Association between the Arg72Pro Genotypes in the TP53 Gene and Ile655Val in the HER2 Gene and the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer in the Population of Amapá, Northern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The polymorphisms Arg72Pro in the TP53 gene (rs1042522) and Ile655Val in the HER2 gene (rs1136201) have been related to susceptibility to several types of cancer. Different studies show the association of these polymorphisms with breast cancer, so our aim in this study was to investigate whether the Arg72Pro and Ile655Val polymorphisms have any influence on the risk of developing breast cancer in women from the city of Macapá, Amapá, located in the brazilian amazon region. METHODS AND RESULTS: We then analyzed 80 DNA samples from women with breast cancer and 83 DNA samples from women without the disease, by the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism - Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR-RFLP) technique. The genotype frequencies for rs1042522 were Ar/Arg 23.7%, Arg/Pro 47.5% and Pro/Pro 28.5% in patients and in controls Ar/Arg 69.8%, Arg/Pro 19.2% and Pro/Pro 10.8%. For the HER-2 gene the frequency of Ile/Ile, Ile/Val and Val/Val genotypes was 82.5%, 17.5% and 0% in the patients and 75.9%, 20.4% and 3.6% in the controls. The presence of at least one altered allele in rs1042522 and rs1136201 polymorphisms was found in 91.25% of patient samples. CONCLUSION: This study found a significant association between the Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro genotypes in the TP53 gene and the Ile/Val genotype in the HER-2 gene and breast cancer risk, however, we emphasize that more studies need to be carried out in the investigated population to consolidate our results.

Syphilis and Co-Infections with HIV-1, HBV, and HCV among People Who Use Crack-Cocaine in Northern Brazil.

The rates of syphilis and viral co-infections among people who use crack-cocaine (PWUCC) were assessed in this study. This cross-sectional study relied on biological and self-reported socio-behavioral data from a convenience sample of 990 PWUCC from twenty-six municipalities in the states of Amapá and Pará, northern Brazil. Blood samples were collected to assess the presence of Treponema pallidum using the Rapid Qualitative Test (RQT) and the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL). Reactive samples by RQT were used to assess the presence of HBV, HCV, and HIV-1 using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Logistic regression models were used to determine the association of variables assessed with syphilis. In total, 287 (29.0%) of the PWUCC sample had reactive results for syphilis. HBV (15.7%), HCV (5.9%), and HIV-1 (9.8%) were detected among PWUCC with syphilis. Young age, low monthly income and education level, long duration of crack-cocaine use, condomless sex, multiple sex partners, and exchange of sex for money/drugs were associated with syphilis. The present study provides unique insights on the epidemiological status of syphilis among PWUCC in northern Brazil, with multiple implications for improving urgent interventions for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Detection and Genetic Characterization of Hepatitis B and D Viruses: A Multi-Site Cross-Sectional Study of People Who Use Illicit Drugs in the Amazon Region.

Hepatitis B (HBV) and delta (HDV) viruses are endemic in the Amazon region, but vaccine coverage against HBV is still limited. People who use illicit drugs (PWUDs) represent a high-risk group due to common risk behavior and socioeconomic factors that facilitate the acquisition and transmission of pathogens. The present study assessed the presence of HBV and HBV-HDV co-infection, identified viral sub-genotypes, and verified the occurrence of mutations in coding regions for HBsAg and part of the polymerase in HBV-infected PWUDs in municipalities of the Brazilian states of Amapá and Pará, in the Amazon region. In total, 1074 PWUDs provided blood samples and personal data in 30 municipalities of the Brazilian Amazon. HBV and HDV were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction. Viral genotypes were identified by nucleotide sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis, whereas viral mutations were analyzed by specialized software. High rates of serological (32.2%) and molecular (7.2%) markers for HBV were detected, including cases of occult HBV infection (2.5%). Sub-genotypes A1, A2, D4, and F2a were most frequently found. Escape mutations due to vaccine and antiviral resistance were identified. Among PWUDs with HBV DNA, serological (19.5%) and molecular (11.7%) HDV markers were detected, such as HDV genotypes 1 and 3. These are worrying findings, presenting clear implications for urgent prevention and treatment needs for the carriers of these viruses.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection among People Who Use Illicit Drugs: Prevalence, Genotypes and Risk Factors in the State of Amapá, Northern Brazil.

