Análise Hierarquizada da Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica com a Variante Polimórfica do Gene da ECA e Outros Fatores de Risco em Idosos / Hierarchical Analysis of Hypertension with the Polymorphic Variant of the ACE Gene and Other Risk Factors in the Elderly

Fundamento: A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma condição clínica de etiologia multifatorial e de sério agravo à saúde do idoso. Apesar das alterações cardiovasculares influenciarem o desenvolvimento da HAS nesta faixa etária, vários outros fatores genéticos e ambientais têm sido descritos na literatura, incluindo a variante polimórfica do gene da enzima conversora da angiotensina (ECA) e a distribuição da gordura corporal. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência da HAS entre idosos e sua possível correlação com a variante polimórfica I/D do gene da ECA e outros fatores de risco associados. Métodos: Estudo de base populacional com 387 idosos residentes na zona urbana de Ibiaí (MG, Brasil) utilizando, para tal, um modelo hierarquizado. Resultados: À análise estatística, a variante polimórfica do gene da ECA não se mostrou associada à HAS (p = 0,316). Por outro lado, mostraram associação significativa com a HAS os fatores: sexo feminino, ausência de companheiro, consumo de mais de uma porção de sal ao dia e alterações nos índices de massa corporal e na relação cintura-quadril. Conclusão: Apesar da variante polimórfica da ECA não ter mostrado influência sobre a prevalência de HAS em idosos, algumas variáveis individuais, socioeconômicas, metabólicas e de hábitos comportamentais mostraram associação com esta condição

Background: Hypertension is a clinical condition of multifactorial etiology that imposes serious harm to the health of elderly individuals. Despite the fact that cardiovascular disorders influence the development of hypertension in this age group, several other genetic and environmental factors have been described in the literature, including the polymorphic variant of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and the distribution of body fat. Objective: To assess the prevalence of hypertension among elderly individuals and its possible correlation with the I/D polymorphic variant of the ACE gene and other associated risk factors.Methods: Population-based study using a hierarchical model and including 387 elderly individuals residing in the urban area of Ibiaí (Minas Gerais, Brazil).Results: On statistical analysis, the polymorphic variant of the ACE gene was not associated with hypertension (p = 0.316). On the other hand, there was a significant association between hypertension and the variables female sex, absence of a partner, consumption of more than one portion of salt per day, and changes in body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Conclusion: Although the polymorphic variant of the ACE gene showed no influence on the prevalence of hypertension in elderly individuals, some variables such as individual, socioeconomic, metabolic, and behavioral habits were associated with this condition

The use of medicinal plants by rural populations of the Pastaza province in the Ecuadorian Amazon / Uso de plantas medicinais por populações rurais da província de Pastaza, na Amazônia equatoriana

Mera, Santa Clara and Pastaza municipalities are located in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. The objective of the study was to identify plant species used in traditional medicine by small farmers of these localities, and to classify these plants according to locality, farmer ethnicity and purposes of use. It was also investigated whether the use of medicinal plants differs between the ethnic groups. Data were collected by applying a questionnaire and personal interview with 213 farmers belonging to two ethnicities (Kichwa and mestizo), and to different municipalities (Mera, Santa Clara and Pastaza). Generated data were analyzed using contingency tables and frequency and the most representative species were determined by proportion analysis comparison. A total of 34 families and 52 species of medicinal plants were identified. The most used species was Ilex guayusa which was cited 48 times. Santa Clara municipality and Kichwa farmers used the highest number of species. These species belonged to the Lamiaceae and Solanacease family, and the plants were used for treating stomach pain, cold and inflammations. There were significant differences (Chi square test p < 0.05) between localities and ethnicities (Kichwa and mestizo). There were differences in the use of medicinal plant species among members of the Kichwa ethnicity and mestizo farmers, depending on locality, being Ilex guayusa the most used species.

A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em três municípios da Província de Pastaza, (Mera, Santa Clara e Pastaza), na Amazônia equatoriana. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar espécies vegetais utilizadas na medicina tradicional pelos agricultores nestas localidades e classificar as espécies segundo a localidade, etnia do produtor e as aflições nas que eram utilizadas. Alem disso, na pesquisa analisaram-se as diferença de uso das plantas entre as etnias Kichwa e Mestiça. A metodologia do trabalho consistiu na aplicação de questionários e entrevistas pessoais com 213 agricultores das diferentes etnias. Utilizaram-se as tabelas de contingência por freqüência de uso com os dados gerados, para determinar as espécies mais representativas e em cada grupo realizou-se comparação por análise de proporções. Os principais resultados mostraram a existência de 52 espécies de plantas medicinais pertencente a 34 famílias. A espécie mais utilizada foi Ilex guayusa com 48 registros. Os produtores Kichwa do município Santa Clara registraram o maior número de espécies pertencente às famílias Lamiaceae e Solanacease e as plantas foram utilizadas para tratamento de dor de estômago, gripe e inflamações. A prova de "chi quadrado" mostrou diferenças (p < 0,05) entre os municípios e as etnias. Conclui-se que existe diferença no uso de plantas medicinais entre as localidades e os grupos étnicos estudados. A espécie Ilex guayusa foi a planta medicinal mais usada pelos agricultores independentemente da localidade e a etnia.

