Thesis (M. Res. (Med.))--University of Hong Kong, 200.

Orientadores: Andrea Trevas Maciel Guerra, Roberto Benedito de Paiva e Silva / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-11T04:24:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Suzigan_LigiaZuppiConceicao_D.pdf: 2539621 bytes, checksum: 3f3bae930fe807debf130ca77e833902 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: Tendo em vista que vários estudos indicam dificuldades psicossociais em pacientes com síndrome de Turner (ST), este estudo objetivou avaliar as habilidades sociais (HS) em uma amostra dessa população. Foram avaliadas 52 pacientes (15 a 35 anos), 33 irmãs de pacientes (16 a 43 anos) e 30 mães, com Inventário de HS (IHS-Del-Prette) e entrevista individual. Houve bom desempenho das pacientes no IHS-Del-Prette, semelhante às irmãs e com melhor desempenho das pacientes em um fator (auto-exposição a desconhecidos e situações novas) (p=0,020). As pacientes mais velhas obtiveram melhores resultados no IHS-Del-Prette em relação às mais novas, diferentemente das irmãs. As mães relataram mais problemas de relacionamento familiar e social por parte das pacientes do que das irmãs. Houve poucas queixas espontâneas de relacionamento interpessoal, porém a maioria das pacientes entrevistadas deixou transparecer dificuldades de cunho social. Esses resultados sugerem que tais dificuldades não chegam a causar problemas sociais significativos e a torná-las insatisfeitas com suas vidas sociais, ou mesmo que não são capazes de perceber suas próprias dificuldades. O bom desempenho na avaliação de HS sugere ainda que são capazes de identificar habilidades adequadas nos contextos analisados e responder de maneira a obter bons resultados, mas que não necessariamente são capazes de utilizá-las na prática pela interferência de fatores como ansiedade e timidez. É possível, também, que tendam a responder ao IHS-Del-Prette de maneira socialmente desejável, mascarando suas reais dificuldades / Abstract: As psychosocial difficulties have been reported in several studies on Turner Syndrome (TS) patients, this study aimed to evaluate Social Skills (SS) in a sample of women with TS. Fifty-two patients aged 15 to 35 years, thirty-three sisters aged 16 to 43 and thirty mothers were evaluated by means of Del-Prette Social Skill Test (SST) and individual interviews. Patients' performance in SST was as good as their sisters' and even better in questions related to meeting new people and facing unknown situations.(p=0.020). Oldest patients had better scores in SST than younger patients, differently from their sisters. Mothers reported having more problems in family and social relationship with patients than with sisters. There were a few spontaneous complaints on interpersonal relationship, nevertheless in the interview many patients implied having social difficulties. These results suggest that such difficulties may not cause them major social problems or make them unhappy with their social lives, or even that patients are not able to perceive their own difficulties. Good performance in SST also suggests that patients can identify adequate skills in presented situations and answer in a way to obtain good scores, but they may not necessarily use their skills due to other factors like anxiety and shyness. They may also have a tendency to answer the SST in a way they consider socially desirable, masking their real difficulties / Doutorado / Saude da Criança e do Adolescente / Doutor em Saude da Criança e do Adolescente

Objectives: To analyze the association between age at menarche, as a measure of sexual maturation, and adult height from ten published studies. Methods: Compared published measurements of age at menarche, adult height, and within-sample relationships observed in ten studies, for women from several societies and socioeconomic backgrounds, living in the 20th century, Results: In these studies, early maturers were taller during pre-puberty, but had shorter adult height then later maturers. Late maturers experience a longer period of pre-pubertal growth and a delayed age of peak height velocity, leading to an extended overall time of growth, until adult stature was obtained. Conclusions: Improved living conditions and energy balance increase childhood growth rate, and are associated with an earlier puberty, and shorter duration of growth. In developed countries duration of growth may play an increasingly important role in adult stature.

