Age at menarche: secular trends and association with adult anthropometric measures

Summary. Background: Age at menarche has been used as a marker of environmental conditions during childhood. Previous work has shown trends of decreasing age at menarche throughout the 19th century, but reported trends in the 20th century have been less consistent. The nature of the relationship between age at menarche and adult life anthropometric measures may be important in understanding the importance of this measure on disease in later life. Aim: To establish whether mean age at menarche changed during the first half of the 20th century, and to determine the nature of associations between age at menarche and anthropometric measures in young adulthood. Subjects and methods: 3433 female students, who were born between 1919 and 1952 and who attended health checks at the student health service of the University of Glasgow between 1948 and 1968. Results: Mean age at menarche decreased from 13.2 years in the earliest born to 12.5 years in the latest born students. These results were not explained by changes in socio-demographic factors. Menarcheal age was positively associated with height and negatively associated with weight and BMI, results independent of socio-demographic and behavioural factors. Conclusions: The falling age at menarche described here may be related to nutritional influences in the first half of the 20th century. The influence of menarche on BMI in early adulthood may have important health consequences.     

Age at menarche: secular trends and association with adult anthropometric measures

BACKGROUND: Age at menarche has been used as a marker of environmental conditions during childhood. Previous work has shown trends of decreasing age at menarche throughout the 19th century, but reported trends in the 20th century have been less consistent. The nature of the relationship between age at menarche and adult life anthropometric measures may be important in understanding the importance of this measure on disease in later life. AIM: To establish whether mean age at menarche changed during the first half of the 20th century, and to determine the nature of associations between age at menarche and anthropometric measures in young adulthood. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 3433 female students, who were born between 1919 and 1952 and who attended health checks at the student health service of the University of Glasgow between 1948 and 1968. RESULTS: Mean age at menarche decreased from 13.2 years in the earliest born to 12.5 years in the latest born students. These results were not explained by changes in socio-demographic factors. Menarcheal age was positively associated with height and negatively associated with weight and BMI, results independent of socio-demographic and behavioural factors. CONCLUSIONS: The falling age at menarche described here may be related to nutritional influences in the first half of the 20th century. The influence of menarche on BMI in early adulthood may have important health consequences.     

The association of anthropometric measurements and lipid profiles in Turkish hypertensive adults

Background

Few studies have associated anthropometric measurements and lipid profile with hypertension in adult populations and to the best of our knowledge none has been done in Turkey

Objectives

To relate anthropometric derivatives of overweight/obesity with hyperlipidemia status in a group of Turkish hypertensive adults.

Methods

Six hundred forty nine (307 male, 342 female) hypertensive adults aged between 20 and 64 yearswere included in the study.

Results

The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) of participants were measured as 147.6±17.2 and 91.4±10.4 mmHg for males and 149.9±16.3 and 91.1±9.4 mmHg for females, respectively. With respect to BMI classification systolic BP was significantly higher in obese males and females, and diastolic BP was only higher in obese females (p<0.05). According to BMIs for lipid profile, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) levels were found to be lower in normal females than other BMI groups. Age and waist circumference (WC) in particular was the most related factor for systolic and diastolic BP in both genders (p<0.05).

Conclusions

This study indicates most hypertensive adults surveyed were overweight and obese. Furthermore, age and WC were the important factors that affects the systolic and diastolic BP in both genders.     

The association of anthropometric measures and osteoarthritis knee in non-obese subjects: a cross sectional study

OBJECTIVE:

Body mass index (BMI) and knee osteoarthritis have a strong association, but other anthropometric measures lack such associations. To date, no study has evaluated non‐obese knee osteoarthritis to negate the systemic and metabolic effects of obesity. This study examines the validity of the contention that BMI and other anthropometric measures have a significant relationship with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS:

In total, 180 subjects with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis were recruited and classified according to Kellgren‐Lawrence (KL) grades. Body mass index, mid‐upper arm circumference, waist‐hip ratio and triceps‐skinfold thickness were recorded by standard procedures. Osteoarthritis outcome scores (WOMAC) were evaluated.

RESULTS:

(1) In both genders, the BMI was significantly higher for KL grade 4 than for grade 2; triceps‐skinfold thickness was positively correlated with the joint space width of the tibial medial compartment. (2) In males, triceps‐skinfold thickness significantly increased as the KL grades moved from 2 to 4; the significantly higher BMI found in varus aligned knees was positively correlated with WOMAC scores. (3) In females, the waist‐hip ratio was significantly higher for KL grade 4 than for grade 2; a significant correlation was found between BMI and WOMAC scores. The waist‐hip ratio was significantly associated with varus aligned knees and it positively correlated with WOMAC scores and with the joint space width of the tibial medial compartment. The mid‐upper arm circumference demonstrated no correlation with knee osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION:

This study validates the contention that BMI and other anthropometric measures have a significant association with knee osteoarthritis. Contrary to common belief, the triceps‐skinfold thickness (peripheral fat) in males and the waist‐hip ratio (central fat) in females were more strongly associated with knee osteoarthritis than BMI.     

