Meeting Report: Growth and Social Environment. Proceedings of the 25th Aschauer Soiree, held at Krobielowice, Poland, November 18th 2017.

Twenty-two scientists met at Krobielowice, Poland, to discuss the impact of the social environment, spatial proximity, migration, poverty, but also psychological factors such as body perception and satisfaction, and social stressors such as elite sports, and teenage pregnancies, on child and adolescent growth. The data analysis included linear mixed effects models with different random effects, Monte Carlo analyses, and network simulations. The work stressed the importance of the peer group, but also included historic material, some considerations about body proportions, and growth in chronic liver, and congenital heart disease.

Stunted Growth. Proceedings of the 23rd Aschauer Soiree, Held at Aschauhof, Germany, November 7th 2015.

Twenty-four scientists met at Aschauhof, Altenhof, Germany, to discuss the associations between child growth and development, and nutrition, health, environment and psychology. Meta-analyses of body height, height variability and household inequality, in historic and modern growth studies published since 1794, highlighting the enormously flexible patterns of child and adolescent height and weight increments throughout history which do not only depend on genetics, prenatal development, nutrition, health, and economic circumstances, but reflect social interactions. A Quality of Life in Short Stature Youth Questionnaire was presented to cross-culturally assess health-related quality of life in children. Changes of child body proportions in recent history, the relation between height and longevity in historic Dutch samples and also measures of body height in skeletal remains belonged to the topics of this meeting. Bayesian approaches and Monte Carlo simulations offer new statistical tools for the study of human growth.

"Proceedings of the 22nd Aschauer Soiree on Growth and Health Screening", held at Altenhof, Germany, November 15th, 2014.

Twenty-five scientists met at Aschauhof, Altenhof, Germany, to discuss various aspects of the complex network of modern health screening, focusing on current scientific topics including medical sciences, human biology, and mathematics; on problems in implementing these results at the practical level of physicians, nurses, technicians, and engineers; and the level of administrative and political decisions. Whereas major scientific advancements have been published in the understanding and the bio-statistical evaluation of anthropometric screening parameters such as serial measurements of height and weight for preventive medical check-ups, BMI screening and surveillance in schools, etc., the implementation of these advancements into current health screening concepts, strategies and decision-making is poor. Fear of discrimination, misperception of body image, behavioural responses and political concerns, meanwhile dominate and negatively interfere with the implementation of recent scientific results into public health screening concepts and practices.

Fluctuating asymmetry of the permanent mandibular molars in a Japanese population.

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the pattern of fluctuating odontometric asymmetry of permanent mandibular first and second molars in a Japanese population. Dental plaster casts of 112 (57 males and 55 females) Japanese undergraduate dental students were used. The mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of the whole crown and trigonid and talonid crown components were taken on the left and right sides of the mandibular permanent first and second molars. Crown areas were also calculated. The fluctuating asymmetry (FA) value was obtained by dividing the absolute side difference by the absolute mean size of the left and right teeth: FA = abs (R-L)/((R + L)/2). Fluctuating asymmetry between mandibular first and second molars was significantly different with the mandibular second molar showing higher asymmetry in both males and females. Meanwhile, fluctuating asymmetry between males and females in the first and second molars was not significantly different in all measured dimensions. With regard to trigonid and talonid components, fluctuating asymmetry of the distal talonid area was significantly larger than the mesial trigonid area in the mandibular permanent first molar of males (P < 0.01), and asymmetry of buccolingual diameter of the talonid was also larger than that of the trigonid in the mandibular permanent second molar of males (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest that the crown dimensions of later developing teeth in the mandibular molar tooth class and crown component in the same molar tooth show more asymmetry and, therefore, are more affected by external factors.

