Showing papers in "International Journal of Anthropology in 1999"

Estimation of body composition from bioelectrical impedance of body segments

Abstract: This study provides values of anthropometric measurements and specific impedance, for a sample of 104 adults. The hypothesis that the body composition can be estimated more accurately from measurements of lengths and impedance values of the body segments than from the whole body was tested. The impedance of upper and lower extremities (arm and leg) and trunk were used to compute estimates of body composition parameters (FFM, FM, %F, TBW, ECW). The results were compared with those estimated by the impedance of the whole body. These comparisons demonstrated that significative differences resulted from body composition obtained by segmental impedance and by the whole body.

Living conditions and growth of maya indian and non-maya boys from yucatan in 1993 in comparison with other studies

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to characterize the biological status and living conditions of boys inhabiting the northern part of Merida. Studies were conduoted in summer 1993, in several secondary schools in the northern part of the Merida, capitol of Yucatan, Mexico. The material consisted of biological measurements of 497 boys aged from 12 to 17 years. Also parents of these children were interviewed. Mothers (497) aged from 28 to 60 years (40 on the average) and fathers (495) aged from 30 to 62 years. Values of biological characteristics were calculated for the whole material, and also separately for the families in which both parents were Maya Indians, Non-Mayas and mixed. The differences between Mixed and Non-Mayas were distinct in stature, trunk length, upper extremity length, head length, head circumference, hips breadth index, cephalic and frontal indices, thus, mainly in body size and the head and face form. Differences between Mayas and Non-Mayas were distinct in the most measures: direct measurements ofbody weight and height, trunk and both extremities length, shoulder breadth, head length, face and nose breadth, head, waist and hips circumferences (which did not show differences between two other groups as a direct measure) and triceps skinfold thickness. The differences were also found in some indices (cephalic, frontal and face) and this probably has a non-adaptive character. The difFerences in other body proportions, which could be rather easy adjustable in the meaning on ontogenetic development were not found. The constitutional differences were observed in stature, arm fatfold and hip breadth. Body proportions were under the strong influence of living conditions and this probably caused the lack of difFerences between 3 ethnic groups. The contemporary Maya boys in comparison with the Steggerda data (1941) were on average 10 cm taller, more plumb by 10 units of BMI, and had more rounded heads. Head, which is under a strong genetic control and has more conservative character showed differences between Maya and Mixed groups versus Non-Mayas.

Cephalometric study of mandibular dimorphism in living population in South-West France

Abstract: The role of the mandible in sex determination is still poorly defined because of the plasticity of this bone. We carried out a teleradiographic study of the mandibles of 63 living white subjects, measuring bigonial breadth, bicondylar breadth (anterior radiographs), mandibular symphysis height, mandibular length, articulare-gonion height, mandibular ramus height and mandibular body length (lateral radiographs). All these paramters showed significant sexual dimorphism (p<0.001 in all cases). Mandibular symphysis height had the highest percentage of dimorphism (19.44%). Based on this study, two discriminant functions were calculated, one of which used all the measurement and the other, two. These functions made it possible to determine the sex of 87.3% of the sample studied, using the mandible alone.

Effect of Ascaris infection on the nutritional status and I.Q. of children

Abstract: It was estimated that about 1.3 billion persons all over the world were infected with Ascaris Lumbricoides (A.L.), Especially children in tropical and subtropical countries. To investigate the effects of A.L. infection on the nutritional status and the intellectual level in a sample of Egyptian primary school children from rural Giza province. A sample of 637 children (329 boys and 308 girls) aged 6–12 years, have been subjected to some anthropometric measurements including body weight, body height, arm circumference, head circumference and triceps skinfold thickness. In addition, the I.Q. was determined using “Draw-a-man” test. Blood hemoglobin concentration was also determined using a spectrophotometric method. All the children were then subjected to stools and urine examinations, and peri-anal swab. Only 242 children were included for further study, of whom 45 boys and 38 girls were found infected with A.L. solely, and 81 boys and 78 girls of about the same age free of parasitic infections were taken as control. Children infected with A.L. has significantly lower body weight, height, and arm circumference but insignificantly lower skinfold thickness and head circumference as comparedto the control group. Infected children had significantly lower hemoglobin concentration and I.Q. than the controls. Selected anthropometric measurements, biochemical and intellectual tests from a useful complementary battery for reliable and informative investigation of the effects of parasitic infection on child nutrition and health. A.L. was found to have a significant effect on the physical and intellectual status of the rural Egyptian children of age 6–12 years.

