RESUMO
This study, conducted in 1994-95, evaluates differences in body build, blood pressure and respiratory functions between sexes and age groups of low socioeconomic strata individuals living in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The cross-sectional sample includes 344 males and 320 females, 20-98 years of age divided into six age groups (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+ years) by sex. Differences between age cohorts in height, weight, fatness, systolic blood pressure, and most respiratory variables (excluding expiratory reserve volume, minute ventilation and respiration rate) are greater among women than in men. The more marked secular trend in stature and bigger biological differences between age cohorts in women might have its beginning in 19th century when living conditions of women were worse than those of men. Only since the last decades of 20th century, migrations and improvements in living conditions might caused more drastic changes in women of low social strata than in men. Results of regression analysis show a greater relationship between studied variables in women than in men what confirms that women are less sensitive to environmental factors. A pattern of changes in minute ventilation (MV) with rising age of the cohorts differs between men and women (smaller differences appear in the women's cohort) Also a different pattern (MV) is seen in European populations. The latter may suggest existence of some adaptational phenomena to the local environment.
Assuntos
Pressão Sanguínea , Constituição Corporal , Mecânica Respiratória , Caracteres Sexuais , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Envelhecimento/fisiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
The paper is focused on the seasonal pattern of birth and occurrence of menarche in different populations. The material collected in 1988/89 consists of 522 girls and their 249 mothers from schools of Merida, and of 135 girls and their 66 mothers from Progreso (Yucatan, Mexico). Occurrence of a biorhythm due to which girls matured in the month of their birth more frequently than by chance, was found. A shift of the maturation to an earlier or later month is caused by stress acceleration up or delaying maturation. Seasonal differences in menarche occur in different climates, but they depend on seasonal differences in the life style, occupation, and the like, rather than on climate itself. Typically menarche occurs in the extreme periods in terms of climate, diet, hard work, stress, etc., that is, in summer and/or in winter. The age of mother's maturation is correlated with that of daughter's. Month of daughter's maturation is correlated with that of mother's. Correlation exists between the month of woman's birth and the month of her maturation. No correlation exists between the month of daughter's birth and that of mother's, and between the month of daughter's maturation and the month of mother's birth.