Lower Mean Height Research Articles

Delayed Puberty and Its Association With Hormonal Changes in Children With Chronic Renal Insufficiency

Chronic kidney diseases affect sex hormones, and thus it is now hypothesized abnormal puberty phenomenon in adolescents suffering renal failure. The primary study endpoint was to assess the frequency of disorders related to the clinical incidence of puberty symptoms among children suffering chronic kidney disease, and the secondary endpoint was also to assess the relationship between such manifestations and the serum level of sexual hormones. This cross-sectional study was performed on children with chronic renal failure (more than three months after the onset of the disease). Al baseline characteristics were retrospectively extracted from the hospital recorded files. The pieces of evidence of anemia and acidosis also appeared more in those with delayed puberty. Comparing the groups with delayed puberty and normal puberty showed significantly lower mean body weight and lower mean height in the group with delayed puberty as compared to those with normal status. Comparing serum hormonal conditions between the groups with normal and delayed puberty also showed significantly reduced serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone, as well as increased the serum level of prolactin in the group suffering delayed puberty. The main determinants for delayed puberty in patients suffering chronic renal insufficiency included abnormality in serum hormonal status, along with pieces of evidence of anemia or acidosis. Children with chronic renal insufficiency suffer from delayed puberty. Such phenomenon might be closely linked to abnormal changes in sex hormones due to the nature of renal dysfunction and hemodialysis.

Global Temporal and Spatial Variations of Ionospheric Sporadic‐E Derived From Radio Occultation Measurements

AbstractWe have analyzed 13 years of radio occultation data from the first Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate mission with a focus on scintillations originating in ionospheric sporadic‐E layers, henceforth referred to as Es. The analysis enabled the statistical global mapping of Es occurrence in space and time of very high resolution, and allowed an investigation of the statistical variation of Es height and thickness with seasons, solar activity, local time, and latitude. Data cleaning criteria were developed to rid the data of unreliable measurements, which allowed for more reliable statistics. To identify the Es irregularities, we applied a sophisticated algorithm termed the U‐shape algorithm that has some important advantages over other methods used on large data sets in previous studies. It is commonly known that the Es occurrence varies with the local time of day, where the greatest occurrence happens roughly around morning times and evening times. Important new observations were made in this study that show that Es height and thickness varies with seasons and solar activity, where different behavior was observed for Es in the morning and in the evening. The evening Es height and thickness showed great variations with solar activity, apparently having lower mean height and larger mean thickness when the activity is high. We interpret that as a tendency for the evening Es to be more tilted with respect to the local horizon.

Differences in sarcopenia prevalence between upper-body and lower-body based EWGSOP2 muscle strength criteria: the Troms\xf8 study 2015\u20132016

BackgroundThe European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) recommends grip strength and chair stand tests to be used as primary defining measures. It is unclear how either test affects prevalence estimates.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 3498 community-dwelling participants (40–84 years) from the 7th Tromsø Study survey (2015–2016). We used grip strength, five-repetition chair stands, four-meter Walk Speed Test, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry measurements. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models and ROC-curves.ResultsProbable and confirmed sarcopenia prevalence was 1.3 and 4.4% based on grip strength and chair stands, respectively. There was very low agreement between grip strength and chair stand cut-offs (κ = 0.07), with only 4.3% of participants defined as having probable sarcopenia overlapping in the two criteria. Participants with grip strength-based sarcopenia had lower mean height, weight, waist circumference, and appendicular lean mass relative to body height (ALMheight2) than non-sarcopenic participants (all p < 0.001), after adjusting for multiple covariates. Conversely, participants with chair stand-based sarcopenia had similar height, higher weight, waist circumference and body fat% compared to non-sarcopenic participants (all p < 0.05). Area-under-curves (AUCs) for TUG-time were significantly larger when using chair stand instead of grip strength cut-offs (0.86, 95% CI 0.84–0.89 vs. 0.75, 95% CI 0.69–0.83).ConclusionsUsing chair stands instead of grip strength more than doubled probable sarcopenia prevalence across all ages. The two measures defined individuals of contradictory anthropometrics, body composition, and dissimilar physical function to have probable sarcopenia. Researchers should further evaluate the consequences of using different strength measures in the EWGSOP2 definition to classify sarcopenia.