Background: Several records of high prevalence of HBV have been made in northern Brazil. Among risk groups for viral infection, people who use illicit drugs (PWUDs) stand out, especially if they inject drugs and engage in risky sexual behavior. Objectives: In this study, the prevalence, genotype distribution and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure in PWUDs were estimated. Methods: This cross-sectional study used snowball sampling from nine different sites. Socio-demographic, economic, drug use and health-related information were collected of 308 PWUDs from nine municipalities in the state of Amapá, northern Brazil. Blood samples were tested for the presence of HBV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regressions were run to identify factors independently associated with HBV exposure. Results: In total, seventy (22.7%) PWUDs were exposed to HBV, and 12 (3.9%) had DNA HBV. Genotypes A (58.4%), D (33.3%) and F (8.3%) were identified. Age ≥35 years, use of injectable drug, daily use of drugs, use of drugs over 12 years, unprotected sex, exchange sex for money/drugs, and >12 sexual partners in the last 12 months were associated with exposure to HBV. Conclusions: This study identified important information on the epidemiological scenario of HBV infection in PWUDs, highlighting the high prevalence of HBV exposure and the urgent need for measures for control and prevention, especially vaccination against this hepatotropic virus.

Prevalence and risk factors for HIV-1 infection in people who use illicit drugs in northern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: People who use illicit drugs (PWUDs) have a high risk of viral infections. To date, there is a paucity of information on HIV infection among PWUDs in remote Brazilian regions. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with HIV-1 infection among PWUDs in northern Brazil. METHODS: Sociodemographic, economic, drug use and health-related information were collected through interviews from a community-recruited, multi-site sample of 1753 PWUDs. The blood samples collected were tested for the presence of HIV-1 using chemiluminescence immunoassay and PCR or western blotting. Logistic regressions identified factors independently associated with HIV-1 infection. RESULTS: In total, 266 (15.2%) PWUDs were HIV-1 positive. Hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus nucleic acid was detected in 65 (3.7%) PWUDs infected by HIV-1. The factors associated with HIV-1 infection were male gender, older age, a lower educational level and a lower income, crack cocaine use, a longer drug use history and a history of drug injection and engagement in unsafe sex, sex work and a higher number of sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides unique, initial insights into HIV and co-infection status and pertinent risk factors among PWUDs in northern Brazil, with clear and diverse implications for urgently improved prevention and treatment intervention needs.

Nonconformities in clinical laboratories in Macapá, Amapá, Brazil, based on the RDC no. 302/2005/Anvisa / Não conformidades em laboratórios clínicos de Macapá, Amapá, Brasil, com base na RDC nº 302/2005/Anvisa

