Height Categories Research Articles

Reference indices for evaluating kidney dimensions in children using anthropometric measurements.

BackgroundKidney pathologies often result in change in renal size. Knowledge of normal kidney sizes is important for screening, diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up management of paediatric renal diseases.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to establish the age-, height- and weight-matched kidney dimensions in apparently healthy Nigerian children.MethodA descriptive, cross-sectional study of right and left kidney parameters (length, width, thickness and volume) of 1315 school-aged Nigerian children was conducted over 8 months. Ages ranged from 5 to 17 years. Parameters were obtained using a General Electric (GE) LOGIC 400CL ultrasound machine. Kidney dimensions were correlated with age, sex and anthropometric measurements.ResultsNormative values for all the kidney parameters for each age, height and weight groups and also gender were established for the study population. The left kidneys were noted to be longer and thicker, and of more volume than the right kidneys. The right kidneys were seen to be wider (p < 0.01). Length of the left kidneys in females was noted to be more than those of the males in the age- and weight-matched categories (p < 0.05). The width of both kidneys was higher in the males in all the categories (p < 0.05). Males showed higher values of thickness and volume in the height category. All the renal parameters significantly correlated with body size indicators, except for body mass index.ConclusionThis study has established gender-, age-, weight- and height-specific range of values of the kidney parameters of apparently healthy children together with regression models.

From structure to function in mutualistic interaction networks: Topologically important frugivores have greater potential as seed dispersers.

Networks of mutualistic interactions between animals and plants are considered a pivotal part of ecological communities. However, mutualistic networks are rarely studied from the perspective of species-specific roles, and it remains to be established whether those animal species more relevant for network structure also contribute more to the ecological functions derived from interactions. Here, we relate the contribution to seed dispersal of vertebrate species with their topological role in frugivore-plant interaction networks. For one year in two localities with remnant patches of Colombian tropical dry forest, we sampled abundance, morphology, behaviour and fruit consumption from fleshy-fruited plants of various frugivore species. We assessed the network topological role of each frugivore species by integrating their degree of generalization in interactions with plants with their contributions to network nestedness and modularity. We estimated the potential contribution of each frugivore species to community-wide seed dispersal, on the basis of a set of frugivore ecological, morphological and behavioural characteristics important for seed dispersal, together with frugivore abundance and frugivory degree. The various frugivore species showed strong differences in their network structural roles, with generalist species contributing the most to network modularity and nestedness. Frugivores also showed strong variability in terms of potential contribution to seed dispersal, depending on the specific combinations of frugivore abundance, frugivory degree and the different traits and behaviours. For both localities, the seed dispersal potential of a frugivore species responded positively to its contribution to network structure, evidencing that the most important frugivore species in the network topology were also those making the strongest contribution as seed dispersers. Contribution to network structure was correlated with frugivore abundance, diet and behavioural characteristics. This suggests that the species-level link between structure and function is due to the fact that the occurrence of frugivore-plant interactions depends largely on the characteristics of the frugivore involved, which also condition its ultimate role in seed dispersal.

Estimating the effect of geometric features of side traffic barriers on crash severity of interstate roads in Wyoming

Past roadside safety studies mostly evaluated the impact of traffic barrier geometric features using simulation tools or by conducting field crash tests. While past simulation and field crash tests could present important findings for upgrading the geometric design of traffic barriers, there is still a gap regarding conducting an actual data analysis on side traffic barriers crashes with regards to their geometric dimensions. This paper aims at filling this gap by combining a statewide dataset of side traffic barrier geometric features with historical crashes on interstate roads in Wyoming. Therefore, geometric features including system height, post-spacing, lateral offset (from the edge of pavement), and side-slope of over 150 miles of side traffic barriers were inventoried by conducting a field survey on interstate roads in Wyoming. For the statistical analysis, a random-parameters ordered logit model was utilized to investigate variables impacting crash severity of side traffic barriers. It was found that system height could significantly impact the crash severity of side box beam barriers. Box beam barriers with a system height between 25 and 31 in. were identified to be less severe in comparison to other height categories, while showing minimum risks of severe crashes in the system height of 29−31 in.. On the other hand, box beam barriers with a height taller than 31 in. may increase crash severity.

