Measuring Cutaneous Lesions: Trends in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the size of a cutaneous lesion can be important for tracking its progression over time, selecting the proper treatment modality, surgical planning, determining prognosis, and accurate billing. However, providers vary in their consistency, accuracy, and methods of measuring cutaneous lesions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical practices of US dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons regarding how they determine the size of cutaneous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was electronically distributed to members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-six dermatologists completed the online survey. When a lesion is suspected to be malignant, 85% of respondents obtained exact measurements most, if not all, of the time; however, only 8% did for benign lesions. Most providers determined lesion sizes themselves rather than delegating to staff. When performing visual estimation, approximately three-quarters believed that they were accurate to within 1 to 2 mm. The top reasons for obtaining exact measurements were for tracking atypical pigmented lesions, determining treatment pathways, and accurate billing. CONCLUSION: The majority of respondents believed that lesion size affected management decisions; however, the need for exact measurement remains controversial, particularly for benign lesions. Future studies may investigate whether taking exact versus estimated measurements has an effect on outcomes.

Growth and nutritional status of Portuguese children from Lisbon, and their parents. Notes on time trends between 1971 and 2001.

AIM: To document time trends in growth and nutritional status among Portuguese children from Lisbon, and their parents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two growth surveys were carried out in Lisbon, Portugal in 1991 and in 2001 at the request of the Municipality of Lisbon. The 1991 sample was composed of 2018 children (992 boys and 1026 girls) and the 2001 sample was composed of 3591 children (1787 boys and 1804 girls). The ages range from 4 to 11 years. The data from these surveys is compared with published data from 1971. Data on growth and nutritional status of the children and their parents were analysed. Nutritional status of the family clusters is also documented. RESULTS: There was an increase in the average height of the children between 1971 and 2001, but a more severe increase in overweight and obesity. Stunting in height was virtually non-existent among the children, but leg stunting (leg length relative to height) was high. The main changes between 1991 and 2001 are towards a greater prevalence of overweight/obese family clusters and dual-burden family clusters (at least one underweight member and one overweight/obese member). CONCLUSIONS: In this biological survey article we present two growth databases that may be used in future studies. There is an urgent need to conduct a national growth survey in Portugal, including all age groups, with stratified samples by district and ethnic diversity.

[Comparison of the physical development of 17-18-years old girls in 1996 and 2007].

The screening studies conducted in 2007 indicated that there was a reduction in the physical development of 17-18-year-old girls (n = 530) in the Kirov Region in the past decade (1996-2007). With their higher height, the 2007 girls showed decreases in body weight, chest circumference, vital capacity, diastolic blood pressure, but higher heart rate, as compared with the 1996 population. There were also reductions in weight-to-height ratio, Quetelet index, Rohrer index, and vital index and increases in the Pignet index, effective circulation index, and Quass endurance factor. The use of centile tables showed that 30 and 11% in the 2007 population had disharmonious and very disharmonious development, respectively; and microsomatic body build was seen in 81%. Therefore, the asthenization or deceleration of physical development in 17-18-year-old girls, which was ascertained in the late 20th century, also continues in the early 21st century.

Digit ratio (2D:4D) in Lithuania once and now: testing for sex differences, relations with eye and hair color, and a possible secular change.

The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic somatic trait and has been proposed as a biomarker for the organizational, i.e., permanent, effects of prenatal testosterone on the human brain. Accordingly, recent research has related 2D:4D to a variety of sex-dependent, hormonally influenced traits and phenotypes. The geographical variation in typical 2D:4D is marked and presently poorly understood. This study presents the first investigation into the 2D:4D ratio in a Baltic country. A contemporary sample of 109 Lithuanian men and women was compared with data from a historical sample of 100 Lithuanian men and women, collected and published in the 1880s and rediscovered only now. The findings included the following lines of evidence: (i) seen in an international perspective, the average 2D:4D in Lithuania is low; (ii) there was a sex difference in 2D:4D in the expected direction in both samples; (iii) a previously adduced hypothesis of an association of lighter eye and hair color with higher, i.e., more feminized, 2D:4D received no support in both samples; and (iv) the average 2D:4D in the contemporary sample was higher than in the historical sample. In view of a hypothesized increase in 2D:4D in modern populations, owing to increased environmental levels of endocrine disruptors such as xenoestrogens, this latter finding appears to be of particular notice. However, because finger-length measurement methods differed across the samples, it cannot be safely ruled out that the apparent time trend in Lithuanian 2D:4D in truth is an artifact. The puzzling geographical pattern seen in the 2D:4D ratio and the question of possible time trends therein deserve further investigations.

