Physical Growth Research Articles

The association between different types of amino acid intake and physical growth among children

Background & aimsRestricted linear growth and abnormal weight status are commonly observed among children in low-income countries, possibly due to inadequate protein intake. Considering the role of protein intake and amino acid (AA) synthesis in growth and development, it has been suggested that there may be an association between AA intake and physical growth. We aimed to investigate the association between different types of AA intake and physical growth among children. MethodsA cross-sectional study including 780 six-year-old children referred to 10 health care centers for vaccination between October 2017 and March 2018 was conducted. Anthropometric data was collected using standard methods, and dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ)‏ in an interview by a trained technician. ResultsChildren in the highest tertile (3rd) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) intake had a higher weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) (P = 0.02) and body mass index-for-age z-score (BAZ) (P = 0.001) compared to those in the lowest tertile (1rd). Interestingly, BAZ was significantly associated with the highest tertile of acidic AA intake (P = 0.04), while an inverse association was observed between the highest tertile of aromatic AA (phenylalanine and tyrosine) intake and BAZ (P = 0.01) . No significant associations were observed between the highest tertile of sulfuric, aliphatic, or neutral AA and BAZ, height-for-age z-score (HAZ) or WAZ. Further, underweight was associated with the 3rd tertile of aromatic, alcoholic, aliphatic or neutral AA and BCAA intake. Aliphatic and neutral AA intake was also increased the risk of overweight. Finally, stunted growth patterns were associated with the highest tertile of acidic, alcoholic. ConclusionFindings presented in this study showed that higher BAZ and WAZ are associated with 3rd tertiles of BCAA intake, but lower BAZ were associated with 3rd tertiles of aromatic AA (phenylalanine and tyrosine) intake.Future research in other populations are needed to confirm these findings.

Risk Factors of Onset Time and Persistence of Atopic Dermatitis in Children Under Age 5 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is high among children, with development of AD occurring during early childhood in most affected children and some having a chronic disease course. Risk factors for AD in this group remain undefined. Objectives: We analyzed the medical records of children with AD under 5 years of age. We summarized characteristics of the natural course of AD in these children and explored relevant risk factors of AD in infancy and early childhood. Methods: Using a self-developed questionnaire, we investigated 716 children under 5 years of age who were treated for AD at the Dermatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China. We conducted the study from October 2021 to September 2022 using telephone and on-site interviews with the children's parents. In parental interviews, data were gathered on neonatal diseases, comorbidities, parental allergy history, maternal history of tobacco and alcohol use, and basic infant information at birth. Some children were tested for serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) before this study. Results: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), neonatal infection, and infection during childhood had a significant impact on persistent symptoms and the onset of first symptoms in children with AD (P < 0.05). Allergic diseases as common comorbidities with AD, which had earlier onset of AD related to more obvious disease activity (P < 0.05). Parental history of allergy was also significant in AD (P < 0.05). Serum total iIgE levels in children with AD showed an impact on the clinical course of AD; neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and NRDS may affect IgE levels (P < 0.05). Persistent AD had a significant effect on the physical growth of children with height/length for age Z score ≤3 and weight for height/length Z score ≤3 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Early adverse events in infants, infection before onset, and susceptibility to infection may affect the onset and clinical course of childhood AD. Serum total IgE levels affect the progression of AD. Persistent AD in childhood may have a slight impact on children's physical growth.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PERKEMBANGAN

Abstract. In normal growth and development, a child will see changes in the size of the body's organs (physical) as the child gets older. Body sizes will increase, both those that are visible such as feet, hands, body height and so on, and those that are not visible such as the heart, lungs, muscles and so on. At the same time, changes are also experienced in the spiritual/mental field, namely increasing the ability to observe, remember, feel, and so on, in line with the physical growth mentioned above, so that a healthy soul will develop in accordance with healthy physical growth as well. The research method is by comparing research methods, processing methods, and the results obtained from each article. The research source comes from articles obtained via the internet in the form of research articles discussing early childhood development. The research results show that the conclusions of the factors that influence the development of western and Islamic psychological perspectives are heredity, environment and God's provisions. In western psychology, emphasis is placed on factors such as heredity and environment in understanding individual development, while in Islamic psychology, the factor of Allah's provisions is also considered very important.&#x0D;