Knee and ankle position, anterior drawer laxity, and stiffness of the ankle complex

CONTEXT: Anterior drawer testing of the ankle is commonly used to diagnose lateral ligamentous instability. Our hypothesis was that changing knee and ankle positions would change the stability of the ankle complex during anterior drawer testing. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of knee and ankle position on anterior drawer laxity and stiffness of the ankle complex. DESIGN: A repeated-measures design with knee and ankle position as independent variables. SETTING: University research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Bilateral ankles of 10 female (age = 19.8 +/- 1.1 years) and 10 male (age = 20.8 +/- 1.2 years) collegiate athletes were tested. INTERVENTION(S): Each ankle complex underwent loading using an ankle arthrometer under 4 test conditions consisting of 2 knee positions (90 degrees and 0 degrees of flexion) and 2 ankle positions (0 degrees and 10 degrees of plantar flexion [PF]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Recorded anterior laxity (mm) and stiffness (N/mm). RESULTS: Anterior laxity of the ankle complex was maximal with the knee positioned at 90 degrees of flexion and the ankle at 10 degrees of PF when compared with the knee positioned at 0 degrees of flexion and the ankle at 10 degrees or 0 degrees of PF (P < .001), whereas ankle complex stiffness was greatest with the knee positioned at 0 degrees of flexion and the ankle at 0 degrees of PF (P < .009). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior drawer testing of the ankle complex with the knee positioned at 90 degrees of flexion and the ankle at 10 degrees of PF produced the most laxity and the least stiffness. These findings indicate that anterior drawer testing with the knee at 90 degrees of flexion and the ankle at 10 degrees of PF may permit better isolation of the ankle capsuloligamentous structures.     

Knee joint laxity and passive stiffness in meniscectomized patients compared with healthy controls

BackgroundPassive mechanical behavior of the knee in the frontal plane, measured as angular laxity and mechanical stiffness, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Little is known about knee laxity and stiffness prior to knee OA onset. We investigated knee joint angular laxity and passive stiffness in meniscectomized patients at high risk of knee OA compared with healthy controls.MethodsSixty patients meniscectomized for a medial meniscal tear (52 men, 41.4 ± 5.5 years, 175.3 ± 7.9 cm, 83.6 ± 12.8 kg, mean ± SD) and 21 healthy controls (18 men, 42.0 ± 6.7 years, 176.8 ± 5.7 cm, 77.8 ± 13.4 kg) had their knee joint angular laxity and passive stiffness assessed twice ~ 2.3 years apart. Linear regression models including age, sex, height and body mass as covariates in the adjusted model were used to assess differences between groups.ResultsGreater knee joint varus (− 10.1 vs. − 7.3°, p < 0.001), valgus (7.1 vs. 5.6°, p = 0.001) and total (17.2 vs. 12.9°, p < 0.001) angular laxity together with reduced midrange passive stiffness (1.71 vs. 2.36 Nm/°, p < 0.001) were observed in patients vs. healthy controls. No differences were observed in change in stiffness over time between patients and controls, however a tendency towards increased laxity in patients was seen.ConclusionsMeniscectomized patients showed increased knee joint angular laxity and reduced passive stiffness ~ 3 months post surgery compared with controls. In addition, the results indicated that knee joint laxity may increase over time in meniscectomized patients.     

Anthropometric measures and their association with risk factors for cardio-metabolic diseases in Kenyan adults

Background: The prevalence of cardio-metabolic diseases (CMD) is drastically increasing worldwide. Anthropometric measures of fat accumulation are correlated with CMD and Metabolic Syndrome (MS), but few studies have addressed this association in sub-Saharan African populations.

Aim: To investigate the association between anthropometric features, MS and other CMD risk factors in a population from Kenya.

Subjects and methods: In this cross-sectional study including 1405 Kenyans, anthropometric measurements including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were carried out. Fasting blood glucose and standard oral glucose tolerance test, fasting serum insulin and plasma lipids were analysed. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was calculated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured.

Results: CMD risk factors and MS were associated with all anthropometric features, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p?<?0.05). The strongest association between MS and anthropometrics was seen with SAT (β?=?1.45?±?0.32 in men and 0.88?±?0.14 in women, both p?<?0.05).

