117,773 research outputs found
Activity and skeletal markers of the upper limb: an osteometric approach.
No full textUsing an anthropometric approach, we investigated linear and angular traits on long bones of the upper limb on 103 males with known age at death, provenience and trade. The purpose was to find out the best indicators of occupational stress among the measured traits. The results show that some traits (especially angular traits) vary according to activity of the subject
Assessment of nutritional status and body image perceptions on immigrants
No full textThe valuation of the nutritional status and body image perception of the immigrant population is important to detect exposed groups at risk and to make nutritional recommendations. The assessment of nutritional status can be carried out through different methods, among which Anthropometric ones are especially recommended in case of large immigrant flow. This assessment is an important basis for developing an effective strategy to improve nutrition and health status in immigrants
Physical Activity for Health and Wellness
No full textRegular physical activity (PA) is both a preventive measure and a cure for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [...
Human activity patterns and skeletal metric indicators in the upper limb
No full textThis study investigates skeletal metric traits of long bones of upper limb and the relationship between these traits and human activity in males of a recent, well-documented skeletal sample of Italian population from the Frassetto collection (Department of Experimental Evolutionary Biology, University of Bologna). The study analyzes the impact of some human activities on the skeleton, taking into account the possibility of an assessment of functional stresses caused by these activities on the basis of metric characteristics. The data consist of measurements of linear and angular bone traits, obtained by traditional and new instruments. With the purpose to find out the best indicators of occupational stress among the measured traits and indices, univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. Then the results obtained previously were used to analyze a sample with unknown occupation. The efficacy of metric stress indicators is discussed
Remarks on methods for estimating body composition parameters: reliability of skinfold and multiple frequency bioelectric impedance methods
No full textA sample of 104 adults underwent testing of body composition by multiple frequency bioelectric impedance analysis (MBIA) under controlled conditions, by anthropometric methods (skinfold thicknesses and BMI) and by the urinary creatinine method. The statistical comparison of body composition parameters (Fat, FFM, TBW), estimated by different methods for the same subjects, pointed out significant differences in mean values. The precision of skinfold and MBIA measurements was evaluated by a second control measurement. Concerning the MBIA, the reliability increased with increasing frequencies. Nevertheless, measurement reliability is higher for skinfolds than for MBIA. Under the condition that there is a real anthropometric technical ability, we affirm that the body composition parameters may at present be better estimated by the skinfold method
Biofilm formation-gene expression relay system in Escherichia coli: modulation of sigma(S)-dependent gene expression by the CsgD regulatory protein via sigma(S) protein stabilization
No full textBacteria can switch from a single-cell (planktonic) mode to a multicellular community (biofilm) mode via production of cell-cell aggregation and surface adhesion factors. In this report, we present evidence that the CsgD protein, a transcription regulator involved in biofilm formation in Escherichia coli, modulates the expression of the rpoS (sigmaS) regulon. Protein pattern analysis of E. coli cells in stationary phase shows that CsgD affects the expression of several proteins encoded by sigmaS-dependent genes. CsgD regulation of sigmaS-dependent genes takes place at gene transcription level, does not by-pass the need for rpoS and is abolished in an rpoS null mutant. Consistent with these results, we find that CsgD expression leads to an increase in sigmaS intracellular concentration. Increase in sigmaS cellular amount is mediated by CsgD-dependent transcription activation of iraP, encoding a factor involved in sigmaS protein stabilization. Our results strongly suggest that the CsgD regulatory protein plays a major role as a relay between adhesion factors production and sigmaS-dependent gene expression via sigmaS protein stabilization. Direct co-ordination between biofilm formation and expression of the rpoS regulon could positively impact important biological processes, such as host colonization or response to environmental stresses
ANTHROPOMETRIC TECHNIQUES
No full textThis tutorial of Anthropometry is designed to give an overview of various anthropometric traits and indices providing indication of the general health and nutritional status of a person or a population. The main anthropometric procedures are briefly presented along with explanatory figures and tables, when necessary
