Height Ht Research Articles

Evaluation of different tillage intensities on Eucalyptus grandis on a typic hapludult of Uruguay

Planting and harvesting time are the most critical moments in terms of soil erosion risk in commercial forest plantations. Soil tillage systems that reduce soil removal while maintaining wood productivity are necessary. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different site preparation methods on Eucalyptus grandis wood productivity 10 years after plantation. The experimental site was located on a Typic Hapludult in the department of Rivera, Uruguay. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was established. Treatments included: furrower on the plantation row, and mechanical weed control (disk-harrow) in the inter-row area (T1); idem to T1 but substituting interrow mechanical control by herbicide control (glyphosate) (T2); pit-planting (T3); rotavator on the plantation row and inter-row weed control idem to T1 (T4); and T5 idem to T4 but herbicide control in the inter-row area. Tree height (Ht) and diameter breath height (DBH) was measured 5 times after thinning in the experimental period (21, 38, 58, 98 and 120 months after plantation) and DBH and wood production(WP) data were analyzed with repeated measures in time, where the subject was the plot and the autocorrelation structure selected was antedependence (ANTE(1)). Significant differences in DBH were not founded between treatments any time. However, WP was higher on T1 than T2, T3 and T4 measured to 120 months, while T3 had the lowest WP comparing with T1 and T5. The utilization of herbicide control increased DBH in initial stages, while mechanical control in the inter-row area increased WP in harvest time. WP was not affected by row preparation (furrower vs rotavator) at any time, while lower production were obtained with T3 associated to a fewer number of trees after thinning. A reduction on tillage intensity did not produce a reduction on DBH, however WP decreased due to a reduction on tree population at harvest time. The causes of a different plant population dynamics by tillage system after thinning remains unclear.

Influence of tillage on some soil chemical properties and Eucalyptus grandis growth

Afforestation has increased rapidly in Uruguay since the Congress in1989 passed a law that promotes commercial forestation. This has raised public questions about the long term effects of forestation on soil quality and tillage requirements. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of tillage intensity on some soil chemical properties and wood production. The experiment was carried out in a Mollic Hapludalf , and planted with Eucalyptus grandis in 1992. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was established. Tillage treatments included: pitplanting (PP), intensive tillage of the whole surface (IT), reduced tillage (RT) that corresponds to 1/3 of the surface, and unplanted soil (US). Soil organic carbon (SOC), pH(H20), pH(KCl), and exchangeable Al was measured in the planting row from 0-2.5, 2-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm depth after remove all soil surface litter, 8 and 19 years after plantation. Diameter breath height (DBH), tree height (Ht), and wood volume (WV) was determined. Soil pH (H20) was higher in PP than the mean between IT and RT 8 years after plantation; however soil pH (H20) was higher in US than the mean of all tillage systems from 10-25 cm depth. Tillage systems did not affect soil pH (H20) 19 year after plantation. Soil pH (KCl) was higher in PP than IT and RT mean from 0-0.025, 0-025-0.05, and 0.10-0.15 m depth 8 years after plantation. Pit planting had more SOC from 0-2.5 than the other tillage systems in both evaluations. DBH, Ht, and WV were not affected by tillage systems. This research indicates that tillage systems effects on soil pH detected 8 years after plantation tends to disappear when the plantation was 19 years-old. Pit-planting had more SOC than intensive tillage systems while maintaining the same wood production than more intensive tillage systems.

Association of anthropometric measures with SF-36v2 PCS and MCS in a multi-ethnic Asian population