Time changes in the body dimensions of male Australian Army personnel between 1977 and 2012.

The aim of this study was to quantify time changes in the body dimensions of male Australian Army personnel. Following a systematic review, two studies were identified and matched for occupation and age (n = 669) with time changes in 12 absolute and 11 proportional body dimensions assessed between 1977 and 2010-12. Changes in means were expressed as absolute, percent and standardised changes, with changes in variability assessed visually and as the ratio of coefficients of variation (CVs). Time changes in absolute dimensions were typically positive (increases) and moderate in magnitude (median standardised change ± 95%CI: 0.53 ± 0.23), and while changes in proportional dimensions were typically negligible (median standardised change ± 95%CI: 0.16 ± 0.33), substantial changes (standardised changes ≥0.2 or ≤-0.2) were observed in several dimensions. Variability in body dimensions has also typically increased (median ratio of CVs ± 95%CI: 1.10 ± 0.07) and become more right-skewed. These findings have important implications for the design and acquisition of new military vehicles, body equipment and clothing.

Secular Trends in Anthropometrics and Physical Fitness of Young Portuguese School-Aged Children.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze secular trends in anthropometrics and physical fitness of Portuguese children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 1819 students (881 boys and 938 girls) between 10 and 11 years old was assessed in their 5th and 6th scholar grade throughout a 20 years' time-frame. ANCOVA models were used to analyze variations in anthropometrics (height, weight and body mass index) and physical fitness (sit and reach, curl-up, horizontal jump and sprint time) across four quinquennials (1993 - 1998; 1998 - 2003; 2003 - 2008; 2008 - 2013). RESULTS: Secular trends showed the presence of heavier boys and girls with higher body mass index in the 5th and 6th grade throughout the last 20 years. There was also a presence of taller girls but just until the 3rd quinquennial. Both boys and girls were able to perform better on the core strength test and sprint time but become less flexible over the years. Mean jumping performance remained unchanged for both genders. DISCUSSION: The present study provides novel data on anthropometrics and physical fitness trends over the last two decades in young Portuguese children, consistent with the results reported in other developed countries. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the start of a positive secular trend in body mass index and in some physical fitness components over the last two decades among the Portuguese youth.

Introdução: Analisar as tendências seculares ao nível da antropometria e aptidão física das crianças portuguesas. Material e Métodos: Um grupo de 1819 crianças (881 rapazes e 938 raparigas) entre os 10 e os 11 anos de idade, foi avaliado no 5º e 6º ano de escolaridade durante 20 anos. A ANCOVA foi usada para analisar as variações de antropometria (índice de massa corporal, peso e altura) e aptidão física (sentar e alcançar, força abdominal, salto horizontal e corrida de velocidade) durante quatro quinquénios (1993 - 1998; 1998 - 2003; 2003 - 2008 e 2008 - 2013). Resultados: As tendências seculares mostraram a presença de crianças mais pesadas e com um índice de massa corporal mais elevado ao longo dos últimos 20 anos. Verificou-se também a presença de raparigas mais altas, mas só até ao terceiro quinquénio. Ambos os géneros melhoraram o desempenho nos testes de força abdominal e corrida de velocidade mas pioram a sua capacidade de flexibilidade ao longo dos anos. O desempenho no salto horizontal permaneceu inalterado em ambos os géneros. Discussão: Este estudo fornece novos dados sobre a tendência dos registos antropométricos e de aptidão física nos últimos 20 anos em crianças Portuguesas, sendo consistente com as tendências reportadas sobre outros países desenvolvidos. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem uma tendência positiva nos últimos 20 anos no índice de massa corporal e em alguns componentes da aptidão física em crianças Portuguesas.

