IntroductionEffective patient management often requires accurate weight estimation. However, the appropriate weight-measuring equipment is not always available in emergencies and low-resource settings. Hence, emergency clinicians resort to less reliable methods of weight estimation, often with negative consequences. In this study, we assess the accuracy of anthropometric-based weight prediction equations in Ugandan adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Kira Health Center IV. Recruitment was done between 05-01-2022 and 21-02-2022. A sample of 240 adults, 18 years and above, was selected by quota sampling, stratified by sex and nutritional status. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, knee height, subscapular skin fold thickness, and circumference measurements, were taken. The predicted weight was computed using the proposed equations, and their accuracy was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, and the percentage of weight estimates within 10% and 20% of the actual weight.ResultsOut of 240 participants, 50% were females. The median (interquartile range) was 29 (24 –38 ) years for age, 64.5 (54−76) kg, and 162.5 (156.5–170.1) cm, for weight and height, respectively. Rabito equation 3 (Weight = (0.5759x(Mid Arm Circumference)) + (0.5263x(Abdominal Circumference)) + (1.2452x(Calf Circumference)) – (4.8689xSex)-32.9241) was the most accurate, with a percentage of estimates with 10% of the actual weight of 77.08%.ConclusionIn emergency settings with an absent patient-reported weight or an appropriate weighing scale, using Rabito equation 3 for weight prediction can be used as an accurate alternative. However, fine-tuning will be required before its recommendation for general use.

Influence of Hip-Shoulder separation on pitch velocity in college baseball pitchers.

This study aimed to determine the contribution of classic anthropometric features in young soccer players to predict their speed of preplanned change of direction performance using explainable artificial intelligence methodologies. Fifty-one young soccer players (age: 11.88 ± 1.38 years, body mass: 38.25 ± 7.89 kg) from a professional youth soccer academy were recruited. Several anthropometric features, including calf girth, leg length, sitting height, thigh length, and skinfold thicknesses, were employed following standardized protocols. Players’ change of direction speed was assessed using the 505-test. Biological maturity was estimated using the Mirwald equation. Five machine learning algorithms were implemented, with decision tree regression (DTR) selected as the optimal approach. Model validation employed leave-one-out cross-validation. The 505-test demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.86, SEM = 3.54%). Using the DTR model, anthropometric features accurately predicted change-of-direction speed performance (P < .05). The DTR model achieved superior predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.843, RMSE = 0.133, MAE = 0.111), explaining 84.3% of the variance in performance. DTR analysis revealed that demographic and anthropometric features, including sitting height and leg length, significantly affected change of direction speed performance (overall Gini importance > 0.5). Key predictors included maturity offset (16.3%), age (16.8%), leg length (15.8%), sitting height (13.6%), and knee height (10.5%). Youths who are more mature and have shorter sitting heights achieved superior change-of-direction speed performance. These findings underscore the importance of considering anthropometric and maturity characteristics in male youth soccer players to support talent identification, providing evidence-based frameworks for development programs.

Background:While most baseball fields have dirt pitching mounds, some fields have turf mounds. In addition, portable turf surface mounds are often used for bullpen or practice sessions, off-season training, or when assessing pitching mechanics in a biomechanics laboratory. Pitching on dirt surface mounds permits metal cleats to be worn, which are often discouraged on turf surface mounds because of potential damage to the turf.Purpose:To assess differences in shoulder and elbow kinetics and pitching kinematics in college pitchers between pitching on a dirt surface mound with metal cleats versus pitching on a turf surface mound with turf shoes.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:A total of 18 college pitchers pitched both on a dirt surface mound and on a turf surface mound. All pitchers were tested using a 240-Hz, 12-camera motion analysis system, and 28 kinematic and 7 kinetic parameters were calculated. Differences in kinematic and kinetic parameters between pitching on dirt surface and turf surface mounds were assessed with paired within-participant t tests employing the Benjamini-Hochberg method to correct for multiple comparisons (adjusted P < .05).Results:Two kinetic parameters showed significant differences, with maximal elbow varus torque (to resist valgus loading) and maximal shoulder internal rotation torque significantly greater when pitching on a dirt surface mound compared with pitching on a turf surface mound. Maximal lead knee height, elbow flexion, knee flexion, rotational separation between upper trunk and pelvis, maximal shoulder external rotation, and forward trunk tilt were significantly greater when pitching on a dirt surface than on a turf surface. Pelvic drift at maximal lead knee height and arm slot angle were significantly greater pitching on a turf surface than on a dirt surface.Conclusion:Of the 35 kinematic and kinetic comparisons, 10 of the comparisons (29%) were significantly different between pitching on a dirt surface mound and pitching on a turf surface mound. Kinematic differences only involved body segment and joint positions and not angular velocity magnitudes or timings. Kinetic differences demonstrated that elbow valgus and shoulder loading were slightly greater pitching on a dirt surface with metal cleats compared with pitching on a turf surface with turf shoes.Clinical Relevance:Compared to pitching on a dirt surface mound, pitching on a turf surface mound may decrease joint stress and injury risk for the throwing shoulder and elbow, although differences in kinematics between mounds should also be considered.