Pluripertencimentos e comunicação intercultural nos fluxos migratórios: percursos transnacionais entre migrantes na cidade de São Paulo / Multi-belonging and intercultural communication on migration: transnational routes between migrants in São Paulo / Pluripertencimentos y comunicación intercultural sobre la migración: rutas transnacionales entre los migrantes en São Paulo

O artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre as noções de transnacionalidade e interculturalidade na definição dos múltiplos pertencimentos dos migrantes da cidade de São Paulo, especialmente os bolivianos e latinoamericanos. Fruto de uma pesquisa etnográfica desenvolvida entre os anos de 2011 e 2013, esta reflexão é norteada pelos diálogos travados com migrantes, cujas experiências e visões de mundo são passíveis de alimentar os imaginários sobre o fenômeno migratório, sobre os lugares de origem, os percursos e os lugares de destino e, articularmente, sobre o que é ser migrante na época contemporânea em uma cidade cosmopolita como São Paulo. Propomos aqui a interpretação de uma identidade que se abre aos pluripertencimentos e aos diálogos interculturais proporcionados pelo fenômeno da migração...

This paper proposes a reflection on the notions of transnational and intercultural setting of multipleaffiliations of migrants in São Paulo, especially the Bolivian and Latin American. Result of an ethnographicresearch conducted between the years 2011 and 2013, this reflection is guided by its exchanges with migrants,whose experiences and worldviews are likely to feed the imaginary on the migration phenomenon on placesof origin, routes and places of destination and, particularly, about what is being a migrant in contemporarytime in a cosmopolitan city like São Paulo. We propose here the interpretation of an identity that opens thepluripertencimentos and intercultural dialogues provided by the phenomenon of migration...

El artículo propone una reflexión sobre las nociones de transnacional e intercultural en la definiciónde múltiples afiliaciones de los migrantes de São Paulo, en especial el de Bolivia y de América Latina.El resultado de una investigación etnográfica realizada entre los años 2011 y 2013, esta reflexión se guíapor los diálogos con los migrantes, cuyas experiencias y visiones del mundo es probable que alimentar elimaginario sobre el fenómeno de la migración, en los lugares de origen, las vías y los lugares de destino, yen particular sobre lo que está siendo un migrante en la época contemporánea en una ciudad cosmopolitacomo São Paulo. Proponemos aquí la interpretación de una identidad que abre las pluripertencimentos y eldiálogo intercultural proporcionados por el fenómeno de la migración...

¿Es aplicable el cefalograma de Ricketts en diferentes poblaciones? / Is Rickett's cephalogram applicable in different populations?

El Cefalograma de Ricketts es reconocido a nivel mundial como uno de los estudios cefalométricos más utilizados y difundidos, pero laaplicación del mismo en todas las poblaciones aún está en análisis y discusión. En este trabajo se presenta una revisión de la literatura,con el objetivo de analizar la validez de la aplicación del Cefalograma de Ricketts en diferentes grupos étnicos y poblaciones. Además valorar si el mismo es aplicable a la población uruguaya. Los valores estudiados en dichos grupos son comparados con las normasestablecidas por el autor en el cefalograma original (Ricketts, 1972).

Rickett’s cephalogram is one of the most widely known and used cephalometric study, but its application on all populations is still under analysis and discussion. This piece of work presents a review of the literature with the objective of analyzing the cephalogram’s validity on different ethnic groups and populations. As well as to assess if the cephalogram is applicable to the Uruguayan population.The values studied on such groups are compared to the norms established by the author on the original cephalogram (Ricketts, 1972).

Analysis of association of TaqI VDR gene polymorphism with the chronic periodontitis in Dravidian ethnicity.

AIM: The aim of this study is to analyze the association of TaqI vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism with the chronic periodontitis (CP) in Dravidian ethnicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 subjects were recruited for this study, which included 60 CP and 60 healthy controls. TaqI VDR gene polymorphism was analyzed using specific primers and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and visualized under 2% agarose gel. RESULTS: Our study results showed that Tt and tt genotype had a higher frequency of occurrence in CP compared with controls. Similarly, t allele was found to be associated with CP. CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that TaqI VDR gene polymorphism is associated with CP in Dravidian ethnicity.

Prevalence of long face pattern in Brazilian individuals of different ethnic backgrounds

