Anthropometric Measurements (anthropometric + measurement)

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Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Impaired nutritional status in common variable immunodeficiency patients correlates with reduced levels of serum IgA and of circulating CD4+ T lymphocytes

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 6 2001
M. Muscaritoli
Background Common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) is a primary defect of the immune system. Infections, persistent diarrhoea and malabsorption may result in malnutrition, which may in turn contribute to increased morbidity. In this paper, the prevalence of malnutrition in CVI was evaluated. Patients and methods Forty CVI patients (20 male, 20 female, aged 17,75 years) underwent anthropometric measurements from which body mass index, arm fat and muscle area were calculated. Body mass index values <,18·5 and arm fat and muscle area values <,10th percentile were considered indicative of malnutrition. Patients were divided into four groups according to circulating CD4+ T cells (lower or greater than 300 µL,1) and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (detectable and undetectable). Results Body mass index <,18·5, arm fat and muscle area <,10th percentile were observed in 23%, 58% and 44%, respectively, of patients. Lower values of body mass index, arm fat and muscle area were more frequent in patients with low CD4+ cells and undetectable IgA. Low arm fat values were more frequent in patients with diarrhoea (P = 0·03). Infectious episodes were more frequent in undetectable IgA than in detectable IgA patients (P = 0·04). Conclusions Anthropometric measurements revealed an increased rate of malnutrition in CVI patients, particularly in those with low CD4+ and undetectable IgA, suggesting that selected CVI subjects could be considered for standard or specialized nutritional support. [source]


Does arm length indicate cognitive and functional reserve?

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 5 2005
Seul-Ki Jeong
Abstract Background This study aimed to examine whether arm length and height were associated with cognitive and functional abilities. Methods Screening interviews were conducted in 235 community dwelling individuals aged 65 and over. The assessment scales included the Korean version of modified Mini-Mental State Examination (K-mMMSE) for cognition, and the Korean Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-IADL) for functional ability. All the participants were examined clinically and a diagnosis of dementia was ascertained. Anthropometric measurements included total arm span and height. Results Both arm length and height correlated significantly with the cognitive and functional scales. In the multivariate regression models, their associations were significant, independent of age, sex, education, and other variables. Shorter arm length was also significantly associated with dementia; while, height lost significance after an adjustment for the potential confounders. Conclusions Arm length and height could indicate cognitive and functional ability. Arm length, which was known to be less prone to degenerative processes, might be more stable as an indicator for cognitive and functional reserve capacity than height. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Diverse Effect of Inflammatory Markers on Insulin Resistance and Insulin-Resistance Syndrome in the Elderly

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2004
Angela M. Abbatecola MD
Objectives: To evaluate the potential association between different inflammatory markers and insulin resistance (IR), as well as insulin-resistance syndrome (IRS) in a large, population-based study of older, nondiabetic persons. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient clinic in Greve in Chianti and Bagno a Ripoli (Italy). Participants: One thousand one hundred forty-six nondiabetic subjects ranging in age from 22 to 104. Measurements: Anthropometric measurements; plasma fasting levels of glucose, insulin, and cholesterol (total, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein); homeostasis model assessment to estimate degree of insulin resistance; tumor necrosis factor , (TNF-,), interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), interleukin receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma concentrations; diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial blood pressure; and echo-color-Doppler duplex scanning examination of carotid arteries. Results: Insulin resistance correlated with age (r=0.102; P<.001) and plasma levels of TNF-, (r=0.082; P=.007), IL-1ra (r=0.147; P<.001), IL-6 (r=0.133; P<.001), sIL-6R (r=,0.156; P<.001), and CRP (r=0.83; P<.001). Subjects in the upper tertile of IR degree were older and had higher serum levels of TNF-,, IL-1ra, and IL-6 and lower levels of sIL-6R than subjects in the lowest tertile. Independent of age, sex, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, triglycerides, drug intake, diastolic blood pressure, smoking habit, and carotid atherosclerotic plaques, higher IL-6 (t=2.987; P=.003) serum concentrations were associated with higher IR, whereas sIL-6R levels (t=,5.651; P<.001) were associated with lower IR. Furthermore, IL-1ra concentrations (t=2.448; P=.015) were associated with IRS, and higher sIL-6R plasma levels continued to correlate negatively with IRS. Conclusion: Different inflammatory markers are associated with a diverse effect on IR and IRS in elderly nondiabetic subjects. [source]


An audit of diabetes control, dietary management and quality of life in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and a comparison with nondiabetic subjects

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 1 2006
F. Tahbaz
Abstract Objectives, The study's objective was to audit current diet and disease management in a community-based sample of people with type 1 diabetes. Methods, The study involved adults with type 1 diabetes and control subjects. Reported amounts of dietary intake were collected. Indices of diabetes control were determined by standard methods. Quality of life of both groups was assessed with appropriate measures. Results were compared between two groups. Results, Mean HbA1c concentration was 8.5% (SD 2.21%) for women with diabetes and 8.6% (SD 1.91%) for men. There was no significant difference between the diabetic and control subjects in self-reported energy intake and macronutrient intake, with the exception that the contribution of saturated fatty acid to energy intake was higher in male controls than in male diabetics. There was no association between dietary intakes and glycemic control in diabetic subjects. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and plasma lipids in patients were within normal range and not significantly different from the controls. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was higher in patients. Diabetic subjects did not have a diminished quality of life. Conclusions, Dietary management in these patients was generally focused on controlling carbohydrate intake. Most had suboptimal diabetes control. [source]


A Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil may reverse the effects of the -174G/C IL6 gene variant on 3-year body weight change

MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue S1 2010
Cristina Razquin
Abstract Only a few studies have analyzed the effects of the potential interaction between the -174G/C polymorphism of IL6 gene and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) on adiposity indexes. Our aim was to investigate the interplay between the -174G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene and a Mediterranean-style diet on body weight changes after 3 years of nutritional intervention in a high cardiovascular risk population. A total of 737 participants, aged 55,80 years were assigned to a low-fat diet or to a Mediterranean-style diet group with high intake of virgin olive oil (VOO) or nuts. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline and after 3-year follow-up. The -174G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene was genotyped. Minor allele frequency (C) was 0.39. At baseline, the CC genotype was associated with higher measures of adiposity. After 3 years, a significant interaction (p=0.028) was found between the polymorphism (GG+GC versus CC) and the nutritional intervention: CC subjects following the MD+VOO had the lowest body weight gain. In conclusion, at baseline, CC subjects for the -174G/C polymorphism of IL6 had the highest body weight and BMI. However, after 3 years of nutritional intervention with MD+VOO, these subjects were predicted to have the greatest reduction in body weight. [source]


Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos, Nigeria

OBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 6 2007
U. P. Ben-Bassey
Summary In many of the urban centres of the developing countries, a change in lifestyle due to increased affluence has been observed. It has been shown that change in lifestyle is an important factor in the global epidemic of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of lifestyle and socioeconomic class on the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst adolescents from rural and urban centres in Lagos, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional prospective survey carried out on a sample of 1504 randomly selected adolescents, aged between 10 and 19 years, from six public secondary schools located in urban and rural areas of the Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. A self-designed completed questionnaire was used to determine the participants' socio-demographic characteristics. Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate their body mass index (BMI). The overall prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in the urban and rural areas, respectively, were 3.7% and 0.4%, and 3.0% and 0.0%. Socioeconomic class did not significantly affect the BMI values. Overweight is an evolving problem, while obesity is seemingly not a problem yet in adolescent school-aged children in Lagos State, Nigeria. [source]


The role of fat mass index in determining obesity

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
Gerson Peltz
Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (PBF), and fat mass index (FMI) and to investigate the accuracy of FMI as a convenient tool for assessing obesity. Design: Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed on 538 Mexican Americans (373 women and 165 men). Correlations between BMI and PBF and between FMI and PBF were investigated. The percentage of persons misclassified as obese using different classifications was calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to generate predictive models of FMI for males and females separately. Results: BMI and PBF were correlated in men (, = 0.877; P < 0.0001) and women (, = 0.966; P < 0.0001); however, 20 and 67.2% of the men and 9.2 and 84.2% of women, classified as normal weight and overweight by BMI, respectively, were diagnosed as obese by PBF. FMI and PBF were also correlated in men (, = 0.975; P < 0.0001) and women (, = 0.992; P < 0.0001). Four percent of the men classified as normal weight and 65.5% classified as overweight by BMI were obese by FMI, while 71.3% of women classified as overweight by BMI were obese by FMI. Misclassification of obesity between FMI and PBF categories was observed in 5.4% of men and 7.8% of women. Conclusions: The discrepancy observed between BMI and PBF reflects a limitation of BMI. Conversely, FMI accurately assessed obesity in our study of Mexican Americans, but further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in different ethnic groups. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:639,947, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Childhood overweight problem in a selected school district in Hawaii

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
Dennis Chai
Anthropometric measurements were collected from 1,437 public school students in a selected school district in Hawaii every year from 1992 to 1996. Results showed that boys and girls of Hawaiian ancestry (HA) are generally taller in stature and somewhat heavier in weight than their non-Hawaiian counterparts (Non-HA). Also, there are no clear differences between the two groups in BMI, sums of skinfolds, waist and hip circumferences, and waist/hip circumference ratios. When compared to data from NHANES III (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the median statures of HA boys and girls are very close to the median statures of NHANES III, but the body weights of HA are heavier at most ages. Also, the BMI values of HA are distinctly higher and their medians are closer to the 75th percentile of NHANES III. In addition, the values of the sums of skinfolds and the waist and hip circumferences of HA are also higher at most ages than NHANES III. These multiple anthropometric indicators suggest that there might be more overweight children and adolescents of HA. When compared to the statistics in NHANES III, there are twice as many HA and Non-HA boys and girls classified as obese. Clearly, a serious childhood problem exists among the children in this selected school district in Hawaii. More research is needed in other school districts in Hawaii. Also, it is suggested in this study that using multiple anthropometric indicators, rather than a single one, may be more accurate and appropriate in determining overweight problems in a youth population. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:164,177, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Usefulness of single spot plasma glucose at a routine clinic: a preliminary report

PRACTICAL DIABETES INTERNATIONAL (INCORPORATING CARDIABETES), Issue 2 2008
OR Adetunji MBBS Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP), Research Registrar, Senior Registrar
Abstract While glycated haemoglobin remains the gold standard for assessing glycaemic control, the facilities for measuring it are not readily available in resource-poor health systems like that which exists in Nigeria. This study set out to determine the usefulness of fasting single spot plasma glucose at clinic visits in the management of diabetes. Fifty consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes attending the medical outpatient department at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, were recruited after informed written consent was obtained. HbA1c was measured using boronate affinity technique with a portable , Primus' autoanalyser, NycoCard® Reader II, which was standardised to the DCCT. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was measured in mg/dl but converted to mmol/L. Anthropometric measurements were taken from the patients. The results showed that the mean HbA1c in the population was 7.4% and the mean FPG was 7.0mmol/L. There was a significant correlation between FPG and HbA1c, (p<0.0001, r2 = 0.749). We concluded that the significant correlation between the HbA1c and FPG in this patient population shows that the FPG remains a useful tool for assessing control at routine outpatient clinics and its continued use is recommended. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons. [source]


