Diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children on the ketogenic diet: A case series

The ketogenic diet (KD) can have a negative impact on the linear growth and body composition of children. The aims of this study were to review two centers' experience with children who developed height deceleration on the KD and determine if the height deceleration was secondary to growth hormone deficiency (GHD), and if growth hormone therapy (GHT) would be effective and safe (not altering ketosis or seizure frequency). Retrospective chart reviews were performed on patients with KD referred to Endocrinology between 2013 and 2018. Seventeen children were identified. Data reviewed included: demographics, growth velocity, KD ratio, protein/calorie intake, lab results, GH dosage, Tanner stage, and seizure frequency, and endocrine recommendations. Descriptive statistics were performed. Of the 17 children referred to the Endocrine Division, seven children were growth hormone deficient and began GHT. Data were provided for six patients (2 males, 4 females; age 2-7 years at the start of KD) on the KD for >6 years and on GHT for >4 years. Growth for all patients stabilized or increased. IGF-1 z-scores normalized. GHT did not affect seizure frequency or ketosis. GHT in those with GHD can be an appropriate option allowing better growth while still maintaining ketogenic therapy and seizure control. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The KD can be an effective treatment for difficult-to-control epilepsy and some disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. The KD can adversely affect the linear growth (height) of children. This case series reviewed six patients who had slow linear growth. It was found that all six children had growth hormone deficiency, grew better with growth hormone treatments, and that their seizures and ketone levels were not affected.

Muscle activity during crouched walking

OBJECTIVES

Muscle activity during crouched walking has been previously studied in the context of the evolution of hominin bipedalism and human movement disorders. However, crouched walking could also be used in approach hunting where postural height (actual height of the body from the ground to the top of the head during locomotion) is the limiting factor. Here, we aim to analyze the relationship between relative postural height (%stature), kinematics, and muscle activity during crouched walking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult males (n = 19) walked with extended limbs and at three degrees of crouch while their 3D motion capture kinematics and lower limb muscle electromyography were recorded. We measured activation of tibialis anterior, soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus. We analyzed the effects of postural height on kinematics and muscle activation using linear mixed effects model.

RESULTS

Flexion angles, individual muscle activation (except for medial gastrocnemius), and total muscle activation were negatively related to relative postural height, that is, were greater at more crouched postures. Relative postural height had a stronger effect on the activation of the thigh and gluteal muscles compared to shank muscles.

DISCUSSION

General increase in lower limb muscle activation at lower postural heights suggests a negative relationship between relative postural height and fatigue, and may indicate a possible mechanism by which short stature could benefit the hunter in approach hunting. Greater activation of thigh and gluteal muscles relative to shank muscles may help to identify crouched walking in past human populations.

Anthropometric investigation of cephalic parameters for stature estimation: Through regression analysis

Background

Stature or body height is one of the most important and useful anthropometric parameters which determines the physical identity of an individual. Cranium encompasses hard tissue components with approximately immortal behavior, reason being cranial measurements were selected for the present study for estimation of stature.

Objective

This investigation aimed to assess the stature of unknown using cephalometric parameters by creating equations through regression analysis.

Materials and Methods

We selected 361 dental students for the present research; among them, 210 were females and 151 were males in the age range of 21-32 years. Stature and cephalic parameters, i.e., fronto-occipital circumference, head length, and head breadth were measured for each contributor following standard methods and techniques. Cephalic Index was calculated by using the formula: Cephalic Index (CI) = (Head width/Head length) ×100. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient of stature with cephalic parameters was calculated, and regression analysis was done to generate the formulae for stature estimation.

Results

Results indicated that all cephalic measurements have strong correlation with stature, and among them, circumference of head was found to be the most reliable predictor.

Conclusion

Stature of unknown or deceased can be identified using cephalic parameters as an auxiliary practice.

Short stature is a risk factor for heart transplant morbidity and mortality

BACKGROUND

Short stature is associated with mortality after cardiac surgery and may increase size mismatch risk among transplant recipients. Yet, stature's impact on heart transplant outcomes is not well-characterized.

METHODS

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was queried for data on all adult heart transplants in the United States from 2000 to 2022. Recipients were stratified into five cohorts by sex-corrected stature. Morbidity was assessed with Kruskal-Wallis and chi-squared tests. Mortality was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimation. Risk factors for mortality were assessed with multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

Among 43,420 transplant recipients, 5321 (12.2%) had short stature (females >4'11″ & ≤5'1″; males >5'4″ & ≤5'7″) and 765 (1.8%) had very short stature (females ≤4'11″; males ≤5'4″). Very short stature patients had higher waitlist status (1A and 1), more congenital heart disease, and received more oversized donor hearts than other cohorts (all p < 0.05). Very short stature patients had decreased 30-day, 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival (94.6%, 84.3%, 69.3% and 52.5%, respectively, all p < 0.001), but less acute rejection (p = 0.005) and comparable stroke rates (p = 0.107). On multivariable regression adjusting for congenital heart disease and oversized donor hearts, very short and short stature were associated with 10-year mortality (hazard ratios: 1.40 and 1.12, respectively, both p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Short stature confers increased mortality risk for heart transplant recipients and merits inclusion in prognostic models.

The impact of juvenile hypothyroidism on stature

Short stature with different alterations in the skeletal appearance usually results from juvenile hypothyroidism. The present case-control study was conducted to assess the effect of thyroid hormone deficiency on the height of young people and the prevalence of short stature in juvenile hypothyroidism. The research was conducted at the Al-Waffa Diabetic Centre between May and September 2022. The study group included 90 children with short stature, while the control group included 58 children. The statistical analysis was conducted using Minitab version 20. The results revealed that a low serum level of triiodothyronine (T3) was present in 2.2% of participants, while a low serum level of thyroxin (T4) was present in 36.7%. All subjects had elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Female children had increased rates of short stature. Juvenile hypothyroidism results in various skeletal manifestations, including reduced height. Low serum thyroxin coupled with high serum thyroid stimulating hormone are common findings in juvenile hypothyroidism.

Intergenerational transmission of height in a historical population: From taller mothers to larger offspring at birth (and as adults)

Changes in growth and height reflect changes in nutritional status and health. The systematic surveillance of growth can suggest areas for interventions. Moreover, phenotypic variation has a strong intergenerational component. There is a lack of historical family data that can be used to track the transmission of height over subsequent generations. Maternal height is a proxy for conditions experienced by one generation that relates to the health/growth of future generations. Cross-sectional/cohort studies have shown that shorter maternal height is closely associated with lower birth weight of offspring. We analyzed the maternal height and offspring weight at birth in the maternity hospital in Basel, Switzerland, from 1896 to 1939 (N = ∼12,000) using generalized additive models (GAMs). We observed that average height of the mothers increased by ∼4 cm across 60 birth years and that average birth weight of their children shows a similarly shaped and upward trend 28 years later. Our final model (adjusted for year, parity, sex of the child, gestational age, and maternal birth year) revealed a significant and almost linear association between maternal height and birth weight. Maternal height was the second most important variable modeling birth weight, after gestational age. In addition, we found a significant association between maternal height and aggregated average height of males from the same birth years at time of conscription, 19 years later. Our results have implications for public health: When (female/maternal) height increases due to improved nutritional status, size at birth-and subsequently also the height in adulthood of the next generation-increases as well. However, the directions of development in this regard may currently differ depending on the world region.

Male Clinical Parameters (Age, Stature, Weight, Body Mass Index, Smoking History, Alcohol Consumption) Bear Minimal Relationship to the Level of Sperm DNA Fragmentation

This retrospective cohort study reports on 1291 males who were the partners of women presenting with infertility requiring assisted reproduction and who had sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels measured by the Halosperm test. These men provided clinical and biometric details which included their age, stature, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Of these men, 562 (43.5%) provided detailed historical records of their smoking and alcohol histories. The aim of this study was to determine whether any clinical and biometric parameters, or main lifestyle factors, had any influence on SDF. We found that the only clinical parameter with a direct correlation was that of advancing age (r = 0.064, p = 0.02), but none of the biometric parameters of stature, weight, or BMI showed any significant correlation. In respect to lifestyle, there were significant correlations with smoking history, but not in the way we expected. Our data showed significantly elevated SDF levels among non-smokers (p = 0.03) compared with smokers. We also found that, among the non-smokers, ex-smokers had higher SDF levels (p = 0.03). With respect to alcohol, consumers did not show any significant differences in SDF levels. These lifestyle findings did not show any significant relevance with respect to an SDF level of <15% or ≥15%. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis excluded age as a confounder in these lifestyle findings. It is therefore concluded that, apart from age, both clinical and lifestyle aspects have minimal relevance to SDF.