Obesity adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Most studies have used body mass index (BMI) to measure obesity. Other measures of obesity, such as waist circumference (WC) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), may be better predictors of cardiovascular disease and mortality. We, therefore, examined the associations between other anthropometric measures and HRQoL in a multi-ethnic Asian population. In this follow-up study from four previous cross-sectional surveys, HRQoL was measured, at follow-up, using the Short-Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2) questionnaire. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between anthropometric measures [BMI, WC, waist residuals (WR) (generated by regressing WC on BMI), WHR, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and height (Ht)] and HRQoL. We compared the models' R2, Akaike's information criteria (AIC), and Schwarz Bayesian information criteria (BIC) from the different models. Among 4,981 subjects, 47.6% were men aged 50.6 ± 12.2 and women aged 49.3 ± 11.6 years. All gender-specific anthropometric measures were significantly correlated with BMI, except WR. After adjusting for known determinants of HRQoL, we found significant associations between BMI, WC and WHtR with SF-36v2 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores in women but not men. In contrast, after adjusting for known determinants of HRQoL, WR and WHR were significantly associated with SF-36v2 Mental component summary (MCS) scores in men, but not women. R², AIC and BIC were similar for all anthropometric measures in the final model. The associations between measures of central obesity and HRQoL differed between men and women. In women, associations were seen with SF-36v2 PCS, but measures of central obesity did not have significant associations with HRQoL after controlling for BMI. In men, an association between WC and SF-36v2 MCS was statistically significant independent of BMI. These gender differences require further investigation.

New Vary‐Chap profile of the topside ionosphere electron density distribution for use with the IRI model and the GIRO real time data

A new Vary‐Chap function is introduced for the empirical modeling of the electron density N(h) profile in the topside ionosphere that uses a shape function S(h) in the generalized Chapman function. The Vary‐Chap profile extends the bottomside profile that is specified by the IRI model or measured by the Global Ionospheric Radio Observatory (GIRO) to the altitude of the ISIS‐2 satellite. Some 80,000 topside profiles, measured by the topside sounder on the ISIS‐2 satellite were analyzed, and the shape function S(h) was calculated for each profile. A parameterized function S*(h), composed of two sub‐functions S1(h) and S2(h), is fitted to the measured S(h) profile using three free parameters. At altitudes just above the F2 layer peak height hmF2, the shape function S1 controls S(h), and at greater altitudes S2 controls S(h). The height of the intersection of S1 and S2 is defined as the transition height hT indicating the transition from an O+ to an H+‐dominated profile shape. The observed transition heights range from ∼500 km to 800 km.

An approach to constitutional delay of growth and puberty

Constitutional delay of growth and puberty is a transient state of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with prolongation of childhood phase of growth, delayed skeletal maturation, delayed and attenuated pubertal growth spurt, and relatively low insulin-like growth factor-1 secretion. In a considerable number of cases, the final adult height (Ht) does not reach the mid-parental or the predicted adult Ht for the individual, with some degree of disproportionately short trunk. In the pre-pubertal male, testosterone (T) replacement therapy can be used to induce pubertal development, accelerate growth and relieve the psychosocial complaints of the adolescents. However, some issues in the management are still unresolved. These include type, optimal timing, dose and duration of sex steroid treatment and the possible use of adjunctive or alternate therapy including: oxandrolone, aromatase inhibitors and human growth hormone.

Influence of tillage on some soil chemical properties and Eucalyptus grandis growth

Afforestation has increased rapidly in Uruguay since the Congress in1989 passed a law that promotes commercial forestation. This has raised public questions about the long term effects of forestation on soil quality and tillage requirements. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of tillage intensity on some soil chemical properties and wood production. The experiment was carried out in a Mollic Hapludalf , and planted with Eucalyptus grandis in 1992. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was established. Tillage treatments included: pitplanting (PP), intensive tillage of the whole surface (IT), reduced tillage (RT) that corresponds to 1/3 of the surface, and unplanted soil (US). Soil organic carbon (SOC), pH(H20), pH(KCl), and exchangeable Al was measured in the planting row from 0-2.5, 2-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm depth after remove all soil surface litter, 8 and 19 years after plantation. Diameter breath height (DBH), tree height (Ht), and wood volume (WV) was determined. Soil pH (H20) was higher in PP than the mean between IT and RT 8 years after plantation; however soil pH (H20) was higher in US than the mean of all tillage systems from 10-25 cm depth. Tillage systems did not affect soil pH (H20) 19 year after plantation. Soil pH (KCl) was higher in PP than IT and RT mean from 0-0.025, 0-025-0.05, and 0.10-0.15 m depth 8 years after plantation. Pit planting had more SOC from 0-2.5 than the other tillage systems in both evaluations. DBH, Ht, and WV were not affected by tillage systems. This research indicates that tillage systems effects on soil pH detected 8 years after plantation tends to disappear when the plantation was 19 years-old. Pit-planting had more SOC than intensive tillage systems while maintaining the same wood production than more intensive tillage systems.