Ce travail de thèse explore la signification écologique des variations inter et intraspécifiques de la croissance et des traits fonctionnels des espèces d’arbres de forêt tropicale guyanaise en relation avec les conditions d’éclairement. Nous démontrons que le syndrome de traits associé à la niche de régénération (durée de vie des feuilles plus longue et surface massique plus grande pour les espèces les plus tolérantes à l’ombre) est valide pour 14 espèces non pionnières et non strictement sciaphiles. La plasticité de la surface massique exprimée au stade juvénile chez les espèces les moins spécialisées pourrait refléter une adaptation à l’hétérogénéité de l’éclairement rencontrée au stade jeune et au cours des stades ontogéniques successifs. Les analyses multivariées mettent en évidence un lien étroit entre la durée de vie des feuilles, la profondeur relative du houppier et la niche de régénération. La plasticité de la profondeur du houppier observée chez les espèces les plus héliophiles ne peut pas être interprétée comme une réponse d’évitement de l’auto-ombrage. Nous montrons qu’elle correspond plutôt à un changement des taux de croissance et de mortalité des feuilles et des branches imposé par les conditions d’éclairement et se produisant à l’échelle de la plante entière. En ce qui concerne la variabilité intraspécifique de la croissance des arbres adultes, nous avons observé une faible contribution de la compétition pour la lumière et un effet important de l’espèce. Nos résultats indiquent que ce patron de réponse résulte de la partition des espèces le long du gradient lumineux vertical et de la forte abondance d’espèces de petite taille peu sensibles à la compétition du fait de leur adaptation aux conditions lumineuses du sous-bois. La différentiation de niche de régénération et la stratification verticale des arbres adultes étayent l’hypothèse d’une partition de niche vis à vis de la ressource lumineuse dans les trois dimensions de la forêt tropicale humide. / This study explores the ecological significance of inter- and intraspecific variations of growth and functional traits found in tropical tree species of French Guiana in relation to light regime. We demonstrate that the syndrome of leaf traits associated with light -niche (longer life span, higher leaf mass per area of more shade tolerant species) holds among a set of 14 species comprising no pioneer nor any shade specialist species. Our results further suggest that plasticity of leaf mass per area expressed at the sapling stage may reflect adaptation to the spatial heterogeneity of light conditions encountered both at the sapling stage and later. Multivariate analysis provides evidence of a close linkage between leaf lifespan, relative crown depth and light-niche optimum. The plasticity in relative crown depth observed in shade-intolerant species can not be interpreted in terms of self-shading avoidance. Rather, crown depth adjustment was found to be a consequence of changes in growth rates and mortality rates of leaves and branches imposed by current light conditions and occurring at the whole-plant level. At the adult stage, our results point to competition for light making an unexpectedly low contribution to individual tree growth variations, contrasting with a major effect of species identity. We argue that this pattern of variation is likely to result from the vertical niche partitioning of species and the high abundance of small-statured species that are moderately responsive to light competition (consistent with their adaptation to understorey conditions). Light-niche differentiation of juvenile trees and vertical stratification of adult trees provide strong evidence for light niche partitioning in the three-dimensional space of tropical forests.