The association between body height and longevity: evidence from a national population sample

BACKGROUND

A wealth of research suggests that taller individuals are healthier and live longer than their shorter counterparts, although conflicting results have been reported. This study aims to investigate whether taller individuals in Poland exhibit greater longevity compared to their shorter counterparts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data on declared height were collected from 848,860 adults who died in the years 2004-2008 in Poland. To eliminate the cohort effects, Z-values were computed. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated independently for males and females. Subsequently, one way ANOVA was performed.

RESULTS

The correlation between adult height and longevity was negative and statistically significant in both men and women. After eliminating the effects of secular trends in height, the correlation was very weak (r = -0.0044 in men and r = -0.0038 in women) but significant (p = 0.023 and p = 0.022, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the significant correlation observed between the two variables, it should be noted that the relationship between height and longevity is very weak and tenuous. Overall, these results do not support the hypothesis that taller individuals have a longevity advantage. Further research is warranted to identify the underlying biological mechanisms driving this phenomenon as well as to explore additional variables affecting human longevity.

A Case of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis With Growth Hormone Deficiency

Hormonal abnormalities are considered to play a role in the development of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). However, little is known whether about growth hormone (GH) is related to VKC development. The patient was an 11-year-old male with VKC treated with 0.1% betamethasone eye drops and 0.1% cyclosporin eye drops. The papillary growth of both superior and inferior palpebral conjunctiva worsened, and masses started to appear at the lower palpebral margin. He was referred to our hospital and was treated with 0.1% tacrolimus and 0.1% fluorometholone. Six weeks later, the condition improved remarkably. At this timepoint, we noticed the patient's short stature and asked again about his past history. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with GH deficiency (GHD), which had been treated with somatropin in a pediatric clinic. Thus, it is necessary to keep in mind the possibility of GHD when treating VKC patients.

Cohort-based analysis of maternal age at menarche in relation to young adult offspring anthropometric and metabolic parameters

OBJECTIVES

Age of menarche is a determinant factor of cardiometabolic risk, adiposity and stature at adulthood. However, little is known about the transgenerational effects of age of menarche, especially beyond childhood of any offspring, and the studies remain limited to anthropometric outcomes in children at birth or before adolescence. In the present study, we aim to investigate the relationship of maternal age at menarche (MAM) with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in the young adult offspring (aged 15-35 years) in a Persian population.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

In this cohort-based cross-sectional study, we recruited 1139 mother-young adult dyads enroled in Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS) at adult RCS (aged 35-70 years) and youth RCS (aged 15-35 years) as part of the comprehensive PERSIAN (Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN). In this study, MAM was categorized to early (MAM < 12 years), normal (12 ≤ MAM ≤ 14) and late menarche (MAM > 14 years). For these analyses, bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationships between late or early MAM and offspring anthropometric and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

Early MAM displayed a significant association with an increased odds ratio (OR) of tall stature adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status index, maternal age at birth and maternal height (as genetically determined factor). Sensitivity analysis by sex indicated this relationship to be specific to male offspring only (adjusted OR: 1.84 95% CI: 1.13-3.00, p value: .014). In addition, late MAM displayed a significant association with reduced OR of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity in daughters only (obesity adjusted OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27-0.88, p value: .018, abdominal obesity adjusted OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.82, p value: .010). dose-response analysis by categorization of MAM, further supported our results. On the contrary, our analyses do not support a significant relationship between MAM and youth metabolic indices, that is, metabolic syndrome, fasting blood sugar (FBS), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride (TG).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate an association of maternal age of menarche with anthropometric measures of offspring in young adulthood in a sex differential manner. The data does not support a significant relationship between the metabolic indices FBS, TG and HDL in offspring with MAM. Overall, this study provides evidence for the intergenerational effects of age at menarche in the development of anthropometric measures in offspring in young adulthood (15-35), which is the first study of this kind in this age range.

Prediction of height using ulna length in African-Caribbean children

Standing height is an essential anthropometric measurement in pediatrics. In children unable to stand upright, measurement of ulna to predict standing height is recommended, but height prediction equations based on the ulna have not been established in children of African ancestry. We hypothesized that such equations would result in lower predicted height compared to using equations derived from non-African children. We measured prospectively standing height and both ulna in 358 African-Caribbean children without bone deformity or muscle disease, referred to two pulmonary function test laboratories. Interobserver variability was low for standing height (n = 54) and ulna measurement (n = 51) (mean biases [95%CI]: -0.02 [-0.99; 0.95] and 0.05 [-0.91; 1.01] cm, respectively), as well as inter-ulna variability (n = 352; mean bias 0.03 95%CI [-0.66; 0.73] cm). We used the mean value of 247 bilateral ulna measurements to calculate prediction equations using a generalized linear model including age, sex, ulna length, and geographic origin group, the latter showing no influence on the model. In the validation population of 107 children, the median difference [inter-quartile range] between standing height and ulna-predicted height was -0.4 [-2.7; 1.0] cm. Of 260 reliable baseline spirometry, there was a strong concordance between bronchial obstruction diagnosis established using standing height or ulna-predicted height (kappa coefficient: 0.85 [0.77; 0.94]) with only 11 (4.3%) children misclassified. The ulna predicted height calculated from African-Caribbean prediction equations resulted in a smaller height than the height calculated using equations derived from non-African children.

Substantial but Misunderstood Human Sexual Dimorphism Results Mainly From Sexual Selection on Males and Natural Selection on Females

Human sexual dimorphism has been widely misunderstood. A large literature has underestimated the effect of differences in body composition and the role of male contest competition for mates. It is often assumed that sexually dimorphic traits reflect a history of sexual selection, but natural selection frequently builds different phenotypes in males and females. The relatively small sex difference in stature (∼7%) and its decrease during human evolution have been widely presumed to indicate decreased male contest competition for mates. However, females likely increased in stature relative to males in order to successfully deliver large-brained neonates through a bipedally-adapted pelvis. Despite the relatively small differences in stature and body mass (∼16%), there are marked sex differences in body composition. Across multiple samples from groups with different nutrition, males typically have 36% more lean body mass, 65% more muscle mass, and 72% more arm muscle than women, yielding parallel sex differences in strength. These sex differences in muscle and strength are comparable to those seen in primates where sexual selection, arising from aggressive male mating competition, has produced high levels of dimorphism. Body fat percentage shows a reverse pattern, with females having ∼1.6 times more than males and depositing that fat in different body regions than males. We argue that these sex differences in adipose arise mainly from natural selection on women to accumulate neurodevelopmental resources.

Adult-Attained Height and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Cohort Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of anthropometric characteristics on colorectal neoplasia biology is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if adult-attained height is independently associated with the risk of colorectal cancer or adenoma.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to August 2020 for studies on the association between adult-attained height and colorectal cancer or adenoma. The original data from the Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD) Colon Biofilm study was also included. The overall HR/OR of colorectal cancer/adenoma with increased height was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included 47 observational studies involving 280,644 colorectal cancer and 14,139 colorectal adenoma cases. Thirty-three studies reported data for colorectal cancer incidence per 10-cm increase in height; 19 yielded an HR of 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.17; P < 0.001), and 14 engendered an OR of 1.09 (95% CI, 1.05-1.13; P < 0.001). Twenty-six studies compared colorectal cancer incidence between individuals within the highest versus the lowest height percentile; 19 indicated an HR of 1.24 (95% CI, 1.19-1.30; P < 0.001), and seven resulting in an OR of 1.07 (95% CI, 0.92-1.25; P = 0.39). Four studies reported data for assessing colorectal adenoma incidence per 10-cm increase in height, showing an overall OR of 1.06 (95% CI, 1.00-1.12; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater adult attained height is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma.

IMPACT

Height should be considered as a risk factor for colorectal cancer screening.