Kasvutingimuste lineaarse muutumise mõju uurimine puistu kõrguse kasvukõverale simulatsioonide abil männikutes / Simulated change of stand height curves as the result of linear change of growth conditions in the case of Scotch Pine stands

Abstract The height growth curves of Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands were simulated for stands with initial height asymptote H∞ 15 m, 25 m and 35 m and with linear change p of the potency of growth conditions 0.5% yr-1, 0.2% yr-1, 0.1% yr-1 , -0.2% yr-1 and with no change as the base. Different models to transmit the changing growth potential into stand growth were used: changing the efficient length of growth year replacing the stand age t with the expression t(1 + tp) with fixed H∞ in variant (1b) or calculating the current asymptote H∞,t as the expression H∞(1 + tp) corrected for asymptotic approaching the species specific asymptote sup(H∞). Current annual increment CAI in the last case was calculated using the equations CAIt = f(t, H∞,t) in variant (3ct), CAIt = f(H, H∞,t) in variant (4ch) and CAIt = f(H, H∞,t)*(1+p/2) in variant (4chb). The height Ht in the last 3 cases was calculated as ascending sum of CAIt. Figures of the functions Ht = f(t, H∞) and CAIt = f(H, H∞) indicated the last as more informative about the changes in the shape of curves. The results of approximation of simulated curves with five different functions indicated the possibility of their modeling using traditional functions and fixed value of height asymptote. The fit was the poorest for variants 4ch and 4chb. The function for conversation the apparent growth curve based on unique height measurements into real one and vice versa was deduced for version 1b. The need to make distinct difference between the past, present and future growth in growth modeling was underlined.

Modeling and Pareto optimization of gas cyclone separator performance using RBF type artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms

Both the pressure drop and the cut-off diameter are important performance parameters in the design of the cyclone separator. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization study of the gas cyclone separator is performed. In order to predict accurately the complex non linear relationships between the performance parameters (pressure drop and cut-off diameter) and the geometrical dimensions, two radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are developed and employed to model the pressure drop and the cut-off diameter for cyclone separators. The artificial neural networks have been trained and tested by the experimental data available in literatures for the pressure drop and the Iozia and Leith model for the cut-off diameter. The results demonstrate that artificial neural networks can offer an alternative and powerful approach to model the cyclone performance parameters. The analysis indicates the significant effect of the vortex finder diameter Dx, the vortex finder length S, the inlet width b and the total height Ht. The response surface methodology has been used to fit a second-order polynomial to the RBFNN. The second-order polynomial has been used to study the interaction between the geometrical parameters. The two trained artificial neural networks have been used as two objective functions to get new optimal ratios for minimum pressure drop and minimum cut-off diameter using the multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization technique. Sometimes, the main concern is minimizing the pressure drop, so a single objective optimization study has been performed to obtain the cyclone geometrical ratio for minimum pressure drop. The comparison of numerical simulation of the new optimal design and the Stairmand design confirms the superior performance of the new design.

Mathematical method to build an empirical model for inhaled anesthetic agent wash-in

BackgroundThe wide range of fresh gas flow - vaporizer setting (FGF - FD) combinations used by different anesthesiologists during the wash-in period of inhaled anesthetics indicates that the selection of FGF and FD is based on habit and personal experience. An empirical model could rationalize FGF - FD selection during wash-in.MethodsDuring model derivation, 50 ASA PS I-II patients received desflurane in O2 with an ADU® anesthesia machine with a random combination of a fixed FGF - FD setting. The resulting course of the end-expired desflurane concentration (FA) was modeled with Excel Solver, with patient age, height, and weight as covariates; NONMEM was used to check for parsimony. The resulting equation was solved for FD, and prospectively tested by having the formula calculate FD to be used by the anesthesiologist after randomly selecting a FGF, a target FA (FAt), and a specified time interval (1 - 5 min) after turning on the vaporizer after which FAt had to be reached. The following targets were tested: desflurane FAt 3.5% after 3.5 min (n = 40), 5% after 5 min (n = 37), and 6% after 4.5 min (n = 37).ResultsSolving the equation derived during model development for FD yields FD=-(e(-FGF*-0.23+FGF*0.24)*(e(FGF*-0.23)*FAt*Ht*0.1-e(FGF*-0.23)*FGF*2.55+40.46-e(FGF*-0.23)*40.46+e(FGF*-0.23+Time/-4.08)*40.46-e(Time/-4.08)*40.46))/((-1+e(FGF*0.24))*(-1+e(Time/-4.08))*39.29). Only height (Ht) could be withheld as a significant covariate. Median performance error and median absolute performance error were -2.9 and 7.0% in the 3.5% after 3.5 min group, -3.4 and 11.4% in the 5% after 5 min group, and -16.2 and 16.2% in the 6% after 4.5 min groups, respectively.ConclusionsAn empirical model can be used to predict the FGF - FD combinations that attain a target end-expired anesthetic agent concentration with clinically acceptable accuracy within the first 5 min of the start of administration. The sequences are easily calculated in an Excel file and simple to use (one fixed FGF - FD setting), and will minimize agent consumption and reduce pollution by allowing to determine the lowest possible FGF that can be used. Different anesthesia machines will likely have different equations for different agents.

