Implicações no cuidado de um familiar doente: mulheres negras cuidadoras

Introdução: As desvantagens ligadas ao gênero feminino são visualizadas em diversos aspectos da vida, mediante ao patriarcado. É possível compreender que, no caso de mulheres negras, estas se encontram desfavorecidas frente as estruturas sociais, atravessadas por condicionantes de classe, raça e gênero. Além disso, é visto que, em diversos casos, as cuidadoras mulheres, sobretudo, mulheres negras, não escolhem de forma voluntária este papel dentro da conjuntura familiar. Objetivo: Identificar as implicações do cuidado ao familiar adoecido realizado por mulheres negras cuidadoras considerando suas condições socioculturais. Metodologia: Este trabalho é uma revisão integrativa, cuja busca no banco de dados foi realizada em dezembro de 2020, onde 3 resultados foram encontrados na base de dados Web of Science, 48 na base de dados PubMed e 29 na base de dados LILACS. Depois de ler os resumos dos 80 artigos e aplicar os critérios de exclusão, 7 artigos foram selecionados para leitura completa. Finalmente, 4 artigos foram incluídos para análise. Resultados: Apenas um estudo abordou exclusivamente mulheres, e a maioria eram afro-americanos. Dados indicam que, dentro de uma comunidade quilombola, o cuidado com a saúde é repassado do mais velho para o mais novo, como símbolo de respeito aos saberes ancestrais. Além disso, ficou evidente que cuidadores afro-americanos de pessoas com demência precisam de informações de qualidade sobre cuidados e autocuidado, necessitando de recursos em sua comunidade. Conclusão: É possível notar as desigualdades de acordo com as construções históricas, políticas e culturais causadas, para diferenciar homens e mulheres no cuidado familiar. Havendo uma necessidade de debates que tenham como enfoque a população negra, principalmente as cuidadoras, visando estratégias para reduzir sua sobrecarga para cuidar de familiares em adoecimento.

Introducción: Las desventajas vinculadas al género femenino se visualizan en diversos aspectos de la vida, a través del patriarcado. Es posible entender que, en el caso de las mujeres negras, ellas están en desventaja frente a las estructuras sociales, atravesadas por condiciones de clase, raza y género. Además, se observa que, en varios casos, las cuidadoras, especialmente las mujeres negras, no eligen voluntariamente este rol dentro del contexto familiar. Objetivo: Identificar las implicaciones del cuidado a un familiar enfermo realizado por cuidadoras negras considerando sus condiciones socioculturales. Metodología: Este trabajo es una revisión integradora, cuya búsqueda en la base de datos tuvo lugar en diciembre de 2020, donde se encontraron 3 resultados en la base de datos Web of Science, 48 en la base de datos PubMed y 29 en la base de datos LILACS. Después de leer los resúmenes de los 80 artículos. y aplicar los criterios de exclusión, se seleccionaron 7 artículos para su lectura íntegra. Finalmente, 4 artículos fueron incluidos para el análisis. Resultados: Solo un estudio se refería exclusivamente a mujeres, y la mayoría eran afroamericanas. Los datos indican que, en el seno de una comunidad quilombola, los cuidados de salud se transmiten de los más ancianos a los más jóvenes, como símbolo de respeto a los conocimientos ancestrales. Además, se puso de manifiesto que los cuidadores afroamericanos de personas con demencia necesitan información de calidad sobre cuidados y autocuidados y precisan recursos en su comunidad. Conclusión: Es posible percibir las desigualdades según las construcciones históricas, políticas y culturales provocadas, para diferenciar hombres y mujeres en el cuidado de la familia. Hay una necesidad de debates que se centren en la población negra, especialmente en las cuidadoras, con miras a elaborar estrategias para reducir su carga para cuidar a los familiares enfermos.

Introduction: The disadvantages linked to the female gender are viewed in different aspects of life, through patriarchy. It is possible to understand that, in the case of black women, they are disadvantaged in the face of social structures, crossed by class, race and gender conditioning factors. In addition, it is seen that, in several cases, female caregivers, especially black women, do not voluntarily choose this role within the family environment. Objective: To identify the implications of care for a sick family member performed by black women caregivers considering their sociocultural conditions. Methodology: This work is an integrative review, whose search in the database was carried out in December 2020, where 3 results were found in the Web of Science database, 48 in the PubMed database and 29 in the LILACS database. After reading the abstracts of the 80 articles and applying the exclusion criteria, 7 articles were selected for full reading. Finally, 4 articles were included for analysis. Results: Only one study exclusively addressed women, and most were African Americans. Data indicate that, within a quilombola community, health care is passed on from the oldest to the youngest, as a symbol of respect for ancestral knowledge. In addition, it became evident that African-American caregivers of people with dementia need quality information about care and self-care, requiring resources in their community. Conclusion: It is possible to notice the inequalities according to the historical, political and cultural constructions caused, in order to differentiate men and women in family care. There is a need for debates that focus on the black population, especially caregivers, aiming at strategies to reduce their burden to care for sick family members.