Are all fauna associated with the same structural features of the foundation species Triodia scariosa?

AbstractFoundation species are species that play important roles in structuring ecological communities. Therefore, conservation managers often aim to promote foundation species. However, it can be unclear which features of foundation species ought to be the focus of management. We studied hummock‐forming grasses in the genus Triodia. Triodia grasses are considered foundation species because they create complex structures used by many fauna species. Although conservation managers often aim to promote extent cover of Triodia, this is only likely to be optimal for species most strongly associated with extent cover or other structural features strongly correlated with extent cover. We tested (i) whether ‘extent cover’ is the most appropriate way to characterise Triodia as habitat and (ii) whether fauna are associated with any non‐Triodia structures. We studied the Triodia structure associations of one mammal, two birds and five reptiles associated with Triodia scariosa at 524 sites in the Murray‐Mallee, Australia (Ningaui yvonneae, Amytornis striatus, Stipiturus mallee, Ctenophorus fordi, Ctenotus atlas, Ctenotus inornatus, Delma australis and Delma butleri). We used site‐level presence–absence data and vegetation structure data to compare parsimony of models built using four Triodia structural features: extent cover, mean height, mean width and mean volume. We also included non‐Triodia vegetation structures in the model selection: extent cover of leaf litter, shrubs and trees. We divided structural features related to extent cover into categories according to their heights. One species was most closely associated with mean Triodia height; one species with mean Triodia width and six species with extent cover of Triodia, although here, Triodia height categories differed between species. Five species were also associated with shrubs or trees. Extent cover of Triodia was generally an appropriate measure of Triodia structure. Nevertheless, we found variation between species. When characterising the structure of foundation species, we recommend testing faunal associations with multiple structural features.

Predictor index of functional limb length discrepancy.

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) of lower extremities is underdiagnosed due to compensatory mechanisms during locomotion. The natural course of compensation leads to biomechanical alteration in human musculoskeletal system leading to adverse effects. General consensus accepts LLD more than 2 cm as significant to cause biomechanical alteration. No studies were conducted correlating height and lower extremities true length (TL) to signify LLD. Examining significant LLD in relation to height and TL using dynamic gait analysis with primary focus on kinematics and secondary focus on kinetics would provide an objective evaluation method. Forty participants with no evidence of LLD were recruited. Height and TL were measured. Reflective markers were attached at specific points in lower extremity and subjects walked in gait lab at a self-selected normal walking pace with artificial LLDs of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 cm simulated using shoe raise. Accommodation period of 30 min was given. Infrared cameras were used to capture the motion. Primary kinematic (knee flexion and pelvic obliquity (PO)) and secondary kinetic (ground reaction force (GRF)) were measured at right heel strike and left heel strike. Functional adaptation was analyzed and the postulated predictor indices (PIs) were used as a screening tool using height, LLD, and TL to notify significance. There was a significant knee flexion component seen in height category of less than 170 cm. There was significant difference between LLD 3 cm and 4 cm. No significant changes were seen in PO and GRF. PIs of LLD/height and LLD/TL were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve. LLD/height as a PI with value of 1.75 was determined with specificity of 80% and sensitivity of 76%. A height of less than 170 cm has significant changes in relation to LLD. PI using LLD/height appears to be a promising tool to identify patients at risk.

Modelo para predecir biomasa foliar seca de Litsea parvifolia (Hemsl.) Mez.