Title: Dependance of the gait parameters on a stature of an adult Objectives: The main aim of this study is to find out how the gait parameters depends on a stature of an adult. Another aim of this study is to compare these parameters between group of men and group of women. Methods: This thesis is type of descriptive - association research. In the practical part was used method of comparison for locomotion of people. As an objectification method was chosen 3D kinematic analysis of gait, which was performed using the Qualisys. Results: It was found that the dependence on a stature subject to the step length, pelvic rotation, flexion of a front knee, frequency and walking speed. Linear dependence on a stature is not subject to the the angle between femurs and flexion of a back knee. It was also found that the values of parameters which have the highest rate of variability reach a relatively low angular values. These parameters include the angle of rotation of a pelvis and the angle of flexion of a front knee. Opposite qualities shows the angle between femurs, which reaches the highest value, but clearly has the lowest rate of variability. Keywords: gait, footstep lenght, double support, stature

OBJETIVO: No Brasil, a prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), especialmente obesidade, tem aumentado dramaticamente, constituindo-se em grave problema de saúde pública. Paradoxalmente, no país ainda são observadas altas taxas de desnutrição crônica em crianças de baixa renda, o que tem sido, recentemente, apontada como fator de risco para desenvolvimento de DCNT na vida adulta. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica (SM) e sua relação com a baixa estatura, marcador de desnutrição pregressa na infância, em população adulta. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em população adulta, com idades entre 20 e 64 anos, residente em município da região metropolitana de São Paulo. A amostra foi composta por 287 indivíduos, sendo 214 (74,6%) do sexo feminino e 75 (25,4%) do sexo masculino. Foram obtidos dados antropométricos e clínico-bioquímicos através de exame físico e coleta de material biológico, respectivamente. Os dados socioeconômico-demográficos e de hábitos de vida foram obtidos por meio de entrevista. Para classificação da síndrome metabólica utilizou-se o critério do International Diabetes Federation e para o ponto de corte da baixa estatura utilizou-se o padrão do National Center for Health Statistics (homens <165cm e mulheres <154cm). RESULTADOS: A prevalência padronizada por sexo e idade para a síndrome metabólica foi de 40,0% no sexo feminino e 10,0% no sexo masculino e a de baixa estatura 30,0% entre as mulheres e 23,0% entre os homens. Em análise univariada, a baixa estatura demonstrou associação com a SM em ambos os sexos (Odds Ratio=1,308; p<0,001). Em análise multivariada, ajustada por sexo, idade, escolaridade, renda, tabagismo, etilismo, atividade física, antecedentes familiares e índice de massa corpórea, a baixa estatura mostrou-se associada a SM (Odds Ratio=1,299; IC95%:1,288-1,310). CONCLUSÃO: No presente estudo foi demonstrada possível associação entre SM e baixa estatura em adultos. / OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, the prevalence of chronic diseases, especially obesity, has increased dramatically, thus becoming a serious problem of public health. There are, however, high rates of undernutrition and stunting in low-income children, which have been appointed as risk factor to cause chronic diseases in later life. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship to short stature, as evidence of stunting in early life in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adult population (age 20 to 64 years old) living in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo. The sample comprehended a total of 287 individuals, 214 (74,6%) were women and 73 (25,4%) were men. The anthropometric and clinical-biochemical data were collected through the physical exam and the biological material, respectively. The socio-economic-demographic data and life habit conditions were obtained through interview. The metabolic syndrome was defined by the criteria of International Diabetes Federation and the cut-off point for short stature was based on the standard given by National Center for Health Statistics (male <165cm and female <154cm). RESULTS: The standard prevalence for sex and age to metabolic syndrome was 40,0% among women and 10,0% among men and the prevalence of short stature were 30,0% in women and 30,0% in men. In univariate analyses the metabolic syndrome showed to be associated to short stature (Odds Ratio=1,308; p<0,001). The multiple regression analyses, adjusted by sex, age, education, income, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history and body mass index showed association between the metabolic syndrome and short stature (Odds Ratio=1,299; IC95%:1,288-1,310). CONCLUSIONS: In this study was demonstrated association between metabolic syndrome and short stature in adults.

