Slender Build Research Articles

Prognostic significance of body mass index and weight loss in patients with idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis.

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias; its physical characteristics include a slender build with platythorax and progressive weight loss. However, the clinical significance of body mass index (BMI) and weight loss remains unclear in patients with IPPFE. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the association between baseline BMI, weight loss after diagnosis, and the prognosis of patients with IPPFE. This retrospective study included 71 patients diagnosed with IPPFE at our institution between 2005-2021. BMI at diagnosis was classified into three: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (≥18.5 to <25.0 kg/m2), or overweight (≥25.0 kg/m2). An annual rate of weight change after the diagnosis was evaluated, and ≥5% per year decrease was defined as a significant weight loss. We investigated clinical features and prognosis based on baseline BMI and weight loss. Of the 71 patients, 48 (67.6%) and 23 (32.4%) were classified as underweight and normal weight, respectively, and none were overweight. Significant weight loss occurred in 24 (33.8%) patients, and they tended to have more cases of dyspnea and had significantly older age, lower BMI, higher rates of co-existence of lower-lobe interstitial lung disease, lower pulmonary function test results and higher incidence of pneumothorax after the diagnosis than those without weight loss. Patients with BMI <18.5 kg/m2 and those with weight loss had a significantly worse prognosis than those with BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2 or those without weight loss, respectively (p=0.005, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low BMI and weight loss were independent poor prognostic factors. Low BMI and weight loss are associated with poor prognosis in patients with IPPFE.

Clinical Characteristics, Developmental Trajectory, and Caregiver Burden of Patients With Creatine Transporter Deficiency (SLC6A8).

Creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) is a rare X-linked genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID). We evaluated the clinical characteristics and trajectory of patients with CTD and the impact of the disease on caregivers to identify relevant endpoints for future therapeutic trials. As part of a French National Research Program, patients with CTD were included based on (1) a pathogenic SLC6A8 variant and (2) ID and/or autism spectrum disorder. Families and patients were referred by the physician who ordered the genetic analysis through Reference Centers of ID from rare causes and inherited metabolic diseases. After we informed the patients and their parents/guardians about the study, all of them gave written consent and were included. A control group of age-matched and sex-matched patients with Fragile X syndrome was also included. Physical examination, neuropsychological assessments, and caregiver impact were assessed. All data were analyzed using R software. Thirty-one patients (27 male, 4 female) were included (25/31 aged 18 years or younger). Most of the patients (71%) had symptoms at <24 months of age. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.5 years. Epilepsy occurred in 45% (mean age at onset: 8 years). Early-onset behavioral disorder occurred in 82%. Developmental trajectory was consistently delayed (fine and gross motor skills, language, and communication/sociability). Half of the patients with CTD had axial hypotonia during the first year of life. All patients were able to walk without help, but 7/31 had ataxia and only 14/31 could walk tandem gait. Most of them had abnormal fine motor skills (27/31), and most of them had language impairment (30/31), but 12/23 male patients (52.2%) completed the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. Approximately half (14/31) had slender build. Most of them needed nursing care (20/31), generally 1-4 h/d. Adaptive assessment (Vineland) confirmed that male patients with CTD had moderate-to-severe ID. Most caregivers (79%) were at risk of burnout, as shown by Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) > 36 (significantly higher than for patients with Fragile X syndrome) with a high burden of time dependence. In addition to clinical endpoints, such as the assessment of epilepsy and the developmental trajectory of the patient, the Vineland scale, PPVT5, and CBI are of particular interest as outcome measures for future trials. ANSM Registration Number 2010-A00327-32.

