Assessment of quality of life, psychosocial, and epidemiological aspects in patients diagnosed with tuberculous uveitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life in patients diagnosed as having tuberculous uveitis and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial aspects. METHOD: By conducting standardized interviews, clinical and demographic data were collected using a measure developed in this study. This measure was applied in addition to other measures, namely SF-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and NEI-VFQ-39, which were used to assess health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, and visual functioning. RESULTS: The study included 34 patients [mean age: 46.5 ± 15.1 years, female patients: 21 (61.8%)]. The mean of the VFQ-39 score was 74.5 ± 16.6 and that of SF-12 physical and mental component scores were 45.8 ± 10.1 and 51.6 ± 7.5, respectively, for the health-related quality of life. Anxiety symptoms were the most prevalent compared with depression symptoms and were found in 35.3% of the participants. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous uveitis affects several scales of quality of life, thereby affecting a population economically active with a social, psychological, and economic burden.

Impact of Ag2S NPs on soil bacterial community - A terrestrial mesocosm approach.

Soils might be a final sink for Ag2S nanoparticles (NPs). Still, there are limited data on their effects on soil bacterial communities (SBC). To bridge this gap, we investigated the effects of Ag2S NPs (10 mg kg-1 soil) on the structure and function of SBC in a terrestrial indoor mesocosm, using a multi-species design. During 28 days of exposure, the SBC function-related parameters were analysed in terms of enzymatic activity, community level physiological profile, culture of functional bacterial groups [phosphorous-solubilizing bacteria (P-SB) and heterotrophic bacteria (HB)], and SBC structure was analysed by 16S rRNA gene-targeted denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The SBC exposed to Ag2S NPs showed a significative decrease of functional parameters, such as ß-glucosidase activity and L-arginine consumption, and increase of the acid phosphatase activity. At the structural level, significantly lower richness and diversity were detected, but at later exposure times compared to the AgNO3 treatment, likely because of a low dissolution rate of Ag2S NPs. In fact, stronger effects were observed in soils spiked with AgNO3, in both functional and structural parameters. Changes in SBC structure seem to negatively correlate with parameters related to phosphorous (acid phosphatase activity) and carbon cycling (abundance of HB, P-SB, and ß-glucosidase activity). Our results indicate a significant effect of Ag2S NPs on SBC, specifically on parameters related to carbon and phosphorous cycling, at doses as low as 10 mg kg-1 soil. These effects were only observed after 28 days, highlighting the importance of long-term exposure experiments for slowly dissolving NPs.

Estudo queiloscópico em graduandos da Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco: estudo-piloto / Study cheiloscopy in undergraduate of the Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco: pilot study

Esse estudo teve como objetivo identificar e classificar os sulcos das impressões labiais obtidas, e estabelecer relação entre os tipos de sulcos presentes nas impressões labiais e o fenótipo cor da pele e o sexo. A amostra foi composta por 60 estudantes de graduação do curso de Odontologia, de ambos os sexos. Para determinação e classificação dos sulcos labiais (Tipos I, I', II, III, IV e V), fez-se uso de amostras individuais de batons para tomada das impressões em suporte de cartolina branca. O sulco labial mais comum encontrado foi o Tipo I, seguido pelo Tipo II e pelo Tipo I'. Nos sexos feminino e masculino, o Tipo I e Tipo II foram os padrões dominantes. Os sulcos do Tipo II e I` foram predominantes em melanodermas; nos faiodermas e leucoderma, no entanto, os padrões predominantes foram os Tipos I e II. Pode-se concluir que a análise da impressão labial tem o potencial para o reconhecimento do gênero de um indivíduo, embora requeira um estudo detalhado para a realização correta do queilograma... (AU)

The aim of this study was to identify and classify the grooves of lip prints obtained, and establish a relationship between the types of labial grooves present on the prints and the phenotype of skin color and gender. The sample consisted of 60 graduate students, of both sexes. For determination and classification of lip grooves (Types I, I', II, III, IV and V), individual lip printing taken from lipsticks on white cardboard were used. The most common labial groove found, according to the classification proposed by Suzuky and Tsuchihaschi (1970), was type I, followed by Type II and Type I'. In females and in males, Type I and II were the dominant patterns. The grooves of the type II and I' were prevalent in melanoderm, in faioderm and in Caucasian the predominants patterns were types I and II. It can be concluded that lip print analysis has the potential for the recognition of the gender of an individual, but requires a detailed study to correctly perform the cheilogram... (AU)