Incidence and characteristics of carpal fractures occurring concurrently with distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and characteristics of carpal fractures occurring concurrently with distal radius fractures and to determine the risk factors for this combination. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 161 consecutive patients with 170 distal radius fractures who were treated between 2007 and 2011. Posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs of the wrist were examined, as were computed tomography scans when available. We evaluated the incidence and characteristics of carpal fractures occurring concurrently with distal radius fractures and the patient factors of gender, age, AO/ASIF classification, and energy of the injury. RESULTS: Of the 170 distal radius fractures, 11 (7%) also had 1 or 2 carpal fractures. Of the 15 carpal fractures, 8 were scaphoid, 2 triquetrum, 2 pisiform, 1 capitate, 1 trapezium, and 1 hamate. Eleven of the 15 carpal fractures were diagnosed by computed tomography alone. Male gender, patients of lower mean age, AO/ASIF type B, and high-energy trauma significantly raised the risk of simultaneous fractures of the distal radius and carpals. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of carpal fractures occurring concurrently with distal radius fractures was not negligible, and almost all carpal fractures had no or minimal displacement. Suspicion of carpal fractures occurring concurrently with distal radius fracture should be high, and computed tomography should be considered, in males, young patients, and those with AO/ASIF type B fractures and high energy trauma.

Induction of iPSC-derived Prg4-positive cells with characteristics of superficial zone chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synovial cells.

BACKGROUND: Lubricin, a proteoglycan encoded by the PRG4 gene, is synthesised by superficial zone (SFZ) chondrocytes and synovial cells. It reduces friction between joints and allows smooth sliding of tendons. Although lubricin has been shown to be effective against osteoarthritis and synovitis in animals, its clinical application remains untested. In this study, we aimed to induce lubricin-expressing cells from pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and applied them locally via cell transplantation. METHODS: To generate iPSCs, OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and L-MYC were transduced into fibroblasts derived from Prg4-mRFP1 transgenic mice. We established a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells and characterised their mRNA expression profile. Finally, we injected Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells into the paratenon, surrounding the Achilles tendons and knee joints of severe combined immunodeficient mice and assessed lubricin expression. RESULT: Wnt3a, activin A, TGF-ß1, and bFGF were applied to induce the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells. Markers related to SFZ chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) were expressed during differentiation. RNA-sequencing indicated that iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells manifested expression profiles typical of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplanted iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells survived around the Achilles tendons and in knee joints. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-positive cells with characteristics of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplantation of lubricin-expressing cells offers promise as a therapy against arthritis and synovitis.

Body proportion chart for evaluating changes in stature, sitting height and leg length in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Studies by longitudinal sample to evaluate trends in stature, sitting height, leg length and body proportions together in Japanese children are scarce. AIM: Trends in stature, sitting height, leg length and LUR (lower segment and upper segment ratio) were evaluated with a graphical method (Body Proportion Chart). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Longitudinal data for 520 boys and 306 girls who had 12 consecutive yearly measurements from 6.5-17.5 years of age were used. RESULTS: Estimated growth rates of leg length were greater than those of sitting height in pre-adolescence in both sexes. Leg length was slightly longer in girls than in boys for a short period early in adolescence, but sitting height in girls exceeded that in boys for a longer period. LUR attained peak values between 12.5-13.5 years in girls (LUR = 85.7) and between 13.5-14.5 years in boys (LUR = 89.2). After attaining maximum LUR, leg length was stable, although sitting height continued to increase slightly in both sexes. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the usefulness of the Body Proportion Chart method for identifying changes in body proportions during adolescence.

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived tenocyte-like cells promote the regeneration of injured tendons in mice.

Tendons are dense fibrous structures that attach muscles to bones. Healing of tendon injuries is a clinical challenge owing to poor regenerative potential and scarring. Here, we created reporter mice that express EGFP, driven by the promoter of the tendon-specific Scleraxis (Scx) transcription-factor gene; we then generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from these mice. Utilising these fluorescently labelled iPSCs, we developed a tenogenic differentiation protocol. The iPSC-derived EGFP-positive cells exhibited elevated expression of tendon-specific genes, including Scx, Mohawk, Tenomodulin, and Fibromodulin, indicating that they have tenocyte-like properties. Finally, we demonstrated that these cells promoted tendon regeneration in mice after transplantation into injured tendons reducing scar formation via paracrine effect. Our data demonstrate that the tenogenic differentiation protocol successfully provided functional cells from iPSCs. We propose that pluripotent stem cell-based therapy using this protocol will provide an effective therapeutic approach for tendon injuries.