Objective: The long face pattern is a facial deformity with increased anterior total facial height due to vertical excess of the lower facial third. Individuals with long face may present different degrees of severity in vertical excess, as well as malocclusions that are difficult to manage. The categorization of vertical excess is useful to determine the treatment prognosis. This survey assessed the distribution of ethnically different individuals with vertical excess according to three levels of severity and determined the prevalence of long face pattern. Material and Methods: The survey was comprised of 5,020 individuals of Brazilian ethnicity (2,480 females and 2,540 males) enrolled in middle schools in Bauru-SP, Brazil. The criterion for inclusion of individuals with vertically impaired facial relationships was based on lip incompetence, evaluated under natural light, in standing natural head position with the lips at rest. Once identified, the individuals were classified into three subtypes according to the severity: mild, moderate, and severe. Then the pooled sample was distributed according to ethnical background as White (Caucasoid), Black (African descent), Brown (mixed descent), Yellow (Asian descent) and Brazilian Indian (Brazilian native descent). The Chi-square (χ 2 ) test was used (p<0.05) to compare the frequency ratios of individuals with vertically impaired facial relationships in the total sample and among different ethnicities, according to the three levels of severity. Results: The severe subtype was rare, except in Black individuals (7.32%), who also presented the highest relative frequency (45.53%) of moderate subtype, followed by Brown individuals (43.40%). In the mild subtype, Yellow (68.08%) and White individuals (62.21%) showed similar and higher relative frequency values. Conclusions: Black individuals had greater prevalence of long face pattern, followed by Brown, White and Yellow individuals. The prevalence of long face pattern was 14.06% in which 13.39% and 0.68% belonged to moderate and severe subtypes, respectively.

Sex hormones in Malay and Chinese men in Malaysia: are there age and race differences?

OBJECTIVES: Variations in the prevalence of sex-hormone-related diseases have been observed between Asian ethnic groups living in the same country; however, available data concerning their sex hormone levels are limited. The present study aimed to determine the influence of ethnicity and age on the sex hormone levels of Malay and Chinese men in Malaysia. METHODS: A total of 547 males of Malay and Chinese ethnicity residing in the Klang Valley Malaysia underwent a detailed screening, and their blood was collected for sex hormones analyses. RESULTS: Testosterone levels were normally distributed in the men (total, free and non-sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) bound fractions), and significant ethnic differences were observed (p<0.05); however, the effect size was small. In general, testosterone levels in males began to decline significantly after age 50. Significant ethnic differences in total, free and non-SHBG bound fraction estradiol levels were observed in the 20-29 and 50-59 age groups (p<0.05). The estradiol levels of Malay men decreased as they aged, but they increased for Chinese men starting at age 40. CONCLUSIONS: Small but significant differences in testosterone levels existed between Malay and Chinese males. Significant age and race differences existed in estradiol levels. These differences might contribute to the ethnic group differences in diseases related to sex hormones, which other studies have found in Malaysia.

The prevalence of prostate cancer in Brazil is higher in Black men than in White men: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Black men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer compared with White men in several countries. In Brazil, most studies reported a similar prevalence of prostate cancer between Blacks and Whites as a result of the high race mixture of the population. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of the prevalence of prostate cancer in Black versus White, Brown versus White, and Black versus Brown Brazilian men. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This systematic review included cohort, cross sectional and case-control studies comparing the prevalence of prostate cancer between races in Brazil. It was performed using an electronic search of references in bibliographic databases, and dissertations and theses databases from several Brazilian hospitals, universities, and schools of medicine. Meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan software from the Cochrane Collaboration. To control for potential confounding variables, sensitivity analyses excluding case-control and cross sectional studies were performed. MEASUREMENTS: The outcomes of interest included the number of participants, prevalence of prostate cancer, and odds ratio of cancer between Black and White men, Brown and White men, and Black and Brown men. Results and Limitations: Twelve studies approaching the prevalence of prostate cancer in Black or Brown vs. White men in Brazil were identified, totalizing 41388 participants. The prevalence of prostate cancer was 9.6% in Black vs. 5.6% in White men (OR 1.58), 10.1% in Black vs. 6.7% in Brown men (OR 1.43), and 6.7% in Brown vs. 6.6% in White men (OR 1.14). Limitations of this review reflect the complexity and ambiguity in the definition of who is Black and who is not in such an heterogeneous population like the Brazilian people. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review with meta-analysis demonstrates a higher prevalence of prostate cancer in Black men compared to White or Brown Brazilian men. The prevalence of prostate cancer is similar in Brown versus White men.

Prevalence, Geographical Distribution, Social Problems and Treatment of Thalassemia Patients.

A total of 700 beta thalassemia patients were gathered at the outdoor of the Hematology department of Medical College, Kolkata, attending during the period from January 2010 to December 2010. The data is generated by the interaction between them and their family members in presence of the physicians. Actual ethnic identities, place of residence, parity and sibship together with social stigma, if any, faced by the patient or by the member of the family and details of their treatment including transfusion history were noted down and reconfirmed from past records. The prevalence of thalassemia was found 70% among Hindus of which the 62.26% was contributed by castes like Maishya, Namasudra, Barga Kshatriya and Panda Kshatriya. The relative prevalence of subtypes of b-thalassemia was found to be 65% E-b thalassemia, 30% Homozygous b-thalassemia and 5% S-b thalassemia. The aboard of the 85.28% patients were found to be localised along banks river Hooghly and Ganga delta region and we can thus consider tentatively that this belt is a thalassemia zone in West Bengal. The maximum number of cases showed parity to be 1 and there was considerable amount of reproductive wastage. Regarding social stigma, 82.71% responded with no stigma. Early diagnosis and early onset of transfusion with chelation therapy was found to provide benefit for the patient reducing the total amount of transfusion needed per year and also restoring the quality of their life.

