Main Anthropometric Parameters Research Articles

Screening of Serum Cholesterol Level Amongst Sri Lankan Women in Relation to Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Thigh Ratio (WTR): A Cross-Sectional Study

Anthropometric measurements give a general reflection of any changes in lipid concentration in the human body. A disturbed lipid profile can be associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum total cholesterol level and different anthropometric parameters related to obesity in a female population of two administrative areas in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Boral and Hiththatiya-Meda areas of Matara district, Sri Lanka. The systematic random sampling method was followed to select 314 females aged 18-60 years. Serum total cholesterol concentration was measured on a venous blood sample by Konelab 20XT biochemistry analyser with a commercially available reagent kit. Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Thigh Ratio (WTR) parameters were calculated for each individual. Pearson correlation test, chi-squared test and t-test were done to analyse data using SPSS, 16 (P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol concentration is positively associated with abdominal obesity while showing a statistically significant positive correlation with BMI, WC, WHR, WTR and WHtR (r=0.217, r=0.590, r=0.315, r=0.347 and r=0.574 respectively; P≤0.05). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in the population was 8.6%. These results indicate that all main anthropometric parameters of this study are positively associated with serum total cholesterol levels and an increment of these risk markers can lead to an increase in risk of developing metabolic diseases associated with abdominal obesity among women.

CARDIORESPIRATORY MONITORING OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME AGED 10-17 YEARS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Study objectives. This study aims to investigate potential differences in sleep parameters between children with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and their healthy counterparts using the portable cardiorespiratory monitoring device SOMNOcheck micro CARDIO. Methods. The study included 71 children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years, with 39 in the MetS group and 32 in the control group. The main anthropometric parameters were: neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). All children were assessed using the Friedman tongue position (FTP) scale. Children completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Salivary cortisol was collected in the morning immediately after waking up. The sleep study was performed using a portable SOMNOcheck micro CARDIO device with a special cardiaс sensor. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using EZR version 1.61. Results. Significant differences in cardiorespiratory sleep monitoring were observed between between the MetS and non-MetS groups. Patients with MetS had higher daytime sleepiness scores and lower MoCA scores compared to the control group. Cortisol levels in morning saliva showed a marked increase among children with obstructive apnea/hypopnea index ≥ 1. A logistic regression model established a link between FTP stages III and IV and the autonomous arousal index. Conclusions. These findings highlight the differences (p < 0.05) in sleep-related parameters between the MetS and non-MetS groups, which may indicate an increased risk of sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive impairment in such children.

Local Standards for Anthropometric Measurements in Children and Adolescents of Magadan: Report 1

Background: The recent expansion of scientific knowledge of child development under effect of man-made environmental changes is of great importance for monitoring health of the younger generation and elaborating the theory of adaptation in terms of ontogenesis. Objective: To develop regional standards for the main anthropometric parameters used to assess growth and physical devel- opment of children and adolescents in the city of Magadan. Materials and methods: We analyzed data on 4,660 schoolchildren (2,295 boys and 2,365 girls) aged 8–17 years collected in 2009–2019. The main anthropometric measurements, including body height, weight, and chest circumference, were taken to estimate reference centile row variables. Results: We created centile tables based on the results of measuring body height, weight, and chest circumference in the study population and established that in local boys, all findings were above the upper limit of the national averages (i.e., the range of 25th to 75th percentiles) while in girls, the same was true only for body weight and chest circumference. The maximum difference between body measurements and the respective upper limits was observed in the adolescents. Distribution of an- thropometric parameters of the schoolchildren by the regional standard centile rows indicates compliance with the average body height and weight in 50.0 % and 50.1 % and with chest circumference – in 49.0 % of the children, while deviations, less than the 3rd and equal to and more than the 97th percentile, occurred in 2.0 % to 5.5 % of the cases, respectively. Conclusion: It is important to continue developing up-to-date regional child growth standards in the city of Magadan and to introduce them into the practice of preventive health screening.