ABSTRACT Introduction: Clinical analysis laboratories are health care facilities that provide resources for outpatient and/or emergency diagnoses; they are regulated in Brazil by the Resolution of the Collegiate Board of Directors (RDC) no. 302, of October 13, 2005, of the Brazilian National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance (Anvisa). Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a normative evaluation in clinical analysis laboratories, based on RDC no. 302, of October 13, 2005. Material and method: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. Twelve clinical laboratories participated in the study. The data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and answered by the technical leaders of the participating laboratories, in the municipality of Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Results: The average nonconformity found among the participants was 9.64%, which allowed an overall evaluation among them as satisfactory, in relation to the minimum requirements demanded by the standardization recommended by Anvisa. When the participants were analyzed individually, there was a variation from 4.82% to 21.69% of the nonconformities index. Other studies agree with the results, however there is disagreement in a research carried out in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, possibly due to the fact that the laboratories present in this study do not have a quality management system in their processes. Conclusion: Laboratories 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 12 were rated as satisfactory. Laboratories 1, 5, 7, 8 and 10 were rated as partially satisfactory. No laboratories were rated as unsatisfactory.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los laboratorios clínicos son establecimientos de salud que ofrecen recursos para diagnósticos ambulatorios y/o de emergencia; son regulados en Brasil por la resolución del Directorio Colegiado (RDC) nº 302, de 13 de octubre de 2005, de la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (Anvisa). Objetivo: Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo efectuar una evaluación normativa en laboratorios clínicos, teniendo como base la RDC nº 302, de 13 de octubre de 2005. Material y método: Estudio transversal y descriptivo, con la participación de 12 laboratorios clínicos. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante cuestionario estructurado contestado por los responsables técnicos de los laboratorios participantes, en el municipio de Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. Resultados: La media de no conformidades entre los participantes fue de 9,64%, lo que permitió una evaluación general entre ellos como satisfactorios, con respecto a los requisitos mínimos exigidos por la Anvisa. Cuando los participantes fueron evaluados individualmente, hubo variación de 4,82% hasta 21,69% en el índice de no conformidades. Otros estudios presentaron resultados concordantes; sin embargo, hay desacuerdo en una investigación realizada en Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, posiblemente porque los laboratorios participantes en ese estudio no tienen un sistema de gestión de calidad en sus procesos. Conclusión: Los laboratorios 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11 y 12 fueron evaluados como satisfactorios; los laboratorios 1, 5, 7, 8 y 10, como parcialmente satisfactorios. Ningún laboratorio fue evaluado como insatisfactorio.

RESUMO Introdução: Os laboratórios de análises clínicas são estabelecimentos de saúde que oferecem recursos aos diagnósticos ambulatoriais e/ou emergenciais; são regulamentados no Brasil pela Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada (RDC) nº 302, de 13 de outubro de 2005, da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa). Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma avaliação normativa em laboratórios de análises clínicas, tendo como base a RDC nº 302, de 13 de outubro de 2005. Material e método: Estudo transversal e descritivo, com a participação de 12 laboratórios clínicos. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionário estruturado respondido pelos responsáveis técnicos dos laboratórios participantes, no município de Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. Resultados: A média de não conformidade encontrada entre os participantes foi de 9,64%, o que permitiu uma avaliação geral entre eles como satisfatórios, em relação aos requisitos mínimos exigidos pela normatização preconizada pela Anvisa. Quando os participantes foram avaliados individualmente, houve variação de 4,82% a 21,69% no índice de não conformidades. Outros estudos apresentam resultados concordantes; contudo, há discordância em uma pesquisa realizada em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, possivelmente pelo fato de os laboratórios presentes neste estudo não terem um sistema de gestão de qualidade nos seus processos. Conclusão: Os laboratórios 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11 e 12 foram avaliados como satisfatórios; os laboratórios 1, 5, 7, 8 e 10, como parcialmente satisfatórios. Nenhum laboratório foi avaliado como insatisfatório.

Hepatitis C virus infection status and associated factors among a multi-site sample of people who used illicit drugs in the Amazon region.

BACKGROUND: Elevated rates of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection have been reported in epidemiological studies with people who used illicit drugs (PWUIDs) in different Brazilian regions. In Brazil's Amazon region, studies have already identified the common use of illicit drugs among adolescents and the high prevalence of HCV infections among PWUIDs. However, all studies done with PWUIDs were conducted with small samples and within limited geographic coverage. This study determined the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection in PWUIDs in the Amazon region, northern Brazil, as well as estimating the prevalence and factors associated with the HCV spontaneous clearance (HSC). METHODS: This cross-sectional study accessed 1666 PWUIDs from multiple municipalities of the Amazon region. Socio-demographic, economic, drug use and health-related information were collected through interviews. Blood samples collected were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies and RNA-HCV. HCV genotypes were identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regressions were run to identify factors independently associated with HCV infection status and HSC. RESULTS: In total, 577 (34.6%) featured HCV antibodies, of which 384 (23.1%) had active HCV infection and 193 (11.6%) indicated HSC. Genotypes 1 (80.2%) and 3 (18.8%) were detected. HCV infection status was associated with the length of illicit drug use history, factors related to parenteral and sexual transmission, and factors of socio-economic marginalization leading to potential risk activities for HCV. HSC was associated with the ethnic (including indigenous) background of participants. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of HCV infection were detected in PWUIDs. Genotype 1 was predominant. Intense use of illicit drugs, unprotected sexual intercourse, high number of sexual partners and social marginalization were associated with all HCV infection. HSC was associated with origin (Amazonian-born) and non-white (e.g., Black or Indigenous) of PWUIDs. These findings emphasize the need for improve HCV prevention and control services and care for PWUIDs in the Brazilian Amazon region.