Approach to the alimentary patterns of a ample group of Madrid's Gypsy Community

Abstract: The gypsy community in Spain has been widely studied from cultural, social and historical viewpoints. Mesa's (1981) work stands out as an example of a biological anthropological perspective; however, this study did not analyse the links between this people's culture and their biological characteristics.

Heterochrony and sexual dimorphism in the skull of the Liberian chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus)

Abstract: Allometric methods and theory derived from principles of relative growth provide new and powerful approaches to an understanding of the nature and development of sexual dimorphism among living primates. The Frankfurt collection of Liberian chimpanzee skulls and mandibles provides a large skeletal sample from a single natural population of wild shot animals, including individuals of all ages and both sexes, and allows investigation of allometric and heterochronic patterns of sexual dimorphism. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses are utilized in this study in order to ascertain the ontogenetic nature of male-female differences in the skull of the Liberian chimpanzee. The results of univariate and multivariate analyses indicate that, while overall levels of sexual dimorphism in the chimpanzee skull are small, the greatest differences are in dimensions of the viscerocranium, while neurocranial dimensions and orbital size tend to be less dimorphic. Bivariate regressions of 21 cranial variables against basicranial length document positive allometry in many facial and mandibular dimensions, and isometry or negative allometry for most neurocranial dimensions. The data confirm previous work in chimpanzees and other anthropoid primates suggesting that males and females are “ontogenetically scaled” in most cranial traits. That is, males and females share the same cranial growth trajectories, although ending up at different points. Both rate and time hypermorphosis are suggested as underlying causes of ontogenetic scaling in the Liberian chimpanzee.

The frontal sinus in ancient and modern Greenlandic Inuit

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the frontal sinus size of ancient Greenlandic Inuit with ancient Inuit of Alaska and Canada, and to compare sinus size between ancient and modern Greenlandic Inuit. Also, it was analyzed whether cranial size was a determinant of frontal sinus size. Frontal sinus size was evaluated in terms of absence frequency and planimetrically. Absence was defined as a frontal sinus not exceeding a line drawn between the supraorbital rims. A significant increase in absence frequency was noted from Alaska over Canada to Greenland (males: p<0.03; females p<0.0001). This is in accordance with earlier studies, indicating that although these Inuit populations once have been commonly related to the Old Bering Sea population, the Greenland Inuit represent an endpoint in an eastward migration. There was a significant increase (p<0.0001) in frontal sinus size from ancient to modern Greenlandic Inuit, probably indicative of a high degree of admixture with non-Inuit after modern colonization. The results regarding craniofacial size parameters and frontal sinus side were inconclusive. No single craniofacial variable showed significant effect on frontal sinus size, but the area displayed sexual dimorphism, females having smaller frontal sinuses.

Recent data about age at menarche in the Biscay province ( Basque Country, Spain)

Abstract: Data on menarcheal age were collected by thestatus quo method on a sample of 808 schoolgirls (8–19 years of age), from the Margen Izquierda area of the Biscay province (Basque Country). Probit analysis provided a mean age at menarche of 12.5±0.05 years with a standard deviation of 1.0 years. The result was compared with data from other previous Basque studies and related to age at PHV of the same sample.