Students spend a significant amount of time in the classroom and university library, mostly sitting. Prolonged sitting in incorrect posture and on inappropriate furniture can cause serious musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back injuries, neck and shoulder pain, ligament injuries, etc. This study aimed to design ergonomic furniture for both classrooms and libraries. To fulfill this objective, a total of 300 students (aged 19-24 years) were randomly selected from 10 different departments. Fifteen anthropometric measurements (popliteal height, stature, sitting eye height, sitting height, sitting elbow height, thigh clearance, knee height, buttock-knee height, elbow-to-elbow breadth, hip breadth, sitting shoulder height, sitting lowest rib bone height, sitting upper hip bone height, forearm fingertip length, buttock-popliteal length) and eleven furniture dimensions were selected and evaluated to identify potential mismatches between them. Moreover, "t" and "chi-square" statistical analyses were performed to compare the users’ body measurements and furniture dimensions. Results showed that a significant level of mismatch was found between the body measurements and furniture dimensions. The results also indicated that the students’ anthropometric measurements and the existing furniture dimensions were distinct. Finally, this study proposed redesigned academic furniture according to users’ anthropometric measurements, which will reduce MSD problems among students.

The gait index (GI), a valuable metric to assess human gait, incorporates clinically relevant parameters such as walking speed, knee angle, stride length, and stance-to-swing phase ratio. This index offers insights into an individual's gait pattern, aiding in the identification of subtle gait abnormalities and enabling continuous monitoring of gait changes over time. Building upon this foundation, the present study investigated the influence of specific gait parameters and demographic factors on the gait index, alongside their interaction effects. Analyzing data from 120 healthy individuals using beta regression models, we uncovered significant predictors and interaction effects shaping the Index. Our comparative assessment between Variable Dispersion Beta Regression (VDBR) and Fixed Dispersion Beta Regression (FDBR) models revealed VDBR's superiority over FPBR in capturing gait data heterogeneity. Our analysis revealed that while aging was correlated with decreased GI, gender and BMI exhibited limited individual impact. However, gait-specific predictors such as knee angle, stride length, walking speed, and stance-to-swing phase ratio significantly contributed to GI variability. Additionally, significant interaction effects were identified between knee angle and height normalized stride length, age and knee angle, and age and walking speed, highlighting the complex interplay between demographic and gait-related factors. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of gait dynamics and offer valuable insights for clinicians, aiding in precise gait pattern assessment and informing the development of gait-related clinical practice, preventive care strategies, and rehabilitation programs. Overall, our research contributes to enhancing mobility and functionality in individuals with gait degradation by identifying significant predictors and interaction effects.