Padrões de nupcialidade na economia cafeeira de São Paulo (1860-1930) / Marriage patterns in São Paulo coffee economy (1860-1930) / /Patrones de nupcialidad en la economía cafetera de Sao Paulo (1860-1930)

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar e discutir as pautas matrimoniais vigentes em um município típico da economia cafeeira paulista, entre 1860 e 1930, tomando tal variável como indicador do vigor da identidade étnica e do grau de assimilação dos estrangeiros na sociedade local. São Carlos foi fundado em 1857 e conformou-se, a partir da penúltima década do século XIX, como um município bastante representativo da economia cafeeira que se desenvolveu no Estado. De fato, com uma mão de obra inicialmente composta por escravos negros, a partir dos anos 1880 o município passou a receber expressivas levas de imigrantes europeus - italianos, portugueses, espanhóis e outros numericamente menos significativos - para trabalhar nas plantações de café, a ponto de, em 1894, ter recebido o maior contingente de imigrantes de todo o interior paulista. A partir de uma análise dos 15.011 registros paroquiais de casamento observados no período, o trabalho discute a evolução das preferências matrimoniais desses diversos grupos que, ao lado de brasileiros brancos e negros, conformaram uma população estimada em 60 mil indivíduos em 1930. Os dados analisados indicam que a origem nacional atuou como condicionante muito significativo das opções matrimoniais efetivamente concretizadas até pelo menos final dos anos 1920. Assim, as evidências colhidas apontam que pelo menos as primeiras duas gerações de indivíduos de origem imigrante, que viveram em São Carlos até a Grande Depressão do final da década de 1920, mostraram-se bastante resistentes ao processo de assimilação, pelo menos sob o ângulo das pautas matrimoniais.

This paper discusses marriage patterns in a representative city in the state of São Paulo during the coffee economy of 1860-1930. It takes these patterns as indicators of the strength of ethnic identities and of the assimilation of European immigrants in the local society. The city of São Carlos was founded in 1857 and by the late 19th century, it can be seen as fairly typical of the coffee economy that developed in the state of São Paulo. In fact, with a workforce initially composed of African slaves, from the 1880s the city began to receive significant waves of European immigrants - Italians, Portuguese, Spanish and other less numerically significant - for work on coffee plantations, to the point that, in the year of 1894, it received the highest number of immigrants in all of the state, except for the capital. From an analysis of 15,011 parish registers of marriage observed in the period, this paper discusses the evolution of marriage preferences among diverse groups that, alongside black and white Brazilians, conformed an estimated population of 60,000 individuals in 1930. The data analyzed indicate that national origin served as very significant determinant of marital options effectively implemented until at least the late 1920s. Thus, the evidence gathered indicates that at least the first two generations of persons of immigrant origins, living in São Carlos until the Great Depression in the late 1920s, were quite resistant to the process of assimilation, at least in regards to marriage patterns.

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar y discutir las pautas matrimoniales vigentes en un municipio típico de la economía cafetera paulista, entre 1860 y 1930, tomando tal variable como un indicador del vigor de la identidad étnica y del grado de asimilación de los extranjeros en la sociedad local. San Carlos fue fundado en 1857 y se convirtió, a partir de la penúltima década del siglo XIX, en un municipio bastante representativo de la economía cafetera que se desarrolló en el estado de Sao Paulo. De hecho, con una mano de obra inicialmente compuesta por esclavos negros, a partir del año 1880 y en adelante, el municipio pasó a recibir ingentes masas de inmigrantes europeos - italianos, portugueses, españoles y otros numéricamente menos significativos- para trabajar en las plantaciones de café, hasta el punto de que, en 1894, había recibido el mayor contingente de inmigrantes de todo el interior del estado de Sao Paulo. A partir de un análisis de los 15.011 registros parroquiales de matrimonio observados en el período, el trabajo discute la evolución de las preferencias matrimoniales de esos diversos grupos que, junto a los brasileños blancos y negros, conformaron una población estimada en 60 mil individuos en 1930. Los datos analizados indican que el origen nacional actuó como un condicionante muy significativo en las opciones matrimoniales, efectivamente consumadas en matrimonios, hasta por lo menos final de los años veinte del siglo pasado. Así pues, las evidencias recogidas apuntan a que por lo menos las primeras dos generaciones de individuos de origen inmigrante, que vivieron en San Carlos hasta la Gran Depresión del final de la década de 1920, se mostraron bastante resistentes al proceso de asimilación, por lo menos bajo el ángulo de las pautas matrimoniales.

