Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use?

The considerable amount of original and generic types of skinfold calipers available is a source of systematic measurement error. This study is a brief report that critically examines the original and illustrated structural configuration of the three main types of skinfold calipers. For more than half a century, the Harpenden®, Lange® and Slim Guide® skinfolds calipers have been widely used in clinical and research settings. It is well established that the physical, mechanical and functional specificity of each type of skinfold caliper makes its interchangeable use impossible. Our report suggests that commercially available technical specifications are insufficient to judiciously choose a skinfold caliper. The area of the jaws, the coefficient of spring and the static and dynamic downward pressure of each type of skinfold caliper must be determined in the metrological laboratory and added to the technical user manual. Choosing a type of skinfold caliper for regular use, without conflict of commercial interest, requires a critical understanding of the physical, mechanical and functional characteristics that configure it. Therefore, a new downward static calibration test and the first eligibility flowchart for a skinfold caliper have been proposed. Finally, the information gathered in this report may be useful for manufacturers of anthropometric instruments and health professionals who use the skinfold technique as a tool for diagnosis and nutritional control.

Sow-related factors affecting the postweaning feed intake in Landrace × Large White females.

During the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), a high feeding level is usually offered to recover losses due to lactational catabolism. However, several factors can affect the appetite, possibly impairing the efficacy of this strategy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sow-related factors on average daily feed intake (ADFI) during WEI in 142 primiparous and 458 multiparous sows. After weaning, the sows received 4.3 kg/day of feed and the wastage was recorded. The ADFI after weaning was lower in primiparous than multiparous sows, and on estrous day than in 2 and 3 days preceding estrus (P ≤ 0.05). In primiparous sows, lower ADFI was observed if they had higher backfat thickness at 112 days of gestation (BFT ≥ 11.5 mm) or higher reserves at weaning (BFT ≥ 10.5 mm, caliper units ≥ 12 or ≥ 157 kg; P ≤ 0.05). Higher body reserves at the end of gestation (caliper units ≥ 12, BFT ≥ 11.0 mm, or BCS ≥ 3.0) or weaning (caliper units ≥ 13, BFT ≥ 12.5 mm) negatively affected the ADFI in multiparous sows (P < 0.04). Weaned litter size ≤ 11 piglets (P = 0.06) and shorter lactation length (P< 0.01) decreased the ADFI in primiparous sows. Greater loss in caliper units during lactation tended to reduce ADFI in primiparous and multiparous sows (P ≤ 0.07). Multiparous sows with greater losses in BFT and BCS had lower ADFI (P ≤ 0.03). The ADFI during WEI is reduced when sows are in estrus or if they have greater body reserves.

Correction equations to estimate body fat with plicometer WCS dual hand

ABSTRACT Introduction This study aimed to propose regression equations for the correction of fat percentage values obtained with the WCS Dual Hand skinfold caliper, using the Lange skinfold caliper as a reference. Methods This study evaluated 112 undergraduate students from the Physical Education and Physical Therapy programs of the Faculdade Dom Bosco, located in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Of these, 58 women were 24.9±5.8 years old and 54 men were 27.6±7.9 years old. The evaluation comprised the following measurements: height, body mass, and nine skin folds with WCS Dual Hand and Lange skinfold calipers used in biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, pectoral, average axillary, medial thigh, abdominal, and calf measurements. Results Through the simple linear regression analysis, eight equations were generated to correct the relative body fat obtained with equations commonly used in Brazil. For these correction equations, R2 was between 0.830 and 0.961 and p-value was 0.000 for all measurements. Conclusion These results indicate the use of equations for the correction of estimated values of relative body fat measured with the WCS Dual Hand skinfold caliper, whenever the Lange skinfold caliper is not available, in order to minimize the difference between them.