Secular trend of anthropometric parameters of newborns in municipalities of Tuzla Canton (1976 - 2007).

Aim To determine the acceleration of birth weight and birth length of newborns in the municipalities of Tuzla Canton in the last four decades. Tuzla Canton (TC) as an administrative territorial unit of the FBiH includes 13 municipalities. Methods In this retrospective study data from the Protocol Book of Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, University Clinical Center, from 1976 to 2007 were used. The sample of live-born infants by municipalities was divided into four sub-samples: a subsample of infants born in 1976, 1987, 1997 and 2007. During the monitored years there were 19,312 live births in Tuzla Canton (TC), but the study included 17,907 newborns of both sexes. Statistical data processing was performed using standard methods, descriptive and inference statistics. Results Ascertained results of the secular trend for birth weight showed that this parameter had positive values in seven municipalities, but in six municipalities it was negative. The highest values of increasing birth length of newborns, which were statistically significant, were found in the municipalities of Srebrenik and this increase was 0.06 cm per year. Conclusion Different values of the secular trend in the monitored TC are result of different socio-economic and ecological conditions in these municipalities, as well as of violent mass population migration that occurred as a result of the war in BiH in the period from 1992 to 1995.

Body composition measurements: from the past to the future.

UNLABELLED: During growth, the human body increases in size and changes its proportions of various components due to hormone mediators. Growth is a complex, biological process regulated by multiple factors. These factors include genetics, nutritional intake, physical activity, age, gender and endocrine balance, all of which influence a child's body composition during the growth years. Quantifying the main components is integral to the study of growth, as the assessment of human physical characteristics is important both in the anthropological and medical fields. It is important to have the possibility to control the growth process and to predict adult status in order to reduce the risk factors of various diseases. CONCLUSION: This paper examines issues in the measurements of paediatric body composition, describing traditional and new tools in this field.

A cross-sectional study of newborns over a 20-year period in Szeged, Hungary.

OBJECTIVE: Records of metric data of birth, serve not only the medical needs of the newborn baby, but are also indicators to assess the status of public health. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 4946 newborns (singleton: 2508 boys and 2365 girls) born in 1989 and in 2009 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Szeged. We aimed as to compare and map the metrical changes over 20 years, and to describe the averages of four body parameters of the normal birth weight (2500-4000 g) subgroup (3993 singleton babies) in both years. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: In 1989, the mean birth weight was 3223.770 ± 559.595 g, birth length 49.551 ± 2.729 cm, chest circumference 32.181 ± 2.231 cm, and head circumference 34.122 ± 1.688 cm. In 2009, the birth weight was 3309.673 ± 582.630 g, birth length 49.515 ± 2.658 cm, chest circumference 32.736 ± 2.392 cm and head circumference 33.854 ± 1.768 cm. The mean birth weight, chest circumference and the maximum value of birth weight have thus increased. The mean maternal age shifted to 30.21 ± 4.863 years, which is an increase of 3.57 years in 20 years. CONCLUSION: The body parameters of newborns changed significantly between 1989 and 2009. As underlying causes changes in eating habits and lifestyle of the mother are to be mentioned.

The 6th nationwide anthropological survey of children and adolescents in the Czech Republic in 2001.

