scholarly journals The Impact of Body-Scaled Information on Grasping Action in Toddlers with and without Down Syndrome

Author(s):  
Yu-ping Chen ◽  
Allison Mitch ◽  
Kristen Chafin ◽  
Rachel Sargent

Background and purpose: Studies of adults and typically developing (TD) children find the number of hands and fingers used to grasp an object is influenced by the relationship between object size and hand size. Children with Down syndrome (DS) between 3 and 11 years have shown no differences in number of hands (1 or 2 hands) used to grasp different sized objects compared to TD children when the object size was body-scaled. The purpose of this study was to examine whether body-scaled information affected the number of hands and fingers used to grasp different sized objects in toddlers with and without DS. Method: Ten toddlers were included, 5 DS ( = 16 mo) and 5 age-matched TD ( = 16.3 mo). Subjects were videotaped grasping 14 boxes, 1.4 cm to 13.5 cm. in size. Number of hands and fingers used for grasping were recorded. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to compare the differences between toddlers with DS and TD. Results: Toddlers with DS had significantly smaller hand length than toddlers without DS (p=.004 right hand, p=.007 left hand). As box size increased, both groups switched from one-hand to two-hand grasping. There was a significant difference between groups where this transition occurred (p=.02). However, when the body-scaled ratio between object size and hand size was considered, the differences between groups disappeared (t(8)=1.479; p=.18). Moreover, the number of fingers used to grasp boxes also increased with increasing box size across both groups (ρ=0.94). Conclusion: Toddlers with DS show similar body-scaled grasping pattern as their age-matched peers with TD indicating that the differences in grasping patterns between toddlers with and without DS may be attributed to differences in body size, besides the motor abilities.

Author(s):  
MJ Asghar ◽  
M Butt ◽  
A Akbar ◽  
H Azam ◽  
I Zahra ◽  
...  

Anthropometry is a systematic study of body measurements in man. Forensic anthropologist tries best to answer the questions relating to age, origin, height, gender, and race after examination of the body remains. The biological profile of a person such as age, sex, ethnicity, and stature can be determined with the help of anthropometry. Results of the study revealed the normal distribution of data and with tests, statistics are found to be significant at p≤0.05 level of significance for all parameters employed in this study. Males have consistently larger values as compared to the female's forearm length, hand length right/left, hand width right/left, foot length right/ left and foot width right/left. Therefore, it is concluded that there is a significant difference between males' and female's character measurements including hand, forearm, and foot.


2001 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geert J.P. Savelsbergh ◽  
John van der Kamp ◽  
Walter E. Davis

Twenty-one children with Down syndrome (DS) and 20 without disability, ages 3 to 11 years, completed the experiment in which they were asked to grasp and lift cardboard cubes of different sizes (2.2 to 16.2 cm in width). Three conditions were used: (a) increasing the size from the smallest to the largest cube, (b) decreasing the size from the largest to the smallest, and (c) a random order of sizes. Children with DS were found to have smaller hand sizes in comparison to age-matched children without DS. In addition, the shift from one-handed to two-handed grasping appeared at a smaller cube size for children with DS than for children without DS. However, when the dimensionless ratio between object size and hand size was considered, the differences between groups disappeared, indicating that the differences in grasping patterns between children with and without DS can be attributed to differences in body size.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Maroofi ◽  
Javad Nasrollahzadeh

Abstract Background Intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) is a novel method of dietary restriction for body weight control with the potential to improve obesity-related cardiometabolic markers, but the impact of this diet on subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) remains unknown. Methods Eighty-eight subjects with overweight or obesity and mild-to-moderate HTG were randomized to the continuous calorie restriction (CCR) group, or ICR group (a very low-calorie diet during 3 days of the week) for 8 weeks (44 patients in each group). Body composition, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and liver enzymes were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results The body weight decreased in both groups (4.07 ± 1.83 kg in the CCR group and 4.57 ± 2.21 kg in the ICR group) with no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the reduced amount of fat mass, fat-free mass, and waist circumference. Both groups achieved a significant reduction in plasma triglycerides after 8 weeks (by 15.6 and 6.3% in ICR and CCR groups, respectively) with no difference between treatment groups. HOMA-IR improved significantly in ICR compared to the CCR group (P = 0.03). Plasma glucose, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, liver enzyme, and adiponectin were not different between the two groups. Conclusions The results of this short-term study suggest that three-days a week of the ICR is comparable to a CCR diet for the reduction of triglycerides level in patients with HTG and in the short-term it appears to be more effective than continuous dieting in improving insulin resistance. However, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings. Trial registration Trial registration number:NCT04143971.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 192-193
Author(s):  
Sheyenne M Augenstein ◽  
Meredith A Harrison ◽  
Sarah C Klopatek ◽  
James W Oltjen