Forest degradation and biomass loss along the Choc\xf3 region of Colombia

BackgroundWet tropical forests of Chocó, along the Pacific Coast of Colombia, are known for their high plant diversity and endemic species. With increasing pressure of degradation and deforestation, these forests have been prioritized for conservation and carbon offset through Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) mechanisms. We provide the first regional assessment of forest structure and aboveground biomass using measurements from a combination of ground tree inventories and airborne Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar). More than 80,000 ha of lidar samples were collected based on a stratified random sampling to provide a regionally unbiased quantification of forest structure of Chocó across gradients of vegetation structure, disturbance and elevation. We developed a model to convert measurements of vertical structure of forests into aboveground biomass (AGB) for terra firme, wetlands, and mangrove forests. We used the Random Forest machine learning model and a formal uncertainty analysis to map forest height and AGB at 1-ha spatial resolution for the entire pacific coastal region using spaceborne data, extending from the coast to higher elevation of Andean forests.ResultsUpland Chocó forests have a mean canopy height of 21.8 m and AGB of 233.0 Mg/ha, while wetland forests are characterized by a lower height and AGB (13.5 m and 117.5 Mg/a). Mangroves have a lower mean height than upland forests (16.5 m), but have a similar AGB as upland forests (229.9 Mg/ha) due to their high wood density. Within the terra firme forest class, intact forests have the highest AGB (244.3 ± 34.8 Mg/ha) followed by degraded and secondary forests with 212.57 ± 62.40 Mg/ha of biomass. Forest degradation varies in biomass loss from small-scale selective logging and firewood harvesting to large-scale tree removals for gold mining, settlements, and illegal logging. Our findings suggest that the forest degradation has already caused the loss of more than 115 million tons of dry biomass, or 58 million tons of carbon.ConclusionsOur assessment of carbon stocks and forest degradation can be used as a reference for reporting on the state of the Chocó forests to REDD+ projects and to encourage restoration efforts through conservation and climate mitigation policies.

Global country-level estimates of associations between adult height and the distribution of income.

This article presents the first estimates of global associations between adult height and the distribution of income, and considers the roles of regional heterogeneity, heterogeneity across low- and high-income countries, and of infant mortality as a potential mediator. Linear parametric and semiparametric regressions predicting mean height and sexual dimorphism in height are estimated using data on one cohort born in 1996 with height measured in 2016. Measurement error in income inequality is addressed using an instrumental variables method. Across countries higher income per capita is strongly associated with higher mean height, and higher income inequality is associated with lower mean height after holding mean income constant. These relationships vary with mean income: at low incomes, higher mean income strongly predicts greater height but income inequality has no statistically significant effect, whereas for high-income countries, only higher income inequality predicts lower height, and only in Europe. Sexual dimorphism in height is positively associated with mean income at low incomes, but it is not related to income inequality. Controlling for income inequality has modest effects on a positive height-income gradient. Greater inequality predicts lower height after holding income per capita constant, suggesting that mean height should be used with caution as a proxy for standard of living in some contexts. The extent to which these associations reflect causality running from economic conditions to height cannot be determined from these results.

Ant associations in the Neotropical shrub Turnera subulata (Turneraceae): Costs or benefits to the host plant?