Sharp IR GP2Y0A21 Sensor Calibration for Prototyping Application of Smart Anthropometric System

An anthropometric tool is a tool used to measure body dimensions. For toddlers, anthropometric measurement is necessary to determine their nutritional status. The main anthropometric parameters in toddlers are weight, height, and head circumference. The development of accurate and user-friendly anthropometric tools is very significant in an effort to modernize the Integrated Healthcare Post (posyandu). This study aims to determine the accuracy of the infrared sensor used to measure the height and head circumference of toddlers. One IR GP2Y0A21 sensor was utilized to measure height, and four IR GP2Y0A21 sensors were utilized to measure the head circumference. The calibration results show the relative error of the Sharp IR GP2Y0A21 sensor for height measurement of 0.24%, and the relative error of the GP2Y0A21 sensor on head circumference 1 of 0.51%, head circumference 2 of 0.53%, head circumference 3 of 0.25%, and head circumference 4 of 0.37%. We conclude that the IR GP2Y0A21 sensor has high accuracy and can be used to measure head circumference and height accurately.

Development of a Multisensor-Based Non-Contact Anthropometric System for Early Stunting Detection

The stunting prevalence in Indonesia is still above the WHO minimum standard of 20%. An important aspect of early detection of stunting is to monitor the nutritional status of children under five periodically. In daily practice, nutritional status is obtained through anthropometry. The main anthropometric parameters are body mass, height, and head circumference. This research entails the development of an integrated and non-contact anthropometric system for measuring body mass, height, and head circumference for children aged 12–60 months. This non-contact method can prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the development of a prototype, three types of sensors are used: load, proximity, and temperature sensor. In addition, a load cell sensor is used to measure body mass, an infrared sensor to measure height and head circumference, ultrasonic sensor to measure height. In addition, the anthropometric system developed is equipped with an MLX90614-DCI sensor to measure temperature, a thermal printer to print measurement results, and sound output. The results of the tests showed that this anthropometric system had an average error less than 5%. Therefore, it is suitable to measure the body mass, height, and head circumference of children under five.

The Effect of Fasting Ramadan on Diabetic Patients with High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

One of the common questions for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease is whether it is safe for them to fast during Ramadan. Yet, studies on the effects of Ramadan fasting on blood lipids, blood pressure, anthropometric parameters and other cardiovascular risk factors are scarce, and have given inconclusive results. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors including biochemical indices, blood pressure and main anthropometric parameters. This Prospective observational study was conducted at the CCU (Coronary care unit) and medical wards of Madinat Zayed hospital one of Al Dhafra hospitals, under Seha Abu Dhabi. Fifty-Six diabetic patients admitted with cardiovascular events including 48 males and 8 females with a previous history of cardiovascular event completed the study. Their age ranged between 32 and 91 years with a mean of 54.0 ± 10 years. A non-significant slight biochemical modification with regard to the metabolic profile pre, during and post-Ramadan period was reported: eGFR, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were increased yet, triglycerides and creatinine were non-significantly lower during Ramadan. Findings also showed a non-significant decrease in the post Ramadan blood pressure values which could be attributed to the metabolic switch.

Assessment of the functional state and level of physical fitness of people with immunodeficiency virus with different levels of T-lymphocytes in the practice of a physical therapist


 Purpose: to assess the functional state of patients with human immunodeficiency virus with different levels of T-lymphocytes for use in the practice of physical therapy.
 Materials and methods. We examined 24 patients with human immunodeficiency virus at the stage of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome at the outpatient stage of treatment. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 11 patients with CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels <100 cells ml-1, and group 2 included 13 patients with CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels above 150 cells ml-1 (р<0.01). The clinical and anamnestic data, the main anthropometric parameters and physiological indices, the results of carpal dynamometry, the 6-minute walk test, characterizing the functional state of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus, were studied. The results of immunological, virological and biochemical parameters were also studied.
 Results. Anthropometric indicators: Group 1 – body mass index 48.9±7.4 kg m2-1, waist to hip ratio ratio 0.92±0.17 cm, leg circumference 16.6±0.8 cm; Group 2 – body mass index 23.1±2.8 kg m2 -1, waist to hip ratio ratio 1.14±0.11 cm, leg circumference 15.9±1.4 cm (р>0.05 ). Indicators of physiological indices: Reed - group 1 - 17.3±7.2%, group 2 - 18.3±11.8% (p>0.05); Hobbes - group I 70.9 ± 5.5%, group 2 - 93.6 ± 11.8% (p<0.05), Kerdo - group 1 was 26.6 ± 14.2%, group 2 - 10 .8 ± 14.7% (р<0.05). Index of functional changes group 2 - 2.44±0.2 points, group 2 - 2.59±0.3 points (p>0.05). Dynamometry indicators - group I - 17.5 ± 6.8 kg, group 2 - 28.1 ± 9.4 kg (р>0.05); strength index – group 1 35.3±-9.6%, group 2 40.5±10.4% (р>0.05); 6 min walk test in group 1 - 402.8±40.04 m, group 2 459.7±56.1 m (р<0.05). Indicators of biochemical studies were in reference values ??in patients of both groups.
 Conclusions. There is a decrease in the functional state and the predominance of catabolic processes in people with human immunodeficiency virus with a significant deficiency of CD4+ T-lymphocytes.

