A Hospital-based Observational Study of Newly diagnosed Sthula Prameha Subjects with special reference to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from Maharashtra, India

Abstract The aim of this study is to provide a real picture of the disease burden of Prameha in society. The study was performed in Government Ayurved College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra during Oct 2015-Mar 2016. Total 60 patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the Kayachikitsa Opd of GAC Nagpur were included for the study. The subjects details were recorded in case report form. The CRF included many variables such as sociodemographic factors, presenting symptoms, risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and glycaemic status, family history of diabetes and physical activity. Other parameters like BMI, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting and post prandial blood sugar and fasting lipid profile were documented. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out using the XLSTAT software (2020). Amongst 60 subjects, 65% were male and 93.3% were adults. 78% of subjects were following sedentary lifestyle and 40% had family history of diabetes. The results revealed that, obesity, family history of diabetes, uncontrolled glycemic status, sedentary lifestyles, and hypertension were prevalent among the Prameha subjects. The characterization of this risk profile and early detection of prameha by observing poorvarupa will contribute to designing more effective and specific strategies for screening and controlling Prameha in Maharashtra, India.

Envelhecimento e aparência: a experiência de indianos imigrantes da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil / Envejecimiento y apariencia: la experiencia de inmigrantes indios de la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil / Ageing and appearance: the experience of Indian immigrants in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

A imigração pode representar mudanças no curso de vida. Investigou-se a construção da aparência ao longo do envelhecimento na percepção de indianos imigrados para o Brasil na juventude. Uso do método etnográfico. Foram entrevistadas oito pessoas de 56 anos e mais de idade. O processo de construção da aparência foi caracterizado pela ruptura de tradições, apropriações e significados do corpo, influenciada pelo contato intercultural e a necessidade de adaptação e engajamento.

Immigration may cause changes in life course. This research aims to characterize the personal appearance over the aging of Indians who immigrates from India to Brazil during youth. It was oriented in the ethnographic method. Eight immigrants aged 56 and over were interviewed. The process of construction of appearance was characterized by the breakdown of traditions, appropriations, and meanings of the body influenced by the intercultural contact, the necessity of adaptation and social engagement.

La inmigración puede promover cambios en el curso de vida. Se investigó la construcción de la apariencia a lo largo del envejecimiento de inmigrantes indios que fueron a vivir en Brasil en la juventud. Se utilizó de método etnográfico. Fueron entrevistadas ocho personas de 56 años y más. El proceso de construcción de la apariencia fue caracterizado por el rompimiento con tradiciones, apropiaciones y significados del cuerpo influenciado por el contacto intercultural y la necesidad de adaptación y envolvimiento social.

Osteometric and radiological study of the mandibular notch / Estudio osteométrico y radiológico de la incisura mandibular

The mandibular notch is located on the superior margin, between two prominent processes of the mandibular ramus, the coronoid and condylar processes. The mandibular notch permits the entry of the masseteric artery, vein and nerve to the deep surface the masseteric muscle. Literary reports documented variations in both, the shape and size of the mandibular notch. Therefore, this study aimed to document the morphology and morphometry of the mandibular notch in the South African Black and Indian population groups and to determine their relationship to sex, age and race (if any). The morphometric and morphological parameters of the mandibular notch were measured and assessed in 149 digital panoramic radiographs and 51 dry mandible specimens (n=400) belonging to the South African Black African and Indian population groups. A combination of classification schemes by Mohammad et al. (2012) and Shakya et al. (2013) were adopted to assess the morphology of the mandibular notch. The morphometric parameter was measured using the Dicom x-ray viewer and a digital vernier caliper. Each of the morphometric and morphological parameters were statistically analyzed using SPSS, to determine if a relationship existed between the afore-mentioned parameters and sex, age and race. This study recorded the round shaped mandibular notch to be the most prevalent type in both sexes with a combined incidence of 44.2 %. The length of the mandibular notch was reported to be greater in males than females and concurred with previous studies. However, the selected South African group displayed a smaller mandibular notch than the Japanese and Chinese population groups. Furthermore, this study documented population differences among the South African population group, as the Black African population group showed a wider mandibular notch than the Indian population group. This suggests that population-specific differences may exist for both the morphological and morphometric parameters of the mandibular notch. However, only a statistically significant relationship between the length of the mandibular notch with age and race was documented. The mandibular notch may be of clinical significance to maxillofacial surgeons for surgical and reconstructive procedures, in addition it may also aid forensic anthropologists in the identification of unknown remains.