Intramedullary Fibular Strut Allograft and a Small Fragment Nonlocking T-plate for Periprosthetic Lateral Femoral Condyle Fracture: A Case Report

Intramedullary Fibular Strut Allograft and a Small Fragment Nonlocking T-plate for Periprosthetic Lateral Femoral Condyle Fracture: A Case Report

Scaling relationships of maximal gape and prey size of snakes for an egg‐eating specialist (Dasypeltis gansi) and a dietary generalist (Pantherophis obsoletus)

AbstractThe size of both predators and prey can profoundly affect the foraging ecology of animals. This is especially true for snakes which consume prey whole. Although their gape imposes an anatomical limit on prey size, different snake species have a wide variety of prey types, prey sizes, and dietary breadth. To test whether a dietary specialist that only consumes bird eggs (Dasypeltis gansi) differed from a generalist that occasionally eats eggs (Pantherophis obsoletus), I quantified and compared the scaling relationships between overall size, cranial dimensions, and maximal gape and the orientation and mobility of relevant bones. Compared to P. obsoletus with a given overall size, D. gansi had maximal gape areas approximately 3–4 times greater and a significantly larger relative contribution to gape by the intermandibular (IM) soft tissues (50% vs. 19%). The greater distensibility of the IM soft tissues also allowed much greater lateral displacement of the distal end of the lower jaw in D. gansi versus P. obsoletus, but at maximal gape, the bones of these species had unexpectedly similar orientations in lateral view. The large gape of D. gansi was attained despite having a significantly shorter head than P obsoletus for a given snout–vent length. As a result of their large gape and more slender build, the predicted values of relative prey masses (RPM) for D. gansi at maximal gape vastly exceeded those of P. obsoletus for a given prey type. Although eggs are much stouter than rats, values of RPM at maximal gape for D. gansi eating eggs greatly exceeded those for P. obsoletus eating rats. Perhaps, Dasypeltis has the greatest size‐corrected gape and potential values of RPM (for a given prey shape) of any snake taxon as these values of D. gansi exceed those from all previously studied species with similar data.

PMON20 Snyder Robinson Syndrome: A Rare Syndrome

Abstract Introduction Snyder Robinson Syndrome (SRS) is a rare X-linked intellectual disability disorder caused by inactivating mutation in the spermine synthase (SMS) gene which is involved in polyamine biosynthesis. It was first described by Snyder and Robinson in 1969 and so far about 20 cases have been reported worldwide. The affected males have short stature, slender build with asthenic habitus, hypotonia, facial dysmorphism with a prominent lower lip, kyphoscoliosis, broad-based gait, osteoporosis with frequent fractures, developmental delay, seizures, and speech and motor disability. Hypotonia presents during the neonatal period and the developmental delay and facial dysmorphism are manifested within the first year of life. Osteoporosis develops within the first decade of life resulting in fractures in the absence of trauma or after minor trauma. No formal diagnostic criteria have been established for Snyder Robinson syndrome. The diagnosis is made based on clinical presentation and biochemical testing of spermine synthase enzyme activity. It is confirmed by molecular genetic testing by identification of a hemizygous loss-of-function SMS pathogenic variant. Currently there is no treatment guideline for Snyder Robinson syndrome. Speech, physical, and occupational therapy can be helpful for intellectual and developmental disability. Kyphoscoliosis is treatment per standard management by orthopedics and surgery is recommended for cleft lip. Calcium supplementations are used for osteoporosis to prevent recurrent fractures. The role of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis is controversial with no proven benefit or effectiveness in Snyder Robinson syndrome. Anti-seizure medications are recommended for seizures along with Neurology follow-up, though some affected individuals may have drug-resistant seizures. Case Presentation A 32-year-old male presented to the Endocrinology clinic as a new patient with his mother. He was referred by his primary care physician for monitoring of calcium. He had a past medical history of Snyder Robinson Syndrome. He had genetic testing in the past which showed mutation in the spermine synthase (SMS) gene. He was a thin man with a BMI around 19 kg/m2. He had intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism, kyphoscoliosis, abnormal gait, speech and motor disability. He had a history of seizures, but was currently not on any anti-seizure medications. He had a history of low bone density for age and history of fractures. He was taking calcium and multivitamin supplementation. He was seen by the physical medicine and rehabilitation department for physical and occupational therapy. Conclusion Although rare, Snyder Robinson syndrome should be suspected in males with intellectual disability, hypotonia, asthenic habitus with the diminished body bulk, bone abnormalities, facial dysmorphism, motor and speech disability, and seizures. The number of patients would increase in the future with the increasing use of genetic testing in patients who present with undefined developmental abnormalities. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

First description of the larva of Archineura incarnata (Karsch, 1891) with notes on the biology (Odonata: Calopterygidae)

