Hasil untuk "Physical anthropology. Somatology"

Jan Turek

This article focuses on the reconsideration of some aspects of the Corded Ware phenomenon in Europe. It highlights the impact of new archaeogenetic data, which challenge traditional views of archaeological cultures as monothetic entities. It critiques interpretations of extensive steppe migrations as simplistic, particularly concerning genetic changes. Additionally, it underscores the importance of sacred landscapes, sacred mountains and natural shrines, in understanding Corded Ware rituals and beliefs. The continuity and transition between the Corded Ware and Bell Beaker periods are explored, with a view that rather than a sharp break, these periods represent evolving cultural and ritual practices, particularly noticeable in their burial customs. The article calls for nuanced interpretations embracing both archaeological and genetic evidence to understand the intricate cultural development of the 3rd millennium BC in Europe. 

Zhongpeng Cai, Weihang Liu, Xinger Wen et al.

Abstract The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) poses a critical threat to global health security. Veterinary hospitals may serve as potential hotspots for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene dissemination, yet surveillance in these environments remains limited. This study was carried out to screen the spread of CRE in the environment of a veterinary hospital. Totally, we collected 283 environmental swab samples from a veterinary hospital in Guangzhou, China. The samples were screened for meropenem-resistant isolates, and polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed to detect bla NDM genes. Species identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Two isolates representing previously unreported bla NDM-positive species were selected for whole-genome sequencing. Thirty-two meropenem-resistant isolates were recovered, with 15 isolates (5.3%) testing positive for bla NDM genes. All the bla NDM-positive isolates belonged to Enterobacterales, including one isolate each of Pseudescherichia vulneris and Pantoea dispersa, representing the first reported bla NDM-positive strains of these species. Whole-genome sequencing of these two isolates revealed that both harbored bla NDM-5 genes on IncX3 plasmids with conjugation frequencies of 7.5 × 10⁻5 and 6.0 × 10⁻5, respectively. The P. dispersa strain exhibited high genetic similarity (core-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms = 12) to isolates of Oryza sativa origin from India lacking bla NDM genes, suggesting recent plasmid acquisition. The detection of bla NDM-5 in these previously unreported host species is concerning given their exceptional environmental persistence and stress tolerance. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced One Health surveillance approaches encompassing veterinary environments as critical components of AMR networks.

Kazushige Oshita, Akihisa Hikita, Ryota Myotsuzono et al.

Abstract Background Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is widely used as a convenient method of measuring body composition. The validity of the phase angle (PhA), impedance rate (IR), and resistance rate (RR) as indices of muscle quality using BIA has been suggested. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these muscle quality indices and age, and to clarify their characteristics. Methods The appendicular muscle mass (AMM), AMM corrected for body mass index (AMM/BMI), PhA, IR, and RR were determined using BIA in 1376 Japanese individuals (532 males and 844 females) aged 15–95 years. The PhA was determined from a 50-kHz current, and the IR and RR were determined from the impedance and resistance ratios between the 250- and 5-kHz currents. Results AMM/BMI showed greater age-related changes than the other indices of muscle mass. Significant differences in PhA, IR, and RR were found for the whole body at age ≥ 50 years and for the lower limbs at age ≥ 30 years, compared to those in their 20 s. For the arms, age-related changes were small, and significant differences in PhA of females were only observed at aged ≥ 85 years, whereas significant differences in IR and RR were observed at aged ≥ 75 years, compared to those in their 20s. Conclusion These results suggest that although PhA, IR, and RR in the whole body and lower limbs showed age-related changes, the change in PhA in the upper body was small, especially in females. However, IR and RR in the upper limbs of females reflected age-related changes more than PhA.

Yousif B. Hamadalneel, Marwa F. Alamin, Hifa O. Ahmed et al.