Physical height and crown dimensions of primary teeth: A dental morphometric study in Saudi Arabian children

Background:

Teeth morphometrics have been considered to be integral in identifying an individual as it is correlated with the body stature.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine the association between crown length and physical height of children and derive mathematical equations for the prediction of physical height from crown length of primary maxillary anterior teeth.

Setting and Design:

A dentomorphometric study was carried out among 100 Saudi Arabian children of 3–6 years of age. Maxillary arch impressions were taken for all participants. Clinical crown length and physical height were measured using digital Vernier Caliper and Physician Mechanical Beam Scale, respectively. Regression analysis, correlation analysis and unpaired t-test were performed for data analysis.

Results:

In female children, a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between primary maxillary right lateral incisor and primary maxillary left central incisor and height of the children, and highly significant association between primary maxillary left lateral incisor and height of the children was found. Whereas for male children, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between primary maxillary right central incisor, primary maxillary right canine and primary maxillary left central incisor with physical height of children.

Conclusions:

The research has established a significant positive correlation between the clinical crown length and the height of the children in combined sample for teeth numbers 51, 52, 53, 61 and 62. The study has derived the mathematical equations for the prediction of physical height from crown length of few maxillary anterior teeth, for both male and female children.

Clinical Significance:

The estimation of physical height from the tooth-crown dimensions can prove to be quite beneficial aid in forensic investigations as teeth are resistant to huge traumatic forces such as in case of mass disasters.

Using singleton densities to detect recent selection in Bos taurus

Many quantitative traits are subject to polygenic selection, where several genomic regions undergo small, simultaneous changes in allele frequency that collectively alter a phenotype. The widespread availability of genome data, along with novel statistical techniques, has made it easier to detect these changes. We apply one such method, the "Singleton Density Score" (SDS), to the Holstein breed of Bos taurus to detect recent selection (arising up to around 740 years ago). We identify several genes as candidates for targets of recent selection, including some relating to cell regulation, catabolic processes, neural-cell adhesion and immunity. We do not find strong evidence that three traits that are important to humans-milk protein content, milk fat content, and stature-have been subject to directional selection. Simulations demonstrate that because B. taurus recently experienced a population bottleneck, singletons are depleted so the power of SDS methods is reduced. These results inform on which genes underlie recent genetic change in B. taurus, while providing information on how polygenic selection can be best investigated in future studies.

One size fits all? Stature estimation from footprints and the effect of substrate and speed on footprint creation

Estimation of stature from footprint lengths is a common prediction in forensic cases and in paleoanthropology upon the discovery of fossil footprints. Many studies, which have estimated stature from footprints, generally use a "one-size-fits-all" approach that usually involves applying a known ratio of foot length to total stature to do so, although this method has fallen out of practice in forensic cases in recent years but is still commonly used for fossil trace evidence. Yet, we know that substrate and speed can change the dimensions of a footprint, so why are these "one-size-fits-all" approaches still used today? We tested footprint production across different substrates at a walk, a fast walk, and a jog. We calculated how accurately footprint dimensions were impressed between these different conditions and identified sources of error in footprint lengths, and the percentage changes of how significantly a footprint can change in length between different conditions. We provide a table with different ratios that we encourage practitioners/field scientists to refer to and use when estimating stature from footprints, with respect to the substrate on which the footprint was created and the speed at which it was created. We actively encourage researchers to add the ratios by testing more substrates so that in the future stature can be more accurately estimated, thus aiding the paleoanthropological community, but also forensic investigations by statistically highlighting how different conditions can affect trace dimensions.

Stature Estimation of an Individual Using Nasal, Facial, and Palatal Height among Tamil Nadu Population

Background

Stature estimation in human identification has a significant forensic importance. The stature correlates positively with bones or human body parts. Measurements of various body parts such as the arm, leg, feet, and finger can be used to estimate stature. This study is done to correlate the stature of person with facial, nasal, and palatal height among Tamil Nadu population.

Aim and Objective

The aim and objective was to determine an individual's stature using facial, nasal, and palatal height and to find out the most reliable parameter to determine the stature of the person.

Materials and Methods

Anthropometer, Vernier caliper, and palatometer were used for the analysis. The initial pilot study included 20 individuals. The representative study included 100 individuals of age 21-25 years. (Group 1 - males, Group 2 - females). Values of the three parameters (nasal, facial, and palatal) are calculated and related to that of the person's stature.

Results

The quantitative data collected from the subjects are studied using (Pearson correlation) statistical analysis. The quantitative data availed from nasal height were found to be more reliable compared to the other two data in stature prediction. Correlation between stature and nasal height shows a significant positive correlation among the female group (2) with (P- value = 0.57).

Conclusion

This study may play a significant role in case of human identification immediately after mass disasters and certain criminal investigations. Further studies with larger samples may produce more reliable values.

Forensic anthropology casework performance: Assessing accuracy and trends for biological profile estimates on a comprehensive sample of identified decedent cases

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy rates and trends in forensic anthropology casework concerning the estimation of the biological profile (sex, age, ancestry, and stature). Identified cases from the Forensic Anthropology Database for Assessing Methods Accuracy (FADAMA; n = 359) were analyzed to explore the following: accuracy rates per biological profile component, case-level performance in assessing the biological profile, and factors related to inaccuracy rates. Accuracy rates for the four biological profile components ranged from 83% to 98%, with sex estimation performing the best and stature performing the poorest. While the overall sex estimation inaccuracies were the lowest of any biological profile component, we found that females are missexed approximately ten times more often than males. Inaccurate age estimates were more frequently the result of overestimation than underestimation, while the trends are reversed for stature estimation. Regarding ancestry estimation performance, African American/Black and White decedents had the lowest inaccuracy rates, while Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander decedents demonstrated greater inaccuracy rates. When examining accuracy rates for each case, 81% of cases had no inaccurate biological profile estimates, while 17% and 2% inaccurately estimated one and two biological profile components, respectively. The demographic trends of identified forensic anthropology cases reflect the national unidentified decedent demographics. Biological profile accuracy rates were generally comparable to previous studies. The findings highlight the current status of forensic anthropologists' casework performance, with a greater amount of case-level inaccuracy rates than previously thought, and demonstrate the potential methodological and sampling strategies that could improve accuracy rates.

Stature estimation for Saudi men based on different combinations of upper limb part dimensions

Estimating stature based on body/limb parts can help define the characteristics of unidentified bodies. The most studied upper limb part is the hand, although few studies have examined whether stature can be estimated using fingers plus other hand dimensions. Moreover, there is paucity in anthropometric studies that determined whether bilateral whole limb parts (e.g., arms, forearms, and hands) are related to stature among the living subjects.This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationship between different upper limb measurements and the stature of Saudi men. Furthermore, I assessed whether upper limb asymmetry was present, and developed regression models to estimate stature based on different available measurements. Stature and 13 upper limb parameters were measured for 100 right-handed Saudi men who were 18 to 24 years old.All measurements were positively correlated with stature (P < .001), and the best single predictor was the bilateral ulnar length. Asymmetry was more pronounced in the hand measurements. A multiparameter model provided reasonable predictive accuracy (±3.77-5.68 cm) and was more accurate than single-parameter models. Inclusion of the right-side fingers improved the model's accuracy.This study developed potential models for estimating stature during the identification of bodies of Saudi men.

Using anthropometric measures to screen for obstructive sleep apnea in the Sleep Heart Health Study cohort

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate predictions of moderate-to-severe-obstructive sleep apnea (MS-OSA) by the neck circumference height ratio (NHR) and waist circumference height ratio (WHR) and compare to the derived STOP-Bang Questionnaire (dSBQ) prediction.

METHODS

Included were 6,167 participants from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) baseline evaluation who completed polysomnograms, had anthropometric measurements, and data to compute proxy dSBQ item answers. The sample was divided randomly into derivation (n = 2,035) and validation (n = 4,132) subsets. The derivation sample was used to estimate the NHR and WHR cut points to detect MS-OSA; the validation sample was used to evaluate sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP).