The final instar larva of the genus Archineura Kirby, 1894 is described for the first time, based on a specimen of the Chinese endemic species Archineura incarnata (Karsch, 1892) collected from Mt. Nankunshan, Guangdong Province, China. The larva is distinguished by several characters, including its moderately slender build combined with the distinctive extremely long legs, long, narrow, uniquely spined outer caudal appendages, a mask strongly expanded anteriorly with a relatively small median cleft, and robust spines at the apex of the labial palp. The mask is most similar to larvae of Echo Selys, 1853, Mnais Selys, 1853 and Psolodesmus MacLachlan, 1870 which are considered its nearest relatives based on molecular analysis, but from which it differs in other characters. The biology of Archineura larvae is discussed briefly.

EARLY SECONDARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX IN A CAUCASIAN FEMALE WITH PAST PRIMARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

TOPIC: Lung Pathology TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Pneumothorax is the trapping of air between the visceral and parietal pleura of the lungs.it is a well-established condition associated with smoking, vaping, Marfans syndrome, tall build and familial diseases like alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. CASE PRESENTATION: 45 y/o Caucasian lady who presented to the ER with sudden left sided pleuritic chest pain and Shortness of breath She denied palpitations, nausea or vomiting Past medical history was significant for right spontaneous pneumothorax for which she Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at the age of 31 and COPD She has smoked about 1.5 packs per day for over 20 years, 3-year history of vaping.She had no family history of similar symptoms On presentation, Her vitals were unremarkable except for O2 Saturation of 92 on room air which increased to 98 with 2L of O2Physical examination was remarkable for a tall, slender appearing lady with diminished breath sounds on the left lung base. Her laboratory investigations were unremarkable including troponin and EKG. Chest Xray showed bullous changes bilaterally with compressive atelectasis in both lungs with 20% left-sided pneumothorax, follow up CT scan of the chest showed Severe lung parenchymal disease with multiple cystic spaces all over the lungs and approximately 40% left-sided pneumothorax. Cardio-thoracic surgery was consulted following which she had Pig tail catheter inserted and connected to an underwater seal, however her pneumothorax was not resolving hence she had thoracotomy with blebectomy. Lung biopsy showed severe bullous emphysema with blebs, chronic inflammation, perilesional fibrosis and dystrophic calcificationPatient was strongly advised against smoking and she was scheduled to follow up in pulmonology clinic to rule out alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency, results of which were pending DISCUSSION: Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax is defined as pneumothorax that occurs in the presence of lung disease as with this patient who had underlying bullous disease.It is commonly found in male patients with an age preponderance of greater than 55 years, our patient however is a lady and less than 50 years Primary Spontaneous pneumothorax is pneumothorax occurring in the absence of lung disease. It is commonly found in males usually between ages 10-30 years It is very likely our patient initially had a primary spontaneous pneumothorax given her slender tall build which then progressed to secondary pneumothorax given her significant smoking, vaping history and severe bullous lung disease raising suspicious for underlying Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to investigate further for individuals like this who present which such severe lung disease with unusual demographics REFERENCE #1: 1. Gupta D, Hansell A, Nichols T, Duong T, Ayres JG, Strachan D. Epidemiology of pneumothorax in England. Thorax. 2000 Aug;55(8):666-71. doi: 10.1136/thorax.55.8.666. PMID: 10899243; PMCID: PMC1745823. REFERENCE #2: Melton LJ 3rd, Hepper NG, Offord KP. Influence of height on the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax. Mayo Clin Proc. 1981 Nov;56(11):678-82. PMID: 7300447 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Karishma Kadariya, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Evans Kyei-Nimako, source=Admin input No relevant relationships by Utibe Ndebbio, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Demilade Soji-Ayoade, source=Web Response

CHARACTERIZATION ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS OF “ FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER” MOVIE BY ANGELINA JOLIE