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen in clinical settings and community. Therefore, this laboratory-based, retrospective study assessed the prevalence, patterns of antimicrobial resistance, and associated factors of S. aureus. The study included all clinical samples collected by the Pathology Center for Diagnosis and Research (PCDR), University of Gezira in Sudan for culture and drug sensitivity from January 2020 to October 2023. Data were collected manually from PCDR registries. In total, 1784 clinical specimens exhibited bacterial growth. The overall S. aureus isolation rate was 39.1% (697/1784). The strains were primarily isolated from female patients (79.5%, 554/697), 38.9% of whom (271/697) were aged 30–44 years. S. aureus strains were most commonly isolated from urine samples (n = 465, 66.7%) and wound swabs (n = 150, 21.5%). The resistance rates were highest for tetracycline (55.1%, 201/365), erythromycin (51.3%, 141/275), vancomycin (49%, 118/241) and lowest for nitrofurantoin (7%, 11/157) and chloramphenicol (19.25%, 15/78). Multivariable binary logistic regression revealed associations of patient age, year of isolation, and sample type with S. aureus infection. This study reported a moderate prevalence of S. aureus that significantly increased over time. Additional investigations using an alternative method are required to verify the observed resistance of S. aureus to vancomycin.

Juliette C. L. Menon, Donald B. Brinkman, Guilherme Hermanson et al.

Abstract The early evolution of Pan-Chelonioidea (sea turtles) is poorly understood. This is in part due to the rarity of undeformed skulls of definitive early stem chelonioids. In this work, we redescribe the holotype of Nichollsemys baieri using µCT scans and segmentations of the skull. This fossil is the best 3D preserved skull of any Campanian sea turtle, and includes partial “soft tissue” preservation. Nichollsemys is morphologically similar but clearly distinct from Toxochelys spp., and both show a mosaic of plesiomorphic and derived chelonioid features. The internal cranial anatomy documents the presence of derived characters in Nichollsemys baieri that are absent in Toxochelys spp., such as the loss of the epipterygoids and the rod-like shape of the rostrum basisphenoidale. Among the numerous plesiomorphic characters is the presence of a splenial bone, which was unnoticed before. An updated phylogenetic analysis retrieves Nichollsemys baieri as a non-protostegid early stem chelonioid in a slightly more crownward position than Toxochelys latiremis. Our phylogeny includes macrobaenids and protostegids as pan-chelonioids, and we find unorthodox results for dermochelyids. Thus, although Nichollsemys baieri provides important new insights into the early morphological evolution of sea turtles, much work remains to be done. As a completely 3D preserved specimen, we included Nichollsemys baieri into a recent landmark-based skull shape dataset of turtles. Morphospace analysis reveals an intermediate position between cryptodires and crown chelonioids. Based on these data, we also predict that Nichollsemys baieri was still capable of neck retraction, constraining the loss of this trait to more crownward pan-chelonioids.

Megumi Shimura, Akihiko Mizumoto, Yali Xia et al.

Abstract Background Surface electromyography (sEMG) is primarily used to analyze individual and neighboring muscle activity. However, using a broader approach can enable simultaneous measurement of multiple muscles, which is essential for understanding muscular coordination. Using the “bull’s-eye electrode,” which allows bipolar derivation without directional dependence, enables wide-area multipoint sEMG measurements. This study aims to establish a multipoint measurement system and demonstrate its effectiveness and evaluates forearm fatigue and created topographic maps during a grasping task. Methods Nine healthy adults with no recent arm injuries or illnesses participated in this study. They performed grasping tasks using their dominant hand, while bull’s-eye electrodes recorded their muscle activity. To validate the effectiveness of the system, we calculated the root mean squares of muscle activity and entropy, an indicator of muscle activity distribution, and compared them over time. Results The entropy analysis demonstrated a significant time-course effect with increased entropy over time, suggesting increased forearm muscle uniformity, which is possibly indicative of fatigue. Topographic maps visually displayed muscle activity, revealing notable intersubject variations. Discussion Bull’s-eye electrodes facilitated the capture of nine homogeneous muscle activity points, enabling the creation of topographic images. The entropy increased progressively, suggesting an adaptive muscle coordination response to fatigue. Despite some limitations, such as inadequate measurement of the forearm muscles’ belly, the system is an unconventional measurement method. Conclusion This study established a robust system for wide-area multipoint sEMG measurements using a bull’s-eye electrode setup. This system effectively evaluates muscle fatigue and provides a comprehensive topographic view of muscle activity. These results mark a significant step towards developing a future multichannel sEMG system with enhanced measurement points and improved wearability. Trial registration This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chiba University Graduate School of Engineering (acceptance number: R4-12, Acceptance date: November 04, 2022).