Growth attainment in extremely preterm children-has it changed over time? the epicure 2 study

BackgroundChildren born extremely preterm have poor growth attainment; it is not known whether recent advances in neonatal care have led to an improvement.AimTo compare SD scores of growth parameters at...

Estimating zero-plane displacement height and aerodynamic roughness length using synthesis of LiDAR and SPOT-5 data

In this study, a combination of low and high density airborne LiDAR and satellite SPOT-5 HRG data were used in conjunction with ground measurements of forest structure to parameterize four models for zero-plane displacement height d(m) and aerodynamic roughness length z 0 m (m), over cool-temperate forests in Heihe River basin, an arid region of Northwest China. For the whole study area, forest structural parameters including tree height (Ht) (m), first branch height (FBH) (m), crown width (CW) (m) and stand density (SD)(trees ha − 1 ) were derived by stepwise multiple linear regressions of ground-based forest measurements and height quantiles and fractional canopy cover ( f c ) derived from the low density LiDAR data. The high density LiDAR data, which covered a much smaller area than the low density LiDAR data, were used to relate SPOT-5's reflectance to the effective plant area index (PAIe) of the forest. This was done by linear spectrum decomposition and Li–Strahler geometric–optical models. The result of the SPOT-5 spectrum decomposition was applied to the whole area to calculate PAIe (and leaf area index LAI). Then, four roughness models were applied to the study area with these vegetation data derived from the LiDAR and SPOT-5 as input. For validation, measurements at an eddy covariance site in the study area were used. Finally, the four models were compared by plotting histograms of the accumulative distribution of modeled d and z 0 m in the study area. The results showed that the model using by frontal area index (FAI) produced best d estimate, and the model using both LAI and FAI generated the best z 0 m . Furthermore, all models performed much better when the representative tree height was Lorey's mean height instead of using an arithmetic mean.

Postnatal growth of preterm born children ≤ 750 g at birth

Background Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are at risk of impaired postnatal growth. Impaired postnatal growth has been reported to be associated with delayed cognitive and motor development. Aims To describe postnatal growth patterns of appropriate and small for gestational age (AGA and SGA) ELBW children in relation to their cognitive and motor outcome at age 5.5. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Subjects One hundred one children with a BW ≤ 750 g, born between 1996 and 2005 in the University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands. Outcome measures Height (Ht), weight (Wt), occipital–frontal circumference (OFC) at birth, 15 months and 2 years corrected age and 3.5 and 5.5 years. Cognitive and motor outcome at 5.5 years of age, classified as normal (Z-score ≥−1), mildly delayed (−2 ≤ Z-score <−1) or severely delayed (Z-score <−2). AGA (Ht, Wt or OFC at birth ≥−2 SDS) infants were compared with SGA (Ht, Wt or OFC at birth <−2 SDS) infants. Results Between birth and 5.5 years catch-up growth in Ht, weight for height (Wt/Ht), Wt and OFC was seen in 72.2%, 55.2%, 28.6% and 68.9% respectively of the SGA infants. For AGA infants we found substantial catch-down growth in Ht (15.4%) and Wt (33.8%). Cognitive and motor outcome was normal in 76.2% and 41.6% of the 101 children. A significantly higher percentage of normal cognitive outcome was found in AGA infants with Wt growth remaining at ≥−2 SDS compared to AGA infants with catch-down growth (83% vs 63%). Next, SGA infants who caught-up in OFC had a higher prevalence of normal cognitive outcome compared to SGA infants who did not catch-up in OFC. Furthermore, a higher percentage of severely delayed motor outcome was found in SGA infants without catch-up growth in Wt compared to SGA infants who caught-up in Wt (61.5% vs 32.2%). Conclusions Catch-up growth in Ht, Wt/Ht and OFC occurred in the majority of the SGA infants with a BW ≤ 750 g, but was less common in Wt. AGA children who remained their Wt at ≥−2 SDS have a better cognitive and motor developmental outcome at 5.5 years of age. Catch-up growth in OFC was associated with a better cognitive outcome at 5.5 years of age.