Litsea parvifolia es un arbusto, perenne de la familia Lauraceae, cuya biomasa foliar es su componente principal. Sus hojas se aprovechan y comercializan en el sureste de Saltillo y alrededores. En fresco, tiene uso culinario y medicinal; en seco, como condimento. Con el propósito de generar información básica para la regulación de su aprovechamiento, se planteó seleccionar un modelo alométrico para predecir la biomasa foliar seca y elaborar una tabla de producción para arbustos en pie. Se evaluaron algunas poblaciones naturales, en las que se registró la altura total (H) y diámetro promedio (Dp) de todos los individuos en pie y se determinó la biomasa foliar seca (Bfs). Se probaron nueve modelos alométricos mediante el procedimiento PROC MODEL en SAS 9.4, para elegir aquel con el mayor coeficiente de determinación ajustado (); el valor más bajo en la raíz cuadrada media del error (), en el coeficiente de variación () y en la suma de cuadrados de los residuales (SCR); además de la significancia de sus parámetros (). El Dp y la H se correlacionaron con la Bfs. El modelo Schumacher-Hall no lineal es confiable estadísticamente (p &lt; 0.0001), registra los mejores estadísticos, con presencia de heteroscedasticidad, efecto corregido con regresión ponderada con estructura de varianza (Dp2H)-0.5, una R2Aj. de 0.82, Sxy de 18.41 g y un CV de 44.93 %. El modelo puede usarse para predecir la producción de Bfs en sitios con características ecológicas similares al área de estudio.

Influence of Site-Specific Conditions on Estimation of Forest above Ground Biomass from Airborne Laser Scanning

Forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is an important variable in assessing carbon stock or ecosystem functioning, as well as for forest management. Among methods of forest AGB estimation laser scanning attracts attention because it allows for detailed measurements of forest structure. Here we evaluated variables that influence forest AGB estimation from airborne laser scanning (ALS), specifically characteristics of ALS inputs and of a derived canopy height model (CHM), and role of allometric equations (local vs. global models) relating tree height, stem diameter (DBH), and crown radius. We used individual tree detection approach and analyzed forest inventory together with ALS data acquired for 11 stream catchments with dominant Norway spruce forest cover in the Czech Republic. Results showed that the ALS input point densities (4–18 pt/m2) did not influence individual tree detection rates. Spatial resolution of the input CHM rasters had a greater impact, resulting in higher detection rates for CHMs with pixel size 0.5 m than 1.0 m for all tree height categories. In total 12 scenarios with different allometric equations for estimating stem DBH from ALS-derived tree height were used in empirical models for AGB estimation. Global DBH models tend to underestimate AGB in young stands and overestimate AGB in mature stands. Using different allometric equations can yield uncertainty in AGB estimates of between 16 and 84 tons per hectare, which in relative values corresponds to between 6% and 37% of the mean AGB per catchment. Therefore, allometric equations (mainly for DBH estimation) should be applied with care and we recommend, if possible, to establish one’s own site-specific models. If that is not feasible, the global allometric models developed here, from a broad variety of spruce forest sites, can be potentially applicable for the Central European region.

The Predictive Role of Raw Bioelectrical Impedance Parameters in Water Compartments and Fluid Distribution Assessed by Dilution Techniques in Athletes.

The aims of this study were to analyze the usefulness of raw bioelectrical impedance (BI) parameters in assessing water compartments and fluid distribution in athletes. A total of 202 men and 71 female athletes were analyzed. Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were determined by dilution techniques, while intracellular water (ICW) was calculated. Fluid distribution was calculated as the ECW/ICW ratio (E:I). Phase angle (PhA), resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) were obtained through BI spectroscopy using frequency 50kHz. Fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After adjusting for height, FM, FFM, age and sports category we observed that: PhA predicted ICW (females: β = 1.62, p < 0.01; males: β = 2.70, p < 0.01) and E:I (males and females: β = −0.08; p < 0.01); R explained TBW (females: β = −0.03; p < 0.01; males: β = −0.06; p < 0.01) and ECW (females: β = –0.02, p < 0.01; males: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) and ICW (females: β = –0.01, p < 0.053; males: β = –0.03 p < 0.01); and Xc predicted ECW (females: β = −0.06, p < 0.01; males: β = −0.12, p < 0.01). A higher PhA is a good predictor of a larger ICW pool and a lower E:I, regardless of body composition, age, height, and sports category. Lower R is associated with higher water pools whereas ECW expansion is explained by lower Xc. Raw BI parameters are useful predictors of total and extracellular pools, cellular hydration and fluid distribution in athletes.