SAMUEL ZAMORA, JUAN CARLOS GUTIÉRREZ-MARCO

Solutans were among the most enigmatic pre-radial and asymmetric echinoderms. A new species Dehmicystis ariasi sp. nov. is described from the upper part of the Llagarinos Formation, lower Ludlow (Silurian) of Northwest Spain. This is the first solutan formally described from Iberia and the first from the Silurian worldwide. Dehmicystis was previously known based on a small number of poorly preserved specimens from the Emsian, Lower Devonian Hunsrück Slate of Germany. New observations based on the newly studied material suggest that Dehmicystis displayed a feeding appendage facing towards the substrate, and the periproct on the opposite face of the theca. Comparisons with other solutans and new data suggest that Dehmicystis was a detritus feeder that moved over the substrate capturing organic particles from the sediment with a single feeding arm.

Esteban Ortiz-Prado, Gonzalo Mendieta, Katherine Simbaña-Rivera et al.

Abstract Background Anthropometric measures have been classically used to understand the impact of environmental factors on the living conditions of individuals and populations. Most reference studies on development and growth in which anthropometric measures were used were carried out in populations that are located at sea level, but there are few studies carried out in high altitude populations. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric and body composition in autochthonous Kiwcha permanently living at low and high altitudes. Methodology A cross-sectional study of anthropometric and body composition between genetically matched lowland Kiwcha from Limoncocha (n = 117), 230 m in the Amazonian basin, and high-altitude Kiwcha from Oyacachi (n = 95), 3800 m in Andean highlands. Student’s t-test was used to analyze the differences between continuous variables, and the chi-square test was performed to check the association or independence of categorical variables. Fisher’s exact test or Spearman’s test was used when the variable had evident asymmetries with histograms prior to the selection of the test. Results This study shows that high altitude men are shorter than their counterparts who live at low altitude, with p = 0.019. About body muscle percentage, women at high altitudes have less body muscle percentage (− 24.8%). In comparison, men at high altitudes have significantly more muscle body mass percentage (+ 13.5%) than their lowland counterparts. Body fat percentage was lower among low altitude women (− 15.5%), and no differences were found among men. Conclusions This is the first study to be performed in two genotyped controlled matching populations located at different altitudes to our best knowledge. The anthropometric differences vary according to sex, demonstrating that high altitude populations are, in general, lighter and shorter than their low altitude controls. Men at high altitude have more muscled bodies compared to their lowland counterparts, but their body age was older than their actual age.

Maxwell N. Burton-Chellew, Claire Guérin

Why does human cooperation often unravel in economic experiments despite a promising start? Previous studies have interpreted the decline as the reaction of disappointed altruists retaliating in response to non-altruists (Conditional Cooperators hypothesis). This interpretation has been considered evidence of a uniquely human form of cooperation, motivated by an altruistic concern for equality (‘fairness’) and requiring special evolutionary explanations. However, experiments have typically shown individuals not only information about the decisions of their groupmates (social information) but also information about their own payoffs. Showing both confounds explanations based on conditional cooperation with explanations based on confused individuals learning how to better play the game (Confused Learners hypothesis). Here we experimentally decouple these two forms of information, and thus these two hypotheses, in a repeated public-goods game. Analysing 616 Swiss university participants, we find that payoff information leads to a greater decline, supporting the Confused Learners hypothesis. In contrast, social information has a small or negligible effect, contradicting the Conditional Cooperators hypothesis. We also find widespread evidence of both confusion and selfish motives, suggesting that human cooperation is maybe not so unique after all.