Espiritualidade e religiosidade para mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas: representação social e implicações na saúde / Spirituality and religiosity for umbandist and candomblecist women: social representation and health implications

Resumo O objeto de estudo se refere às representações da espiritualidade e da religiosidade para mulheres que pertencem às religiões afrodiaspóricas, em específico às que são fiéis da umbanda e do candomblé. Buscou-se analisar a estrutura representacional da espiritualidade e da religiosidade para mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas com vistas a se pensar um modelo explicativo dessa construção simbólica e as implicações para a prática de cuidado na área da saúde. Estudo qualitativo, à luz das representações sociais em sua abordagem estrutural. Dados coletados com 207 mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas por meio de evocações livres aos termos indutores espiritualidade e religiosidade, além da caracterização e da escala de religiosidade. As evocações foram submetidas às análises prototípica e de similitude com o Iramuteq, e os dados quantitativos, pela estatística descritiva. Os resultados mostram que os elementos centrais para a religiosidade são fé, crença, Deus e amor, enquanto para espiritualidade, fé, Orixás, Deus, paz e amor. A árvore de similitude explicita a centralidade da fé para a estruturação dessa representação. As representações se organizam ao redor da ideia de relação entre o humano e o divino.

Abstract The object of study refers to the representations of spirituality and religiosity for women who belong to Afro-diasporic religions, specifically those who are faithful to Umbanda and Candomblé. The objective was to analyze the representational structure of spirituality and religiosity for Umbandist and Candomblecist women with the aim of thinking of an explanatory model of this symbolic construction and implications for the practice of care in the area of health. Qualitative study, in the light of Social Representations in its structural approach. Data collected with 207 Umbandist and Candomblecist women through free evocations of the inducing terms "spirituality" and "religiosity", in addition to the characterization and scale of religiosity. The evocations were submitted to prototypical and similarity analyses with Iramuteq, while quantitative data to descriptive statistics. The results show that the central elements for religiosity are faith, belief, God and love, while for spirituality, they are faith, Orixás, God, peace and love. The tree of similarity explains the centrality of faith for the structuring of this representation. The representations are organized around the idea of ​​a relationship between the human and the divine.

Atypical and unusual clinical presentation of atopic dermatitis: A case report / Apresentação clínica atípica e incomum de dermatite atópica: relato de caso

Atopic Dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is a complex systemic inflammatory disease with heterogeneous clinical morphologies. Common features are eczematous lesions, intense pruritus and chronic or relapsing disease course. Eczematous lesions typically show an age-related distribution. However, this disease can present different phenotypes, like follicular/papular dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. We reported a male, 22 years old, phototype IV, African descent, with personal and familial history of atopy. He reported pruritus, xerosis and lesions on skin since he was 2 years-old, with relapsing and chronic course. Clinical examination showed disseminated perifollicular accentuation and rough follicular papules. Extensor surfaces of the legs showed excoriated papules and nodules, beside generalized post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. He had lichenified plaques on the back, neck, hands and foot. Skin biopsy showed spongiosis, parakeratosis and irregular acanthosis at the epidermis. The diagnosis was late and occurred only in adulthood. Due to the extensive and relapsing presentation, he received Cyclosporin 3 mg/Kg/day, associated to steroids and emollients, with improvement of pruritus, xerosis and lechinification. But he maintained perifollicular accentuation. The patient presented common features of Atopic Dermatitis, like chronic and relapsing lesions, history of atopic, dry skin, pruritus, and early disease onset. However, atypical morphologies were presented, exemplified by prurigo nodularis and follicular/papular dermatitis. Other relevant finding it was the fact that the lesions occurred outside the classic areas, with prevalence on extensor surfaces and trunk. These atypical morphologies and unusual location of lesions are prevalent on adults with high phototypes, as seen in this case. It is essential to identify these challenging phenotypes, because the diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis is clinical. Given the diversity of clinical presentation and difficult to recognize some cases, this article will contribute to demonstrate atypical manifestations and common features in non-white patients, facilitating correct diagnosis and early treatment.