The diagnostic accuracy of external pelvimetry and maternal height to predict dystocia in nulliparous women: a study in Cameroon

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
AT Rozenholc
Objective, In many developing countries, most women deliver at home or in facilities without operative capability. Identification before labour of women at risk of dystocia and timely referral to a district hospital for delivery is one strategy to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Our objective was to assess the prediction of dystocia by the combination of maternal height with external pelvimetry, and with foot length and symphysis-fundus height. Design, A prospective cohort study. Setting, Three maternity units in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Population, A total of 807 consecutive nulliparous women at term who completed a trial of labour and delivered a single fetus in vertex presentation. Methods, Anthropometric measurements were recorded at the antenatal visit by a researcher and concealed from the staff managing labour. After delivery, the accuracy of individual and combined measurements in the prediction of dystocia was analysed. Main outcome measures, Dystocia, defined as caesarean section for dystocia; vacuum or forceps delivery after a prolonged labour (>12 hours); or spontaneous delivery after a prolonged labour associated with intrapartum death. Results, Ninety-eight women (12.1%) had dystocia. The combination of a maternal height less than or equal to the 5th percentile or a transverse diagonal of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area less than or equal to the 10th percentile resulted in a sensitivity of 53.1% (95% CI 42.7,63.2), a specificity of 92.0% (95% CI 89.7,93.9), a positive predictive value of 47.7% (95% CI 38.0,57.5) and a positive likelihood ratio of 6.6 (95% CI 4.8,9.0), with 13.5% of all women presumed to be at risk. Other combinations resulted in inferior prediction. Conclusion, The combination of the maternal height with the transverse diagonal of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area could identify, before labour, more than half of the cases of dystocia in nulliparous women. [source]


Lower ability to oxidize lipids in adult patients with growth hormone (GH) deficiency: reversal under GH treatment

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
F. Brandou
Summary Background, The aim of the study was to characterize lipid oxidation at exercise in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and to evaluate the effect of 6 and 12 months of GH replacement therapy on substrate carbohydrate (CHO) and lipid utilization at exercise. Patients and measurements, Twenty-five patients with GHD and 40 matched controls participated in the study. Ten of the 25 GH-deficient patients were treated with recombinant GH for 12 months. Anthropometric measurements and exercise calorimetry were performed before and after treatment. Maximal fat oxidation and the crossover point [that is the percentage of the theoretical maximal power (Wmax th) where CHO become the predominant fuel used for oxidation] were determined. Results and conclusion, The GH-deficient patients exhibited a highly significant shift in the balance of substrate oxidation during exercise, towards a decrease in fat oxidation, and a shift towards lower intensities of the crossover (52 ± 5·5%vs. 72·6 ± 6·6% of Wmax th, P < 0·03) and maximal fat oxidation (131·04 ± 14 vs. 234·4 ± 30·1 mg/min, P < 0·03) in the GHD and control groups, respectively. However, GH treatment at 6 and 12 months partially reversed this defect, resulting in an increase (+83%, P < 0·001) in the maximal ability to oxidize fat during exercise. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a lack of GH reduces the ability to oxidize lipids during exercise and that GH treatment restores this muscular metabolic property. [source]


Physical and emotional development, appetite and body image in adolescents who failed to thrive as infants

THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 5 2006
R.F. Drewett
Background:, Previous studies suggest that failure to thrive in infancy may be associated with adverse sequelae in childhood. Although cognitive abilities have been extensively investigated, little systematic research is available on other aspects of development. Methods:, Eighty-nine children who failed to thrive as infants and 91 controls were followed up when twelve years old and examined using anthropometric measurement, self-ratings of appetite and body image, the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, the Self-perception Profile for Children, The Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, the parent and child form of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and the parent and teacher's form of the Child Behavior Checklist. Results:, The children who failed to thrive were significantly shorter and lighter at twelve and had significantly lower BMIs, but they did not go into puberty any later. They were more likely to rate their appetite as lower than their best friend's, were generally more satisfied with their body shape, and had significantly lower restraint score on the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. They were not significantly different from controls on any of the measures reflecting anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. Conclusions:, Failure to thrive in infancy is not associated with adverse emotional development in childhood. [source]


Nutritional Effect of Dialysis Therapy

ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 3 2003
Tsutomu Sanaka
Abstract: The prognosis of patients with end-stage renal disease has been improved by the recent remarkable advances in medical and engineering technology. However, there are still many unsolved problems in the clinical field. One of the problems is an intractable malnutrition characterized by clinical manifestations including hypoproteinemia and decrease in muscular volume, which is associated with deterioration in the quality of the patient's life. Malnutrition in hemodialysis patients involves abnormal energy metabolism and aberrant amino acid metabolism. In the most malnourished patients, immunodefense mechanisms and homeostasis are disrupted, greatly influencing the prognosis. Moreover, when the performance of dialyzer used is too high, the dialysis treatment might remove a necessary nutrient for the patient. There is also a possibility that the protein catabolism is accelerated when the biocompatibility is inferior. On the other hand, in malnutri-tion, the circulating level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) falls while the level of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) is remarkably increased. It has been recognized that IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 are indicators reflecting the initiation of a malnutritional state in patients with chronic renal failure, although there are many indicators such as albumin, prealbumin, and anthropometric measurement for nutritional assessment. We have suggested that r-hGH and IGF-1 improve the malnutritional state by alleviating hypoproteinemia and abnormality of serum amino acid profile in uremic patients on hemodialysis. The serum IGF-1/IGFBP-1 ratio is useful not only as a nutritional parameter but also as a predicting index of responsiveness to r-hGH. It is necessary to examine the problem from various angles to improve malnutrition in the dialysis patient, while considering the above mentioned. [source]