The Effects of Physical Inactivity and Exercise at Home in Young Patients with Congenital Heart Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the population’s ability to be physically active. Purpose: Evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 mitigation measures on exercise tolerance in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods: All subjects (880, 6–18 years old) who performed a stress test at our hospital from October 2020 to February 2021 and had a similar test one year earlier were enrolled. A questionnaire on the degree of physical activity carried out in 2020 concerning the period prior to the pandemic was compiled. Exercise tolerance and the main anthropometric parameters between the first and second tests were compared. Results: 110 subjects (11.9 ± 4.1 years) were included in the study. The percentage of patients engaged in regular physical activity (RPA) decreased significantly during the pandemic (p < 0.001), and BMI increased significantly (p < 0.001), except among the subjects who began RPA during the lockdown, whereas test duration did not decrease significantly overall but increased in this last subgroup (p < 0.05) Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown led to a less active lifestyle with a significant increase in BMI in our group of CHD. These data could have negative effects on the risk profile of this population. RPA practiced at home seems to be effective in counteracting such effects.

Anthropometric indicies of infants with realized perinatal transmission of HIV

Purpose of the study: evaluation of the anthropometric parameters of newborns with realized perinatal transmission of HIV.Materials and methods: The article presents the analysis of the main anthropometric parameters (length, weight, head and chest circumference) of 147 infants born to HIV-infected mothers who were divided into 2 groups of observation (with realized and unrealized transmission of HIV).Results: These results demonstrate that a reduction in comparison with the normative parameters of anthropometric indicators such as body weight, head circumference and chest circumference at birth, is a distinctive feature, substantiating intrauterine infection with HIV. Indicators body length did not significantly deviate from the norm in both groups observation that, apparently, was associated with a short-term impact of HIV on the child body during pregnancy.

Age-Specific Features of the Functional Development of the Circulatory System in Children Living in Northeastern Russia

Summary. Introduction: The problem of human interaction with the environment acquires special importance nowadays. Significant migration processes observed in the last decade have become global, thus necessitating studies of the mechanisms of human adaptation to new environmental conditions. Our objective was to study age-related changes in functional indices of the cardiovascular system in adolescents between 11 and 17 years of age, born in Magadan in the first to third generation of Caucasians who had migrated to this city. Material and methods: In all, 1,442 school-age adolescents were examined including 809 boys and 633 girls. The main anthropometric parameters (body weight, kg, and height, cm) were measured and cardiac hemodynamics was determined at rest in the sitting position by volumetric compression oscillometry using a non-invasive hard- and software unit for central hemodynamic study. Results: Significantly higher values of cardiac output and stroke volume prevailed in boys of all age groups. The boys aged 14-17 years also demonstrated higher values of systolic blood pressure and left ventricular power output compared to girls. At the same time, the girls had higher age-specific indices of the heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and total peripheral resistance. Conclusion: We established that the highest rates of cardiovascular functional development occur during puberty in 11 to 16-year-old boys and 11 to 13-year-old girls. Our findings showed that only 70.2 % to 77.2 % of the boys and 75.1 % to 80.2 % of the girls had blood pressure and heart rate readings within the age norm. Prehypertension was registered in 11.3 % and 10.3 % while hypertension was observed in 11.5 % and 9.5 % of the examined boys and girls, respectively. Tachycardia at rest was noted in 18 % of the boys and 20.2 % of the girls.

