Human Biology and Public Health is the official journal of the Auxological Society in cooperation with the German Society for Public Health and Population Medicine . The purpose of the journal is to bridge the gap between an individual medical/clinical perspective of public health and the population-based perspectives of human biology. We consider human biology as the study of the genetic, environmental, and cultural determinants of biological variability in living people, and public health as the science of health protection, health promotion, and health communication. The focus is on how the human species evolved, how individual humans change over the lifespan (growth, maturation and development), how humans adapt to environment and external stressors, and how human biology and culture interact to shape the wide range of normal variation in the biology and behavior of the human species. Both Human Biology and Public Health research contribute to risks for disease, with a cross-cultural, historical, and evolutionary perspective. All content in this journal is assigned a DOI by Crossref, and its metadata is submitted to DOAJ. The content is indexed by Google Scholar and OpenAlex. Citation statistics
Association between alcohol consumption, smoking and bone tissue quality in Slovak young adults assessed by radial quantitative ultrasound
Background Despite well-characterised effects of smoking and alcohol on bone health in older adults, evidence remains limited regarding their impact on bone quality during peak bone mass acquisition in young adults (18–30 years). Objectives Analysing the relationship between bone quality, alcohol consumption and smoking, considering physical activity (PA) and body composition. Sample and methods The sample consisted of 1001 Slovak men and women aged 18–30 years (mean age, 22±2.35 years). Bone quality was measured using a quantitative ultrasound device (Sunlight MiniOmni™), which yielded Z-score data. Body composition variables, including skeletal muscle mass (SMM; kg) and per cent body fat (PBF; %), were assessed using a bioimpedance analyser (InBody 770). Additional behavioural factors, including alcohol consumption, smoking and PA, were collected using the WHO STEPS 2014 questionnaire. Results In the regression analysis, duration of alcohol consumption positively predicted bone quality Z-scores (standardised 𝛽 = 0.172, 95% CI [0.03, 0.10], 𝑝 < 0.001), while cigarette smoking quantity was negatively associated (standardised 𝛽 = −0.113, 95% CI [−0.01,−0.00], 𝑝 = 0.042). The SNHA confirmed the findings of the previous analysis concerning alcohol (𝑟=0.19). Conversely, for smoking (𝑟=0.23), it identified an inverse relationship, noting a positive effect on bone health, a finding likely mediated by the association with alcohol consumption. Conclusion Lifestyle risk factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption, are associated with bone tissue quality in young adults; however, due to the mixed results available in the literature and in our study, future studies are required.
Copyright (c) 2026 Simona Sulis, Darina Falbová, Alexandra Hozáková, Lenka Vorobeľová https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Systemic resilience in disaster medicine: Personnel vulnerability and digital transformation in German civil protection
German civil protection faces a resilience crisis driven by a fragile volunteer base and escalating disaster complexity. Empirical data indicates that only one third of volunteer responders are available during emergencies, often due to the "critical infrastructure paradox" — where responders are simultaneously essential workers in vital sectors. A dual-pronged strategy for systemic resilience is proposed. Structurally, it advocates for a uniform national legal status for responders and mandatory registers to manage dual-role conflicts. Technologically, it positions digitalization as a "force multiplier," emphasizing telemedicine (TeleSAN), resilient satellite-based communications, and the establishment of a national Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Register. While predictive algorithms (LIFE-Triage) and generative AI offer transformative potential for dynamic triage and resource allocation, they must supplement, not replace, human ethical deliberation. Synergizing a reinforced workforce with robust digital infrastructure is essential for mastering future cascading crises.