Vertebrate tropomyosin as an allergen

No disponible

Fatores relacionados à queda de pacientes em um hospital público: percepção de coordenadores de enfermagem / Factors related to patient's fall in a public hospital: perception of nursing coordinatiors / Factores relacionados con la caída de los pacientes en un hospital público: percepciones de coordinadores de enfermería

O artigo analisa a percepção de coordenadores de enfermagem dos setores assistenciais quanto aos fatores relacionados à queda de pacientes. É um estudo exploratório, descritivo, realizado em hospital público de grande porte e alta complexidade, da Cidade de Salvador (BA). Foram entrevistados 16 coordenadores de enfermagem. Os participantes apontaram, como fatores relacionados à ocorrência de quedas: a) referentes ao paciente: confusão mental e desorientação (44%), não solicitação de auxílio da enfermagem (31%) e sonolência (25%); b) relacionados ao ambiente: uso inadequado de equipamentos ou ausência de grades no leito (50%); c) relacionados à terapêutica medicamentosa: uso de tranquilizantes, sedativos e hipnóticos (44%); e d) relacionados aos cuidados de enfermagem: a falta de ações preventivas (50%), anamnese incompleta (44%). Como consequências das quedas foram citados traumatismos cranianos e exames de alto custo. Tais resultados sugerem que os coordenadores de enfermagem têm clara percepção quanto aos fatores e consequências relacionados à queda de pacientes. Implantar o Programa Nacional de Segurança do Paciente pode contribuir para melhoria dos processos assistenciais e redução do risco de quedas. Além disso, são necessários investimentos em infraestrutura física, a modernização de equipamentos, a implantação e uso de protocolos e a adoção de uma cultura organizacional centralizada na segurança do paciente.

The main objective was to analyze the perception of nursing coordinators of welfare sectors regarding factors related to patient falls. An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted in a big and complex Public Hospital in Salvador (BA). An amount of 16 nursing coordinators were interviewed. The answers indicated as factors related to falls: a) regarding the patient: mental confusion and disorientation (44%), the not request of nursing aid (31%) and somnolence (25%); b) regarding the environment: inappropriate equipment or absence of bed rails (50%); c) regarding drug therapy: use of tranquilizers, sedatives and hypnotics (44%) and d) regarding nursing care: lack of preventive actions (50%), incomplete anamnesis (44%) and inadequate care of patients at risk of falling (6 %). As consequence of the falls were cited head injuries and expensive exams. The results suggest that the nursing coordinators have clear perception on factors and consequences related to the falls. Implementing the National Patient Safety Program can contribute to the improvement of nursing processes and to the reduction of the risk of falls. In addition, investments are needed in physical infrastructure, in modernization of equipment, in deployment and use of protocols and in the adoption of an organizational culture focused on the patient's safety.

El objetivo fue analizar la percepción de los coordinadores de enfermería de los sectores de bienestar con respecto a los factores relacionados con la caída de pacientes. Es estudio exploratorio, descriptivo en un hospital público de grande y alta complejidad, en la ciudad de Salvador (BA). Los encuestados señalaron los factores relacionados con caídas: a) para el paciente: confusión mental y desorientación (44%); no solicitar la asistencia de enfermería (31%) y somnolencia (25%). b) en relación con el entorno: uso inadecuado del equipo o falta de barandillas en la cama (50%). El uso incorrecto del equipo o la ausencia de las barandillas de cama (50%). c) en relación con la terapia con medicamentos: el uso de tranquilizantes, sedantes e hipnóticos (44%) y d) en relación con la atención: la falta de acciones preventivas (50%), anamnesis incompleta (44%) y la atención inadecuada con los pacientes que tienen riesgo de caídas (6%). Como consecuencia de las caídas fueron nombrados lesiones en la cabeza y exámenes de alto costo. Estos resultados sugieren que los coordinadores de enfermería tienen una percepción clara de los factores y consecuencias relacionadas con caídas de pacientes. La implementación del Programa Nacional de Seguridad del Paciente puede contribuir a mejorar los procesos de atención y reducir el riesgo de caídas. Además, se necesitan inversiones en infraestructura física, la modernización del equipo, el despliegue y el uso de protocolos y la adopción de una cultura organizacional enfocada en la seguridad del paciente.

