Height Measurements Research Articles

The Relationship Between Stature and Live Weight of Dairy Cows Between Birth and Maturity

Lactational and reproductive performance are strongly associated with cow live weight and capacity. However, there are limited data published describing capacity (thoracic) growth and the prediction of final stature and capacity from measurements at birth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between stature and live weight of female dairy cattle between birth and maturity. Forty dairy cows, with records of stature and capacity from birth up until two years of age, underwent follow-up measurements for live weight, height at withers, wither-rump length, girth circumference and leg length on four occasions between 42 and 52 months of age. Measures of wither height, leg length and wither rump length at fourth mating had the strongest association with measures at birth (R2 > 0.90) compared to girth and live weight (R2 = 0.88 and 0.82, respectively). The weaker association between birth and maturity measures for girth is likely a reflection of the stronger relationship with live weight resulting in a later maturity (approximately 810 days) compared to linear measures such as height (approximately 730 days). Therefore, to maximise capacity, adequate nutrition is required until approximately 810 days of age when capacity growth is most sensitive to environmental input.

CellMAP: an open-source software tool to batch-process cell topography and stiffness maps collected with an atomic force microscope.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is the gold-standard technique to simultaneously map the morphology and viscoelastic properties of living cells. Although existing software tools, both open-source and from AFM manufacturers, can analyze cells individually, there is a growing need for fast and accessible codes to compile data from multiple cells into a single dataset. To address this, we present CellMAP, a user-friendly software tool that streamlines the batch-processing of AFM-derived topography and stiffness maps of living cells. Our analysis pipeline includes but is not limited to: flattening of the underlying substrate surface, filtering of outlier values, measurement of the cell surface and volume, and measurement of height and stiffness distributions. CellMAP can also generate a composite cell that reflects the height and stiffness properties of an entire cell population.

Exploring the mediating role of the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) in the association between obesity and sleep-disordered breathing

PurposeExploring novel mediators affecting the relationship between obesity and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is necessary. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) in the association between body mass index (BMI) and SDB using data from the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles.MethodsTotal 7639 participants were included. SDB was defined based on the self-reported frequency of snoring, snorting, or excessive daytime sleepiness. The BMI and NHHR were calculated based on height and weight measurements and laboratory data, respectively. Weighted multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to assess dose–response relationships. Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the NHHR’s role in the BMI–SDB association. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess differences across various populations.ResultsSDB symptoms were observed in 51.05% of participants. Higher BMI was significantly associated with increased SDB risk. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between BMI and SDB. Subgroup analyses indicated a positive correlation between BMI and SDB was stronger among nonhypertensive participants. NHHR was positively associated with BMI and SDB. Mediation analysis showed that the NHHR explained 5.44–8.12% of the BMI–SDB association.ConclusionsBMI is a critical factor in the risk of SDB, and the NHHR partially mediates this relationship. BMI and cholesterol levels should be managed to mitigate the SDB risk.Level of evidenceLevel V—cross-sectional observational study.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related factors among nurses: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders caused by work and related factors in nurses. This cross-sectional study investigated and analyzed the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among nurses working in educational-therapeutic centers in Rasht, Iran, during 2018-2019. A two-part questionnaire was utilized in this study. The first part pertained to demographic characteristics, which the study participants completed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the height and weight measurements the researcher took. The second part of the instrument comprised the Nordic questionnaire. Data description and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 24. In this study, a total of 353 nurses participated. The results of this study indicate that a significant majority (88.1%) of nurses’ experience about the musculoskeletal disorders in various parts of their bodies. Key factors influencing these disorders' prevalence include age, gender, BMI, occupational factors, hospital, and work shift. Among the findings, 72.52% of nurses reported experiencing the musculoskeletal disorders in the past 12 months, while only 7.1% required hospitalization due to these issues. In sum, the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses can be attributed to factors such as heavy workloads, insufficient nursing staff, inappropriate tools and equipment, an unsuitable work environment, and a lack of knowledge regarding ergonomic principles. To address these issues, it is recommended to implement educational interventions, enhance the work environment, eliminate organizational obstacles and deficiencies, and focus on factors that contribute to reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.

A fuzzy decision-making algorithm-based header height measurement system for combine harvester

A fuzzy decision-making algorithm-based header height measurement system for combine harvester

Integrating machine learning for treatment decisions in anterior open bite orthodontic cases: A retrospective study.