Copyright (c) 2026 Andreas Follmann https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Global disasters, health needs and the medical response: From historical lessons to evidence-based practice
Modern disaster medicine faces a critical tension between humanitarian impulse and evidence-based necessity. And while disaster risk is the product of Hazard and Vulnerability, socio-economic factors are the primary predictors of crisis outcomes. Therefore, a paradigm shift from reflex-driven (surgical) interventions to resilience-oriented public health strategies should be considered. Through analysis of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2023 Turkey earthquake and the ongoing Gaza conflict, a recurring "Inverted Pyramid of Resources" is identified, where specialised surgical teams are often deployed at the expense of primary healthcare and basic health needs. A professionalisation of aid through the WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT) initiative, which prioritises standardisation, generalist clinical flexibility and the strengthening of local health systems is a way forward. Ultimately, effective disaster response must be context-specific, with focus shifting toward mitigating significant indirect mortality caused by the collapse of societal support systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Johan von Schreeb https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mental health of university students in Ukraine in the context of global crises and cognitive warfare
Ukrainian university students facing profound mental health challenges during the ongoing war, a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by cognitive warfare - efforts to destabilise consciousness, erode trust and manipulate emotions. Drawing on a systematic review of 65 studies and a longitudinal survey of 980 students (aged 18-24) at the University of Customs and Finance in Dnipro (2022-2025), alarming findings revealing that 60% of students report clinically relevant distress (anxiety, depression, chronic stress); 32.6% adapt to “new war norms” risking trauma normalisation; 94% endure upheavals like power outages, explosions and loss of loved ones’; 40% fear constantly for family safety and 22.4% show academic apathy amid online learning disruptions. Alas, despite suffering, 89% of the students view challenges as growth opportunities, while highlighting resilience as a resource for Ukraine’s future. Our findings recommend urgent university-integrated interventions like sleep hygiene, anxiety management, stress regulation, time structuring, resilience training and cognitive enhancement to counter somatisation of mental health effects of war.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lidiya Derkach https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Resilience in an era of systemic risk: An integrated analysis of critical local and national infrastructure, emergency medicine, and civil defence
The stability and functionality of modern, highly technological societies are profoundly dependent on the uninterrupted availability of critical infrastructure services. The health sector plays a unique role in protecting the highest-priority goal of preserving and saving human lives and health. This analysis uses a systematic investigation, moving from empirically grounded case studies of regional disasters in a winter storm in 2005 and a flood in 2021 in Germany, through operational management models and application-oriented research, to the strategic and legal frameworks at the local to national level. The resilience of health systems and public health cannot be considered in isolation. It is deeply embedded in the resilience of the entire critical infrastructure and, ultimately, in local and national strategies. The results are that institutionalised learning needs to take place following disruptive events, that “single points of failure" and „common-mode failures“ need to be identified. The findings point to a demand for engagement with the scenario of civil defence in the context of a collective security crisis, thereby postulating the necessity of an integral, multi-level resilience strategy for emergency medicine and society as a whole.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alexander Fekete https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Preparing United Kingdom Defence Public Health for Security Crises
The fast-changing European security environment requires a corresponding transformation in military medicine and public health. The implications for Defence Public Health include a requirement to support the management of mass casualties along prolonged evacuation pathways under persistent threat, as well as to prevent disease throughout the entire operational patient care cycle. This will be made all the more challenging by the potential need to conduct bulk casualty evacuation (with its associated infectious disease risk), possible disruptions to supply chains and conflict-driven antimicrobial resistance. The UK Defence Medical Services is preparing for the challenge ahead by aligning its efforts with NATO’s Action Plan to Enhance Medical Support for Collective Defence, focusing on five themes: regulatory frameworks and legislation; workforce shortages; mass casualty planning; patient evacuation; and medical logistics. Furthermore, it is seeking to integrate its efforts with the civilian National Health Service to fully play its role in whole of society resilience, as well as to rebuild medical capabilities for large-scale war fighting.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tom Falconer Hall https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The paradigm of networked crisis management: A strategic re-alignment of the public health service for civil security scenarios
Crisis management in the Public Health Service (PHS) require a paradigm shift, transitioning from a reactive medical provider to a central strategic pillar of national security. Addressing 21st-century hybrid threats — such as cyber-attacks, disinformation and sabotage – the "Frankfurt Model" offers a blueprint for systemic resilience. The framework moves beyond linear logistics toward a networked, "whole-of-society" approach. Key components include scenario-agnostic business continuity planning, information sovereignty via offline redundancy and a four-level escalation framework. We conclude with five strategic imperatives: legislating multi-agency crisis frameworks, embedding redundancy into critical infrastructure, formalizing a permanent civil-military health command, developing secure interoperable communication platform and initiating national societal resilience programs. Ultimately, we argue that health and security are interdependent, requiring PHS to assume a proactive, formative role in maintaining societal stability during protracted crises.
Copyright (c) 2026 Frank Naujoks https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The imperative of integrated resilience: A strategic framework for National Health Security in an era of renewed confrontation
This imperative for integrated health resilience within Germany’s shifting strategic landscape is examined. Amidst escalating hybrid threats and potential conventional conflict, the national healthcare system is redefined as a critical pillar of "Comprehensive Defence". Utilizing a four-phase escalation model, Germany’s geostrategic role as a NATO medical hub (Drehscheibe Deutschland) is delineated. Strategic requirements include managing 1,000 daily polytrauma casualties through the so called "5+9+X" Hub-Cluster network. To overcome current systemic vulnerabilities, a fundamental paradigm shift is required: increasing total security spending to 5.0% of GDP, reintroducing a "Health Security Reserve" in the health services and enacting a Modern Health Security Act. This framework emphasizes that healthcare resilience is no longer merely a social asset but a central condition for national survival, necessitating deep civil-military integration and legally mandated joint preparedness.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hans-Ulrich Holtherm https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Health Security in Germany: Assessing and Enhancing Crisis and Disaster Resilience in the Healthcare System
Health security is a vital pillar of German national security. While the COVID-19 pandemic was a stress test, high expenditure failing to yield superior health outcomes reveals structural inefficiency in the German healthcare system. The current "fair-weather system" is hampered by fragmented responsibilities, a lack of digitalisation and under a multi-threat landscape including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents and hybrid warfare. Recent hospital reforms cutting crisis-relevant specialties like infectious diseases. Five core demands are proposed including enacting a Federal National Health Security Act, establishing a National Centre for Health Security, formalizing civil-military medical cooperation, investing in infrastructure resilience and reversing cuts to emergency expertise. Ultimately, a paradigm shift is required to move from reactive mechanisms to a proactive, integrated and data-driven resilient infrastructure.