RESULTS

Mean age was 63.1 years, and 47.2% were male for the overall sample. In the derivation sample, a cut point ≥ 0.21 for NHR yielded a SN of 92.0% and SP of 25.0%; a cut point ≥ 0.52 for WHR yielded a SN of 91.2% and SP of 25.0% for MS-OSA. Using the validation sample, the NHR, WHR, and dSBQ areas under the receiver operator curves (AUCs) were 69.8%, 65.2%, and 70.5% respectively for MS-OSA. There was no statistical difference with listwise comparison of the NHR and dSBQ AUCs (p = 0.997); however, there was a significant difference between the WHR and dSBQ AUCs (p = 0.015) for MS-OSA.

CONCLUSIONS

The NHR is a viable OSA screening tool comparable to the dSBQ, independent of witnessed apneas and BMI, that can be used for different body types.

Growth, body composition, and cardiovascular and nutritional risk of 5- to 10-y-old children consuming vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore diets

BACKGROUND

Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly recommended for human and planetary health. However, comprehensive evidence on the health effects of PBDs in children remains incomplete, particularly in vegans.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify differences in body composition, cardiovascular risk, and micronutrient status of vegetarian and vegan children relative to omnivores and to estimate prevalence of abnormal micronutrient and cholesterol status in each group.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, Polish children aged 5-10 y (63 vegetarian, 52 vegan, 72 matched omnivores) were assessed using anthropometry, deuterium dilution, DXA, and carotid ultrasound. Fasting blood samples, dietary intake, and accelerometry data were collected.

RESULTS

All results are reported relative to omnivores. Vegetarians had lower gluteofemoral adiposity but similar total fat and lean mass. Vegans had lower fat indices in all regions but similar lean mass. Both groups had lower bone mineral content (BMC). The difference for vegetarians attenuated after accounting for body size but remained in vegans (total body minus the head: -3.7%; 95% CI: -7.0, -0.4; lumbar spine: -5.6%; 95% CI: -10.6, -0.5). Vegetarians had lower total cholesterol, HDL, and serum B-12 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] without supplementation but higher glucose, VLDL, and triglycerides. Vegans were shorter and had lower total LDL (-24 mg/dL; 95% CI: -35.2, -12.9) and HDL (-12.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: -17.3, -7.1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, iron status, and serum B-12 (-217.6 pmol/L; 95% CI: -305.7, -129.5) and 25(OH)D without supplementation but higher homocysteine and mean corpuscular volume. Vitamin B-12 deficiency, iron-deficiency anemia, low ferritin, and low HDL were more prevalent in vegans, who also had the lowest prevalence of high LDL. Supplementation resolved low B-12 and 25(OH)D concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Vegan diets were associated with a healthier cardiovascular risk profile but also with increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and lower BMC and height. Vegetarians showed less pronounced nutritional deficiencies but, unexpectedly, a less favorable cardiometabolic risk profile. Further research may help maximize the benefits of PBDs in children.

Spatial Association between Gastric Cancer Mortality and Goiter in Sardinia

Background:

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The incidence of GC varies between countries according to exposure to different risk factors. Hypothyroidism has been suggested as a potential GC risk factor. In Sardinia, Italy, the prevalence of endemic goiter is high and GC mortality is unevenly distributed. This ecological study aimed to investigate GC mortality and its relationship with hypothyroidism, adjusting for potential confounders.

Methods:

The spatial association between GC mortality and goiter (a proxy of hypothyroidism), diet, stature and pastoralism (a proxy of Helicobacter pylori infection), available at the aggregated level, was modelled in the island’s 377 municipalities, separately by sex, using geographically weighted regression (GWR).

Results:

The GC standardized mortality ratio ranged from 0.0 to 10.4 across municipalities. A hotspot of GC mortality was detected in the central mountainous area of Sardinia among males, positively associated with goiter (GWR estimate 0.213 ± 0.122), and the practice of sheep‒rearing (GWR estimate 0.127 ± 0.080), whereas a negative association with the diet score (GWR estimate 0.032 ± 0.034), and null for stature were found. No significant associations were found in females.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of ecological studies goiter prevalence was an independent predictor of GC mortality in males.

Estimation of Pubertal Growth Spurt Parameters in Children and Adolescents Living at Moderate Altitude in Colombia

OBJECTIVE

Knowledge of the biological parameters of pubertal growth spurt allows verification of secular changes and exploration of the timing of puberty. The aim of the study was to estimate final height, age at peak height velocity (APHV), and peak height velocity PHV (cm/y) in children and adolescents living at moderate altitude in Colombia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed in 2.295 schoolchildren from Bogotá (Colombia) with an age range from 5.0 to 18.9 years. Height (cm) was assessed. Preece-Baines model 1 (1PB) was used to make inferences about mathematical and biological parameters.

RESULTS

The five mathematical parameters estimated in general have reflected quality in the fit to the model, reflecting a small residual error. Final height was reached in boys at 170.8 ± 0.4 cm and in girls at 157.9 ± 0.2 cm. APHV was estimated at 12.71 ± 0.1 years in boys and 10.4 ± 0.2 years in girls. Girls reached APHV 2.2 years earlier than boys. In relation to PHV (cm/y), boys reached higher growth speed in height (7.4 ± 0.4 cm/y), and in girls it was (7.0 ± 0.2 cm/y).

CONCLUSION

It was determined that final height was reached at 170.8 ± 0.4 cm in boys and 157.9 ± 0.2 cm in girls, and APHV (years) and PHV (cm/ye) were reached relatively early and with average peak velocity similar to Asian and Western populations. A large-scale longitudinal study is needed to confirm these findings.

Poirier-Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome: A report of a patient with a pathogenic variant in CSNK2B with abnormal linear growth

Casein kinase 2-related disorders have been linked to pathogenic variants in CSNK2A1 and CSNK2B. CSNK2B-related disease is predominantly associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities affecting cognition; however, the extent of the phenotype associated with CSNK2B pathogenic variants is yet to be fully explored. Here, we describe a patient with features suggestive of Poirier-Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome, harboring a novel CSNK2B pathogenic variant. We also report that the linear growth abnormalities could be a recurrent presentation in patients with this syndrome and suggest the effect of growth hormone therapy in our patient's stature.

Longitudinal Physical Development of Future Professional Male Soccer Players: Implications for Talent Identification and Development?

The present study examined if elite youth male association football (soccer) players aged 8–19 y (n = 2,875) from the English talent development system, who ultimately achieved professional status differed in stature, body mass, and physical performance (20-m sprint speed, slalom agility speed, vertical counter-movement jump with arm swing jump height, multistage fitness test distance) compared with their non-professional peers. The study also examined the longitudinal pattern of development of stature, body mass, and physical performance, and if this was different between future professionals and non-professionals, while considering the effects of playing position. Multilevel modeling of the 8,898 individual (player-occasion) data points suggested that from age 12.0, the future professionals performed better in a vertical counter-movement jump with arm swing test and slalom agility test than future non-professionals, and improved at a faster rate, so that by age 18.0 the differences in vertical counter-movement jump with arm swing and slalom agility performance were 1.7 cm (p < 0.001, d = 0.3) and 0.14 s (p < 0.001, d = 0.5), respectively. In addition, future professionals were faster (by 0.02–0.04 s on the 20-m sprint, p < 0.001, d = 0.2) and ran further in the multistage fitness test (by 47 m, p = 0.014, d = 0.2) than future non-professionals throughout their development, but there were no differences in stature or body mass during development between the groups. Whereas, multistage fitness test performance improved linearly with age, the development of all other physical characteristics was non-linear. There were inter-individual differences in the development of all characteristics, and there were differences between playing positions in the development of all characteristics. Thus, in summary, future professionals jump higher, are more agile, faster, and more endurance fit than future non-professionals as they age, and the pattern of development is different in professionals and non-professionals for vertical jumping and slalom agility performance.

Genetic variation associated with childhood and adult stature and risk of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma

Background

Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor. MYCN‐amplification is an important negative prognostic indicator and inherited genetic contributions to risk are incompletely understood. Genetic determinants of stature increase risk of several adult and childhood cancers, but have not been studied in neuroblastoma despite elevated neuroblastoma incidence in children with congenital overgrowth syndromes.

Methods

We investigated the association between genetic determinants of height and neuroblastoma risk in 1538 neuroblastoma cases, stratified by MYCN‐amplification status, and compared to 3390 European‐ancestry controls using polygenic scores for birth length (five variants), childhood height (six variants), and adult height (413 variants). We further examined the UK Biobank to evaluate the association of known neuroblastoma risk loci and stature.