Anthropometric characteristics of females in different age groups in Latvia from childhood to adulthood

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate changes in main anthropometric parameters such as height, body mass, and body circumferences (chest, upper arm) in different age groups from childhood to adulthood in healthy females in Latvia and to determine the active growing age periods and the impact of tobacco use on anthropometric parameters. We provided a health well-being questionnaire concerning lifestyle and tobacco use. In the present study, we assessed the body mass index (BMI) values to identify body mass index-defined overweight and obesity. The levels of the body mass index exceeded the standard data only in a small number of the examined persons. Body composition data and the body mass index are used as an index of obesity as a standard practice by many clinicians according the recommendations of health authorities as a basis for health behaviour and physical activities to preserve physical and mental health. A significant correlation has been previously reported between anthropometric characteristics, physical activity and health capacity. The study data were collected with the participants’ informed consent. Statistical analysis was performed using a statistics program. The body mass index is the respondents’ major characteristic which describes the physical condition and nutrition level in any age group. Tobacco use by the mother during the pregnancy period has an influence on the child’s body mass and body mass index values that were fixed for girls in the 1st and 2nd childhood periods. Intensive increase in anthropometric parameters was observed during the transition from the adolescence to the youth period.

Therapeutic non-contraceptive properties of the drug containing ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg and drospirenone 3 mg

Aim. To compare effects of the drug containing ethinylestradiol (EE) 0.03 mg and drospirenone (DRSP) 3 mg and the drug containing EE 0.02 mg and DRSP 3 mg on the skin and anthropometric parameters. Materials and methods. A prospective comparative randomized study included 40 women of reproductive age who didn’t have contraindications to use of combined oral contraceptive (COCs). The first group consisted of 20 women who were administrated EE 0.03 mg and DRSP 3 mg in the 21/7 regimen according to a prescribing information; the 2nd group included 20 patients who were administrated EE 0.02 mg and DRSP 3 mg in the 24/4 regimen according to a prescribing information. The study protocol included 8 visits: at the 0th visit, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were evaluated, at the 1st visit patient were randomized (envelope method) to receive one or another drug, at the 2nd - 7th visits (once a month) blood pressure was measured, anthropometric parameters were determined including body weight, height, waist, hips as well as body mass index, a degree of hirsutism (with Ferriman-Gallwey scale), skin and hair skin oiliness, acne (with a 10-point visual scale) were evaluated. Results. The use of EE 0.03 mg and DRSP 3 mg for 6 months did not significantly affect the body weight and body mass index, waist and hips. In the 6th month, the use of EE 0.03 mg and DRSP 3 mg lead to a statistically significant decrease in skin oiliness, severity of acne and hirsutism, which was comparable to a clinical effectiveness of EE 0.02 mg and DRSP 3 mg. Conclusions. EE 0.03 mg and DRSP 3 mg has a similar effect on skin oiliness, severity of acne and hirsutism with EE 0.02 mg and DRSP 3 mg, without significantly affecting the main anthropometric parameters. It is likely that the effect of DRSP-containing COCs on androgen levels and adipose tissue is due precisely to the effect of DRSP, and not to the dose of EE.

Features of physical development and somatotype of girls and women involved in fitness