Matthew Edward Scarborough

The phenomenon of insular dwarfism in proboscideans is particularly well represented on the Siculo-Maltese Palaeoarchipelago, an island group on which a species complex of palaeoloxodont elephants evolved during the Middle-Late Pleistocene. This likely included three species from Malta, four from Sicily (and possibly its palaeo-islands), and one from Favignana Island, ranging in size from the 1 m-tall <i>Palaeoloxodon falconeri</i> to continental-sized 4m-tall <i>P. antiquus</i>. However, our understanding of the causes for extreme differences in body size among insular samples in such a small geographic region is still limited. Here, I document the full range in size of elephants from the palaeoarchipelago, and discuss the reasons for size differences on the three islands in time and space in relation to predation, competition, resource limitation, accelerated life history, and duration of isolation. Differences in size between larger and smaller Sicilian elephants from Luparello Fissure, as well as possibly also in <i>P.</i> ex gr. <i>P. mnaidriensis</i> from Puntali Cave, San Teodoro Cave, and Favignana Island, may relate to the duration of isolation, or alternatively environmental stressors associated with the Last Glacial Maximum in the case of the Favignana elephant. Additionally, small but significant differences in size observable in Middle Pleistocene <i>P.</i> ex gr. <i>P. falconeri</i> from different localities on Sicily, as well as in Maltese <i>P. ‘melitensis’</i> may also relate to duration of isolation, highlighting the need for better geochronological data in order to better distinguish macro-ecological causes driving body size change from more subtle effects relating to duration of isolation.

L. Indra, S. Lösch

Abstract Retrospective, observational studies of forensic casework enhance knowledge on topics such as postmortem interval (PMI) estimations and search strategies. This 10-year survey of forensic anthropology (FA) casework performed at the Department of Physical Anthropology in the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bern, Switzerland, provides insights into a variety of human bone cases recovered in different circumstances. In this study, we present 58 cases from our forensic database. The surveyed forensic cases comprise a high proportion of dispersed remains, leading to low recovery rates. In addition, about a third of the cases were discovered in the Swiss Alps. Future studies and research should concentrate on enhancing the recovery rate in outdoor forensic scenes and on research in PMI estimation. This is especially important for remains found in high altitudes, because due to the melting glaciers, we expect more previously covered and frozen remains to be released in the following years. Systematic, longitudinal case reviews further provide a reference that can be used to refer to in FA expertises.

Georgios L. Georgalis, Gianni Insacco, Lorenzo Rook et al.

Abstract We here describe turtle remains from the late Miocene (Tortonian) of Cessaniti (Calabria, southern Italy), an area that recently has been palaeogeographically reconstructed as being, at that time of the Neogene, directly connected (or at least rather proximate) to northern Africa, instead of Europe. The material pertains to three different turtle clades, i.e., pan-trionychids, pan-cheloniids, and pan-geoemydids. Although the material is incomplete, it nevertheless permits a more precise identification for the pan-trionychid specimens, which are referred to the species Trionyx pliocenicus, as well as the pan-geoemydid, which is attributed to the genus Mauremys. Especially for the case of T. pliocenicus, the new Cessaniti specimens expand its geographic and stratigraphic distribution and further comprise the sole existing material known for this species, considering that its holotype and so far only known material is currently lost. Overall, besides its taxonomic significance, the Cessaniti chelonian assemblage affords the potential for important biogeographic implications, attesting that the lineages of Trionyx and Mauremys could have potentially used the Sicily–Calabria arch for their dispersal from Europe to Africa during the Tortonian. The new turtle specimens further complement the associated mammal remains in envisaging the Cessaniti assemblage as a mosaic of both African and Eurasian (Pikermian) faunal elements.

