Spinella Aldo , Gennarelli Massimo , Mingarelli Rita , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: June 2005

Allele and genotype frequencies of three highly polymorphic loci (apoB, HLADQ alpha, D1S80) have been determined in an Italian sample using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and non‐radioactive detection. The allele frequencies ranged from 0.1% to 39%, with an average heterozygosity of 0.74 and a power of discrimination ranging from 0.90 to 0.98. These results are of value for forensic and genetic studies. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth of native Hawaiian school children: II. Body mass index and skinfold measurements
Authors: Brown Daniel E. , Severance Craig J. , Sako Ehukai K. , Chun Deborah Y. , Young Laura L. , Johnson Jerry L.
Published: June 2005

Annual measurements of skinfold thicknesses at six sites (triceps, biceps, medial calf, subscapular, abdominal, and suprailiac) and the body mass index have been obtained from a sample of native Hawaiian school children and their non‐Hawaiian classmates in a four year semilongitudinal study. Four cohorts were measured, with the children beginning the study in grades one, four, seven and ten, respectively. Information on percentage of Polynesian ancestry, identity with Hawaiian culture, social class, and income were obtained from family interviews for the native Hawaiian children. Hawaiian boys at most ages surveyed are significantly fatter than their classmates on trunk sites, and are also fatter than National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II (NHANES‐II) medians. Native Hawaiian girls have significantly greater trunk skinfold measures than classmates in only one surveyed age group. The percentage of Polynesian ancestry in this admixed sample of Hawaiian children is significantly related to fatness and body mass among children aged 9–12 years, but is not clearly related to fatness in other age groups. Socioeconomic measures are also not related to fatness in a simple manner. Intensive study of specific sex‐age groups may be required to identify factors that influence the amount of fatness of native Hawaiian school children. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymptotic models for the longitudinal growth of human stature
Authors: Jolicoeur Pierre , Pontier Jacques , Abidi Hassane
Published: June 2005

Eight different asymptotic models, of which some are entirely new while others are revised versions, are compared with respect to their goodness of fit for the description of the longitudinal growth of stature in 27 healthy children from the French Auxological Survey. Some growth models are based on total age, defined as measured from the time of fertilization, and may be particularly suitable if prenatal data are to be included in the analysis or if prenatal extrapolations are desired. Other models are based on postnatal age (age after birth), and some of these are the most accurate, but they would not be suitable for prenatal data or extrapolations. More general models, such as the polynomial logistic or the triple logistic, can be used but are not the most accurate among those included in the present study. Two new models are proposed which possess an improved goodness of fit. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemoglobin levels and step test performance of men and women in Nepal
Authors: Panter‐Brick C. , Miller D. G. , Eggerman M.
Published: June 2005

The impact of low hemoglobin levels on the work performance of 74 rural Nepali villagers was examined with a 3 minute exercise step test. Work output was standardized at 75 watts for men and 55 watts for women. Hemoglobin values ranged from 4.2–15.7 g/dl, and averaged 12.0 ± 2.7 g/dl for 35 men and 10.9 ± 1.72 g/dl for 39 women. Low hemoglobin levels significantly elevated the heart rates and recovery times of the men, but not of the women. A positive relationship with oxygen uptake and a negative one with net mechanical efficiency was found for men but not for women (anemic men appeared more efficient as they used up marginally less oxygen during exercise). Values are in good agreement with those recently published for Gurkha soldiers, but are at variance with those examining the step test performance of Nepali women. In the light of behavioral data on work patterns, mild anemia may have little impact on the performance of moderate self‐paced physical activity. Nepali villagers pause frequently during the course of subsistence activities, a behavior which allows time for recovery from an elevated pulse rate. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliability of B‐mode ultrasound for the measurement of body fat and muscle thickness
Authors: Ishida Y. , Carroll J. F. , Pollock M. L. , Graves J. E. , Leggett S. H.
Published: June 2005

B‐mode ultrasound was used to measure fat and muscle thicknesses on 30 subjects (17 men, 13 women, age = 20–37 yr) at 14 sites (triceps, biceps, forearm, chest [males only], subscapular, axilla, abdomen, suprailium, lumbar, quadriceps, suprapatellar, hamstrings, medial calf, and posterior calf) on two different days. Quadruplicate photographic images (trials) were printed from a single measurement at each site on each day. Two investigators each measured two of the images from each site. Each thickness was measured to the nearest 0.05 mm with a vernier caliper. Generalizability theory was used to determine the relative contribution of subjects, investigators, days, and trials to the total measurement variability. Subjects accounted for 84–96% of the variance in the muscle measurements and for 79–97% of the variance in the fat measurements. A subjects‐by‐day interaction accounted for 2–13% of the variance in muscle measurements and 2–12% of the variance in fat measurements. The contribution by investigators and trials to the variance was less than 1%. Generalizability coefficients (G) exceeding 0.92 were obtained for all sites for muscle measurements, while G for fat measurements exceeded 0.90 for all but the axilla site (G = 0.88). These results indicate that B‐mode ultrasound is a highly reliable method for the measurement of both fat and muscle thicknesses in young males and females. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energy reserves and parity of nomadic and settled Turkana women
Authors: Little Michael A. , Leslie Paul W. , Campbell Kenneth L.
Published: June 2005