The secular trend and network effects on height of male Japanese students from 1955 to 2015.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Body height is influenced by biological factors such as genetics, nutrition and health, but also by the social network, and environmental and economical factors. During centuries, the Japanese society has developed on islands. This setting provides ideal natural conditions for studying the influence of social networks on human height. Material and methods: We investigated body height of male Japanese students aged 17.5 years obtained in 47 prefectures, from the Japanese school health survey of the years 1955, 1975, 1995, and 2015. Results: Japanese students increased in height from 163.23 cm in 1955 to 170.84 cm in 1995, with no further increase thereafter (170.63 cm in 2015). Students living in neighboring prefectures were similar in height. The correlation of height between neighboring prefectures ranged between r = 0.79 and r = 0.49 among first degree neighbors, between r = 0.49 and r = 0.21 among second degree neighbors and dropped to insignificance among third degree neighbors indicating psychosocial effects of the community on body height. Tall stature and short stature prefectures did not remain tall or short throughout history. Autocorrelations of height within the same prefectures decreased from the 20 years periods of 1955-1975, 1975-1995 and 1995-2015 (r = 0.52, r = 0.61, r = 0.63, respectively) to the 40 years periods of 1955-1995 and 1975-2015 (r = 0.49, r = 0.52), down to the 60 years period of 1955-2015 (r = 0.27), indicating significant volatility of height. Conclusion: Body height of 17.5 years old Japanese students increased since 1955. Body height depended on height of the neighboring prefecture, but was volatile with decreasing autocorrelation during a period of 60 years.

Sexual dimorphism in the relationship between number of emerged permanent teeth and percentage of adult stature.

The relationship between the number of emerged teeth and statural growth was investigated in a sample of 31 boys and 42 girls followed longitudinally from 6-12 years of age. The number of emerged permanent teeth was counted on the total number of plaster dental casts. Percentage of adult stature attained at a given age was calculated on the basis of predicted adult stature at 25 years of age using the BTT model. Percentage of permanent teeth emerged was based upon 28 teeth, the number of all permanent teeth except for the third molars. Girls attained a greater percentage of adult stature at each age, but there was no clear sex difference in the percentage of emerged teeth. However, when expressed on the basis of %adult stature, there was clear sex difference in %emerged teeth. The results suggest a sex difference in %emerged teeth that is specific to the %adult stature that has been attained. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 11:619-626, 1999. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue weights in older Japanese determined by cadaver dissection.

Forty-six embalmed cadavers of elderly Japanese 48 to 95 years of age, 35 males and 10 females, were completely dissected, and the weights of skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue were determined. Absolute and relative skin weight in males (2.68 kg, 5.7%) were similar to those in females (2.73 kg, 6.1%). However, females had more dissectible subcutaneous adipose tissue (5.82 kg, 12.3%) than males (3.18 kg, 6.3%). These figures are comparable to dissection data obtained from embalmed cadavers in Belgium which covered a similar age range. There were statistically significant differences between Japanese and Belgians for body weight and skin weight. However, there was no difference in relative skin weight. Similar sex differences were apparent in the Japanese and Belgians. Skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue weights were significantly correlated with body weight in both sexes. Prediction equations for skin weight (SW) and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight (SATW) from body weight in Japanese are SW (g) = 0.04357 Body weight + 638.3 (r = 0.70; SEE = 386.7 g) (for males and females); SATW (g) = 0.18902 Body weight - 5837.4 (r = 0.78; SEE = 1,328.3 g) (for males); and SATW (g) = 0.36497 Body weight - 10581.5 (r = 0.79; SEE = 2,560.1 g) (for females).

Plotting somatotypes using SAS/GRAPH.

Plotting somatotypes is a convenient method for displaying variation in somatotype distributions. A program for drawing the somatochart and plotting somatotype data using SAS/GRAPH on the IBM mainframe is described. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Individual variation in the sequence of ages at peak velocity in seven body dimensions.

Seven body dimensions of 35 Japanese children, 15 boys and 20 girls, were measured longitudinally at six-monthly intervals from 9 through 15 years of age. Spline curves were fitted to each dimension to obtain age at peak velocity and magnitude of peak velocity for each child. Ages at peak velocity for the seven dimensions were chronologically arranged within each individual, and the arrangement was labeled "sequence." Kendall's rank order correlation coefficients among average and individual sequences were calculated to determine whether there was a regular order among individuals in ages at peak velocity of the seven dimensions. There were no sex differences in average sequences, but there was considerable variation among individual sequences. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Adolescent spurts in body dimensions: Average and modal sequences.