Evaluación geométrica de meniscos frescos y conservados en glicerina al 98%: Estudio en conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Geometric Evaluation of Fresh Menisci and Menisci Preserved in 98% Glycerin: Study in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Avaliação geométrica de meniscos frescos e conservados em glicerina em 98%: Estudo em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Los aloimplantes de meniscos se han utilizado como fuente de tejido a la hora de sustituirlos por roturas o daños irreparables. Para determinar posibles cambios o no por conservación se planteó como objetivo evaluar geométricamente meniscos frescos y conservados en glicerina al 98%. Se utilizaron 15 meniscos mediales, provenientes de ocho conejos de raza nueva zelanda albina, separados en tres grupos: cinco meniscos frescos (GI), cinco meniscos conservados por ocho meses en glicerina al 98% (GII) y cinco meniscos conservados por ocho meses en glicerina al 98% y rehidratados en solución salina 0,9%, por 24 horas (GIII). Todos los meniscos se midieron con pie de rey en siete puntos de su estructura geométrica. El estudio estableció que no hubo diferencias estadísticas en las medidas estudiadas de GII y GIII con relación a GI y al comparar las medidas de GIII con GII tampoco las hubo, por lo que se podría considerar innecesaria a la rehidratación por 24 horas en solución salina antibiótica.

Meniscus alloimplants have been used as a source of tissue for replacement in case of breakage or irreparable damage. To determine possible changes by conservation, the study proposed to geometrically evaluate fresh menisci and menisci preserved in 98% glycerin. 15 medial menisci from eight albino rabbits of New Zealand breed were used, divided into three groups: five fresh menisci (GI); five menisci preserved in 98% glycerin for eight months (GII), and five menisci preserved in 98% glycerin for eight months and then rehydrated in 0.9% saline solution for 24 hours (GIII). All menisci were measured with vernier caliper at seven points of their geometric structure. The study established that there were no statistical differences in the measurements of GII and GIII when compared to GI; there was no difference either in the measurements of GIII when compared to GII, thus rehydration in antibiotic saline solution for 24 hours can be considered unnecessary.

Os alo implantes de meniscos se utilizaram como fonte de tecido na hora de substituí-los por rupturas ou danos irreparáveis. Para determinar possíveis mudanças ou não por conservação se propôs como objetivo avaliar geometricamente meniscos frescos e conservados em glicerina a 98%. Utilizaram-se 15 meniscos mediais, provenientes de oito coelhos de raça Nova Zelândia albina, separados em três grupos: cinco meniscos frescos (GI), cinco meniscos conservados por oito meses em glicerina a 98% (GII) e cinco meniscos conservados por oito meses em glicerina em 98% e reidratados em solução salina 0,9%, por 24 horas (GIII). Todos os meniscos se mediram com paquímetro em sete pontos de sua estrutura geométrica. O estudo estabeleceu que não houvesse diferenças estatísticas nas medidas estudadas de GII e GIII com relação a GI e ao comparar as medidas de GIII com GII tampouco as houve, razão pela que se poderia considerar desnecessária na reidratação por 24 horas em solução salina antibiótica.

Mahalanobis' distance and propensity score to construct a controlled matched group in a Brazilian study of health promotion and social determinants / Distância de Mahalanobis e escore de propensão para seleção de amostra pareada de controle em um estudo Brasileiro de promoção da saúde e determinantes sociais

In observational epidemiology it is usual to select a control group to study the effects of certain exposures on human health. Intervention studies are well known among epidemiologists but it is not very frequent in other areas of research. In this paper we propose the same idea of intervention studies and the use of three methods for a health promotion research control group selection: Propensity score, Mahalanobis' distance and Mahalanobis within Propensity Calipers. In the original project, "Health and Local Development: a progress review towards the millennium goals with relation to health in the Brazilian cities which develop social agendas", cities with social agendas from Brazil were matched separately by state. In the state of Paraná there are 397 cities. Of these, 34 presented social agendas implemented and active since, at least, 2004. Five variables measured in 2000 were considered for the matching: population size, human development index of income, human development index of education, percentage of literacy and vaccine coverage. As a result, among these three methods, the Mahalanobis by itself was considered the less efficient. In conclusion, the propensity, which is a very simple linear score, presented very good matched sample. However, the Mahalanobis within Calipers was the method that provided the best result.