Abstract Heat stress continues to be a challenge for feedlot producers, forcing physiological adaptations in beef cattle that can have a negative impact on gain and carcass quality. Feedlots may want to incorporate systems that aid in mitigating heat stress, including sprinkler systems, which are commonly found on dairies. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of sprinkler systems on the body temperature of growing feedlot steers applied at three different temperature thresholds. Thirty-two Angus-cross beef steers (298 ± 15 SD days of age) were randomly assigned to 8 pens. Treatments were assigned to pens according to location to avoid drainage issues, with one replicate located on the eastern side of the feedlot and the other replicate located on the western side. Treatments including no sprinklers (C), high temperature threshold sprinklers (HT), moderate temperature threshold sprinklers (MT) or low temperature threshold sprinklers (LT). Sprinklers (flow rate: 5.11 L/min) were activated at 33°C (HT), 28°C (MT), and 23°C (LT) for five minutes at corresponding temperatures every thirty minutes for 57 days. Rectal temperature of steers in their pens was measured in the morning (0800 h), afternoon (1500 h), and evening (1900 h) three days each week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for a total of 19 experimental days. Weather measurements, including ambient temperature, windspeed, humidity and solar radiation were recorded at each measurement time along with the maximum values for each day. The change in body temperature (ΔBT) between the morning and afternoon was affected by ambient temperature (P < 0.01); MT (P = 0.02) and LT (P = 0.02) – different than C. There was no significant difference between sprinkler treatments and the control group (P > 0.05). Day affected (ΔBT) between the morning and afternoon (P < 0.05) and the afternoon and evening (P < 0.05). When averaged by day, the control group was significantly higher than MT (P = 0.04) between the morning and afternoon. The control group was also significantly higher than LT between the morning and afternoon (P = 0.03) and the afternoon and evening (P < 0.01). The change in steer body temperature between afternoon and morning was affected by ambient temperature, and averaged across days, lowering the temperature threshold for sprinkling decreased in the afternoon and evening body temperature increase in steers.


2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 471-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerasimia Tsasi ◽  
Efstratios Valakos ◽  
Chrysi Simou ◽  
Panayiotis Pafilis

AbstractCaudal autotomy, the self-induced tail shedding from the body, is a common defensive strategy in lizards. Tail loss is followed rapidly by regeneration, revealing the importance of a fully functional tail. Predation pressure has been traditionally correlated with autotomy performance. However there is a lack of evidence regarding the impact of predation regime on tail regeneration. Another important factor that has been neglected is the population density. Though it is well established that crowding alters various life-history traits, the impact of density on caudal regeneration remains understudied. In this paper we compared three island populations of the Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii) that have evolved under different levels of predation pressure: whereas the Naxos population is exposed to numerous predators the Kopries and Daskalio islet populations experience low predation pressure. To evaluate the effect of density-induced stress on caudal regeneration, lizards were treated under two conditions of housing, in single and crowded (six individuals) terraria. Tail sheding occurred prior to this treatment following a standardised method. The length of regenerated tail was recorded weekly. Regeneration rate was higher in single terraria when compared to crowded, reflecting the negative impact of crowding. However we failed to detect any statistically significant difference between single and crowded terraria in the case of Naxos. We believe that the underlying reason must be the heavy predation pressure under which rapid tail regeneration, even under unfavourable conditions, is crucial for survival. It seems that the imperious need for regeneration counteracts density-induced stress.


2007 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. N. SHASMIN ◽  
N. A. ABU OSMAN ◽  
R. RAZALI ◽  
J. USMAN ◽  
W. A. B. WAN ABAS

Backpack carrying is a considerable daily "occupational" load among schoolchildren. Most of the research on children's backpacks have focused on gait pattern and trunk forward lean; only a few researches have investigated the impact of backpack carrying on children using the measurements of static posture and gait kinetics. This study investigated the changes in ground reaction force (GRF) and trunk inclination among primary students when carrying heavy backpacks. A randomized controlled experimental study was conducted on seven boys aged between 9 and 11 years old with a similar body mass index. Observations were done when the boys were carrying school bags of 0% (as control), 10%, 15%, and 20% of their own body weight while walking normally. Data acquisition was carried out using force platforms and a 3D motion analysis system. A significant difference in GRF at a load of 20% of body weight was found: the vertical GRF increased almost three times when loads increased up to 20% of body weight compared to 10% of body weight. The anterior–posterior GRFs were asymmetrical when loads were increased. When carrying a load of 15% of body weight, all of the seven subjects adopted a compensatory trunk inclination. The emphasis on GRF and trunk inclination suggests that the safest load applied does not exceed 15% of body weight.