This article explores the integration of machine learning (ML) algorithms to aid in treatment planning and extraction decisions for anterior open bite cases, leveraging demographic, clinical, and radiographic data to predict treatment outcomes and informed decision-making. A retrospective study was conducted using patient data from the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Orthodontics. Data included demographic, clinical, and radiographic information from 115 anterior open bite patients who successfully completed their treatment. ML algorithms, including random forest, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, and convolutional neural networks (CNN), were trained on a subset of the data to predict treatment outcomes. Significant differences were observed in the percentages of males and females between the extraction and nonextraction groups and cephalometric variables between the two groups, which include maxillary depth, maxillary height, SN-palatal plane, facial angle, facial axis-Ricketts, FMA, total facial height, lower facial height, SNA, SNB, and SN-MP e ML algorithms examined consisted of CNN2, CNN1, and Random Forest, which demonstrated the highest accuracy rates (∼83%), while k-Nearest Neighbor had the lowest (∼73%). Key features influencing accuracy included crowding, SN-palatal plane, SNA, FMA, molar relation, and facial height measurements. The study's evaluation of AI algorithms showed that CNN2, CNN1, and random forest had an accuracy of approximately 83% in classifying extraction versus nonextraction cases. Notably, features such as U-crowding, L-crowding, SN-palatal plane, SNA, FMA, molar relation, total facial height, lower facial height, and facial axis-Ricketts were most influential in achieving accuracy rates comparable to traditional methods.

Age- and Gender-Based Tongue Volume Variations on Asymptomatic Patients: A Simplified Approach to Form Baseline Data for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background: Tongue anatomy plays a critical role in airway-related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding variations in tongue volume across age and gender is essential for refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study aims to establish baseline data for tongue volume using a simplified geometric approach, addressing the gap in large-scale anatomical assessments, specifically in asymptomatic patients without clinical indications of OSA. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 120 asymptomatic patients aged 18–75 years, stratified into three age groups (18–40, 41–60, 61+). Tongue volume was estimated using anterior–posterior length, width, and height measurements from neck CT scans, applying a geometric approximation formula. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and post hoc tests, was used to evaluate differences across age groups and between genders. Regression analysis examined the influence of age and gender on tongue volume. Results: Tongue volume showed a significant decline with advancing age (p < 0.05), with the 61+ age group exhibiting the smallest volumes. Gender differences were pronounced, with males consistently having larger volumes than females (p < 0.05). Post hoc analyses confirmed significant differences between age groups, and regression analysis indicated that gender was a stronger predictor of tongue volume than age. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of age and gender on tongue volume, emphasizing the need for demographic-specific approaches in the evaluation and management of airway-related conditions. The simplified measurement method offers a practical solution for large-scale studies, providing baseline data for future research and clinical applications. These findings pave the way for personalized diagnostic thresholds and therapeutic strategies in conditions like OSA.

Russian forests show strong potential for young forest growth

Climate warming has improved conditions for boreal forest growth, yet the region’s fate as a carbon sink of aboveground biomass remains uncertain. Forest height is a powerful predictor of aboveground forest biomass, and access to spatially detailed height-age relationships could improve the understanding of carbon dynamics in this ecosystem. The capacity of land to grow trees, defined in forestry as site index, was estimated by analyzing recent measurements of canopy height against a chronosequence of forest stand age derived from the historical satellite record. Forest-height estimates were then subtracted from the predicted site index to estimate height-age growth potential across the region. Russia, which comprised 73% of the forest change domain, had strong departures from model expectation of 2.4–4.8 ± 3.8 m for the 75th and 90th percentiles. Combining satellite observations revealed a large young forest growth sink if allowed to recover from disturbance.