The 6th nationwide anthropological survey (NAS) of children and adolescents was carried out in the Czech Republic in 2001 to continue the series of surveys repeated at 10-year intervals since 1951 (with the participation of the Slovak Republic up to 1991). The major objective was to find out the following body measurements of children and adolescents: body height and weight, and head, arm, waist and hip circumferences. Questionnaires were used to find out the body measurements of parents (body height and weight) and some socio-economic characteristics of the child's family (number of siblings, education of parents, breast feeding duration, birth weight and length, child's physical activities, TV watching time, computer gaming time, etc.). A school children questionnaire focused on eating habits was also part of the survey in 2001. A total of 59,000 children aged 0.00 to 18.99 years, i.e. about 3% of the population of the same age range, were enrolled in the survey in 2001. The results obtained presented in diagrammatic and tabular forms are reference standards for monitoring growth of the Czech children and adolescents from birth to the age of 19 years. The survey revealed a substantial slowdown in the long-term trend in body height increase for both boys and girls. The most marked increase in the mean body height is currently recorded in boys at the prepubescent age while the pubescent girls show a practically zero increase for this parameter. A more marked increase in body height at the adult age is not expected any more, but the increase in body height and weight at the prepubescent age is likely to continue for some time. The 6th NAS showed a marked slow down to a stop in the trend in the mean body weight increase. No increase in the mean body weight has been recorded in pubescent girls since the 1970's and in pubescent and postpubescent boys since 1991. Nevertheless, the younger age groups, namely those of preschool and primary school children, continue to show increase in the mean body weight. The secular trend in body weight has been less pronounced compared to that in body height. The rates of overweight and obese children (as assessed by body mass index, BMI) have risen in most age groups of school children compared to those reported in 1991. In contrast, a slight decrease in the rate of overweight children can be seen in boys starting from the age of 16 years and in girls starting from the age of 13 years. The obesity prevalence rate is significantly higher in boys than girls. Statistical analysis confirmed a correlation between the BMI values in children and education of parents (the higher the education, the lower the rate of overweight children) and between the BMI values and the population size of the community where the child lives (the higher the population, the lower the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity). Single children suffer more frequently from overweight and obesity than those with siblings.

[Acceleration of somatic development in the surroundings of zinc plant]. / Akceleracja rozwoju somatycznego dzieci w warunkach oddzialywania huty cynku.

One of the most sensitive measures of health state depending on for example social conditions of the society and family as well as the degree of environmental pollution is somatic development of children. Changes in the somatic and descriptive values, which have been observed for the decades, are known as secular trend that is tendency for changes over centuries. One of its parts is enlargement of parameters of somatic development that is acceleration. Numerous studies on the development of children living in Silesia, the area of great economic potential, however, highly polluted, show the deterioration of developmental parameters of children in Silesia in comparison with their peers from other parts of Poland. The aim of the study is to evaluate the acceleration of somatic development of children living nearby zinc plant. Studies on the somatic development of children at the age between 7-15 years attending the same primary school were carried out in Miasteczko Slaskie at interval of 15 years (1983-1998). Miasteczko Slaskie is the town known for its zinc plant that emits the highest levels of pollution of all steelworks in Poland. This is related to metallurgy of non-ferrous metals. The results were compared with the results of body measurement of the peers from one of the schools in Tarnowskie Góry carried out in the years 1988 and 1998. It was shown that boys and girls from both communities presented lower body mass and height in all periods of study than the standards of The Institute of Mother and Child showed in 1983. No acceleration of somatic development was present among children in Tarnowskie Góry, which may be explained by deterioration of social conditions of these children. However, this acceleration is present in the population of children in Miasteczko Slaskie. This fact may be explained by significantly decreased emission of pollution by the zinc plant and intense care for children shown by the plant managers as well as the foundation for children "Miasteczko Slaskie". They improve life conditions of children in this area and health awareness of their families.

A six decades long follow-up on body size in adolescents from Zagreb, Croatia (1951-2010).

Most studies analysing the influence of socioeconomic deterioration on body size focus on the impact of food shortages and diseases on the growth in early childhood. To evaluate how socioeconomic conditions influence the growth during the adolescence, we tracked the body size of 15-19 year-olds over the last sixty years covering the socialist period (1951-1990), the war (1991-1995) and the transition to capitalistic economy. This study of Zagreb, Croatia, adolescent population provides information on the secular trend in height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) and examines their relation with Real Gross Domestic Product. From 1951 to 2010 the girls' height approximately increased by 6.2cm and weight by 6.8kg, while the boys' height increased by 12.2cm and weight by 17.3kg. Prior to 1991 mean BMI in girls was higher than in boys, but from 1991 on, the interrelation between the sexes has been opposite, possibly mirroring the cultural trends that started in mid-1970s and reflecting higher sensitivity of boys to the socioeconomic changes. In conclusion, the secular trend in body size over the investigated period reflects the positive economic trends interrupted by the war. The recent increase in BMI corresponds to the country's economic recovery and indicates the "nutrition transition".