Frequências alélicas, parâmetros estatísticos de natureza forense e caracterização étnica da população do Rio de Janeiro, através de polimorfismos do tipo STR / Allele frequencies, statistical parameters of forensic nature and ethnic profiling the population of Rio de Janeiro, through polymorphisms of type str

A Genética Forense é um ramo da Ciência que está se expandindo a cada dia. O aprimoramento das técnicas moleculares vem trazendo uma constante renovação e relevantes discussões para a consolidação dessa área de estudo. Na identificação humana pelo perfil de DNA, além da comparação de perfis genéticos, usam-se métodos estatísticos a fim de estimar a probabilidade de um determinado perfil ser encontrado apenas a partir do doador em comparação ao de outro indivíduo qualquer da população. Essa análise é baseada em frequências obtidas de estudos feitos previamente na população. Para a realização dos casos criminais de identificação genética, o estado do Rio de Janeiro conta com o Instituto de Pesquisa e Perícias em Genética Forense (IPPGF), que é o órgão Pericial da Polícia Civil. Esse órgão recebe amostras de todo o estado, agregando um estoque representativo de amostras da população Rio de Janeiro. Dessa forma, um estudo empregando amostras do IPPGF é de grande importância na solução de casos de identificação genética criminal. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho tem por finalidade caracterizar a população de Rio de Janeiro através das frequências alélicas de marcadores utilizados na genética forense a partir da análise de amostras de 505 indivíduos não aparentados, que doaram material biológico para confronto genético, no Instituto de Pesquisa e Perícias em Genética Forense, no período de 2008 a 2011. No presente estudo foram empregados 17 marcadores autossômicos do tipo STR 2 (short tandem repeats) e a genotipagem foi baseada nos kits de identificação humana Power Plex(cerquilha) 16 System / Power Plex(cerquilha) 16 HS System, da empresa Promega, e/o AmpFlSTRIdentifiler™ / AmpFlSTRIdentifiler™ Plus e AmpF(linus)0STR(cerquilha) MiniFiler™, da empresa Applied Biosystems. Com base na análise dos perfis genéticos, foram calculadas as frequências alélicas dos marcadores genéticos, os parâmetros forenses, o coeficiente de endogamia (FIS), realizado o teste exato do Equilíbrio Hardy-Weinberg. Nos 17 marcadores estudados, foi detectado um total de 215 alelos distintos. O locus D21S11, foi o mais polimórfico (25 alelos), seguido do FGA (22 alelos). O alelo 8 do TPOX apresentou a maior frequência observada. Além disso, esse locus teve o menor Poder de Discriminação (PD = 0,879), Poder de Exclusão (PE = 0,419) e Conteúdo de Informação Polimórfica (PIC = 0,676)e a maior Probabilidade de Coincidência Aleatória (PM = 0,121). O marcador genético Penta E apresentou o maior Poder de Discriminação (PD = 0,983), Poder de Exclusão (PE = 0,761) e Conteúdo de Informação Polimórfica (PIC = 0,905) e menor Probabilidade de Coincidência Aleatória (PM = 0,017). Foram realizados ainda análises a fim de estudar a composição étnica da população. A árvore filogenética de Neighbor-Joining, com dados de diferentes regiões brasileiras, possibilitou detectar uma semelhança entre população do Rio de Janeiro e a população do Nordeste. No entanto, não foram observados valores estatisticamente significativos na análise do índice de fixação (FST) par a par entre as populações, indicando ausência de estruturação, importante característica no caso de marcadores genéticos utilizados em testes de identificação humana. O gráfico “Triangle Plot” populacional, gerado no software Structure, sugere que, em média, os indivíduos não apresentam contribuição maior de determinado grupo étnico em comparação com os demais, podendo a população do Rio de Janeiro ser formada por contribuição similar dos grupos étnicos principais. De maneira, geral observamos que os alelos de maior frequência nos diversos genes estudados também se distribuem amplamente nas diversas populações mundiais.

Effects of altitude on anthropometric and physiological patterns in Aymara and non-Aymara population between 18 and 65 years in the province of Parinacota Chile (3.700 masl) / Efectos de la altura sobre patrones antropométricos y fisiológicos en población Aymará y no Aymará entre 18 y 65 años de la provincia de Parinacota, Chile (3.700 msnm)

The aim of the study was to compare anthropometric and physiological patterns in a sample of 522 Aymara and non-Aymara individuals from Parinacota, Chile (3.700m). After signing voluntary informed consent forms, the residents were separated in two age groups. Groups A: 18 to 35 years, and Group B: 36 to 65 years, by sex and Aymara and non-Aymara ethnicity. The results of this study determined that anthropometric anteroposterior diameter (DAP) are higher in Aymara population. Biacromial diameter (DBA) is significantly lower in the Aymara population. Aymara males between 18 and 35 years are smaller than non-Aymara males. Aymara women had significantly lower heart rates. The respiratory rate is significantly lower in Aymara males and females from 18 to 35 years. Partial oxygen saturation (SaO2) is higher in Aymara women, compared with non-Aymara women. The body mass index (BMI) did not differ within each group according to age, however, in comparison between groups, older individuals independent of sex and ethnicity have index of overweight and obesity. In forced vital capacity (FVC), there is no difference in ages however, while comparing between ages, older populations independent of sex and ethnicity presented significant decreases in this parameter. This may reflect mechanisms of adaptation to the high altitude of Aymara native populations living in the Andes.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar patrones antropométricos y fisiológicos en una muestra de 522 individuos aymará y no aymará de la Provincia de Parinacota (3.700 msnm). Luego de la firma del consentimiento informado por los residentes se procedió a separar a los individuos en dos grupos etáreos: población de 18 a 35 años y de 36 a 65 años, según sexo y etnia aymará y no aymará. Los resultados de este estudio determinan que los patrones antropométricos de diámetro antero posterior del tórax son mayores en la población aymará. El diámetro biacromial, es significativamente menor en la población aymará. Los varones aymará de entre 18 a 35 años son de menor tamaño que los varones no aymará. Las mujeres aymará presentan una disminución significativa de la frecuencia cardiaca. La frecuencia respiratoria es significativamente menor en damas y varones aymará de 18 a 35 años. La saturación parcial del oxígeno es mayor en las damas aymará, respecto a mujeres no aymará. El índice de masa corporal no presenta diferencia dentro de cada grupo según edades, pero al comparar entre los grupos, los individuos de mayor edad independiente del sexo y la etnia presentan índice de sobrepeso y obesidad. La capacidad vital forzada, no presenta diferencias dentro de las edades, sin embargo al comparar entre las edades, las poblaciones de mayor edad independiente de la etnia y el sexo presentan disminuciones significativas de este parámetro. Esto posiblemente reflejaría mecanismos de adaptación a la altura de las poblaciones nativas aymará, que viven en los Andes.