Plant height measurement using UAV-based aerial RGB and LiDAR images in soybean

Plant height measurement using UAV-based aerial RGB and LiDAR images in soybean

The Effect of Tree Spacing on the Growth and Biomass of Wattle Trees in Northwestern Ethiopia

The wattle tree (Acacia mearnsii) is gaining importance as an exotic species in northwestern Ethiopia, providing ecological, environmental, and economic benefits, especially for fuelwood and charcoal production. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tree spacing on the growth and biomass of wattle trees. The study employed a randomized complete block design with three replications across three spacing treatments (0.5 m × 0.5 m, 1 m × 1 m, and 1.5 m × 1.5 m) in the Fagita district. Tree height and diameter measurements were taken at 12, 18, and 30 months post-planting from stands established in 2021. The results showed significant differences in tree height among the spacing treatments at 18 and 30 months. The closest spacing (0.5 m × 0.5 m) yielded the highest average tree heights of 32.12 cm, 84.86 cm, and 302.98 cm at 12, 18, and 30 months, respectively. At 18 months, the largest average diameter (1.22 cm) was found in the narrowest spacing (0.5 m × 0.5 m), whereas at 30 months, the widest spacing (1.5 m × 1.5 m) recorded the largest diameter (1.51 cm). Throughout the study, height, diameter, and average aboveground biomass exhibited an inverse relationship with spacing, with this effect diminishing as trees aged. Tree spacing significantly impacted average aboveground biomass at 18 months, with the densest spacing (0.5 m × 0.5 m) yielding the highest average aboveground biomass (1.97 kg at 18 months and 2.41 kg at 30 months). Average aboveground biomass increased as the trees matured. These findings suggest that closer spacing of A. mearnsii can enhance biomass production, positioning it as a promising candidate for energy generation. Leveraging these insights can optimize resource utilization while supporting global energy demands and reforestation initiatives aimed at carbon sequestration.

Analysis of the long-range transport of the volcanic plume from the 2021 Tajogaite/Cumbre Vieja eruption to Europe using TROPOMI and ground-based measurements

Abstract. The eruptions of the Tajogaite volcano on the western flank of the Cumbre Vieja ridge on the island of La Palma between September and December 2021 released large amounts of ash and SO2. Transport and dispersion of the volcanic emissions were monitored by ground-based stations and satellite instruments alike. In particular, the spectrometric fluorescence and Raman lidar for atmospheric moisture sensing (RAMSES) at the Lindenberg Meteorological Observatory measured the plume of the strongest Tajogaite eruption of 22–23 September 2021 over northeastern Germany 4 d later. This study provides an analysis of SO2 vertical column density (VCD) and layer height (LH) measurements of the volcanic plume obtained with Sentinel-5 Precursor/TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), which are compared to the observations at several stations across the Canary Islands. Furthermore, a new modeling approach based on TROPOMI SO2 VCD measurements and the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model (HYSPLIT) was developed, which confirmed the link between Tajogaite eruptions and Lindenberg measurements. Modeled mean emission height at the volcanic vent is in excellent agreement with co-located TROPOMI SO2 LH and local lidar ash-height measurements. Finally, a comprehensive discussion of the RAMSES measurements is presented. A new retrieval approach has been developed to estimate the microphysical properties of the volcanic aerosol. For the first time, an optical particle model is utilized that assumes an irregular, non-spheroidal shape of the aerosol particles. According to the analysis, the volcanic aerosol consisted solely of fine-mode inorganic, solid, and irregularly shaped particles – the presence of large aerosol particles or wildfire aerosols could be excluded. The particles likely had an isometric to slightly plate-like shape with an effective half of the particle maximum dimension around 0.1 µm and a refractive index of about 1.51. Moreover, mass column values between 70 and 110 mg m−2, mean mass concentrations of 45–70 µg m−3, and mean mass conversion factors between 0.21 and 0.33 g m−2 at 355 nm were retrieved. Possibly RAMSES observed, at least in part, volcanic secondary sulfate aerosol, which was produced by gas-phase homogeneous reactions during the transport of the air masses from La Palma to Lindenberg.

Forest Stem Extraction and Modeling (FoSEM): A LiDAR-Based Framework for Accurate Tree Stem Extraction and Modeling in Radiata Pine Plantations

