Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Epidemiologiniais tyrimais nustatytos androgenų sąsajos su įvairiais metaboliniais veiksniais bei širdies ir kraujagyslių ligų rizika paskatino susidomėjimą naujais vyrų reprodukcinės sveikatos aspektais. Iki šiol Lietuvoje nebuvo nustatytos normalios vyrų androgenų koncen¬tracijos ribos, nebuvo atlikta reprodukcinės sveikatos, antropometrinių ir metabolinių rodiklių sąsajų analizės tyrimų. Pasaulyje iki šiol trūksta nuoseklios informacijos apie metabolinių ir antropometrinių rodiklių ryšius su lytiniais hormonais, ypač homogeniškose tiriamųjų imtyse. Trūksta informacijos apie androgenų sąsajas su pažintinėmis funkcijomis, emocine būkle ir gyvenimo kokybės vertinimu. Daugelis tyrimų, kuriais vertintas pakaitinio gydymo testosteronu efektyvumas – trumpalaikiai, juose dau¬giausiai dėmesio skirta struktūriniams, o ne funkciniams rodikliams. Šiuo tyrimu siekta aprašyti jaunų bei vidutinio amžiaus vyrų reprodukcinės sveikatos sąsajas su antro¬pometrijos, metabolinės bei psichologinės būklės rodikliais. Tai iki šiol didžiausia savo apimtimi Lietuvos vyrų androgenų sąsajų analizė. Šiuo darbu siekiama sistemingai atsakyti į iškeltus aktualius klau¬simus, nustatyti normalios ir optimalios androgenų koncentracijos ribas, homogeniškose amžiumi tiriamųjų grupėse įvertinti šių hormonų koncen¬tracijos grupių sąsajas su kūno sudėties ir medžiagų apykaitos rodikliais bei nustatyti, kokius sergančiųjų androgenų nepakankamumu funkcinius pokyčius sąlygoja ilgalaikis optimalus pakaitinis... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Associations between androgens and various metabolic factors, as well as cardiovascular morbidity shown in recent epidemiological studies sparked interest in new aspects of male reproductive health. Reference values for normal androgen levels in Lithuanian population have not yet been established and no relationship studies on reproductive health and anthropometric, as well as metabolic parameters have been performed. Unequivocal information on associations among the aforementioned factors is lacking globally, especially those performed in homogenous populations. More information on androgen associations with cognitive function, emotional state and evaluation of quality of life is required. Most of the studies on effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy were of short duration and mostly focused on structural, rather than functional parameters. The purpose of the study was to describe associations between reproductive health and anthropometric, metabolic, as well as psychological parameters in young and middle-aged men. This is the largest androgen association analysis in Lithuanian population. This work seeks for systematic responses to questions of interest: to establish reference values for normal and optimal androgen levels, to evaluate their relationship with anthropometric and metabolic factors in populations that are homogenous by age, and to assess the functional changes that long-term optimal testosterone replacement therapy may induce in patients with... [to full text]

The physical dimensions of a population change in the course of time. On the other hand, the physical dissimilarities among different population are much more significant and remarkable than time-dependent natural evolution process that affects all populations in the world. In this study, passenger seats of intercity coaches that are important industrial products for Turkey in terms of usage frequency and their prevalence were investigated from an ergonomic viewpoint. To achieve this aim, eight seat parts and their equivalent anthropometric variables were specified to gather their measures from four different intercity coaches: These coaches represent the normal and top segment in Turkish intercity coaches market in addition to being imported or not. After that, these seat measures are compared with two anthropometric studies in terms of the sufficient sample size to reflect the anthropometric data related to Turkish population and the inclusion of the specified variables that correspond to these parts. Finally, alternative dimensions were recommended for each seat part to be used in the design process of passenger seats. In conclusion, it was found that dimensions of all seats demonstrated no significant differences among each other in terms of belonging to middle or luxury segment coaches. Only for seat pan widths, all seats had higher values than the hip breadths of both anthropometric studies. Conversely, for other seat parts, the dimensions of almost all seats had lower values. All backrest heights were the lowest among the other parts based on the studies of Hertzberg et al and KayiS. It was observed that although all seats showed approximate values with specified seat parts of the directive of European Commission- 2001/85/EC- generally, all seat brands except Grammer had a lower value than the seat pan width mentioned in this regulation. It was also found important differences between the outcomes of two Turkish studies and the regulation of EC.

The purpose of this study was to provide a national overview on internal migration of children and to relate these migration patterns to the nutritional status of children. This study specifically investigated the internal migration that took place during the life span of the National Food Consumption Survey study population and relates that to their dietary intake and anthropometric status.