The ~4-ka Rungwe Pumice (South-Western Tanzania): a wind-still Plinian eruption

The ~4-ka trachytic Rungwe Pumice (RP) deposit from Rungwe Volcano in South-Western Tanzania is the first Plinian-style deposit from an African volcano to be closely documented focusing on its physical characterization. The RP is a mostly massive fall deposit with an inversely graded base. Empirical models suggest a maximum eruption column height HT of 30.5–35 km with an associated peak mass discharge rate of 2.8–4.8 × 108 kg/s. Analytical calculations result in HT values of 33 ± 4 km (inversion of TEPHRA2 model on grain size data) corresponding to mass discharge ranging from 2.3 to 6.0 × 108 kg/s. Lake-core data allow extrapolation of the deposit thinning trend far beyond onland exposures. Empirical fitting of thickness data yields volume estimates between 3.2 and 5.8 km3 (corresponding to an erupted mass of 1.1–2.0 × 1012 kg), whereas analytical derivation yields an erupted mass of 1.1 × 1012 kg (inversion of TEPHRA2 model). Modelling and dispersal maps are consistent with nearly no-wind conditions during the eruption. The plume corner is estimated to have been ca. 11–12 km from the vent. After an opening phase with gradually increasing intensity, a high discharge rate was maintained throughout the eruption, without fountain collapse as is evidenced by a lack of pyroclastic density current deposits.

Relationships Among Skeletal Muscle Index, Dietary Protein Intake, and Serum Markers of Protein in Sarcopenic Older Adults

Prevalence of sarcopenia increases with age and is related to several comorbidities. However, in the absence of disease there are some internal influences that may affect classification of sarcopenia or age-related loss of muscle mass. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among skeletal muscle index (SMI), basic anthropometric measures, dietary protein intake, and serum markers of protein in older adults with class I (SMI 31-37% in men and 22-28% in women) or class II (SMI <31% in men and <22% in women) sarcopenia. METHODS: Six men and 5 women (age: 64.2±8.3 yrs; height: 171.3±14.7 cm; weight: 76.7±14.7 kg) agreed to undergo a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, which was analyzed for segmental muscle mass and appendicular lean soft tissue. Participants also completed a 3-day food diary representing their typical diet, and a fasted blood sample was collected. The 3-day food diary was analyzed using Diet Analysis + (Version 8.0.1, Thompson Learning) software. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients were calculated on the following variables: Age, height (Ht), body weight (Wt), daily caloric intake (Kcal), grams of daily protein intake (Protein, g), percent of Kcal intake as protein (%PRO), protein per kg body weight (Prog/kg), SMI per kg body weight (SMI1), SMI1 per cm height (SMI2), total serum protein (TP), albumin (Alb), and globulin (Glob). RESULTS: There were no significant correlations among any serum protein markers or dietary protein intake variables and SMI1 or SMI2. There were expected correlations among age, height, weight, and SMI as well as associations among kcal and dietary protein intake. There were unexpected correlations between age and TP and Alb. CONCLUSIONS: Although not surprising, these findings indicate that serum protein and age are strongly inversely proportional. These findings extend those of previous studies that protein intake for sarcopenic older adults is important to maintain serum protein levels.

