Reference intervals for serum immunoglobulin A levels in Brazilian children aged 1 to 10 years: a population-based study

Abstract Objective: To determine reference intervals (Rl) for serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in healthy children aged 1 to 1 0 years residing in the central region of Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,743 healthy children randomly selected from kindergartens and public schools in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. The IgA RIs were defined using the statistical methods postulated by the guidelines of the United States Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the nonparametric bootstrap method, and Horn's robust method after the correction of discrepancies by Tukey's, Dixon's, and Horn's methods, respectively. The results were defined based on the values contained between the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: Partition by sex was not necessary to determine the IgA Rl of the studied children. Homogeneous subgroups were identified among children aged 1-<2, 2-<5, and 5-<11 years, whose IgA-specific RIs were determined. Conclusion: The serum IgA RIs were established for three groups of Brazilian children aged 1-11 years, which differed from those currently applied in Brazilian pediatric practice and from those defined by international studies. This definition will help Brazilian pediatricians formulate an accurate diagnosis and facilitate decision-making.

Sociodemographic factors associated with consumption of high-sodium foods: Evidence from Malaysia

@#Introduction: The objective of the present study was to investigate the influences of sociodemographic factors on consumption of high-sodium foods among adults in Malaysia. Methods: Data were extracted from the Malaysian Community Salt Survey (MyCoSS) (n=1046). A seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) was utilised to assess factors associated with the number of servings of high-sodium foods (nasi lemak, roti canai, fried rice, fried noodles, and fried vermicelli) consumed per week. The independent variables were sociodemographic factors. Results: Younger individuals consumed more high-sodium foods than their older counterparts. Adults with secondary level education consumed more high-sodium foods compared with those with tertiary level education. Consumption of high-sodium foods was higher among males and Malays compared to females and non-Malays. Conclusion: Consumption of high-sodium foods was common in the population. Sociodemographic factors, such as age, education level, gender, and ethnicity, play an important role in influencing the decisions of people to consume high-sodium foods.

La infección asintomática por el SARS-CoV-2: evidencias para un estudio poblacional en Cuba / Asymptomatic Infection by SARS-CoV-2: evidence for a Population Study in Cuba a

Introducción: La transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 entre personas asintomáticas continúa siendo motivo de debate y preocupación para la comunidad científica internacional. Objetivo: Exponer algunas consideraciones sobre la infección asintomática por SARS-CoV-2 y características de los casos notificados en Cuba entre el 11 de marzo y 17 de junio de 2020 como evidencia para un estudio poblacional de seguimiento. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura sobre la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y las particularidades de las manifestaciones clínicas de la COVID-19; para ello se consultaron informaciones diarias y evidencias reportadas a través del portal web de la red Infomed. Se analizó la información contenida en la base de datos nacional de casos confirmados de la COVID-19, entre el 11 de marzo y 17 de junio de 2020. Además de la condición de asintomático al momento del diagnóstico se analizaron otras variables como grupos de edad y provincia. Se resumió la información mediante totales y tasa de incidencia acumulada. Se ajustó la línea recta y un polinomio de orden 4 a la serie de casos asintomáticos. Conclusiones: Se denota cuan comunes son las personas asintomáticas al momento del diagnóstico y parece existir consenso en el ámbito científico en cuanto a su implicación en la propagación subclínica de la enfermedad. Desde el inicio de la epidemia, la mayoría de los casos notificados en Cuba han sido asintomáticos, lo cual se ha evidenciado en la mayoría de las provincias y en los diferentes grupos etarios, exceptuando los menores de un año y el grupo entre 60 y 79 años de edad. El conocimiento incompleto sobre la magnitud de la infección asintomática en la población supuestamente sana, las peculiaridades de esos casos y su influencia en la transmisión viral, alentaron la realización de un estudio poblacional de seguimiento(AU)