Determining the health-related quality of life in individuals with haemophilia in developing economies: results from the Brazilian population.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies show the negative impact of haemophilia in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This issue is not well explored in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the HRQOL and its associated factors in patients with haemophilia A/B in Brazil. Data were collected by questionnaire and in medical records, including a Portuguese version of Haem-A-Qol. RESULTS: Brazilian patients were invited to the study and 175 participants (147 haemophilics A and 28 haemophilics B) were included. The total score of the Haem-A-QoL had a median of 36.96 (range of 0-100), with worse performance in 'sport and leisure' and best on 'relationships' fields. HRQOL was worst among the older participants, the less educated, non-white, non-working, who were hospitalized in the last year, who did not have a single medical consultation and among those with the highest number of affected joints. Moreover, patients with hepatitis B had a significantly worse HRQOL in the domain 'sports and leisure', also observed in married patients. Otherwise, married individuals reported better HRQOL on 'dealing with the disease' domain. Patients with haemophilia B reported worse HRQOL in the domain 'self-perception'. CONCLUSION: The results obtained could be helpful in guidance of haemophilia treatment which is determinant to improve HRQoL of the most vulnerable groups of patients. This work also reinforced the relevance of joint bleeds in all aspects of HRQoL in haemophilic patients. The use of prophylactic factor concentrates and multidisciplinary treatments could contribute to improve the quality of life in haemophilia.

Association between mode of delivery and neonatal deaths and complications in term pregnancy: a cohort study in Brazil.

AIM: Aim of the study was analyzing the association between mode of delivery and neonatal mortality/ morbidity in term pregnancy. METHODS: Cohort study with births of liveborn normally formed fetuses from single term pregnancies in a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2003 to March 2004 (total of 1471 births). Data were collected from medical records. We defined 'elective caesareans' as those performed before labor. Four analyses were made: caesarean vs. vaginal, elective vs. non elective caesarean, elective caesarean vs. trial of labor, elective caesarean vs. women in labor. Outcomes studied were: neonatal deaths, jaundice, low Apgar score at 5 minutes, prolonged mechanical ventilation, convulsions, meconium aspiration syndrome, obstetrical trauma and late discharge. Adjustments were made for possible confounders. The chi square test was used along with logistic regression for the analyses. A significance level of 5% was assumed. RESULTS: A significant negative association between elective caesareans and neonatal death was found, neonatal complications taken as a whole and neonatal complications plus deaths. For example, elective caesarean versus women in labor for the outcome any neonatal complication, adjusted odds ratio 0.59; confidence interval 0.31-0.89. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a significant negative association of elective caesarean and neonatal mortality and morbidity in term pregnancy.

Características agronômicas e rendimento de girassol em diferentes épocas de semeadura e populações de plantas no Recôncavo da Bahia / Agronomic characteristics and yield of sunflower at different times of sowing and plant populations in the hollow of Bahia

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características agronômicas e produtivas do cultivar de girassol, Embrapa ­ 122, semeado em épocas e densidades de plantas diferentes para o Recôncavo Baiano. Os experimentos foram realizados na área da Estação Experimental da EBDA no município de Conceição do Almeida/BA e na área do IF Baiano, no município de Catu/BA. Para cada experimento utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram: T1 (35.000 plantas ha-1), T2 (45.000 plantas ha-1), T3 (55.000 plantas ha-1) e T4 (75.000 plantas ha-1). Por ocasião da maturidade fisiológica (R9) foram avaliados os parâmetros altura final da planta (AP), o diâmetro da haste (DH), diâmetro de capítulos (DC), massa de 1000 aquênios (M1000) e o índice de colheita (IC), determinado pela relação entre a massa seca total acumulada da ultima coleta e da produção de aquênios e a massa de aquênios da parcela útil para determinação da produtividade (kg ha-1), com a correção da umidade para 13%. Ocorreu a interação positiva entre o fator época ao longo do crescimento em AP, DH e NF. As épocas de semeadura e as populações de plantas propostas podem ter sido negativamente influenciadas pelo baixo índice pluviométrico verificado nas duas localidades que ocasionou diminuição no diâmetro dos capítulos, peso de 1000 aquênios e, portanto, a redução da produtividade.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic and productive characteristics of cultivating of sunflower, Embrapa 122, sown at different times and plant populations for the Bahian Recôncavo. The experiments had been carried through in the area of the Experimental Station of the EBDA, in the city of Conceição of the Almeida/BA and in the Bahian IF, in the city of Catu/BA. For each experiment, we used the randomized block design with four treatments and four repetitions. The treatments were T1 (35.000 plants ha-1), T2 (45.000 plants ha-1), T3 (55.000 plants ha-1) and T4 (75.000 plants ha-1). At physiological maturity (R9) when evaluated for final plant height (AP), stem diameter (DH), diameter of chapters (DC), mass of 1000 seeds (M1000) and harvest index (IC), determined by the ratio between the total dry matter accumulated from the last collection and production achene weight and achene plot useful for determining the yield (kg ha-1), with the correction of the humidity to 13%. Positive interaction between the time factors occurred throughout the growth in AP, DH and NF. The sowing dates and plant populations' proposals may have been negatively influenced by low rainfall observed in two locations that caused a reduction in head diameter, weight of 1000 seeds and thus reduced productivity.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein distribution in the elderly: the Bambuí Cohort Study, Brazil