Results

An increase in the polygenic score for childhood stature, corresponding to a ~0.5 cm increase in pre‐pubertal height, was associated with greater risk of MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma (OR = 1.14, P = .047). An increase in the polygenic score for adult stature, corresponding to a ~1.7 cm increase in adult height attainment, was associated with decreased risk of MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma (OR = 0.87, P = .047). These associations persisted in case‐case analyses comparing MYCN‐amplified to MYCN‐unamplified neuroblastoma. No polygenic height scores were associated with MYCN‐unamplified neuroblastoma risk. Previously identified genome‐wide association study hits for neuroblastoma (N = 10) were significantly enriched for association with both childhood (P = 4.0 × 10⁻³) and adult height (P = 8.9 × 10⁻³) in >250 000 UK Biobank study participants.

Conclusions

Genetic propensity to taller childhood height and shorter adult height were associated with MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma risk, suggesting that biological pathways affecting growth trajectories and pubertal timing may contribute to MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma etiology.

The LCORL Locus is under Selection in Large-Sized Pakistani Goat Breeds

Goat domestication and human selection for valued traits have formed diverse breeds with characteristic phenotypes. This process led to the fixation of causative genetic variants controlling breed-specific traits within regions of reduced genetic diversity-so-called "selection signatures". We previously reported an analysis of selection signatures based on pooled whole-genome sequencing data of 20 goat breeds and bezoar goats. In the present study, we reanalyzed the data and focused on a subset of eight Pakistani goat breeds (Angora, Barbari, Beetal, Dera Din Panah, Kamori, Nachi, Pahari, Teddy). We identified 749 selection signatures based on reduced heterozygosity in these breeds. A search for signatures that are shared across large-sized goat breeds revealed that five medium-to-large-sized Pakistani goat breeds had a common selection signature on chromosome 6 in a region harboring the LCORL gene, which has been shown to modulate height or body size in several mammalian species. Fine-mapping of the region confirmed that all five goat breeds with the selection signature were nearly fixed for the same haplotype in a ~191 kb region spanning positions 37,747,447-37,938,449. From the pool sequencing data, we identified a frame-shifting single base insertion into an isoform-specific exon of LCORL as a potential candidate causal variant mediating the size-increasing effect. If this preliminary result can be confirmed in independent replication studies, genotyping of this variant might be used to improve breeding programs and the selection for stature in goats.

Predicting body mass of bonobos (Pan paniscus) with human-based morphometric equations

A primate's body mass covaries with numerous ecological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics. This versatility and potential to provide insight into an animal's life has made body mass prediction a frequent and important objective in paleoanthropology. In hominin paleontology, the most commonly employed body mass prediction equations (BMPEs) are "mechanical" and "morphometric": uni- or multivariate linear regressions incorporating dimensions of load-bearing skeletal elements and stature and living bi-iliac breadth as predictor variables, respectively. The precision and accuracy of BMPEs are contingent on multiple factors, however, one of the most notable and pervasive potential sources of error is extrapolation beyond the limits of the reference sample. In this study, we use a test sample requiring extrapolation-56 bonobos (Pan paniscus) from the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo-to evaluate the predictive accuracy of human-based morphometric BMPEs. We first assess systemic differences in stature and bi-iliac breadth between humans and bonobos. Due to significant differences in the scaling relationships of body mass and stature between bonobos and humans, we use panel regression to generate a novel BMPE based on living bi-iliac breadth. We then compare the predictive accuracy of two previously published morphometric equations with the novel equation and find that the novel equation predicts bonobo body mass most accurately overall (41 of 56 bonobos predicted within 20% of their observed body mass). The novel BMPE is particularly accurate between 25 and 45 kg. Given differences in limb proportions, pelvic morphology, and body tissue composition between the human reference and bonobo test samples, we find these results promising and evaluate the novel BMPE's potential application to fossil hominins.

Predictive outcome measures of adult short stature in patients with severe acquired autoimmune hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common reason for thyroid dysfunction in children. Our objective was to analyze its impact on final stature in relation to height and pubertal stage at the time of diagnosis in children younger than 18 years with severe autoimmune hypothyroidism. Out of 79 patients, 78.5 % were girls. Those with goiter (56 %) had a better height at diagnosis than those without goiter (mean standard deviation score for height: 0.2 versus -2.42; p < 0.0001). Five girls (6.3 %) had precocious puberty. When considering the final stature of patients (n: 33), among those with short stature at the time of diagnosis, pubertal children had a significantly shorter final stature than prepubertal children (mean standard deviation score for height: -2.82 versus -1.52; p = 0.0311). The late diagnosis of severe hypothyroidism in pediatrics has a negative impact on final stature, especially in those who were pubertal patients at the time of diagnosis.

A SNP in PLAG1 is associated with body height trait in Chinese cattle

Stature is an important quantitative trait for cattle performance, which influences herd productivity. Previous studies have reported that an SNP (AC_000171.1:g.25015640G>T, rs109815800) in Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) on chromosome 14 (CHR14) is associated with bovine stature. To validate whether rs109815800 is associated with the body height of Chinese cattle, we carried out an association analysis using 558 adult cattle samples from seven populations. Then, 1038 samples from 38 Chinese cattle breeds were used to show the geographical distribution of this variant in China. The results showed that the Q allele (G allele) increased the height of cattle. Furthermore, the frequencies of Q allele in Chinese native breeds tend to decrease from northern China to southern China, and the frequency of Q allele in two Chinese beef cattle breeds is much higher than that in another 36 Chinese local cattle breeds. Our data suggest that the prevalence of the Q allele is correlated with latitude in China.

Genetic contributions to variation in human stature in prehistoric Europe

Measurements of prehistoric human skeletal remains provide a record of changes in height and other anthropometric traits over time. Often, these changes are interpreted in terms of plastic developmental response to shifts in diet, climate, or other environmental factors. These changes can also be genetic in origin, but, until recently, it has been impossible to separate the effects of genetics and environment. Here, we use ancient DNA to directly estimate genetic changes in phenotypes and to identify changes driven not by genetics, but by environment. We show that changes over the past 35,000 y are largely predicted by genetics but also identify specific shifts that are more likely to be environmentally driven.

The relative contributions of genetics and environment to temporal and geographic variation in human height remain largely unknown. Ancient DNA has identified changes in genetic ancestry over time, but it is not clear whether those changes in ancestry are associated with changes in height. Here, we directly test whether changes over the past 38,000 y in European height predicted using DNA from 1,071 ancient individuals are consistent with changes observed in 1,159 skeletal remains from comparable populations. We show that the observed decrease in height between the Early Upper Paleolithic and the Mesolithic is qualitatively predicted by genetics. Similarly, both skeletal and genetic height remained constant between the Mesolithic and Neolithic and increased between the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Sitting height changes much less than standing height—consistent with genetic predictions—although genetics predicts a small post-Neolithic increase that is not observed in skeletal remains. Geographic variation in stature is also qualitatively consistent with genetic predictions, particularly with respect to latitude. Finally, we hypothesize that an observed decrease in genetic heel bone mineral density in the Neolithic reflects adaptation to the decreased mobility indicated by decreased femoral bending strength. This study provides a model for interpreting phenotypic changes predicted from ancient DNA and demonstrates how they can be combined with phenotypic measurements to understand the relative contribution of genetic and developmentally plastic responses to environmental change.

Tooth dimensions and body size in a Pygmy population

Background: The relationship between tooth size and stature has been analysed extensively at the interspecies level but has received less attention at the intraspecies level. The relationship between these two parameters does not seem to be the same among modern human populations.Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between tooth dimensions and body measurements in the Baka Pygmies.Subjects and methods: Height, weight, and tooth dimensions were obtained for 45 adult Baka females and 17 males from Le Bosquet (Cameroon). Correlations were obtained between the variables and compared to results for other human populations.Results: The Baka population is distinctive in the small number of significant correlations. Only two buccolingual diameters among Baka females show any significant correlation with height. The lack of significant correlations between tooth dimensions and body dimensions among the Baka means that changes in body size are accompanied by random variations in tooth dimensions.Conclusion: The absence of correlations may be accounted for by the impact of environmental effects on the somatic growth of the Baka producing a Pygmy phenotype adapted to live in the forest. It is worth noting that many correlations become significant when sexes are pooled.

