Body Proportions Research Articles

FEATURES OF TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL ACTIONS IN A TAEKWONDO FIGHT FOR SHORT ATHLETES

The article discusses the features of tactical and technical actions in a taekwondo match for short athletes. Relevance. Knowing and taking into account the anthropometric characteristics of an opponent allows you to prepare for battle more eff ectively, in particular, adapt your tactics and strategy to the individual characteristics of the enemy. It becomes relevant to study the features of tactical and technical actions in a taekwondo match for short athletes. Problem, goal, tasks. The purpose of the study is to consider the features of tactical and technical actions in a taekwondo match for short athletes. Research objectives: 1. Priority for close combat due to the lower center of gravity and stability. In this regard, avoiding long distance allows you to deliver short blows to your opponent and make blocks. 2. Maneuverability and speed of movement due to shorter strikes and avoidance of attacks and counterattacks at short distances. 3. Using a low stance, which makes it diffi cult for the enemy to strike from the head. 4. Higher frequency of impacts to the legs due to low height. 5. Quick and powerful strikes to the lower body. However, for a short athlete there is a high risk of receiving blows from above. Materials and Methods of research: analysis, synthesis, generalization, systematization of scientifi c sources on the research problem. Results and its discussion. The relevance of studying the characteristics of combat by short athletes is substantiated. It is noted that the taekwondo program should include a block of educational and training activities, which includes exercises that take into account individual body proportions, the height of the op-ponent, and is aimed at analyzing the actions of a short opponent, combat tactics, and possible risks for the athlete. The results of competitions with the participation of short athletes for the period 2019–2023 are systematized. An analysis of observations of competitions with the participation of short athletes was carried out and the features of tactical and technical actions in a WTF taekwondo match were determined. These include 1) the priority of close combat due to the lower center of gravity and stability, 2) maneuverability and speed of movement due to shorter strikes and avoidance of attacks and counterattacks at short distances, 3) the use of a low stance, which complicates the task of striking with the head parts of the opponent, 4) higher frequency of strikes to the legs due to low height, 5) fast and powerful strikes to the lower body. However, for a short athlete there is a high risk of receiving gifts from above. Conclusions. It is concluded that the tactical and technical actions of a short athlete, their features and risks for the enemy.

Rostral and body shape analyses reveal cryptic diversity of Late Jurassic batomorphs (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from Europe.

The fossil record of chondrichthyans (chimaeras, sharks, rays and skates) consists largely of isolated teeth, with holomorphic specimens being extraordinary exceptions. However, numerous of these more or less completely preserved specimens are known from several Upper Jurassic deposits of Europe, enabling detailed analysis of their morphology. Batomorphs (rays and skates) resembling modern guitarfishes and wedgefishes (Rhinopristiformes) are among the most common Jurassic chondrichthyans found, but they have been only sporadically studied up to now, resulting in large knowledge gaps concerning their taxonomy and phylogeny. Here, we present the most detailed revision of Late Jurassic holomorphic batomorphs to date, quantitatively analysing body proportions of specimens from Germany (Solnhofen Archipelago), France (Cerin) and the UK (Kimmeridge), using both geometric and traditional morphometrics. Furthermore, we identify qualitative morphological characters for species discrimination, to clarify the taxonomic identity and diversity of Late Jurassic batomorphs based on holomorphic specimens. Our results support the validity of Belemnobatis sismondae, Kimmerobatis etchesi and Spathobatis bugesiacus, as well as that of the previously doubtful Asterodermus platypterus. Moreover, we describe Aellopobatis bavarica, a new taxon, which has hitherto been considered to be a large-sized morphotype of Spathobatis bugesiacus. Our results highlight that the diversity of holomorphic batomorphs during the Late Jurassic was greater than previously thought, and suggest that this group was already well-established and diverse by this time. This study thus provides vital information about the evolutionary history of Late Jurassic batomorphs and has direct implications for batomorph species that are based on isolated teeth only.