Selene Pilar Torres, María Virginia Albeza, Noemí Acreche

Se estimó la movilidad en once poblaciones de Puna, Valle Calchaquí y Valle de Lerma (Provincia de Salta) a partir de matrices de migración cónyuge-cónyuge, considerando las distancias entre los lugares de nacimiento de ambos. A partir de las distancias entre lugar de nacimiento y de residencia se estimó la migración diferencial por sexo en general, por zona geoestructural y por localidad. En general, los varones migran a mayores distancias que las mujeres. Para estimar patrilocalidad o matrilocalidad se consideraron las parejas con, al menos, un individuo local, tanto por zona como por localidad. En los Valles se observa un patrón de residencia matrilocal. Las tres zonas geoestructurales presentan una distribución asimétrica positiva, característica de poblaciones rurales endógamas. Del análisis de los resultados se desprende que, en las poblaciones estudiadas, el modelo de aislamiento por distancia no refleja la estructura marital de las mismas.

Lorena L. Musotto, María S. Candel, Ana M. Borromei et al.

Resumen. En esta contribución se exponen los materiales estudiados, las metodologías de muestreo y las técnicas de laboratorio utilizadas para el análisis palinológico de turberas y depósitos marinos del Archipiélago de Tierra del Fuego. Asimismo, se evalúan las limitaciones y fortalezas del análisis de indicadores biológicos (polen, esporas, microplancton de pared orgánica y hongos). Finalmente, se presentan tres casos de estudio donde se ilustra: i) el análisis de microfósiles fúngicos como complemento para el estudio de los registros polínicos, ii) las relaciones entre los cambios en las comunidades vegetales y eventos climáticos, y iii) el uso del análisis polínico y de palinomorfos acuáticos para la caracterización de los ambientes costeros a lo largo del Canal Beagle. Palabras clave. Polen. Microfósiles fúngicos. Palinomorfos acuáticos. Paleoambientes. Argentina. Abstract. PALINOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF CONTINENTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENTS OF LATE QUATERNARY IN THE TIERRA DEL FUEGO ARCHIPELAGO. In this contribution, we describe the studied materials, sampling methodologies and laboratory techniques used for the palynological analysis of peatbogs and marine deposits of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. Likewise, the limitations and strengths of the analysis of biological indicators (pollen, spores, organic-walled microplankton and fungi) are evaluated. Finally, we present three case studies which illustrate: i) fungal microfossil analysis as a complement to the study of pollen records; ii) relationships between plant community changes and climatic events; and iii) the use of pollen and aquatic palynomorph analyses for the characterization of the coastal environments along the Beagle Channel.  Key words. Pollen. Fungal microfossils. Aquatic palynomorphs. Palaeoenvironments. Argentina.

Sergio Archangelsky

A new lithostratigraphic scheme has been proposed for the previous Baqueró Formation (Santa Cruz Province, Argentina), which is now considered to be a Group including three formations: Anfiteatro de Ticó the oldest, Bajo Tigre the middle and Punta del Barco the youngest. The distribution of plant fossils at several localities where these formations occur has shown that there are two different plant assemblages that are consistently present over a wide area. A detailed study of the distribution of all plant species known to be present in the Baqueró Group led to define two biozones, viz. Ptilophyllum (lower) and Gleichenites (upper). The main differences concern the disappearance of all Bennettites and most Cycads and Ginkgoales in the upper biozone, which in turn is clearly dominated by a gleicheniaceous fern assemblage. The latest Barremian to early Aptian age that has so far been accepted for this fossil flora, and the change of components in both biozones, suggests that this time interval may well correspond to the late Barremian to Early Aptian extinction event that has been proposed in other regions. This event was closely related to a strong volcanic activity that has also been recorded in the Baqueró Group. It is suggested that the vegetation during the time span represented by the Baqueró Group developed under stressful conditions that caused extinctions and a consequent change of the environmental scenario. KEY WORDS. Argentina. Patagonia. Early Cretaceous. Paleobotany. Biostratigraphy.