A dermatite atópica, também chamada de eczema atópico, é uma doença inflamatória sistêmica complexa, com morfologias clínicas heterogêneas. As características comuns são lesões eczematosas, prurido intenso e curso crônico ou recidivante. Lesões eczematosas geralmente mostram uma distribuição relacionada à idade. No entanto, essa doença pode apresentar diferentes fenótipos, como dermatite folicular/papular e prurigo nodular. Relatamos um homem, 22 anos, fototipo IV, afrodescendente, com história pessoal e familiar de atopia. Referia prurido, xerose e lesões na pele desde os 2 anos, com recidiva e curso crônico. O exame clínico mostrou acentuação perifolicular disseminada e pápulas foliculares ásperas. As superfícies extensoras das pernas apresentavam pápulas e nódulos escoriados, além de hipopigmentação pós-inflamatória generalizada. Notaram-se placas liquenificadas no dorso, pescoço, mãos e pés. A biópsia de pele demonstrou espongiose, paraqueratose e acantose irregular na epiderme. O diagnóstico foi tardio e ocorreu apenas na idade adulta. Devido ao quadro clínico extenso e recidivante, recebeu Ciclosporina 3 mg/Kg/dia, associada a esteroides e emolientes, com melhora de prurido, xerose e liquenificação, mas manteve a acentuação perifolicular. O paciente apresentava características comuns de dermatite atópica, como lesões crônicas e recidivantes, história de atopia, pele seca, prurido e início precoce da doença, no entanto, foram apresentadas morfologias atípicas, exemplificadas por prurigo nodular e dermatite folicular/papular. Outro achado relevante foi o fato das lesões localizarem-se em áreas não clássicas da doença, com predomínio nas superfícies extensoras e tronco. Essas morfologias atípicas e localizações incomuns são prevalentes em adultos com fototipos elevados, como visto neste caso. É essencial identificar esses fenótipos desafiadores, porque o diagnóstico de dermatite atópica é clínico. Devido à diversidade de apresentações clínicas e dificuldade de reconhecimento de alguns casos, este artigo contribuirá para demonstrar manifestações atípicas e características comuns em pacientes não brancos.

Racial differences in the relationship between high-normal 25-hydroxy vitamin d and parathyroid hormone levels in early stage chronic kidney disease / Diferenças raciais na relação entre níveis normais-elevados de 25-hidroxivitamina d e hormônio da paratireóide na doença renal crônica em estágio inicial

ABSTRACT Aim: Current guidelines do not address between-person variability in markers of bone and mineral metabolism across subgroups of patients, nor delineate treatment strategies based upon such factors. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out to analyze data from 20,494 United States Veterans and verify the variability of Vitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels across race and stage of chronic kidney disease. Results: PTH levels were higher in Black Americans (BA) than White Americans (WA) at all levels of 25(OH)D and across eGFR strata. There was a progressive decline in PTH levels from the lowest (25(OH)D < 20) to highest quartile (25(OH)D >=40) in both BA (134.4 v 90 pg/mL, respectively) and WA (112.5 v 71.62 pg/mL) (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion: In this analysis, higher than normal 25(OH)D levels were well tolerated and associated with lower parathyroid hormone values in both blacks and whites. Black Americans had higher PTH values at every level of eGFR and 25(OH)D levels suggesting a single PTH target is not appropriate.

RESUMO Objetivo: as diretrizes atuais não abordam a variabilidade entre as pessoas nos marcadores do metabolismo ósseo e mineral em subgrupos de pacientes, nem traçam estratégias de tratamento com base em tais fatores. Métodos: realizamos um estudo transversal para analisar dados de 20.494 veteranos de guerra dos Estados Unidos e verificar a variabilidade nos níveis de vitamina D (25 (OH) D) e hormônio da paratireóide (PTH) entre a raça e o estágio da doença renal crônica. Resultados: os níveis de PTH foram maiores em americanos negros (AN) do que em americanos brancos (AB) em todos os níveis de 25 (OH) D e em todos os estratos de TFGe. Houve um declínio progressivo nos níveis de PTH do quartil mais baixo (25 (OH) D <20) para o quartil mais alto (25 (OH) D> = 40) em AN (134,4 v 90 pg/mL, respectivamente) e AB (112,5 v 71,62 pg/mL) (p <0,001 para todas as comparações). Conclusão: Nesta análise, níveis de 25 (OH) D acima do normal foram bem tolerados e associados a valores mais baixos do hormônio da paratireóide em negros e brancos. Os americanos negros tinham valores de PTH mais altos em todos os níveis de TFGe e 25 (OH) D, sugerindo que uma única meta de PTH não é apropriado.