La incisura mandibular se encuentra en el margen superior, entre dos procesos importantes de la rama mandibular, el proceso coronoides y el proceso condilar. La incisura mandibular permite la entrada de la arteria, la vena y el nervio masetérico en la superficie profunda del músculo masetero. En la literatura se han documentado variaciones tanto en la forma como en el tamaño de la incisura mandibular. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo documentar la morfología y la morfometría de la incisura mandibular en los grupos de población de negros e indios sudafricanos y determinar su relación con el sexo, la edad y la raza. Los parámetros morfométricos y morfológicos de la incisura mandibular se midieron y evaluaron en 149 radiografías panorámicas digitales y 51 especímenes de mandíbula seca (n = 400) pertenecientes a los grupos de población sudafricana negra e india. Una combinación de esquemas de clasificación de Mohammad et al. (2012) y Shakya et al. (2013) fueron adoptados para evaluar la morfología de la incisura mandibular. El parámetro morfométrico se midió utilizando el visor de rayos X Dicom y un calibrador Vernier digital. Cada uno de los parámetros morfométricos y morfológicos se analizaron estadísticamente utilizando el software SPSS, para determinar si existía una relación entre los parámetros mencionados anteriormente y el sexo, la edad y la raza. Este estudio registró la incisura mandibular de forma redonda como el tipo más prevalente en ambos sexos, con una incidencia de un 44,2 %. Se informó que la longitud de la incisura mandibular es mayor en hombres que en mujeres y coincidió con estudios anteriores. Sin embargo, el grupo sudafricano seleccionado mostró una incisura mandibular más pequeña que los grupos de población japoneses y chinos. Además, se documentó las diferencias de población entre el grupo de Sudáfrica, ya que el grupo de población negra de África mostró una incisura mandibular más amplia que el grupo de la población India. Esto sugiere que pueden existir diferencias específicas de la población para los parámetros morfológicos y morfométricos de la incisura mandibular. Sin embargo, solo se documentó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la longitud de la incisura mandibular con la edad y la raza. La incisura mandibular puede ser de importancia clínica para los cirujanos maxilofaciales en procedimientos quirúrgicos y reconstructivos; además, también puede ayudar a los antropólogos forenses en la identificación de restos desconocidos.

Goitrogenic/antithyroidal potential of moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) of Indian origin on thyroid status in male albino rats

Moringa leaves and spinach used as vegetables containing cyanogens and polyphenols having suspected antithyroidal activity; however, detailed studies in this aspect found unavailable. Goitrogenic/antithyroid potentiality of those plant foods of Indian origin was evaluated. To explore the goitrogenic/antithyroid effect of those plant foods cyanogenic glucosides, glucosinolates, thiocyanate and polyphenol content were measured. These plant foods were fed with diet regularly to adult male albino rats for 30 and 60 days respectively, followed by evaluation of morphological and functional status of thyroid,as thyroid gland weight, the activity status of thyroid hormone synthesizing enzymes viz. TPO, Na+-K+-ATPase, deiodinase I, thyroid hormone profiles, thyroid histoarchitecture as well as urinary iodine and thiocyanate. In moringa leaves and spinach fed diet, there was a significant increase in urinary excretion of thiocyanate and iodine, enlargement of thyroid gland along with hypertrophy of thyroid follicles and altered in the activities of thyroid hormone synthesizing enzymes with concomitant changes of thyroid hormone profiles. Effects were more severe in moringa leaves treated group than that of spinach. Biochemical analysis moringa leaves and spinach reveal that those are rich sources of goitrogens and their prolonged consumption gradually developed a relative state of biochemical and morphological hypothyroidism.

