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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interethnic relationships of CYP2D6 variants in native and Mestizo populations sharing the same ecosystem.

AIM: To analyze the distribution of CYP2D6 variants in two ethnically-related Mexican Native and Mestizo populations cohabitating the same econiche and their relationships with a distant Mestizo community. MATERIALS & METHODS: 314 volunteers were genotyped for CYP2D6 gene variants (*2, *3, *4, *6, *10, *13, *17, *35 and *41) using predesigned TaqMan probes. CYP2D6*5 and CYP2D6 wtxN were assessed by XL-PCR. RESULTS: CYP2D6*1, *2, *4 and *10 variants represented above 80.9% of total alleles. Chiapanecan communities showed low allele diversity compared with the northeastern population. Principal component analyses demonstrated clustering of both Mestizo populations. Variants associated to ultrarapid and poor metabolism were rare in Natives. CONCLUSION: Sharing of CYP2D6 alleles in both Chiapanecan populations suggests an ongoing gene-flow. Original submitted 8 December 2014; Revision submitted 13 February 2015.

Medicinal plant knowledge in Caribbean Basin: a comparative study of Afrocaribbean, Amerindian and Mestizo communities.

BACKGROUND: The Caribbean Basin has complex biogeographical and cultural histories that have shaped its highly diverse botanical and cultural landscapes. As a result, the current ethnic composition of the Basin is a heterogeneous mixture including Amerindian, Afrocaribbean and a wide range of Mestizo populations. A comparison was done of the medicinal plant repertoires used by these groups to identify the proportion of native species they include and any differences between the groups. METHODS: The TRAMIL program has involved application of ethnopharmacological surveys to gather data on the medicinal plants used for primary care in 55 locations the Caribbean Basin. Three Afrocaribbean, three Amerindian and three Mestizo communities were selected taking in account the Ethnic prevalence. Differences in native and exotic plant used by groups and between groups were done using contingency tables. Identification of differences in the numbers of native and exotic plants used within each group was done with a one sample Z -test for proportions. Similarity in medicinal species use was estimated using the Sørensen Similarity Index. Species use value (UV) was estimated and a principal components analysis (PCA) run to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: The 1,753 plant records generated from the surveys of the nine communities included in the analysis covered 389 species from 300 genera and 98 families. The studied groups used different numbers of native and exotic species: Afrocaribbean (99 natives, 49 exotics); Amerindian (201 natives, 46 exotics); and Mestizo (63 natives, 44 exotics). The proportion of natives to exotics was significantly different in between the Afrocaribbean and Amerindian communities, and between the Amerindian and Mestizo communities, but not between the Afrocaribbean and Mestizo communities. In the PCA, the groups were disparate in terms of the use value they assigned to the medicinal species; these were determined according to species with high use value and those used exclusively be a particular group CONCLUSIONS: Although migration, cultural intermixing and a consequent hybridization of medicinal plant knowledge have occurred in the Caribbean Basin, the results highlight differences between the three studied groups in terms of the medicinal plant repertoire they employ for primary health care.

"The food represents": Barbadian foodways in the diaspora.

As migrants adjust to life in a new country, food practices often shift. The literature shows that many migrants alter their diets to more closely reflect those in the host nation, at least in public venues. Some adjust native dishes to accommodate available ingredients, but may view these changes as rendering foods less "traditional." However, Barbadian transnational migrants in Atlanta experience these alterations differently. They consciously perform Barbadianness by electing to serve "traditional" foods when eating with each other, or sharing with an American audience. Yet, while numerous changes are made to these "traditional" dishes, this does not make them less authentic. These shifts do not alter the legitimacy of a dish, but rather this interaction between the available ingredients and the attempt to create a traditional food is actually a practice of authenticity. The dynamic change that food undergoes in the migrant experience echoes the changing nature of Barbadian foodways throughout Caribbean history.

Pharmacogenetics of coumarin anticoagulants in Brazilians.

INTRODUCTION: Coumarin vitamin K antagonists are the mainstay of anticoagulant therapy in atrial fibrillation, prosthetic heart valves and thromboembolic conditions. Concerns with these drugs include large inter-individual variability in dose requirements, narrow therapeutic index and need to monitor prothrombin time repeatedly. AREAS COVERED: Pharmacogenetic studies and dosing algorithms for warfarin and phenprocoumon. EXPERT OPINION: Gene candidate studies in Brazilian patients verified consistently the association of warfarin and pheprocoumon stable dose requirements with CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms, and minor or no influence of other pharmacogenes (e.g., CYP4F2 and F7). The predictive power of warfarin and phenprocoumon dosing algorithms developed for Brazilians compares favorably with those reported for other populations. A warfarin dosing algorithm derived for an admixed cohort performed equally well in self-reported White and Black patients, in marked contrast with the considerably poorer performance of other warfarin algorithms in patients of African descent compared to those of European ancestry. This discrepancy is ascribed to the extensive European/African admixture among Brazilians. Prospective studies of clinical utility of coumarin dosing algorithms, in the context of the Brazilian Public Health System, would represent an important counterpart to recently published trials in European and North American cohorts with predominant or exclusive European ancestry.