Purpose : Comparative analysis of the physical development features and somatotype of girls and women involved in fitness. Material : The experiment involved 95 girls and women, divided into 2 groups. Group 1 - 48 girls (36.04 ± 0.19) years, Group 2 - 47 women (43.26 ± 0.22) years, (p &lt;0.01). Participants practiced fitness 2-3 times a week. The duration of the training was 60 minutes. It was determined the body mass and body length, wrist circumference, waist and hips circumferences. The TANITA BC 587 analyzer was applied to determine muscle and fat mass, the specific weight of fat tissue, water content, percentage of visceral fat, basal metabolism value, bone mass mineralization. It was calculated the body mass index and the waist-to-hip ratio. The results were evaluated applying the Student's t-test (t) and Rosenbaum (Q) and Wilcoxon - Mann - Whitney (U) criteria. Results : There were no significant differences in body length and body mass. The girls confirmed a less value of hip circumference (t = 2.04, p &lt;0.05) and a tendency to less waist circumference (t = 1.97, p &lt;0.1) in comparison with group 2. The participants of group 2 had a larger wrist circumference (U = 891, p &lt;0.05). According to this parameter, persons with asthenic body type prevailed among participants. Their specific weight was (56.25 ± 7.16)% of group 1 and (53.19 ± 7.28)% of group 2. It was confirmed less absolute body fat content in group 1 (t = 2.09, p &lt;0.05). All participants were characterized by larger muscle mass. There were no differences in this parameter between groups. It was determined the high concentration of specific weight of fat tissue in comparison with age standards. The content of visceral fat was within the age norm. Its content was higher in group 2 (Q = 18, p &lt;0.01). The basal metabolic value was larger in group 2 (Q = 17, p &lt;0.01). The values of bone mass mineralization reflect the correspondence to the body mass of the participants. This parameter did not have significant differences in the groups. The body mass index value in group 1 was within the average interval. In group 2, this index was higher than the standard one. The body mass index in group 1 was significantly lower (t = 2.18, p &lt;0.05). The participants with a body mass index above the norm were (35.42 ± 6.90)% of group 1 and (59.57 ± 7.16)% of group 2. The prevalence of waist-to-hip ratio above the norm was (54.17 ± 7.19)% 1 group and (59.57 ± 7.17)% 2 group, (p&gt; 0.05). Conclusions : it was determined the proximity of the main anthropometric parameters (mass and body length). The girls have lower values of the hip circumference. Persons with asthenic body type prevailed among the participants. Analysis of the indices confirmed the high prevalence of overweight and high risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The application of bio-impedance method confirmed and clarified the results of anthropometric research. The participants demonstrated the increased content of subcutaneous and visceral fat, increasing with age. The water level in the body gradually decreases with age. This is considered as a reflection of age-related physiological changes in metabolism and should be considered in fitness training organizing. Studies have confirmed the informativeness and adequacy of the bio-impedance method.

Analysis of association between appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and main anthropometric parameters among overweight and obese adults in China

Objective: To investigate the associations between the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and main anthropometric parameters, and to provide clues for preventing the reduction of skeletal muscle mass among overweight and obese adults in China. Methods: 1 488 volunteered participants who resided in Beijing longer than one year, between 22 and 55 years old, with self-report BMI ≥24 kg/m(2) were recruited from April to May 2014. 171 participants whose BMI ≤24 kg/m(2) or with organic diseases at the first physical examination were excluded, finally 1 317 overweight/obese participants (male and female were 507, and 810, respectively) were enrolled into the present study. After measuring the anthropometric parameters and body composition by the DXA, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and main anthropometric parameters. Results: The average age of males and females was (35.6±8.4) and (38.2±9.4) years old, respectively. The females' mean levels of body fat percentage, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and bone mineral density were (41.59±4.14)%, (29.00±3.75) kg/m(2), (92.56±9.00) cm, (101.74±6.75) cm, and (1.20±0.10) g/cm(2), respectively; and the males' mean levels were (34.22±4.61)%, (30.07±4.12) kg/m(2), (99.63±9.49) cm, (102.93±7.28) cm, and (1.28±0.11) g/cm(2), respectively. The mean level of appendicular skeletal muscle mass and skeletal muscle mass index in males were (26.98±3.88), and (8.96±1.02) kg, respectively, which were significantly higher than it in females ((18.57±2.61), and (7.26±0.83) kg, respectively) (P<0.001). For male, the correlation coefficients of skeletal muscle mass index with BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage and bone mineral density were 0.814, 0.601, 0.637, 0.558, and 0.434, respectively; for female, the correlation coefficients of skeletal muscle mass index with BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat rate and bone mineral density were 0.761, 0.534, 0.585, 0.610, and 0.304, respectively. The correlations were statistically significant (P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the skeletal muscle mass index of male decreased with the increase of age (β=-0.01, 95%CI:-0.01-0.00) and body fat percentage (β=-0.13, 95%CI:-0.15--0.12) (P<0.05), while increased with the increase of BMI (β=0.31, 95%CI: 0.29-0.32) and bone mineral density (β=0.54, 95%CI: 0.10-1.01) (P<0.05). The skeletal muscle mass index of female decreased with the increase of age (β=-0.01, 95%CI:-0.01-0.00) and body fat percentage (β=-0.12, 95%CI:-0.14--0.12) (P<0.05), while increased with the increase of BMI (β=0.26, 95%CI: 0.25-0.28) and hip circumference (β=0.01, 95%CI: 0.00-0.02) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The skeletal muscle mass index of male was higher than it of female. For male, the skeletal muscle mass index might be associated with age, BMI, body fat percentage and bone mineral density. While for female, the skeletal muscle mass index might be associated with age, BMI, body fat percentage and hip circumference.