The aim of this thesis is to examine the scale of human migration in three prehistoric settlements in the Upper Mun River Valley (UMRV) Northeast Thailand, from c. 1700BC - AD500. Archaeological data implies migration may have had a central role in the development of agriculture and later metal technology in the region, which is suggested to show increased social complexity over this important stage in the development of states in mainland Southeast Asia. The scale of these migrations, however, are not known and based on archaeological evidence it is unclear whether there were large numbers of individuals migrating into the region in order to bring about the changes seen in the archaeological record. Two potentially complementary-methods are used to identify the extent of migration in the UMRV in this thesis. The first method, the study of dental morphological traits, is used as an indication of genotype of 78 prehistoric individuals. The second method is isotope analysis of the dental enamel of 74 individuals, used as indicators of childhood residence and diet. Strontium (Sr), Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) isotopes are analysed. The first method reflects an individual�s genetic heritage through inherited traits, while the second method is an indication of an individual�s migration during their lifetime. Together, these methods may provide a powerful means to assess the scale of migration over an extended period of time in this region. As it has been posited that the introduction of agriculture is related to migration of people into the region, the current study hypothesises that while immigrants would be identified from outside the UMRV during all phases of occupation at the sites, this would be particularly so during the earlier phases. It is also hypothesised through analysis of the morphological traits that genetic relationships at each site could be suggested. Finally, it is also hypothesised that individuals with evidence for infectious diseases, which are otherwise rare in the region, would be immigrants. The frequencies of the dental morphological traits at each site are calculated, and a local pattern for each site developed. The results from the morphological traits suggest low levels of migration into the UMRV, and overall group homogeneity. Despite this homogeneity, it is suggested that several individuals may have been from a different genetic pool to others at the sites, reflected in a different combination of dental traits. There is also some evidence for genetic relationships between individuals, and over time, possibly indicating familial relationships at the sites. Stability in the Sr isotopes over time suggest a local signature for the UMRV. Sr isotopes did not support a hypothesis of large-scale immigration into the UMRV, as there were few isotopic outliers identified. Those individuals with clear outlier Sr results, and therefore probable immigrants, were predominately female. All phases of occupation of the UMRV attracted some long-range inward movement of people, although the data suggests long-range migration diminished over time. [delta]��C values show no significant change over time, possibly supporting the Sr data of limited migration into the region. While the interpretation of this isotope is primarily from a perspective of migration it is recognised that this may be limited to understanding variation in diet in the individuals. [delta]�⁸O values show significant change over time (p = 0.00, ANOVA), perhaps consistent with previous research which suggested increased aridity in the UMRV. An alternative explanation of the [delta]�⁸O data is that migration increased with time, with people who were differentiated by their O isotopes but not their Sr, however the increased aridity hypothesis is favoured here. The hypothesis that individuals with evidence for infectious disease would be long-range immigrants into the region is rejected. None of the individuals who had physical evidence for infectious disease had chemical data to support their being immigrants. The putative migrants to the UMRV are presented as case studies, assessing the complementarity of the methods used. It is argued that given the changes in the environment over time in the UMRV the area may have become less attractive to immigrants and as a result the communities may have become more insular. The data yielded from the two methods have demonstrated the value of using inherited dental traits together with isotopic data of individual migration for investigating human mobility in the past. Using these methods, this study shows that there were low levels of migration into the UMRV and that long-range migration was more frequent in the earliest phases of occupation in the region.

Abstract Nutritional status affects every aspect of a child?s health. Thorough nutritional assessment is hampered by the lack of a single comprehensive tool, which can cover all aspects of nutritional assessment. In three distinct studies, this thesis investigated the nutritional status of hospitalised children, children with coeliac disease and children with inflammatory bowel disease. Study 1 The objectives of this study were to assess prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk, and define demographic and anthropometric factors associated with nutritional risk among hospitalized children. In this cross sectional study, 157 hospitalised children were assessed for nutritional status using nutritional risk score (NRS) and anthropometric measurements. We found that 4.5%, 8.9%, 15.1% and 10.4% children were wasted, stunted, overweight and obese respectively. However, with the NRS, 47.8% of the children were at high nutritional risk. These children at high risk had lower weight for age (p=0.02), lower BMI percentiles for age (p=0.001) and longer hospitalization (p=0.001) than children at no risk. Study 2 The objectives of this study were to determine nutritional parameters in children with coeliac disease. Twenty-five children with coeliac disease and an equal number of age and gender matched controls were enrolled and anthropometric measurements, BIA and leptin levels were analysed in all. No significant differences were found between the children with coeliac disease and controls in these parameters. BMI percentile correlated with leptin levels in children with coeliac disease. Study 3 The objectives of this study were to determine anthropometric parameters and leptin levels in children with IBD and ascertain if BMI correlates with leptin levels in these children. Thirty children with IBD and 60 age and gender matched controls were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and leptin levels were analysed and compared with controls. IBD children had significantly low weight for age (p=0.002), BMI percentiles (p=0.001) and leptin levels (p=0.009) compared to controls. There was a correlation between BMI and leptin levels in IBD children. In conclusion, this thesis has shown that one quarter of hospitalized children were overweight or obese, and further, that half of the hospitalised children were at high risk of nutritional deterioration and these children had longer hospital stay than children at no risk. Children with coeliac disease had similar anthropometric measurements, body compartments and leptin levels to controls. However, children with IBD had lower anthropometric measurements and leptin levels, indicating under-nutrition. Nutritional assessment should be a mandatory part of clinical management with nutritional status assessed by various tools including NRS, anthropometry, BIA and leptin levels.