A prospective study on tubercular fistula in ano and its management / Estudo prospectivo sobre a fístula anal tuberculosa e seu tratamento

Abstract Objective Tuberculosis fistula in ano, though less encountered, is an important clinical entity in developing countries like India. Diagnosis of TB fistula is a challenge despite of advances in diagnostic modalities and it depends upon both local and systemic clinical presentation. This prospective study aimed at to substantiate the importance of clinical diagnosis as well as medical management of tubercular fistula by antitubercular drugs. Methods and results 25 patients of fistula in ano suspected to be of tubercular origin underwent histopathology of fistulous tracks and an 8 week therapeutic trial of antitubercular treatment after getting an informed consent. Though biopsy showed positive evidence of tubercular pathology only in 52% cases, therapeutic trial showed improvement in local and systemic features in 23 (92%) cases. Of these 23 cases, 3 were cured after 18 months of anti tubercular treatment and 18 showed cure after 24 months of anti tubercular treatment while 2 cases withdrew from the study at 12 and 14 months respectively due to adverse drug reactions though their fistulous symptoms were relieved. Conclusion Meticulous clinical evaluation plays a vital role in diagnosis of tubercular fistula in addition to other diagnostic methods. Anti tubercular treatment is the mainstay of treatment in tubercular fistula with a minimum duration of 18-24 months owing to the recurrent and relapsing nature of disease.

Resumo Objetivo A fístula anal da tuberculose (TB), embora menos observada, constitui entidade clínica importante em países em desenvolvimento, como a Índia. O diagnóstico de fístula TB é tarefa desafiadora, apesar dos avanços nas modalidades diagnósticas; seu estabelecimento depende tanto da apresentação clínica local, como da apresentação sistêmica. Esse estudo prospectivo teve por objetivo consubstanciar a importância do diagnóstico clínico e também do tratamento clínico da fístula TB com medicamentos contra tuberculose. Métodos e resultados Foi realizado estudo histopatológico de tratos fistulosos em 25 pacientes com fístula anal com suspeita de origem tuberculosa; depois de obtido o consentimento livre e informado, esses pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento anti-tuberculose (TAT) durante 8 semanas. Embora a biópsia tenha revelado evidência positiva de patologia tuberculosa em apenas 52% dos casos, o curso terapêutico resultou em melhora nos aspectos local e sistêmico em 23 (92%) pacientes. Desses 23 casos, 3 e 18 casos estavam curados após 18 e 24 meses de TAT, respectivamente, enquanto que 2 pacientes desistiram do estudo após 12 e 14 meses, respectivamente, em decorrência de reações farmacológicas adversas, mesmo diante do alívio de seus sintomas fistulosos. Conclusão Juntamente com outros métodos diagnósticos, uma avaliação clínica meticulosa desempenha papel vital no diagnóstico da fístula TB. TAT é o principal procedimento terapêutico em pacientes com fístula TB, com duração mínima de 18-24 meses devido à natureza recorrente e recidivante da doença.

Health Information Technology (HIT): A Hit or Miss in Private Dental Practice in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ­ A Cross Sectional Survey

Objective: To assess the knowledge, perception and use of Health Information Technology (HIT) among private dental practitioners in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Material and Methods: The sample population consisted of private dental practitioners in Chennai District of Tamil Nadu who were individually approached to participate in the cross-sectional survey. A structured, self-reported, close-ended questionnaire, which contained queries on the knowledge, usage and concerns about HIT in their practice, was designed. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: Of the 483 dental clinics that were approached, 352 dental practitioners completed the questionnaire survey. A significant proportion of dental practitioners (65 percent) reported positive attitude towards use of HIT systems and believed that HIT systems could help make their work easier and efficient. However, it is unfortunate to note that almost half (47 percent) the dental practitioners were not interested in implementing HIT systems in their practice due to various monetary concerns such as installation and maintenance costs. Conclusion: The widespread adoption of HIT provides system connectivity and information exchange among providers of the same organisation, providers at different organisations and, ultimately, providers practising regionally and nationally.

Argyria an unrecognized cause of cutaneous pigmentation in Indian patients: A case series and review of the literature.