Absence of mutations in GJB2 (Connexin-26) gene in an ethnic group of southwest Iran.

BACKGROUND: The common GJB2 gene mutation (35delG) has been previously reported from Iranian patients that were affected with nonsyndromic autosomal recessive deafness. We, therefore, for the first time, investigated the prevalence and frequency of the GJB2 gene mutation in the Iranian deaf population with Arabian origins. MATERIALS AND METHODs: We amplified and sequenced the entire coding sequence of the GJB2 gene from 61 deaf patients and 26 control subjects. RESULT: None of the analyzed samples revealed deafness-associated mutation. CONCLUSION: This finding differs from several reports from Iran as we have focused on the GJB2 gene that possesses various mutations as the cause of congenital recessive deafness.

Estudio etnográfico de las experiencias de sanar y enfermar en mujeres Mapuche Huilliche del Sector Sur de San Juan de la Costa / Ethnographic study of the experiences of healing and illness in women Mapuche Huilliche of Sector San Juan de la Costa

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo comprender los principales factores socioculturales y sanitarios que motivan a las mujeres Mapuche Huilliche del sector sur de San Juan de la Costa a solucionar sus problemas de salud en la medicina occidental o en la medicina tradicional de su cultura. Para lograr los objetivos planteados se diseñó un proyecto de investigación cualitativa de tipo etnográfica, cuya recopilación de datos fue a través de un trabajo de campo integrando técnicas de recolección de datos adecuadas como entrevistas etnográficas y Focus Group, las cuales fueron analizadas a través del método de Spradley. La selección de la muestra se realizó considerando personas del sexo femenino pertenecientes a tres comunidades indígenas del sector sur de San Juan de la Costa, provincia de Osorno, Chile. Tomando en cuenta estos criterios se identificaron a los informantes claves mediante la técnica de variación máxima definida por Flick, integrando casos en donde nos percatamos que poseían visiones diferentes respecto al tema de investigación dentro de cada comunidad. Finalmente se realizó un total de siete entrevistas en profundidad y un Focus Group. Al llevar a cabo el análisis de los resultados surgieron cuatro temas principales "Percepciones frente a la medicina mapuche","Percepciones frente a la medicina occidental", "Mujer Mapuche Huilliche" y "Pertenencia cultural", cada uno de los cuales involucró variados subtemas. Dentro de los resultados se destaca como factor principal de decisión frente al sistema de salud occidental y Mapuche Huilliche, el significado de salud y enfermedad atribuido por su cultura y las condiciones geográficas de aislamiento en las que se encuentran insertas. La etapa final se realizó teniendo como base la Teoría de Madelaine Leininger y su modelo del Sol naciente, integrando los diferentes factores observados en las comunidades que dan forma a su cultura al momento de optar por la medicina occidental o medicina ...

Uso do Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Infantil Revisado para avaliar a dieta alimentar de pré-escolares, seus preditores sociodemográficos e sua associação com peso corporal / Use of the Revised Children's Diet Quality Index to assess preschooler's diet quality, its sociodemographic predictors, and its association with body weight status