AbstractThe results of ecological interactions depend on the costs and benefits involved in different ecological contexts. Turnera subulata is a shrubby plant with extrafloral nectaries that are associated with ants. Here, we test the hypotheses that the association between T. subulata and ants results in: (i) positive effects on host plant growth and reproduction; (ii) plant herbivory reduction and (iii) inhibition of the host plant visitation by beneficial organisms. Thirty experimental plots were established in northeastern Brazil, either in association with ants or without ants (N = 15 plots/treatment), with four plants each (total 120 plants). Vegetative growth (plant height and number of leaves), reproductive investment (flowers and fruits), herbivory rates and numbers of beneficial visitors were quantified during all phenological stages of the host plant. Data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models. At the host plant maturation stage, we found a trade‐off between growth and reproduction. Plants with ants had lower mean height; however, they invested more in reproduction (a higher number of flowers and fruits) compared to plants without ants. During the flowering stage, the abundance of sucking herbivores was higher in plots without ants but chewing herbivore abundance increased in the maturation stage in plots with ants. The cumulative proportion of leaves with herbivore damage did not differ between treatments, and the presence of ants reduced the number of beneficial visitors (e.g. pollinators and natural enemies) to the host plants. Our results show that association with ants results in some costs for the host plant, however, these costs appear to be offset by the defensive role of ants, which favours plant reproductive investment. In general, our results help to elucidate mechanisms involved in trophic interactions within the complex network of interactions involving ants and plants.

Adaptive genetic variability and differentiation of Croatian and Austrian Quercus robur L. populations at a drought prone field trial

Provenance trials, where populations of different geographical origin are tested in a common environment (common garden test), are a tool suited to allow the study of intraspecific adaptive genetic variation. Research of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) adaptive genetic variability through analyses of populations in common garden tests has a long tradition. However, pedunculated oak populations originating south-eastern from the Alps have been scarcely studied in this way. This study addresses the adaptive genetic variability and differentiation of pedunculate oak populations originating from Austria and Croatia in a provenance/progeny field trial. Studied plants were six years old and were growing at the trial for three years. After two years of unusually low precipitations height and survival were analysed. The total mean height of all plants in the trial was 137.8 cm and ranged from 123.0 cm to 151.8 cm. The overall mean survival rate was rather high (0.85). Mean population survival ranged from 0.64 to 0.94. Individual narrow-sense heritabilities (hi2), family mean heritabilities (hf2), the coefficients of additive genetic variation (CVA) and quantitative genetic differentiation coefficients (QST) were calculated. A multivariate regression tree (MRT) analysis was used to determine the pattern of genetic differentiation of the populations. Individual heritabilities for height ranged between 0.00 and 0.39. Family mean heritabilities for height were rather low in most populations as well (<0.5). Family mean heritabilities for survival were higher than for height (ranging between 0.00 and 0.77). Calculated QST coefficients (0.25 for height and 0.14 for survival) indicated between-population genetic differentiation. The populations were separated into two clusters by MRT analysis regarding a climatic variable, namely Hargreaves’ reference evapotranspiration. Populations originating from comparatively more humid habitats were grouped in the first cluster. The first cluster had a lower mean height and survival compared to the second one. The differences between these clusters were highly statistically significant. The observed quantitative genetic differentiation might have been driven by natural selection caused by differences in the relative moisture of the habitats from which the progeny populations originate. The results suggest ecotypic pattern of the quantitative genetic differentiation among studied populations.

Population dynamics and nitrogen allocation of Sonchus arvensis L. in relation to initial root size

To develop better mechanical management strategies, more information on the impact of root partitioning on changes in the population dynamics of Sonchus arvensis is needed. Therefore, the effects of root fragmentation of S. arvensis on shoot height frequency distributions, biomass production and nitrogen allocation were studied in an outdoor experiment in Sweden in 2008. Three artificial populations of S. arvensis of different initial root lengths but with the same total root length per area were planted. Shoot heights were measured at the onset of flowering and dry weight and nitrogen content of leaves, stems, buds and roots were quantified twice during the season. Height frequency distributions of the populations were bimodal, indicating the existence of two generations distinctly different in height growth pattern. Shorter root fragments produced shoots with a lower mean height compared to longer fragments. Plants originating from longer root fragments had higher dry weight and more nitrogen compared to plants from shorter root fragments. Dry matter production per square meter did not differ between the populations. The proportion of dry matter and nitrogen allocated to the different plant components (leaves, stems, buds and roots) at harvest did not differ between the populations. Over time, nitrogen was reallocated from leaves and stems to roots. Our results show that initial root length of S. arvensis per square meter, rather than the number of root fragments per square meter, is a good predictor of biomass at harvest, and that the degree of root fragmentation does not affect nitrogen allocation patterns. Root fragmentation, however, leads to a lower average canopy height for S. arvensis, and thus may be an effective weed control measure in combination with a crop which is competitive for light.