Background: Uchi-mata is one of the most frequently used throwing techniques in judo, yet little is known about the kinematic factors distinguishing specialists from non-specialists. This study compared lower-limb kinematics during uchi-mata across its three phases in elite judokas. Methods: Forty athletes (12 female, 28 male; 24.5 ± 5.9 years) were classified as specialists (n = 20) or non-specialists (n = 20). Photogrammetry assessed hip, knee, and foot displacement, velocity, acceleration, and timing during the Approach, Turning, and Throw phases. Analyses were performed using mixed-effects models with group, phase, and sex as fixed effects, plus exploratory multivariate tests (p < 0.05). Results: Specialists executed faster movements in the Approach (p = 0.036, d = 0.69) and Throw phases (p = 0.010, d = 0.85), showed greater hip displacement during Approach (p = 0.008, d = 0.89), and achieved superior knee and foot displacement in Throw (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003). Final positioning also differed, with specialists displaying higher knee (98.5 ± 14.5 vs. 86.3 ± 17.8 cm, p ≤ 0.001) and foot (121.0 ± 19.7 vs. 104.4 ± 27.4 cm, p = 0.034) heights, but lower hip position (61.9 ± 4.2 vs. 75.6 ± 7.5 cm, p = 0.021). Sex showed no significant effects or interactions, indicating that these group differences were consistent across male and female athletes. Conclusions: Uchi-mata specialists demonstrated superior displacement and velocity control, particularly in the Approach and Throw phases, reflecting greater neuromuscular coordination and efficiency. These findings provide practical markers for coaches and athletes to guide training focused on mobility, strength, and technical drills that enhance hip, knee, and foot displacement, supporting the optimization of uchi-mata performance in elite judo.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of four working heights on lumbar biomechanics during wall construction tasks, focusing on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Methods: Fifteen young male participants performed simulated mortar-spreading and bricklaying tasks while actual body movements were recorded using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors. Muscle activities of the lumbar erector spinae (ES), quadratus lumborum (QL), multifidus (MF), gluteus maximus (GM), and iliopsoas (IL) were estimated using a 3D musculoskeletal (MSK) model and measured via surface electromyography (sEMG). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was conducted to identify the significant differences in muscle activities across four working heights (i.e., foot, knee, waist, and shoulder). Results: Findings showed that working at foot-level height resulted in the highest muscle activity (7.6% to 40.6% increase), particularly in the ES and QL muscles, indicating an increased risk of WMSDs. The activities of the ES, MF, and GM muscles were statistically significant across both tasks and all working heights (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Both MSK and sEMG analyses indicated significantly lower muscle activities at knee and waist heights, suggesting these as the best working positions (47 cm to 107 cm) for minimizing the risk of WMSDs. Conversely, working at foot and shoulder heights was identified as a significant risk factor for WMSDs. Additionally, the similar trends observed between MSK simulations and sEMG data suggest that MSK modeling can effectively substitute for sEMG in future studies. These findings provide valuable insights into ergonomic work positioning to reduce WMSD risks among wall construction workers.

The primary motor cortex is involved in initiation and adaptive control of locomotion. However, the role of the motor cortex in controlling gait trajectories remains unclear. In animals, cortical neuromodulation allows for precise control of step height. We hypothesized that a similar control framework applies to humans, whereby cortical stimulation would primarily increase foot elevation. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the motor cortex to assess the involvement of the corticospinal tract over the limb trajectory during human walking. Ten healthy adults (aged 20–32 years) participated in treadmill walking at 1.5 km/h. TMS was applied over the left motor cortex at an intensity of 120% of the threshold to elicit a dorsiflexion of the right ankle during the swing phase of gait. Electromyographic (EMG) measurements and three-dimensional (3D) lower limb kinematics were collected. When delivered during the early swing phase, TMS led to a significant increase in the maximum height of the right toe by a mean of 34.9% ± 9.6% (21.4 mm ± 7.9 mm, p = 0.032) and knee height by 52.8% ± 14.1% (28.8 mm ± 7.7 mm, p = 0.0021) across participants. These findings indicate that TMS can influence limb trajectory during walking, highlighting its potential as a tool for studying cortical control of locomotion.