SATISFACTION WITH WALK ON! FROM PROGRAM CLIENTS AND LEADERS

Abstract This presentation demonstrates the high degree of satisfaction with Walk On! from qualitative survey data from both clients and program leaders. As part of the curriculum, each attendee completes a survey asking about satisfaction around location, day/time, length of program, and changes in walking abilities. The survey also includes an opportunity for open-ended responses and suggestions for improvement. Overall, surveys showed a very high degree of satisfaction with the program with 80-100% of clients indicating they are “Very Much” satisfied with the program components. All open-ended responses were positive and examples include: “Very pleased with the instruction and environment”; “Encouraged me to walk at home and neighborhood”; “This program gave me energy to walk better and has changed my life”; “Enjoyed the fellowship with others”; and “I now walk with more confidence”. Leaders also complete a satisfaction survey upon completion of their Leader Training program and after leading a Walk On! program. A majority of the leaders “Strongly Agreed” or “Agreed “that: The length of the training was appropriate (83%); Course materials were explained well (100%); Course materials were easy to use (100%); I feel prepared to lead Walk On! (67%). Leader statements include: “I loved everything about this program. It was not just a walking program to me. I had social, cognitive and physical growth” and “This program afforded me the opportunity to have a real collaborative, immersive experience with elders.” Together, these positive findings support the need to scale and spread WalkOn! into additional community settings.

Teenagers Sleeping Pattern Affecting their Health

Sleep is a fundamental need. Teenagers need adequate sleep to cope well in everyday life. However, there is no firm evidence on which factors protect or impair teenagers but in today’s era it has been seen that teenager’s don’t fulfill their sleeping requirements. There are various factors responsible for ones not getting enough sleep, such as busy schedules, active social life, going out with friends more, watching late night movies, forgetting the time playing computer games, after school sport activities and homework commitments etc. Sleep affects physical growth, behavior and emotional development besides learning, and attention. Sleep research suggests that a teenager needs between 8 to 9 hour every night. The Objective beside this review was to understand the scope of teenagers sleep patterns, to understand the effect of sleep patterns, examine how much sleep we need, and learn how to improve our quality of sleep. There are many theories concerning the need for sleep. However, what we know has primarily evolved from research studies conducted in animals and humans examining the impact of sleep patterns on the physiological and neurobehavioral system. During sleep create new pathways of the brain that may interfere with the learning memory. The brain of a sleepy person works harder, but performs less. Sleep can be called "food for the brain. If brain gets affected ultimately health gets affected. Lack of sleep not only affects our mental fitness, but also our physical well-being. It endangers our personality in several indirect way. Teenager’s sleep habits tend to change as they enter puberty. The teenage years are a time when the body clock, an internal structure that controls our daily rhythm, undergoes major changes.

Behavior of Toddler Mothers Against Disorders Due to Iodine Deficiency

One of the four nutritional problems in Indonesia is Iodine Deficiency. Iodine deficiency is a set of symptoms that occur due to continuous lack of element Iodine and long period of time. Iodine is needed by everyone, especially during the growth period. Iodine deficiency will cause impaired physical growth and low intelligence the quality of human resources is getting worse. This study aims to analyze the behavior of mothers under five towards Iodine Deficiency Disorders. This Research There are three data collection methods that are often used in qualitative research, namely: 1) participatory observation 2) in-depth interviews and 3) focus group discussions. That The population is a survey of 30 housewives who were interviewed, 25 of whom did not understand GAKI and did not understand the benefits of iodized salt. They taken by propositional stratified random sampling. Data collection is done in the form interview, observation and salt test. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that of the 30 housewives who were respondents, 30 of them had insufficient knowledge of IDD.