Copyright (c) 2026 Leif Erik Sander https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sex differences in the association between parity and risk of preterm birth
Background Preterm births not only increase the immediate morbidity and mortality of newborns but also have long-term consequences. An analysis of the risk factors is therefore of great interest from a public health perspective. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze sex-specific differences in the association between parity and the risk of preterm birth in singleton births. Methods 6,109 female and 6,505 male neonates born at the Donaustadt Clinic in Vienna between 2010 and 2020 were included in the study. The association between sex and preterm birth in the different parity groups was analyzed using binary logistic regressions, corrected for maternal parameters and the type of conception. Within each sex, the preterm birth rates for first, third and at least fourth births were compared with those for second births (reference group). Results Only in first-born children biological sex appears to be a significant predictor of the risk of preterm birth, with biological males showing a 36.4% higher risk than biological females. When comparing within each sex, firstborn girls had a 1.844 times higher risk of preterm birth than second-born ones, and firstborn boys had a 1.740 times higher risk than second-born ones. Girls who were at least the fourth child had a 2.438 times higher risk than second-born girls. Conclusion There are sex-specific differences in the association between preterm birth and parity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sarah Nindl, Nikolaus Leithner, Beda Hartmann, Sylvia Kirchengast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating the role of anthropometric and genetic risk factors in ACL injury susceptibility across an Australian and South African cohort
Background Anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL-R) is a common sports injury influenced by biomechanical, anthropometric, environmental, and genetic factors. Collagen gene polymorphisms have been implicated in ACL-R, with a whole-genome sequencing twin study highlighting COL12A1 rs970547 C>T as a variant of interest. However, the additive impact of the anthropometric traits and COL12A1 on ACL-R susceptibility remains unexplored. Objectives To investigate the additive effect of anthropometric traits and COL12A1 rs970547 C>T on ACL-R susceptibility in an Australian and South African cohort with the a priori hypothesis that female T/T carriers were at an increased risk. Sample and Methods The study included ACL-R cases (Australia n = 354; South Africa n = 252) and controls (Australia n = 84; South Africa n = 232). COL12A1 rs970547 C>T SNP was genotyped using TaqMan® assays. Anthropometric traits were sex-stratified/standardised. Logistic regression and principal component analyses were assessed. Results No significant genetic associations were found for COL12A1 rs970547 C>T in the i) individual/combined and ii) male/female cohorts. PCA revealed clustering of anthropometrics in PC1–PC2, with PC3 being driven exclusively by rs970547 in each cohort. Conclusion No associations were noted between the COL12A1 rs970547 T/T genotype and ACL-R risk. PCA, however, indicated that rs970547 may hold biological significance in ACL-R susceptibility, highlighting the complex interplay of genetic and anthropometric traits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr F Firfirey, Dr MJN Laguette, Prof M Collins, Dr Groth, Prof M Hermanussen, Prof C Scheffler, Prof A.V. September https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Physical activity, health-related physical fitness and markers of metabolic syndrome in adolescents: The PAHL-study
Background: Globally, declining physical activity (PA) and health-related physical fitness (HRPF) levels among adolescents, if not intervened, may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (Mets). Aim: We aimed to determine the relationship between PA, HRPF, and MetS markers in adolescents enrolled in the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal (PAHL)-study. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 215 adolescents from the 2011 data point of the PAHL-study in South Africa. We measured PA with the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, HRPF with the EUROFIT fitness tests, and blood lipid profiles. Participants were classified as having MetS markers to according to the International Diabetes Federation and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel. Multiple regression analysis was performed to report the associations between PA, HRPF and MetS markers Results: Multivariable regression analysis for the total group showed that waist circumference had significant (p<0.001) negative associations with standing broad jump (β=-0.29), bent arm hang (β=-0.45), sit-ups (β=-0.14), and predicted V̇O2max (β=-0.36). Conclusion: High abdominal fatness was evident in the South African adolescent and associated with poor HRPF. Based on these findings, HRPF interventions should be explored as a cost-effective strategy to mitigate MetS risk in adolescents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Makama Andries Monyeki https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reference values for short term height velocity – a brief practical guide
Assessing the velocity of growth in height is essential for preventive health care and the clinical evaluation of growth. We provide practical tables with common centiles for annual changes in the height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), and correction factors for assessing short-term changes in HAZ depending on the time interval between two successive measurements (ranging from 42 to 170 days), and for series of multiple measurements of height.