Em epidemiologia observacional, é frequente o uso de grupos controle para avaliação do efeito de variáveis de exposição em desfechos na saúde de pessoas, porém este método não é muito utilizado em outras áreas. Este artigo propõe a aplicação da ideia de estudos de intervenção, com base em seleção de grupo controle, utilizando três métodos de seleção de amostra (escore de propensão, distância de Mahalanobis e distância de Mahalanobis dentro da margem estabelecida pelo escore de propensão) para pesquisa de promoção da saúde. No projeto “Saúde e desenvolvimento local: análise dos progressos em relação aos objetivos de desenvolvimento do milênio relacionados à saúde, nas cidades brasileiras que desenvolvem agendas sociais”, cidades com agendas sociais foram pareadas com amostra controle sem agendas sociais, para cada um dos estados do Brasil. Neste artigo foi considerado o estado do Paraná que tem 397 cidades sendo 34 com agendas sociais implementadas desde pelo menos 2004. Cinco variáveis, coletadas em 2000, foram consideradas para o pareamento: tamanho populacional, índice de desenvolvimento humano econômico e educacional, percentual de pessoas escolarizadas e cobertura vacinal. O resultado do pareamento com o uso da distância de Mahalanobis foi o que apresentou menor qualidade. Conclui-se que o método do escore de propensão, o mais simples e mais facilmente utilizado, apresentou como resultado um grupo de controle confiável. Entretanto, a distância de Mahalanobis dentro de margens do escore de propensão é o método que obteve o melhor resultado.

Estimation of stature and age from head dimensions in Indian population / Estimación de la estatura y edad a partir de dimensiones de la cabeza en población india

Body segments exhibit consistent ratios with stature, age, gender and race. Thus prediction of stature from cranial remains is vital in establishing the identity of an unknown individual in natural calamities and archaeological exploration where entire body skeleton is not available. Little is known about the cranial dimensions in Indian population. Hence the study was carried out to predict stature, age and sex for solving medico-legal problems, anthropological complexities and archaeological investigations. Undergraduate students in the age group of 17-26 years of CSM Medical University, UP, India were selected as subjects because of easy access. Cranial dimensions of the subjects were measured by spreading calliper and Todd' head spanner. Heights of subjects were measured by standing height measuring instrument in similar anatomical position and at fixed time to avoid diurnal variation. The correlation and regression analyses and statistical analyses carried out here is most important to anthropologists and forensic science experts to facilitate them to solve complicated medico-legal problems.

Los segmentos corporales presentan proporciones de acuerdo a estatura, edad, sexo y raza. Así, la predicción de medidas de los restos craneales es vital para determinar la identidad de un individuo en desastres naturales, como también, en la investigación arqueológica en los casos cuando no se encuentra disponible el esqueleto completo. Existe escasa información acerca de las dimensiones craneales en la población de la India. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para predecir la estatura, edad y sexo con el propósito de asistir en la resolución de problemas médico-legales, las complejidades antropológicas y las investigaciones arqueológicas. Como sujetos de estudio fueron seleccionados, debido a su fácil contribución, estudiantes universitarios entre 17 a 26 años de edad de la CSM Medical University, UP, India. Las dimensiones craneales de los sujetos se midieron mediante caliper digital deslizante y llave de Todd. Las alturas de los sujetos fueron tomadas por medición en posición anatómica de pie y en el tiempo fijado para evitar la variación diurna. Los análisis de correlación y regresión además de los análisis estadísticos realizados son importantes para antropólogos y expertos en las ciencias forenses con el propósito de facilitar y resolver complejos problemas médico-legales.