Variation in body size and weight status among Hindu and Muslim Indian males born in the 1890s through the 1950s

Hindus and Muslims represent the two largest religions in India, and also differ in nutritional status, health-related habits and standard of living associated with economic disparities. In this context, the present study considered estimated secular changes in body size, proportions, and weight status among Hindu and Muslim Indian men. The data are from anthropological surveys in the 1970s which included measurements of height, weight and sitting height of 43,950 males 18–84 years (birth years 1891–1957). Leg length was estimated; the BMI and sitting height/height ratio were calculated. Heights of men 35 + years were adjusted for estimated height loss with age. Weight status was also classified relative to WHO criteria for the BMI. Anthropometric characteristics of the two groups were compared with MANCOVA with age and geographic region as covariates. Linear regression of height on year of birth was also used to estimate secular change in each group. Heights, weights, and BMIs tended to be, on average, greater among Muslim than Hindu men at most ages, while distributions by weight status between groups were negligible. Sitting height was greater among Muslim men but estimated leg length did not differ between groups; the sitting height/height ratio thus suggested proportionally shorter legs among Muslim men. Results of the regression analyses indicated negligible differences in secular change between groups across the total span of birth years but indicated a decline in adjusted heights of men in both groups born between 1891 through 1930s and little secular change among those born in the 1930s through 1957. The variation in heights, weights and BMIs between Muslim and Hindu men at most ages suggested variation in socio-economic status and dietary habits between the groups, whereas the negligible estimated secular changes in height between groups likely reflected economic, social, and nutritional conditions during the interval of British rule and the transition to independence.

Clinical analysis of a new multifunctional instrument set for gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy with two different approaches

BackgroundFollowing the rapid development of endoscopic thyroidectomy techniques, various surgical procedures have been developed (e.g., transoral, submandibular, areolar, axillary, retroauricular, and combined procedures), and each of these procedures has its own advantages. In recent years, gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy has emerged as a feasible procedure, and it has replaced traditional CO2 insufflation approaches because of advantages such as stable cavity construction, pollution reduction, resource saving, and risk reduction. However, each gasless procedure requires special instruments for cavity construction, and this results in enormous wastage of medical resources. In the present study, we introduced a set of instruments developed by our team. This set of instruments is designed to be compatible with the current gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy approaches, including transoral, submandibular, transareolar, transaxillary, retroauricular, combined, and lateral cervical lymph node dissection. Here, we introduced this set of instruments for two gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures (transaxillary and transareolar). Following the incorporation of this set of instruments in regular clinical practice, it could be used for more gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures in the future.ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the self-developed instruments for gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy in two different approaches.MethodsA total of 180 patients diagnosed to have papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) between January 2020 and April 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The patients were assigned to a gasless transaxillary group (group A) and a gasless transareolar group (group B). The same gasless endoscopic-assisted instruments were used for both groups. The clinical characteristics, treatment results, and complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsAll 180 patients were successfully operated. The extent of surgical resection in all patients was the same: “unilateral glandular lobectomy + isthmus combined with ipsilateral central zone lymph node dissection.” There were 130 and 50 patients in group A and group B, respectively; one patient in the former group was converted to open surgery due to intraoperative bleeding. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and proportion of concomitant Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (P > 0.05). The establishment of cavity time was significantly longer in group A than in group B (35.62 ± 5.07 min vs. 17.46 ± 2.55 min, P < 0.01). The number of lymph nodes cleared was slightly less in group A than in group B (4.06 ± 2.93 vs. 4.52 ± 2.38, P = 0.07). Moreover, the two groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the total operative time (145.54 ± 45.11 min vs. 143.06 ± 46.70 min), tumor size (0.68 ± 0.46 cm vs. 0.71 ± 0.49 cm), postoperative hospital stay (4.08 ± 1.48 days vs. 3.72 ± 1.07 days), vocal cord paralysis [4 (3.1%) vs. 2 (4%)], postoperative swallowing discomfort [24 (18.5%) vs. 5 (10%)], and postoperative recurrence and satisfaction scores (3.27 ± 1.52 vs. 3.28 ± 1.53).ConclusionAlthough the two approaches of gasless endoscopic surgery have different operative paths and different time periods for cavity construction, both approaches are similar in terms of the principle of cavity construction, safe and reliable postoperative efficacy, and good cosmetic effect. Therefore, the same set of instruments can be used to complete the surgery in both approaches, thus saving medical resources and facilitating the popularization of this technology.