The present study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to evaluate the impact of polymers with irrigation on baby corn (Zea mays L.) crops. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with four irrigation [(One irrigation at sowing (I1); Two irrigation at sowing, knee high stage (I2); Two irrigation at sowing, before tasseling (I3), Three irrigation at sowing, knee height, before tasseling (I4)] in main plots and four polymer treatments [(No polymers or control (P0); Pusa Hydrogel @2.5 kg/ha (P1); Pusa Hydrogel @5 kg/ha (P2); Gondkatira @5 kg/ha (P3)] in subplot. The baby corn yield decreased by 20.99 and 25.50% from I4 to I3, 22.75 and 35.20% from I4 to I2, and 27.47 and 48.89% from I4 to I1 during the study period, first and second year, respectively. The polymer treatment was used to increase the baby corn yield. The yield was increased by 27.16, 133.09; 52.62 and 165.98 and 8.38,104.9. By application of hydrogel @2.5 kg/ha, hydrogel @5.0 kg/ha and gondkatira @5 kg/ha over to no polymers, during the first and second year, respectively. This might be because of the water that is available when it is dry, which would help avoid the delays in emergence and keep the water available for longer. The application of gondkatira in baby corn crops increased the water productivity by 22.25% (first year), 79.97% (second year) while hydrogel @5 kg/ ha increased 43.14 and 134.28% during first and second year of study, respectively. Water stress or one irrigation at sowing has a lower Fv/Fm (maximum quantum efficiency of PS II) (0.678 and 0.676) ratio than to no stress or three irrigations (0.682 and 0.676).

A rapid, reliable, cost-effective tree volume calculation is critical for estimating biomass and carbon sequestration. This estimation is vital for developing better carbon budgets for wetland ecosystems to assess current and future climate scenarios. Portable mobile light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems such as the Apple iPad Pro sensor provide an efficient method for capturing 3D shapes of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) pneumatophores, or “knees.” The knee is a rounded conical structure growing above the water or land from the roots of bald cypress trees, usually a few feet away from the trunk. This study explores remote sensing techniques for mapping individual knees to eventually understand their significance in the carbon balance of forested wetlands. This project was conducted in the Three Sisters Swamp, part of the Black River Reserve in North Carolina, USA. The volume of individual tree knees was estimated using multiple geometric algorithms and compared to allometric estimates from traditional field measurements derived from the shape of a cone. Specifically, we used the convex-hull by slicing (C-hbS) and Canopy-Surface Height (CSH) algorithms to estimate the volume of individual knees after LiDAR data processing. The volume estimates from the CSH and C-hbS methods are higher than the allometric estimates due to the knees’ natural irregular shape and concavities. The CSH method returned the largest volume values on average. The discrepancy in estimated volume between the allometric equation and the two algorithms became more pronounced with increasing knee height. The estimated aboveground mean biomass and carbon of the knees are 61.9 ± 23.4 Mg ha−1 and 32.83 ± 12.38 Mg C ha−1, respectively. The challenges of algorithmic methods include the time and equipment needed to process dense point clouds. However, they better capture irregularities in knee shape, ultimately leading to better estimates and an understanding of knee structure, which is currently poorly understood.

Introduction: Aging in the elderly leads to various issues due to degenerative processes. These processes cause a decline in physical function, affecting walking speed, mobility, and the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Body Mass Index (BMI), as an indicator of body composition, is often associated with walking speed, mobility, and ADL in the elderly. This study aims to examine the relationship and direction of the association between BMI and walking speed, mobility, and ADL in elderly individuals. Methods: This study employed an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional approach, as the data were not normally distributed. The research was conducted from March to December 2024. A total sampling technique was used, resulting in 72 participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. BMI was calculated based on knee height and body weight. Walking speed was measured using the 10-Meter Walking Test, mobility was assessed with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, and ADL was evaluated using the Barthel Index. Results: Spearman’s Rho correlation analysis indicated no significant relationship between BMI and walking speed (p = 0.762). However, a significant correlation was found between BMI and mobility (p = 0.029, r = -0.258) and between BMI and ADL (p = 0.024, r = -0.267). The negative correlation suggests that higher BMI is associated with lower mobility levels and decreased independence in performing ADL among the elderly. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that BMI is not significantly associated with walking speed but has a significant relationship with mobility and independence in ADL. The negative correlation indicates that higher BMI is linked to reduced mobility and lower levels of independence in daily activities among elderly individuals. Keywords: Activities of Daily Living, Body Mass Index, Walking Speed, Elderly