Comparison of three quick methods to estimate crab size in the land crabs Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille, 1825 and Ucides cordatus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae and Ucididae) / Comparación de tres métodos rápidos para estimar el tamaño del cangrejo en los cangrejos terrestres Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille, 1825 y Ucides cordatus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae y Ucididae)

Quick, reliable and non destructive methods are necessary to estimate size structure on commercial land crabs, in order to acquire relevant information concerning the health of their populations. Cardisoma guanhumi and Ucides cordatus are two land crabs that are exploited at a high scale and also in an artisan way in the Caribbean area and in the coasts of Brazil, which populations are endangered due to uncontrolled exploitation. The purpose of this work is to provide various methods to estimate indirectly crab body size. Sampling was carried out in Carenero (C. guanhumi) and Cumaná (U. cordatus) (Venezuela). For each species, three methods were used to measure burrow diameter (Vernier, internal spring caliper and photograph), and these were correlated with real body size of the crabs. Model II linear regression analyzes, i.e. Ordinary Least Squares and Mayor Axis, were used to build and test the performance of forecasting models. Cardisoma guanhumi showed a high bivariate data dispersion using Vernier and photo measuring methods, increasing these towards larger animals. Less dispersion was achieved with the spring caliper method; this resulted in the most accurate measurements of indirectly estimated body size in C. guanhumi (r²= 0.61), whereas Vernier measurements were the least precise. On the other hand, all three methods gave reliable estimates for U. cordatus, being the Vernier method the most accurate (r²= 0.71). However, in both species, all forecasting equations overestimated the size of smaller crabs (those below the mean) but underestimated the size of larger crabs. Nevertheless, all three methods were statistically significant for each of the species, and looking at the above mentioned underand overestimations, they can serve as reliable and fast non-destructive tools to be used by resource managers and field biologists to acquire size structure information concerning these two species. Vernier and internal spring caliper ...

Para la estimación de la estructura de tamaños en cangrejos terrestres comerciales y la obtención de información relevante para su manejo, es necesario utilizar métodos rápidos, confiables y no destructivos. Cardisoma guanhumi y Ucides cordatus son dos cangrejos terrestres que son explotados comercialmente en el Caribe y en Brasil. El propósito de este trabajo es suministrar métodos indirectos para la estimación del tamaño del caparazón de los cangrejos y por consiguiente, de la estructura de tallas. Los muestreos se llevaron a cabo en Carenero (C. guanhumi) y en Cumaná (U. cordatus) (Venezuela). Se utilizaron tres métodos para estimar el diámetro de sus madrigueras: Vernier, compás y fotografía. Estos se correlacionaron con el tamaño real del cangrejo. Se aplicó el análisis de regresión Ordinary Least Squares Model II y la capacidad de predicción se probó utilizando el modelo II Mayor Axis para las regresiones. Cardisoma guanhumi mostró una fuerte dispersión de sus datos en los métodos de Vernier y fotografía. Menos dispersión se obtuvo con el método del compás y fue el más preciso (r²= 0.61). Para U. cordatus las medidas con Vernier fueron la más adecuadas (r²= 0.71). Sin embargo los tres métodos fueron confiables. Los diferentes métodos mostraron ventajas y desventajas y dependerá del que aplique los métodos, decidir cuál será el más adecuado para sus propósitos.

Biometria testicular e seus aspectos ultrassonográficos em cães / testicular biometry and its ultrasound aspects in dogs