Socioeconomic and parasitological aspects in Quilombola communities in two of the oldest municipalities in Brazil / Aspectos socioeconómicos y parasitológicos en comunidades quilombolas en dos de los municipios más antiguos de Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To carry out a socioeconomic, demographic and parasitological evaluation of quilombola communities in two of the oldest municipalities in Brazil. Material and Methods Between December 2015 and June 2016, of the total of 231 residents of the communities, socioeconomic questionnaires were applied and fecal samples collected from 150 individuals were analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation method and the Kato-Katz method. Results It was observed that 95.3% (n=143) of the interviewees had piped water at their residence, and 76% (n=114) came from wells or springs; 85.3% (n=128) reported that the toilet drain was made in a rudimentary septic tank and 59.3% (n=89) reported having litter buried or burned, showing precarious conditions in basic sanitation. Still on socioeconomic aspects, 80.7% (n=121) of the individuals reported having access to the public health service. Parasitological tests were positive for 48% (n=72) of the analyzed samples, and 25% (n=18) had two or more parasites. The most frequent organism in the study population was the commensal Entamoeba coli (55.6%, n=40), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (19.4%, n=14) and the commensal Endolimax nana (16.7%, n=12). The Poisson regression showed an increase of 1.59 in the prevalence of parasites for individuals who do not have access to the public health service, when compared to those who have access to these services. Conclusions The results indicate the need to implement public health measures in order to reduce, prevent and treat the parasitological condition of the population to obtain better conditions and quality of life.

RESUMEN Objetivo Realizar una evaluación socioeconómica, demográfica y parasitológica de las comunidades quilombolas en dos de los municipios más antiguos de Brasil. Materiales y Métodos Entre diciembre de 2015 y junio de 2016, del total de 231 residentes de las comunidades, se aplicaron cuestionarios socioeconómicos y se analizaron muestras fecales de 150 individuos mediante el método de sedimentación espontánea y el método Kato-Katz. Resultados Se observó que el 95,3% (n=143) de los entrevistados tenían agua entubada en su residencia y el 76% (n=114) provenía de pozos o manantiales; El 85,3% (n=128) informó que el desagüe del inodoro se realizó en un tanque séptico rudimentario y el 59,3% (n=89) informó que tenía basura enterrada o quemada, que mostraba condiciones precarias en el saneamiento básico. Aún en aspectos socioeconómicos, el 80,7% (n=121) de las personas reportaron tener acceso al servicio de salud pública. Las pruebas parasitológicas fueron positivas para el 48% (n=72) de las muestras analizadas, y el 25% (n=18) tenía dos o más parásitos. El organismo más frecuente en la población de estudio fue el comensal Entamoeba coli (55.6%, n=40), seguido de Ascaris lumbricoides (19.4%, n=14) y el comensal Endolimax nana (16.7%, n=12). La regresión de Poisson mostró un aumento de 1,59 en la prevalencia de parásitos para las personas que no tienen acceso al servicio de salud pública, en comparación con aquellos que tienen acceso a estos servicios. Conclusión Los resultados indican la necesidad de implementar medidas de salud pública para reducir, prevenir y tratar la condición parasitológica de la población para obtener mejores condiciones y calidad de vida.

Cambia el color y el riesgo… Nuevo escenario para el cáncer de próstata en Chile / Prostate cancer in african american immigrants in Chile

In 2017, migrants were 4.35% of the Chilean population, mainly from Peru and Colombia. From 2015, the amount of migrants from Central America, particularly from Haiti increased notably. This process changed the phenotype of the male population, increasing the proportion of black men, mainly between 20 and 50 years. Afro-descendant men have a higher risk for prostate cancer, and the tumor can appear as early as 40 years of age among them. This increase will have future repercussions on the public health system, since part of these men have low income and poor living conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss early detection strategies focused on this population, including education for both patients and health professionals. This review includes data on the reality of migration in Chile and its impact on the health system. The higher incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in the migrant population is reviewed and risk-adjusted screening strategies are proposed.

Preditores antropométricos de hipertensão arterial sistêmica em mulheres afrodescendentes / Anthropometric predictors of hypertension in afro-descendant women

OBJETIVOS: Investigar a associação entre parâmetros antropométricos e hipertensão arterial sistêmica e identificar os melhores preditores antropométricos dessa condição em mulheres afrodescendentes, de comunidades remanescentes de quilombos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com mulheres quilombolas do Estado de Alagoas. Foram investigados pressão arterial, parâmetros antropométricos (índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura, razão cintura-quadril, razão cintura-estatura, índice de conicidade, gordura corporal), variáveis sociodemográficas, tabagismo e paridade. As associações entre parâmetros antropométricos e hipertensão arterial sistêmica foram averiguadas por meio da regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. A capacidade desses parâmetros em predizer a presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica foi analisada por meio de curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 1.553 mulheres, com idades entre 20 e 59 anos. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica foi 35,8% e a de excesso de peso foi 48,5%. A presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica associou-se a índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura, razão cintura-quadril, razão cintura-estatura e gordura corporal, mesmo após o ajuste para idade, classe socioeconômica e tabagismo. A partir das curvas ROC, foram encontrados os seguintes pontos de corte: índice de massa corporal ≥26,2 kg/m², circunferência da cintura ≥81,6 cm, razão cintura-quadril ≥0,84, razão cintura-estatura ≥0,54, índice de conicidade ≥1,20 e gordura corporal ≥35,4%. Gordura corporal, razão cintura-quadril e razão cintura-estatura apresentaram igual capacidade em predizer a hipertensão arterial sistêmica. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os indicadores de obesidade global e os de obesidade central, excetuando-se o índice de conicidade, associaram-se à hipertensão arterial sistêmica nessa amostra de mulheres afrodescendentes quilombolas. Os melhores preditores antropométricos de hipertensão arterial sistêmica foram porcentagem de gordura corporal, razão cintura-quadril e razão cintura-estatura. Essas medidas tiveram igual, embora baixo, poder discriminatório para a presença de hipertensão arterial sistêmica nessa população.