The measurement of the serum concentration of the acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) provides a useful marker in clinical practice. However, the distribution of CRP is not available for all age and population groups. This study assessed the distribution of high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP) by gender and age in 1470 elderly individuals from a Brazilian community that participates in the Bambuí Cohort Study. Blood samples were collected after 12 h of fasting and serum samples were stored at -70°C. Measurements were made with a commercial hs-CRP immunonephelometric instrument. More than 50% of the results were above 3.0 mg/L for both genders. Mean hs-CRP was higher in women (3.62 ± 2.58 mg/L) than in men (3.03 ± 2.50 mg/L). This difference was observed for all ages, except for the over-80 age group. This is the first population-based study to describe hs-CRP values in Latin American elderly subjects. Our results indicate that significant gender differences exist in the distribution of hs-CRP, and suggest that gender-specific cut-off points for hs-CRP would be necessary for the prediction of cardiovascular risks.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein distribution in the elderly: the Bambuí Cohort Study, Brazil.

The measurement of the serum concentration of the acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) provides a useful marker in clinical practice. However, the distribution of CRP is not available for all age and population groups. This study assessed the distribution of high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP) by gender and age in 1470 elderly individuals from a Brazilian community that participates in the Bambuí Cohort Study. Blood samples were collected after 12 h of fasting and serum samples were stored at -70°C. Measurements were made with a commercial hs-CRP immunonephelometric instrument. More than 50% of the results were above 3.0 mg/L for both genders. Mean hs-CRP was higher in women (3.62 ± 2.58 mg/L) than in men (3.03 ± 2.50 mg/L). This difference was observed for all ages, except for the over-80 age group. This is the first population-based study to describe hs-CRP values in Latin American elderly subjects. Our results indicate that significant gender differences exist in the distribution of hs-CRP, and suggest that gender-specific cut-off points for hs-CRP would be necessary for the prediction of cardiovascular risks.

Premature rupture of membranes before 28 weeks managed expectantly: maternal and perinatal outcomes in a developing country.

This study aimed to assess outcomes of expectant management for early preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This retrospective cohort involved 66 women with PPROM <28 weeks managed in a single hospital (1999-2006). Main outcomes were chorioamnionitis, severe maternal morbidity (maternal sepsis, haemorrhage/blood transfusion, hysterectomy or admission to intensive care unit), maternal mortality, low birth weight, preterm birth, neonatal infection and perinatal mortality. Mean gestational ages at PPROM and delivery were 21.7 ± 4.2 and 28.4 ± 5.9 weeks, respectively. Chorioamnionitis was diagnosed in 47%; no cases of severe maternal morbidity or mortality occurred. Stillbirth rate was 25.7% and >80% of infants were delivered before 34 weeks. Neonatal infection was diagnosed in 42.9% of the 49 live-births. Overall survival rate was 57.6%. Expectant management of PPROM <28 weeks resulted in high rates of chorioamnionitis and preterm deliveries but in over half of the cases, a live infant was discharged home.

Effect of abrupt discontinuation versus gradual dose reduction of postmenopausal hormone therapy on hot flushes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of the abrupt discontinuation of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and reduction of the daily dosage of the hormone on climacteric symptoms. METHODS: The study included Brazilian postmenopausal women who were using estrogen-progestogen hormone therapy in full doses previously prescribed for vasomotor symptoms. The patients were randomized to receive one of three treatments: placebo for 6 months; estradiol (E2) 1 mg/day + norethisterone acetate (NETA) 0.5 mg/day for 2 months, followed by placebo for 4 months; or E2 1 mg/day + NETA 0.5 mg/day for 4 months, followed by placebo for 2 months. The climacteric symptoms were assessed by the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index at baseline and at 2, 4 and 6 months. Statistical evaluation was performed using the chi(2) or Fisher's test for categorical data, the Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical data, and ANOVA for time and group relationship with the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. RESULTS: We randomized 60 women (20 in each group), and 54 completed the study. It was observed that both the full Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index and the hot flush score did not change significantly in the HT group during low-dose therapy compared with baseline; however, the evaluation performed at 2 months after low-dose-HT cessation showed that the full Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index and the hot flush score were similar to those of the group who stopped HT abruptly and significantly higher than at baseline (hot flush scores: p < 0.001 for all three groups at months 2, 4 and 6, respectively, vs. baseline). CONCLUSION: Discontinuation of HT by reducing the daily dose of estrogen for a period of 2 or 4 months did not differ in its effect from that of abrupt cessation with regard to vasomotor symptoms.