Conclusions: Anthropometric measures, especially features of central obesity such as VAT and SAT, are relevant indicators of cardio-metabolic health in Kenyan populations. SAT is the strongest predictor of MS. These results highlight the need for further research on the pathological implication of VAT and SAT, in order to understand patterns of fat distribution and cardio-metabolic health among different ethnic groups.     

The effect of menarcheal age on anthropometric,limb length,and bone measures in Hutterite and non‐Hutterite women

The age women reach menarche may affect bone length and mass. Some studies show an earlier menarcheal age (MA) results in a shorter stature and increased body fat. We hypothesized that Hutterite women have a shorter height and limb length, but greater bone mass and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) than non‐Hutterites. Results are from a secondary analysis of 344 (198 Hutterite) healthy, pre‐menopausal women aged 20?40 years who participated in the South Dakota Rural Bone Health Study. Bone measures were obtained by DXA (spine, hip and total body) and pQCT (4 and 20% distal radius). MA correlated with year of birth (r = ?0.10, P = 0.08) indicating a trend toward a younger MA for women born in more recent years. MA was inversely associated with current weight (r = ?0.11, P < 0.05), percent body fat (r = ?0.16, P < 0.01), femoral neck BMC (r = ?0.18, P = 0.003), femoral neck aBMD (r = ?0.21, P < 0.001), hip aBMD (r = ?0.22, P < 0.001) and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) (r = ?0.14, P = 0.03). Hutterite women had a younger MA than non‐Hutterite women (12.3 ± 1.3 vs. 13.0 ± 1.3 yr, P < 0.001). In final regression models controlling for diet and activity patterns, Hutterite compared to non‐Hutterite women had shorter standing height (162 ± 0.4 vs. 166 ± 0.4 cm, P < 0.001), forearm length (258 ± 0.8 vs. 261 ± 0.9 mm, P = 0.04); and leg length (76 ± 0.2 vs. 77 ± 0.3 cm, P < 0.01) as hypothesized, but MA did not predict these outcomes. In conclusion, younger MA in Hutterite women did not explain their shorter standing height and limb lengths, but total hip aBMD was inversely associated with MA and greater in Hutterite than non‐Hutterite women. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The associations between sleep disorders and anthropometric measures in adults from three Colombian cities at different altitudes

BackgroundSleep disorders are common but underdiagnosed conditions, which are associated with obesity. In Colombia, the distribution of sleep disorders remains unclear. We aimed to describe the distribution of sleep disorders, according to demographic, geographic and anthropometric characteristics, in adult Colombian populations.MethodsA multicenter study was conducted with 5474 participants recruited from three Colombian cities at different altitudes. A two-stage cluster sampling method was applied. Participants’ mean age was 40.2 years and 53.8% were female. Collected data included demographic information and anthropometric characteristics of adiposity such as body mass index, neck circumference and waist circumference, as well as participants’ scores on five scales used to assess sleep disorders. Disorders included sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, poor sleep quality and restless legs syndrome; the scales were the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Berlin questionnaire, STOP-Bang questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and diagnostic criteria for the restless legs syndrome set out by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group.ResultsNearly two-thirds of the population reported at least one sleep disorder according to their results on the five scales (59.6% [95%CI 57.4; 61.81)]. This proportion was similar by sex. Prevalence of overweight was 34.8% and of obesity was 14.4%. Sleep disorders were more frequent among those aged 65 years or more (91.11 [95%CI 86.1; 94.43]), those who were obese (83.71% [95%CI 78.94; 87.56]) and those who resided in the cities at the lowest altitude (72.4% [95%CI 70.2; 74.5]). Waist circumference showed a stronger association with sleep disorders among women than among men.ConclusionsSleep disorders are common in Colombia, irrespective of sex and geographical location. They are associated with obesity. Abdominal obesity could explain the high frequency of sleep disorders among women.We believe that this part of the study will substantially contribute to the understanding of sleep disorders. Further research is needed to identify key factors behind the high prevalence rates of sleep disorders and obesity in Colombia.     