Stature estimation from regression analysis of facial anthropometry in Indian population

Background:

Stature or body height is one of the most important and useful anthropometric parameters which determines the physical identity of an individual. As craniofacial structures have the advantage of being composed largely of hard tissue which is relatively indestructible, the careful study of these can enable reliable determination of stature of the person in life. Studies pertaining to stature estimation from facial measurements are limited in an Indian population. The present investigation attempts to estimate stature from anthropometric dimensions of face.

Materials and Methods:

The material for the present study comprises 361 Indian students (151 males and 210 females) in the age range of 21–45 years. Stature and six facial measurements were taken on each participant following standard methods and techniques. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression were done to estimate stature.

Results:

The results indicate that facial measurements are strongly and positively correlated (P < 0.001) with stature. The accuracy of the computed equations was further tested on 50 randomly selected study participants of each group, which shows close approximation of actual and estimated stature.

Conclusion:

Within the limits of this study, we conclude that facial dimensions can be used as a supplementary approach for the estimation of stature but with caution, as these are population-specific approach.

Differential Expression of KCNJ12 Gene and Association Analysis of Its Missense Mutation with Growth Traits in Chinese Cattle

Simple Summary

A central goal of livestock genomic study is to find causal genes underlying economic traits and identify effective variations which can be used as molecular markers for livestock breeding. The cattle KCNJ12 gene is an important candidate gene. To date, however, there have been no reports about the use of its missense mutation as a marker in cattle stature. In this study, missense mutation in KCNJ12 was firstly verified, which led to a change in its protein sequence. Further, a significant association was detected between the mutation of KCNJ12 and cattle stature, and we determined that the mutation in KCNJ12 could be used as a molecular marker in beef breeding programs. In addition, expression analysis of the KCNJ12 gene revealed high abundance in muscle and potential roles in bovine myocyte differentiation, which may be the subject of our future research.

Abstract

The potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 12 (KCNJ12) gene is a promising candidate for economic traits because of its crucial roles in myoblast development. Here, a missense mutation (Cys > Arg) was first detected to be located in exon 3 of KCNJ12 from three Chinese cattle breeds by DNA-pool sequencing. Then, we performed an association analysis of this single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with stature in three Chinese cattle populations (n = 820). A significantly positive correlation was revealed by a reduced animal general linear model and the CC genotype was the most favorable in three breeds. Further, we measured the expression profile of the KCNJ12 gene in various cattle tissues and primary bovine skeletal muscle cells. Ubiquitous expression with high abundance in muscle was observed. Further, in primary bovine skeletal muscle cells, the KCNJ12 mRNA expression was gradually up-regulated in differentiation medium (DM) compared with that in growth medium (GM), suggesting that the KCNJ12 gene is involved in bovine myocyte differentiation. Conclusively, the KCNJ12 gene is a functional candidate gene which can be used as a molecular marker for cattle breeding.

Brazilian's dental anthropometry: Human identification

Background:

Human stature and sex determination are significant data that can and should be used in criminal profiling in the human identification processes. Teeth are widely used in investigations because of their properties of resistance and uniqueness.

Aims:

The present study aimed to verify, by means of dental anthropometry, the correlation of these with the stature and sex.

Materials and Methods:

Measurements of linear (mid distal and incisor cervical) dental measurements were performed on the upper right teeth of Brazilians, aged between 18 and 30 years, being 100 male and 100 female participants. Linear dental measurements were measured with a digital caliper and stature was measured with a stadiometer. For the statistical analysis, the IBM^® SPSS^® 25 Statistics program was used. Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Pearson correlation, and Stepwise-Forward (Wald) logistic regression analyses were applied to sex determination and stature estimation.

Results:

The results indicated that all measures performed are dimorphic, but that lateral incisor and canine tooth measurements are statistically significant with a P ≤ 0.001. The obtained model allows for sexing with 70.5% accuracy, being able to be used in anthropological studies in Brazilians.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that dental measurements are useful tools to identify gender and the canine measurements also showed a strong and proportional correlation with stature, but it was not possible to establish a mathematical model for this.

Correlation and estimation of stature from cephalofacial measurements: A study on Western Uttar Pradesh population

Background

Identification of an individual from fragmented remains is still a very challenging task for forensic experts in spite of the many studies which have been carried out till date, across the globe. Stature, one of the criteria of personal identification, has a definite and proportional biological relationship with every part of the human body which includes the cephalofacial (CF) region. At instances, where only CF remains are available, it becomes difficult for the forensic scientist to identify the deceased since there is a paucity of studies pertaining to the estimation of stature from CF dimensions. Results from such a study can be used as database for forensic investigations and other anthropometric studies.

Aim

To estimate stature of an individual using data derived from CF measurements.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted on 540 representative candidates (270 males and 270 females) in the age group of 20-25 years. Stature (S) and CF measurements (maximum head length [MHL], maximum head breadth [MHB], horizontal circumference of head [HHC], bigonial diameter [BGD], and morphological facial length [MFL]) of each candidate were recorded and tabulated. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 19.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) for the CF dimensions obtained. Comparisons were made between the CF measurements recorded with respect to the gender using statistical mean, standard deviation, range, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, and linear regression equation of height to the parameters recorded was derived.

Results

Findings suggest that all the CF measurements are significantly correlated with stature (P < 0.01). MHL, MHB, and HHC show higher correlation coefficients (r value) when compared to MFL and BGD. The CF measurements arranged in descending order based on their r value is HHC > MHL > MHB > MFL > BGD. In general, head measurements show lower values of standard error of estimate (SEE) compared to facial measurements. Among both sexes, HHC shows the least and BGD shows the highest SEE value when compared to all the other CF measurements.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the recommended anthropometric measurements provided serve as a template and confirm that there are geographical and sexual dimorphism in anthropometric parameters; therefore, these should be considered in forensic or criminal investigations.

Stature-weight growth delays: Clinical and etiological aspects

Background

Stature-weight growth delay (SWGD) is a frequent motivation of consultation. It could be a consequence of a known chronic affection, congenital or acquired affection. The purpose of this study is to describe epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and etiological aspects of SWGD.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study included 103 patients presenting a growth delay with an average age of 14.44 years and ranging between 5 and 21 years. Male predominance was noticed in 68.93% of cases. Patients showed a stature lower to -2 standard deviation (SD) for corresponding age compared to Sempe and Pedron reference. Patients were hospitalized in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Fez, Fez, Morocco.

Results

Patient's history included a perinatal suffering in 6.7% of cases, a chronic pathology follow-up in 17.6% of cases, and psychomotor development disorder in 10.6% of cases. The average weight was -2.37 SD with extremes varying from -4 to -0.5 SD. The stature values varied between -4.5 and -2 SD for the given age, with an average of -3.12 SD. A severe stature delay (< -3 SD) was recorded in 39.6% of cases and the targeted average size was -2.44 SD with extremes varying from -4 to -1.5 SD. Growth delay etiologies were dominated by a deficit in growth hormones (GHs) in 60% of cases.

Discussion and Conclusion

Dynamic tests objectified a total deficit and partial deficits in GH in 41.7 and 30% of patients, respectively. The hypothalamo-pituitary magnetic resonance imaging was pathological in 23.3% of patients and showed a syndrome of interruption of pituitary stem in seven patients, pituitary hail gland in three patients, a craniopharyngioma in two patients, prolactin microadenoma in one patient, and nonfunctional pituitary microadenoma in one patient. GH treatment was established in 16 children that were presenting a deficit in GH, and two girls presenting Turner syndrome, whereas etiological treatment was suggested in all remaining cases.