Research on Electromagnetic Scattering Characteristics of Combined Conducting and Dielectric Target Above Coastal Environment

The electromagnetic (EM) scattering characteristics of target above coastal environment are complicated due to the simultaneous existence of ground region and sea region. Nevertheless, the actual target possesses both conducting part and dielectric part. Such a composite scattering problem involves multiple media parameters and large amount of unknowns. Hence, aiming at accurately and efficiently calculating the EM scattering from combined conducting and dielectric target above coastal environment, the hybrid SIE-KA method is introduced in which single integral equation (SIE) method is utilized to reduce the number of combined target's unknowns and Kirchhoff approximation (KA) is applied to obtain induced electric and magnetic current on the surface of coastal environment. Moreover, multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) is adopted to significantly reduce the computational cost and memory requirement. Several numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the hybrid method. Finally, the EM scattering characteristics of combined conducting and dielectric target above coastal environment have been studied. The radar cross section (RCS) curves with different category of environment, polarization mode, working frequency, statistic parameters of coastal environment, permittivity of target's dielectric part, target's height and target category have been analyzed in detail to provide some useful conclusions. The approach and results can be broadly applied in remote sensing simulation of coastal environment with combined target.

InSAR-Based Tree Height Estimation of Hilly Forest Using Multitemporal Radarsat-1 and Sentinel-1 SAR Data

This article presents estimation and validation of tree heights extracted from synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) digital elevation model (DEM). InSAR technique was used to generate DEM in terms of top of the canopy digital surface model (TCDSM). Multitemporal Radarsat-1 InSAR data pair of February 12, 2004 and March 7, 2004 and Sentinel-1 data pair of December 9, 2017 and December 21, 2017 were used. The TCDSM values at ground truth locations were subtracted from the DEM obtained at forest gap areas (i.e., forest floor elevation). The satellite-derived TCDSM-based tree height was compared with the ground observed data. For this purpose, an experiment in Tundi Reserved Forest, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India was conducted using global positioning system and altimeter. The study area is a hilly forest tract dominated by Shorea robusta (Sal) with average height of 12 m. Total 275 numbers of trees were selected at 11 locations in different elevation strata. Ground truth locations were also selected on the basis of variability, tree height categories, and accessibility in the area. It was noticed that mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) between in situ and estimated heights for Radarsat-1 were 1.48 and 1.53 m, respectively, whereas for Sentinel-1 in 2017, MAE and RMSE were 1.3 and 1.34 m, respectively, with strong correlation of >80%.

Weight and height separated provide better understanding than BMI on the risk of revision after total knee arthroplasty: report of 107,228 primary total knee arthroplasties from the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register 2009–2017

Background and purpose — Obesity defined as increased BMI is commonly associated with higher revision rates following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We examined the effect of BMI on the rate of revision after TKA, for both infection and other reasons, and analyzed weight and height separately to provide better understanding of the risk profile.Patients and methods — The Swedish national knee arthroplasty register was used to identify 107,228 patients operated with primary TKA for osteoarthritis between 2009 and 2017. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BMI (categories: < 18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, 35–39.9, ≥ 40), weight (categories: < 65, 65–89, 90–114, ≥ 115 kg) and height (categories: < 160, 160–179, ≥ 180 cmResults — There were 2,503 revisions in the follow-up period; 1,036 for infection and 1,467 for other reasons. Higher BMI and weight categories were associated with a similar and statistically significantly increased risk of revision for all causes and for infection. The risk of revision for infection was almost twice in the highest BMI and highest weight group: HR = 3.4 (CI 2.3–4.7) and HR = 3.1 (CI 2.5–3.9) respectively. For BMI and weight categories there was no statistically significant association between revision for other reasons than infection, contrary to the tallest height category where it was statistically significant (HR = 1.3 [CI 1.1–1.5]).Interpretation — BMI, weight, and height may be associated with different types of risks for revision following TKA.