Literary work, especially film, gives life a lot of inspiration. Movie makes the reader aware that the story that happens in a movie is a reflection of a real life. Characters are people in narratives, and characterization explains things done by a character. Moreover, there are several reasons why the writer studied characterization of the main character in “The Social Network” Movie Script, First, the writer is interested in studying literature about movie, this movie has remarkable characters. Second, this movie can give inspiration to all people about fight against arbitrariness and peacefull campaign. Statements of the research problem are: 1) What is the physical appearance of the main characters? 2) How is the personality of the main characters? 3) How is the social status of the main characters? 4) How is the social relationship of the main characters? The purpose of this analysis is to explain: 1) the physical appearance of the main characters, 2) the personality of the main characters, 3) the social status of the main characters, 4) the main characters’ social relationship. The approach used in this analysis is qualitative research, the research data are all phrases and dialogs between characters in the film that are linked to character characterization. The results of this research show that the main characters Loung Ung and Pa/ Mr. Ung have made a great contribution to the plot. Characterization is about the physical appearance, personality, social status and social relationship of the main characters. Loung Ung’s physical appearance are little girl, slender build, average hair, caramel skin. Pa/ Mr. Ung physical appearances are average build, male, moon shape eyes, and caramel skin. Both of the main character have brave personalities, love and care, and love the whole family. For the social status they are moderate family and live in apartement in the city . Pa/ Mr.Ung is well educated person because he is an officer. Pa/ Mr.Ung has a good social relationship with the people surrounding, but Loung Ung doesn’t have a good social relationship with the people surrounding her because she is passive.

Painful Hips and a Nodular Neck: Bilateral Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Leading to the Diagnosis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia: A Case Report.

A twelve-year-old slender white girl underwent pinning of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) on both the right and left sides. The bilateral nature of the disease and her slender build prompted consideration of an underlying predisposition. She was referred for medical evaluation, which resulted in the identification of medullary thyroid carcinoma. This report highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of SCFE and the necessity for investigation of associated comorbid diagnoses. As with this case, atypical SCFE may represent the sentinel event leading to identification of underlying systemic illness and therefore may present an opportunity for early intervention.

Sudden death in a young male with a recent pneumothorax: a case report

To the Editor: An 18-year-old Caucasian male presented to his local doctor with acute left shoulder and interscapular pain. A chest radiograph demonstrated a complex left-sided pneumothorax, which was subsequently confirmed on a thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan (fig. 1). There were multiple septations traversing the pleural space. The patient smoked cigarettes. He denied illicit drug use, including marijuana. His non-consanguineous parents and one younger male sibling were alive and free from significant medical disease. He had a history of depression for which he was prescribed fluoxetine. Figure 1. Thoracic computed tomography scan showing a complex left-sided pneumothorax. 5 months previously he had been admitted to hospital for 10 days with a spontaneous perforated sigmoid colon complicated by faecal peritonitis. The aetiology of the perforation had been unclear, but a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, including views of the lung bases, had demonstrated a right-sided pleural effusion. A Hartmann’s procedure was performed and was successfully reversed 2 months later. Histology of the resected bowel was unremarkable. On examination the patient had a tall and slender build, but this was not remarkable. Body mass index and arm span were not formally measured. There was no joint hypermobility, chest wall deformity or corneal abnormality. Palatal examination was normal. …

AAA Syndrome: Successful Management of a Rare Cause of Dysphagia

Introduction: AAA syndrome (also known as Allgrove syndrome or triple A syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of ACTH-resistant adrenal insufficiency, achalasia, and alacrima. This case highlights the gastroenterological presentation of this multisystem disorder and successful management. Case presentation: A 35-year-old Indian woman presented to the outpatient office with recurrent episodes of dysphagia to solids and liquids since childhood. Over the years, she modified her diet by avoiding meats and eating soft foods but reported an inability to gain weight. At age 17 years, she was reported to have a distal esophageal stricture at an outside facility. Four empiric endoscopic esophageal dilations were performed over a 10-year period with minor symptom improvement. In her 20s, she was diagnosed with primary adrenal insufficiency of an idiopathic nature (Addison's disease), and has been continuously treated with oral hydrocortisone. She also reported chronic dry eyes. On examination, she was 4'10”, 75 lbs with a BMI of 15.6. She had a nasal tone of voice and pigmentation of her lips and tongue. Other than a slender build, the remainder of the physical examination was unremarkable. High-resolution manometry was performed, which showed elevated lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures (27.2 mmHg) with abnormal LES relaxation (LES residual pressure of 34.4 mmHg), and absent esophageal body peristalsis with panesophageal compartmentalization of intrabolus pressure. These findings were consistent with achalasia, categorized as type II by the Chicago classification scheme. Upper endoscopy (EGD) revealed a mildly dilated esophageal body with a puckered and hypertonic LES. The findings on manometry and EGD confirmed the diagnosis of achalasia. The additional diagnoses of Addison's disease and longstanding alacrima were consistent with the AAA syndrome. The patient was referred for laparoscopic Heller myotomy to treat the achalasia and has remained asymptomatic 18 months after surgery. Discussion: AAA syndrome is rare, with fewer than 200 cases reported since it was initially described in 1978 by Allgrove. It usually manifests in childhood although neurological symptoms and autonomic instability may manifest later. The gene has been mapped to chromosome 12 and the protein it encodes is involved in the normal development of the nervous system. Achalasia in young patients is best treated surgically with laparoscopic myotomy and provides significant long-term relief of symptoms. AAA syndrome is uncommon, but a high index of suspicion in patients with any of the classic findings can result in early recognition and successful management.