OBJETIVO: Determinar o nível de qualidade global da dieta, preditores sociodemográficos de qualidade da dieta e a associação entre qualidade da dieta e peso corporal em uma amostra nacionalmente representativa de pré-escolares. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal utilizando uma amostra de crianças de 2 a 5 anos com dados sociodemográficos, alimentares e antropométricos (n = 1.521) do National Health and Examination Survey 1999-2002. A qualidade global da dieta foi determinada através do Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Infantil Revisado. Preditores sociodemográficos (idade, sexo, grupo sociodemográfico e étnico, renda domiciliar, freqüência escolar, participação em programa federal de alimentação) de qualidade da dieta foram determinados através de modelos de regressão linear múltipla na amostra total e estratificados por renda domiciliar para aquelas elegíveis no programa Food Stamp (< 1,3 da razão pobreza/renda) ou no Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (razão pobreza/renda < 1,85). A associação entre qualidade da dieta e a prevalência de obesidade infantil foi avaliada através dos testes de qui-quadrado de Pearson. Significância estatística foi estabelecida em p £ 0,05. Toda a análise foi conduzida por meio de rotinas complexas de delineamento da pesquisa. RESULTADOS: Em média, os pré-escolares consumiram níveis sub-ótimos de grãos integrais, frutas, vegetais e laticínios. A qualidade global da dieta diminuiu proporcionalmente ao aumento de idade (coeficiente beta: -2,38, p < 0,001), mas melhorou proporcionalmente ao aumento de renda domiciliar na amostra integral (coeficiente beta: 1,22, p < 0,001), mas não nas sub-populações de baixa renda. Crianças méxico-americanas apresentaram melhor qualidade de dieta do que crianças brancas não-hispânicas (coeficiente de beta: 2,18, p < 0,033), principalmente no grupo de baixa renda (coeficiente de beta: 3,57, p < 0,006). A prevalência de obesidade infantil diminuiu significativamente...

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of overall diet quality, sociodemographic predictors of diet quality, and the association between diet quality and body weight status in a nationally representative sample of preschoolers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a sample of 2-5 years old with sociodemographic, dietary, and anthropometric data (n = 1,521) in the National Health and Examination Survey 1999-2002. Overall diet quality was determined using the Revised Children's Diet Quality Index. Sociodemographic predictors (age, sex, sociodemographic, ethnic group, household income, preschool attendance, federal food program participation) of diet quality were determined using multiple linear regression models in the total sample and stratified by household income for Food Stamp eligible (< 1.3 of the poverty income ratio) or Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children eligible (poverty income ratio < 1.85). Association between diet quality and prevalence of childhood obesity was assessed with Pearson chi-square tests. Statistical significance was assumed at p £ 0.05. All analysis was conducted using complex survey design routines. RESULTS: On average, preschooler consumed suboptimal levels of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Overall diet quality decreased with increasing age (beta-coefficient: -2.38, p < 0.001) but improved with increasing family income in the full sample (beta-coefficient: 1.22, p < 0.001) but not in the low-income subpopulations. Mexican American children had significantly better diet quality than non-Hispanic white children (beta-coefficient: 2.18, p < 0.033) especially in the low income group (beta-coefficient: 3.57, p < 0.006). Childhood obesity prevalence decreased significantly with increasing diet quality. CONCLUSIONS: Preschooler's diet quality needs to be improved to support the prevention of childhood obesity early in life.

The increase of diabetes mortality burden among Brazilian adults

OBJECTIVE: To estimate diabetes-related deaths among Brazilian adults between 1999 and 2003 and to investigate demographic factors associated with reporting diabetes as an associated cause of death. METHODS: All deaths with diabetes as the underlying or associated cause were identified using the Brazilian Mortality Data System. Analysis was performed by sex, age, year, state of residence, and place of death. Mortality rates were age standardized by the 2000 Brazilian population. FINDINGS: A total of 237 946 deaths (8.8 percent) were related to diabetes; in 4.2 percent of deaths it was the underlying cause and in 4.6 percent it was an associated cause. Between 1999 and 2003, age-standardized mortality rates for diabetes as the underlying cause increased 14 percent among males and 9 percent among females, while mortality with diabetes as an associated cause increased 22 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Diabetes appeared more often as an associated cause in death certificates among older individuals and in those residing in São Paulo State; it appeared less often as an associated cause among women, brown- and black-skinned populations, and in deaths occurring outside hospitals. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 54.5 percent of the underlying causes of death when diabetes was an associated cause. CONCLUSION: Diabetes was related to almost 9 percent of the deaths in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. Mortality from diabetes is increasing, especially deaths with diabetes as an associated cause. The probability of having diabetes as the underlying cause of death is greater among women and nonwhite individuals. Our results reinforce the importance of using multiple causes of death to monitor diabetes, because half the individuals with the disease will die of another cause, especially cardiovascular diseases.

OBJETIVOS: Estimar las muertes relacionadas con la diabetes en adultos brasileños entre 1999 y 2003 y analizar los factores demográficos asociados con el informe de la diabetes como causa asociada de muerte. MÉTODOS: Se identificaron todas las muertes en que la diabetes fue la causa principal o asociada, a partir del Sistema Brasileño de Datos de Mortalidad. El análisis se realizó según el sexo, la edad, el año, el estado de residencia y el lugar de muerte. Las tasas de mortalidad se estandarizaron por la edad según la población brasileña en 2000. RESULTADOS: En total, 237 946 muertes (8,8 por ciento) estuvieron relacionadas con la diabetes; en 4,2 por ciento de las muertes, la diabetes fue la causa principal y en 4,6 por ciento fue una causa asociada. Entre 1999 y 2003, las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas según la edad para las muertes en que la diabetes fue la causa principal aumentaron 14 por ciento en hombres y 9 por ciento en mujeres, mientras que la mortalidad con la diabetes como causa asociada aumentó a 22 por ciento y 28 por ciento, respectivamente. La diabetes apareció más frecuentemente como causa asociada en los certificados de defunción de la personas de mayor edad y en los que residían en el Estado de São Paulo, mientras que fue menos frecuente en mujeres, negros y mestizos y cuando la muerte ocurrió fuera de los hospitales. Las enfermedades cardiovasculares fueron la causa principal de 54,5 por ciento de las muertes en las que la diabetes se consideró como causa asociada. CONCLUSIONES: La diabetes estuvo relacionada con casi 9 por ciento de las muertes ocurridas en las regiones sur y suroriental de Brasil. La mortalidad por diabetes está en aumento, especialmente cuando la diabetes figura como causa asociada de muerte. La probabilidad de tener diabetes como causa principal de muerte es mayor en mujeres y en personas que no son blancas. Estos resultados confirman la importancia de utilizar la información de las múltiples...