Photographic ways of seeing: corporeal defamiliarizations within the mirror medium

This visual essay investigates two photographic techniques to challenge pre-existing notions of the human body that are derived from people’s locally consistent set of beliefs about bodily proportions, shapes and functions. These techniques centre around the mirror as the medium to investigate peculiar visual representations that take aim at normative concepts of what constitutes the human. The essay includes selective images of defamiliarized bodies that the author has photographed within a studio environment and that are applied within the Freudian context of the Uncanny to convey how humans seek familiarity, which is inherited through lived experience as a form of solace in the face of unfamiliarity. The mirror, with its paradoxical nature as a device of reflection, captures both the reality and its representation in a single image, or of presence and absence, allowing for the defamiliarization of the body. The essay provides an explanation of how this is achieved, demonstrating the mirror’s potential to expand visual representation beyond the limitations of the body itself.

Associations of CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene with steroid hormone levels and anthropometrics among men: the role of the ethnic factor.

Androgens are required for stimulation and maintenance of skeletal growth and bone homeostasis. Physiological functions of androgens are mediated through the androgen receptor (AR). The androgen receptor gene AR has a polymorphic trinucleotide CAG repeat and the length of AR CAG repeats determining the sensitivity of bone tissue to androgens is associated with skeleton formation and body proportions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AR CAG repeat polymorphism, circulating sex steroid hormones and the anthropometrics in males of different ethnic origins. Male volunteers of three ethnic groups (Slavs, Buryats, Yakuts) from urban Russian populations were recruited in a population-based study (n = 1078). Anthropometric indicators (height, arm span, leg length, the length of 2 and 4 digits of both hands) were measured and the following anthropometric indices were calculated: the ratio of height to leg length, the ratio of arm span to height, the ratio of lengths of second to fourth digit of the hand. Serum testosterone and estradiol were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Genotyping of the AR CAG repeats was performed using fragment analysis and capillary electrophoresis. Ethnic differences in all anthropometric and hormonal indicators have been established, with higher anthropometric indicators in Slavs than Buryats, and in most cases higher than in Yakuts. The testosterone level was higher among Slavs compared to Buryats, but did not differ from Yakuts; the estradiol level was lower among Slavs compared to Buryats, who did not differ from Yakuts. Buryats and Yakuts had a higher number of CAG repeats than Slavs (medians: Slavs, 23; Buryats, 24; Yakuts, 25). Positive correlations were found between the length of AR CAG repeats and estradiol levels in Buryats and testosterone levels in Yakuts, while longer CAG repeats were accompanied by higher estradiol levels in Buryats and testosterone levels in Slavs and Yakuts. Ethnic-specific correlations have been established between the steroid hormone levels and some anthropometric indicators in all ethnic groups. Available data suggest that the ethnic-specific associations of AR CAG repeats with anthropometrics can be mediated by sex steroid hormones as important regulators of skeletal growth and bone homeostasis.

Study of height, sitting height, lower extremity length, and the prevalence of short stature among elementary school students in the Tianyuan District of Zhuzhou City.

In this study, the height, sitting height, lower extremity length, growth status, and body proportions of elementary school students aged 6 to 12 years in Tianyuan District of Zhuzhou City, China, were analyzed. A total of 41,156 children from 38 elementary schools in the Tianyuan District of Zhuzhou City were selected for height measurement, employing the cluster sampling method. After the cluster data were obtained, the height and sitting height information were extracted, and calculations were performed for lower extremity length, sitting height-to-lower extremity length ratio, and sitting height-to-height ratio. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 23.0 software. The height and sitting height measurements of boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years in Tianyuan District surpassed the 2005 national standard set for 9 cities, while the lower extremities of children within the 7 to 9 age range fell below the national standard. In alignment with the national average, the fitted curve representing height for both boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years in Tianyuan District exhibited an intersection point around 10 to 10.5 years. No discernible distinction was observed in the incidence of short stature, as analyzed through the P3 standard, between the fitted curve for Tianyuan District and the national standard. Moreover, tall children exhibited a significantly lower sitting height-to-height ratio compared to their shorter counterparts. The fitted height curve in Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou City, proves effective in discerning shorter-statured children within the region. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to elucidate the factors contributing to the comparatively shorter lower extremities observed in children from Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou City, in contrast to the national average.