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 transmission among asymptomatic people continues to be a matter of debate and concern for the international scientific community. Objective: To present some considerations about SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic infection and the characteristics of the cases reported in Cuba between March 11 and June 17, 2020, as evidence for a population follow-up study. Methods: We carried out a bibliographic review of the literature about SARS-CoV-2 infection and the particularities of the clinical manifestations of COVID-19, for which we consulted the daily information and the evidence reported through the web portal of the Infomed network. We analyzed the information contained in the national database of confirmed COVID-19 cases, between March 11 and June 17, 2020. In addition to the asymptomatic condition at the time of diagnosis, other variables were analyzed, such as age groups and province. The information was summarized using totals and the cumulative incidence rate. The straight line and a polynomial of order 4 were adjusted to the series of asymptomatic cases. Conclusions: It is evident how common asymptomatic people are at the time of diagnosis, while there seems to be consensus, in the scientific field, regarding their involvement in the subclinical spread of the disease. Since the beginning of the epidemic, most of the cases reported in Cuba have been asymptomatic, which has been evidenced in most of the provinces and different age groups, except those aged less than one year or 60-79 years old. Incomplete knowledge of the extent of asymptomatic infection in the supposedly healthy population, the peculiarities of these cases and its influence on viral transmission, encouraged a population "follow-up study(AU)

Strain de la aurícula izquierda por speckle tracking: evaluación de su reproducibilidad global y segmentaria / Left atrium strain by speckle tracking: evaluation of its global and segmental reproducibility / Strain do atrio esquerdo por speckle tracking: avaliação da sua reprodutibilidade global e segmentar

Resumen: Objetivos: evaluar la reproducibilidad intra e interobservador en la medición del strain auricular izquierdo función reservorio mediante speckle tracking, usando un protocolo para su análisis global y segmentario. Métodos y resultados: se estableció un protocolo para la adquisición y medición del strain de la aurícula izquierda (SAI), para un análisis global y segmentario, utilizando un modelo tipo "ojo de buey". Se evaluó su reproducibilidad mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) en 20 participantes de la cohorte GEnotipo, Fenotipo y Ambiente de la HiperTensión arterial en el UruguaY (GEFA-HT-UY). Se obtuvo una excelente reproducibilidad global intraobservador de 0,92 (IC: 0,81-0,97) y buena reproducibilidad interobservador de 0,82 (IC: 0,59-0,92). El análisis segmentario de SAI no fue reproducible. Los valores promedio de SAI fueron 31,0% (± 7,5) para la vista de 4 cámaras; 34,6% (± 9,9) para la vista de 2 cámaras, y 36,8% (± 13,9) para la vista de 3 cámaras. El valor global de SAI tomando las tres vistas fue de 34,1% (± 7,8) y de 32,8% (± 6,5) considerando las vistas de 4 y 2 cámaras. Conclusión: el protocolo de adquisición y análisis de SAI para la función de reservorio fue reproducible para su análisis global, no así para su análisis segmentario.

Summary: Objective: to evaluate intra and inter-observer reproducibility of speckle tracking left atrial strain reservoir function using a protocol for its global and segmental analysis. Methods: a protocol for acquisition and measurement of left atrial strain was created (bull's-eye type), for its global and segmental analysis. Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient in twenty participants from the GEnotipo, Fenotipo y Ambiente de la HiperTensión arterial en el UruguaY cohort. For global assessment intra-observer reproducibility graded excellent (0.92 (IC: 0.81-0.97)) while inter-observer reached good reproducibility (0.82 (IC: 0.59-0.92)). Left atrial strain segmental analysis was not reproducible. Mean (±SD) left atrial strain was 31.0±7.5% for 4 chamber view, 34.6±9.9% for 2 chamber view and 36.8±13.9% for 3 chamber view. Global left atrial strain considering three views was 34.1±7.8%, and 32.8±6.5% considering 4 and 2 chamber views. Conclusion: left atrial strain acquisition and analysis protocol for reservoir function was reproducible for its global but not for its segmental analysis.