Trajectories of ethnic-racial discrimination among ethnically diverse early adolescents: associations with psychological and social adjustment.

Using longitudinal data, the authors assessed 585 Dominican, Chinese, and African American adolescents (Grades 6-8, M(age) at W1 = 11.83) to determine patterns over time of perceived ethnic-racial discrimination from adults and peers; if these patterns varied by gender, ethnicity, and immigrant status; and whether they are associated with psychological (self-esteem, depressive symptoms) and social (friend and teacher relationship quality, school belonging) adjustment. Two longitudinal patterns for adult discrimination and three longitudinal patterns for peer discrimination were identified using a semiparametric mixture model. These trajectories were distinct with regard to the initial level, shape, and changes in discrimination. Trajectories varied by gender and ethnicity and were significantly linked to psychological and social adjustment. Directions for future research and practice are discussed.

Between Andes and Amazon: the genetic profile of the Arawak-speaking Yanesha.

The Yanesha are a Peruvian population who inhabit an environment transitional between the Andes and Amazonia. They present cultural traits characteristic of both regions, including in the language they speak: Yanesha belongs to the Arawak language family (which very likely originated in the Amazon/Orinoco lowlands), but has been strongly influenced by Quechua, the most widespread language family of the Andes. Given their location and cultural make-up, the Yanesha make for an ideal case study for investigating language and population dynamics across the Andes-Amazonia divide. In this study, we analyze data from high and mid-altitude Yanesha villages, both Y chromosome (17 STRs and 16 SNPs diagnostic for assigning haplogroups) and mtDNA data (control region sequences and 3 SNPs and one INDEL diagnostic for assigning haplogroups). We uncover sex-biased genetic trends that probably arose in different stages: first, a male-biased gene flow from Andean regions, genetically consistent with highland Quechua-speakers and probably dating back to Inca expansion; and second, traces of European contact consistent with Y chromosome lineages from Italy and Tyrol, in line with historically documented migrations. Most research in the history, archaeology and linguistics of South America has long been characterized by perceptions of a sharp divide between the Andes and Amazonia; our results serve as a clear case-study confirming demographic flows across that 'divide'.

The role of ethnicity and travel on Hepatitis A vaccination coverage and disease incidence in Arizona at the United States-Mexico Border.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis A (HAV) incidence has decreased in the United States, yet regional disparities persist. The role of international travel has become increasingly important in HAV transmission. We compared the relative burden of HAV in border and non-border regions in Arizona and examined the role of travel in sustaining HAV transmission. METHODS: HAV vaccination coverage was calculated by age and region, using Arizona State Immunization Information System data. Incidence, demographics, and risk factors of cases reported through Arizona's infectious disease surveillance system between 2006 and 2011 were analyzed. RESULTS: Hepatitis A incidence was higher in the border region of Arizona. Compared with the rest of Arizona, one-dose coverage in children<15 years was lower in the border region until 2008. Second dose coverage was lower in the border region, particularly among Spanish speakers. International travel among cases was generally high; however, in the border region cases were more likely to visit Mexico or South/Central America (94% vs. 80%, P value = 0.01) and be Hispanic (68% vs. 42%, P value = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of HAV continue to be higher in the Arizona border region; the risk appears particularly high among Hispanics with recent travel in the Americas. Border surveillance should be emphasized, along with vaccination of all travelers, to continue to decrease and control HAV.

Maximum bite force in elderly indigenous and non-indigenous denture wearers.

The aim of this study was to compare the measures of maximum bite force (MBF) in elderly edentulous indigenous (Mapuche) and non-indigenous individuals with new complete dentures at two different measuring times. A sample of 100 elderly subjects was divided into two groups: 50 indigenous and 50 non-indigenous, each including 25 females and 25 males. All individuals were totally edentulous, with new maxillary and mandibular removable complete dentures. Measurements were taken at the time of new prosthesis placement and after 1 month of use. Subjects were asked to perform with maximum effort three bites per side at maximum intercuspidation, with a rest time of 2 minutes in between. Statistics were analyzed with Student 's t-test. The MBF values were significantly higher in indigenous than non-indigenous subjects. Force after 1 month of wearing the new prosthesis was significantly higher than at the time of new prosthesis placement. No significant difference was found between sides. Elderly indigenous complete denture wearers had the greatest MBF values. Denture wearers were observed to undergo an adaptation process to the new prosthesis, with MBF increasing considerably after one month of use.