Changes in serum leptin concentrations in overweight Japanese men after exercise

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 5 2004
N. Miyatake
Aim:, To investigate the link between serum leptin concentrations and exercise. Design:, Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of an exercise intervention. Subjects:, 110 Japanese overweight men aged 32,59 years were recruited. At baseline, the average body mass index (BMI) was 28.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2. From this group, we used data of 36 overweight men (BMI, 28.9 ± 2.3) for a 1-year exercise programme. Measurements:, Leptin was measured at baseline and after 1 year. Fat distribution was evaluated by visceral fat (V) and subcutaneous fat (S) areas measured with computed tomography (CT) scanning at umbilical levels. Anthropometric parameters, aerobic exercise level, muscle strength and flexibility were also investigated at baseline and after 1 year. Results:, In the first analysis, using cross-sectional data, leptin was significantly correlated with total body fat (r = 0.760, p < 0.01), V (r = 0.383, p < 0.01) and S (r = 0.617, p < 0.01) areas. In the second analysis, using longitudinal data, leptin was significantly reduced after 1 year (pre 6.7 ± 4.0 ng/ml vs. post 5.1 ± 3.1 ng/ml, p < 0.01). Results showed that steps per day were increased, and aerobic exercise level, weight-bearing index (WBI) and insulin resistance were significantly improved. Although, there was a positive correlation between , leptin(positive changes in leptin after 1 year) and anthropometric measurements such as , body weight, , BMI and , body fat, leptin/body weight, leptin/BMI and leptin/body fat ratios were significantly reduced during exercise intervention. Conclusion:, The present study indicated exercise significantly lowers serum leptin concentrations, and thus it may improve the leptin resistance observed in overweight Japanese men. [source]


Psychiatric epidemiology of old age: the H70 study , the NAPE Lecture 2003

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2004
I. Skoog
Objective: To describe methodological issues and possibilities in the epidemiology of old age psychiatry using data from the H70 study in Göteborg, Sweden. Method: A representative sample born during 1901,02 was examined at 70, 75, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 90, 92, 95, 97, 99 and 100 years of age, another during 1906,07 was examined at 70 and 79 years of age, and samples born between 1922 and 1930 were examined at 70 years of age. The study includes psychiatric examinations and key informant interviews performed by psychiatrists, physical examinations performed by geriatricians, psychometric testings, blood sampling, computerized tomographies of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid analyses, anthropometric measurements, and psychosocial background factors. Results: Mental disorders are found in approximately 30% of the elderly, but is seldom detected or properly treated. Incidence of depression and dementia increases with age. The relationship between blood pressure and Alzheimer's disease is an example of how cross-sectional and longitudinal studies yield completely different results. Brain imaging is an important tool in epidemiologic studies of the elderly to detect silent cerebrovascular disease and other structural brain changes. The high prevalence of psychotic symptoms is an example of the importance to use several sources of information to detect these symptoms. Dementia should be diagnosed in all types of studies in the elderly, as it influences several outcomes such as mortality, blood pressure, and rates of depression. Suicidal feelings are rare in the elderly and are strongly related to mental disorders. Conclusion: Modern epidemiologic studies in population samples should be longitudinal and include assessments of psychosocial risk factors as well as comprehensive sets of biologic markers, such as brain imaging, neurochemical analyses, and genetic information to maximize the contribution that epidemiology can provide to increase our knowledge about the etiology of mental disorders. [source]


The prevalence of depressive symptoms in a white European and South Asian population with impaired glucose regulation and screen-detected Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comparison of two screening tools

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010
N. Aujla
Diabet. Med. 27, 896,905 (2010) Abstract Aims, To compare the identification of prevalent depressive symptoms by the World Health Organization-5 Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) and Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for South Asian and white European people, male and female, attending a diabetes screening programme, and to explore the adequacy of the screening tools for this population. An additional aim was to further explore associations of depressive symptoms with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type2 DM). Methods, Eight hundred and sixty-four white European (40,75 years old) and 290 South Asian people (25,75 years old) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), detailed history and anthropometric measurements and completed the WHO-5 and CES-D. Depressive symptoms were defined by a WHO-5 score , 13, and CES-D score , 16. Results, Unadjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms with the WHO-5, for people with Type2 DM was 42.3% (47.4% in white European; 28.6% in South Asian) and for IGR 30.7% (26% in white European; 45.8% in South Asian). With the CES-D, the prevalence in Type2 DM was 27.2% (25.4% in white European; 31.8% in South Asian) and for IGR 30.7% (27.8% in white European; 40.7% in South Asian). Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms for sex or ethnicity were not identified. Odds ratios adjusted for age, sex and ethnicity showed no significant association of depression with Type2 DM or IGR, with either WHO-5 or CES-D. Agreement was moderate (, = 0.48, 95% confidence intervals 0.42,0.54), and reduced when identifying depressive symptoms in people with Type2 DM. For this group, a WHO-5 cut-point of , 10 was optimal. Conclusions, Depressive symptoms, identified by WHO-5 or CES-D, were not significantly more prevalent in people with Type2 DM or IGR. The WHO-5 and CES-D differed in their identification of depressive symptoms in people with Type2 DM, though discrepancies between sex and ethnicity were not identified. [source]