AIMS: To determine the association between anthropometric parameters and systemic arterial hypertension and to identify the best anthropometrics predictors of this disease in afro-descendant women from remaining quilombo communities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with quilombola women from Alagoas State. Blood pressure, anthropometric parameters (body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, conicity index, body fat), sociodemographic variables, smoking and parity were investigated. The associations between anthropometric parameters and systemic arterial hypertension were investigated using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment. The ability of these parameters to predict the presence of systemic arterial hypertension was analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: A total of 1,553 women, aged between 20 and 59 years, were evaluated. The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension was 35.8% and that of overweight was 48.5%. The presence of systemic arterial hypertension was associated with body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and body fat, even after adjusting for age, socioeconomic class, and smoking status. From the ROC curves, the following cutoff points were found: body mass index ≥26.2 kg/m², waist circumference ≥81.6 cm, waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.84, waistto-height ratio ≥0.54, conicity index ≥1.20 and body fat ≥35.4%. Body fat, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-waist ratio were equally able to predict systemic arterial hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: All indicators of global obesity and those of central obesity, except for the conicity index, were associated with systemic arterial hypertension in this sample of Afro-descendant quilombola women. Percentage of body fat, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were the best anthropometric predictors of systemic arterial hypertension. These measures had equal, albeit low, discriminatory power for the presence of systemic arterial hypertension in this population.

Diagnostic Value of Coronary Artery Calcium Score for Cardiovascular Disease in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study.

Background: The role of coronary artery calcium (CAC) as a screening tool for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in African Americans (AAs) is unclear. We compared the diagnostic accuracy for CVD prevalence using the CAC score and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in an adult population of AAs. Methods: CAC was measured in 2944 participants AAs. Approximately 8% of this cohort had known CVD defined as prior myocardial infarction, stroke, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral artery disease. Logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and net reclassification index (NRI) analysis were used adjusting for age, gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, smoking status, diabetes mellitus (DM), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure medication and statin use. Participants with prevalent clinical CVD and DM were classified as high FRS risk. Results: The mean age of participants was 60 years, 65% were females, 26% had DM, 50% were obese and 30% were current or former smokers. Prevalent CVD was associated with older age, higher SBP, lower HDL and total cholesterol, and higher CAC. The prevalence of CAC was 83% in participants with prevalent CVD and 45% in those without CVD. CAC was independently associated with prevalent CVD in our multivariable model [OR (95% CI): 1.22 (1.12 -1.32), p< 0.0001]. In ROC analysis, CAC improved the diagnostic accuracy (c statistic) of the FRS from 0.617 to 0.757 (p < 0.0001) for prevalent CVD. Addition of CAC to FRS resulted in net reclassification improvement of 4% for subjects with known CVD and 28.5% in those without CVD. Conclusion: In AAs, CAC is independently associated with prevalent CVD and improves the diagnostic accuracy of FRS for prevalent CVD by 14%. Addition of CAC improves the NRI of those with prevalent CVD by 4% and the NRI of individuals without CVD by 28.5%. Determination of CAC may be useful in CVD risk stratification in AAs.

Racial Differences in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Disparities between African American and Caucasian men in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and treatment in the United States have been well established, with significant racial disparities documented at all stages of PCa management, from differences in the type of treatment offered to progression-free survival or death. These disparities appear to be complex in nature, involving biological determinants as well as socioeconomic and cultural aspects. We present a review of the literature on racial disparities in the diagnosis of PCa, treatment, survival, and genetic susceptibility. Significant differences were found among African Americans and whites in the incidence and mortality rates; namely, African Americans are diagnosed with PCa at younger ages than whites and usually with more advanced stages of the disease, and also undergo prostate-specific antigen testing less frequently. However, the determinants of the high rate of incidence and aggressiveness of PCa in African Americans remain unresolved. This pattern can be attributed to socioeconomic status, detection occurring at advanced stages of the disease, biological aggressiveness, family history, and differences in genetic susceptibility. Another risk factor for PCa is obesity. We found many discrepancies regarding treatment, including a tendency for more African American patients to be in watchful waiting than whites. Many factors are responsible for the higher incidence and mortality rates in African Americans. Better screening, improved access to health insurance and clinics, and more homogeneous forms of treatment will contribute to the reduction of disparities between African Americans and white men in PCa incidence and mortality.