Argyria is an uncommon grey-blue pigmentation of skin and mucous membranes caused by prolonged silver exposure. The impetus behind this review is our experience with cases of generalized argyria resulting from a uniquely Indian socio-cultural practice and belief that it is under reported. Our objective is to increase the awareness for this esoteric entity through a review of the pertinent literature and to highlight clinical and histological features using our four well worked-up cases as examples.

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.

Inter and intra ethnic variation of vitamin K epoxide reductase complex and cytochrome P450 4F2 genetic polymorphisms and their prevalence in South Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Genetic variation in the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex (VKORC1) and cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) genes were found to be strongly associated with the oral anticoagulant (OA) dose requirement. The distribution of genetic variation in these two genes was found to show large inter‑ and intra‑ethnic difference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 470 unrelated, healthy volunteers of South Indians of either sex (age: 18‑60 years) were enrolled for the study. A 5 ml of venous blood was collected and the genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted by using phenol‑chloroform extraction method. Real‑time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) method was used for genotyping. RESULTS: The variant allele frequencies of VKORC1 rs2359612 (T), rs8050894 (C), rs9934438 (T) and rs9923231 (A) were found to be 11.0%, 11.8%, 11.7% and 12.0%, respectively. The variant allele VKORC1 rs7294 was (80.1%) more frequent and the variant allele CYP4F2 * 3 was found to be 41.8% in South Indians. The allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies of VKORC1 and CYP4F2 gene were distinct from other compared HapMap populations (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The findings of our study provide the basic genetic information for further pharmacogenetic based investigation of OA therapy in the population.

Association of interleukin-4 and interleukin-17F polymorphisms in periodontitis in Dravidian ethnicity.

BACKGROUND: Complex network of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines are known to act in inflamed periodontal tissue. This study explores the distribution of interleukin (IL)-4 (+33 C/T) and IL-17F (7383A/G, 7488A/G) gene polymorphism in chronic and aggressive periodontitis subjects of Dravidian ethnicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case control study consisted of 124 periodontitis individuals comprising of 63 chronic and 61 aggressive periodontitis subjects as cases, and control group consisted of 101 healthy subjects. All subjects were genotyped for IL-4 + 33C/T, IL-17F 7383A/G, 7488A/G by polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by TaqMan assay for IL-4 + 33C/T, restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis for IL-17F 7383A/G and sequencing for IL-17F 7488A/G. RESULTS: IL-4 + 33C/T was significantly associated with periodontitis (P < 0.05) at both allelic and genotypic level. In subgroup analysis also significant difference (P < 0.05) in allelic distribution between aggressive periodontitis and control group for loci IL-4 + 33C/T was noted. However, there was a lack of association between IL-17F 7383A/G and IL-17F 7488A/G with periodontitis and its sub-groups at both allelic and genotypic levels. CONCLUSIONS: In Malayalam speaking Dravidian population IL-4 + 33C/T loci appears to be an important risk factor for periodontal disease with a leaning towards aggressive periodontitis. The association between IL-17F at 7383A/G and 7488A/G loci with either chronic or an aggressive periodontitis could not be ascertained.

Habits and beliefs pertaining to tobacco among undergraduates of medical college in the state of Uttarakhand.

Background: Tobacco surveillance among medical students offers an opportunity to assess the preparedness for tobacco control among future healthcare professionals in India. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of tobacco in the undergraduate medical students and to assess the factors influencing medical students to indulge in tobacco use. Objective: To assess the prevalence of tobacco use among undergraduate students and to assess the attitude and awareness towards participating in tobacco cessation. Material and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study to assess the prevalence of tobacco use among undergraduate students of Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun (Uttarakhand State) was conducted from January 2010 to January 2011. A pre-designed structured questionnaire was used to study various correlates of the tobacco use. Data was collected and analysed. Global Health Professional Students Survey (GHPSS), questionnaire given by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta, USA, which is a standard pre-tested questionnaire for assessing prevalence of tobacco use among health care professionals around the world was used. Results: Overall, 386 of 400 eligible students (97%) participated in the survey. The mean age and standard deviation of the study group was 21.47 ± 3.70 years. The rates of smoking among male medical and female medical students were 38.6% and 6.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). A 6-times higher tobacco use was found among male medical students as compared to females. Out of the 386 participants, current tobacco use (last 30 days) was reported by 11.1% of students. About 21.7% of students had never used tobacco. More than 80% favoured a ban on tobacco sales to adolescents, tobacco advertising, and tobacco use in public places. Over 90% reported interest in further training in tobacco control. There was a familial aggregation of the use of tobacco. The factor initiating the use of tobacco was peer pressure in most of the cases. Conclusion: This study reflects an alarming situation and demands urgent measures to be adopted by health professionals, who happen to be health promoters and health role models for the society.