Marina Laura Sardi, Gimena Barbeito, Marisol Anzelmo et al.

RESUMEN El principal centro de crecimiento de la base craneana durante la ontogenia postnatal es la sincondrosis esfeno-basilar (SEB), que permite la elongación de la línea media en el piso craneano. Su actividad de crecimiento termina entre los 12 a 15 años y su cierre se produce luego de la pubertad. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el crecimiento craneofacial entre los 11 y 19 años de edad para determinar si el cierre de la SEB es un evento asociado a cambios en la morfología craneofacial. Se probaron las siguientes hipótesis: a) los individuos con la SEB fusionada tienen tamaño significativamente mayor que aquellos que aún tienen la SEB abierta; b) la diferenciación de tamaño entre individuos con SEB abierta y fusionada se asocia a cambios en las trayectorias de crecimiento. Se utilizaron 118 cráneos con edad de muerte entre 11 y 19 años. Cada individuo se clasificó según el estado de la SEB (ESEB) en: SEBA, aquellos en los que la SEB no está completamente fusionada y SEBF, cuando la superficie exocraneal de la SEB se ha osificado. Se midieron la longitud, ancho y altura de los siguientes componentes craneanos: anteroneural, mesoneural, posteroneural, óptico, respiratorio, masticatorio y alveolar, así como la longitud neural total. Se realizaron análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP) y de la Covarianza (ANCOVA), considerando como efectos en la variación al ESEB, la edad y su interacción (ESEB vs edad). Ambos análisis indicaron que hay cambios asociados a la edad. Según ANCOVA, la longitud del componente mesoneural fue la única variable en que hubo diferenciación significativa entre SEBA y SEBF, estando la edad controlada y también fue la única medida, en que la interacción con la edad fue significativa; sin embargo, la diferencia de tamaño es opuesta a lo esperado, mayor en SEBA. Por lo tanto, las hipótesis propuestas se rechazan. La variación se asoció a la edad, pero no a ESEB. Es posible que la actividad osteogénica en la SEB termine antes de su completa fusión y por tanto, no afecte el crecimiento craneofacial adolescente o que intervenga en cambios posicionales más que en cambios de tamaño.     ABSTRACT The spheno-basilar synchondrosis (SBS) is the most important growth center of the cranial base during postnatal ontogeny, enabling the elongation of the cranial floor. Growth activity in the SBS finishes around 12-15 years old and, after puberty, the SBS is fused. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cranial growth between ages 11 and 19 in order to establish if the SBS fusion is associated with changes in cranial morphology. Two hypotheses were tested: a) individuals with a fused SBS present greater size than those with an open SBS; b) size differences between individuals with an open and fused SBS are associated with changes in growth trajectories. The sample is comprised by 118 skulls between 11 and 19 years old at death. Each skull was classified according with the state of the SBS (SSBS) in: OSBS, those in which the SBS is still open, and FSBS, when the SBS is completely fused. Length, width and height were measured in the following cranial components: anteroneural, midneural, posteroneural, optic, respiratory, masticatory, and alveolar, as well as total cranial length. Morphological changes were assessed by Principal Components analysis and ANCOVA considering SSBS, age and the interaction between SSBS and age as factors of variation. Analyses indicated that there was a significant change associated with age. ANCOVA indicated that significant differentiations between OSBS and FSBS were observed only in the midneural length, and this change was also associated to changes in growth trajectories. However, the changes were opposed to those predicted. Thus, both hypotheses were rejected. Size variation is associated with age but not with SSBS. It seems likely that osteogenic activity in the SBS finishes before ossification, without influencing, in this way, on adolescent craniofacial growth. It is also possible that the SBS influences positional changes rather than size variation.