Copyright (c) 2025 Michael Hermanussen, Christiane Scheffler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tutorial: Statistics for Human Biologists - Terminology and Univariate Statistics
In the second part of this tutorial series, we will discuss the foundations of univariate statistics. We will define statistical terms such as p-value, confidence interval, and effect size. The latter two are often neglected, but they are more informative than the commonly overinterpreted p-value. A p-value expresses the likelihood of observing a difference, or a larger, between a sample and a population parameter, or between two groups, assuming they share the same distribution. In univariate statistics, this difference is between a sample and a known population value. The assumption of equal distributions is the null hypothesis, which may be rejected if the p-value is very small. Importantly, the p-value depends not only on the difference itself but also on the sample size. Large samples can yield very small, highly significant p-values even when the effect size is trivial. In contrast, a confidence interval provides a range for the population parameter based on the sample, giving insight into precision beyond statistical significance. The effect size conveys the magnitude of an effect, which simplifies interpretation and allows to assess the relevance of observed differences. In this review, we explain these terms in the context of univariate statistics, comparing variables of interest from sample data against a known population value such as a mean or proportion. Relevant measures and visualizations include the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and histograms, barplots, along with effect size measures like Cohen’s d for numerical data and Cohen’s w for categorical data.
Copyright (c) 2025 Detlef Groth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Human growth regulation is dominated by the socio-cultural exposome
Humans are social. They live and grow within their communities. Yet, despite similar genetic makeup and comparable physical living conditions, communities that do not share the same socio-cultural background often differ greatly in height. Evidence suggests that growth is substantially influenced by the social community (community effects on height) which narrows the spectrum of the potential variation in height by at least 50%. Strategic growth adjustments within social networks reflect the social position with physical size being a potent signal of dominance supported by a variety of accessory social and cultural signals and symbols among humans. The concept of Socio-Economic-Political- Emotional (SEPE) influences on growth describes growth as a mirror that signals the emotional balance between the socio-cultural exposome, the personal perception of this exposure and its translation via hypothalamic neuropeptides into the metabolome, and ultimately, into the physical signal of body size to be returned to the social community. The strong conservation of this complex signaling pathway since more than 400 million years in the vertebrate line suggests substantial evolutionary relevance, and is strongly supported by recent considerations on self-organizing processes found in both random network systems and in the social networks of a variety of social vertebrates.
Copyright (c) 2025 Christiane Scheffler, Michael Hermanussen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Allergy is associated with bone quality and quantity
Background Research increasingly suggests that vitamin D plays a significant role in the development and severity of allergic diseases. However, less is known about how vitamin D status and allergic sensitization may jointly influence bone health. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between allergies, vitamin D levels and bone quality and quantity in a Slovak adult population. Sample and Methods The sample consisted of 198 participants aged 19–57, 53 men with a mean age of 36.6±9.6 years (16 without allergy, 37 with allergy) and 145 women with a mean age of 36.1±10.0 years (48 without allergy, 97 with allergy). Allergy diagnosis was confirmed by a physician in an immunoallergology outpatient clinic. Health data (medical history, lifestyle, allergy history/treatment and vitamin supplementation) were collected by questionnaire and bone tissue quality and quantity parameter (T-score, Z-score) were assessed using a Sunlight MiniOmni ultrasound densitometer. Results Among women, Mann–Whitney U tests showed lower vitamin D with grass (p=0.006; rrb=0.375) and animal allergy (p=0.011; rrb=0.453). Moreover, in t tests, Z-scores were lower in women with animal allergy (p=0.047; 0.26 vs 0.76). Among men, animal allergy was associated with reduced T- and Z-scores (p=0.035 for both) and showed negative correlations with T-score (p=0.035; r=−0.297) and Z-score (p=0.035; r=−0.296). Conclusions Specific allergic conditions may be associated with lower vitamin D levels and reduced bone tissue quality and quantity, with notable sex-specific patterns.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alexandra Hozáková, Simona Sulis, Darina Falbová, Veronika Mundoková Csibová, Lenka Vorobeľová https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Background A decrease of external skeletal robustness in children and adolescents over the last decades has been documented. This has mainly been attributed to a lack of movement during childhood and adolescence. Objectives This paper aims to determine whether this decrease of external skeletal robustness continues into adulthood. Sample and methods The elbow breadth, absolute and relative pelvic breadth, Frame index and the thoracic index were analysed in 1836 women between the ages of 18 and 29 years in two cohorts (birth years 1951–1994, 1995–2005). The means, standard deviations, minima and maxima as well as selected percentiles were calculated for each of the above-named measurements of both cohorts. The results were tested for significance using a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The samples were collected in Germany. Results Young women born after 1995 have lower mean values (p<0.05) for absolute pelvic breadth (27.3cm vs. 28.2cm), relative pelvic breadth (0.16 vs. 0.17), elbow breadth (5.9cm vs. 6.1cm), frame index (35.25 vs. 36.81), and thoracic index (67.87 vs. 69.46) than women born between 1951–1994. Conclusions The trend toward a reduced external skeletal robustness observed in modern children and adolescents seems to continue into adulthood. The changes in the thoracic index appear to be due to the secular trend in growth.