Menstrual pain, menarcheal age and lifestyles in Spanish adolescents

Abstract: The prevalence of menstrual pain and its relationship with developmental variables, cycle indicators and habits has been evaluated in a sample of 1147 adolescents aged 14–20 Menstrual pain was reported by 63% of the girls and automedication was the most common behaviour to combat it Among developmental variables, only menarcheal age shows explicative power for menstrual pain, as early maturers have a significantly greater prevalence Duration of the flow, presence of clots, and premenstrual symptoms were also correlated with menstrual pain Smoking and dieting are also significantly related with an increase in meanstrual pain in all age groups We posit the hypothesis that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea might be increasing in Western populations because: 1) the prevalence of early menarches is increasing and 2) the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles such as sedentism, smoking and uncontrolled dieting are also increasing

Study of somatotype in Italian children aged 6 to 10 years

Abstract: The aim of the present research was to study the variations of somatotype, calculated by the Heath-Carter anthropometric technique, during growth in a sample of children (416 males and 402 females), aged 6 and 10 years, attending primary and secondary schools of L'Aquila and its province (Abruzzo, Italy). The sample was subdivided into “urban” and “non-urban” groups, on the basis of the residence of the children, to examine possible differences in growth related to the different environments. This study give an account of the somatotype components between urban and non urban childreen between the age 6 and 10 years. A tendency toward an increase of endomorphy (adipose component) with age was noticed in both sexes. In females, ectomorphy (component of physical linearity) tended to increase and mesomorphy (muscular-skeletal component) showed a slight decrease during growth, while males exhibited a discontinuous trend. The differences between urban and non-urban children were not significant, although generally higher values of endomorphy and mesomorphy were found in males and females of the urban sample. The differences between the sexes consisted of higher values of endomorphy and lower values of mesomorphy in females. Ectomorphy was similar in the two sexes.

Socio-economic factors and body composition

Abstract: This study supplies further data to the question of influence of social background in body development. There are a great number of studies concerning the influence of socio-economic factors on growth. On the other hand, there are very few investigations into the factors of body composition though these factors give more information about the developmental stage of the children's skeleton, muscle and fat mass than any absolute measurement. The social status was established on the basis of the parents' occupation, educational level, the per capita income, per capita room-quota and sibling number. Beyond these factors the effects of maternal age at childbirth and birth order were investigated in a sample of 3553 boys and 3371 girls aged between 7–14. Body composition was studied by a two-component model. Results of body composition have shown that children living under better social circumstances are not only heavier, because they have more developed skeleton and musculature, but have more body fat mass too. The excess of their body fat mass is caused in part by the unaltered habits of nutrition, in part by sedentary life style. These results stress the necessity for a more efficient somatic and environmental education.

Age-at-death diagnosis and age-at-death distribution estimate: Two different problems with many aspects in common

Abstract: A quantitative or qualitative trait detected on human skeletons can be used to solve two inferential problems: a) Diagnosing age-at-death b) Estimating age-at-death distribution in the human community which the skeletons belong to.

Huntington's chorea (HD) in Malta: Epidemiology and origins

Abstract: Since 1994 a Genetic Counselling Center devoted to assisting to subjects at risk from HD has been operative in Malta.

The individual age at menopause — An appropriate indicator of postmenopausal body composition?

Abstract: The interaction between age at menopause and postmenopausal body composition development was tested with in 178 Viennese women aged 47 to 68 years (x=55.4 yr). Postmenopausal body composition was described using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry by absolute fat and lean mass and bone mineral content of the whole body, the arms, legs, the trunk and the head. Upper and lower amount of body fat, the fat percentages of the individual body compartments and the fat distribution index were calculated. Postmenopausal body fat and lean soft tissue mass and postmenopausal bone mineral content were significantly associated with the age at menopause. Women whose menopause occurred late showed the highest amount of body fat (31.2+/−7.7kg) and lean body mass (41.2+/−4.4 kg) postmenopausally, while women with an early menopause exhibited the lowest amount of body fat (27.5+/−8.9kg) and lean body mass (38.4+/−5.4 kg) during the postreproductive phase of life (p<0.05). Women whose menopause occurred later than 51 had a significant higher postmenopausal bone mass (2.26+/−0.9kg versus 2.09+/−0.3 kg; p<0.05). A late menopause was associated with a significantly higher value in fat mass, lean body mass and in bone mineral content. Therefore age at menopause may be assumed as an indicator for body fat and bone mineral content during postmenopause and postmenopausal fat distribution patterns.