Autism multiplex family with 16p11.2p12.2 microduplication syndrome in monozygotic twins and distal 16p11.2 deletion in their brother

The pericentromeric region of chromosome 16p is rich in segmental duplications that predispose to rearrangements through non-allelic homologous recombination. Several recurrent copy number variations have been described recently in chromosome 16p. 16p11.2 rearrangements (29.5-30.1 Mb) are associated with autism, intellectual disability (ID) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Another recognizable but less common microdeletion syndrome in 16p11.2p12.2 (21.4 to 28.5-30.1 Mb) has been described in six individuals with ID, whereas apparently reciprocal duplications, studied by standard cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques, have been reported in three patients with autism spectrum disorders. Here, we report a multiplex family with three boys affected with autism, including two monozygotic twins carrying a de novo 16p11.2p12.2 duplication of 8.95 Mb (21.28-30.23 Mb) characterized by single-nucleotide polymorphism array, encompassing both the 16p11.2 and 16p11.2p12.2 regions. The twins exhibited autism, severe ID, and dysmorphic features, including a triangular face, deep-set eyes, large and prominent nasal bridge, and tall, slender build. The eldest brother presented with autism, mild ID, early-onset obesity and normal craniofacial features, and carried a smaller, overlapping 16p11.2 microdeletion of 847 kb (28.40-29.25 Mb), inherited from his apparently healthy father. Recurrent deletions in this region encompassing the SH2B1 gene were recently reported in early-onset obesity and in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders associated with phenotypic variability. We discuss the clinical and genetic implications of two different 16p chromosomal rearrangements in this family, and suggest that the 16p11.2 deletion in the father predisposed to the formation of the duplication in his twin children.

Dizziness and fainting

Pediatricians face many complex scenarios in the primary care setting. A common complaint in pediatric practice is lightheadness or dizziness on rapid standing. How should the pediatricians approach this complaint? Does this require an extensive work up with a number of tests? In this issue of The Journal, Stewart and Clarke provide answers to these questions. They describe the pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension and fainting. They emphasize the important roles of clinical history and observation of the patient in the evaluation of this problem.Article page 499 Pediatricians face many complex scenarios in the primary care setting. A common complaint in pediatric practice is lightheadness or dizziness on rapid standing. How should the pediatricians approach this complaint? Does this require an extensive work up with a number of tests? In this issue of The Journal, Stewart and Clarke provide answers to these questions. They describe the pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension and fainting. They emphasize the important roles of clinical history and observation of the patient in the evaluation of this problem. Article page 499 “He’s Dizzy When He Stands Up”: An Introduction to Initial Orthostatic HypotensionThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 158Issue 3PreviewThe most frequent orthostatic complaint in young people is lightheadedness or dizziness on rapid standing, sometimes from a seated position, most often from a supine position after hours of recumbency.1,2 The most common complainant is an adolescent in the middle of a growth spurt. Often the patient is already tall or is growing rapidly. Similar complaints are seen among young people of either sex, particularly in patients of slender build and reduced blood volume.3 The complaints relate to normal physiology shared by people of all ages and have been identified by students of orthostasis in the past. Full-Text PDF