Waist-to-height ratio as a predictor of serum testosterone in ageing men with symptoms of androgen deficiency

The decline in serum testosterone in ageing men may be mediated in part by obesity; however, it is uncertain which measure of adiposity is most closely associated with testosterone levels. We have examined the relationships of age, adiposity and testosterone levels in ageing men with symptoms consistent with hypoandrogenism but who were otherwise in good health. We conducted a cross-sectional study of non-smoking men aged ≥ 54 years recruited from the community and who were free of cancer or serious medical illness. Height (Ht), weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height (WHt) ratio were calculated. Two morning blood samples were collected for measurement of total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Free testosterone (cFT) was calculated. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess their relationship with measures of adiposity. Two hundred and seven men aged 54-86 years were studied. On univariate analysis WHt ratio was more strongly correlated with TT and cFT than either WC or BMI. Furthermore, in models of TT and cFT, the addition of Ht to WC resulted in an increase in the magnitude of the regression coefficients for both WC (inverse correlate) and Ht (positive correlate), with the contributions of both WC and Ht both being significant (P<0.05 for all). In conclusion, WHt ratio is the best anthropometric predictor of both TT and cFT in this group of healthy but symptomatic ageing men.

BMI was right all along: taller children really are fatter (implications of making childhood BMI independent of height) EarlyBird 48

Several studies suggest that taller children may be wrongly labelled as 'overweight' because body mass index (BMI) is not independent of height (Ht) in childhood, and recommend adjustment to render the index Ht independent. We used objective measures of %body fat and hormonal/metabolic markers of fatness to investigate whether BMI and the corresponding fat mass index (FMI) mislead in childhood, or whether taller children really are fatter. Longitudinal observational study measuring children annually from age 7 to 12 years. Two hundred and eighty healthy children (56% boys) from the EarlyBird study. BMI (body mass (BM)/Ht(2)), FMI (fat mass (FM)/Ht(2)), %body fat ((FM/BM) × 100, where FM was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), fasting leptin (a hormonal measure of body fatness) and insulin resistance (a metabolic marker derived from the validated homeostasis model assessment program for insulin resistance--HOMA2-IR) were all analysed in relation to Ht. Alternative Ht-independent indices of BM and FM were compared with BMI and FMI as indicators of true fatness and related health risk. BMI and FMI correlated with Ht at each annual time point (r~0.47 and 0.46, respectively), yet these correlations were similar in strength to those between Ht and %fat (r~0.47), leptin (r~0.41) and insulin resistance (r~0.40). Also, children who grew the most between 7 and 12 years showed greater increases in BMI, FMI, leptin and insulin resistance (tertile 1 vs 3, all p<0.05). BMI and FMI explained ~20% more of the variation in %fat, ~15% more in leptin and ~10% more in insulin resistance than the respective Ht-independent reformulations (BM/Ht(3.5) and FM/Ht(7), both p<0.001). Taller children really are fatter than their shorter peers, have higher leptin levels and are more insulin resistant. Attempts to render indices of BM or FM independent of Ht in children seem inappropriate if the object of the index is to convey health risk.

AnthropometricIndicesAssociated with Variation in Cardiovascular Parameters among Primary School Pupils in Ile-Ife

Purpose. This study investigated the anthropometric indices associated with variations in cardiovascular parameters among primary school pupils in Ile-Ife. Method. One thousand and twenty-six pupils (age range 6–14 years, mean age 10.12 years) from ten schools were recruited with parents' informed consent. Anthropometric (Height (Ht), Weight (Wt), Abdominal Circumference (AC)) and cardiovascular (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Heart Rate (HR)) parameters were measured using standard instruments and procedures. Blood pressure (BP) was measured after ten minutes of quiet sitting. Body Mass Index (BMI), Rate Pressure Product (RPP) and Pulse Pressure (PP) were estimated. Results. Age, Ht, Wt, BMI, and AC correlated significantly (P < .01) with BP and PP. AC and BMI were predictors of BP, HR, RPP, and PP. Conclusion. Significant correlations exist between age, Ht, Wt, BMI, AC, and BP with weight being a more viable predictor of SBP and age a more viable predictor of DBP.