Breast arterial calcification is a predictive factor of cardiovascular disease in Brazilian postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and breast arterial calcification (BAC), as well as the prevalence rates of these conditions in Brazilian postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 307 women over 40 years of age who were receiving care at the gynecology clinic of the Center for Women's Integrated Healthcare (CAISM), ABC School of Medicine. All these women had been amenorrheic for at least 12 months and had undergone mammography in the preceding 12 months. Cardiovascular disease and its subtypes were evaluated, as well as its association with BAC. Means and standard deviations, absolute frequencies and percentages were calculated, and univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55.2 +/- 6.8 years; age at menopause was 48.5 +/- 4 years. Time since menopause was 80.2 +/- 75.4 months; 96.1% of the patients were non-smokers and 46.3% were using hormone therapy. Of the patients, 33.6% had systemic arterial hypertension, 4.9% had diabetes mellitus and 5.2% had hypercholesterolemia. The mean body mass index was 27.3 +/- 4.3 kg/m(2). CVD was found in 6.8% and BAC in 8.5% of the women. Significantly more women with BAC had CVD compared to the women who did not have this condition (23.1% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.0006). BAC was associated with an odds ratio of 8.13 (95% confidence interval 2.68-24.64) for predicting CVD. CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women, breast arterial calcification may represent a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

The influence of socio-economic conditions on the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its covariates in an elderly population with slight income differences: the Bambuí Health and Aging Study (BHAS).

BACKGROUND: The influence of socio-economic conditions on covariates of depression has received little attention. AIMS: Examine whether prevalence and covariates of depressive symptoms are affected by socio-economic circumstances. METHODS: Participants were 1,499 (86%) residents in Bambuí city, Brazil, aged ->- 60 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the GHQ-12 questionnaire and exploratory variables included demographic characteristics, life events, social support, health conditions and health service use. The analysis was stratified by family income (- US$240.00). RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in those with lower income (43.9%) in comparison with the better off (27.7%). Dissatisfaction with relationships, worse self-rated health and insomnia were independently associated with depressive symptoms in both income groups (OR from 2.00 to 4.74; p<0.05). Depressive symptoms were associated with number of chronic diseases, functional disability and hospitalizations among the poorer (OR from 1.73 to 2.37; p<0.05), while old age (OR 2.08) and female gender (OR 2.03) were associated with depressive symptoms among the better off. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their covariates are influenced by socio-economic conditions in a population with slight income differences.

Association of ApoE polymorphisms with prevalent hypertension in 1406 older adults: the Bambuí Health Aging Study (BHAS).

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism influences lipid metabolism, but its association with arterial hypertension is controversial. The objective of this study was to examine the association between ApoE polymorphism and prevalent hypertension in a large unselected population of older adults. Participants from the baseline of the Bambuí Health Aging Study whose ApoE genes had been genotyped were selected for this study (N = 1406, aged 60-95 years). These subjects represented 80.7% of the total elderly residents in Bambuí city, MG, Brazil. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure > or =140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure > or =90 mmHg, or the use of anti-hypertensive medication. The exposure variable was the ApoE genotype as follows: epsilon3 carriers, epsilon3epsilon3; epsilon2 carriers, epsilon2epsilon2 or epsilon2epsilon3, and epsilon4 carriers, epsilon3epsilon4 or epsilon4epsilon4. Potential confounding variables were age, gender, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, uric acid, and creatinine levels. The prevalence of hypertension was 61.3%. Compared with the epsilon3 homozygotes, neither the epsilon2 nor the epsilon4 carrier status was associated with hypertension (adjusted prevalence ratios = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.83-1.07 and 0.98, 0.89-1.07, respectively). On the other hand, the epsilon2 allele carriers had lower LDL cholesterol levels (P < 0.001) and the epsilon4 carriers had higher LDL cholesterol levels (P = 0.036). This study provides epidemiologic evidence that the ApoE genotype is not associated with prevalent hypertension in old age.