Paternal portrait of populations of the middle Magdalena River region (Tolima and Huila, Colombia): New insights on the peopling of Central America and northernmost South America.

The valley of the Magdalena River is one of the main population pathways in Colombia. The gene pool and spatial configuration of human groups in this territory have been outlined throughout three historical stages: the Native pre-Hispanic world, Spanish colonization, and XIX century migrations. This research was designed with the goal of characterizing the diversity and distribution pattern of Y-chromosome lineages that are currently present in the Tolima and Huila departments (middle Magdalena River region). Historic cartography was used to identify the main geographic sites where the paternal lineages belonging to this area have gathered. Twelve municipalities were chosen, and a survey that included genealogical information was administered. Samples collected from 83 male volunteers were analyzed for 48 Y-SNPs and 17 Y-STRs. The results showed a highly diverse region characterized by the presence of 16 sublineages within the major clades R, Q, J, G, T and E and revealed that 93% (n = 77) of haplotypes were different. Among these haplogroups, European-specific R1b-M269 lineages were the most representative (57.83%), with six different subhaplogroups and 43 unique haplotypes. Native American paternal ancestry was also detected based on the presence of the Q1a2-M3*(xM19, M194, M199) and Q1a2-M346*(xM3) lineages. Interestingly, all Q1a2-M346*(xM3) samples (n = 7, with five different haplotypes) carried allele six at the DYS391 locus. This allele has a worldwide frequency of 0.169% and was recently associated with a new Native subhaplogroup. An in-depth phylogenetic analysis of these samples suggests the Tolima and Huila region to be the principal area in all Central and South America where this particular Native lineage is found. This lineage has been present in the region for at least 1,809 (+/- 0,5345) years.

Profile of blood donors and seroepidemiology of dengue in a blood center in the Brazilian Amazon / Perfil dos doadores de sangue e da soroepidemiologia da dengue em um hemocentro na Amazônia brasileira

Dengue is considered the most important clinical arbovirus. Cases of transmission by blood transfusion and contaminated donors have already been described previously. Considering this reality, this study aimed to investigate the seroepidemiological profile of dengue in blood donors at the Blood Bank of the State of Amapá (HEMOAP), as well as the socio-epidemiological and donation profiles of the participants. In the period from May to June 2017, 298 blood samples were subsequently tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against dengue using immunochromatography and PCR analysis for the detection of the virus and its serotypes. Information on donation type and donor type was acquired through the HEMOAP database. Participants also answered a socio-epidemiological questionnaire. Among the participants in the survey, the majority were male, aged 18-29 years old, completed high school, privately employed workers, with a monthly family income of one to three minimum wages. Most were repeat donors as well as replacement donations. Regarding the antibody test, three samples (1%) showed reactive results for the IgM antibody against dengue, four (1.3%) reactions for IgG and two (0.7%) reactions for both antibodies. The virus was not identified in any of the samples analyzed. No significant frequency of anti-dengue antibodies has been detected in donors, however, studies such as these help in understanding this disease, as well as enriching the debate on the risk of possible transmission of dengue by blood transfusion