Copyright (c) 2026 Theresa Sophie Hamp, Christiane Scheffler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of geographical isolation in children’s growth
Background Historical evidence highlights links between height and environmental factors, with geographic isolation playing a crucial role. The Kangean Island, one of Indonesia’s small, isolated islands, offers a unique context for research on growth. Objectives The study aims to compare the height of 15-17-year-old girls in Malang, Java, with those of the same age on Kangean. It also compares the height of boys and girls aged 1 month–12 years old from Arjasa and Kangayan locations over two hours away from the port on the Kangean Island. Sample and Methods We studied 2 groups with a total of 393 participants: girls aged 15–17 years from Malang (n=91); and Kangean (n=94), children aged 1 month–12 years from the Kangean Island (n=208); we measured the participants’ height, weight, and BMI, converted them based on the WHO-reference SDS values from 2007, and then analyzed the data using SPSS. Results Compared with Malang, female adolescents on Kangean were shorter (-1.42±0.79 vs. -0.88±0.79, p<0.001), had lower weight (-1.84±1.40 vs. -0.50±1.18, p=0.00), and lower BMI (-0.84±1.29 vs. 0.069±1.02, p<0.001). Kangayan boys were shorter than those in Arjasa (-1.67±1.00 vs. -0.83±1.36; p<0.001), while Kangayan girls were similar to their counterparts in Arjasa. There were no significant differences in weight between all the Kangan and Arjasa groups, but Kangayan’s children had a higher mean BMI-SDS than Arjasa’s (boys: -0.55±1.45 vs. -1.32±1.52; p=0.009; girls: -0.54±0.94 vs. -1.12 ± 1.04; p=0.01). Conclusion Living on a small island and the distance from its port differently affect the growth of children and adolescents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yuni Hisbiyah, Muhammad Faizi, Nabilah Azzah Putri Wairooy, Rayi Kurnia Perwitasari, Nur Rochmah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Short sleep duration is linked with short stature and delayed age of menarche in Indonesian boarding school girls
Background Several factors directly and indirectly influence child growth. Menarche is the initial menstrual period that is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Both growth and menarche are affected by biological, genetic, epigenetic, nutritional, and psychosocial factors. Boarding schools are assumed to encourage responsibility and maturity in children, but boarding schools are also reported to have less sleeping duration. Objectives The current study aims to assess whether there are differences and associations in sleeping duration, physical activity, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and age of menarche among students in boarding school and regular school. Sample and Methods 123 girls from boarding school and 90 from regular school were selected. Students completed a questionnaire, and data on weight, height, and BMI were collected. Weight, height, and BMI were transformed into standard deviation score (SDS) according to the WHO growth chart. The data were processed using an independent t-test, multiple regression analysis, and St. Nicolas house analysis. Results Independent t-test results showed that there are differences in the median sleep duration (5.36 hours vs. 7.14 hours), weight SDS (-0.09 vs. 0.41), height SDS (-0.65 vs. 0.05), and age of menarche (11.6 vs. 11 years old), respectively, for boarding school and regular school, while there are no differences in physical activity and BMI SDS. Multiple regression analysis and St. Nicolas house analysis showed that sleep duration has a correlation with weight SDS, height SDS, and age of menarche (p < 0.05). Conclusions There is an association between sleep duration, growth, and menarche. Girls with less sleep duration have lower height and weight and are delayed in the age of menarche.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rayi Kurnia Perwitasari, Yuni Hisbiyah, Nur Rochmah, Muhammad Faizi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Association between frequency of energy drink consumption and bone tissue quality in Slovak young adults
Background The study of bone health in younger individuals is less explored than in older populations but may offer insights into preventing future bone conditions. Objectives This study analyzes the link between bone quality and energy drink consumption while considering factors like physical activity and body composition. Sample and Methods The sample comprised 911 Slovaks, male and female, aged 18–30 (21.53 ± 2.27). Bone mineral density was measured using a quantitative ultrasound device (Sunlight MiniOmni™), yielding speed of sound (SOS; m/s) data. Body composition variables, including Lean Body Mass (LBM; kg) and Percent Body Fat (PBF; %), were assessed with the bioimpedance analyzer InBody 770. Additional behavioural factors were gathered via a questionnaire based on the WHO Steps 2014. Results Sex was found to be a significant predictor of SOS [F(11,899 = 4.01), p < 0.001, R2 = 0.047], with females showing higher SOS than males (p < 0.001), whereas physical activity (p = 0.594) was not a significant predictor. Although energy drink consumption did not show a direct impact on SOS according to the Saint Nicholas House Analysis (SNHA), it was a significant predictor in those who drank 1–2 days/week (p = 0.009) and those who drank less than once a month (p=0.023) with these individuals exhibiting lower SOS than non-consumers, thus poorer bone tissue quality. Conclusion In summary, energy drinks consumed 1–2 days/week and less than once a month are associated with bone tissue quality in young adults, albeit not directly posing a potential adverse effect on bone health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Simona Sulis, Darina Falbová, Alexandra Hozáková, Lenka Vorobeľová https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