The metabolic syndrome and changing relationship between blood pressure and insulin with age, as observed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 11 2005
A. E. Schutte
Abstract Aims To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A further objective was to investigate the relationships between fasting insulin and blood pressure (BP) within these groups with increasing age. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study included 369 Torres Strait Islanders (residing in Torres Strait and Far North Queensland), and 675 Aborigines from central Australia. Data necessary for classification of MS was collected, including fasting and 2-h glucose and insulin, urinary albumin and creatinine, anthropometric measurements, BP, serum lipids. Results The ATPIII criteria classified 43% of Torres Strait Islanders and 44% of Aborigines with MS, whereas 32 and 28%, respectively, had the MS according to WHO criteria. Agreement between the two criteria was only modest (kappa coefficient from 0.28 to 0.57). Factor analyses indicated no cluster including both insulin and BP in either population. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) [adjusted for gender, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference] were observed between BP and fasting insulin: a positive correlation for Torres Strait Islanders aged 15,29 years, and an inverse correlation for Aborigines aged 40 years and older. Conclusion Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines had very high prevalences of the MS. Specific population characteristics (high prevalences of central obesity, dyslipidaemia, renal disease) may make the WHO definition preferable to the ATPIII definition in these population groups. The poor agreement between criteria suggests a more precise definition of the metabolic syndrome that is applicable across populations is required. This study showed an inverse relationship with age for the correlation of BP and fasting insulin. [source]


Increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in all ethnic groups in Mauritius

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 1 2005
S. Söderberg
Abstract Aims To describe the prevalence of different stages of glucose intolerance in a population from Mauritius followed over 11 years. Methods Population-based surveys were undertaken in the multiethnic nation of Mauritius in 1987, 1992 and 1998, with 5083, 6616, and 6291 participants, respectively. Questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test were included. Subjects aged between 25 and 75 years with classifiable data were identified; 4991, 6463 and 5392 from 1987, 1992 and 1998, respectively. Glucose tolerance was classified according to WHO 1999 criteria. Results The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes increased significantly during the period studied, from 12.8% in 1987, to 15.2% in 1992, and 17.9% in 1998. The increasing prevalence was seen in both men and women, and in all age groups. The prevalence of known diabetes (KDM) increased progressively, and more markedly than the increase in newly diagnosed diabetes (NDM). A diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was more prevalent amongst women whereas impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was more common amongst men. The prevalences of IGT and IFG did not change markedly during the period. The prevalence of diabetes and IGT was similar for participants of Indian, Creole and Chinese background in each survey, and the increasing prevalence of diabetes was seen in all ethnic groups. Conclusion In this study, we report an increasing prevalence of diabetes over an 11-year period in Mauritius. This increase was seen in both sexes, and in all age and ethnic groups, and was mainly due to an increase in the numbers of those with known diabetes. [source]


Targeted screening for undiagnosed diabetes reduces the number of diagnostic tests.

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2004
Inter99(8)
Abstract Aims To determine the cost and performance of a Danish risk score, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HbA1c as single screening tests and in combination with targeted screening. Subjects and methods In the Inter99 study, 12 934 inhabitants of Copenhagen County were invited to participate. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements, blood samples, and a 75-g standardized oral glucose tolerance test [N = 6784 (52.5%)]. Results Of the 6117 individuals included in the analysis, 252 (4.1%) had previously undiagnosed diabetes. As a stand-alone test, the FPG had the highest performance expressed by a significantly higher area under the receiver,operating curve [0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86, 0.99] compared with the Danish risk score (0.78; 95% CI 0.76, 0.81) and HbA1c (0.76; 95% CI 0.72, 0.80). Targeted screening where the initial test was a risk score reduced the FPG measurements by 72% (100% vs. 27.8%). Using FPG in population-based screening, the cost per newly diagnosed diabetic individual was 583 euro compared with 270 euro if screened by questionnaire followed by FPG. The sensitivity and specificity were 78.6% and 87.7% for FPG, and 61.5% and 89.2% for the combination of the questionnaire and FPG, respectively. Conclusions The performance of FPG was superior to a questionnaire and HbA1c used as single tests. However taking into account workload, the burden on the population and the cost per identified person with undiagnosed diabetes, targeted screening using a questionnaire followed by FPG appears to be the strategy of choice. Diabet. Med. (2004) [source]


Impaired nutritional status in common variable immunodeficiency patients correlates with reduced levels of serum IgA and of circulating CD4+ T lymphocytes