Resumo: Objetivo: avaliar a reprodutibilidade intra e interobservador do strain speckle tracking atrial esquerdo função de reservatório usando um protocolo para sua análise global e segmentar. Métodos: foi criado um protocolo de aquisição e mensuração de strain do atrio esquerdo, por sua análise global e segmentar (tipo olho de boi). A reprodutibilidade foi avaliada por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse em vinte participantes da coorte GEnotipo, Fenotipo e Ambiente da Hiper-Tensiologia arterial em UruguaY. Para a avaliação global, a reprodutibilidade intra-observador foi excelente (0,92 (IC: 0,81-0,97)), enquanto o interobservador alcançou boa reprodutibilidade (0,82 (IC: 0,59-0,92)). A análise segmentar de strain do atrio esquerdo não foi reprodutível. A média (± SD) de strain do atrio esquerdo foi 31,0 ± 7,5% para 4 câmaras, 34,6 ± 9,9% para 2 câmaras e 36,8 ± 13,9% para 3 câmaras. A strain global, considerando três visualizações, foi de 34,1 ± 7,8% e 32,8 ± 6,5% considerando a visão de 4 e 2 câmaras. Conclusão: o protocolo de aquisição e análise de strain do atrio esquerdo para função de reservatório foi reproduzível para sua análise global, mas não para sua segmentação.

The Prevalence and Incidence of Parkinson's Disease in South Korea: A 10-Year Nationwide Population: Based Study

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) are important for supporting the better comprehension of disease aspects and helping public health planning. Our aim is to evaluate the prevalence and incidence in South Korea between 2004 and 2013. METHODS: This retrospective, nationwide, longitudinal population-based study used National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort Database to define patients with PD from 2004 to 2013 based on having Korean Classification of Diseases code G20, which were assigned by neurologists, and being prescribed PD medication. Annual prevalence and incidence were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of PD per 100,000 of population was 41.4 in 2004 and 142.5 in 2013, and there was 13.2% yearly increase over the 10 years. However, the incidence of PD per 100,000 of population increased steadily from 20.2 in 2004 to 53.1 in 2013. The prevalence and incidence were higher in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that there was an increasing trend in the prevalence and incidence of PD from 2004 to 2013, particularly in 70 years and older.

Reduction of maternal mortality due to preeclampsia in Colombia - an interrupted time-series analysis / Reducción de la mortalidad materna por preeclampsia en Colombia - un análisis de series de tiempo interrumpido

Abstract Introduction. Preeclampsia is the most important cause of maternal mortality in developing countries. A comprehensive prenatal care program including bio-psychosocial components was developed and introduced at a national level in Colombia. We report on the trends in maternal mortality rates and their related causes before and after implementation of this program. Methods: General and specific maternal mortality rates were monitored for nine years (1998-2006). An interrupted time-series analysis was performed with monthly data on cases of maternal mortality that compared trends and changes in national mortality rates and the impact of these changes attributable to the introduction of a bio-psychosocial model. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between the interventions. Results: Five years after (2002-2006) its introduction the general maternal mortality rate was significantly reduced to 23% (OR= 0.77, CI 95% 0.71-0.82).The implementation of BPSM also reduced the incidence of preeclampsia in 22% (OR= 0.78, CI 95% 0.67-0.88), as also the labor complications by hemorrhage in 25% (OR= 0.75, CI 95% 0.59-0.90) associated with the implementation of red code. The other causes of maternal mortality did not reveal significant changes. Biomedical, nutritional, psychosocial assessments, and other individual interventions in prenatal care were not correlated to maternal mortality (p= 0.112); however, together as a model we observed a significant association (p= 0.042). Conclusions: General maternal mortality was reduced after the implementation of a comprehensive national prenatal care program. Is important the evaluation of this program in others populations.