Self-care practices of Malaysian adults with diabetes and sub-optimal glycaemic control

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the self-care practices of Malaysian adults with diabetes and sub-optimal glycaemic control. METHODS: Using a one-to-one interviewing approach, data were collected from 126 diabetic adults from four settings. A 75-item questionnaire was used to assess diabetes-related knowledge and self-care practices regarding, diet, medication, physical activity and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). RESULTS: Most subjects had received advice on the importance of self-care in the management of their diabetes and recognised its importance. Sixty-seven subjects (53%) scored below 50% in their diabetes-related knowledge. Subjects who consumed more meals per day (80%), or who did not include their regular sweetened food intakes in their daily meal plan (80%), or who were inactive in daily life (54%), had higher mean fasting blood glucose levels (p=0.04). Subjects with medication non-adherence (46%) also tended to have higher fasting blood glucose levels. Only 15% of the subjects practiced SMBG. Predictors of knowledge deficit and poor self-care were low level of education (p = <0.01), older subjects (p=0.04) and Type 2 diabetes subjects on oral anti-hyperglycaemic medication (p = <0.01). CONCLUSION: There were diabetes-related knowledge deficits and inadequate self-care practices among the majority of diabetic patients with sub-optimal glycaemic control. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study should contribute to the development of effective education strategies to promote health for adults with sub-optimal diabetes control.     

Associations of serum TRAIL concentrations, anthropometric variables, and serum lipid parameters in healthy adults

To investigate the relationships of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), anthropometric variables, and lipid parameters, we measured serum TRAIL concentrations, body mass index (BMI), total body fat (TBF), and serum lipid profiles in 207 healthy adults. There were no significant differences in serum TRAIL concentrations between men and women, nor between elderly persons and middle-aged subjects. However, men with TBF 16.4 kg (75th per centile) exhibited significantly higher serum TRAIL concentrations than those with TBF 11.2 kg (25th per centile) (69.7 +/- 15.1 pg/ml vs 50.2 +/- 14.3 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Serum TRAIL concentration averaged 76.2 +/- 16.1 pg/ml in women with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 165 mg/dl (75th per centile), which was significantly above the values (53.1 +/- 12.9 pg/ml, p < 0.05) in those with LDL-C 117 mg/dl (25th per centile), although no differences were observed on the basis of TBF (75th percentile vs 25th percentile). Serum TRAIL concentrations correlated significantlywithTBF (r = 0.31, p < 0.05) and lean body mass (r = -0.26, p <0.05) in men and LDL-C (r = 0.32, p < 0.05) and total cholesterol (r = 0.21, p < 0.05) in women. In conclusion, serum TRAIL concentrations are associated with serum lipid levels and body adiposity in healthy adults, but are unrelated to a subject's age or gender.     

Word association: Multple measures and multiple meanings

Investigated the interrelationships between reaction time and three major verbal word association variables (response commonality, idiosyncratic responses, and degree of logical relatedness) in schizophrenics (N = 42) and nonschizophrenic psychiatric controls (N = 30). This study investigated the degree to which these four measures assess similar or different components of associative thought disorder in the same Ss, using both verbal associative measures and a nonverbal performance measure. Results indicated that reaction time was largely independent of all verbal measures in schizophrenics. These data were discussed in regard to the meaning and interpretation of word association test data as a function of choice of dependent variables for measuring associative thought disturbance.     

鄂温克族成人围度值及其年龄变化

目的:研究鄂温克族成人围度值及其年龄变化特点。方法:采用随机抽样方法,测量内蒙古呼伦贝尔草原195例(男129例,女66例)鄂温克族成人的头围、颈围、胸围、吸气胸围、呼气胸围、腹围、臀围、大腿围、小腿围、上臂围、前臂围、上臂最大围12项围度值,分析随年龄增长不同年龄组围度值的变化规律;采用聚类分析和主成分分析方法,对国内的20个族群资料进行比较。结果:方差分析结果显示,男性4项、女性9项围度值年龄组间的差异具有统计学意义。男性胸围、吸气胸围、呼气胸围、小腿围和女性胸围、吸气胸围、呼气胸围、腹围、臀围、上臂围、前臂围、上臂最大围随年龄增长均逐渐增大。男性头围、颈围、前臂围、上臂最大围值明显高于女性。女性臀围、大腿围明显高于男性。结论:随年龄增长鄂温克族围度值变化较大;在北亚类型族群中鄂温克族的围度值较大,主要表现在胸围较大,前臂、小腿、大腿均较粗壮;鄂温克族具有北亚类型族群身体围度的共同特征。     

布依族成人的围度及其年龄变化

目的:探讨布依族成人身体围度特征.方法:对贵州省黔南州494例布依族成人围度进行了测量,分析了不同年龄组围度值的变化情况并与我国其他15个人群围度值进行了聚类分析与主成分分析.结果:(1)不同年龄组的头水平围值变化很小;(2)男女四肢围度最大值均在30～39岁组.男性躯干围度最大值在40～49岁组,女性胸围、臀围最大值在30～39岁组,腹围最大值在50岁以上组;(3)躯干围度年龄组间的绝对变化值高于四肢围度,但相对变化率都低于四肢围度;(4)女性腹围、臀围、大腿围值多大于同龄组男性,而四肢围度值小于男性;(5)我国16个人群比较,布依族围度值较小;但在5个南方人群中,布依族围度值较大;(6)聚类和主成分分析显示,我国16个人群围度可分为南北方混合组与北方组两类;南北方混合组上肢围度小,北方组上肢围度大;结论:布依族成人身体围度最大值集中在中年,女性围度发育水平接近海南回族和黎族,上肢围度值可以成为人群围度特征分组的主要依据.     