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 6 2001
M. Muscaritoli
Background Common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) is a primary defect of the immune system. Infections, persistent diarrhoea and malabsorption may result in malnutrition, which may in turn contribute to increased morbidity. In this paper, the prevalence of malnutrition in CVI was evaluated. Patients and methods Forty CVI patients (20 male, 20 female, aged 17,75 years) underwent anthropometric measurements from which body mass index, arm fat and muscle area were calculated. Body mass index values <,18·5 and arm fat and muscle area values <,10th percentile were considered indicative of malnutrition. Patients were divided into four groups according to circulating CD4+ T cells (lower or greater than 300 µL,1) and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (detectable and undetectable). Results Body mass index <,18·5, arm fat and muscle area <,10th percentile were observed in 23%, 58% and 44%, respectively, of patients. Lower values of body mass index, arm fat and muscle area were more frequent in patients with low CD4+ cells and undetectable IgA. Low arm fat values were more frequent in patients with diarrhoea (P = 0·03). Infectious episodes were more frequent in undetectable IgA than in detectable IgA patients (P = 0·04). Conclusions Anthropometric measurements revealed an increased rate of malnutrition in CVI patients, particularly in those with low CD4+ and undetectable IgA, suggesting that selected CVI subjects could be considered for standard or specialized nutritional support. [source]


Two new potent and convenient predictors of mortality in older nursing home residents in Japan

GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2004
Orie Tajima
Background: Malnourishment is closely connected with poor health outcomes in frail elderly. However, the relative importance of specific nutritional predictors of mortality remains unclear in the Japanese population. We investigated the potent nutritional factors associated with mortality from nutritional assessments of three parameters in Japanese frail elderly. Methods: Ninety residents in a nursing home in Japan, aged 65 and over (18 men, 72 women; mean age 82.2 ± 8.0 years) were enrolled in a 38-month follow-up study. The eligibility condition for analysis was having lived at the nursing home for more than 30 days, so three participants were excluded. Three nutritional parameters, which included: anthropometric measurements (body mass index, mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness and calf circumference); serum markers (albumin, total protein, prealbumin, retinol binding protein and total cholesterol); and food intake, were assessed. After categorizing each putative factor according to tertile distribution, risk of mortality was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: At the end of the 38-month follow-up period, 29 participants had died. After adjustment for gender, age, clinical status, and functional status, three indicators (i.e. mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness and lipid intake) showed a significant relationship with mortality. When all of the putative factors were included in a stepwise procedure, mid-arm circumference and lipid intake were significantly associated with adjusted mortality. Conclusion: Among institutionalized Japanese frail elderly, lower levels of mid-arm circumference and lipid intake could potently predict an increased risk of mortality. These two indicators may be useful for many kinds of assessments and intervention for the improvement of health conditions in Japanese frail elderly. [source]


Low Leptin Levels in Migraine: A Case Control Study

HEADACHE, Issue 7 2008
Baburhan Guldiken MD
Background., Obesity has been shown to be a risk factor for transformation of episodic migraine to chronic form, and adipocytokines have been implicated to modulate some of the cytokins such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor, which also act in the neurogenic inflammation in migraine. The aim of the study was to assess leptin levels, one of the adipocytokines, in headache-free period of migraine patients and investigate its relation to vascular risk factors. Material and Methods., Sixty-one patients with episodic migraine headaches and 64 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Demographic data and anthropometric measurements were obtained from all participants; body mass index and fat mass values were calculated. Glucose and lipid parameters were measured by oxidase technique and cholesterol esterase enzymatic assays, and leptin levels were measured by ELISA in serum samples obtained after an overnight fasting. Results., Leptin levels were found significantly lower in migraineurs than controls (40.1 ± 21.2 ng/mL, 48.5 ± 24.5 ng/mL; P < .05). Although body mass index did not differ between 2 groups, fat mass, and fat percentages were significantly lower in migraine patients (19.4 ± 8.8 kg, 26.0 ± 8.7 kg; P < .001 and 28 ± 9%, 34 ± 5%; P < .001, respectively). Conclusion., Migraine patients have low leptin levels and fat mass which may be related to the pathogenesis of migraine. The importance and impact of our findings on the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment of migraine needs to be investigated in further detailed studies. [source]


Face modeling and editing with statistical local feature control models

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMAGING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
Yu Zhang
Abstract This article presents a novel method based on statistical facial feature control models for generating realistic controllable face models. The local feature control models are constructed based on the exemplar 3D face scans. We use a three-step model fitting approach for the 3D registration problem. Once we have a common surface representation for examples, we form feature shape spaces by applying a principal component analysis (PCA) to the data sets of facial feature shapes. We compute a set of anthropometric measurements to parameterize the exemplar shapes of each facial feature in a measurement space. Using PCA coefficients as a compact shape representation, we approach the shape synthesis problem by forming scattered data interpolation functions that are devoted to the generation of desired shape by taking the anthropometric parameters as input. The correspondence among all exemplar face textures is obtained by parameterizing a 3D generic mesh over a 2D image domain. The new feature texture with desired attributes is synthesized by interpolating the exemplar textures. With the exception of an initial tuning of feature point positions and assignment of texture attribute values, our method is fully automated. In the resulting system, users are assisted in automatically generating or editing a face model by controlling the high-level parameters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 341,358, 2007 [source]