Fatores socioculturais e nível de atividade física no início da adolescência / Sociocultural factors and physical activity level in early adolescence

OBJETIVO: Descrever o nível de atividade física de adolescentes nascidos em 1993 em Pelotas (Brasil) e avaliar o efeito de variáveis socioculturais sobre o nível de atividade física. MÉTODOS: Utilizamos uma combinação de duas abordagens metodológicas, a epidemiológica e a etnográfica. No estudo epidemiológico, 4 452 adolescentes nascidos em 1993 foram entrevistados. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado através de questionário. Foram classificados como sedentários os adolescentes com menos de 300 minutos por semana de atividade física. O estudo etnográfico incluiu 69 adolescentes, selecionados aleatoriamente entre todos os participantes da coorte. Foram realizadas, em média, três entrevistas aprofundadas (uma a cada 6 meses), separadamente com as mães e os adolescentes. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de sedentarismo foi de 48,7 por cento (IC95 por cento: 46,5 a 50,8) nos meninos e 67,5 por cento (IC95 por cento: 65,6 a 69,5) nas meninas (P < 0,001). A variável independente que apresentou a associação mais forte com o nível de atividade física foi o número de vezes por semana que o adolescente encontrava amigos fora do ambiente escolar. O estudo etnográfico mostrou que os meninos têm mais apoio social e familiar para a realização de atividades físicas na adolescência e que muitos pais atribuem o mau desempenho escolar ao tempo gasto na rua. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo sugere que a atividade física é muitas vezes considerada como concorrente dos valores familiares na adolescência. É importante que essa noção seja foco de estudos adicionais e que seja trabalhada junto às famílias para que a atividade física possa ser adotada como um hábito cultural.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the level of physical activity in adolescents born in 1993 in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, and to evaluate the effect of sociocultural variables on those levels. METHODS: A combined ethno-epidemiological methodology was employed. In the epidemiological study, 4 452 adolescents born in 1993 were interviewed. Physical activity level was evaluated by means of a questionnaire. Adolescents with fewer than 300 minutes of physical activity per week were classified as sedentary. The ethnographic study included 69 adolescents randomly selected from among all cohort participants. On average, three in-depth interviews were carried out (about one every 6 months), with mothers and adolescents being interviewed separately. RESULTS: The prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle was 48.7 percent (95 percentCI: 46.5 to 50.8) in boys and 67.5 percent (95 percentCI: 65.6 to 69.5) in girls (P < 0.001). The independent variable presenting the strongest association with physical activity level was the weekly frequency with which the adolescent met friends outside of school. The ethnographic study showed that boys have more social and family support to engage in physical activities in adolescence, but that many parents associate poor school performance with the amount of time spent outside the home. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that physical activity is often viewed as competing with family values in adolescence. This perspective should be explored in future studies and discussed with families so that physical activity may be adopted as a cultural norm.

Gender and ethnicity in first admissions to a psychiatric unit in Trinidad

It has been recognized that there are gender disparities in the admission rates to psychiatric units. While the community prevalence of the major non-organic psychotic mental disorders are thought to have no gender bias, non-psychotic disorders such as depression are more commonly diagnosed in women. Gender differences in admission may indicate differences in severity or in presentation to psychiatric services and would have important implications for the targeting of preventative strategies. The case notes of all admissions to the psychiatric unit at the San Fernando General Hospital were obtained for the calendar year 1999. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnoses and gender were analysed to determine the distribution of diagnostic categories by gender. A total of 119 patients were admitted to the unit for the first time in the period under review, 72 were male (60.5) and 47 were female (39.5). There were no significant differences in age by gender. Substance use related admissions and psychotic illnesses (schizophrenia spectrum and affective psychoses) were significantly more common in men (p = 0.006; p = 0.03 respectively). These differences were especially marked for those of East Indian descent. Non-psychotic illnesses were more commonly diagnosed among women (p = 0.0008). These findings suggest that a larger proportion of males are admitted to the general hospital psychiatric unit among first time admissions. This is also true for re-admissions. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with substance use and psychotic disorders, while for women, major depression and non-psychotic illnesses are the main diagnoses. Community surveys are needed to determine whether this demographic pattern of admission reflects the population prevalence of these disorders. Reduction of admission rates will require interventions that are sensitive to gender differences in diagnosis among those admitted to psychiatric units