A dengue é considerada a arbovirose de maior importância clínica. Casos de transmissão por transfusão sanguínea e doadores contaminados já foram descritos anteriormente. Considerando-se essa realidade, este estudo objetivou investigar o perfil soroepidemiológico da dengue em doadores de sangue no Hemocentro do Estado do Amapá (HEMOAP), assim como o perfil socioepidemiológico e de doação dos participantes. Foram coletadas, no período de maio à junho de 2017, 298 amostras de sangue posteriormente testadas para anticorpos IgM e IgG contra a dengue utilizando teste imunocromatográfico e analise por PCR para a detecção do vírus e seus sorotipos. Informações sobre tipo de doação e tipo de doador foram adquiridas por meio do banco de dados do HEMOAP. Os participantes também responderam um questionário socioepidemiológico. Entre os participantes da pesquisa a maioria foi do sexo masculino, com idade entre 18-29 anos, ensino médio completo, empregado assalariado privado, com renda familiar mensal de um a três salários mínimos. Doadores de repetição foram a maioria assim como doações de reposição. Quanto a pesquisa de anticorpos, três amostras (1%) apresentaram resultado reagente para o anticorpo IgM contra a dengue; quatro (1,3%) reagentes para IgG e duas (0,7%) reagente para ambos os anticorpos. Não foi identificado o vírus em nenhuma das amostras analisadas. Não foi detectada uma considerável frequência de anticorpos anti dengue nos doadores, no entanto, estudos como esses ajudam na compreensão dessa doença além de enriquecer o debate sobre o risco de uma possível transmissão da dengue por transfusão sanguínea

Interações medicamentosas e consequentes intervenções farmacêuticas na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital privado em Macapá, Amapá / Interactions medicative and consequents interventions pharmaceutics in the unity of intensive therapy in a private hospital in Macapa, Amapa

Introdução: Pacientes internados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) são submetidos a tratamentos com múltiplos fármacos, visto a gravidade dos problemas que são tratados. A interação medicamentosa é definida como um evento causado pela modificação do efeito ou aproveitamento de um fármaco no organismo em virtude de outro. A avaliação das potenciais interações medicamentosas pode auxiliar a equipe multiprofissional a promover um tratamento de qualidade, evitando que estas interações sejam danosas ao paciente, diminuindo o tempo de internação e consequentemente auxiliando na redução de custos. Objetivo: Avaliar as principais interações medicamentosas observadas nas UTI de um hospital privado na cidade de Macapá (Amapá, AP) através da análise das prescrições e das consequentes intervenções adotadas a fim de minimizar seus riscos. Método: Foram avaliadas prescrições de pacientes internados em UTI quanto à presença de potenciais interações medicamentosas e sua respectiva classificação, segundo seu risco e mecanismo. As principais interações foram destacadas a fim de destacar seu mecanismo e medidas adotadas pela equipe multidisciplinar. Resultados: Observou-se que a maioria das interações, tanto na UTI adulto quanto na UTI neonatal, foram consideradas de risco moderado. As interações farmacocinéticas foram mais comuns na UTI adulto, enquanto as farmacodinâmicas predominaram na UTI neonatal. O manejo no horário de administração dos medicamentos foi a intervenção mais adequada para a maioria dos casos das interações medicamentosas. Conclusões: o monitoramento das potenciais interações em pacientes críticos procura garantir a segurança do paciente, buscando diminuir os riscos potenciais aos quais estes estão expostos.

Introduction: Patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU) are submitted to multiple drug treatments, considering the severity of their problems. Drug interaction is defined as an event caused by the modification of the effect or use of a drug in the body. The evaluation of potential drug interactions can help the multiprofessional team to promote a quality treatment, avoiding harmful interactions, reducing the length of hospitalization and consequently reducing costs. Objective: To evaluate the main drug interactions observed in the ICUs of a private hospital in the city of Macapá, Brazil, through the analysis of the prescriptions and the consequent interventions adopted in order to minimize their risks. Method: Prescriptions of patients admitted to the ICU were evaluated for the presence of potential drug interactions and their respective classification according to their risk and mechanism. A brief bibliographic study about the main interactions was carried out in order to highlight its mechanism and the measures adopted by the multidisciplinary team. Results: We observed that the majority of the interactions, both in the adult ICU and in the neonata ICU, were considered of moderate risk. Pharmacokinetic interactions were more common in the adult ICU, while pharmacodynamics predominated in the neonatal intensive care unit. Management during the administration of medications was the most appropriate intervention for most cases of drug interactions. Conclusions: Monitoring of potential interactions in critically ill patients seeks to ensure patient safety in order to reduce the potential risks to which they are exposed.