The sequence of growth spurts in 11 body dimensions was examined in 101 Polish adolescents, 52 males and 49 females, followed longitudinally from 11-18 years. The dimensions included weight; stature; symphyseal height; biacromial and bicristal breadths; and arm, forearm, chest, thigh and calf circumferences. Upper segment length was estimated as stature minus symphyseal height. Measurements were taken quarterly from 11-14 years, and annually or less frequently thereafter. Growth curves were fitted to individual longitudinal observations using kernel regression to derive estimates of ages at peak velocity (PV) and peak velocities. Within each sex, mean ages at PV were used to define the average sequence, while the most frequently observed sequence of PVs in individuals was used to define the modal sequence. Average and modal sequences differed, the latter probably reflecting individual variability in timing. The spurt in the estimate of leg length (symphyseal height) occurred prior to that for stature in males (first in the sequence) and was nearly coincident with that for stature in females (second in the sequence by 0.01 years). The timing of spurts in other dimensions within each sex was more variable in both average and modal sequences. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 11:287-295, 1999. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Bilateral Galeazzi fracture-dislocations: a case report of early rehabilitation.

A 24-year-old man had bilateral Galeazzi fracture-dislocations due to a motorcycle accident. The right radius fracture was a simple fracture and was fixed with a limited contact dynamic compression plate. The left radius fracture was a comminuted fracture and was fixed with a long locking compression plate in the bridging plate fashion while maintaining reduction with a temporary external fixator. Postoperative computed tomography under passive rotation of both forearms showed acceptable congruency of the distal radioulnar joints, and early rehabilitation of forearm rotation was started at 2 weeks after the operation. At 13-month follow-up, bone union of both fractures was achieved, and forearm motion was almost restored to normal. Moreover, no subluxation or dislocation of either distal radioulnar joint was observed.

Mandibular permanent second molar with four roots and root canals: a case report.

Although four-rooted mandibular first molars have been observed on a few occasions in the literature, to the best of our knowledge, four-rooted second molars have not been reported. Here, we describe a mandibular second molar with four roots and canals: two mesial and two distal. Mesial roots were separated in the cervical one-third near the cervical margin, while distal roots were divided at a lower level in the middle one-third of the root. We discuss the possibility of different root and canal variations of the mandibular second molar from a developmental point of view.

BMI in Japanese children since 1948: no evidence of a major rise in the prevalence of obesity in Japan.

The dramatic world-wide trend towards increasing body weight seems to be less obvious in the Japanese population. The aim of this study is to extract potentially useful information regarding childhood and adolescence obesity in Japan from series of mean height and mean body mass index between 1948 and 2003. Mean values for height and weight of Japanese boys and girls aged 5+ to 17+ years were obtained from the "Reports on School Health Survey", Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, comprising approximately 4.5% of all children and adolescents in Japan between 1948 and 2003. The data were fitted by the Preece and Baines model (Preece & Baines 1978) in order to obtain estimates of the age of peak height velocity (APHV) and final height. Isochrones for height and BMI were calculated based upon measurements that were obtained at the same chronological ages at different historic epochs. The APHV as estimated by Preece & Baines (1978) has decreased from 14.07 to 12.03 years in Japanese boys, and from 11.80 to 9.92 years in Japanese girls, indicating that the tempo of child and adolescent maturation (maturational tempo) has accelerated. Body height increased by 10.1 cm in near adult 17+ year old Japanese males and by 5.7 cm in 17+ year old Japanese females since 1948. Due to the acceleration and the earlier attainment of adult stature, isochrones for height tend to diverge for prepubertal ages and to converge for postpubertal ages. The same is true for weight. Body weight has increased by 11.8 kg in near adult males, and by 4.4 kg in near adult females. Also BMI has increased since 1948. But in contrast to height and weight, the rise in BMI only reflects the acceleration of the maturational tempo. Tempo-conditioned isochrones for BMI are almost horizontal, and even tended to temporarily decrease during the 60ies and the 70's. The BMI of Japanese children and adolescents dramatically contrasts the recent and historic BMI changes in the Western populations. The present study provides no evidence of any major rise in the prevalence of obesity in Japan as expressed by mean BMI for age and time of birth, and suggests that Japanese children and adolescents may be more resistant against those environmental factors that have caused obesity in the affluent Western societies.