The Relationship Between the Number of Partus and the Level of Education of Mothers Towards Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Working Area of the Telaga Biru Health Center

Lack of exclusive breastfeeding in infants has an impact on the cognitive development and physical growth of children such as stunted brain growth, and stunted physical growth so that children become stunted, children become weak and easily sick. Exclusive breastfeeding in Gorontalo Province (2018) amounted to 46.91%. The purpose of the study was to determine the number of partus and the level of education of mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding. Quantitative research design with cross-sectional approach. The population amounted to 54 infants with the same number of samples, namely 54 respondents. The results showed that the highest number of partus was primipara as many as 31 people with a value of pValue = 0.014&lt;0.05 and the highest maternal education was secondary education (junior high and high school) as many as 36 people with a value of pValue = 0.000&lt; 0.05. Conclusions are related to the number of partus and the level of education of mothers to exclusive breastfeeding in the working area of the Telaga Biru Health Center. Suggestions are expected to be input for the puskemas in increasing the scope of exclusive breastfeeding and can add information for mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding to their children.

Cross Sectional Study to Correlate the Stature and Percutaneous Length of Ulna Bone of Pediatrics Age Group in North Karnataka State of India

BACKGROUND: Estimating stature is important for clinical, anthropological, forensic as well as medico-legal standpoint. In clinical scenarios, its significances range from estimating the BMI (body mass index) to diagnosing certain physical growth disorders and assessment of nutritional status. Height is one of the key parameters in multiple vital decision-making setting, such as: body surface area, drug dosage calculations, glomerular filtration and prediction of pulmonary function. Moreover, lack of cooperation from patient in pediatric is much common which may delay the classical method of stature estimation. Above all, height measurement is restricted to ambulatory patients only. But measurement of ulna bone overcomes all these shortcomings. The long bone, ulna is mostly subcutaneous throughout its length and easily approachable for measurement makes it the most preferable to be selected for the study. AIM: To calculate age wise stature variations among pediatric groups, to estimate percutaneous length of ulna bone, to establish a relationship between stature and percutaneous length of ulna bone, and to formulate predictive equations for calculating stature with ulnar length, respectively for each of the genders METHODS: The study was conducted at the pediatric ward of a medical college in North Karnataka from August 1,2022 to December 31, 2022. Sample size for proportion was calculated to be 96, taking 33% as P (Pilot study) and at 5% absolute precision at 95% confidence level. All steps and precautions were followed appropriately as per guidelines published by World Health Organization. Length of ulna bone was measured using a measuring tape (0-152cm/60 inches) with rounded ends, from the tip of the olecranon process to the tip of the styloid process of ulna keeping elbow joint flexed and palm spread over opposite shoulder. Measurements of length of both the right and left ulna were taken separately for calculation. Both the stature and the length of ulna were measured in centimeters. Means of age, length of ulna and body height/length were analyzed amongst both the genders for each age group. Data analysis would be done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; SPSS version 23; p≤0.05 would be considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the study, relationship between stature and percutaneous length of ulna bone were analyzed and predictive equations for calculating stature with ulnar length, respectively for each of the genders were formulated as: For males, length or height = 6.545455 × (mean ulnar length of both the arms) ±0.3cm. For females, length or height = 6.540540 × (mean ulnar length of both the arms) ±0.3cm. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that there is a linear correlation between stature and ulna bone length in pediatric age groups. The derived equation can be used to estimate the stature of pediatric age group, specific to the gender. Similarly, length of ulna bone may be estimated if the stature is known. It will contribute greatly towards anthropometry and its widespread applications in clinics and forensics.