Metabolic Perspectives for Non-classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia With Relation to the Classical Form of the Disease

Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) represents mild form of CAH with the prevalence of 0. 6 to 9% in women with androgen excess. Clinical and hormonal findings in females with NC-CAH are overlapping with other hyperandrogenic entities such as polycystic ovary syndrome hence causing difficulties in diagnostic approach. Metabolic consequences in subjects with NC-CAH are relatively unknown. We are lacking longitudinal follow of these patients regarding natural course of the disease or the therapeutic effects of the different drug regiments. Patients with NC-CAH similarly to those with classical form are characterized with deteriorated cardiovascular risk factors that are probably translated into cardiometabolic diseases and events. An increased preponderance of obesity and insulin resistance in patients with NC-CAH begin at young age could result in increased rates of metabolic sequelae and cardiovascular disease later during adulthood in both sexes. On the other hand, growth disorder was not proven in patients with NC-CAH in comparison to CAH patients of both gender characterized with reduced final adult height. Similarly, decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis are not constant findings in patients with NC-CAH and could depend on the sex, and type or dose of corticosteroids applied. It could be concluded that NC-CAH represent a particular form of CAH that is characterized with specificities in clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapeutic approach and metabolic outcomes.

Effects of age and body proportions on stature estimation

OBJECTIVES

Two issues involved in mathematical estimation of stature from long bone lengths are explored: the use of different age points for estimating maximum adult stature, and the effects of linear body proportions on stature estimation errors. Both issues were raised by a recent analysis of stature in the British Medieval Wharram Percy sample.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A large (n > 500) sample of European skeletal remains with anatomically estimated statures is used to test associations between relative lower limb length and errors in stature estimation using previously published equations for European samples. Two cadaveric samples of known ages (Terry and Bass Collections) are used to identify the most appropriate age point to employ in a linear equation with an age term for estimation of maximum adult anatomical stature.

RESULTS

Relative lower limb length is positively correlated with errors in stature estimation from lower limb bone lengths. Underestimation of stature in the Wharram Percy sample by the European equations is largely attributable to the relatively short lower limbs of this sample compared to Europeans in general. Two methods for assessing and adjusting for relative lower limb length variation are presented. Maximum adult stature is best estimated using an age point of 30 years when a linear age term is employed.

DISCUSSION

Body proportions may vary even within relatively closely related populations, so should be assessed and compared to those of reference samples whenever possible when applying mathematical stature equations.

Polygenic adaptation and convergent evolution on growth and cardiac genetic pathways in African and Asian rainforest hunter-gatherers

Different human populations facing similar environmental challenges have sometimes evolved convergent biological adaptations, for example, hypoxia resistance at high altitudes and depigmented skin in northern latitudes on separate continents. The "pygmy" phenotype (small adult body size), characteristic of hunter-gatherer populations inhabiting both African and Asian tropical rainforests, is often highlighted as another case of convergent adaptation in humans. However, the degree to which phenotypic convergence in this polygenic trait is due to convergent versus population-specific genetic changes is unknown. To address this question, we analyzed high-coverage sequence data from the protein-coding portion of the genomes of two pairs of populations: Batwa rainforest hunter-gatherers and neighboring Bakiga agriculturalists from Uganda and Andamanese rainforest hunter-gatherers and Brahmin agriculturalists from India. We observed signatures of convergent positive selection between the rainforest hunter-gatherers across the set of genes with "growth factor binding" functions ([Formula: see text]). Unexpectedly, for the rainforest groups, we also observed convergent and population-specific signatures of positive selection in pathways related to cardiac development (e.g., "cardiac muscle tissue development"; [Formula: see text]). We hypothesize that the growth hormone subresponsiveness likely underlying the adult small body-size phenotype may have led to compensatory changes in cardiac pathways, in which this hormone also plays an essential role. Importantly, in the agriculturalist populations, we did not observe similar patterns of positive selection on sets of genes associated with growth or cardiac development, indicating our results most likely reflect a history of convergent adaptation to the similar ecology of rainforests rather than a more general evolutionary pattern.

The Influence of Body Size on the Expression of Sexually Dimorphic Morphological Traits

Skeletal sexual dimorphism manifests as size or shape differences between males and females in a population. Certain dimorphic traits are used in sex estimation methods, and populational variation in the expression of these traits can result in inaccurate sex estimation. However, the underlying causes of variation in trait expression remain unclear. This study explores body size, which also exhibits sexual dimorphism, as a potential factor influencing trait expression. To test this, skeletons of 209 individuals of varying body size were analyzed, and morphological traits were scored according to the Walker (2008), Klales et al. (2012), and Rogers (1999) sex estimation methods. Statistical analyses found significant correlations between body size parameters and expression of traits, with stature explaining more relative variance in trait expression than body mass. However, the relationships are weak and few in number, suggesting that body size has a minimal impact on the expression of these morphological traits.

Outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in small- and large-stature patients

BACKGROUND

As the worldwide use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) increases, a range of implant sizes may be required to match regional and ethnic variation in patients' stature. Size-mismatched implants may possibly result in poorer surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of primary RSA in patients at the extreme ends of the growth curve with those in average-stature patients in the United States.

METHODS

A multicenter shoulder arthroplasty database was retrospectively reviewed to identify all primary RSAs using a single implant system with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Small patients were defined as the height of <155 cm, tall as >183 cm, and average as 162-178 cm. Active range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale pain score, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

The study included 552 shoulders (130 small, 384 average, and 38 tall stature). Preoperatively, the average height group had significantly less ROM than the other groups, but there were no significant differences in postoperative ROM. This resulted in poorer improvements in postoperative ROM in the small and tall groups, with the small-stature patients having significantly less ROM improvement compared with average-stature patients. However, these differences did not result in poorer PROs between groups.

DISCUSSION

Small- and large-stature patients showed inferior improvements in ROM after RSA compared with average-stature patients. Our results suggest that current implants optimize ROM gains for average-stature patients and improve PROs independently of patient stature at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

A correlation meta-analysis

AIM OF THE STUDY:

Methods based on the positive linear relationship existing between stature and long bones are most commonly used to estimate living stature in forensic anthropology. The length of the sternum and its parts has been advanced as a plausible alternative to estimate stature when such long bones are missing or damaged.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This meta-analysis aims to quantify evidence on the correlation between the sternum/sternal parts length and stature. Nine studies were included with 1118 sternal bones.

RESULTS

Analyses showed that the length of the meso-sternum (manubrium + body) yielded the best correlation with stature; 53.5% and 55.42% for men and women, respectively. The second best variable is the total sternal length with correlations of 44.3% and 55% for men and women, respectively. Subgroup analysis of autopsy studies demonstrated even a higher correlation of 58.2% for the meso-sternal length. Manubrium and body lengths showed the least correlation values. Except for the body length, females exhibit a better correlation than man between all other sternal lengths and stature.

CONCLUSIONS

While the meso-sternal length is found to be the most correlated variable with stature, all sternal lengths are to be considered with caution when estimating stature. The relatively low values of the weighted correlation results should raise the question of reliability and limit the use of sternal length when long bones are available. Future research using larger samples from different populations and taking into account the fusion status of the sternum are needed.

The biorhythm of human skeletal growth

Evidence of a periodic biorhythm is retained in tooth enamel in the form of Retzius lines. The periodicity of Retzius lines (RP) correlates with body mass and the scheduling of life history events when compared between some mammalian species. The correlation has led to the development of the inter-specific Havers-Halberg oscillation (HHO) hypothesis, which holds great potential for studying aspects of a fossil species biology from teeth. Yet, our understanding of if, or how, the HHO relates to human skeletal growth is limited. The goal here is to explore associations between the biorhythm and two hard tissues that form at different times during human ontogeny, within the context of the HHO. First, we investigate the relationship of RP to permanent molar enamel thickness and the underlying daily rate that ameloblasts secrete enamel during childhood. Following this, we develop preliminary research conducted on small samples of adult human bone by testing associations between RP, adult femoral length (as a proxy for attained adult stature) and cortical osteocyte lacunae density (as a proxy for the rate of osteocyte proliferation). Results reveal RP is positively correlated with enamel thickness, negatively correlated with femoral length, but weakly associated with the rate of enamel secretion and osteocyte proliferation. These new data imply that a slower biorhythm predicts thicker enamel for children but shorter stature for adults. Our results develop the intra-specific HHO hypothesis suggesting that there is a common underlying systemic biorhythm that has a role in the final products of human enamel and bone growth.