Pediatrics: Measuring pediatric BMD-the bar raised but the glass half full.

Extensive reference data sets of pediatric bone density measurements are now available, together with equations to translate BMD into relevant Z-scores and correct for abnormal stature. So now is the right time to ask: are you thinking about bone density in children correctly?

Comparing trends in BMI and waist circumference.

The nature of excess body weight may be changing over time to one of greater central adiposity. The aim of this study is to determine whether BMI and waist circumference (WC) are increasing proportionately among population subgroups and the range of bodyweight, and to examine the public health implications of the findings. Our data are from two cross-sectional surveys (the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Studies (NHANES) in 1988-1994 (NHANES III) and 2005-2006), from which we have used samples of 15,349 and 4,176 participants aged ≥20 years. Between 1988-1994 and 2005-2006 BMI increased by an average of 1.8 kg/m² and WC by 4.7 cm (adjusted for sex, age, race-ethnicity, and education). The increase in WC was more than could be attributed simply to increases in BMI. This independent increase in WC (of on average, 0.9 cm) was consistent across the different BMI categories, sexes, education levels, and race-ethnicity groups. It occurred in younger but not older age groups. Overall in each BMI category, the prevalence of low-risk WC decreased and the prevalence of increased-risk or substantially increased-risk WC increased. These results suggest that the adverse health consequences associated with obesity may be increasingly underestimated by trends in BMI alone. Since WC is closely linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, it is important to know the prevailing trends in both of these parameters.

Is the 1975 Reference Man still a suitable reference?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: In 1975, a Reference Man for the estimation of radiation doses without adverse health effects was created. However, during the past few decades, considerable changes in body weight and body composition were observed, as a result of which, new in vivo technologies of body composition analysis are now available. Thus, the Reference Man might be outdated as adequate standard to assess medication and radiation doses. The objective of this study was to compare body composition of an adult population with 1975 Reference Man data, thereby questioning its value as a suitable reference. METHODS: Body composition was assessed in 208 healthy, Caucasian subjects (105 males, 103 females) aged 18-78 years with a body mass index range of 16.8-35.0 kg/m(2). Fat mass (FM) and muscle mass (MM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, organ masses (OMs) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: There was a considerable variance in body weight and body composition. When compared with Reference Man, great differences in body composition were found. Men and women of the study population were heavier, taller and had more FM, MM and higher masses of brain, heart and spleen. These differences did not depend on age. Relationships between body weight and body composition were investigated by general linear regression models, whereby deviations in FM, MM and heart mass disappeared, whereas differences in brain and spleen mass persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate the need of a modern Reference Man and thus a recalculation of medical radiation doses and medication.

Effects of training in physical fitness and body composition of the brazilian 5-a-side football team / Efectos del entrenamiento en la aptitud física y composición corporal de atletas de fútbol 5 de la selección brasileña

Objective. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of 16 weeks of training on the parameters of physical fitness and body composition in athletes of the Brazilian 5-a-side football team. Method. The sample consisted of six athletes - four outfield players with functional classification B1 and two goalkeepers without visual impairment -, all male, mean age of 27.33 ± 5.5 years. The athletes underwent two evaluations: before and after 16 weeks of training. We measured the levels of cardiorespiratory fitness through the 20m Shuttle Run and the anaerobic parameters through the Rast Test, while the subjects' body composition was assessed by anthropometric technique. Results. Statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) levels were found for VO2peak before (44.7 ± 4.7 ml.(Kg.min)-1) and after (50.3 ± 3.2ml.(Kg.min)-1), for anaerobic parameters of Medium Power before (442.8 ± 47W) and after (491 ± 72.9W), Low Power before (328.9 ± 26.7W) and after (405.4 ± 79.6W) and for fatigue index before (39.8 ± 10.3%) and after (29.2 ± 12.7%). Conclusion. The 16 weeks of training were enough to show significant improvements in the components of aerobic and anaerobic fitness of the Brazilian 5-a-side football team players; the same effect was not observed in the indicators of body composition(AU)