ANALISIS DEDIKASI POLA ASUH ORANG TUA TERHADAP KESEHATAN MENTAL ANAK DISABILITAS DI BANGKALAN

. Parents are the main and first educators of their children, because it is from them that the child first receives education. The role of parents as the main and first educators for children is also because heredity they are destined to be parents who give birth. So by nature, inevitably parents who are the main and first responsible for children can receive education. The dedication of parents in caring for children with special needs has a very impact on the survival of children with special needs in the future, the child's growth and development process will be affected if parents cannot determine the right caregiver style. Children who have unique needs need additional care from classmates, parents, teachers, and other family members. In order for children with special needs to reach their full potential, it is important that they should be given support rather than ignored or ostracized. Children suffering from physical or mental health problems should receive different care than other children. Similarly, to improve learning achievement and, in particular, to give priority to the improvement of physical and mental growth they must be equipped with the necessary means and facilities for their activities.

Permanent vs Transient Congenital Hypothyroidism in Chinese Children: Physical Growth and Predictive Nomogram.

Few reliable markers are available to distinguish transient congenital hypothyroidism (TCH) and permanent congenital hypothyroidism (PCH). Additionally, the differences in growth between TCH and PCH remain unclear. To investigate the growth of children with TCH and PCH and develop a nomogram for early differentiation of these forms. This retrospective study included children with TCH or PCH. The predictive efficacy of the prognostic predictors was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Multivariate prediction models were developed. Measurements of growth were compared between groups. Patients with TCH had lower initial thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) than those with PCH at newborn screening (NBS). The supplementary dose of levothyroxine (L-T4) gradually decreased with age in TCH but not in PCH. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the initial TSH, L-T4 dose at 1 year of age, and L-T4 dose at 2 years of age for distinguishing TCH from PCH were 0.698, 0.71, and 0.879, respectively. The predictive efficacy of the multivariate models at 1 and 2 years of age improved, with AUC values of 0.752 and 0.922, respectively. A nomogram was built based on the multivariate model at 1 year of age. The growth did not differ between children with TCH and those with PCH. However, at 1 year of age, girls with CH exhibited higher z-scores in terms of height and weight than boys with CH. TSH at NBS and L-T4 doses during treatment can be used to distinguish between PCH and TCH early in life, and the predictive efficacy can be improved using multivariable models with a visualized nomogram. At 3 years of age, patients with TCH and PCH showed similar growth.

Growth Trajectories among Toddlers in Rural Cambodia; Increased Risk for Severe Stunting in Poorer Communities

Objectives: Previous studies of a Cambodian birth cohort showed significant differences in birth weight, ponderal index and head circumference between newborns from two rural communities. The differences were associated with maternal anthropometrics and socioeconomic background, and the smallest babies were born to the mothers from the poorest communities. To see if the differences persisted postnatally, we followed the birth cohort for 18 months to investigate the children’s physical growth and cognitive development.

Relationship between Bacterial Bio-Fertilization at Different Levels of Plowing Depths and Some of Soil Physical Characteristics, Growth and Yield af Wheat Crops (Triticum astivum L.)

The study included the implementation of a factorial field experiment at the agricultural extension station affiliated with the Agricultural Extension Department in the Warka District, located north of Al-Muthanna Governorate, during the winter season 2022-2023. The soil texture of the field was loamy clay soil and the wheat variety was Research 22. The factorial experiment was designed according to the split-plot arrangement and (RCBD) design with three replications. The first factor represents the biological inoculum with B. subtilis and B. megaterium bacteria, with four levels, B0 without the addition of the inoculum, B1 with B. megaterium bacteria, and B2 with B. subtilis bacteria, and the fourth treatment, B3, included the double inoculum B1 + B2, and the second factor represents plowing depths with four levels, D1 represents zero plowing depth, D2 represents 10 cm plowing depth, D3 represents 20 cm plowing depth and D4 represents 30 cm plowing depth. The results showed the following. The results showed that the plowing depth D4 was superior to the control treatment and recorded the highest values in both plant height (100.74 cm) and moisture content was 41.26, 15.59 % in both flowering and harvesting stages respectively, while the depth D3 recorded a significant superiority in the weight of 1000 grains (49.14 gm). The B3 bacterial inoculum addition treatment was significantly superior to the control treatment.The highest values were recorded for plant height, weight of 1000 seeds, and moisture content in the harvest and flowering stages .The values were 100.26 cm, 46.63 g, 13.25%, 31.91% respectively. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the interaction treatment of the bacterial inoculum and plowing depth D4B1 was superior in plant height, the D3B2 treatment increased in the weight of 1000 seeds, and the D3B3 treatment was superior in moisture content for the flowering and harvesting stages. The values were 104.09 cm, 54.76 g, 44.35% and 17.50% respectively