Hypoglycemic effect of formulation containing hydroethanolic extract of Calophyllum brasiliense in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and severe metabolic dysfunction, it's slow and progressive evolution interferes directly in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, causing hyperglycemia, glycosuria, polydipsia, hyperlipidaemia, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of hydroethanolic extract and granulated of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess., Clusiaceae, species in diabetic rats as well as it's biochemical parameters. The results demonstrated that both the pharmaceutical forms, hydroethanolic extract and granulated, were able to reduce significantly (p < 0.001) hyperglycemia and glycosuria, in addition to improve polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. Treatments using hydroethanolic extract and granulated were also able to reduce significantly levels of triacylglycerides, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, as well as the transaminases, urea and creatinine levels. Therefore, it is concluded that these pharmaceutical forms have anti-diabetic effect and act improving the biochemical parameters, this effect is probably due to the high content of polyphenolic compounds found in the formulations.

Male Lineages in Brazil: Intercontinental Admixture and Stratification of the European Background.

The non-recombining nature of the Y chromosome and the well-established phylogeny of Y-specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) make them useful for defining haplogroups with high geographical specificity; therefore, they are more apt than the Y-STRs to detect population stratification in admixed populations from diverse continental origins. Different Y-SNP typing strategies have been described to address issues of population history and movements within geographic territories of interest. In this study, we investigated a set of 41 Y-SNPs in 1217 unrelated males from the five Brazilian geopolitical regions, aiming to disclose the genetic structure of male lineages in the country. A population comparison based on pairwise FST genetic distances did not reveal statistically significant differences in haplogroup frequency distributions among populations from the different regions. The genetic differences observed among regions were, however, consistent with the colonization history of the country. The sample from the Northern region presented the highest Native American ancestry (8.4%), whereas the more pronounced African contribution could be observed in the Northeastern population (15.1%). The Central-Western and Southern samples showed the higher European contributions (95.7% and 93.6%, respectively). The Southeastern region presented significant European (86.1%) and African (12.0%) contributions. The subtyping of the most frequent European lineage in Brazil (R1b1a-M269) allowed differences in the genetic European background of the five Brazilian regions to be investigated for the first time.

Estimates of interethnic admixture in the Brazilian population using a panel of 24 X-linked insertion/deletion markers.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to identify ancestry informative haplotypes and make interethnic admixture estimates using X-chromosome markers. METHODS: A significant sample (461 individuals) of European, African, and Native American populations was analyzed, and four linkage groups were identified. The data obtained were used to describe the ancestral contribution of populations from four different geographical regions of Brazil (745 individuals). RESULTS: The global interethnic admixture estimates of the four mixed populations under investigation were calculated applying all the 24 insertion/deletion (INDEL) markers. In the North region, a larger Native Americans ancestry was observed (42%). The Northeast and Southeast regions had smaller Native American contribution (27% in both of them). In the South region, there was a large European contribution (46%). CONCLUSIONS: The estimates obtained are compatible with expectations for a colonization model with biased admixture between European men (one X chromosome) and Native American and African women (two X chromosomes), so the 24 X-INDEL panel described here can be a useful to make admixture interethnic estimates in Brazilian populations.

X-linked insertion/deletion polymorphisms: forensic applications of a 33-markers panel.

Insertion/deletion (INDEL) polymorphisms are diallelic markers with potential characteristics for use in forensics and biological anthropology, including: the simplicity of laboratory analysis, the possibility of genotyping many markers in a single PCR multiplex reaction, as well as analyzing markers with special inheritance types, such as those linked to the X chromosome (X-INDEL). In this work we developed a laboratory analysis methodology using a 33-INDEL marker panel for the X chromosome in a single PCR multiplex reaction, followed by a capillary electrophoresis run. We employed the panel to genotype a sample of 351 individuals of a mixed population from the Brazilian Amazon. The results demonstrate that the measurement of biostatistical parameters for forensic use in this population is compatible with prior estimates from other populations using current X-STR panels.