Abstract Nutritional status affects every aspect of a child?s health. Thorough nutritional assessment is hampered by the lack of a single comprehensive tool, which can cover all aspects of nutritional assessment. In three distinct studies, this thesis investigated the nutritional status of hospitalised children, children with coeliac disease and children with inflammatory bowel disease. Study 1 The objectives of this study were to assess prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk, and define demographic and anthropometric factors associated with nutritional risk among hospitalized children. In this cross sectional study, 157 hospitalised children were assessed for nutritional status using nutritional risk score (NRS) and anthropometric measurements. We found that 4.5%, 8.9%, 15.1% and 10.4% children were wasted, stunted, overweight and obese respectively. However, with the NRS, 47.8% of the children were at high nutritional risk. These children at high risk had lower weight for age (p=0.02), lower BMI percentiles for age (p=0.001) and longer hospitalization (p=0.001) than children at no risk. Study 2 The objectives of this study were to determine nutritional parameters in children with coeliac disease. Twenty-five children with coeliac disease and an equal number of age and gender matched controls were enrolled and anthropometric measurements, BIA and leptin levels were analysed in all. No significant differences were found between the children with coeliac disease and controls in these parameters. BMI percentile correlated with leptin levels in children with coeliac disease. Study 3 The objectives of this study were to determine anthropometric parameters and leptin levels in children with IBD and ascertain if BMI correlates with leptin levels in these children. Thirty children with IBD and 60 age and gender matched controls were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and leptin levels were analysed and compared with controls. IBD children had significantly low weight for age (p=0.002), BMI percentiles (p=0.001) and leptin levels (p=0.009) compared to controls. There was a correlation between BMI and leptin levels in IBD children. In conclusion, this thesis has shown that one quarter of hospitalized children were overweight or obese, and further, that half of the hospitalised children were at high risk of nutritional deterioration and these children had longer hospital stay than children at no risk. Children with coeliac disease had similar anthropometric measurements, body compartments and leptin levels to controls. However, children with IBD had lower anthropometric measurements and leptin levels, indicating under-nutrition. Nutritional assessment should be a mandatory part of clinical management with nutritional status assessed by various tools including NRS, anthropometry, BIA and leptin levels.

Abstract Nutritional status affects every aspect of a child?s health. Thorough nutritional assessment is hampered by the lack of a single comprehensive tool, which can cover all aspects of nutritional assessment. In three distinct studies, this thesis investigated the nutritional status of hospitalised children, children with coeliac disease and children with inflammatory bowel disease. Study 1 The objectives of this study were to assess prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk, and define demographic and anthropometric factors associated with nutritional risk among hospitalized children. In this cross sectional study, 157 hospitalised children were assessed for nutritional status using nutritional risk score (NRS) and anthropometric measurements. We found that 4.5%, 8.9%, 15.1% and 10.4% children were wasted, stunted, overweight and obese respectively. However, with the NRS, 47.8% of the children were at high nutritional risk. These children at high risk had lower weight for age (p=0.02), lower BMI percentiles for age (p=0.001) and longer hospitalization (p=0.001) than children at no risk. Study 2 The objectives of this study were to determine nutritional parameters in children with coeliac disease. Twenty-five children with coeliac disease and an equal number of age and gender matched controls were enrolled and anthropometric measurements, BIA and leptin levels were analysed in all. No significant differences were found between the children with coeliac disease and controls in these parameters. BMI percentile correlated with leptin levels in children with coeliac disease. Study 3 The objectives of this study were to determine anthropometric parameters and leptin levels in children with IBD and ascertain if BMI correlates with leptin levels in these children. Thirty children with IBD and 60 age and gender matched controls were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and leptin levels were analysed and compared with controls. IBD children had significantly low weight for age (p=0.002), BMI percentiles (p=0.001) and leptin levels (p=0.009) compared to controls. There was a correlation between BMI and leptin levels in IBD children. In conclusion, this thesis has shown that one quarter of hospitalized children were overweight or obese, and further, that half of the hospitalised children were at high risk of nutritional deterioration and these children had longer hospital stay than children at no risk. Children with coeliac disease had similar anthropometric measurements, body compartments and leptin levels to controls. However, children with IBD had lower anthropometric measurements and leptin levels, indicating under-nutrition. Nutritional assessment should be a mandatory part of clinical management with nutritional status assessed by various tools including NRS, anthropometry, BIA and leptin levels.