Ponderal indices at birth

Abstract: At birth, the index weight/height is the highest correlated with weight, height and cephalic perimeter, for the index of Quetelet (BMI) the correlations are also significant although lower. In both cases, the variation with age is significant.

Anthropometric variationin the Yanadi: Population structure and sex differences

Abstract: Anthropometric variation and sex differences were investigated among the Yanadi tribe, who live in different regions and show differences in population structure variables and form regional breeding populations. In case of within population variation in anthropometric characters, both males and females show greater variation in a few specific characters (e.g., HB, LL) and almost no variation in FB, but least variation in HL and NB in males and in ZB, LB in females and show sex differences. Overall, females showed greater variation in more number of characters than males. In case of between population variation a few traits show clinal trend between male-female comparisons. Each character shows a specific pattern (e.g., HB, ZB, EL, GB) which vary according to the spatial distribution of the regional populations. The curves also indicate least average differences corresponding to within regional homogeneity among males and females (e.g., HB, ECD, EB) and increasing differences with males and females of other regions. A comparison of anthropometric profiles of the five populations show significant sex differences in IY subpopulation. The three mainland subpopulations show wide morphological differentiation with two coastal subpopulations, who also differ in subsistence pattern and geographically isolated. A comparison of anthropometric profiles between males and females across five populations show positive association between P1, HF and P2 populations, whereas significant negative association with CY and HF. The correllelographs based on the male-female comparisons also indicate greater morphological similarity between sexes in cases of within regional population. They also show clinal changes of either decreasing or increasing trends of morphological variation between populations in association with spatial distribution and population structure differences. The results obtained are in agreement with the expectations from the population structure of the tribe.

Prevalence of coronary heart disease risk factors in a Cambridge, UK study

Abstract: This paper examines the distribution and prevalence of risk factors for coronary heart disease in a sample of 165 men and 202 women over 40 years of age who had earlier participated in a coronary prevention trial from a general practice in Cambridge, UK. No significant differences were observed in total cholesterol levels between men and women, and a quarter of the sample had concentrations above 6.5 mmol/l which is 250 mg/dl. There were significant sex differences in a number of risk factors with males having significantly higher prevalence of low high density lipoprotein, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, obesity, and smoking than women. About 8% of men and women were obese (as defined by a body mass index > 30), while 47% of men and 35% of women were mildly overweight (body mass index > 25). Two or more risk factors for coronary heart disease (high total cholesterol and/or hypertension and/or obesity) were present in 4% and 9% of older men and women respectively. Furthermore, about half the subjects had more than one risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Morphofunctional development of urban and rural children from Southwestern Poland in a relative approach

Abstract: The aim of work is to analyse whether the existing interenvironmental differences in physical fitness are connected mainly with the level of morphological advancement or whether the place of residence decidedly affects the level of the child's functional development, differentiating the populations of peers independently of their state of somatic development. Therefore, the functional traits were subjected to relativization, taking body height as the basic measure of developmental advancement.

Craniofacial sexual dimorphism in a Northern-Greek pre-pubertal population

Abstract: Craniofacial sexual dimorphism on size and shape in a prepubertal (6–12 years of age) population of northern Greece has been studied by means of both univariate and multivariate analysis. The structure of population was limiting the influence of environmental and genetic factors. Even though there have been observed statistical significant differences between the sexes in most of the variables it has not been concluded any sexual dimorphism in the morphology of the craniofacial area.

Sets of complementary phenotypic relationships across five isolated populations: Traces of expression of different gene complexes?