No correlation between HSPG2 genetic variants and anthropometric characteristics within an ACL rupture risk modelling study
Background Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common musculoskeletal injuries, influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as genetic variations and anthropometric traits. While these factors contribute to ACL rupture susceptibility, their interactions are underexplored. Objectives To investigate the relationship between HSPG2 variants and anthropometric traits in participants from an ACL study from Poland and Sweden. Hypothesis Genetic variability within HSPG2 loci along with height variability may collectively contribute to ACL rupture susceptibility. Sample and methods A genetic case-control association study was conducted with two cohorts from Poland and Sweden and a combined cohort. Participants were self-reported Caucasian and physically active. The combined cohort consisted of 265 asymptomatic controls (POL-CON=150; SWD-CON=116); 237 ACL rupture cases (POL-ACLR=141; SWD-ACLR=95) and a subgroup of 135 non-contact ACL ruptures (POL-NON=54; SWD-NON=79). Participants were genotyped for rs2291826 A>G and rs2291827 G>A and data were analysed using R, with p<0.05. Results Strong correlations were found between mass and BMI across all cohorts (r=0.78–0.81), suggesting these traits may influence injury risk. Sex-mass and sex-height correlations were consistent, with a strong negative correlation between sex and height in the Swedish cohort (r=-0.75). No positive correlations were found between the HSPG2 variants and anthropometric traits, except a moderate negative correlation between rs2291826A>G and height in the Swedish cohort (r=-0.019, p<0.009), suggesting possible genotype effect on height. Conclusion Mass and BMI were highlighted as potential risk factors for ACL rupture. Height-mass relationships varied by sex and population, suggesting both genetics and environment impact injury patterns. Further testing of the variants may clarify their role in ACL injury variability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lethabo Ramoshaba, Mary-Jessica N Laguette, Malcolm Collins, Alison V. September https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of a 10% Tax Rate and Redistribution on Resource Concentration in Networks
Background Resource disparities are common in social networks, often driven by competitive interactions. Exploring how interventions like taxation influence these inequalities can reveal mechanisms for more balanced distributions. Objectives This study investigates the effects of a 10% tax rate and redistribution on inequality and resource stability within two network models: the ‘Winner-Loser Model’ which intensifies hierarchies through competitive interactions, and the ‘Null Model’, simulating equal opportunity exchanges. Sample and Methods We used Monte Carlo simulations with agents starting at equal resource levels, interacting under the rules of each model. Taxation effects were measured through Gini coefficients and Lambda stability scores across various network sizes. Results Taxation reduced Gini coefficients in both models, promoting more balanced distributions. Lambda values indicated that taxation improved stability, especially within the ‘Winner-Loser Model’, by diminishing extreme resource accumulation. Conclusions The study demonstrates that while competitive dynamics naturally drive inequality, taxation and redistribution mechanisms can stabilize and reduce disparities. These findings suggest that even simple redistribution can reduce hierarchical resource concentration and counteract extreme inequalities in networked settings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sarah Leutner, Illia Terpylo, Detlef Groth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A review of 100 years of syphilis in Austria from 1921 to 2021.
Syphilis, a deadly sexually transmitted infection (STI), lost its terror with the introduction of antibiotics. Recent epidemiological data, however, revealed a reemergence of syphilis in Europe, despite the availability of inexpensive and effective treatments. In Austria, the epidemiological data are incomplete due to limited reporting requirements. Nevertheless, Austrian mass media reported increasing syphilis rates, as documented for other European countries. This study provides an epidemiological overview of syphilis cases in Austria from 1921–2021 and tested the hypothesis that in Austria syphilis rates increase as observed across Europe. Data on syphilis cases from 1921–2019 in Austria were gathered from statistical yearbooks and reports. Additional sex-specific data for 1998–2021 was provided by the Vienna Health Service. Syphilis incidences were highest in the 1920s and declined steadily until 1993. Since then, cases have increased slightly, peaking in 2009 and 2018 at seven cases per 100,000 residents, the highest incidence syphilis rate since 1975. This increase is comparable to that seen in other European countries, consequently this hypothesis was verified. Men living in Vienna were nine times more likely to be infected with syphilis than women of comparable age. The rising syphilis infection rates in Vienna over the last 30 years correspond to those in other Austrian provinces, but also to those in other European countries. From the viewpoint of public health, the introduction of an obligatory reporting system of all diagnosed syphilis cases in Austria is recommended. In addition, regular screenings, treatment, and efforts to reduce discrimination and stigma against sexual minorities may help to prevent rising syphilis rates.