Mining as a catalyst of overgrazing resulting in risk of forest retreat, Erdenet Mongolia

This paper provides information on long-term suppression of natural forest regeneration due to the livestock grazing in the vicinity of one of the world largest open-pit ore mine close the city of Erdenet in Mongolia. The area is characterized by high concentration of herder’s households where the 52% were found only up to 1 km distance from the forest edge. Forest grazing causes extensive damage to seedlings and significant reduction of their growth. Within the 30–99 cm height category, up to 61% Larix sibirica, 90% Betula platyphylla and 68% Populus tremula individuals are grazingdamaged. L. sibirica and P. tremula seedlings with heights over 99 cm were absent, and no individuals of any species were found within 136–200 cm height category. In addition to the seedlings, only 7 or more meters high L. sibirica individuals are found in the forest structure, which means the absence of successfully growing forest regeneration for at least 40 years. In 2017, the defoliation of L. sibirica, reaching locally up to 100%, occurred in the stands east of the mine. Total defoliation represents a high risk of mortality of affected individuals. The stands cannot be successfully regenerated under the conditions of current intensive grazing. Mine metal stocks are calculated to provide for at least another 25 years of mining. Over that time, neither significant population decline nor decreasing grazing pressure on forests can be expected. If effective protection measures are not implemented, there is a risk of transforming threatened forest into steppe.

The relationship between adult height and diabetes in India: A countrywide cross-sectional study.

One major aspect of the epidemiological transition happening in India is the increased diabetes prevalence. Poor environmental conditions in early childhood potentially can increase the risk of developing diabetes in adulthood. Adults' height as an indirect indicator might reflect such conditions. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between adult height as a proxy for early childhood conditions and the risk of developing diabetes in India. This cross-sectional study used national representative data of the latest National Family Health Survey (2015-2016), comprising 512 616 women aged 20 to 49 and 87 281 men aged 20 to 54. We applied the multivariable fractional polynomials approach in logistic regression models to allow for nonlinear relationships between height and diabetes, separated by sex. Additionally, we fitted logistic regression models with height categories. Fixed effects linear probability models were used to control for potential confounding. The study revealed a linear relationship between increasing height and increasing diabetes risk among men. Among women, the shortest were at the highest risk (not significant). Among Indian men, being taller increases the risk of developing diabetes, which contradicts findings from other countries. In contrast, the shortest women seem to be at the greatest risk. Hence, public health interventions in India might be well advised to focus more on the nutrition status of young girls.

Axial wall angulation for rotational resistance in a theoretical-maxillary premolar model.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the influence of short base lengths and supplemental grooves on surface area and rotational resistance in a simulated‐maxillary premolar.Materials and MethodsTrigonometric calculations were done to determine the total surface area with and without supplemental grooves. Additional computations were done to determine the maximum wall angle needed to resist rotation displacement in a premolar‐sized model. Wall heights of 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 mm were used in the surface area and rotational axis computations. The rotational axis was located on the lingual restoration margin to produce a buccal‐to‐lingual rotational displacement.ResultsTotal surface area decreased with increasing four‐wall taper levels from 2° to 18° and decreasing preparation heights from 5 to 3 mm. Significant surface area improvements were found with the supplemental use of mesial and distal axial grooves compared with the same condition without grooves in all taper levels and preparation height categories. Resistance to rotational displacement was determined to occur at only at very low levels of opposing wall taper angles. The use of supplemental grooves on mesial and distal axial walls significantly improved both total surface area and rotational resistance.ConclusionsThe vertical wall taper angles, preparation heights, and supplemental grooves play a role in resistance form and restoration stability.