Abstract: The aim of this study is to search for certain repeating phenotypic patterns, i.e. sets of complementary relationships across five isolated populations, which may represent the traces of expression of different genes or gene complexes. The study was conducted among isolates of five island populations of eastern Adriatic, Croatia, and the data were collected between 1979 and 1990. Selected phenotypic characteristics included measures of biological distances (e.g. anthropometrical body and head distances, physiological, dermatoglyphic and radiogrammetric bone distances), while other examined traits included sociocultural (linguistic), bio-cultural (migrational kinship) and genetic distances. The sample consisted of 6,286 examinees from 43 villages of five isolate populations. Correlations between distance matrices based on examined traits were analyzed in each of five populations using Mantel's test of matrix correspondence, and factor analysis (rotated principal component) was then performed over obtained correlation matrices. The results showed that there were several consistent and significant correlations between some analyzed traits across all of the studied isolate populations, which might indicate their regulation by the shared gene complexes or genome regions. The analyses identified three main clusters of correlations in all five isolate populations: the first one containing anthropometric measures (body and head measures and physiological properties in both sexes), the second one containing geographic distance-related traits (migrational kinship, linguistic and genetic distances), and the third one containing dermatoglyphic properties and radiogrammetric bone measures in both sexes. The higher order varimax rotation over the matrix of factor correlations revealed that the primary source of variation within all five analyzed populations was not sex-related, but rather variable-specific.

Morphological changes related to the climateric period of the adult Cuban women

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to analyze the morphologic changes occurring along the period of a woman's life thatareknown as climacterium. Our sample consists of 648 women from different provinces of Cuba, but who lived in Havana for at least 15 years. Morphological variables such as height, weight, biliocristal and biachromial diameters and six subcutaneous fat skinfolds were measured.

Analysis of colour vision with the Ishihara test: A comparison between two groups of subjects with different age range

Abstract: In the present study, we have described and compared both the number and the types of the mistakes that were made during reading of the Ishihara plates by 3,926 students attending the secondary schools in the province of Cosenza (Calabria, Southern Italy) and by 546 Calabrian university students all without colour-blindness. There were no qualitative differences in the types of mistakes made by the two groups of subjects during their reading of the Ishihara plates. Moreover, we have reported both the mean frequencies and types of colour-blindness in only the province of Cosenza. During this study, it was shown that the ishihara test is reliable during screenings for the diagnosis of colour vision deficiencies, as shown by some previous investigations.

Genetic structure of the Sardinian population at the D1S80 VNTR locus and population diversity

Abstract: We typed the Sardinian population at the D1S80 VNTR locus. Nineteen alleles were detected in a sample of 92 unrelated individuals, allele frequency distribution showing a modal pattern mostly in agreement with other Caucasoid populations. A high degree of heterozygosity (observed value=80.4%) was present. Goodness-of-fit tests demonstrated no departure from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Data regarding heterozygosity, number of alleles and singletons appeared in accordance with the IAM mutation-drift equilibrium model and showed no evidence of hidden substructuring.

Reproductive pattern of three amerindian communities from Costa Rica

Abstract: The bases of the reproductory models of three indigenous communities from Costa Rica belonging to the same cultural area (Chibcha) but with different social, economical and environmental conditions were studied. In this situation it was observed how the study of the data on fertility and fecundity, analyzed together with other reproductory and social characteristics of women, can precisely determine the reproductory model of the communities to which they belong. A homogeneous fecundity was presented in the studied communities, but one which responded to different reproductory patterns. Starting from the multivariate analysis of the fertility variables, the studied women were divided into two groups. One of the groups presents the highest levels of length of breast feeding period and amenorrhea, together with the near total lack of artificial breast feeding and the early introduction of normal feeding. This model is predominant among the Guaymies. The other one, together with the short period of breast feeding and amenorrhea, shows an early introduction of the bottle and a late one of solid food in the feeding process. It is characteristic of the Huetars. This links a certain reproductory model to an indigenous community and a way of life. The reproductory pattern, a clearly biological model, to an ecological and cultural environment.

Distribution of AMY2 polymorphism in S. Tomé and Príncipe (West Africa)

Abstract: The genetic polymorphism of AMY2 was studied in the population of S. Tome and Principe (West Africa) using agarose gel electrophoresis. AMY2 frequencies are reported for the first time in a subSaharian population. The gene frequencies found were: AMY2*1=0.948, AMY2*3=0.052 (N=173).