Resumen Introducción. La preeclampsia es la causa más importante de mortalidad materna en los países en desarrollo. Se desarrolló e introdujo en Colombia y a nivel nacional un programa de cuidado prenatal que incluyó componentes bio-psicosociales. Se muestran las tendencias de las tasas de mortalidad materna y las causas relacionadas antes y después de la implementación del programa. Métodos: Las tasas de mortalidad general y específica fueron monitoreadas durante 9 años (1998-2006). Un análisis de series de tiempo ininterrumpido se realizó con datos mensuales de casos de mortalidad materna y se compararon las tendencias de cambio en las tasas de mortalidad nacional y el impacto de los cambios atribuibles a la introducción del modelo. Se hizo un análisis multivariado para evaluar la asociación entre las intervenciones. Resultados: Cinco años después de la introducción del programa (2002-2006) la tasa de mortalidad maternal se redujo significativamente en 23% (OR= 0.77, CI 95% 0.710.82). La implementación del MBPS redujo la incidencia de la preeclampsia en 22% (OR= 0.78, CI 95% 0.67-0.88 , igual la mortalidad materna por complicación del parto por hemorragias en 25% (OR= 0.75, CI 95% 0.59-0.90). Otras causas de mortalidad materna no mostraron cambios significativos. No se correlacionó la mortalidad materna con intervenciones de cuidado prenatal individuales como las biomédicas, nutricionales y psicosociales (p= 0.112), sin embargo, ellas en conjunto como un modelo (biopsicosocial) si observaron una asociación significativa (p= 0.042). Conclusiones: La mortalidad maternal general se redujo después de la implementación de un programa nacional de cuidado prenatal. Es importante evaluar este programa en otras poblaciones.

Alimentação saudável, escolaridade e excesso de peso entre mulheres de baixa renda / Healthy eating, schooling and being overweight among low-income women

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados à prevalência do excesso de peso e obesidade em uma população de mulheres adultas de baixa renda, moradoras de uma região metropolitana; e sua associação com variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas, reprodutivas e comportamentais, destacando a alimentação saudável. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional com uma amostra probabilística de 758 mulheres de 20 anos ou mais moradoras de Campos Elíseos - Duque de Caxias. Utilizou-se análise bivariada e regressão multivariada hierarquizada para identificar fatores associados ao excesso de peso e obesidade. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se uma prevalência de obesidade de 23% e prevalências de 56,0%, quando somados o excesso de peso e a obesidade. Encontrou-se associação inversa entre anos de estudo, excesso de peso e obesidade. A maioria das mulheres referiu alimentação saudável (73,6%), que aumentou positivamente com a renda, escolaridade e idade. Não consumir semanalmente verduras esteve associado ao excesso de peso e não realizar alimentação saudável esteve associado à obesidade. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados demonstraram que mesmo em uma população com renda baixa, um maior nível de escolaridade tem impacto na prevenção deste agravo e nas escolhas alimentares.

The scope of this study was to analyze the factors associated with the prevalence of being overweight and obesity in a population of low-income adult women living in a metropolitan region and its association with socioeconomic, demographic, reproductive and lifestyle variables, highlighting the importance of healthy eating. A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 758 women aged 20 or older living in Campos Elíseos - Duque de Caxias - State of Rio de Janeiro. Bivariate and multivariate hierarchical regression was used to identify factors associated with overweight and obesity. A prevalence of 23% of obesity was found, and a prevalence of 56% of being overweight and obesity combined. An inverse association was found between years of study, being overweight and obesity. Most of the women reported having a healthy diet (73.6%) that increased positively with income, education and age. Failure to consume vegetables weekly was associated with being overweight and not having a healthy diet was associated with obesity. The results of this study demonstrate that even in low-income populations, a higher level of education has an impact on prevention of this problem and in food choices.

Aspectos clinico-epidemiológicos de la presion arterial en población pediátrica del eje centro norte costero de Venezuela evaluada en el SENACREDH: I. prevalencia de valores en rango de pre-hipertensión e hipertensión arterial / Clinical-epidemiological aspects of the arteial pressure in the paediatric population from the Venezuela northern seaside axis evaluated by the SENACREDH: I. prevalence of the values in the range of prehypertension and hypertension