Body Image and Growth in Italy
No full textThe worrying increase of nutritional disorders and psychological discomfort in young population, mainly from western societies, shows that body image could be a basic variable in a population screening especially during growth when physical changes and biological and emotional development occur. This is one of the first studies in northern Italy investigating differences in body shape concerns among different age-groups and sexes. The sample consisted of 1754 Italian youths aged 11-23 years. Participants were examined during a cross-sectional study. Body image perception was assessed using appropriate Body Silhouette Charts. Body Mass Index was calculated from measured height and weight. The results demonstrated age variability and sexual dimorphism in body image perception. The analysis of body image perception is a valid source of information and should be assessed in studies on youth growth, since it varies with age, sex, population, pathologies and socio-cultural environment
Anthropometric indicators of body image dissatisfaction and perception inconsistency in young rhythmic gymnastics
No full textBackground: Although the positive effects of sports on body image perception are well described in the literature, rhythmic gymnasts have been reported to be at greater risk of developing body dissatisfaction and possibly eating disorders. The reason is that athletes engaged in aesthetic sports may be subject to greater pressure to be thin in order to adhere to the norms of that sport. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate body image perception and body composition in a sample of pre-menarcheal rhythmic gymnasts and to assess the influence of sport practice. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on a total sample of 135 girls: 64 were preadolescent rhythmic gymnasts (10.1 ± 1.8 years) divided into competitive and non-competitive athletes, while the other 71 schoolgirls (11.4 ± 0.3 years) were included as a control group. Anthropometric traits were directly collected, and BMI and body composition parameters were calculated. Body image perception and body image satisfaction were evaluated through body image indexes. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusted for age and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Anthropometric traits and body composition parameters varied significantly between gymnasts and controls and between competitive and non-competitive subgroups, especially when adiposity indicators were compared. In general, rhythmic gymnasts showed a perception of their body consistent with their anthropometric characteristics and low body dissatisfaction, with competitive girls choosing a thinner silhouette as their ideal. A new index, FIDSPORT, developed by us as a simple measure of what gymnasts believe is the ideal gymnast figure compared to their actual figure, reported higher dissatisfaction between their perceived body and the body considered ideal for their sport. Moreover, rhythmic gymnasts showed a desire for a skinnier body than the control group. Practice of rhythmic gymnastics and BMI were negatively correlated with general ideal figure. Conclusions: All participants wanted to be thinner, but the ideal body image of gymnasts was thinner than that of schoolgirls. In addition, as a result of body satisfaction transiency, the ideal gymnast body image showed even lower values than the general ideal body image. This trend was well quantified by the FIDSport when compared to the FID(Feel-minus-Ideal-Discrepancy)
Influence of size and maturity on injury in young elite soccer players
No full textThe involvement of pre-adolescents in soccer is becoming more and more frequent, and this growing participation generates some concerns about the potential factors for sports injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate sports injuries in younger (U9–U11) and older (U12–U13) children playing soccer at an elite level, analyzing potential anthropometric and maturity risk factors. A total of 88 elite soccer players aged 9–13 years were investigated. Weight, stature, and sitting height were measured at the start and at the end of the competitive season, computing the relative growth velocities. Additional body composition parameters were taken during a second survey. Maturity offset was calculated using predictive equations based on anthropometric traits such as years from age at peak height velocity (YPHV). Injuries suffered during the competitive season were recorded. Maturity and some anthropometric characteristics were significantly different according to the presence or absence of injuries among the players. Multiple logistic regression revealed that YPHV, body mass index (BMI), and calf muscle area were the factors most significantly correlated with injuries. Players with increased BMI, with decreased calf muscle area, and who were closer to their peak height velocity, were at a higher risk of injury. Findings showed that a monitoring program of anthropometric characteristics taking into account the maturational stage needs to be developed to prevent injuries
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