Objetivo. El presente estudio tiene por objetivo analizar el efecto de 16 semanas de entrenamiento en los parámetros de la condición física y la composición corporal en atletas del equipo de fútbol 5 de la selección brasileña. Método. La muestra estuvo formada por seis atletas, cuatro jugadores de campo con la clasificación funcional B1 y dos porteros sin discapacidad visual, con una media de edad de 27,3 ± 5,5 años. Los atletas realizaron dos evaluaciones: antes y después de 16 semanas de entrenamiento. Se midieron los niveles de la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria a través de la realización del test de Shuttle Run 20m y las variables anaeróbicas a través del Rast Test, mientras que la medición de la composición corporal de los sujetos se realizó mediante la técnica antropométrica doblemente indirecta. Resultados. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p ≤ 0,05) entre los niveles de VO2pico previos (44,7 ± 4,7ml.(kg.min)-1) y posteriores al entrenamiento (50,3 ± 3,2ml.(Kg.min) -1). Los mismos resultados fueron observados en los valores de potencia media (pre = 442,8 ± 47W, post = 491 ± 72,9W), en la potencia mínima (pre = 328,9 ± 26,7W, post = 405,4 ± 79,6W) y en el índice de fatiga (pre = 39,8 ± 10,3 %, post = 29,2 ± 12,7 %). Conclusión. Las 16 semanas de entrenamiento fueron suficientes para demostrar mejoras significativas en la condición física de los jugadores del equipo de fútbol 5 de la selección brasileña, sin embargo, no se obtuvieron los mismos efectos en los indicadores de la composición corporal(AU)

Changes of somatotype in high school students, V region, Chile: 1985-2010 / Desplazamiento del somatotipo de estudiantes de enseñanza secundaria, V región, Chile: 1985-2010

Objective: To determine the trend of high school students from Valparaíso Chile by means of an anthropometrical somatotype Material and methods: two samples of students during the years 1984-1985 (86 men and 71 women) and 2009-2010 (77 men and 86 women) between 15 and 18 years of age have been studied. Somatotype was estimated by the Heath-Carter anthropometric method. Results: significant differences were found in all the variables of the somatotype during the periods studied(p < 0.01), except for height (p = 0.176) and humeral breadth in women (p = 0.067). Important distinctions were also found in the endomorphic, mesomorphic andectomorphic components (p < 0.01). Men measurements registered remarkable differences in all the variables (p <0.01), with the exception of weight (p = 0.156), calf breadth (p = 0.906) and arm breadth in contraction (p =0.284). Measurement results of endomorphic (p<0.01),ectomorphic (p < 0.01) and mesomorfic components (p <0.05) revealed considerable differences. During the period 1984-1985, men classified as balanced mesomorph 2.7-4.8-3.1 which switched to mesomorph-endomorph 3.8-4.3-2.5 in the period 2009-2010.And the population of women in the 1984-1985 period is classified as mesomorph-endomorph 4.2-4.7-2.1 and changes to a mesomorphic-endomorph biotype 6.6-4.1-1.3 in the 2009-2010.Conclusions: the somatotype of the adolescent population, especially women in Valparaiso, Chile has changedto a predominant endomorphic biotype, and its mesomorphic component has decreased. A high relative adiposity contributes to increase the probability for these people to suffer non-transmissible chronic diseases and cardiovascular issues (AU)