En el contesto del Segundo Estudio Nacional de Crecimiento y Desarrollo Humano de la Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela (SENACREDH). Se evaluó la presión arterial en 4.017 individuos de 6,00 a 19,99 años en los estados Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, Vargas y Distrito Capital, los cuales representaron para la expansión de los datos 1.340.738 habitantes; 54,89% del sexo masculino. La prevalencia de valores de presión arterial > igual P90 sistólica aislada fue 4,36% siendo significativamente mayor en masculinos (4,89%) que en femenino (3,7%) (p<0,05). Se estimaron alteraciones en los valores de la presión arterial en una proporción cercana a 5% de la población pediátrica de los estados evaluados, lo cual índica una estimación de aproximadamente 67.000, niñas y adolescentes de dicha región geográfica con valores en rango de prehipertensión e hipertensión arterial. Los hallazgos deben conducir a un incremente de estrategias de control y prevención de la hipertensión arterial en dichas poblaciones pediátricas

In the context of the Second National Study of Human Growth and Development of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (SENACREDH), blood pressure was evaluated in 4.017 individuals 6.00 to 19.99 years-old from Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, Vargas state and Capital District. They represented, for the weighted data. 1.340.738 pop; 54.89 males. Prevalence of isolated systolic BP values < igual P90 was 4.36% being significantly higher in males (4.89%) than in females (3.7%) (P<0.05). Alterations in blood pressure values were estimated in a proportion close to 5% of pediatric population in the states assessed. This indicates an estimation of approximately 67.000 children and adolescents from that geographical region with values in range of prehypertension and hypertension. Those findings should lead to an increase in the control and prevention strategies for high pressure in those pediatric populations

Population analysis of xenobiotic metabolizing genes in South Brazilian Euro and Afro-descendants

Individual variability in xenobiotic metabolism has been associated with susceptibility to developing complex diseases. Genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism have been evaluated in association studies; the difficulty of obtaining accurate gene frequencies in mixed populations makes interpretation of the results difficult. We sought to estimate population parameters for the cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase gene families, thus contributing to studies using these genes as markers. We describe the frequencies of six genes (CYP1A1, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) and estimate population parameters in 115 Euro-descendants and 196 Afro-descendants from Curitiba, South of Brazil. PCR-based methods were used for genotyping, and statistical analysis were performed by AMOVA with ARLEQUIN software. The mutant allele frequencies in the Afro-descendants and Euro-descendants, respectively, were: CYP1A1*2A = 30.1 percent and 15.2 percent; CYP2D6*4 = 14.5 percent and 21.5 percent; CYP2E1*5B = 7.9 percent and 5 percent; GSTP1*B = 37.8 percent and 28.3 percent. The null genotype frequencies were: GSTM1*0 = 36.8 percent and 46.1 percent; GSTT1*0 = 24.2 percent and 17.4 percent.

Alcoolismo no Nordeste do Brasil: prevalência e perfil sociodemográfico dos afetados / Alcolism in the Northeas of the Brazil – prevalence and social demographic profile of the sample

Objetivo: Esse inquérito epidemiológico verificou a prevalência de alcoolismo e o uso de álcool nas famílias mais antigas e numerosas da população da ilha de Fernando de Noronha, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, e tentou identificar o perfil sociodemográfico associadoa este problema naquela região. Métodos: A amostra representativa da população foi composta por 119 pessoas. O instrumento de investigação incluiu perguntas sobre os dados sociodemográficos da amostra e caracterização do consumo de álcool. Para avaliar a prevalência de alcoolismo, entre estes indivíduos, utilizou-se instrumento de rastreamentopara distúrbios relacionados ao álcool û o CAGE û, levando-se em conta o ponto de corte de uma ou mais respostas positivas para definir alcoolistas. Resultados: Observou-se prevalênciade consumo global de álcool em 62,2% da amostra e de alcoolismo em 40,34%,sendo 50,9% para homens e 30,6% para mulheres. Homens, solteiros, separados e viúvos não praticantes da religião protestante apresentaram risco significativamente mais elevado de alcoolismo nessa região. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com estudos anteriores em outras populações e novas linhas de pesquisa são sugeridas.