A study on the relationship between students’ psychological depression and family situations using multi-factor logistic regression analysis

Long-term psychological depression can seriously damage the physical and mental growth of adolescent students, and effective interventions are needed to address students’ depression. This paper briefly introduced students’ depressive mood and surveyed students in three grades from ten high schools in Zhengzhou City in 2020 with questionnaires that included the degree of depression and family environment in addition to conventional information. After preliminary screening of indicators related to depressive mood, the influence of family environment on depressive mood was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that factors such as intimacy, recreation, and organization in the family environment could effectively suppress depressive mood, while ambivalent and controlling factors could exacerbate depressive mood.

Pharmacotherapy for ADHD in children and adolescents: A summary and overview of different European guidelines.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder presenting to pediatric services, and pediatricians are often involved in the early assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children with ADHD. The treatment of ADHD typically involves a multimodal approach that encompasses a combination of psychoeducation, parent/teacher training, psychosocial/psychotherapeutic interventions, and pharmacotherapy. Concerning pharmacotherapy, guidelines vary in drug choice and sequencing, with psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and (lis)dexamfetamine, generally being the favored initial treatment. Alternatives include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Pharmacotherapy has been proven effective, but close follow-up focusing on physical growth, cardiovascular monitoring, and the surveillance of potential side effects including tics, mood fluctuations, and psychotic symptoms, is essential. This paper presents an overview of current pharmacological treatment options for ADHD and explores disparities in treatment guidelines across different European countries. Conclusion: Pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents are effective and generally well-tolerated.Pharmacotherapy for ADHDis alwayspart of a multimodal approach.While there is a considerableconsensus among European guidelines on pharmacotherapy for ADHD, notable differences exist, particularly concerning the selection and sequencing of various medications. What is Known: • There is a significant base of evidence for pharmacological treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents. • Pediatricians are often involved in assessment, diagnosis and management of children with ADHD. What is New: • Our overview of different European guidelines reveals significant agreement in the context of pharmacotherapy for ADHD in children and adolescents. • Discrepancies exist primarily in terms of selection and sequencing of different medications.

A Close Association between Body Weight, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Risk Behaviors in a Sample of Italian High School Students.

Adolescents experience rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth with different factors contributing to health and well-being. In this view, an important role is played by body weight and related perceptions. The purpose was to determine, in a sample of Italian high school students, whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with the different weight status categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese), even considering sex differences. Data were collected from 1826 adolescents (n = 735 males). HRQOL was analyzed using the Italian version of KIDSCREEN-52. Overweight adolescents showed reductions in psychological well-being (p < 0.05) and self-perception (p < 0.05) compared with individuals in other BMI categories. Subjects with obesity reported increased bullying victimization (p < 0.05) and reductions in self-perception and eating disorders (p < 0.001), while underweight individuals were characterized by altered adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001), eating disorders (p < 0.001), and problematic use of social media (p < 0.05). No sex differences were found, except for socio-economic status perceptions, where underweight girls reported higher economic well-being than boys (p < 0.05). Our findings may suggest that there is an association between weight status categories and HRQoL that is more pronounced in underweight and overweight adolescents. The association between BMI categories and psychosocial dimensions opens the need to define specific domains on which such preventive interventions should focus, always through a personalized perspective.