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.

Study of cephalic index in Indian students / Estudio del índice cefálico en estudiantes Indios

Cephalic index is important parameter for deciding race and sex of an individual whose identity is unknown. Cephalic index and head shape are greatly affected by geographical, sex, age and racial factors. Present study aimed at working out cephalic index in Indian students. 100 students were taken as subjects and head length, head breadth were measured. Indian males had mean cephalic index of 77.92 and they were mesocephalic and females had mean cephalic index of 80.85 and they were brachycephalic. The comparison was statistically significant. The data is utmost important in forensic medicine, anthropology and in genetics.

El índice cefálico es un parámetro importante para determinar la raza y el sexo de un individuo cuya identidad es desconocida. El índice cefálico y la forma de la cabeza se ven afectados en gran medida por la geografía, el sexo, la edad y factores raciales. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo la elaboración de índice cefálico de estudiantes indios. Cien estudiantes fueron tomados como sujetos de estudio, y fue medida la longitud y amplitud de la cabeza. Los hombres indios tuvieron una media del índice cefálico de 77,92 correspondiente a individuos mesocéfalos, mientras que las mujeres tuvieron una media del índice cefálico de 80,85 siendo braquicéfalas. La comparación fue estadísticamente significativa. Los datos obtenidos son de importancia para la medicina forense, la antropología y la genética.

A comparison of lip prints between Aryans-Dravidians and Mongols.

Context: Lip prints are very useful in forensic investigation and personal identification. Like finger prints, even lip prints can be instrumental in identifying a person positively. Aims: Indians are closer to Mongoloids than to Caucasoids or Negroids as indicated by the phylogenetic tree. Most of the studies on lip prints are done in their own population. We have compared lip prints of Manipuris with other Indians (Aryans and Dravidians) who are both close to Mongoloid race and are genetically similar. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 students 50 males and 50 females were selected of whom 30 males and 30 females were of Aryan and Dravidian features and 20 males and 20 females showed the Mongol features. Study materials used were Red colored lipstick, Lip brush, Cellophane tape, White chart paper and Magnifying lens. The lip prints were analyzed by dividing them into eight compartments. Results: Analysis of lip prints showed that the most common and the least common pattern in both males and females (Aryans-Dravidians and Mongols) were the same, but the compartment wise distribution of the lip patterns was different. Conclusion: In the present study, it is established that there is no similarity of lip prints from one individual to another individual and between males and females. Regarding the comparison with Mongols, more studies with a larger sample size is necessary.

Study of prosopic (Facial) index of Indian and Malaysian students / Estudio del índice prosopo (Facial) de estudiantes de la India y Malasia

For several generations physical anthropologists measured skulls in the belief that thereby they were likely to obtain results, this would enable them to trace the relationships between the races of mankind. It was believed that the form of the skull in particular remained constant in each race, and that different races typically showed different facial indices. Form of the head and face is now known to be subject to change through environmental influences. Measurement is necessary in order to obtain this kind of knowledge, and in order to be able to give as accurate a description of an individual or group of individuals as possible. The present study aimed at measuring facial index of both sex in Malaysian and Indian students. 300 students of both nations were measured for face length and face width and facial index was calculated. Malaysian males had a mean facial index of 85.72 and females had marginally higher value 87.71. Both belonged to Mesoprosopic face type and were statistically significant. Indian males had a mean facial index of 87.19 where as 86.75 in females. Both belonged to Mesoprosopic face type, and comparison of facial index was statistically not significant. Comparison between Indian and Malaysian subjects indicates that Indians (both sexes together) had a higher (87.04) mean facial index than Malaysians (86.76). However, this difference was statistically not significant.