The Relative Contribution of Facial and Body Information to the Perception of Cuteness.

Faces and bodies both provide cues to age and cuteness, but little work has explored their interaction in cuteness perception. This study examines the interplay of facial and bodily cues in the perception of cuteness, particularly when these cues convey conflicting age information. Participants rated the cuteness of face-body composites that combined either a child or adult face with an age-congruent or incongruent body alongside manipulations of the head-to-body height ratio (HBR). The findings from two experiments indicated that child-like facial features enhanced the perceived cuteness of adult bodies, while child-like bodily features generally had negative impacts. Furthermore, the results showed that an increased head size significantly boosted the perceived cuteness for child faces more than for adult faces. Lastly, the influence of the HBR was more pronounced when the outline of a body's silhouette was the only available information compared to when detailed facial and bodily features were presented. This study suggests that body proportion information, derived from the body's outline, and facial and bodily features, derived from the interior surface, are integrated to form a unitary representation of a whole person in cuteness perception. Our findings highlight the dominance of facial features over bodily information in cuteness perception, with facial attributes serving as key references for evaluating face-body relationships and body proportions. This research offers significant insights into social cognition and character design, particularly in how people perceive entities with mixed features of different social categories, underlining the importance of congruency in perceptual elements.

Ecomorphology of the Locomotor Apparatus in the Genus Cyrtodactylus (Gekkota, Squamata)

Adaptive radiations garner considerable interest from evolutionary biologists. Lizard radiations diversifying along structural niche space often exhibit distinct changes in body and limb proportions. One prediction is that terrestrial species inhabiting open habitats will have relatively longer hindlimbs, associated with faster running speeds, while scansorial species will have relatively shorter limbs to keep the centre of mass closer to the substratum. Alternatively, terrestrial species in densely vegetated habitats could benefit from relatively shorter limbs to prevent entanglement with more frequently encountered obstacles, whereas scansorial species could benefit from longer limbs promoting greater limb spans and static stability. Cyrtodactylus, an ecologically diverse gekkonid genus, includes numerous specialists with narrow structural niches, but the degree of morphological diversification exhibited by these specialists is largely unknown. We investigated associations between locomotor morphology and structural microhabitat use in Cyrtodactylus to test if either of the opposing predictions can be corroborated for this radiation. We measured body length and relative limb dimensions of 87 species, covering multiple independent transitions among structural microhabitat preferences. Using these data, we reconstructed the phylomorphospace and tested for associations between structural microhabitat niche and limb morphology. We found strong separation between structural niche groups in accordance with the second hypothesis, although overlap is evident among functionally related niches such as those of granite and karst specialists.

Trilobite moulting behaviour variability had little association with body proportions

Trilobite moulting behaviour variability had little association with body proportions

Preservation of breast ligamentous structures in mastopexy: achieving aesthetic excellence with minimal complications

Background: Breast ptosis has traditionally been addressed through mastopexy techniques, but there is an increasing focus on preserving breast anatomy to minimize complications. This includes conserving critical ligamentous and fascial structures, considering that traditional techniques may lead to loss of support and adverse outcomes. Objective: The study aims to introduce a novel mastopexy technique that prioritizes ligament preservation, with the option to include breast implants, emphasizing patient safety and exceptional aesthetic outcomes. Design: The study design included a descriptive statistical analysis of a novel mastopexy technique applied to 138 patients with a minimum 1-year follow up, performed by a single surgeon in San José, Costa Rica, from August 2020 to September 2022. Preoperative measurements, breast implant data, and postoperative outcomes were described. Results: A total of 138 patients who underwent preservation mastopexy were analyzed. The median age was 39 years (interquartile range [IQR] 33 – 45) with a 28-month median follow-up. Preoperative measurements included a median nipple-to-inframammary fold distance of 9.5 cm (IQR 8 – 11) and a base diameter of 10.5 cm (IQR 10 – 11). Major complications included one readmission for hematoma drainage (0.7%), no major flap or nipple loss, and minor issues involving dog ears (1.4%) and hypertrophic scars (1.4%) requiring revisions. No seroma or implant-related complications were reported. Discussion: This study’s innovative mastopexy technique prioritizing breast ligament preservation, with or without adjunctive implants, achieved excellent aesthetics and low complications. This approach, aligned with personalized breast surgery principles, demonstrates the significance of preserving ligamentous support and natural breast architecture. Safety concerns were effectively addressed, emphasizing the technique’s ability to reduce adverse events, substantiated by statistical evidence and earlier studies. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a low complication rate and favorable aesthetic outcomes with a novel mastopexy technique that prioritizes breast ligament preservation. It utilizes breast implants when needed as an addendum to preexisting breast tissue, basing its selection on objective measurements and overall body proportions.