Distribución y correlación espacial de especies arbóreas por gradiente altitudinal en la Selva Lacandona, Chiapas

Se analizó el patrón de distribución y correlación espacial de las especies arbóreas a lo largo de un gradiente altitudinal en el Área Natural Protegida (ANP) Metzabok, Selva Lacandona, Chiapas. En cada estrato altitudinal (EA) se instaló una unidad de muestreo de 20 × 50 m, que fue dividida en 10 subunidades de muestreo (SUM) de 10 × 10 m, donde se registraron los fustales. En las SUM se delimitó un cuadro de 5 × 5 m para el registro de latizales, y en su interior se establecieron dos cuadros de 2 × 2 m para el reconocimiento de brinzales. La distribución espacial de fustales, latizales y brinzales se analizó con el índice de Morisita-Horn; mientras que, la distribución y correlación espacial de los fustales por categorías de altura (inferior, intermedia y superior) y EA se evaluó mediante la función univariada K(t) y bivariada K12 (t) de Ripley. El patrón espacial promedio de la clase fustal para las tres categorías de altura a lo largo del gradiente altitudinal fue agregado (), similar que en latizales y brinzales . La función K12 (t) indica que los EA 2, 3 y 5 de la categoría inferior-intermedia mostraron, tanto repulsión como atracción espacial, mientras las denominadas inferior-superior e intermedia-superior tuvieron un comportamiento de independencia y repulsión espacial, respectivamente. Estos hallazgos aportan bases para la implementación de estrategias silvícolas enfocadas a la conservación de las especies arbóreas presentes en el ANP Metzabok.

Source or Sink? A comparison of Landfire- and FIA-based estimates of change in aboveground live tree carbon in California’s forests

Forests play a central role in addressing climate change, and accurate estimates of forest carbon are critical for the development of actions that reduce emissions from forests and that maximize sequestration by forests. Methodological challenges persist regarding how best to estimate forest carbon stocks and flux at regulatory-relevant scales. Using California, USA as a case study, we compare two approaches to stock-difference forest carbon estimation for aboveground live trees: one based on ground inventories and one on land cover classification of remotely-sensed data. Previous work using ground inventory data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (FIA) showed net aboveground carbon (AGC) sequestration by live trees in California forests, while estimates using land cover classification from the Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools (Landfire) showed net reductions in live tree AGC over a similar time period. We examined the discrepancy by re-analyzing the FIA inventory data through the lens of a category-change analysis based on Landfire. This analysis showed more than 50% of the live tree AGC in fewer than 4% of Landfire-equivalent categories and that the overwhelming majority (>80%) of forest area did not change height category between measurement periods. Despite the lack of categorical change, the majority of FIA plots increased in both 95th percentile tree height and in live tree AGC. These findings suggest that an approach based on observing categorical changes risks undercounting AGC sequestration resulting from growth and thus overstating the relative importance of AGC reductions that result from disturbances. This would bias AGC flux estimates downward, leading us to validate the conclusion that live trees in California were a net sink of aboveground carbon in the decade ending in 2016. Our findings suggest an inventory-based or hybrid approach is preferable to methods that depend on categorical bins for estimating AGC in disturbance-prone forest ecosystems.

Plant Traits Response to Grazing Exclusion by Fencing Assessed via Multiple Classification Approach: A Case from a Subalpine Meadow

Using multiple classification approach to examine plant traits response to grazing and fencing (as without access to grazing) is rare. Here we used multiple classification approach to examine plant diversity, productivity and species traits response to grazing and fencing over a three-year period on the eastern part of the Qing-Hai Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that most common species response to the fence was poorly noticeable. The fencing meadows compared to those under long-term free grazing are characterized by significantly higher total species richness, but species richness declined with sampling years gradually, regardless of grazing or fencing. The correlation showed that species richness was negatively associated with mean annual temperature significantly, suggesting that abiotic factors (e.g. annual temperature) could also play important roles in driving species richness in this subalpine meadow. Total aboveground biomass was not associated with mean annual temperature and rainfall. The fencing meadow demonstrated higher community aboveground biomass relative to the grazing ones, especially the abundance of legume and graminoids increased, while the proportions of sedge decreased, suggested that grazing disturbance favours the increase of reproductive success of sedge (e.g. Kobresia humilis) in this subalpine meadow. Growth form-based analyses combined with canopy height categories should be recommended to reveal general rules and mechanisms relating to grazing.