Por muchas generaciones los antropólogos físicos han medido cráneos con la finalidad de obtener resultados permitiéndoles trazar relaciones entre diferentes razas de la humanidad. Se creía que la forma del cráneo se mantenía constante en cada raza, y que las diferentes razas mostraban diferentes índices faciales. En la actualidad se sabe que la forma de la cabeza y la cara están sujetas a cambios debido a las influencias ambientales. Las mediciones son necesarias para obtener este tipo de conocimiento, con el fin de poder dar la descripción más exacta de un individuo o grupo de personas. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo medir el índice facial en estudiantes de ambos sexos de Malasia e India. 300 estudiantes de ambas naciones fueron medidos para determinar la longitud de la cara, el ancho de la cara y determinar el índice facial. Los hombres de Malasia tuvieron un promedio de índice facial de 85,72 y las mujeres tuvieron un valor ligeramente superior (87,71). Ambos pertenecieron al tipo de cara mesoprosópicas y las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas. Los hombres indios tuvieron un índice facial medio de 87,19, y las mujeres 86,75. Ambos pertenecieron al tipo de cara mesoprosópicas y la comparación del índice de la cara no fue estadísticamente significativa. La comparación entre sujetos de la India y Malasia indicó que los indios (de ambos sexos en conjunto) tuvieron mayor índice facial (87,04) que los malasios (86,76). Sin embargo, esta diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa.

Heritability estimation of conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors in Asian Indian families: The Calcutta family study.

The genetic causes of the components of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and their intercorrelation are indeed complex and only partly understood. Keeping this view in mind, the present work was undertaken to estimate the heritability of conventional CVD risk factors using family study method. A total of twenty-four nuclear families inhabiting in Calcutta and adjacent areas was chosen randomly. Up to first degree relatives including father, mother and other sibs of the proband were considered as participants in the study. Anthropometric measures namely height, weight, waist circumference as well as skinfold thickness at biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac were obtained using standard techniques. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), fat mass (FM), waist-hip ratio (WHR), sum of four skinfolds (SF4 ), arm muscle circumference (AMC), arm muscle area (AMA), arm fat area (AFA), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were also considered. To estimate’heritability’ in the study, the mid parent-offspring model was used where’heritability’ (h2 ) was equivalent to regression co-efficient (b). The regression sum of square (RSS) and total sum of square (TSS) ratio was also calculated both for mid parent-offspring and single parent-offspring. This ratio was considered as a measure of’heritability’ in the study with consideration that RSS is the variation due to genetic factor and the TSS is due to genetic and other additive factor. It was observed that the estimated heritability for BMI ranges from 0.69 to 0.31 using mid-parent off spring model while the range using single parent-offspring model was from 0.40 to 0.16. The range of heritability for SBP in mid parent-offspring model was 0.16 to 0.44 and 0.05 to 0.54 for single parent-offspring model. To conclude, it seems reasonable to argue that in the study a moderate to high h2 was evident for body fat level, body composition and blood pressure measures which indicate a moderate to high aggregation of gene(s) in the family.

Acute myocardial infarction in the West Indies early observations, current issues and future concerns / Infarto agudo del miocardio en el Caribe Occidental primeras observaciones, problemas actuales, e inquietudes futuras

In the epidemiological transition from infectious diseases in the Caribbean, chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, have emerged as important public health interest. Although hypertensive heart disease predominates in Afro-Caribbean populations, ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction have also been present, but the prevalence has been somewhat under-appreciated.

En la transición epidemiológica de las enfermedades infecciosas en el Caribe, las enfermedades crónicas, no comunicables, incluyendo las enfermedades cardiovasculares, se han convertido en asunto de importante interés para la salud pública. Aunque la cardiopatía hipertensiva predomina en las poblaciones afrocaribeñas, la cardio-patía isquémica y el infarto agudo del miocardio también han estado presentes, pero su prevalencia ha sido de cierto modo subestimada.