Quantitative sonographic parameters of the peripheral nerves in healthy individuals

Introduction. Ultrasonography allows non-invasive scanning of the peripheral nerves to record quantitative and qualitative parameters. Objective. To determine the normal cross-sectional area (CSA) of the nerves in arms and legs, as well as spinal nerves in healthy volunteers. Materials and methods. Bilateral ultrasonography of the peripheral nerves in arms and legs, as well as the spinal nerves in the brachial plexus was carried out in healthy volunteers: 40 males and 40 females with the mean age of 40.3±15.1 (range, 18–70 years). A Sonoscape S20 ultrasound scanner (China) with an 8–15 MHz linear sensor. The cross-sectional area of the peripheral nerves was assessed. Height, weight, the body mass index (BMI), age, and gender were included in analysis. Results. The reference CSA values for the major nerves of arms, legs, and spinal nerves of the brachial plexus were obtained. No reliable correlation of the main anthropometric parameters (height, weight, and BMI) as well as age and gender with the CSA of the peripheral nerves and the brachial plexus was found. Conclusions. The findings are in accordance with the measured parameters reported by other authors, indicating that our methodological approach to nerve ultrasonography is similar to those used in other laboratories.

ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF STUDENTS IN RURAL AREAS OF KHANTY-MANSIYSK AUTONOMOUS OKRUG - YUGRA

There has been held an anthropometric study of 322 pupils, the Middle Ob natives, who permanently lived in the rural areas of the Surgut region of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomus Okrug - Ugra. The results were analyzed with use of the standard methods of mathematical statistics and the author’s program “The Identification of parameters of behavior attractors of the biosystems state vector in the m-dimensional phase space”, designed for study of systems with chaotic organization. The complex analysis of the key indices of physical development has revealed a number of differences reflecting the process of formation of opposite-sex somatic types in the initial stage of phylogenesis with formation of new adaptive signs in modern economic and environmental conditions. The age-related correspondence of the main anthropometric parameters with some enlargement of the dimensional characteristics, which was revealed in the examination of pupils, can be considered as a fortunate trend which reduces the risk of functional deviations in healthy children of Ugra.

Prevalence of central sleep apnea among heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction

Introduction Central sleep apnea (CSA) is common among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, scarce data about CSA prevalence in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF) are available. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of CSA among ambulatory heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Materials and methods Thirty-three ambulatory patients with HFPEF were recruited and subjected to full-night polysomnography. The presence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) was based on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) – 5–15 – mild, 15–30 – moderate, >30 – severe. Preserved ejection fraction was defined as EF > 45%. All patients received drug treatment in concordance with the latest guidelines. Results The mean age was 65.8 ± 8.5 years and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 55.4 ± 6.4%. Among the 33 patients, 27 (81.8%) had SDB – 11 (33.3%) CSA, 4 (12.1%) obstructive sleep apnea and 12 (36.4%) mixed sleep apnea. Moderate or severe SDB was present in 24 of them (72.3%). No statistically significant differences between CHF patients with CSA and CHF patients without SDB were found regarding main anthropometric parameters (body-mass index (BMI) = 28.5 ± 6.9 vs 25.6 ± 8.7, NS, age = 70.2 ± 9.9 vs 63.3 ± 8.1, NS) and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth score = 8.7 ± 6.1 vs 7.2 ± 2.6). Conclusion CSA demonstrates very high prevalence in patients with HFPEF. Those patients should also be considered for screening for SDB and consequent therapy. Acknowledgement The study was financed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Youth and Science.