Growth and Bone Mineral Accretion During Puberty in Chinese Girls: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008
Kun Zhu
Abstract There are few longitudinal data on bone development during puberty in children with low calcium intake. This 5-yr longitudinal study showed that, in Chinese girls, the mean apparent calcium retention efficiency during puberty was 40.9%, PHV occurred at 3,0 yr before menarche, and peak bone mineral accretion occurred 1 yr later than PHV. Chinese girls have high calcium retention efficiency during puberty. Introduction: There are few longitudinal data on bone development during puberty in children with low dietary calcium intake. The aim of this study was to examine the rate of growth and bone mineral accretion and study the predictors of total body BMC during puberty in a 5-yr longitudinal study with Chinese girls. Materials and Methods: Ninety-two girls, 9.5,10.5 yr of age at baseline, from the unsupplemented control group of a school milk intervention trial were included in this analysis. Data on anthropometric measurements, total body BMC as assessed by DXA, and calcium intake as assessed by a 3-day food record were obtained at baseline and 1, 2, 4, and 5 yr. Results: The mean age of menarche was 12.1 ± 1.0 yr. The mean annual rate of bone mineral accretion was 197.4 g/yr during the follow-up period, representing a calcium accretion rate of 162.3 mg/d. This calcium retention rate and the average dietary calcium intake of 444.1 mg/d gave an apparent calcium retention efficiency of 40.9%. Peak height velocity (PHV) occurred at 3,0 yr before menarche. Peak bone mineral accretion occurred 1 yr later than PHV. There was a decrease in size-corrected BMD in the year before menarche. In the linear mixed-effects model analysis containing body size and lifestyle factors, we found that height, body weight, and calcium intake were significant independent predictors of total body BMC. Conclusions: Chinese girls with low habitual dietary calcium intake have high calcium retention efficiency during puberty. Because calcium intake is a significant predictor of total body BMC, increasing dietary calcium intake may have beneficial effects on bone mineral accretion in these girls. [source]


Generalized Low Areal and Volumetric Bone Mineral Density in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 8 2000
J. C. Y. Cheng
Abstract Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) may be associated with generalized low bone mineral status. The bone mineral density (BMD) of 75 girls of 12,14 years of age and diagnosed as having AIS were compared with 94 age-matched female control subjects. Areal BMD (aBMD) of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and the bilateral proximal femur were measured using -energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and volumetric BMD (vBMD) of the nondominant distal radius and bilateral distal tibias was measured with peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT). Relevant anthropometric parameters and the severity of the spinal deformity (Cobb's angle) also were evaluated and correlated with the BMD measurements. Results revealed the presence of a generalized lower bone mineral status in AIS patients. Detailed analysis showed that the aBMD and vBMD measured at the bilateral lower extremities were significantly lower in AIS patients when compared with the same in the normal controls. The most significant effect was seen in the trabecular BMD (tBMD) of the distal tibias. Of all the AIS girls, 38% of the aBMD and 36% of the vBMD were below ,1 SD of the normal. BMD was found to correlate better with "years since menarche" (YSM) than with chronological age. When the BMD was evaluated for the 3 YSM groups, aBMD of the proximal femur and tBMD of distal tibias were found to be significantly lower in the AIS patients. Neither the aBMD nor the vBMD of AIS patients was found to be associated with the severity of spinal deformity. In addition, anthropometric measurements showed significantly longer arm span and lower extremities in the AIS girls. We concluded that the AIS girls had generalized lower aBMDs and vBMDs. [source]


A modified Mini Nutritional Assessment without BMI can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 13 2009
Alan C Tsai
Aim and objectives., To determine whether a modified version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) without body mass index (BMI) can effectively identify individuals at risk of malnutrition among patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Background., Neuropsychiatric patients have an additional risk of nutritional disorder due to functional impairments and drug effects. However, their nutritional status is generally neglected. It is important to find a tool that is simple, easy to use and non-invasive. Design., The study involved 105 patients in the acute phase of confirmed neuropsychiatric disorders in an area hospital. All subjects were cognitively able to have effective verbal communication. Method., The study included serum biochemical and anthropometric measurements and an on-site, in-person interview using a structured questionnaire to elicit personal data, health condition and answers to questions in the MNA. Subjects' nutritional statuses were graded with a MNA that adopted population-specific anthropometric cut-off points or one further with the BMI question removed and its assigned score redistributed to other anthropometric questions. Results., Both versions of the modified MNA effectively graded the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and showed good correlations with the major nutritional indicators such as BMI, calf circumference and the length of hospital stay. Conclusions., The MNA can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and enhance timely detection and intervention of their nutritional disorders. A modified MNA without the BMI question can maintain the full functionality of the tool. The version does not require weight and height measurements and thus will enhance the usefulness of the instrument. Relevance to clinical practice., Neuropsychiatric patients are a high-risk group of nutritional disorders. The MNA, especially the one without BMI, has the potential to improve professional efficiency of the primary care workers. [source]


Malnutrition and hypermetabolism are not risk factors for the presence of hepatic encephalopathy: A cross-sectional study

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Peter Sörös
Abstract Background and Aim:, Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent complication of cirrhosis. The present retrospective investigation was conducted to characterize metabolic alterations in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy. We tested the hypothesis that reduced nutritional status or the degree of tissue catabolism are associated with the presence of hepatic encephalopathy. Methods:, We investigated 223 patients with histologically confirmed nonalcoholic cirrhosis without hepatic encephalopathy and with hepatic encephalopathy (grades 1,3). To assess liver function, nutritional status, and energy metabolism, a variety of biochemical and clinical tests were performed including anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and indirect calorimetry. Results:, Nutritional status and tissue catabolism were not significantly different between patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusions:, Our data do not support the hypothesis that malnutrition or tissue catabolism are independent risk factors for the presence of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis. [source]