Assessment of the physical development of children with and without high thrombogenic risk factors in the Health Center for Children

BACKGROUND: Up to 65% diseases associated with pathological thrombus have been described; more than 100 thrombogenic risk factors leading to vascular accidents have been studied. It is known that physical development is an important indicator of health in children. The relationship between the presence of thrombogenic risk factors in various disorders of physical development in children has been studied.&#x0D; AIM: To determine the relationship between physical development disorders in children and the presence of thrombogenic risk factors.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 396 children aged 14–18 years, who underwent physical growth assessment using the sigma deviation method and genetic testing to determine polymorphisms of folate cycle genes and polymorphisms of thrombophilia genes. Statistical processing was carried out using the application package Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft, Inc., USA).&#x0D; RESULTS: The analysis of anthropometric indicators in children showed that in the group of the patients with thrombogenic risk factors, height and body weight values with average physical disharmonious development due to excess weight were statistically significantly higher than age-reference indicators.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study, it has been shown that disharmony in physical development in children with high thrombogenic risk factors may be one of the risk factors for the development of thrombotic conditions.

APPLICATION OF CURIOSITY TOWARD TODDLER POSITIVE THINKING ATTITUDE IN FACING THE ERA SOCIETY 5.0

Era 5.0 is an era of digitalization technology that can influence the development of toddlers because the development of cognitive function, the immune system, and physical growth occur rapidly. Including toddlers' high curiosity about technology, one of which is using mobile devices. The purpose of this research was to prove the influence of applying curiosity on toddlers' positive thinking attitudes in facing the era society 5.0 in East Wonoayu Hamlet, Dukuhmojo Village, Mojoagung District, Jombang Regency. The design of this research used a one-group pra-post test design. The population in this research were all mothers and toddlers in East Wonoayu Hamlet, Dukuhmojo Village, Mojoagung District, Jombang Regency totaling 47 children. The sampling technique used was total sampling. The samples in this research were all mothers and toddlers in East Wonoayu Hamlet, Dukuhmojo Village, Mojoagung District, Jombang Regency totaling 47 children. The instrument used to assess positive thinking attitudes is a questionnaire. Data processing starts from editing, coding, scoring, and data analysis was carried out using the cross table. The research results showed that there was an increase before the implementation of curiosity as many as 47 (100%) respondents had a moderate positive thinking attitude. And after implementing curiosity 17 (36%) respondents had a high positive thinking attitude. curiosity will motivate a person to continue looking for and knowing new things so that they can increase their knowledge and experience in the learning process.

Physical Attributes and Psychological Characteristics of Basketball Players Towards Creation of a Wellness Program

The objective of this research is to examine the evaluations provided by 44 basketball coaches according to the physical features and psychological traits and talents of their players. The primary aim is to enhance coaching effectiveness and promote overall well-being. The profiles of coaches exhibited a broad range of coaching backgrounds, including various age groups, genders, and years of experience. The evaluation of athletes' physical characteristics, including speed, agility, core strength, and leaping ability, was carried out, uncovering notable variations in coaches' evaluations of athletes' speed across different age categories. Nevertheless, there were no notable disparities observed with regards to any physical characteristics. Furthermore, an evaluation was conducted to assess the psychological attributes and abilities of players, such as visualization, relaxation, attentional focus, anxiety management, self-confidence, and motivation towards athletic success. The findings revealed that there were no notable variations based on the age, gender, or years of experience of the coaches. Furthermore, the research has successfully proven a noteworthy correlation between the physical features and psychological characteristics and talents of players, thereby emphasizing the interdependence of these dimensions within the realm of coaching. Therefore, it is suggested that a comprehensive wellness program be implemented for basketball coaches, with a primary focus on strengthening coaching efficacy. This can be achieved by developing coaches' understanding and proficiency in analyzing and enhancing players' physical features, as well as their psychological traits and skills. The program integrates a range of tactics, including scheduled training sessions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, with the aim of addressing multiple dimensions of coaching well-being. Through the implementation of this program, basketball coaches have the opportunity to enhance their coaching capabilities and make a positive impact on player development and team success. This program underscores the significance of continuous support and development for coaches in fostering the physical and psychological growth of athletes in the realm of basketball.