Members of the Turkana tribe include settled and nomadic peoples who reside in the southern part of Turkana District in the semiarid region of northwest Kenya. Nomadic Ngisonyoka Turkana keep livestock (camels, cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys), subsist principally on livestock products, and move camps frequently in search of forage for the livestock; settled Turkana cultivate foods along the principal rivers. Both nomadic and settled Turkana are subject to limited food resources on seasonal and long‐term bases. Protein from meat, blood, and milk is sufficient in the diet, but food energy is limited, as are body fat reserves. Previous work has documented a decline in maternal adiposity with age in a large sample of the relatively lean nomadic women, and a negative association of fat stores with parity in a smaller sample of nomadic women. The problem of maternal depletion of fat energy reserves as a function of female reproductive history is explored in this study through anthropometry in a relatively large sample (N = 312) of nomadic and settled women. Both nomadic and settled women displayed some parity‐related losses in fat stores. The relationship was stronger in the nomads, even after controlling for age. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of excess fat and central fat patterning among Mongolian pastoral nomads
Authors: Beall Cynthia M. , Goldstein Melvyn C.
Published: June 2005

This paper presents information on body size, body composition, and fat patterning in a sample of 750 pastoral nomads aged 5 to 84 years, native residents of Moost district, Mongolia and evaluates the results from the perspective of morphological adaptation to a cold climate. Mongolian nomad men and children have average BMIs close to the U.S. 25th percentile while women have average BMIs close to the U.S. reference median. The prevalence of excess fatness assessed by the Arm Fat Index rises from 5 to 15% during childhood to 65% or more in each adult age–sex group except women 70+ years. The pattern of fat deposition is markedly central (abdominal) among women and children while it is normally so among men: women and children have a very high ratio of waist‐to‐hip circumference and children have a moderately high ratio of subscapular‐to‐triceps skinfold compared with other populations. A body composition favoring centrally deposited fat may be adaptive to a cold stressed population because it would aid in heat production (abdominal fat is thermogenic) and heat conservation (more spherical body size and better insulation) in the age–sex groups that are usually at a thermal disadvantage because of small body size and/or low basal metabolic rate relative to men. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anthropometric estimation of bone mineral content in young adult females
Authors: Adams William C. , Deck‐Côté Kristin , Winters Kerri M.
Published: June 2005

It was hypothesized that improved prediction of bone mineral content (BMC) would be achieved by an expanded battery of anthropometric variables beyond height and the four extremity diameters used by previous investigators to predict skeletal mass (r = 0.74). Accordingly, sitting height, trunk diameters, chest depth, and head circumference, as well as whole body BMC and bone mineral density (BMD) via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), were also measured on 52 young adult females (26 each Blacks and Whites), aged 18 to 30 years. The product of height and the squared sum of four extremity breadths, utilized by previous investigators, resulted in r values of 0.74 and 0.70 for the Black and White groups, respectively. Separate stepwise multiple regressions to predict BMC for each group resulted in a collectively different array of independent variables (though there was some overlap between groups). The multiple regression formula for the Black group (R = 0.88; SEE = 156 g) included height, chest depth, chest diameter at the sixth rib level, and knee bicondylar diameter. That for the White group (R = 0.83; SEE = 193 g) included two diameters (bicondylar and biepicondylar) and head circumference. When anthropometrically estimated values for upper‐arm muscle area or upper‐leg lean tissue area (which were better correlated to BMD than BMC) were added to these equations, prediction of BMC was further improved (R = 0.91; SEE = 144 g; and R = 0.85; SEE = 187 g, respectively, for the Black and White groups). The major observation in this study was a substantial improvement in the predictive precision of BMC, as assessed by DEXA, via easily obtainable anthropometric data. Further, the SEE values in this totally anthropometric prediction of whole body BMC closely approximate that recently reported for adult females, aged 18–49 years, when including the mid‐shaft radial BMC (assessed by single‐photon absorptiometry) with height, weight, and body mass index. It is concluded that anthropometric estimation of BMC may be a potentially useful tool to improve the accuracy of percentage body fat estimation assessed by hydrostatic weighing, and that it should be examined in other populations differing significantly in fat‐free mass density from the 1.10 g/ml value of the reference man. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.