Underweight in low socioeconomic status preschool children with severe early childhood caries

The prevalence of severe early childhood caries (sECC) is high in developing nations like India. It has local as well as systemic manifestations. This study evaluated the influence of sECC and its management on growth parameters and quality of life (QoL) of preschool children from low socioeconomic status families. 100 preschool children (50 with sECC and 50 with no dental caries; mean age 5.42 ± 0.74 years) from low socioeconomic status were studied. QoL; Decayed, extracted and filled teeth (def) index; Height (Ht); Weight (Wt); Head circumference (HC); Mid arm circumference (MAC); and, Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded at baseline and compared after six months of dental rehabilitation. The test group included children with sECC having def > 6 and at least one pulpally involved tooth.The control group children did not have DC (def =0). Both the groups were age, gender and socioeconomic status matched. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v.11.0 computer software. Chi-square test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Fisher's exact and paired t tests were performed for comparing the groups at baseline and six month recall visit. Baseline measurements showed that 46% of children with sECC had Wt below 3rd percentile (underweight; mean 15.49 ± 1.87Kg) which was less than the controls (mean Wt 16.34 ± 1.46 kg). They also complained of pain (40%), avoidance of hard food (24%), noticed Wt loss (18%) and sleep disturbances (12%). After 6 months of dental rehabilitation, there was a significant improvement in their Wt (P= 0.002) and QoL. sECC negatively influenced the Wt and QoL of children. Awareness, education of parents and facilitation of oral health services may help in improving their Wt and QoL.

Estimated GFR Derived From Plasma Creatinine by Mass Spectrometry (MSMS) Is A Reliable Measure of Renal Function During the Hyperfiltration Phase In Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

AbstractAbstract 2649 Aim:The hypothesis is that a height based eGFR formula using creatinine measured by mass spectrometry is a reliable measure of GFR in children with SCD. Background:The kidney is a particularly sensitive to hypoxia and renal failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SCD. Children with SCD commonly hyper filtrate, thus making it difficult to establish a reliable Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measure. It is essential to correctly assess the GFR, in order to identify when it begins to fall back towards normal and then starts to decline. Reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) derived from plasma creatinine (pCr) measurements is now recommended for the classification and monitoring of patients with chronic kidney disease. The new MDRD formula requires the use of pCr methods traceable to stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry (MS). In children the recommendation is to use one of the formulae based on height (Ht), e.g. Schwartz et al1, Morris et al2, both of which were derived using traditional Jaffe creatinine methodology; eGFR = 40 × Ht (cm)/pCr (μmol/l). The introduction of MS traceable creatinine methods requires a review of the k factor. This correlation has never been validated in hyper filtration/or children with SCD. Methods:43 HbSS patients, age range 5–20yrs, attending the Evelina Children's Hospital were studied, including transfused and non-transfused patients. The plasma samples were also used for the measurement of plasma creatinine by stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry. eGFR was calculated using k=31. Results:Inutest GFR ranged from 70–175 ml/min/1.73m2. There was significant correlation between eGFR and inutest GFR (P<0.01, r=0.68). Conclusions:These preliminary data suggest that eGFR should prove valuable in monitoring GFR in children with SCD, even during hyper filtration, providing the constant is appropriately adjusted for the analytical method of creatinine. Disclosures:Inusa:Novartis: Research Funding.

Gender Dichotomy in Long Term Growth Trajectories of Children with 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Aim: To evaluate longitudinal growth in 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), factors contributing to this and outcome for BMI, weight (Wt) and height (Ht) in adolescence. Methods: Multi-level longitudinal models were used to evaluate growth patterns of 45 salt wasters (SW) and 12 non-SW with CAH. Results: Ht, Wt and BMI growth curves differed between SW and non-SW, and by gender. In contrast to SW and males, non-SW females showed a markedly different pattern with a progressive increase in Wt and BMI SDS over childhood and adolescence and only a slight gain in Ht SDS. BMI SDS remained above 0 after early childhood. Over the 15 years, the growth variables were negatively associated with fludrocortisone (FC) (shorter children were receiving larger doses) but not hydrocortisone (HC) doses nor FC and HC doses in the first year. Conclusion: The growth patterns in these children with CAH were influenced by age, gender, phenotype and FC treatment. There was a trend to increasing BMI from an early age, greater adiposity during childhood and females had disproportionately greater adiposity but shorter stature during adolescence. These patients therefore have a predisposition to obesity in childhood and later life independent of early corticosteroid treatment.