VITAMIN D, CALCIUM, AND PHOSPHORUS STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA

Introduction. Children with spina bifida (SB) are at the highest risk of developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including vitamin D, due to a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged indoor stays, and dietary peculiarities. The aim of our study was to determine the dietary intakes of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in children with spina bifida and the concentration of these nutrients in the serum of children with SB. Materials and Methods. The study included 20 children aged 2 to 17 years with congenital neural tube defect (spina bifida). The control group consisted of 67 healthy children aged 6 to 17 years. To determine the dietary intakes of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, children or their parents were surveyed using a questionnaire containing questions about the amount of consumption of certain food products over the week. The total amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in the weekly diet were calculated, as well as their average daily intakes with food and overall. The concentration of 25-OH vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in the blood serum was determined using an enzyme immunoassay. Results. Among the examined children with SB, girls predominated (70.0%). Physical development delay and undernutrition were identified in 3 (15.0%), overweight - in 6 (30.0%) children. Most children with SB exhibited clinical manifestations of mineral metabolism disorders: body proportion disturbances (55.0%), posture disorders (40.0%), scoliosis and/or chest deformity (50.0%), caries (40.0%). Despite the presence of dairy, meat, and fish products in the weekly diet of all children with SB, their quantity was insufficient to meet the daily needs for vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Inadequate intake of vitamin D from food occurred in 70.0% of children, calcium deficiency in 90.0%, phosphorus deficiency in 80.0%, with the alimentary provision of calcium and phosphorus in children with SB being significantly lower than in healthy children (p=0.0027 and p=0.0047, respectively). Optimal levels of vitamin D in the blood serum were observed in only 10.0% of children with SB, which was twice less than in healthy children, while its deficiency was observed 1.5 times more often in children with SB than in healthy children. Half of the patients with SB had reduced calcium levels, and 70.0% had reduced phosphorus levels. Conclusions. The study results demonstrate a wide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency (in 90.0%), calcium and phosphorus deficiency in children with SB, indicating the need for additional intake of these nutrients alongside dietary and lifestyle corrections. Further research on a larger cohort of patients with supplementation regimens is necessary to reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life for children with SB.

Evaluation of upper airway ultrasonographic measurements in predicting difficult intubation: A cross-section of the Turkish population.

Studies have shown that there are differences in clinical evaluation parameters and difficult intubation rates among different ethnic populations. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of upper airway clinical and ultrasonographic measurement methods in Turkish population. Our study is a single-center, prospective, observational study conducted with 402 patients. All patients underwent clinical airway measurements which are routinely used in pre-anesthetic evaluation. In addition, ultrasonographic anterior neck soft tissue thickness measurements of each patient were made and recorded. Among the clinical measurements, we found the neck circumference/thyromental distance (TMD) ratio to be significant with a cut-off value of 5.5 and a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 88.3%, while among the ultrasonographic anterior neck measurements, we found the skin-epiglottic distance to be the most sensitive measurement. We found that there was a positive relationship between the neck circumference/TMD ratio and skin-epiglottis. In our study, we found that routine measurement methods used in airway examination alone are not sufficient, and measurements that take into account the body proportions of the patients, such as the neck circumference/TMD ratio and the ultrasonographic evaluations are more useful in predicting difficult intubation.