Objetivo: Determinar la tendencia de una población de estudiantes de educación secundaria de Valparaíso, Chilea través del somatotipo. Material y métodos: Se han estudiado dos muestras de estudiantes durante los períodos 1984-1985 (hombres 86y mujeres 71) y 2009-2010 (hombres 77 y mujeres 86) de15 a 18 años. Se registraron los datos antropométricos para evaluar el somatotipo antropométrico de Heath Carter. Resultados: Para todas las variables del somatotipo de Heath-Carter se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los períodos estudiados (p < 0,01) excepto para talla(p = 0,176) y diámetro humeral (p = 0,067) en mujeres,para los componentes endomorfo, mesomorfo y ectomorfo también se registran diferencias significativas (p <0,01). En hombres, se registran diferencias significativas para todas las variables (p < 0,01) con excepción de peso(p = 0,156), perímetro de pierna (p=906) y perímetro de brazo en contracción (p = 0,284). También se observan diferencias significativas en los componentes endomorfo(p < 0,01), ectomorfo (p < 0,01) y mesomorfo (p < 0,05). La población de mujeres del periodo 1984-1985 se clasifica como endomorfo-mesomorfo 4,2-4,7-2,1 y cambia a un perfil endo-mesomórfico 6,6-4,1-1,3 en el 2009-2010. En los hombres en el periodo 1984-1985 se clasifica como mesomorfismo balaceado 2,7-4,8-3,1 y cambia a un endomorfo-mesomorfo 3,8-4,3-2,5 en el periodo 2009-2010. Conclusiones: El somatotipo de la población de adolescentes de Valparaíso, Chile se ha desplazado hacia un biotipo predominantemente endomorfo sobre todo en mujeres y ha disminuido su componente mesomórfico. Este perfil con una alta adiposidad relativa contribuye a aumentar las probabilidades de que esta población sufra enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y cardiovasculares (AU)

Recent trends in waist circumference and waist-height ratio among US children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal obesity may be a better predictor than overall obesity for the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Waist circumference and waist-height ratio are 2 simple, yet effective, surrogate measures of abdominal obesity. We sought to examine the recent trends in mean waist circumference and waist-height ratio and prevalence of abdominal obesity among children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years in the United States. METHODS: Representative samples of the civilian, noninstitutionalized US population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted during 4 time periods, 1988-1994 (ie, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III), 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004, were examined to estimate the mean waist circumference and waist-height ratio of boys and girls in 4 different age groups. Data from the 3 most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were combined to establish a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 category. RESULTS: Categorized by age group, the unadjusted mean waist circumference for boys increased between National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 from 50.7 cm (aged 2-5 years), 61.9 cm (aged 6-11 years), 76.8 cm (aged 12-17 years), and 81.3 cm (aged 18-19 years) to 51.9, 64.5, 79.8, and 86.6 cm, respectively. During the same time periods and within the same age groups, the unadjusted mean waist circumference for girls increased from 51.0, 61.7, 75.0, and 77.7 cm to 51.8, 64.7, 78.9, and 83.9 cm, respectively. The relative change in waist-height ratio was similar to waist circumference at each age group for both boys and girls. Using the 90th percentile values of waist circumference for gender and age, the prevalence of abdominal obesity increased by 65.4% (from 10.5% to 17.4%) and 69.4% (from 10.5% to 17.8%) for boys and girls, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mean waist circumference and waist-height ratio and the prevalence of abdominal obesity among US children and adolescents greatly increased between 1988-1994 and 1999-2004.

Secular trends in waist circumference in Spanish adolescents, 1995 to 2000-02.

Two studies, in 1995 and 2000-02, were compared to assess changes in waist circumference in adolescents. Between the two time periods, waist circumference increased significantly in males at 13 years and in females at 14 years. Significant changes in waist circumference were observed during the study period; the rates of change were 0.53 and 0.86 cm/y in boys and 0.67 and 0.87 cm/y in girls. Future morbidity in adolescents may be affected due to accumulation of excess central fat.

[Example of anthropological epidemiology--an evaluation of trend of changes in blood pressure values in children and adolescents]. / Epidemiologia antropologiczna na przykladzie oceny trendu zmian cisnienia tetniczego u dzieci i mlodziezy.

Traditional direction of epidemiology, focused mainly on studying most frequently occurring diseases, is a subject for continuous changes. Complexity of the health evaluation problems brings about the development of new branches of this science. In pediatrics evaluation of the health status is most frequently based on positive and negative health measurements. The aim of this study was the evaluation of trend of changes in blood pressure values in connection with certain morphological features (height & weight). The population studied were children and adolescents age 10-18 from Poznan's cross-sectional blood pressure studies performed in 1986 & 1996. In these studies decrease of blood pressure values and simultaneous deceleration of anthropological features were observed. Presented direction of change of morphological and physiological features shows the need for updating developmental norms in children and adolescents.