Linkage and association studies in a Malaysian family with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss

Hearing loss is a common sensory deficit in humans. The hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed, syndromic or nonsyndromic, prelingual or postlingual. Due to the complexity of the hearing mechanism, it is not surprising that several hundred genes might be involved in causing hereditary hearing loss. There are at least 82 chromosomal loci that have been identified so far which are associated with the most common type of deafness--non-syndromic deafness. However, there are still many more which remained to be discovered. Here, we report the mapping of a locus for autosomal recessive, non-syndromic deafness in a family in Malaysia. The investigated family (AC) consists of three generations--parents who are deceased, nine affected and seven unaffected children and grandchildren. The deafness was deduced to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner with 70% penetrance. Recombination frequencies were assumed to be equal for both males and females. Using two-point lod score analysis (MLINK), a maximum lod score of 2.48 at 0% recombinant (Z = 2.48, theta = 0%) was obtained for the interval D14S63-D14S74. The haplotype analysis defined a 14.38 centiMorgan critical region around marker D14S258 on chromosome 14q23.2-q24.3. There are 16 candidate genes identified with positive expression in human cochlear and each has great potential of being the deaf gene responsible in causing non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss in this particular family. Hopefully, by understanding the role of genetics in deafness, early interventional strategies can be undertaken to improve the life of the deaf community.     

The association between HLA genes and radiological erosions in Malaysian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To assess the relationship between the HLA-DRB1 genes with disease severity as assessed by radiological erosions in Malaysian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we studied 61 RA patients who fulfilled the ACR criteria for the diagnosis of RA. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed by sequence specific primer (SSP)—PCR. Radiological grading and erosive score of the hands and wrists was calculated according to the Larsen–Dale method. Demographic data and treatment given to the patients were obtained from their case records.

Results: Fifty-six females and five males were studied from three ethnic groups. In 57 patients with erosions, rheumatoid factor was detected in 80%, HLA-DR4 in 40%, HLA-DRB1*0405 in 24% and shared epitope (SE) in 31%. The median delay in starting DMARDs was 24 months. The presence of rheumatoid factor, HLA-DR4 and HLA-DRB1*0405 were not significantly associated with a worse erosive score. Patients who possessed the SE had a higher erosive scores, compared to those who did not (p = 0.05). Concurrently, a delay in starting DMARD was associated with a high erosive score (p = 0.023, r = 0.348). However, after adjustment for the delay in starting DMARD, SE was no longer significantly associated with the erosive score.

Conclusions: In these patients, the delay in starting DMARDs had a greater influence on the erosive score than SE alone. Whilst we cannot discount the contribution of the SE presence, we would advocate early usage of DMARDs in every RA patient to reduce joint erosions and future disability.     

The association between HLA genes and radiological erosions in Malaysian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the HLA-DRB1 genes with disease severity as assessed by radiological erosions in Malaysian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we studied 61 RA patients who fulfilled the ACR criteria for the diagnosis of RA. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed by sequence specific primer (SSP) - PCR. Radiological grading and erosive score of the hands and wrists was calculated according to the Larsen-Dale method. Demographic data and treatment given to the patients were obtained from their case records. RESULTS: Fifty-six females and five males were studied from three ethnic groups. In 57 patients with erosions, rheumatoid factor was detected in 80%, HLA-DR4 in 40%, HLA-DRB1*0405 in 24% and shared epitope (SE) in 31%. The median delay in starting DMARDs was 24 months. The presence of rheumatoid factor, HLA-DR4 and HLA-DRB1*0405 were not significantly associated with a worse erosive score. Patients who possessed the SE had a higher erosive scores, compared to those who did not (p = 0.05). Concurrently, a delay in starting DMARD was associated with a high erosive score (p = 0.023, r = 0.348). However, after adjustment for the delay in starting DMARD, SE was no longer significantly associated with the erosive score. CONCLUSIONS: In these patients, the delay in starting DMARDs had a greater influence on the erosive score than SE alone. Whilst we cannot discount the contribution of the SE presence, we would advocate early usage of DMARDs in every RA patient to reduce joint erosions and future disability.