Delayed Puberty, Eroticism, and Sense of Smell, a Psychological Study of Economic and Social Consequences (Kallmann’s Syndrome): A Rare Case Report

ABSTRACT Kallmann syndrome is defined as the association of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia or hyposmia caused by abnormal migration of olfactory axons and neurons producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone. It is a nonlife-threatening disease with relatively good treatment. However, the effects of the condition persist throughout the affected individuals’ lifetimes, leading to significant economic and social consequences. A man presented with eunuchoid body proportions complains about the size of his penis, absence of hair throughout the body, micropenis, and small testicles. Associated findings included hyposmia and a high-pitched voice. The patient experiences psychosexual impacts as a result of this illness. The patient could not undergo treatment to alleviate his genital size concern due to financial constraints as the treatment was not covered by government insurance.

Морфологічна диференціація Anura (Amphibia) у пізньому онтогенезі: аналіз популяцій Rana temporaria з регіону Карпат

The study is devoted to the morphological features of the common frog of the Carpathian region of Ukraine, namely the expression, directionality and structure of sexual differences of this species. The work uses data obtained as a result of the processing of the scientific collection of Rana temporaria (Linnaeus, 1758) from the territory of the Ukrainian Carpathians (Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zakarpattia oblasts), which is housed at the National Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv). A total of 381 common frog specimens were studied—233 males (L = 24.6–84.5 mm) and 148 females (L = 23.2–94.2 mm). It is shown that individual differences in linear dimensions and body proportions in a sample of common frog males and females are structured and clearly reflect the morphological differentiation of individuals according to the age criterion. In the late ontogenesis of the common frog, generalised sex-related differences extend with the increasing age of individuals: in juveniles SqMD = 2.36, in subadults SqMD = 4.77, and in adults SqMD = 22.08. At the same time, not only does the expression of sex-related differences increase, but also their orientation changes significantly. According to our data, this year’s juveniles (juvenis) are individuals that did not winter at all (0+). At the same time, males are reliably (t = 4.50; p &lt; 0.001) larger in body length (24.6–37.5 mm; Lmean = 29.87 mm) than females (23.2–32.7 mm; Lmean = 26.40 mm). But already in the group of semi-adult (subadultus) frogs, the orientation of sexual dimorphism in terms of body length changes completely—females are reliably larger than males, which is even more pronounced in adult, sexually mature individuals. Males of tailless amphibians grow and physiologically mature faster than females, so they begin to reproduce 1–2 years earlier. Females, which grow more slowly and mature later, join the reproduction having a larger size and older age. It is shown that sexual differences begin to form in the subadultus group. The generalised differences (SqMD) by sex are significantly smaller than by age. Adult sexually mature females compared to males are characterised by larger values of 18 body parameters, except for shoulder length (H.) and elbow joint diameter (Cr.a.c.), which are most reliably larger in males. These features of the proportions of the limbs provide the male with reliable holding of the female during mating (amplexus).

Final height in a boy with achondroplasia treated with growth hormone- case report

Achondroplasia is the most common genetic form of skeletal dysplasia in humans. It is characterized by short stature and skeletal disproportion. Patients with this condition have comorbidities, such as cardiovascular problems, spinal cord problems, hearing and dental problems as well as psychological issues. We report final height of 147 cm in a 17-year-old boy treated with growth hormone, however without improvement in body proportions. Surgical therapy for limb lengthening had been proposed, which the patient refused. At this age he developed hypertension and was referred to a cardiologist, nephrologist, as well as to an orthopedic surgeon and psychologist. Recently, a new treatment with vosoritide has been introduced, promising better height outcome, but uncertain phenotype improvement. Multidisciplinary approach is recommended for these patients and close monitoring during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Genetic counseling is also advised.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Assessment of the health status and pharmacological treatment of neonates with osteogenesis imperfecta – 20-year single-centre observations