Effect of L-carnitine on exercise performance in patients with mitochondrial myopathy.

Exercise intolerance due to impaired oxidative metabolism is a prominent symptom in patients with mitochondrial myopathy (MM), but it is still uncertain whether L-carnitine supplementation is beneficial for patients with MM. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of L-carnitine on exercise performance in MM. Twelve MM subjects (mean age±SD=35.4±10.8 years) with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) were first compared to 10 healthy controls (mean age±SD=29±7.8 years) before they were randomly assigned to receive L-carnitine supplementation (3 g/daily) or placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Clinical status, body composition, respiratory function tests, peripheral muscle strength (isokinetic and isometric torque) and cardiopulmonary exercise tests (incremental to peak exercise and at 70% of maximal), constant work rate (CWR) exercise test, to the limit of tolerance [Tlim]) were assessed after 2 months of L-carnitine/placebo administration. Patients with MM presented with lower mean height, total body weight, fat-free mass, and peripheral muscle strength compared to controls in the pre-test evaluation. After L-carnitine supplementation, the patients with MM significantly improved their Tlim (14±1.9 vs 11±1.4 min) and oxygen consumption () at CWR exercise, both at isotime (1151±115 vs 1049±104 mL/min) and at Tlim (1223±114 vs 1060±108 mL/min). These results indicate that L-carnitine supplementation may improve aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance during high-intensity CWRs in MM patients with CPEO.

허약아와 성장지표의 상관성에 대한 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between weak children and growth indices. Methods One hundred twenty-six of the first and the second grade elementary school students who didn't have to develop yet their secondary sexual characteristics answered the questionnaire. Their bone age and body composition were measured. Results 1. According to the Weak Children questionnaire analysis, respiratory problem was one of the biggest problems in the weak children group (35.7%), followed by digestive problems (23.0%), psycho-neurological problems (22.2%), neuromotor problems (9.5%), and urogenital problems (8.7%). 2. From the comparison between growth indices of weak children and that of normal children are as follows: 1) The group of children who had problem in their digestive system had lower growth indices than the normal average children group. The growth indices includes mean height, weight, total body water, protein mass, mineral mass, body fat, skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and basal metabolic rate (BMR). 2) The children who had urogenital weakness had lower mean height, RH (Recent Height), RH - MPH {Recent Height(%) - Mid-Parental Height(%)}, RUS (Radius, Ulna and Short bone) score, weight, protein mass, body fat, BMI, and visceral fat than the normal children group. 3. The results of the multiple comparisons of growth indices and weak children groups are as follows: 1) Digestive weak children were the lowest in total body water, protein mass, mineral mass, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate. 2) Urogenital weak children were the lowest in height, RH, RH - MPH, RUS score, and weight. Conclusion These results showed that children's growth is strongly correlated to their own growth problems, especially to those children who have digestive and urogenital problems. Therefore, this may be an effective way for children growth treatment in Korean medicine to treat weak symptoms.

Hibernacula Characteristics of Townsend's Big-eared Bats in Southeastern Idaho

ABSTRACT: Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) is a widespread species of special concern that hibernates in large numbers in the lava-tube caves of southeastern Idaho. We measured 24 habitat variables describing landscape-level, physical, and microclimate characteristics of 13 caves and identified at least three that were useful for predicting winter occupancy by C. townsendii. In univariate analyses, distance to ephemeral water was the only variable that significantly predicted occupancy. Temperature and dewpoint were non-significantly higher in occupied than unoccupied caves. Our index of human disturbance was not associated with winter occupancy as observed in other studies. A multivariate (discriminant) analysis identified three characteristics that significantly and best predicted occupancy by big-eared bats in our sample of caves: (1) greater distance to ephemeral water, (2) the presence of a collapse or constriction, and (3) lower mean height. Although not included in our most-predic...