Ignacio Bejarano, José Edgardo Dipierri, Susana Blanca Ocampo

RESUMEN: La tendencia secular (TS) de la talla adulta masculina (TESTAM) ha sido estudiada en diversas poblaciones de países desarrollados y/o en vías de desarrollo, sin embargo la información que existe sobre poblaciones latinoamericanas es aún insuficiente. Este trabajo se propone evaluar, a través de un siglo, la TESTAM en la Provincia de Jujuy. Por una metodología de corte transversal se relevó la talla en cm de los ciudadanos nacidos en Jujuy e incorporados al Distrito Militar Jujuy (N = 10.800) de un año del inicio de cada una de las décadas comprendidas entre 1870 y 1960 (Total = 10 años). Para el análisis los datos se agruparon por regiones geográficas situadas a distintos niveles altitudinales (Puna=3500msnm; Quebrada=2500msnm; Valle=1200 msnm; Ramal=500 msnm). Se determinó la media y valores máximos y mínimos del total de la Provincia y de cada una de las regiones por año. Se observó: 1) una TS positiva a nivel provincial con una variación entre la media de Ia primera década y de la última de 4 cm; 2) una TS a nivel regional, pero con grandes diferencias interregionales, con una variación entre la media de la primera década y de la última de aproximadamente 1 cm para Puna, 2 cm para Quebrada, 6 cm para Valle y 4 cm para el Ramal; 3) oscilaciones de la TS tanto a nivel provincial como regional durante las primeras cinco décadas, con un afianzamiento de la misma, especialmente en el Valle y el Ramal a partir de la segunda década del siglo XX. Se concluye que las variaciones interregionales observadas en la TESTAM estarían reflejando la influencia de diferentes condiciones tanto mesológicas (socioeconómicas, altura, nutricionales) como genéticas (etnicidad, endogamia, miscegenación) sobre la población adulta masculina de la Provincia de Jujuy, a las que probablemente no escaparían el resto de la población asentada en este singular gradiente altitudinal. Se comparan estos resultados con aquellos encontrados en otras poblaciones americanas y se realiza una sucinta síntesis de las condiciones genéticas y ambientales que caracterizan a la población jujeña y su hábitat. ABSTRACT: The secular trend of the adult masculine stature (STAMS) has been studied in several populations of developed or underdeveloped countries. Information about latinamerican populations is still insufficient. The aim of this work is to evaluate, throughout a century, the STAMS in the Province of Jujuy. The stature of 10.800 citizens born in Jujuy and joining the Distrito Militar Jujuy in the first year of each decade, between 1870 and 1960, was obtained by means of a bias methodology. The data were grouped according to geographical regions situated at different sea levels (Puna = 3500 m.a.s.I.; Quebrada = 2500 m.a.s.I.; Valle = 1200 m.a.s.I.; Ramal = 500 m.a.s.l.). Mean, minimum, and maximum stature values for the Province and for each one of the regions, were determined yearly. lt was observed: 1) a possitive secular trend in the province, with a variation of 4 cms between the mean of the first and the last decades; 2) a regional possitive secular trend with great differences among the regions (about 1 cm for the Puna, 2 cm for Quebrada, 6 cm for the Valle and 4 cm for the Ramal), 3) provincial and regional variations for secular trend during the first five decades, with a strengthening, specially in the Valle and Ramal, during the second decade of the 20th century. It can be concluded that the variation among the regions observed in the STAMS would reflect the influence of different mesologic (socieconomic, altitude, nourishing) and genetic (ethnicity, endogamy, miscegenation) differences on the male adult populations in the Province of Jujuy. The rest of the population settled in this particular altitudinal gradient would not be likely to escape this influence. These results were compared to those found in other American populations. A short summarv of the genetic and environmental conditions that characterize the populations of Jujuy and their habitats, was done.

Gustavo Barrientos, Gabriela L. L’Heureux, Valeria Bernal

R. Sussman

W. M. Krogman