The efficacy of dietetic intervention in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2008
L. Bottle
Background:, Clinical trials have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation can improve the functional status and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (Lacasse, 2006) but there is no research examining the efficacy of group dietetic intervention during standard 8 week rehabilitation courses. Current input is usually limited to a 1 h nutrition education session. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether patients receiving additional dietetic intervention during pulmonary rehabilitation significantly increased their general nutritional knowledge, thereby facilitating improvements in dietary intake and nutritional status. Methods:, Patients were recruited from two courses of pulmonary rehabilitation and randomly allocated to a control group or an intervention group. Anthropometry (height, weight, body mass index, mid arm circumference and triceps skinfold), 3 day food diaries and nutritional knowledge questionnaires covered guidelines, food groups, choosing healthy options and diet and COPD were completed at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks. In week 2 both groups received the same nutrition education session which covered healthy eating during periods of stability as well as advice on coping with loss of appetite and reduced intake during illness and exacerbations. The intervention group was followed up during weeks 4, 6 and 7 when further anthropometric measurements were taken and additional dietary advice was provided, which addressed issues raised by individual patients. Information from food diaries was converted to nutrients using Windiets dietary analysis software. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS (v14) and included Mann,Whitney U non parametric tests, paired t -tests and Spearman correlations used for comparisons over time and between groups. For analysis purposes patients were classified as normal weight (NW) and overweight (OW). Approval was obtained from the appropriate Ethics Committee. Results:, Changes reported were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Complete data sets were obtained for six control (NW = 2, OW = 4) and five intervention (NW = 1, OW = 4) patients. Nutritional knowledge increased in the control group by 5% compared to 3% in the intervention group. Control NW patients increased their energy intake resulting in a mean weight gain of 0.5 kg (SD 3.3). OW control group patients increased their energy intake by 12.4% (16.9) with a mean weight gain of 0.2 kg (2.5). All control patients increased their intake of in total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), sugars and sodium. Conversely there was a decrease in energy intake in the intervention group of 14.4% (17.8) and a mean weight loss of 1.5 kg (1.2) (three out of four overweight patients lost weight). Improvements in diet were shown with reduced intakes of total fat, SFA, sugars and sodium. The NW patient in the intervention group regained weight that had previously been lost. These changes did not correlate with changes in nutritional knowledge. Discussion:, An increase in nutritional knowledge was expected to facilitate appropriate changes in dietary intake and nutritional status. Despite the lack of correlation between dietary knowledge and intake, beneficial outcomes were none-the-less observed in the intervention group. The trend for weight gain in OW control group patients, and weight loss in OW intervention group patients contrasted with results seen by Slinde et al. (2002) where the control OW patients lost weight, and OW intervention patients gained weight. It is possible that in the current study, patients in the intervention group were motivated to lose weight with repeated exposure to the dietitian, rather than an increase in nutritional knowledge. Significant anthropometrical changes were unlikely to be observed in 8 weeks, and further follow up may be necessary to establish sufficient evidence for the most efficacious level of dietetic intervention. The small sample sizes, especially with regard to weight sub groups, limits the conclusions which can be drawn. Further research is recommended, using a larger sample size, in order to make recommendations for dietetic best practice. Conclusion:, The results of this study did not show statistical significance and the association between nutritional knowledge and improved nutritional outcomes remains unclear. However, the findings may have clinical significance since they appear to show that additional dietetic intervention may benefit the nutritional status of patients with COPD attending pulmonary rehabilitation. References, Lacasse, Y., Goldstein, R., et al. (2006) Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 4, CD003793. Slinde, F., Gronberg, A.M., et al. (2002) Individual dietary intervention in patients with COPD during multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Respir. Med. 96, 330,336. [source]


Current practice in the management of children with cerebral palsy: a national survey of paediatric dietitians

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2003
Hilary Hartley
Abstract Background Dietitians play a key role in the clinical management of children with cerebral palsy. This survey was conducted with the aim of establishing an overview of current dietetic practice in the management of these children. Method A questionnaire which asked for information on aspects of dietetic practice relating to children with cerebral palsy was circulated to members of the British Dietetic Association during May to October 2000. Results Many respondents had a small caseload size. However, a larger caseload was linked to membership of a multi-disciplinary team, a greater proportion of severely disabled children and use of a wider range of anthropometric measurements. Dietitians who were members of a multi-disciplinary team were more likely to visit children at home. Conclusions This survey provides an overview of current dietetic practice in the UK regarding the management of children with cerebral palsy. There is a potential shortfall in specialist dietitians and this survey highlights some of the gaps in service provision. Children with cerebral palsy benefit from dietetic input and there is an increasing need for specialist dietitians to be involved in their management. It will be necessary to continue to identify any gaps and find ways to overcome them. [source]


Changing from a mixed to self-selected vegetarian diet , influence on blood lipids

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2002
F. Robinson
Abstract Objective To observe any changes in serum concentrations of lipids, when UK meat-eaters switch to a self selected vegetarian diet for 6 months. Design Observational study using capillary blood samples and 3-day estimated dietary diary. Setting Free-living subjects in the North-West of England. Subjects Twelve male and 31 female adult volunteers aged between 18 and 42 years. Outcome measures Serum lipids; nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements at baseline and 6 months after switching to a self-selected vegetarian diet. Results Total energy intake and amount of energy derived from saturated fatty acids decreased significantly after changing to a vegetarian diet (P < 0.05) whereas energy derived from carbohydrate, and intakes of nonstarch polysaccharide intake increased. On switching to a vegetarian diet, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were not significantly changed, but HDL-C was 21% higher than at baseline (1.21 mmol L,1 vs. 1.47 mmol L,1; P = 0.001). Conclusions These results suggest that beneficial changes to diet occurred on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet. Changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet appears to be one way of achieving a better blood lipid profile. [source]