Verifica-se uma grande variação de tamanho entre os cães, e por ser o tamanho testicular relacionado com o peso corporal, a variação do tamanho dos testículos desta espécie também é grande, dificultando a definição de parâmetros normais quanto à biometria do trato reprodutivo na espécie canina. O tamanho dos testículos está relacionado à produção espermática, logo, na ausência de qualquer patologia que possa afetar o trato reprodutor masculino, as mensurações testiculares/escrotais podem ser um meio fácil e rápido para avaliar a fertilidade de reprodutores. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar e mensurar testículos, epidídimos (cauda) e bolsa escrotal, correlacionando essas medidas com o peso corporal, e verificar se são compatíveis com a literatura, além de descrever as alterações encontradas. No presente trabalho foram realizados: a pesagem dos animais, o exame clínico, a avaliação ultrassonográfica do trato reprodutivo e a biometria utilizando-se um paquímetro e ultrassom dos: testículos, epidídimos (cauda) e bolsa escrotal de 50 cães machos adultos que possuíam escore corporal entre 2 e 3 (escala de 5). Os animais foram divididos em 04 categorias de peso corporal devido a grande variação (1,7 a 68 kg). Observou-se que cães dentro da mesma categoria de peso apresentaram o mesmo padrão biométrico independente da raça e que os resultados encontrados assemelharam-se aos previamente descritos por outros autores. Apesar da ausência de sintomatologia clínica, foram encontradas alterações do trato reprodutor masculino durante o exame clínico e/ou ultrassonográfico, afirmando a necessidade do exame reprodutivo.

There is a great variation in body size between dogs, and as the testes size is related to body weight, the variation in the size of the testes of this species is also very large what makes it difficult to define normal parameters about the biometry of the reproductive tract in dogs. The testicular size is related to the sperm production, therefore on the absence of any pathology that might affect the masculine reproductive tract, the testicular/scrotal mensurations may be an easy and quick way to evaluate the fertility of male dog breeders. The aim of this study was to evaluate and measure testes, epididymides (tail) and scrotum, correlating those measures with the body weight, and verify if they are compatible with the literature, beyond describe the found alterations. In this present work were performed: the weighing of animals, the clinical examination, an ultrasound assessment of the reproductive tract, and the biometry using a caliper and ultrasound of: testes, epididymides (tail) and scrotum of 50 adult male dogs who had body score between 2 and 3 (scale of 5). The animals were divided into 04 categories of body weight due to the great variation (1,7 a 68 kg). Was observed that dogs within the same weight category showed the same biometric pattern regardless of race, and that the found results resembled those previously described by other authors. Despite the absence of clinical symptoms, were found pathological changes in male reproductive tract during the clinical examination and / or ultrasound, affirming the need to perform a reproductive examination.

Biometria testicular e seus aspectos ultrassonográficos em cães / testicular biometry and its ultrasound aspects in dogs

Verifica-se uma grande variação de tamanho entre os cães, e por ser o tamanho testicular relacionado com o peso corporal, a variação do tamanho dos testículos desta espécie também é grande, dificultando a definição de parâmetros normais quanto à biometria do trato reprodutivo na espécie canina. O tamanho dos testículos está relacionado à produção espermática, logo, na ausência de qualquer patologia que possa afetar o trato reprodutor masculino, as mensurações testiculares/escrotais podem ser um meio fácil e rápido para avaliar a fertilidade de reprodutores. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar e mensurar testículos, epidídimos (cauda) e bolsa escrotal, correlacionando essas medidas com o peso corporal, e verificar se são compatíveis com a literatura, além de descrever as alterações encontradas. No presente trabalho foram realizados: a pesagem dos animais, o exame clínico, a avaliação ultrassonográfica do trato reprodutivo e a biometria utilizando-se um paquímetro e ultrassom dos: testículos, epidídimos (cauda) e bolsa escrotal de 50 cães machos adultos que possuíam escore corporal entre 2 e 3 (escala de 5). Os animais foram divididos em 04 categorias de peso corporal devido a grande variação (1,7 a 68 kg). Observou-se que cães dentro da mesma categoria de peso apresentaram o mesmo padrão biométrico independente da raça e que os resultados encontrados assemelharam-se aos previamente descritos por outros autores. Apesar da ausência de sintomatologia clínica, foram encontradas alterações do trato reprodutor masculino durante o exame clínico e/ou ultrassonográfico, afirmando a necessidade do exame reprodutivo.(AU)