A estatura é um dos atributos físicos de grande destaque para o homem e para a mulher e, dependendo do meio ou da cultura, é valorizada de diferentes formas. Quando se faz referência ao esporte e a atletas de alto nível, a primeira imagem que nos vem à mente é a de uma figura alta e forte. No entanto, na Ginástica Artística (GA), especialmente no setor feminino, a maioria das ?grandes? campeãs apresenta uma característica em comum: a estatura baixa. No Brasil, a população em geral acredita que o fato se deve ao treinamento intensivo da modalidade. Conseqüentemente, pais chegam a proibir que as filhas pratiquem a modalidade preocupados com o comprometimento da estatura adulta. Até o momento, os estudos científicos realizados têm demonstrado que os aspectos biomecânicos, a rigorosa seleção natural e, principalmente, fatores hereditários provavelmente sejam os maiores responsáveis pela estatura baixa das ginastas. No entanto, a maioria desses estudos são realizados com atletas pré-púberes e adolescentes que estão em plena fase de crescimento. A falta de estudos conclusivos e especialmente relacionados à fase adulta das ginastas, mesmo no contexto internacional, contribui para a perpetuação do mito da estatura baixa na GA em alguns países como o Brasil. Assim, é preciso conduzir estudos específicos e em maior profundidade a fim de verificar se há ou não comprometimento da estatura final da ginasta de alto nível na fase adulta devido ao treinamento. Estudos que relacionem o crescimento estatural com ênfase na fase adulta da atleta de GA ainda não foram encontrados na nossa literatura. Além de raros, inclusive no contexto internacional, essas pesquisas são necessárias para esclarecer dúvidas e levantar evidências que possam justificar ou quebrar o mito relacionado à modalidade. O objetivo da nossa pesquisa foi levantar dados referentes à estatura de ex-ginastas e ginastas adultas de alto nível no Brasil, para verificar possíveis evidências de que o potencial hereditário estabelecido para estatura adulta tenha sido prejudicado devido ao treinamento de alto nível na Ginástica Artística. Utilizou-se o método quantitativo para comparação dos dados familiares referentes à estatura e maturação de 45 ex-ginastas e 06 ginastas em atividade com idade mínima de 18 anos. Os nossos resultados demonstraram que a estatura da ginasta de alto nível no Brasil está dentro da normalidade de acordo com os órgãos oficiais que estabelecem os referenciais para estatura em cada faixa etária. Evidenciaram também estreita relação entre a estatura média dos pais e a estatura final das ginastas, fator também observado na comparação entre as ginastas e respectivas irmãs, indicando que, aparentemente, o potencial genético ou fator hereditário estabelecido para a estatura não foi prejudicado em decorrência do treinamento de alto nível na Ginástica Artística / The stature is one of the physical attributes of great prominence for the man and for the woman and depending on the means or the culture it is valued in different ways. When reference is done to the sport and athletes of high level the first image that it comes to mind is of one that is tall and strong. However, in the artistic gymnastics (GA), especially in the feminine section, most of the \"great\" champions present a characteristic in common: the low stature. In Brazil, the population, in general believes, that the fact is due to the intensive training of the modality. Consequently, parents even prohibit their daughters to practice the modality worried about the compromising of the adult stature. Until the moment, the accomplished scientific studies have demonstrated that the aspects biomechanics, the rigorous natural selection and, mainly, hereditary factors are probably the largest responsible for the low stature of the gymnasts. However, most of these studies are accomplished with prepubescent and adolescent athletes that are in the middle of the growth phase. The lack of conclusive studies and especially related to the adult phase of the gymnasts, even in the international context, they contribute to the perpetuation of the myth of the low stature in GA in some countries, as Brazil. So, it is necessary to drive specific studies in larger depth in order to verify if there is or not compromising in the final stature of the gymnast of high level in the adult phase due to the training. Studies which are related to height growth with emphasis in the athletes of GA adult phase still were not found in our literature. Besides being rare, also in the international context, these studies are necessary to explain doubts and evidences that can justify to raise or to break the myth related to the modality. The objective of our research was to lift data regarding the stature of former-gymnasts and adult gymnasts of high level in Brazil, to verify possible evidences that the established hereditary potential for adult stature has been harmed due to the training of high level in