Atypische Sprue bei einem Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 und Hashimoto-Thyreoiditis

A 49-year-old man presented with a four-week history of fatigue and physical weakness. He was of slender build (BMI 19,5 kg/m (2)) and pale. He also had vitiligo. Diabetes mellitus type 1 and Hashimoto thyreoiditis had been previously diagnosed. Laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency anemia with depleted iron reserves (hemoglobin 5,9 g/dl; normal range 14,0 - 18,0). Vitamin B (12) and folic acid were also low. A probable cause was thought to be malabsorption. Antibodies against endomysium and tissue transglutaminase were elevated. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and videocapsule endoscopy showed villous atrophy in the duodenum and jejunum. Histomorphological findings were compatible with celiac disease (Marsh stage 3a). Osteodensitometry showed significantly lowered bone density. These investigations indicated atypical celiac disease with malabsorption, anemia and osteoporosis. The patient received nutritional counseling and was put on a gluten-free diet. Supplementary iron, folic acid and vitamin B (12) were prescribed. A bloodtransfusion was given for the symptomatic anemia. The osteoporosis was treated with calcium and vitamin D3. A follow-up examination after four months revealed complete remission of the abnormal clinical and laboratory findings with partial remission of endoscopic and histologic changes (reduced to Marsh stage 2). Because of the lack of gastrointestinal symptoms, the diagnosis of atypical celiac disease is often made only at an advanced stage and advanced age. The disease is often associated with other autoimmune disorders.

Bonobos

Bonobos

Where There Is No Frontier

When, after fifty-one years, Abdur got down apprehensively from the second-class compartment of the train at Azimabad station, the winter sun was starting to decline in the western sky. The sunlight had lost its shine and was the colour of faded turmeric, and the north wind gusted like a mad, unbridled horse. His full name was Abdur Hussein. He was sixty, of medium height and slender build. There were heavy shadows under his eyes, and he had prominent jawbones. His eyesight was no longer strong, and he wore heavyframed glasses. His whole body bore the marks of age: his skin was rough and wrinkled, and his hair and beard mostly grey. Abdur was wearing a very crumpled pajama and a sherwani, over which he had a long-sleeved woollen pullover. Even that was not enough to stop the indomitable cold of north India, so over the pullover he had a thick woollen shawl wrapped around himself. On his feet he wore heavy sandals. He carried a large leather suitcase in his right hand and, in the other, a holdall containing his pillow, a thin mattress, a pair of blankets, a bedcover, and sundry odds and ends. Two years after Partition, when he was nine, Abdur and his family left Azimabad for West Pakistan and settled in Karachi, where they lived in the very crowded part of the old city, a locality that became a colony for Mohajirs, the Urdu-speaking Muslim refugees from India. He had two reasons for coming back to India after fifty-one years. One was to go to Ajmer Sharif; the other was to come to Azimabad and visit his elder sister, Fatima, who had remained behind when the family went to Pakistan after Partition. Many people had told them that they would have no security in India and that their future would be bleak, so it did not make sense for them to risk staying. However, Fatima's father-in-law, Sheik Badruddin, was a dogged character who said simply that he and his family would not be leaving his country, the land of his birth, for anywhere. Let happen what may. Before Partition and for some time after, there had been clashes between Hindus and Muslims that had culminated in arson, bloodshed, and

A narrow waist versus broad shoulders: Sex and age differences in the jealousy-evoking characteristics of a rival’s body build

This study examined the role of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and shoulder-to-hip ratio (SHR) of the rival in evoking jealousy in an adult sample of 70 men and 69 women. Women paid more attention to the rivals’ waist, hips, and hair, and men paid more attention to the rivals’ shoulders. Potential rivals with a low as opposed to a high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) evoked more jealousy in women than in men, particularly among women with a low WHR. Among women, the low WHR-high SHR rival the V-type body build evoked the highest level of jealousy and was perceived as most attractive and the most socially and physically dominant. In contrast, among men the low WHR-low SHR rival, that is, a rival with a linear and slender body build, evoked the highest level of jealousy and was perceived as the most attractive and socially dominant, but not as the most physically dominant. As men were older, the SHR of the rival was a less important factor in evoking jealousy, whereas among women jealousy in response to the rival’s WHR was not affected by age.