Predicting height growth of sugar pine regeneration using stand and individual tree characteristics

Concern exists among managers and researchers that sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), a valuable, moderately shade-toleranttimberspecies, regenerationappearstobedeclining. Managementand restoration requireunderstandingfactorsleadingtosustainedsugarpineregenerationgrowthandoverstoreyrecruitment.Theprimaryresearchobjectivewastoidentifyfactorsinfluencingsugarpineregenerationheightgrowth.Datawerecollectedon sugarpineregeneration,includingheightgrowthandstandcharacteristicsacrosssixmanagedandeightunmanaged stands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, CA and NV, USA. Individual tree- and stand-level analyses were conducted using non-parametric statistical comparisons and regression. Results indicated low mean height growth rates and no relationship between canopy closure and either height growth or management history. Individual sugar pine seedlings grew significantly taller under unmanaged stand conditions with higher canopy closures while sapling growth did not differ statistically by management history. Individual tree-level height growth models neverexplained more than 35 percent of the variation. Stand-level models explained over 50 percent of the variationwithfewervariablesthantheindividual tree-levelmodels.Moreresearchshouldbeconductedtodetermine whethertheregenerationthatispersistingintheunderstoreywouldrespondpositivelytomoreaggressiveunevenaged silvicultural treatments designed for enhancing understorey pine growth.

Southern limit of the Western South Atlantic mangroves: Assessment of the potential effects of global warming from a biogeographical perspective

The objective of the present study was to determine the exact location of the latitudinal limit of western South Atlantic mangroves, and to describe how these forests develop at this limit; as well as to analyze the potential responses of these communities to global warming. The study was carried out along the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Specific studies on mangrove structure were carried out in the Santo Antônio Lagoon (28°28′34″S; 48°51′40″W). The coastline of Santa Catarina was surveyed for the occurrence of mangrove species. In the mangrove located at the southernmost distributional limit, the forest structure was characterized. Mean height and diameter, trunks density and basal area were calculated. Climatic and oceanographic factors controlling the occurrence and development of the mangrove forests at their latitudinal limit were analyzed, as well as the possible changes of this limit based on global warming scenarios. The results confirmed that the Santo Antônio Lagoon is the southern limit of the western South Atlantic mangroves. At this limit, the mangrove forests show a low degree of development, defined by low mean diameter and height, and high trunks density and trunks/tree ratio. The observed structural pattern and the local alternation of these forests with salt marsh species are typical of mangrove forests at their latitudinal limits. The absence of mangroves south of Laguna and forest structure at the latitudinal limit are controlled by rigorous climate and oceanographic characteristics. In response to the planetary warming process, we expect that mangroves will expand southward, as a consequence of an increase in air and ocean surface temperatures, a reduction in the incidence of frosts, an increased influence of the Brazil Current and a decreased influence of the Falkland Current, and the availability of sheltered estuarine systems for the establishment of new mangroves.

Body fat distribution in perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected children in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: outcomes from the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study

Associations between abnormal body fat distribution and clinical variables are poorly understood in pediatric HIV disease. Our objective was to compare total body fat and its distribution in perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children and to evaluate associations with clinical variables. In a cross-sectional analysis, children aged 7-16 y in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study underwent regionalized measurements of body fat via anthropometric methods and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate body fat by HIV, with adjustment for age, Tanner stage, race, sex, and correlates of body fat in HIV-infected children. Percentage total body fat was compared with NHANES data. Males accounted for 47% of the 369 HIV-infected and 51% of the 176 HEU children. Compared with HEU children, HIV-infected children were older, were more frequently non-Hispanic black, more frequently had Tanner stage ≥3, and had lower mean height (-0.32 compared with 0.29), weight (0.13 compared with 0.70), and BMI (0.33 compared with 0.63) z scores. On average, HIV-infected children had a 5% lower percentage total body fat (TotF), a 2.8% lower percentage extremity fat (EF), a 1.4% higher percentage trunk fat (TF), and a 10% higher trunk-to-extremity fat ratio (TEFR) than did the HEU children and a lower TotF compared with NHANES data. Stavudine use was associated with lower EF and higher TF and TEFR. Non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor use was associated with higher TotF and EF and lower TEFR. Although BMI and total body fat were significantly lower in the HIV-infected children than in the HEU children, body fat distribution in the HIV-infected children followed a pattern associated with cardiovascular disease risk and possibly related to specific antiretroviral drugs.