the Artistic Gymnastics. The quantitative method was used for comparison of the family data regarding the stature and maturation of 45 former-gymnasts and 06 gymnasts in activity with minimum age 18 years old. Our results demonstrated that the stature of the gymnast of high level in Brazil is in the normality in accordance with the official organs which establish the reference for stature in each age group. It was also evidenced the narrow relationship between the parents medium stature and the final stature of the gymnasts, fact also observed in the stature in comparison with the gymnasts and respective sisters, indicating that seemingly, the genetic potential or established hereditary factor for the stature were not harmed due to the training of high level in the artistic gymnastics

The identification of victims involved in mass fatality incidents, as well as the identification of unknown individuals in criminal cases has become an increasingly important issue nowadays. Sex assessment represents a key point in forensic evaluations due to its significance in providing biological identity. Even though the availability of documented skeletal remains to forensic practitioners is a common practice in many countries, in Turkey, contemporary documented skeletal remains are not available for this purpose. For this reason, studies have been focused on living populations. Previous research has shown that modern technologies such as CT scanning present very promising potential in establishing new standards for contemporary populations. Therefore, the main aim of this project was to examine the application of the measurements taken from 3D CT images of the femur in order to assess sex, and to contribute to the establishment of discriminant function equations for the Turkish population for forensic applications. The accuracy and reproducibility of imaging methods in the assessment of the measurements taken from femora are essential when estimating sex. This research also concentrated on determining the accuracy and repeatability of CT measurements, using the femur. Prior to primary data collection, a preliminary study was performed in an effort to test the reliability of the femur measurements. The results of reliability analysis indicated no significant difference between the three observations of each measurement. Thus, the methodology employed in the current study appears reliable and reproducible. In addition, a validation study was conducted to determine the linear measurement accuracy of the 3D volume rendering models derived from a medical CT scanner and the influence of different reconstruction parameters. The differences between measurements obtained from dry bones and their 3D volume rendered models were also evaluated. The results from this study indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between measurements taken from different reconstruction parameters and measurements obtained from CT images and drybones. Using the CT data, volume-rendering function (VR), 3D Curved Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), and Scout View on OsiriX were employed in order to compare the accuracy and reliability of each rendering method and to determine which technique is optimal for linear measurements. Overall, the measurements taken from the 3D Volume Rendering images had the highest intra-observer reliability when compared to the other two rendering methods. This research study produced data and interpretations that will inform on and improve population specific standards of sex assessment from three-dimensional postcranial osteometric landmarks. Additionally, this research is believed to provide value for a developing discipline of forensic anthropology, and integrate within the existing systems of criminal investigation and disaster victim identification practices in Turkey. A Turkish sample population, consisting of 300 adult hospital patients was examined via the interpretation of CT reconstructed images using the OsiriX software. The 3D reconstructions were then created using the volume-rendering function in OsiriX (v.5.6.). Following the 3D reconstruction, an image of each femur was segmented from the surrounding bones to ensure the correct usage of landmarks as accurately as possible. Thirteen measurements were acquired using a 3D viewer after being located and marked on each CT reconstructed femora. These thirteen anthropometric parameters were measured and analysed by basic descriptive statistics and discriminant analysis methods using the SPSS 21.0 software package. The intra-observer variation was assessed by obtaining the intraclass correlation coefficient in order to evaluate the accuracy of the linear measurements taken. Asymmetry was also tested. The results indicated that an accuracy of 92.3% was acquired from a combination of six of the measurements, and the Femur Vertical Diameter of Neck (FVDN) measurement was found to be the most dimorphic with 88.0% accuracy.