Racial Differences in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Disparities between African American and Caucasian men in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and treatment in the United States have been well established, with significant racial disparities documented at all stages of PCa management, from differences in the type of treatment offered to progression-free survival or death. These disparities appear to be complex in nature, involving biological determinants as well as socioeconomic and cultural aspects. We present a review of the literature on racial disparities in the diagnosis of PCa, treatment, survival, and genetic susceptibility. Significant differences were found among African Americans and whites in the incidence and mortality rates; namely, African Americans are diagnosed with PCa at younger ages than whites and usually with more advanced stages of the disease, and also undergo prostate-specific antigen testing less frequently. However, the determinants of the high rate of incidence and aggressiveness of PCa in African Americans remain unresolved. This pattern can be attributed to socioeconomic status, detection occurring at advanced stages of the disease, biological aggressiveness, family history, and differences in genetic susceptibility. Another risk factor for PCa is obesity. We found many discrepancies regarding treatment, including a tendency for more African American patients to be in watchful waiting than whites. Many factors are responsible for the higher incidence and mortality rates in African Americans. Better screening, improved access to health insurance and clinics, and more homogeneous forms of treatment will contribute to the reduction of disparities between African Americans and white men in PCa incidence and mortality.

Ethnic Differences in Insulin Resistance, Adiponectin Levels and Abdominal Obesity: Haitian Americans and African Americans, with and without type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Metabolic outcomes of obesity and its associated disorders may not be equivalent across ethnicity and diabetes status. Aim: In this paper, we examined the association of abdominal obesity, by ethnicity and diabetes status, for indicators of glucose metabolism in Blacks. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Haitian Americans (n= 186) and African Americans (n= 148) with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Student’s t-test and Chi-squared test were used to assess differences in mean and proportion Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(26): 4455-4469, 2014 4456 values between ethnicities with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Relationship between insulin resistance, ethnicity, diabetes status, abdominal obesity, and adiponectin levels were analyzed by analysis of covariance while controlling for confounding variables. Results: Haitian American participants were older (P = .032), had higher fasting plasma glucose (P = .036), and A1C (P = .016), but had lower levels of Hs-CRP (P < .001), insulin and HOMA2-IR and lower abdominal obesity (P = .030), than African Americans. Haitian Americans had significantly lower HOMA2-IR (P = .008) than African Americans when comparing both ethnicities with T2DM, high abdominal obesity, and adiponectin levels lower than the median (<14.75 ng/mL). Conclusion: The clinical significance of observed differences in insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and adiponectin levels between Haitian Americans and African Americans could assist in forming public health policies that are ethnic specific.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Irritable Bowel Syndrome in African Americans

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Psychosocial stressors likely play an important role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The association between IBS and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in non-minorities has been described. Our aim was to investigate the potential association between IBS and PTSD in an urban African American population. METHODS: Our institution maintains a longitudinal population-based survey of African Americans (AA). The survey utilizes a complex, stratified sampling design. The study group consisted of adult AA meeting Rome III criteria for IBS of any subtype. The 4-item Primary Care PTSD screener was administered; score of > or = 3 (range, 0-4) was considered positive for PTSD. Depression (Public Health Questionnaire-9 depression) and anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder-7) levels were measured using standardized scales. To assess quality of life, norm-based physical and mental component summary scores from the short-form 36 health survey version 2 were obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using Complex Sample Module of SPSS after weighting of the study sample. RESULTS: Four hundred nineteen subjects included corresponded to a weighted 21,264 (95% CI, 19,777-22,751) individuals. The prevalence of IBS in our sample of urban AA was 8.2%. In multivariate regression analysis, female gender, age > 40, higher educational attainment and divorce were independently associated with IBS. Those with IBS were considerably more likely to suffer from PTSD (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 4.07-5.06). PTSD was independently associated with depression, anxiety, harmful drinking and substance abuse. CONCLUSIONS: In AA, PTSD is independently associated with IBS. PTSD has a significantly negative impact on physical and mental self-assessment of quality of life. Evaluation of minorities presenting with functional gastrointestinal disorders should include screening for PTSD.