Copyright (c) 2025 Julia Kasimir, Sylvia Kirchengast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Human growth and development across time and space
Sixteen scientists met for the annual Auxological conference held at Krobielowice, Poland, to discuss plasticity of child and adolescent growth in historical and contemporary populations. Secular trends in body height and trends in the distribution of body weight and body mass index were discussed both in view of concurrent trends in economic variables, health, nutrition, and education, and, in view of more recent evidence of body height, as a social signal. Post-war periods of political instability associated with visions of future independence and prosperity favor upward body height trends independent of the economic and almost independent of the nutritional situation. Body height relates to social mobility and depends on education. A study on the relationship of social status, somatic characteristics of frequent horse riding, number of weapons, and body height in 6th to 8th century Avars emphasized the relevance of height as a social signal also in a nomadic medieval population. Migrants are particularly prone to plasticity in height, as the associated socio-economic-political and emotional (SEPE) burden of migration significantly interferes with the regulation of growth. Different patterns were observed in indigenous Hadza where body height does not seem to be an important social signal that influences preferences regarding both in-camp and out-of-camp activities. Indigenous populations are vulnerable and prone to notable decline in their health status. Taking a decolonial view on the historical well-being of the Xavante, the overall health status of this Brazilian population has significantly worsened despite changes in the administrative frameworks, including reductions in mortality rates and increased hospital service usage. In addition to height, the alterations in body weight, the effects of fat mass on physical fitness, lifestyle, sports, and general health in Polish, Czech, and Turkish populations were discussed. Modern body weight distributions are skewed, but the weight of historical urban and contemporary rural populations of developing countries is symmetrically distributed. The skewness of the contemporary weight references leads to underestimating overweight and overestimating the prevalence of wasting. Seasonality was an important factor for growth outcome and health in historical populations. The session was terminated with contributions on body proportion charts, and nutrition in autism spectrum disorders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Michael Hermanussen, Christiane Scheffler, Jana Fritsch, Piotr Fedurek, Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka, Maria Kaczmarek, Sylvia Kirchengast, Dominik Hagmann, Birgit Bühler, Katarzyna Górka, Sylwia Bartkowiak, Başak Koca Özer, Esin Köksal Babacan, Kübra Baran, Martin Musalek, Takashi Satake, Roshan Peiris, Toshie Hirohara, Komei Hattori , Natalia Nowak-Szczepanska, Anna Apanasewicz-Grzegorczyk, Aleksandra Gomula, Slawomir Koziel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Turkish migrants adjust body height during adolescence to the host community in Germany
Background Investigating migration is crucial for understanding population changes and their impact on growth. Migration and its associated Social-Economic-Political-Emotional (SEPE) factors can influence height, aligning with the theory of “developmental plasticity”, which suggests that environmental stimuli affect growth patterns. Objective This study aims to analyse the impact of migration and associated stress on the growth and development of first- and second-generation migrant children in Germany. Sample and Methods The analysis utilized the KiGGS (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents) dataset, collected by the RKI (Robert Koch-Institut, the central public health institute in Germany) between 2003 and 2006. The baseline survey included anthropometric, demographic, and social data from 8,986 males and 8,654 females, aged 0–17 years across 167 cities in Germany. Height data from first- and second-generation Turkish-origin children and their German-origin peers were analysed to assess differences in growth patterns. Results Differences in height were observed between first- and second-generation immigrant children of Turkish origin compared to German-origin peers. Second-generation boys aged 3–10 (heightSDS=-0.29) were shorter than German-origin peers (heightSDS=0.04). First-generation boys in this group were even shorter (heightSDS=-0.19). In the 11–17 group, second-generation boys showed a heightSDS of 0.12, above their German-origin counterparts (height SDS=0.06), while first-generation boys were notably shorter (heightSDS=-0.54). For children (aged 3–10) and adolescents (aged 11–17) of both sexes, no significant differences were found between the first and second generations. Conclusion Migration and associated environmental factors impact children’s height, highlighting the complexity of generational shifts in physical growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jana Fritsch, Christiane Scheffler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editorial - 7th International Students Summer School on Human Growth - Data Analysis and Statistics
Statistics is the key skill required by reseachers to answer scientific questions based on often complex data sets. 9 students and young researchers from Indonesia, South Africa, Spain, Slovakia, and Germany were educated and trained on their own data sets with the aim to publish these results at the 7th International Students Summer School on Human Growth - Data Analysis and Statistics at the Ecological Station Gülpe of the University of Potsdam from July 3rd to 11th 2024.