The aims of this study were to develop a self-assessment tool for environmental fall risk factors in Japanese residential environments and to examine its content validity and inter-rater reliability. The Japanese Residential Environment Checklist for Safety (J-RECS) was first developed through panel meetings and refined by incorporating the perspectives of older adults. A total of 111 medical and long-term care professionals were recruited to explore the content validity. Each item of the J-RECS was evaluated for relevance, and the item content validity index and scale content validity index were calculated. Moreover, 30 older adults living in their homes were enrolled in this study to investigate the inter-rater reliability. Older adults and rehabilitation professionals simultaneously and independently assessed the older adults' homes, and the kappa statistic was calculated to measure the level of agreement for all J-RECS items. Of all the J-RECS items, 42 (91.3%) showed an item content validity index ≥0.8. Four items that did not meet the criteria were related to regular use of tables and storage spaces located below knee height. The majority of the items (97.8%) demonstrated moderate-to-excellent levels of agreement. The final version of the J-RECS included 42 items and demonstrated a scale content validity index of 0.91. The J-RECS has confirmed content validity and inter-rater reliability for appropriately identifying environmental fall risk factors in Japanese residential environments through self-assessment, even for non-professionals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 897-904.

This study investigated the suitability of stature as the only reference dimension for estimating other body measurements that are important for educational furniture design. 360 students consisting of 180 males and 180 females between 11 and 18 years were studied. They were segmented into six groupings; Junior Secondary School one to Junior Secondary School two males, Junior Secondary School one to Junior Secondary School two females, Junior Secondary School three to Senior Secondary School one males, Junior Secondary School three to Senior Secondary School one females, Senior Secondary School two to Senior Secondary School three males and Senior Secondary School two to Senior Secondary School three females. The following dimensions, which served as inputs, were measured: stature, waist height, shoulder-grip length, lower-arm length and shoulder breadth. Exhaustive search methodology was employed to determine which input factor(s) can be considered as reference dimension(s) for estimating the outputs which are: popliteal height, buttock-popliteal length, hip width, shoulder height, elbow height and knee height. The result showed that stature is not the only reference dimension needed for estimating other body measurements that are critical for educational furniture design. The needed reference dimensions depend on the category and gender of the students under consideration

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and somatotypes of female field hockey players. Methods: The study involved 30 female athletes aged ranges 13-21 years from the Giri Center in Hisar, Haryana. The anthropometric measurements were conducted in accordance with the protocols of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was employed to assess body composition, while somatotype was determined using the Heath-Carter method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and somatotype indices to explore positional differences. Results: Results showed significant differences in physical attributes based on player positions. The study found significant correlations between height and lean body mass (r=0.639, p≤0.05), indicating the influence of height on muscle development. The anthropometric analysis showed that goalkeepers had notably higher skinfold measurements, signifying greater subcutaneous fat levels, corresponding to lower aerobic demands. Conversely, forwards exhibited substantially lower fat percentage (18.48±3.23%) and higher lean body mass (41.85±4.45 kg), emphasizing their requirement for agility and speed. Goalkeepers showed significantly higher mean shoulder breadth (40.51±1.81 cm, p≤0.0001) and knee height (51.56±2.10 cm, p≤0.0001). Additionally, somatotype analysis revealed that most players were classified as ectomorphic-endomorphs (mean indices of 4.47-1.95-3.31), with fullbacks displaying higher mesomorphy (mean 2.82). Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for tailored training programs specific to player positions to optimize performance, reduce injury risks, and enhance team effectiveness.

Abstract Background: Sex determination is a fundamental aspect of forensic anthropology. Anthropometric analyses, particularly of the lower limb, have emerged as valuable tools, offering insights into population-specific for sex classification. While numerous studies have investigated sex dimorphism utilizing various morphometric parameters, limited attention has been directed toward lower limb anthropometry in Nigerian populations. Objective: The objective is to investigate the lower limb anthropometric variables for sex determination among young adults in the Nigerian population. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 360 young adults (180 males and 180 females) aged 17–34 years old by random sampling. The anthropometric variables such as femur length, tibia length, foot length, foot width, and foot index were measured. Correlation and discriminant function analysis were performed to ascertain the most discriminative variables for sex classification. Results: The femoral height, knee height, foot length, and foot width among males scored higher mean values than females. Strong positive correlation is seen between femoral height and knee height in males (r = 0.851, P &lt; 0.05) and females (r = 0.781, P &lt; 0.05). Foot length shows the highest potential in discriminating sex with percentage accuracy of 72.8% after cross-validation in univariate analysis. However, following multivariate discriminant function analysis, age, knee height, foot length, and foot width were chosen as the significant variables and increased percentage accuracy to 78% after cross-validation. Conclusion: Femoral height, knee height, foot length, and foot width are anthropometric parameters suitable for assessing sexual dimorphism among young adults in the Nigerian population.