Relationships between Body Mass Index and Social Support, Physical Activity, and Eating Habits in African American University Students

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the relationships between obesity and the level of social support for healthy behaviors, amount of physical activity (PA), and dietary habits in African Americans. METHODS: The subjects were 412 university students who visited a health promotion center at North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, USA between September 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010. We administered a social support survey, the National Institutes of Health Fruit, Vegetable, and Fat Screener, the Paffenbarger PA Questionnaire, and measures of body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Results showed that men in the overweight group had WC and systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and below average PA; those in the obese group had WC, SBP, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements associated with CVD risk and below average PA. Women in the overweight group had WC and SBP measurements associated with CVD risk, and those in the obesity group had WC, SBP, and DBP measurements associated with CVD risk and below average PA. Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing PA by 1,000 kcal/week decreased the prevalence of obesity by 9.3% in men and 9.0% in women. CONCLUSION: Thus, low PA was a significant risk factor for obesity among African Americans. However, the level of social support and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fat were not found to be significant risk factors in this study.

Benefits, barriers, self-efficacy and knowledge regarding healthy foods; perception of African Americans living in eastern North Carolina

African Americans in the United States suffer from many health disparities such as obesity, diabetes or hypertension. Lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity play an important role in prevention of these health conditions. The purpose of this research project was to assess beliefs, barriers and self-efficacy of eating a healthy diet and self efficacy of shopping for foods such as whole grains or foods designated as low fat or low sodium. Additionally, the objective was to assess beliefs about healthfulness, appropriate consumption, and protective aspect of specific foods including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The assessment was done using a survey instrument developed for this study. Data collection took place at two church locations. Data were obtained from 57 African Americans, mean age 50 years old (SD 12.70) completed the survey. The majority of respondents (58.1%) were females and most (75%) had at least some college education. Generally, benefits of eating healthy foods received considerably higher scores compared to barriers of eating healthy. A belief that healthy foods would help to take care of one's body received the highest mean score while a belief that healthy foods are too expensive had the highest score from all barriers. The results showed high self-efficacy of eating and purchasing healthy foods, high awareness of knowledge regarding foods associated with disease prevention but low awareness of recommendations for fruits and vegetables. The high scores for benefits, self-efficacy and knowledge regarding eating healthy foods did not translate into the perception of intake of such foods. Most participants believed that they do not eat enough of healthy foods. Interventions design to help African Americans make dietary changes should be culturally relevant and should involved working on a community level utilizing messages that are familiar and relevant to African Americans.

Periodontal profile and presence of periodontal pathogens in young African-Americans from Salvador, BA, Brazil / Condição periodontal e presença de patógenos periodontais em uma população jovem de brasileiros afro-descendentes

This cross-sectional study evaluated the periodontal status and the presence of periodontopathogens in 132 young, black ethnic subjects who live in Salvador/Bahia-Brazil and have never smoked. Periodontal Probing Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were measured and analyzed by ANOVA and Wilcoxon tests (p<0.05) according to gender and age. The presence of A.actinomycetemcomitans, P.gingivalis, E.corrodens and F.nucleatum was determined by PCR and was analyzed by ANOVA, Wilcoxon, Student-t tests (p<0.05). Mean values of PPD and CAL were 2.18 and 1.0mm, respectively. Clinical parameters did not show differences between subjects of varying gender and age. The microbial prevalence was observed to be 95.45 percent for E.corrodens followed by F.nucleatum with 68.18 percent, A.actinomycetemcomitans with45.45 percent and P.gingivalis with 40.9 percent. An association between the presence of pathogens and gender and age was not observed (p<0.05). PPD, CAL and PI were not associated with P.gingivalis; however, GI appeared in higher frequencies among subjects without P.gingivalis. In this young, black ethnic, Brazilian population, a high percentage (96.96 percent) of subjects harbored at least one selected periodontal pathogen, but most subjects showed a healthy periodontal status. Further investigations are required to evaluate the actual influence of the presence of these bacterial species.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a condição periodontal e presença de periodonto-patógenos em uma amostra de 132 jovens não fumantes, afro-descendentes, residentes em Salvador/Bahia-Brasil. Profundidade de Sondagem (PS), Nível Clínico de Inserção (NCI), Índice de Placa (IP) e Índice Gengival (IG) foram mensurados e analisados pelos testes ANOVA e Wilcoxon (p<0,05) em função do gênero e idade dos indivíduos. A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, E. corrodens e F. nucleatum foram identificados por PCR e analisados por ANOVA, Wilcoxon e t de Student (p<0,05). Foram observados valores médios de PS e NCI de 2,18 e 1,0mm respectivamente. Os parâmetros clínicos avaliados não sofreram influência dos fatores gênero e idade (p<0,05). E. corrodens foi a bactéria mais prevalente (95.45 por cento), seguido de F. nucleatum (68.18 por cento), A. actinomycetemcomitans (45.45 por cento) e P. gingivalis (40.9 por cento). Não foi observada associação entre os patógenos periodontais pesquisados com o gênero e idade dos indivíduos (p<0,05). PS, NCI e IP não estiveram associados a presença de P. gingivalis, todavia para o parâmetro IG este mostrou alta freqüência entre os indivíduos que não alocaram P. gingivalis. Nessa população jovem de brasileiros afro-descendentes um percentual (96,96 por cento) elevado de indivíduos apresentou pelo menos um patógeno periodontal, mas mostraram-se clinicamente saudáveis. Outras investigações são necessaries para avaliar a real influencia da presença dessas espécies bacterianas.