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

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

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

Cultural meanings of musculoskeletal diseases in Chile's Mapuche Population.

INTRODUCTION: Eight out of 10 Mapuche indigenous women have a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and do not seek early medical aid. PURPOSE: To study both the cultural meanings and implications of MSD from the Mapuche worldview. DESIGN: Ethnographic study carried out from 2008 to 2011 on indigenous reserves in southern Chile. Sixty-four Mapuches participated in comprehensive interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed by the research team. FINDINGS: Five cultural domains: (a) foro kutran/bone disease is the general denomination of MSD; (b) Re-Rume Kutran/progressive and incurable course, refers to the course of the disease; (c) Kalül fücha mawiza/body is an old tree, describes internal manifestations such as worn bones, dry body, weak blood, and spiritual weakness; (d) witrür tripai foro/deformation is the external manifestation of MSD; and (e) Reñma ka lof kutran/family and community suffering refers to the impact of MSD. CONCLUSIONS: The explanation of MSD is consistent with the integrated body-nature-spirit worldview of the Mapuche. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: To provide cultural nursing health care so that patients receive prompt diagnosis and care.

Association analysis of CFH and ARMS2 gene polymorphisms in a Brazilian cohort with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between the CFH and ARMS2 gene polymorphisms and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Brazilian cohort. METHODS: We examined 163 individuals with AMD and 154 controls recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, at the Instituto da Visão, and at the Centro Especializado em Olhos, in Brazil, between 2007 and 2012. Genotyping for CFH rs1061170 and ARMS2 rs10490924 single-nucleotide polymorphisms was performed. The odds ratios (OR) for all of the studied genotypes (heterozygous and homozygous) of both genes were calculated compared to homozygous ancestral alleles. RESULTS: Homozygosity for the CFH and ARMS2 at-risk allele was 33.3 and 23.6%, respectively, for AMD individuals and 10.3 and 7.1%, respectively, for controls (p < 0.0001). The OR was 7.2 (95% CI 3.6-14.5; p < 0.001) for the CFH at-risk genotype (CC) and 5.5 (95% CI 2.6-11.8; p < 0.0001) for ARMS2 (TT). Subjects homozygous for both polymorphisms had a much higher risk of developing AMD (n = 14 patients, OR 33.3, 95% CI 12.8-86.4). The proportion of ancestry in each group indicated that AMD patients had a higher European (Caucasian) component than controls. CONCLUSION: CFH and ARMS2 polymorphisms were strongly associated with AMD in this Brazilian cohort.

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

OBJECTIVE: The long face pattern is a facial deformity with increased anterior total facial height due to vertical excess of the lower facial third. Individuals with long face may present different degrees of severity in vertical excess, as well as malocclusions that are difficult to manage. The categorization of vertical excess is useful to determine the treatment prognosis. This survey assessed the distribution of ethnically different individuals with vertical excess according to three levels of severity and determined the prevalence of long face pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was comprised of 5,020 individuals of Brazilian ethnicity (2,480 females and 2,540 males) enrolled in middle schools in Bauru-SP, Brazil. The criterion for inclusion of individuals with vertically impaired facial relationships was based on lip incompetence, evaluated under natural light, in standing natural head position with the lips at rest. Once identified, the individuals were classified into three subtypes according to the severity: mild, moderate, and severe. Then the pooled sample was distributed according to ethnical background as White (Caucasoid), Black (African descent), Brown (mixed descent), Yellow (Asian descent) and Brazilian Indian (Brazilian native descent). The Chi-square (χ²) test was used (p<0.05) to compare the frequency ratios of individuals with vertically impaired facial relationships in the total sample and among different ethnicities, according to the three levels of severity. RESULTS: The severe subtype was rare, except in Black individuals (7.32%), who also presented the highest relative frequency (45.53%) of moderate subtype, followed by Brown individuals (43.40%). In the mild subtype, Yellow (68.08%) and White individuals (62.21%) showed similar and higher relative frequency values. CONCLUSIONS: Black individuals had greater prevalence of long face pattern, followed by Brown, White and Yellow individuals. The prevalence of long face pattern was 14.06% in which 13.39% and 0.68% belonged to moderate and severe subtypes, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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