Whites from the Bass Donated Skeletal Collection

This paper tests the fidelity of a recent method that used the NHANES III dataset as a proxy to estimate total body mass from stature and bi-iliac breadth in U.S. White males and females. The bi-iliac breadths of 230 males and 152 females identified as non-Hispanic U.S. White from the Bass Donated Skeletal Collection were measured, and along with stature from predonor paperwork, total body mass estimates were calculated and then compared to body masses recorded on predonor paperwork. Male and female samples were subdivided by body mass index (BMI [kg/m² ]) categories established by the World Health Organization. Our results suggest that total body mass estimates can be accurately assessed provided that the individual is within 18.50 ≤ BMI ≤ 29.99 for White males and 18.50 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.99 for White females. Recommendations on how to report total body mass estimates are also presented.

Secular trends are associated with the demographic and epidemiologic transitions in an indigenous community in Oaxaca, Southern Mexico

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that secular changes in body size and age at menarche are related to the demographic and epidemiologic transitions in an indigenous community in Oaxaca, southern Mexico.

METHODS

Data were derived from surveys of a Zapotec-speaking community conducted between 1968 and 2000. Segmented linear regressions of height, weight, BMI and recalled age at menarche on year of birth in cohorts of adults born before and after the demographic transition were used to evaluate secular changes. Corresponding comparisons of body size (MANCOVA controlling for age) and age at menarche (status quo, probit analysis) were done for samples of children and adolescents born before and after the epidemiological transition.

RESULTS

Height and weight increased in adults born after the demographic transition (mid-1950s), and especially in children and adolescents born after the epidemiological transition (mid-1980s). Age at menarche also decreased significantly in women born after the demographic transition, but at a more rapid estimated rate in adolescents born after the epidemiological transition. Secular gains in body weight were proportional to those for height among children and adolescents, but adults, males more so than females, gained proportionally more weight.

CONCLUSIONS

The secular trend in height in adults of both sexes was associated with the decade of the demographic transition in the mid-1950s. Significant secular gains in size attained and age at menarche occurred in children and youth born after the epidemiologic transition which likely reflected improved health and nutritional conditions since the mid-1980s.

Effects of Promoting Long-term, Exclusive Breastfeeding on Adolescent Adiposity, Blood Pressure, and Growth Trajectories: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Evidence that breastfeeding reduces child obesity risk and lowers blood pressure (BP) is based on potentially confounded observational studies.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a breastfeeding promotion intervention on adiposity and BP at age 16 years and on longitudinal growth trajectories from birth.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cluster-randomized Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial. Belarusian maternity hospitals and affiliated polyclinics (the clusters) were allocated into intervention (n = 16) or control arms (n = 15) in 1996 and 1997. The trial participants were 17 046 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs; of these, 13 557 children (79.5%) were followed up at 16 years of age between September 2012 and July 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

Breastfeeding promotion, modeled on the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared); fat and fat-free mass indices and percentage of body fat from bioimpedance; waist circumference; overweight and obesity; height; BP; and longitudinal growth trajectories. The primary analysis was modified intention-to-treat (without imputation for losses to follow-up) accounting for within-clinic clustering.

RESULTS

We examined 13 557 children at a median age of 16.2 years (48.5% were girls). The intervention substantially increased breastfeeding duration and exclusivity compared with the control arm (exclusively breastfed: 45% vs 6% at 3 months, respectively). Mean differences at 16 years between intervention and control groups were 0.21 (95% CI, 0.06-0.36) for BMI; 0.21 kg/m2 (95% CI, -0.03 to 0.44) for fat mass index; 0.00 kg/m2 (95% CI, -0.21 to 0.22) for fat-free mass index; 0.71% (95% CI, -0.32 to 1.74) for percentage body fat; -0.73 cm (-2.48 to 1.02) for waist circumference; 0.05 cm (95% CI, -0.85 to 0.94) for height; -0.54 mm Hg (95% CI, -2.40 to 1.31) for systolic BP; and 0.71 mm Hg (95% CI, -0.68 to 2.10) for diastolic BP. The odds ratio for overweight/obesity (BMI ≥85th percentile vs <85th percentile) was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.02-1.28) and the odds ratio for obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile vs <95th percentile) was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.92-1.29). The intervention resulted in a more rapid rate of gain in postinfancy height (1 to 2.8 years), weight (2.8 to 14.5 years), and BMI (2.8 to 8.5 years) compared with the control arm. The intervention had little effect on BMI z score changes after 8.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

A randomized intervention that increased the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding was not associated with lowered adolescent obesity risk or BP. On the contrary, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher in the intervention arm. All mothers initiated breastfeeding, so findings may not apply to comparisons of the effects of breastfeeding vs formula feeding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

isrctn.org: ISRCTN37687716; and clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01561612.

The influence of variation in parental height dimorphism on same-sex parent-offspring height differences

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates how adjusting for parental height dimorphism influences height differences among parents and same-sex offspring distinguished by parents' early backgrounds.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Regression analyses using data from independent groups of Taiwanese families, 56 with sons and 51 with daughters, evaluate how adjusting for parental height dimorphism influences same-sex parent-offspring height differences among families grouped by grandfathers' occupations into three status categories reflecting good to relatively poor early parental environments.

RESULTS

Parental height dimorphism was statistically significantly associated with same-sex parent-offspring height differences (father-son: mean Δ = 3.88 cm, β = -71.47 ± 11.49 SE, t = -6.22, p ≤ .0005; mother-daughter: mean Δ = 4.15 cm, β = 80.46 ± 18.52 SE, t = 4.35, p ≤ .0005). Adjusted mean father-son differences increased significantly across grandfathers' occupation categories (Privileged, Δ = 0.60, Business, Δ = 4.06, Farming & Labor, Δ = 5.28; p = .011). Mother-daughter differences were substantial, from 3.33 cm to 5.06 cm, but did not differ significantly across occupational categories (p = .63).

DISCUSSION

Adjustments here for variation in parent height dimorphism did not alter original interpretations that while female growth may be more canalized, it is similarly capable of responding to improvements in developmental contexts. Patterns of same-sex parent-offspring height differences across grandfathers' occupational categories remain best accounted for by Taiwan's rapidly expanding economy, substantial income equity and reductions in biases favoring sons over daughters. Adjustment for sub-group variation in parental height dimorphism should be considered in similar studies in the future.

Why were Sardinians the shortest Europeans? A journey through genes, infections, nutrition, and sex

Since ancient times the Mediterranean island of Sardinia has been known for harboring a population with an average body height shorter than almost every other ethnic group in Europe. After over a century of investigations, the cause(s) at the origin of this uniqueness are not yet clear. The shorter stature of Sardinians appears to have been documented since prehistoric times, as revealed by the analysis of skeletal remains discovered in archaeological sites on the island. Recently, a number of genetic, hormonal, environmental, infective and nutritional factors have been put forward to explain this unique anthropometric feature, which persisted for a long time, even when environmental and living conditions improved around 1960. Although some of the putative factors are supported by sound empirical evidence, weaker support is available for others. The recent advent of whole genome analysis techniques shed new light on specific variants at the origin of this short stature. However, the marked geographical variability of stature across time and space within the island, and the well-known presence of pockets of short height in the population of the southern districts, are still puzzling findings that have attracted the interest of anthropologists and geneticists. The purpose of this review is to focus on the state-of-the-art research on stature, as well as the factors that made Sardinians the shortest among Europeans.

Assortative mating for human height: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The study of assortative mating for height has a rich history in human biology. Although the positive correlation between the stature of spouses has often been noted in western populations, recent papers suggest that mating patterns for stature are not universal. The objective of this paper was to review the published evidence to examine the strength of and universality in assortative mating for height.

METHODS

We conducted an extensive literature review and meta-analysis. We started with published reviews but also searched through secondary databases. Our search led to 154 correlations of height between partners. We classified the populations as western and non-western based on geography. These correlations were then analyzed via meta-analytic techniques.

RESULTS

148 of the correlations for partner heights were positive and the overall analysis indicates moderate positive assortative mating (r = .23). Although assortative mating was slightly stronger in countries that can be described as western compared to non-western, this difference was not statistically significant. We found no evidence for a change in assortative mating for height over time. There was substantial residual heterogeneity in effect sizes and this heterogeneity was most pronounced in western countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive assortative mating for height exists in human populations, but is modest in magnitude suggesting that height is not a major factor in mate choice. Future research is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the large amount of heterogeneity observed in the degree of assortative mating across human populations, which may stem from a combination of methodological and ecological differences.