Introduction and objective: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a heritable bone dysplasia resulting in reduced bone mineral density. Fractures of long bones, which are the dominant symptom of osteogenesis imperfecta, can be diagnosed already in foetal life. Multiple fractures are associated with severe pain, which may cause deterioration of the newborn’s general condition, respiratory and circulatory disorders, and reduced general motor activity. The aim of the study was to summarise the experience resulting from many years of care and treatment of neonates with osteogenesis imperfecta types II and III. Materials and methods: The study included 53 newborns with osteogenesis imperfecta hospitalised at the Department of Paediatrics, Newborn Pathology and Bone Metabolic Diseases in the years 2001–2021. All children underwent a babygram and an assessment of their health status, including calcium and phosphorus metabolism parameters. Results: In 67.3% of cases, the mother was informed before delivery that she would give birth to a sick child. The general condition of the newborns was moderately severe to severe in 43.4%. Physical examination revealed abnormal body proportions related to previous fractures in 98.1% of patients, including long bones of limbs. More than 10 fresh bone fractures were diagnosed in 34% of children. Conclusions: Prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta indicates its severe course (multiple fractures) in the neonatal period. Therefore, it requires care in a specialised centre that will provide safe, symptomatic pharmacological treatment (bisphosphonates) to reduce both pain and the risk of further bone fractures.

Women have stronger legs and other side-effects of human body proportions.

Women have stronger legs and other side-effects of human body proportions.

Morphologic Differentiation of the Exotic Parasitoid Eupelmus pulchriceps (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) in the Galapagos Archipelago

The historical and geographical properties of the archipelagos allow a detailed study of species diversification, and phenotypic traits can indicate the extent of such processes. Eupelmus pulchriceps (Cameron, 1904) is an exotic species to the Galapagos archipelago, and generalist parasitoid that attacks a beetle species that consumes the seeds of the invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. Despite extensive sampling, the wasp is recorded only in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Thus, using 112 female wasps, we compare body size, proportion, and allometric differentiations within and between the two islands. There were no body size differences between islands. A PerMANOVA indicates differences between the islands and a single differentiation between two localities of one island. Allometric differences between islands were not the same for all structures. These results are consistent with the greater distance between islands than between localities and suggest a differentiation process. The variables with allometric differentiation are associated with wings and ovipositor, possibly responding to different ecological pressures. It is interesting that this parasitoid, recently arrived at the archipelago, is already showing differentiation. Also, it is essential to monitor the behavior of these wasps in the archipelago, given their potential to access other species affecting the trophic interactions of the local biota.

Міжвидові та статеві відмінності за морфометричними ознаками у п’яти видів дроздів роду Turdus (TURDIDAE, AVES)

The data presented in this article is the first complex ecomorphological study of five close species of thrushes of the genus Turdus (T. pilaris, T. merula, T. iliacus, T. philomelos, and T. viscivorus). For the first time, on the basis of representative materials and using me­thods of univariate and multivariate statistics, the main forms of group variability and adaptive divergence were studied in the five species of Turdus. Interspecific and sexual differences in morphometric characters were also analyzed. In total, 124 museum specimens were processed, which were collected in the territory of the Ukrainian Polissia: fieldfare – 28 individuals (17 ♂, 11 ♀), song thrush – 27 individuals (14 ♂, 13 ♀), mistle thrush – 25 individuals (12 ♂, 13 ♀), blackbird – 25 individuals (12 ♂, 13 ♀), and redwing – 19 individuals (13 ♂, 6 ♀). It has been revealed that, according to the total body size, the five thrush species studied differentiate into groups of small (redwing and song thrush), medium (blackbird), and large (fieldfare and mistle thrush) species. The blackbird has the most unique body proportions, with a relatively large head, long beak, but shorter wing length. It is shown that sexual differences on the background of interspecific differences are practically not expressed in the five studied species. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that interspecific differences in linear body size are much larger than sexual differences. The mistle thrush and redwing differ the most in linear body size (DE = 51.0–60.4). The smallest differences are observed between the redwing and song thrush (DE = 10.1–15.1), as well as between the mistle thrush and fieldfare (DE = 8.1–16.4). Compared to the other four species, the blackbird has relatively longer head and, especially, beak, but shorter wing. In our opinion, these features in the body proportions of the blackbird are related to its life-style, and mainly to feeding specifics. According to the results of factor analysis, the first two principal components (PC1, PC2) quite fully (90.16 % of the total variance) describe the variation of the 14 morphometric characters in females and males of the five thrush species. The relatively high values of factor loadings of all characters on PC1 (-0.82…-0.98) indicate the consistency of their variability.