Applying urea is becoming more and more rapidly rising worldwide; nonetheless, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of using nitrogen fertilizer in the soil application in conjunction with foliar spraying of urea and nano-urea on the yield and economics of maize (Syngenta NK 6802) crop during rabi season of 2024. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments T1 : 100 % RDF, T2 : 75% RDF, T3 : 75% RDF + foliar spray of urea @ 0.5% at knee height and tasselling stage, T4 : 75% + RDF foliar spray of urea @ 1% at knee height and tasselling stage, T5 : 75% RDF + foliar spray of nano-urea @ 0.2% at knee height and tasselling stage, T6 : 75% RDF + foliar spray of nano-urea @ 0.3% at knee height and tasselling stage, T7 : 75% RDF + foliar spray of nano-urea @ 0.4% at knee height and tasselling stage. Among the treatment 4 recorded significantly highest Plant height (139.83 cm), TDMP (94.32 g), Cob length (19 cm), Number of grains per row (24.67), Number of rows per cob (14.43), Stover yield (8636 kg/ha), Grain yield (6415 kg/ha), Gross return (₹ 166910.91), Net return (₹ 124169.68) and B: C ratio (2.91) as well as improving nutrient uptake and its efficiency. Therefore, the phenology, growth, yield, and profitability of maize and nitrogen fertiliser applications have been structured as per this combination of uptake to avoid losses by leaching and crop response.

The Relevance of the Technical Error of Measurement in Anthropometry: A Pilot Study from The Nutrifunction Project

Stroke is the second leading cause of death after heart disease. This condition is thought to be related to risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and lack of physical activity. The existence of these risk factors can affect a person's BMI (Body Mass Index). This study aims to determine the relationship between BMI status and the length of hospitalization of SNH patients at Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital, Semarang. This study uses analytical observational research and cohort research design. Data collection was carried out prospectively through the measurement of LLA and knee height in SNH patients as well as patient medical record data. The medical record data taken is the length of hospitalization of SNH patients obtained from the date of admission to the date of discharge from the hospital. The number of samples studied was 65 patients using the non-probability sampling method with consecutive sampling that had met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research was conducted at Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital Semarang from October 2024 - January 2024. The results of bivariate data analysis using the contingency coefficient statistical test obtained a significance value of P=0.047 (P&lt;0.05) so that it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between BMI status and the length of hospitalization of SNH patients at Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital, Semarang. The level of closeness of the relationship with the contingency coefficient test in this study was obtained r = 0.239 (0.20-0.399) so it is said that the closeness of the relationship is weak. It can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between BMI and length of stay in SNH patients at Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital Semarang. The length of hospitalization in SNH patients is also influenced by the severity of comorbidities, so that SNH patients with a high level of comorbidity severity have a longer length of hospitalization.

Seasonality of human growth evinces the association between environmental variation, including the physical and the social-economic-political environment, and biological changes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the seasonality of the growth of body dimensions (absolute and relative to height) of 2- to 5-year-old children and their differential increment (percentage changes) in the dry, rainy, and "nortes" seasons at Quintana Roo in Yucatan, Mexico. The study was mixed-longitudinal. Repeated anthropometric measurements (height, weight, head circumference, sitting height, knee height) were recorded at the end of the dry, rainy, nortes, and again dry seasons of 31 preschool children in Quintana Roo, Yucatan. The derived variables (body dimensions relative to height) were the sitting height ratio (SHR) and knee height ratio (KHR). Data on seasonal variation in children's eating habits, availability of food items, and frequencies of signs, symptoms, and illnesses reported by the mothers were recorded. The participants grew more in height and other body lengths between the nortes and dry seasons. Body weight increased most during the nortes and least in the rainy season when the frequencies and duration of illness were higher. Differences in mean values between the seasons were higher for KHR than for SHR. Children's eating habits, the availability of food items, and the frequencies of signs and symptoms of illness were different in the seasons. Seasonality and differential growth patterns of body dimensions were observed in preschool children. The growth of the lower leg length (knee height) was more sensitive to seasonality than the trunk (sitting height).