Accurate characterization of tree stems is critical for assessing commercial forest health, estimating merchantable timber volume, and informing sustainable value management strategies. Conventional ground-based manual measurements, although precise, are labor-intensive and impractical at large scales, while remote sensing approaches using satellite or UAV imagery often lack the spatial resolution needed to capture individual tree attributes in complex forest environments. To address these challenges, this study provides a significant contribution by introducing a large-scale dataset encompassing 40 plots in Western Australia (WA) with varying tree densities, derived from Hovermap LiDAR acquisitions and destructive sampling. The dataset includes parameters such as plot and tree identifiers, DBH, tree height, stem length, section lengths, and detailed diameter measurements (e.g., DiaMin, DiaMax, DiaMean) across various heights, enabling precise ground-truth calibration and validation. Based on this dataset, we present the Forest Stem Extraction and Modeling (FoSEM) framework, a LiDAR-driven methodology that efficiently and reliably models individual tree stems from dense 3D point clouds. FoSEM integrates ground segmentation, height normalization, and K-means clustering at a predefined elevation to isolate stem cores. It then applies circle fitting to capture cross-sectional geometry and employs MLESAC-based cylinder fitting for robust stem delineation. Experimental evaluations conducted across various radiata pine plots of varying complexity demonstrate that FoSEM consistently achieves high accuracy, with a DBH RMSE of 1.19 cm (rRMSE = 4.67%) and a height RMSE of 1.00 m (rRMSE = 4.24%). These results surpass those of existing methods and highlight FoSEM’s adaptability to heterogeneous stand conditions. By providing both a robust method and an extensive dataset, this work advances the state of the art in LiDAR-based forest inventory, enabling more efficient and accurate tree-level assessments in support of sustainable forest management.

Effects of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Soil Chemistry, Components and Yields of Maize West of Burkina Faso, West Africa

Aims: The aim of this study is to help increase crop yields and soil fertility. Location and Duration of Studies: The study took place in the western part of Burkina Faso. It is based on the use of a liquid organic fertilizer on corn producers' plots. These are soil fertility data and corn agronomic data over three successive campaigns (2021, 2022 and 2023). Methodology: A completely randomized block design with three replications comprising five (05) Treatments was set up. The fertilizers used were : NPK (15-15-15), urea (46%N) and liquid organic fertilizer. The liquid organic fertilizer was made using cowpea flour, neem leaves, sugar and animal waste (cow dung and urine). Soil samples were taken at six periods. The first sample was taken before sowing, followed by four more during cultivation and one just after harvesting. Measurements of height and diameter of the rod were taken on the 30th, 45th, 60th and 75th day after sowing. Results: Results showed that T1 recorded the best pH-water value (6.75) and total phosphorus (410.66 mg/kg). The T4 gave the highest levels of organic carbon (1.5%) and total nitrogen (1.44%). Concerning the cation exchange capacity (CEC), the highest content is obtained with T2 with a value of 10.23 cmol/kg. As for total potassium, the highest content is in T3, at 652.44 mg/kg. At the maturity, T2 has the highest average diameter at 16.35 mm. In terms of height, the absolute control present the tallest plants with an average value of 1.41m. The highest yields were obtained with T4 (1983.23 kg/ha), followed by T2 (1834.9 kg/ha), T1 (1723.43 kg/ha) and T3 (1557.12 kg/ha). Liquid organic fertilizer has been effective in producing grain yields at a rate of 40.58%. Conclusion: The liquid organic fertilizer applied alone has high carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and CEC content compared with the control. It was also efficient in grain yield production with a rate of 40.58%. In fact, it is imperative to carry out a test in a paysan environment before popularizing it.

Phenotypic, physiological and molecular changes of some wheat varieties under drought stress

Water stress poses a significant challenge to wheat production, adversely affecting both field productivity and grain quality in the face of climate change and diminishing water resources. It reduces vegetative growth and disrupts physiological processes, which negatively impact yield components like grain size and protein content. Consequently, selecting drought-tolerant varieties is critical for enhancing resilience in arid regions. This study examined ten wheat varieties belonging to the genus Triticum aestivum L. (Abba 99, Adna 99, Baraka, Bohooth 10, Bohooth 22, Jihan 99, Bora, Dijla, Sham 6 and Wafia) under three water stress levels: 0 MPa (S0), -1.48 MPa (S1), and -2.95 MPa (S2) using polyethylene glycol (PEG6000). Phenotypic traits measured included plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, wet and dry weight, along with chlorophyll content. Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the expression of SOD and BADH-1 genes. Results indicated that Adana 99 exhibited significant drought resistance, recording the highest measurements in plant height (35 cm), leaf area (15.50 cm²), stem diameter (1.80 mm), wet weight (0.80 g), dry weight (0.55 g) and total chlorophyll content (45.85 and 48.14) at 15 and 30 days, respectively, under S2. The SOD gene expression peaked at 8.57 in S2, an eightfold increase from S0. Similarly, BADH-1 gene expression was recorded at 8 in S2, also an eightfold increase. In contrast, Baraka and Wafia showed the lowest expressions for the SOD (0.001) and BADH-1 (0.002) genes under S2, negatively affecting their phenotypic and physiological traits. These findings underscore the importance of selecting drought-resistant varieties for sustainable productivity under harsh environmental conditions.