Author(s):  
Panpim Thongsripong ◽  
Dawn M Wesson

Abstract Dengue virus infection, transmitted via mosquito bites, poses a substantial risk to global public health. Studies suggest that the mosquito’s microbial community can profoundly influence vector-borne pathogen transmissions, including dengue virus. Ascogregarina culicis (Ross) of the phylum Apicomplexa is among the most common parasites of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), the principal vector of dengue. Despite a high prevalence worldwide, including in the areas where dengue is endemic, the impact of A. culicis on Ae. aegypti vector competence for dengue virus is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of A. culicis infection on mosquito size and fitness, as measured by wing length, and the susceptibility to dengue virus infection in Ae. aegypti. Our results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in wing lengths between Ae. aegypti infected and not infected with A. culicis. Furthermore, A. culicis infection did not significantly affect dengue virus infection or disseminated infection rate. However, there was a significant association between shorter wings and higher dengue virus infection rate, whereby a 0.1-mm increase in wing length decreased the odds of the mosquito being infected by 32%. Thus, based on our result, A. culicis infection does not influence the body size and dengue virus infection in Ae. aegypti. This study helps to shed light on a common but neglected eukaryotic mosquito parasite.


Author(s):  
Aleksandar Pejčić ◽  
Miodrag Kocić

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a sports games experimental program on improving specific motor abilities in adolescents with mental impairment. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 adolescents diagnosed with mild mental impairment, divided into two groups (experimental group EG, and control group CG) with an equal number of participants. The special program of sports games lasted for 12 weeks, with a weekly frequency of four times and a duration of 30 minutes per training. The participants of both groups were tested with the same variables within the specific motor skills for the sport of football and basketball. After a twelve-week experimental program of sports games, there were statistically significant improvements in the EG in the variables: SMFS, SMDR, SMCP with a statistical significance of r=0.000. The results of the ANOVA and MANOVA analyses indicated that after the application of the specific sports games program there was a statistically significant difference in the benefits for the EG compared to the CG, in the parameters of specific motor abilities with a statistical significance r=0.000 and the size of the impact. Based on these research results, it can be concluded that a specific exercise program conducted within twelve-week training of specifically dosed sports activities has significantly contributed the development of specific motor skills for football and basketball.


2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 755-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Bryl ◽  
Hanna Bis-Wencel ◽  
Brygida Ślaska ◽  
Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek ◽  
Zbigniew Bełkot ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the leptin concentration and body weight of mink females on the birth parameters of their kits. Blood samples were collected 3 times during preparation for reproduction, 7±2 days before mating. Total leptin concentration in serum was measured using commercial RIA kits (Millipore, St. Charles, Missouri USA). Research was conducted on 20 clinically healthy scanbrown female minks (Neovison Vison) aged 2-3 years. To evaluate their body condition, the females were divided into two groups based on the BCS scoring system. In the first group, referred to as BCS 2, lean females were included, and the second group (BCS 4) consisted of obese females. In mink dams belonging to BCS 2, the average leptin values were one-fourth of those in the BCS 4 group. The results obtained indicate the influence of the body mass of minks during preparation for reproduction on serum leptin concentration. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference between weights and leptin concentrations in groups BCS 2 and BCS 4. Among the other traits, such differences were not found. The analysis of results obtained in the two mink groups did not reveal a clear relationship between leptin in the serum of mothers before mating and the birth parameters of their kits.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
S. A. Chernenko ◽  
S. S. Iermakov ◽  
O. M. Oliinyk ◽  
Yu. O. Dolynnyi

The purpose of the study is to determine the age-related peculiarities of functional and motor preparedness of students of higher educational institutions. Materials and methods. The study participants were first-year (n=67), second-year (n=66), third-year (n=62), fourth-year (n=45), fifth-year (n=56) male students. The following research methods were used to solve the tasks set: analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing; index method and medical-biological methods. Pedagogical methods were used to study the peculiarities of functional state of the body and motor abilities of the 1st-5th year students of higher educational institutions; discriminant analysis was used for data processing. Results. There was no statistically significant difference between the 1st-5th year students by the results of test 5 “100 m run”, test 6 “Standing long jump”. The third-year students had the worst results in functional tests and Romberg’s test. The third-year students had the best results in test 7 “Arms’ bending and straightening in a hanging position”. Conclusions. Discriminant analysis made it possible to reveal that the third year of study is the most problematic period in students’ physical education; to answer the question as to the significance of difference between the 1st-5th year students by the level of motor and functional preparedness; to define what indicators most significantly influence the differences between the students’ preparedness; what class the object belongs to based on the values of discriminant variables. The discriminant function structure coefficients show that the most significant difference between the test results of the students in different years of study is observed in coordination preparedness.


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