Associations between maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and trajectories of infant growth: A birth cohort study

ObjectiveWe examined the relationships between infants’ growth trajectories and prenatal exposure to air pollution, which is still under-investigated. MethodsA birth cohort study was constructed using medical records of pregnant women and infants born between 2015 and 2019 in Foshan, China. Using satellite-based spatial-temporal models, prenatal exposure to air pollutants including particulate matter with an aerodynamic dimension of < 2.5 µm (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) was assessed at each woman's residence. Latent class growth modeling was used to identify trajectories of physical (body length and weight) growth and neurodevelopment, which were repeatedly measured within 1 year after birth. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between prenatal exposure to air pollution and the risks of growth disorders, adjusting for an array of potential confounders. ResultsWe identified two growth trajectories for body length [normal: 3829 (93%); retardation: 288 (7%)], three for weight [normal: 2475 (59.6%); retardation: 390 (9.4%); overgrowth: 1287 (31%)], and two for neurodevelopment [normal: 956 (66.1%); retardation: 491 (33.9%)]. For exposure over whole pregnancy, SO2 was associated with an increased risk of body length retardation (OR for per 1 µg/m3 increment: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.01–1.17); PM2.5 (OR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.03–1.07), SO2 (OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.08–1.22), and NO2 (OR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.03–1.07) were positively associated with neurodevelopmental retardation. Such associations appeared stronger for exposures over the first and second trimesters. No significant associations were detected for weight growth. ConclusionsMaternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy was associated with higher risks of impairments in both physical growth, particularly body length, and neurodevelopment.

Birth outcomes and early growth patterns associated with age at adiposity rebound: the Ma’anshan birth cohort (MABC) study

ObjectiveEarly onset of adiposity rebound (AR) is considered an early indicator of obesity risk. Our objective was to investigate the association of birth outcomes and early physical growth patterns with early AR in children.MethodsStudy subjects (n = 2705) were enrolled from the Ma’anshan birth cohort (MABC). The body mass index (BMI), head circumference, waist circumference, and body fat were collected. Rapid weight gain (RWG) was defined by the change in weight standard-deviation score in the first two years of life. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to determine children’s physical growth trajectories. The age of AR was fitted using fractional polynomial function models.ResultsChildren with very high BMI trajectories (RR = 2.83; 95% CI 2.33 to 1.40), rising BMI trajectories (RR = 3.15; 95% CI 2.66 to 3.72), high waist circumference trajectories (RR = 4.17; 95% CI 3.43 to 5.06), and high body fat trajectories (RR = 3.01; 95% CI 2.62 to 3.46) before 72 months of age were at a greater risk of experiencing early AR. Low birth weight (LBW) (RR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.28 to 2.51), preterm birth (PTB) (RR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.93), and small for gestational age (SGA) (RR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.64) associated with increased risk of early AR. Moreover, infants experiencing RWG (RR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.40 to 1.83), low BMI trajectories (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.53) and rising BMI trajectories (RR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.84) in the first two years were at higher risk of developing early AR subsequently. Compared to the group with non-early AR, the BMI of children with early AR tended to be lower first (from birth to 6 months of age) and then higher (from 18 to 72 months of age).ConclusionsChildren with overall high BMI, high waist circumference, and high body fat before 72 months of age are more likely to experience early AR, but infants with low BMI trajectories, rising BMI trajectories and infants experiencing RWG in the first two years of life similarly increase the risk of early AR. These results can help to understand the early factors and processes that lead to metabolic risks.