Copyright (c) 2025 Detlef Groth, Hermanussen Michael, Christiane Scheffler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dissociated development of growth and skeletal robustness, and motor skills of preschool children
Background Lack of physical activity is associated with various health risks. Yet, instead of indulging their natural urge to move, the majority of today’s preschool children tends to spend a substantial portion of the day in sedentary pursuit. Objective To investigate patterns of motor skills related to age, body size and strength, or to dexterity and movement coordination. Sample and Methods Eight anthropometric measurements and seven motor skill tests were performed in 144 boys and 120 girls aged 2.6 to 4.5 years. Children were measured in Berlin (Germany) in 2001/2002. Results Anthropometric variables and motor skills are multiply interrelated. Yet, there is an almost complete lack of progress in several motor skills between the age of 2.6 and 4.5 years. The indicators of dexterity, such as one-legged stance and backward balancing, show children of all age groups who performed very poorly. . Standing long jump and running speed as indicators of gross physical strength were moderately connected with height (r=0.48 and r=0.41, p<0.001). Conclusion Modern German preschool children show poor motor performance. The general pattern of motor skills that are related to dexterity and movement coordination and depend on practice and training, differ from those which depend on physical strength, such as standing long jump and running. The need for cooperation and mutual promotion of motor development by parents, physicians, and teachers, and the opening up of natural spaces to give room to the physiological urge to move for young children is evident.
Copyright (c) 2024 Chantal Laura-Mari Delor, Christiane Scheffler, Michael Hermanussen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Transcending borders: anthropometric insights and body image among Turkish immigrants in Germany and the Netherlands
Background The phenomenon of human migration is multi-dimensional, involving economic, political, cultural and environmental factors; it operates with 'push-pull' dynamics and structures the immigrant population in terms of behaviour, social dynamics, dietary patterns, growth trajectories, reproductive strategies and overall well-being. Since the 1960s, Turkish immigrants have settled mainly in Germany and the Netherlands. Objectives The study aims to understand the changes in anthropometric variables that have occurred among adult Turkish immigrants due to migration, as well as to identify the factors affecting their body image and height. Sample The cross-sectional study included a random sample (aged 18-65 years) of 190 Turkish immigrants (73 males, 117 females) living in Germany and the Netherlands, and 278 non-migrant individuals (120 males, 158 females) living in Turkey. Methods Anthropometric data on height, weight, circumferences, and skinfold thickness were collected, and a body image survey was administered. In addition to descriptive statistics, a principal component analysis (PCA) and a linear regression model were conducted. Results No statistical difference was found between the height of Turkish immigrants in Germany and the Netherlands, and those living in Turkey for males. Overweight was more prevalent in Turkish immigrant groups than in those living in Turkey. Comparison of Turkish immigrants and non-immigrants showed that both male and female living in Europe had higher body image scores. Conclusion The height differences between Turkish immigrants and those still living in Turkey may result from the insufficient integration of immigrants into the new society. It was found that educational level positively affects the height of both sexes in both Turkish immigrants and non-immigrants.
Copyright (c) 2024 Kübra Baran, Başak Koca Özer, Michael Hermanussen, Detlef Groth, Christiane Scheffler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Low for age weight status is not significantly associated with short-for-age body height in Kenyan schoolchildren – a pilot study
Background Stunting is commonly used as an indicator of malnutrition. Both are especially prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, the association between nutrition and growth has been questioned. Objectives This study examined whether low weight status for age is significantly associated with short height for age of Kenyan children aged 3 to 10 years. Sample and Methods Data were collected in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kisumu in 1982, including 109 Kikuyu and 82 Luo children. The associations between age, sex, population, weight status, and body height were analysed. Results Sex and low weight status for age showed no significant associations with short height for age. With increasing age, the likelihood of showing short height for age increased significantly (p=0.001). Furthermore, population affiliation had a significant impact (p<0.001), with Kikuyu children showing a 3.61 times higher risk of being short for age than Luo children. Conclusion Weight-for-age as an indicator of nutrition is not significantly associated with short height-for-age in Kenyan schoolchildren. We question the suitability of standardized global tables for height percentiles for countries with heterogeneous populations.
Copyright (c) 2024 Yasmin Jahn, Sylvia Kirchengast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Statistics for Human Biologists - Introduction
For many researchers in the field of human biology, statistics is a foreign territory where they feel uncomfortable because of statistical vocabulary used and the many different ways of analyzing their data. In a series of five short review articles, I will try to help these researchers to understand the basic principles of data preparation, descriptive and inferential statistics to guide them in analyzing their data. The review series should be seen as a complement to the summer school lectures of the International Summer School of the University of Potsdam in Gülpe in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. In this first tutorial we discuss the role of statistics in research and the role why a statistical tool like R should be used and what are the main considerations before we actually should start analyzing the data.
Copyright (c) 2024 Detlef Groth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0