There is a great variation in body size between dogs, and as the testes size is related to body weight, the variation in the size of the testes of this species is also very large what makes it difficult to define normal parameters about the biometry of the reproductive tract in dogs. The testicular size is related to the sperm production, therefore on the absence of any pathology that might affect the masculine reproductive tract, the testicular/scrotal mensurations may be an easy and quick way to evaluate the fertility of male dog breeders. The aim of this study was to evaluate and measure testes, epididymides (tail) and scrotum, correlating those measures with the body weight, and verify if they are compatible with the literature, beyond describe the found alterations. In this present work were performed: the weighing of animals, the clinical examination, an ultrasound assessment of the reproductive tract, and the biometry using a caliper and ultrasound of: testes, epididymides (tail) and scrotum of 50 adult male dogs who had body score between 2 and 3 (scale of 5). The animals were divided into 04 categories of body weight due to the great variation (1,7 a 68 kg). Was observed that dogs within the same weight category showed the same biometric pattern regardless of race, and that the found results resembled those previously described by other authors. Despite the absence of clinical symptoms, were found pathological changes in male reproductive tract during the clinical examination and / or ultrasound, affirming the need to perform a reproductive examination.(AU)

Determinación de la Dominancia Coronaria en Población Mestiza Colombiana: Un Estudio Anatómico Directo / Coronary's Dominance Determination in Racially Mixed Colombian Population: A Direct Anatomical Study

Los estudios de dominancia coronaria realizados en diversos grupos poblacionales han reportado gran variabilidad. El propósito de este trabajo fue determinar la dominancia coronaria en un grupo de mestizos colombianos. Se evaluaron los corazones obtenidos de 154 cadáveres frescos obtenidos como material de autopsia. Las arterias coronarias fueron sometidas a proceso de inyección con resinas sintéticas e impregnadas en solución de KOH al 15% para liberar la grasa subepicárdica. Se observó dominancia coronaria derecha en el 83,7% de los especímenes cardiacos, correspondiendo la expresión mayoritaria de éstos, a la dominancia moderada con el 42,8%. La circulación balanceada se observó en el 9,2% y la dominancia izquierda en el 7,2%, con una mayor frecuencia del subgrupo II en un 3,3% de los casos. La dominancia derecha se presentó con mayor frecuencia en mujeres pero no fue estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,26). La rama circunfleja fue de expresión corta en 143 corazones (92,8%) y de expresión larga en el 7,2%. La arteria coronaria derecha finalizó entre la cruz cardiaca y el margen izquierdo en el 81,8% y con menor frecuencia en el margen izquierdo en un 1,9%. El calibre de la arteria coronaria derecha en los corazones con dominancia derecha fue de 3,21 mm (SD 0,53) y en los corazones con dominancia izquierda fue de 2,67 mm (SD 0,30), existiendo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,0066). Hubo un predominio de la dominancia coronaria derecha de expresión moderada, arterias circunflejas cortas y arterias coronarias derechas con mayor calibre en los especímenes con dominancia derecha.

There is great variability between results of coronary dominance among several ethnic groups. The purpose of this work was to determine the coronary dominance in a group of half caste Colombian sample. One hundred fifty four hearts obtained from fresh autopsy cadavers were evaluated. Coronary arteries were injected with synthetic resin and later cleaned with 15% of KOH for removing the epicardial fat. Right dominance in 83.7% of the sample with a moderated dominance corresponding to 42.8% was observed. A balanced circulation in 9.2% and left dominance in 7.2% with a major frequency (3.3%) in the subgroup II was observed. Although not statistical significantly different (p=0.26) we found major female right dominance. Circumflex artery had short and long trajectory in 92.8% and 7.2% respectively. Right coronary artery concludes its trajectory between the Cruz cordis and the left margin in 81.8% and in the left margin in 1.9%. In right coronary dominance the caliperof right coronary arteries was 3.21 mm (SD 0.53) and 2.67 mm (SD 0.30) for the left coronary dominance with an statistical significative difference (p=0.0066). In right coronary dominance sample there was prevalence of the moderated expression, short circumflex arteries (all dominances) and a major caliper in the right coronary dominance.