Objective: The epidemiological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of alcoholism and use of alcohol among the oldest and biggest families which make up the populationof the island of Fernando de Noronha, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, as well as to identify a socio-demographic profile associated with this problem in that region. Methods: A representativesample of the population was composed by 119 individuals. The instrument of research included questions on demographic and social data of the sample, and characterization of alcoholconsumption. To assess the prevalence of alcoholism among these people, we used an instrument for screening alcohol related disturbances û the CAGE û and in this analyses it was taken into consideration, one or more positive answers to define the alcoholics. Results: Results show an overall prevalence of alcohol consumption at 62.2% of the sample and alcoholism of40.34%, with 50.9% for men and 30.6% for women. Male, unmarried, divorced and widowed individuals, not practitioners of the Protestant religion showed significant higher risk of alcoholism. Conclusion: The results were compared with previous studies in other populations and new lines of research are suggested.

Determinants of Augmentation Index in the Elderly / 中华高血压杂志

Objective The Augmentation index(AI)is an indicator of pulse wave reflections.To under- stand the validity of AI in the elderly,we studied the determinants of AI in an elderly population.Methods All subjects older than 70 years living in Zhaoxiang Town,Qingpu District,Shanghai were recruited.Pulse wave a- nalysis at the left radial artery was performed by using Omron HEMg000AI device.The augmentation index (AI)adjusting for a heart rate of 75 beats/min was used for statistical analysis.Results One thousand two hun- dred eighty-six participants included 761(59 %)women,and 815(63 %)hypertensive patients with average age 76.3 years participate the study.Women had a significant higher AI than men(90.3% versus 85.8%,P

Oxidant and antioxidant status of police officer in the city and rural area.

This study was designed to investigate the biochemical alteration in human caused by free radical accumulation due to air pollution. The policemen recruited were 60 country policemen consisting of 30 non smokers (group I) and 30 smokers (group II); 30 smoking policemen with administrative work in Jakarta (group III) and 30 smoking traffic policemen from Jakarta (group IV). Our results show that the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of groups I, II, III, IV, respectively were : 3.34 ± 0.81 umol/l; 4.28 ± 0.77 umol/l; 5.20 ± 0.66 umol/l and 5.12 ± 0.78 umol/l which were statistically different (p < 0.01) among each others, except between groups III and IV. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the groups respectively, were: 16.75 ± 9.80 U/mg protein; 22.83 ± 6.82 U/mg protein; 26.10 ± 8.50 U/mg protein and 26.90 ± 9.34 U/mg protein, which were statistically different (p < 0.05) between group I vs the other groups. The catalase activity of the groups respectively were : 106.25 ± 47.47 U/mg protein; 118.84 ± 42.73 U/mg protein; 119.83 ± 35.35 U/mg protein and 145.57 ± 61.85 U/mg protein. The statistical difference (p < 0.05) was found between group I & IV. Administration of vitamins C (500 mg) and E (300 mg) daily for 30 days to the policemen with high oxidant stress caused a decreased in the activities of SOD from 27.34 ± 10.05 U/mg protein to 16.91 ± 6.51 U/mg protein (p < 0.05) and catalase from 134.29 ± 53.28 U/mg protein to 67.07 ± 25.26 U/mg protein (p < 0.05). This study shows us that the oxidant status of city policemen was higher than that of rural policemen and that a combination of vitamins C & E could reduce the oxidant stress to a certain extent.

Population Genetics of the Hypervariable Locus D12S391 in Korean / 대한법의학회지

The hypervariable short tandem repeat (STR) locus D12S391 was investigated in a Korean population. A total of 14 alleles were detected by size under denaturing conditions in 517 unrelated individuals. To confirm all of the alleles detected in a Korean population, a total of 34 fragments were sequenced. Prior to allele designation, we constructed the allelic ladders containing 11 alleles sequenced in this study. Allele 18 is the most common with a frequency of 0.281 in Koreans, and one variant allele 19.3 which have been confirmed by sequencing, was detected. The observed heterozygosity, the power of discrimination (PD), and the mean exclusion chance (MEC) for the locus D12S391 is 0.781, 0.946 and 0.652, respectively. No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in a Korean population (p=0.557). In the 424 meioses in 105 Korean families confirmed using other 17 STR loci, no mutation was detected in locus D12S391. The STR locus D12S391system is useful both for the analysis identification and parternity.