Parental height modifies the association between linear growth and neurodevelopment in infancy.

To estimate the extent to which maternal and paternal height modify the association between length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) and neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (Bayley-III). Baseline data from a clinical trial in 600 Nepalese infants aged six to 11months with LAZ less than -1 were utilised. The primary exposure was the LAZ score, interaction variables were maternal and paternal height, and the outcomes were Bayley-III cognitive, language and motor scaled scores. Linear regression and generalised additive model (GAM) were used to identify potential interactions. Linear regression analysis stratified by parental height categories showed that association between unit increase in LAZ and cognitive scaled score differed across maternal (normal height: ß 1.16, 95% CI; 0.75, 1.57 and short height: ß 0.67, 95% CI; 0.28, 1.05) and paternal (normal height: ß 1.32, 95% CI; 0.91, 1.72 and short height: ß 0.61, 95% CI; 0.03, 1.18) height categories. Maternal height also modified the association between LAZ and fine motor scaled score. The association between LAZ and neurodevelopmental outcomes was attenuated when maternal and paternal height was taken into account. Parental stature should be considered when using LAZ as a proxy for neurodevelopment among infants.

Development of an Easy-to-Use Visual Aid for the Prediction of Body Fat Based on Waist Circumference and Height in Asian Chinese Adults

BackgroundAdiposity is a major risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Initial prediction equations to estimate adiposity are complex, requiring skinfold measurements that cannot be obtained conveniently by the general population. ObjectiveTo develop simplified prediction equations to estimate body fat percentage (%BF) in Asian Chinese adults, evaluate the validity of the simplified %BF prediction equations, compare the simplified %BF prediction equations with an existing equation, and create visual charts to enable easy assessment of adiposity by the general public. DesignSimplified prediction equations were developed and evaluated for validity using anthropometric measurements obtained from a cross-sectional study. Participants and settingHealthy participants with no major diseases and not taking long-term medications were recruited in a cross-sectional study conducted at Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore, between June 2014 and October 2017. A total of 439 participants were used for model building (269 women and 170 men) and another 107 participants were used for evaluating validity (62 women and 45 men). Main outcome measuresSimplified but acceptable prediction models and generation of user-friendly charts. Statistical analyses performedSimplified sex-specific %BF prediction equations were developed using stepwise regression and the model-building dataset. The best models were selected using the Akaike information criterion. The models were further simplified and their performance was compared using the validation dataset before choosing the final prediction equations. ResultsThe final selected models for women and men included waist circumference and height with nonsignificant prediction bias in %BF of 0.84%±3.94% (P=0.098, Cohen’s dz=0.21) and –0.98%±3.65% (P=0.079, Cohen’s dz=0.27), respectively. The final equations were split into three height categories from which the sex-specific prediction charts were generated. ConclusionsThe sex-specific prediction charts provide a good visual guide for estimating %BF using height and waist circumference values that are easy to obtain by the general public.

Pengetahuan Ibu Dan Pemberian Asi Eksklusif Dengan Kejadian Stunting Pada Balita 2-5 Tahun Di Puskesmas Kawangkoan Minahasa

Nutrition is an important part of growth and development, because there is a connection and is related to health and intelligence, malnutrition. Stunting is a linear growth disorder that can affect the increased risk of illness, death, and impaired late motor development, and stunted mental growth. The type of this research is analytic observational with cross sectional study approach. The population in this study were all children under five in the work area of Kawangkoan Health Center in Minahasa Regency. Children under five 2-5 years. The respondent is mother. The number of samples of this study amounted to 41 people with a sampling technique that is using simple random sampling technique. The results of research on the level of maternal knowledge of 41 respondents were 39.0% who lacked knowledge, and 41.5% had sufficient knowledge, while 19.5% had good knowledge. the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is 41.5% which is less than exclusive breastfeeding, while 39.0% is good, 19.5% is enough to provide exclusive breastfeeding. Toddler respondents who have normal height category are 46%, and category is very short, 31.7%, while the short category is 22.0%. kawangkoan health center.