Frecuencia y variabilidad de la morfología dental en niños afro-colombianos de una institución educativa de Puerto Tejada, Cauca, Colombia / Frequency and variability of the dental morphology in African-Colombian children of a school institution of Puerto Tejada, Cauca, Colombia

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia y variabilidad de once rasgos morfológicos dentales coronales (winging, incisivos centrales y laterales en pala, doble pala, cúspide de Carabelli, pliegue acodado, protostílido, patrón cuspídeo, número de cúspides, cúspide 6 y cúspide 7), en dientes permanentes (UI1/UI2/UM1/LM1), para comprender la influencia étnica y la distancia biológica de una muestra obtenida por conveniencia. Materiales y métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal de enfoque cuantitativo para observar la frecuencia y variabilidad de once rasgos morfológicos dentales coronales mediante la metodología ASUDAS en 84 modelos de estudio obtenidos de niños afro-colombianos de ambos sexos (42 mujeres y 42 hombres) habitantes del municipio de Puerto Tejada, Cauca (Colombia). Resultados: Se observaron frecuencias altas de cúspide de Carabelli de mediano tamaño (grado 5), patrón cuspídeo +5 y +6, y alta frecuencia de cúspide 7, lo cual sugiere notable influencia del complejo dental occidental (caucasoides y negroides). Se apreciaron altas frecuencias del protostílido (punto P o  foramen secum) y del pliegue acodado lo cual sugiere influencia mongoloide a partir de la miscegenación con grupos indígenas regionales. Los rasgos morfológicos winging, incisivos centrales y laterales en pala, doble pala, número de cúspides y cúspide 6 presentaron frecuencias bajas. Se demostró la simetría bilateral y ausencia de dimorfismo sexual (a excepción de winging, incisivos en pala y protostílido). Estos resultados son importantes dentro de los contextos odontológico y forense durante los procesos de identificación, y en el contexto antropológico para estimar la odontobiografía de una población específica.

Objectives: To assess the frequency and variability of eleven non-metric dental crown traits (winging, shovel-shape, double shovel shape, Carabelli trait, deflecting wrinkle, protostylid, groove pattern, cusp number, sixth and seventh cusps) in permanent (UI1/UI2/UM1/LM1) teeth, in order to understanding the ethnic influence and the biological distance of the sample in study. Materials and methods: In this descriptive and quantitative study, frequency and variability of twelve non-metric dental crown traits were analyzed, through the ASUDAS System, in dental casts from 84 African-Colombian children of both sexes (42 females and 42 males), in mixed-dentition from Puerto Tejada, Cauca (Colombia) inhabitants. Results: High frequencies of Carabelli trait in grade 5; and +5 y +6 groove patterns, suggests Western dental complex influence. High frequencies of protostylid (P point or foramen secum) and deflecting wrinkle that suggest Mongoloid influence from the miscegenation with regional indigenous groups were observed. Winging, shovel-shape, double shovel, cusp number and cusp 6 showed low frequencies. Bilateral symmetry and absence of sexual dimorphism were demonstrated (except winging, shovel-shape and protostylid).

Sex-biased gene flow in African Americans but not in American Caucasians

We have previously shown evidence of strong sex-biased genetic blending in the founding and ongoing history of the Brazilian population, with the African and Amerindian contribution being highest from maternal lineages (as measured by mitochondrial DNA) and the European contribution foremost from paternal lineages (estimated from Y-chromosome haplogroups). The same phenomenon has been observed in several other Latin American countries, suggesting that it might constitute a universal characteristic of the Iberian colonization of the Americas. However, it has also recently been detected in the Black population of the United States. We thus wondered if the same could be observed in American Caucasians. To answer that question, we retrieved 1387 hypervariable I Caucasian mitochondrial DNA sequences from the FBI population database and established their haplogroups and continental geographical sources. In sharp contrast with the situation of the Caucasian population of Latin American countries, only 3.1% of the American Caucasian sequences had African and/or Amerindian origin. To explain this discrepancy we propose that the finding of elevated genomic contributions from European males and Amerindian or African females depends not only on the occurrence of directional mating, but also on the [quot ]racial[quot ] categorization of the children born from these relations. In this respect, social practices in Latin America and in the United States diverge considerably; in the former socially significant [quot ]races[quot ] are normally designated according to physical appearance, while in the latter descent appears to be the most important factor.