Serum Antibodies and Anthropometric Data at Diagnosis in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease

Serum antibodies, including ASCA, anti-OmpC, and ANCA, correlate with disease location and predict disease phenotype in inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this study was to determine relationships between serum antibody status and anthropometric data for children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease. A retrospective review was conducted on children diagnosed with Crohn's disease at our institution from 2003 to 2008. Patients who had ASCA IgA, ASCA IgG, anti-OmpC, and pANCA antibodies, and anthropometric data measured before diagnosis and therapy were included. Z-scores for height and weight were compared among groups according to the presence of specific antibodies. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess association between antibodies and growth data. One hundred and two patients, mean age 11.9 years, met the inclusion criteria. Patients with the presence of any of the four antibodies had lower mean height and weight z-scores than patients without any antibodies present. When individual antibodies were studied, patients with positive ASCA titers had lower mean weight and height z-scores than patients without any antibodies present. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant association between increasing ASCA titers and lower weight z-scores, but not lower height z-scores. Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease and the presence of ASCA antibodies have lower mean height and weight z-scores. This study provides evidence that specific subsets of children with Crohn's disease may be at greater risk of growth impairment.

Obesity in adults with Down syndrome: a case–control study

Obesity has a negative impact upon mortality and morbidity. Studies report that obesity is more prevalent in individuals with Down syndrome than individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) not associated with Down syndrome. However, there have been no studies using a methodology of matched comparison groups and findings from previous studies are contradictory. A detailed method was used to identify all adults with ID in Leicestershire. Individuals were invited to participate in a medical examination - that included measurement of their height and weight, from which body mass index (BMI) was calculated. For each person with Down syndrome, an individual matched for gender, age and accommodation type was identified, from the Leicestershire ID database. The data for 247 matched pairs is reported. Women with Down syndrome had lower mean height and weight, but greater mean BMI than the matched pairs. Men with Down syndrome had a lower mean height and weight but there was no statistical difference in BMI compared to the matched pairs. Using World Health Organization categories of BMI, women with Down syndrome were more likely to be overweight or obese than their matched pairs (odds ratio = 2.17). Men with Down syndrome were more likely to be in the overweight category than their matched pairs but were less likely to be obese (odds ratio = 0.85). This study demonstrates that, compared to a matched sample, there is a greater prevalence of obesity amongst women with Down syndrome but not men. As the impact on the health of people with Down syndrome of being overweight or obese is uncertain, this is an area that requires further study.

Changes in Maternal Weight from the First to Second Trimester of Pregnancy Are Associated With Fetal Growth and Infant Length at Birth

Maternal nutritional status is accepted as an important factor in fetal growth in developing countries. The prevalence of stunting at birth (defined as birth length for gestational age below the 10th percentile) may be ashigh as 50%. This study examined the relationship between maternal weight gain at various stages of pregnancy and linear fetal growth. All pregnant women 19 to 34 years of age who lived in one of four rural villages in Guatemala were asked to participate, and 200 of them agreed to do so: Ultrasound studies were done at 15-24 and at 28-32 weeks' gestation. The findings were compared with maternal weight gain from the first to the second, and from the second to the third trimester. The 98 male and 102 female infants had an average birth weight approximately 0.5 standard deviation (SD) below the reference mean, and birth length averaged 1 SD below the reference mean. Intrauterine growth retardation was diagnosed in 18.5% of infants, and low birth weight (less than 2500 gm) in 8%. More than a third of infants (36.5) were stunted at birth. These infants had lower birth weights than the others, but mean gestational ages did not differ significantly. Mothers of stunted infants had had significantly lower mean weight and height before pregnancy, and lower rates of weight gain from the second to the third trimester. A significant shortened femur length was noted in the third trimester in infants born stunted, but there was no difference in the rate of tibial growth from the second to the third trimester. The rate of maternal weight gain from the first to the second trimester significantly predicted both femur and tibia length in the second and third trimesters. Weight gain from the second to the third trimester did not predict bone length in the third trimester. The rate of maternal weight gain from the first to the second trimester did significantly predict infant length at birth. These observations suggest that linear fetal growth is dependent on events taking place early in pregnancy.