A Cross-Sectional Research on the Height, Weight and Body Mass Index of Children Aged 5-6 Years in Latvia and Its Secular Changes during the Last Century

To determine the main anthropometric parameters and their changes during the 20th and early 21st centuries for children aged 5-6 and to analyze the nutritional level of the population based on percentage. 536 healthy Latvian 5 and 6 year old children were randomly selected and a cross sectional survey was carried out. To collect anthropometric data, the height and weight of each child was measured and BMI calculated. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov Goodness-of-Fit test was used to assess the distribution of data; it was concluded, that the data for both boys and girls in both analyzed age groups fits a normal distribution. Using a t-test statistical tool, the results were compared to our previous study (1998/1999) and to the most significant national anthropometric investigations of the 20th century. During the last decade, the mean values of height and weight (for both boys and girls) have increased in both age groups. The mean BMI value increase for 6 year old boys and girls was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The BMI mean values for 5 year old boys and girls have decreased (p < 0.05). In both age groups the highest percentage of children are of normal weight. In the past 10 years the proportion of 5 year old underweight children has increased, but the proportion of overweight children has decreased percentage-wise. In all analyzed age groups a little tendency towards increase of the percentage of obese children can be observed. From 1929 to 2007/2009, the overall mean values of height and weight have increased, but BMI mean values have decreased. Positive secular changes were observed in body height and weight during the past decade (p < 0.01) and century. The increase in BMI at the beginning of the 21st century in comparison to the end of the 20th century may possibly be facilitated by the increased occurrence of overweight, obesity and related diseases in Latvian children. However, the number of underweight children has increased in the last decade as well.

Tidal volume (TV) post-process obtained with electrical impedance tomography on a group of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Use of adjust equations

Equations used to estimate ventilation out of EIT images, validated on healthy volunteers show a significant bias and a larger variance when were applied on a COPD patients group. The differences in estimation values were found to be highly correlated with anthropometric parameters. Two groups of 13 and 4 COPD male patients (FEV1/FVC<70% and FVC ≥ 80%) were used in this study. We have measured different anthropometric parameters like age, weight, height and skinfolds. The EIT system (TIE4sys) and a pneumotach were simultaneously connected to monitor tidal volume. The main anthropometric parameters values of 13 COPD patients were: age: 67±9 years, height: 1.65±0.05 m, weight: 72±11 kg, BMI: 26.4±3.3; and the subscapular skinfold thickness was 23±9mm. The mean tidal volume estimated with TIE4sys and the pneumotach were: 0.580±0.212 L and 0.774±0.173 L r = 0.861 (p<0.01). The mean difference was 0.196±0.096 L (p0.01). On this group we have found out an adjust equation and we have validated it on an independent group of 4 COPD patients. The equation was Diff=−1478+15.6(weight). The mean tidal volume values obtained with pneumotach and TIE4sys on the second group of COPD patients (M:4) were: 0.798±0.395 L and 0.732±0.327 L. The mean of the differences was 0.066±0.114L. The differences of determinations estimated with pneumotach and TIE4sys can be attributed to changes of anthropometric characteristics like subscapular skinfold.

Anthropometric parameters and sexual maturation in 12- to 15-year-old Estonian boys

The aims of this study were 1. to fix main sexual maturation signs and anthropometric measurements, and 2. to investigate relations between maturational status and main anthropometric parameters (i.e. skinfolds, girths, lengths, breadths/lengths) in 12-15-year old boys. In total, 361 boys from Tartu, Estonia, were studied. Body height and weight, 9 skinfolds, 13 girths, 8 lengths and 8 breadths/lengths were measured. Pubertal stages were determined according to the criteria described by Tanner (1962). Self-assessment of pubic hair (PH1-PH5) was used. Genital development (G1-G5) was estimated by palpating the left testis and matching the size of wood ovoid of the Prader orchidometer. Finally, boys were asked about oigarche (= age at the first ejaculation of sperm). Most of the measured anthropometric variables were significantly different in boys of different chronological age and sexual maturity groups. By linear discriminant analysis, the safety of separation of the chronological age groups was higher than by sexual maturation variables. Nonlinear discriminant analysis allowed to separate sexual maturity groups by anthropometric variables up to 99% security. It was concluded that though the growth and development of a child is highly individual, on an average the anthropometric characteristics alter very constantly with the increase of age and biological maturation. Our results indicated that there were some significant differences in the anthropometrical parameters depending on the chronological age and biological maturation. Mostly length and breadth/length parameters change during the studied age period in respect to sexual development subgroups of boys. The skinfold thicknesses were not changed or even decreased.