OBJETIVO: No Brasil, a prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), especialmente obesidade, tem aumentado dramaticamente, constituindo-se em grave problema de saúde pública. Paradoxalmente, no país ainda são observadas altas taxas de desnutrição crônica em crianças de baixa renda, o que tem sido, recentemente, apontada como fator de risco para desenvolvimento de DCNT na vida adulta. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica (SM) e sua relação com a baixa estatura, marcador de desnutrição pregressa na infância, em população adulta. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em população adulta, com idades entre 20 e 64 anos, residente em município da região metropolitana de São Paulo. A amostra foi composta por 287 indivíduos, sendo 214 (74,6%) do sexo feminino e 75 (25,4%) do sexo masculino. Foram obtidos dados antropométricos e clínico-bioquímicos através de exame físico e coleta de material biológico, respectivamente. Os dados socioeconômico-demográficos e de hábitos de vida foram obtidos por meio de entrevista. Para classificação da síndrome metabólica utilizou-se o critério do International Diabetes Federation e para o ponto de corte da baixa estatura utilizou-se o padrão do National Center for Health Statistics (homens <165cm e mulheres <154cm). RESULTADOS: A prevalência padronizada por sexo e idade para a síndrome metabólica foi de 40,0% no sexo feminino e 10,0% no sexo masculino e a de baixa estatura 30,0% entre as mulheres e 23,0% entre os homens. Em análise univariada, a baixa estatura demonstrou associação com a SM em ambos os sexos (Odds Ratio=1,308; p<0,001). Em análise multivariada, ajustada por sexo, idade, escolaridade, renda, tabagismo, etilismo, atividade física, antecedentes familiares e índice de massa corpórea, a baixa estatura mostrou-se associada a SM (Odds Ratio=1,299; IC95%:1,288-1,310). CONCLUSÃO: No presente estudo foi demonstrada possível associação entre SM e baixa estatura em adultos. / OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, the prevalence of chronic diseases, especially obesity, has increased dramatically, thus becoming a serious problem of public health. There are, however, high rates of undernutrition and stunting in low-income children, which have been appointed as risk factor to cause chronic diseases in later life. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship to short stature, as evidence of stunting in early life in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adult population (age 20 to 64 years old) living in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo. The sample comprehended a total of 287 individuals, 214 (74,6%) were women and 73 (25,4%) were men. The anthropometric and clinical-biochemical data were collected through the physical exam and the biological material, respectively. The socio-economic-demographic data and life habit conditions were obtained through interview. The metabolic syndrome was defined by the criteria of International Diabetes Federation and the cut-off point for short stature was based on the standard given by National Center for Health Statistics (male <165cm and female <154cm). RESULTS: The standard prevalence for sex and age to metabolic syndrome was 40,0% among women and 10,0% among men and the prevalence of short stature were 30,0% in women and 30,0% in men. In univariate analyses the metabolic syndrome showed to be associated to short stature (Odds Ratio=1,308; p<0,001). The multiple regression analyses, adjusted by sex, age, education, income, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history and body mass index showed association between the metabolic syndrome and short stature (Odds Ratio=1,299; IC95%:1,288-1,310). CONCLUSIONS: In this study was demonstrated association between metabolic syndrome and short stature in adults.

Thesis (M. Sc. (Statistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / TheEllisrasLongitudinalStudy(ELS)openedthepossibilitiesforunderstandingthegrowthvariationsamongchildreninruralSouthAfrica. Theaimofthe study was to analyse the growth spurt in height and weight of children using the ELS. This is part of the on going ELS and this study followed secondary analytical longitudinal study using data collected from November 1996 to November 2003. All children underwent a series of anthropometric measurements of height and weight according to the standard procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. The descriptive statistics was done for age, height, weight, velocity and acceleration by gender amongst rural children in Ellisras. Thelinearmixedmodelwasusedto analyse data. Based on the smallest values of AIC and BIC, the best model to fit the ELS data which was found to be the unstructured covariance structure model was chosen. The interaction between age and gender, which was significant at 5% level suggested that the relationship of age with growth varies depending on gender. There was also a significant positive linear relationship of age with distance. The onset of growth spurt for rural children in Ellisras was at 12.05 years for boys and at 12.32 years for girls, while the Senegalese boys took off earlier at 11.02 years. Ellisras rural boys and USA boys had their onset of growth spurt almost at the same age at 13 years for USA boys and 12.05 years for Ellisras rural boys. USA girls had their onset of growth spurt earlier at 11 years than Ellisras rural girls at 12.32 years. Newcastle upon Tyne adolescents reached ii their PHV at 14 and 12 years for boys and girls respectively, similarly with Ellisras rural children at 14.21 and 11.80 years for boys and girls respectively. Ellisras rural girls had their PHV at 11.80 years earlier than Ellisras rural boys at 14.21 years. Children in rural Ellisras in the ELS and their growth variations do not differ that much compared with other children across the world. Key words: Growth spurt, peak height velocity, boys, girls. / National Research Foundation (NRF)