Temporal trends, associated risk factors and longitudinal cardiovascular outcomes of body roundness among middle-aged and older Chinese adults: from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2018

BackgroundObesity is a major global health issue, driving high morbidity and mortality rates. The body roundness index (BRI), which includes waist circumference, offers a more accurate measure of visceral and total body fat. However, despite evidence of BRI's effectiveness in predicting obesity-related diseases, national-level data, especially from non-Western populations like China, remain limited.MethodsThis study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a large, nationally representative cohort of Chinese adults, to examine the temporal trends of BRI, identify associated risk factors, and investigate the longitudinal associations between BRI and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. BRI was calculated using height and waist circumference measurements. Temporal trends and risk factors were analyzed cross-sectionally, while longitudinal associations were examined using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounders. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the role of intermediate factors such as hypertension and diabetes in the relationship between BRI and CVD.ResultsA total of 12,902 participants were included for risk factor analysis, 10,525 for longitudinal analysis, and 7,310 for cumulative analysis. BRI continued to rise slowly across survey cycles but was higher in women, older adults, and urban residents. Multivariable analysis identified age, alcohol consumption, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes as positive predictors of BRI, while male sex, rural residence, and smoking were negatively associated. Higher baseline BRI was significantly associated with increased CVD risk (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.22–1.69), stroke (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.12–1.98), and heart disease (HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.22–1.77). Cumulative BRI similarly predicted increased risks of CVD, stroke, and heart disease. Mediation analysis showed that hypertension accounted for 20.69% of the association between BRI and CVD risk.ConclusionsBRI is a robust predictor of CVD risk. Targeting hypertension and other metabolic conditions could mitigate the elevated CVD risk associated with high BRI in Chinese adults. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating BRI into public health strategies to better manage obesity-related health risks in China.

P1240 Overweight in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and the associated risk of malnutrition

Abstract Background Although inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) has traditionally been associated with malnutrition,the prevalence of overweight(0W)and obesity is currently increasing.Moreover, both overweight and chronic inflammation can elevate the risk of essential micronutrient deficiencies.The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of OW in a cohort of IBD patients and the associated risk of nutritional deficiencies Methods This is a cross-sectional study that consecutively included patients attending the day hospital for intravenous biologic that didn’t fulfill exclusion criteria (e.g. short bowel syndrome or oral nutritional supplements).All patients underwent weight and height measurements,assessment of IBD clinical activity (Harvey-Bradshaw Index[HBI] for Crohn's disease and Walmsley Index[WI] for ulcerative colitis and completion of the MUST(Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) questionnaire. A blood test was also performed to obtain a comprehensive nutritional profile, and fecal calprotectin(FC)levels were measured Results A total of 93 patients were included. Baseline characteristics are summarized in TABLE 1.Regarding body mass index(BMI), 2 patients(2.5%) had a BMI below 18.5, 45 (57%) were classified as normal weight(BMI 18.5-25), and 32 (40.5%) were OW(BMI over 25). No differences were found in clinical activity ( HBI or WI) between OW and normal-weight patients(p=0.75 and p=0.57, respectively).However, a lower mean FC level was observed in overweight patients(166.2 µg/g vs. 445.1 µg/g),though this difference did not reach statistical significance(p=0.18).Similarly, no significant differences in C-reactive protein levels were observed between the two groups(5.13 mg/L vs. 2.6 mg/L; p=0.09).There were also no differences in the type of IBD, disease location or the line of biologic treatment among patients with or without OW. OW IBD patients showed a statistically significant association with higher levels of prealbumin, hemoglobin, triglycerides, and ferritin.No greater micronutrient deficiencies were identified in overweight patients compared to those with normal weight. The laboratory profiles of both groups are summarized in TABLE 2.Regarding the risk of malnutrition, using the self-completed portion of the MUST questionnaire to minimize potential BMI bias, it was identified that only 20% of patients with intermediate/high risk of malnutrition were OW(p=0.04) ( vs normal-weight patients; p=0.04) Conclusion OW is common in IBD patients,even among those with active inflammation and refractory response to advanced treatments. In our experience,OW IBD patients do not exhibit greater micronutrient deficiencies compared to normal-weight patients,though they do present characteristic laboratory alterations associated with OW