Back to basics: Early diagnosis and compliance improve final height outcome in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Back to basics: Early diagnosis and compliance improve final height outcome in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Anthropometric Parameters and the Igf-I-Igfbp3 Aiis Pre and Post Heart Transplantation. 34

Since May 1990, in the Italian Hospital 30 transplantation procedures (TX)[28 orthotopic heart transplantations (HTX) & 2 lungs and heart transplantations (HLTX)] have been performed in 28 children with a 65% overall survival at 6 years. Anthropometric parameters & the IGF-I-IGFBP3 axis were evaluated in 29 patients (19 females), 16 in a waiting list for HTX(n=6) or HLTX (n=10), ages ranging from 1.9 to 20.7 years (median 7.4) (10 Tanner I) & 13 transplanted patients, HTX (n=11), LHTX (n=2), ages ranging from 2.4 to 16.6 years (median 11) (B Tanner I), treated with immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine, azathioprine & aethylprednisone. Pre & post TX sean weight/height ratio (W/H) was -9.1±10.7 vs-5.9±8.8% (p=NS), body mass index (BMI) 15.9±2.5 vs 16.4±2.4 kg/s2 (p=NS), SDS of height -0.84±1.1 vs-0.51±0.9DS (p=NS). The SDS of height was significantly below normal in the preTX group only (p<0.05,Wilcoxon test). We found:Table: [Illegible Text] p<0.001 pre vs post TX(Mann-Whitney test); [Illegible Text] p<0.05 vs normal (Wilcoxon test). There was correlation between: IGF-1 & IGFBP3 preTX r=0.80, posTX r=0.80; years post TX & IGFBP3 r=0.74; IGFBP3 & both W/H & BMI r=0.55 y 0.53 only in the preTX group (Spearman rank correlation). Conclusions: Patients in the preTX group presented low mean height SDS with normal mean values of IGFBP3, IGF-I & IGF-I/IGFBP3 molar ratio. PosTX we found an improvement in height & an increase of 0.9 SD in IGF-I mean value and of 1.85 SD in IGFBP3 mean value with preservation of molar ratio. The significantly elevated IGFBP3 mean level (compared to normal and preTX values) could be related to favorable changes in the somatotrophic axis and/or to the concomitant immunosuppressive therapy.

Patterns of forest diversity along the Tana River, Kenya

ABSTRACTTropical forest vegetation occurs within a narrow corridor along the semi-arid lower floodplain of the Tana River, Kenya. An inventory of the woody flora and ecological study of 12 forest areas in the Tana River National Primate Reserve (TRNPR) describe the composition and structure of this riverine forest ecosystem and identify patterns of regional and local diversity. Only 175 species in 49 families are recorded in the woody flora, but the geographic affinities of 98 species are from four major floristic regions in Africa: Zanzibar-Inhambane (31%), Somalia-Masai (16%), Guinea-Congolian (12%), and Zambezian (1%). Ten species are rare and/or disjunct. Forests have a disturbed physiognomy characterized by a low mean height (14.4 m), high species importance attributable to a few trees, low density (409 ha−1) and coverage (23.1 m2 ha−1) of trees &gt; 10 cm dbh, and an abundance of palms and lianes. Changes along the river in sediment deposition and hydrology explain the high diversity of landforms and corresponding forest types in the TRNPR vicinity, but the absence of trees which are most important near Bura, Acacia elalior, and near Wema, Barringtonia racemosa, suggests that the regional diversity of the ecosystem is inadequately protected. Preservation of key resources, such as the endangered primates, should be coupled with protection of the forest heterogeneity that characterizes this dynamic landscape.