Impacto de la occidentalización sobre factores de riesgo cardiovascular en inmigrantes asiáticos residentes en el Norte Grande de Chile / Cardiovascular risk factors in Asian populations migrating to the north of Chile

Antecedentes: Existen pocos estudios clínicos que muestren la relación entre la migración de poblaciones y el aumento en enfermedades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Comparar factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) entre colonias chinas (CHI) e indias (IND) residentes en Chile. Metodología: Estudio analítico-descriptivo, transversal. Se analizó a la colonia china (n=43) e india (n=41), incluyendo a los residentes en Chile por más de dos años. Se rnidió: peso, talla, perímetro de cintura (PC), indice de masa corporal (IMC), presión arterial, sedentarismo, hábitos alimentarios, trastornos depresivo y ansiosos, y adicción a! tabaco, además de examen psiquiátrico según DMS-IV Se midieron niveles plasmáticos de triglicéridos, colesterol, hormonas tiroideas, glicemia en ayunas y post-prandial, insulinemia basal y post -sobre carga de glucosa. Análisis Estadístico: T de student, Chi cuadrado. Resultados: Encontramos un peso promedio de 71 +/- 10 en IND v/s 66 +/- 14 kg en CHI, PC 89 +/- 11 v/s 79 +/- 12 cm, IMC 27 +/- 4 v/s 24 4, colesterol total 201 +/- 41 v/s 180 +/-35 mg/dl, colesterol HDL 43 +/- 11 v/s48 +/- 13 mg/dl, Colesterol LDL 125 +/- 33 v/s 107 29 mg/dl, TSH 7.3 +/- 6 v/s 1.8 +/- 1.2 uUl +/-ml, Insulinemia post-prandial 93 +/- 89 v/s 39 +/- 34 Ul/mI, respectivame+/-nte, además de sedentarismo 11 en IND v/s 2 en CHI, hábitos alimentarios sanos 26 v/s 39, beber problema 20 v/s 34, adicción al tabaco 8 v/s 17, Síndrome Metabólico 14 v/s 6, siendo todas estas diferencias significativas. En ambos grupos no se encontraron trastornos depresivos ni ansiosos. Conclusiones: Encontramos un serio impacto del fenómeno migratorio en FRCV de IND, lo que impulse a fomentar cambios en estilos de vida de esa población. Es notable la ausencia de patologías depresivas y ansiosas en ambos grupos.

Background: few clinical studies show a relation between migration and an increase prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Aim: to study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including the metabolic syndrome, in Indian and Chinese natives flying in Chile for more than 2 years. Methods: Subjects from either Indian or Chinese origin living in Chile for more than 2 years were evaluated for the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Wight. height, girth index, body mass index, blood pressure. degree of sedentarism, type of foods and pattern of eating and smoking habits were determined. Plasma lipid, thyroid hormone, fasting and post glucose load (75g) sugar and insulin levels were determined. DSM IV was used to evaluate subjects for the presence of depression or anxiety. Students t test and chi square tests at and alpha level of 5 percent were used to determine statistical significance, as appropriate. Results: Significant differences between the Indian and Chinese groups were, respectively: weight (71.4 vs 66.5, p<0.04); girth index (89.1 vs 79.2, p<0.002); BMI (26.9 vs 23.9 p<0.002); total cholesterol (201.6 vs 180.1 (p<0.05); HOL cholesterol (43.4 vs 47.9, p<0.04); LOL cholesterol (125 vs 107, p<0.004); TSH (7.3 vs 1.8, p<0.036),’ post glucose load insulin level (93.1 vs 39.1, p<0.002). A comparison of the Indian vs the Chinese group also showed relevant differences in presence of sedentarism (11 percent vs 2 percent, p<0.02); healthy eating habits (26 vs 39 percent, p<0.02); excessive alcohol consumption (20 vs 34 percent, p<0.03); tobacco addiction (8 vs 17 percent, p<0. 046) and presence of metabolic syndrome (14 vs 6 percent, p<0. 029). Psycho social problems like presence of depression or anxiety disorders were not detected in any group. Conclusion: The original Indian subjects had a high prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors, making necessary the promotion of healthy life styles in that population.