Quality of life in overweight and obese children

Background. The prevalence of childhood obesity has reached concerning levels worldwide, posing a pressing and serious public health issue. The objective of this study is to examine the quality of life (QoL) in children with elevated body weight and obesity. Materials and methods. The study involved 151 children (71 girls and 80 boys) aged 12 to 17 years. The assessment included measurements of body weight, height, and calculation of body mass index, adjusted for age and sex. Based on body mass index, the children were categorised into three groups: 1 — normal weight; 2 — overweight; 3 — obese. The quality of life of participants was evaluated using the PedsQL™ 4.0 questionnaire. Results. The findings reveal a marked reduction in QoL among obese children, with the extent of QoL decline correlating with the degree of excess weight. The overall QoL score, based on the children’s self-assessment, was significantly lower in higher body weight categories: obesity — 55.96 ± 0.59 points; overweight — 78.97 ± 1.08 points; control group — 84.42 ± 1.69 points. Children in the obesity group reported the greatest reduction in the physical functioning scale, scoring an average of 54.40 ± 3.56 points. In questionnaires completed by parents, the overall QoL scores were as follows: obesity — 56.60 ± 0.77 points; overweight — 79.97 ± 1.11 points; control group — 85.22 ± 2.15 points. Parents identified the largest QoL reduction in the social functioning scale for children with obesity (54.28 ± 2.65 points). Conclusions. The study highlights a direct relationship between increased body weight and reduced QoL. Children’s self-reports indicate the most significant decline in physical functioning, while parents noted a substantial drop in social functioning of children with obesity.

Satellite leveling as an alternative to classic height measurements for typical engineering problems

Satellite leveling as an alternative to classic height measurements for typical engineering problems

The long-term development outcomes of the offspring born to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study.

This study aims to explore the long-term physical, neurological, social and emotional development outcomes of the offspring born to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to provide insights that can assist pediatricians in enhancing the long-term prognosis of these children. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the offspring of SLE patients who had undergone pregnancy and were admitted to our obstetrics department between January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2021. The control group consisted of offspring born to mothers without connective tissue disease, and was matched 1:1 based on age (birth date ± 1 month) with the offspring of SLE patients. Physical development, including measurements of weight and height (length), was assessed. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) was utilized to evaluate development in five domains: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE) was used to assess social-emotional development. Weight, height (length), BMI (body mass index), and ASQ-3 domain scores at different ages and for both genders were standardized into Z-scores for comparison. In the SLE group, the offspring demonstrated higher BMI Z-scores, higher rates of obesity, and increased probabilities of abnormal social-emotional development screening. In addition, their problem solving domain Z-scores were lower as compared to the control group. All of these differences were statistically significant. It is recommended that SLE patients should pay close attention to sensible feeding practices after the birth of their offspring to prevent the occurrence of obesity. Furthermore, there should be an emphasis on strengthening monitoring and intervention efforts to enhance the problem solving abilities and social-emotional development of the offspring. By implementing these measures, the overall long-term developmental outcomes of children born to SLE patients can be improved.

The Analysis of Anterior Facial Dimensions Among the Sample of Kurdish Population

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is essential for assessing facial proportions and planning treatments in orthodontics. Different populations, like the Kurdish group, have unique facial features, requiring specific norms for accurate clinical practice. This study establishes these norms for the Kurdish population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 111 lateral cephalometric radiographs of Kurdish individuals aged 20-45 with balanced facial characteristics and class I occlusion. Radiographs were traced using digital tracing methods to measure total anterior facial height (TAFH), upper anterior facial height (UAFH), and lower anterior facial height (LAFH). The UAFH/TAFH and LAFH/TAFH ratios were also calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29. Results: The study establishes cephalometric norms for the Kurdish population, highlighting significant sex differences in facial height measurements. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of facial morphology in the Kurdish population, with implications for improving orthodontic and orthognathic treatment outcomes. Conclusion: The study provides cephalometric norms for the Kurdish population, aiding in personalized orthodontic and orthognathic treatment planning. It also highlights significant sex differences, essential for achieving culturally appropriate aesthetic outcomes.