Association of ApoE polymorphisms with prevalent hypertension in 1406 older adults: the Bambuí Health Aging Study (BHAS)

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism influences lipid metabolism, but its association with arterial hypertension is controversial. The objective of this study was to examine the association between ApoE polymorphism and prevalent hypertension in a large unselected population of older adults. Participants from the baseline of the Bambuí Health Aging Study whose ApoE genes had been genotyped were selected for this study (N = 1406, aged 60-95 years). These subjects represented 80.7 percent of the total elderly residents in Bambuí city, MG, Brazil. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ³140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ³90 mmHg, or the use of anti-hypertensive medication. The exposure variable was the ApoE genotype as follows: e3 carriers, e3e3; e2 carriers, e2e2 or e2e3, and e4 carriers, e3e4 or e4e4. Potential confounding variables were age, gender, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, uric acid, and creatinine levels. The prevalence of hypertension was 61.3 percent. Compared with the e3 homozygotes, neither the e2 nor the e4 carrier status was associated with hypertension (adjusted prevalence ratios = 0.94, 95 percentCI = 0.83-1.07 and 0.98, 0.89-1.07, respectively). On the other hand, the e2 allele carriers had lower LDL cholesterol levels (P < 0.001) and the e4 carriers had higher LDL cholesterol levels (P = 0.036). This study provides epidemiologic evidence that the ApoE genotype is not associated with prevalent hypertension in old age.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism distribution in an elderly Brazilian population: the Bambuí Health and Aging Study

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is one of the most extensively studied genes in the context of aging, but there are few population-based studies on ApoE polymorphism in the elderly in developing countries. The objective of the present study was to assess ApoE allele and genotype distribution in a large elderly community-based sample and its association with age, sex and skin color. Participants included 1408 subjects (80.8 percent of all residents aged ³60 years) residing in Bambuí city, MG, Brazil. The DNA samples were subjected to the polymerase chain reaction amplification, followed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique, with digestion by HhaI. Analysis was carried out taking into consideration the six ApoE genotypes (e3/e3, e3/e4, e2/e3, e4/e4, e2/e4, and e2/e2), the three ApoE alleles, and the number of ApoE4 alleles for each individual. The e3 allele predominated (80.0 percent), followed by e4 (13.5 percent) and e2 (6.5 percent). All six possible genotypes were observed, the e3/e3 genotype being the most frequent (63.4 percent). This distribution was similar to that described in other western populations. Sex was not associated with number of ApoE4 alleles. Black skin color was significantly and independently associated with the presence of two ApoE4 alleles (age-sex adjusted OR = 7.38; 95 percentCI = 1.93-28.25), showing that the African-Brazilian elderly have a high prevalence of the e4 allele, as observed in blacks from Africa. No association between number of ApoE4 alleles and age was found, suggesting the absence of association of ApoE genotype with mortality in this population.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism distribution in an elderly Brazilian population: the Bambuí Health and Aging Study.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is one of the most extensively studied genes in the context of aging, but there are few population-based studies on ApoE polymorphism in the elderly in developing countries. The objective of the present study was to assess ApoE allele and genotype distribution in a large elderly community-based sample and its association with age, sex and skin color. Participants included 1408 subjects (80.8% of all residents aged (3)60 years) residing in Bambuí city, MG, Brazil. The DNA samples were subjected to the polymerase chain reaction amplification, followed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique, with digestion by HhaI. Analysis was carried out taking into consideration the six ApoE genotypes (e3/e3, e3/e4, e2/e3, e4/e4, e2/e4, and e2/e2), the three ApoE alleles, and the number of ApoE4 alleles for each individual. The e3 allele predominated (80.0%), followed by e4 (13.5%) and e2 (6.5%). All six possible genotypes were observed, the e3/e3 genotype being the most frequent (63.4%). This distribution was similar to that described in other western populations. Sex was not associated with number of ApoE4 alleles. Black skin color was significantly and independently associated with the presence of two ApoE4 alleles (age-sex adjusted OR = 7.38; 95%CI = 1.93-28.25), showing that the African-Brazilian elderly have a high prevalence of the e4 allele, as observed in blacks from Africa. No association between number of ApoE4 alleles and age was found, suggesting the absence of association of ApoE genotype with mortality in this population.