The earliest-known humans in Fiji and their pottery: the first dates from the 2002 excavations at Naitabale (Naturuku), Moturiki Island

Until this study, the earliest-known people to have occupied the islands of Fiji were those who inhabited Matanamuani on Naigani Island as much as 1000 BC. Excavations at the Naitabale (Naturuku) site in southern Moturiki Island in June-July 2002 found an older settlement. From the nature of the pottery recovered from Naitabale, it appears to predate the Matanamuani site. Radiocarbon dates on charcoal from within the pits excavated at Naitabale confirm the site?s age. The dates show that the site could have been occupied as much as 1220 BC. A human burial (named ?Mana?) found within the older layers of Pit T1 at Naitabale is that of a female, about 1.60 m tall, of slender build. The first radiocarbon date shows that she lived at least 650 BC, probably close to 950 BC. Further tests will determine her other characteristics.

Effect of Body Build on the Validity of Predicted Body Fat from Body Mass Index and Bioelectrical Impedance

The objective of this study was to test whether differences between body fat percent (BF%) measured by densitometry and BF% predicted from body mass index (BMI) or bioimpedance (BIA) can be explained by differences in body build. Weight, height, sitting height (leg length), arm length, skeletal widths, BIA, bone mineral content from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and BF% from densitometry were measured in 90 apparently healthy, young adult subjects (age range 18–31 years). The BMI was calculated and BF% predicted from BMI, age, and sex. BF% was also predicted from BIA. BF% measured by densitometry was 29.3 ± 5.0% for women and 14.6 ± 5.1% for men. BF% predicted from BIA (27.1 ± 6.7% in women, 19.0 ± 6.0% in men) was significantly different from measured values in both sexes. BF% predicted from BMI (25.9 ± 2.2% for women, 15.6 ± 2.4% for men) was only significantly different from BF% from densitometry in women, not in men. In both sexes skeletal widths, especially elbow width, were related to the prediction error of BF% from BMI, confirming the hypothesis that BF% predicted from BMI underestimates BF% in persons with a relatively slender body build or frame. The prediction error of BF% from BIA was found to be related to the length of the arms and legs, confirming the hypothesis that BIA overestimates BF% in persons with relatively long limbs.

Prediction of extracellular water and total body water by multifrequency bio‐electrical impedance in a Southeast Asian population

Three different adult Indonesian population groups living on Sumatra (Palembang), Java (Depok) and Sulawesi (Makale) participated in a study on body composition. Body weight, body height and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance (1, 5, 50 and 100 kHz) were measured and in addition total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were determined by dilution techniques, using deuterium oxide and sodium bromide, respectively, as tracers. In total 318 subjects, 159 males and 159 females, participated in the study. Predicting ECW and TBW from bio-electrical impedance, using existing prediction formulas from the literature, did not result in valid estimates of these parameters. Therefore new prediction equations for ECW and TBW were developed in this group and the prediction equations were validated in several subgroups. Extracellular water (kg) could be predicted with the formula 0.262 height2/Z1 + 2.7 (SEE = 0.9 kg) and TBW with the formula 0.516 height2/Z100 + 3.5 (SEE = 1.6 kg), where Z1 and Z100 are impedances at frequency 1 and 100 kHz, and SEE is the standard error of estimate. The prediction formulas showed good validity in the three geographical subgroups, in males and females separately and in two randomly selected subgroups. The absolute prediction error (kg) of the newly developed prediction equations is lower compared with values normally reported in the literature, but when expressed as coefficient of variation the errors are comparable with values from the literature. Addition of weight age and sex (for TBW only) improves the prediction equation. The prediction equations were compared with prediction equations developed in Dutch subjects. In the Indonesian subjects the slopes of the regression equations were not different from the Dutch equations but the intercepts were lower. This means that for the same body water compartment and for the same height Indonesians have lower impedance values. This could be explained by a slightly higher ECW/TBW ratio and a more slender body build among Indonesians. A higher environmental temperature and skin temperature of the subjects in this study could have added to the effect. The formulas should preferably be validated before applying them to other Asian populations.