HIV/AIDS knowledge level, awareness of public health centers and related factors: a cross-sectional study among Brazilians in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Accurate information is essential so that HIV infection can be detected in time for initiation of HIV/AIDS treatment. Immigrants are at high risk for delayed HIV testing and diagnosis, but foreign residents in Japan also seem to face barriers to accessing HIV/AIDS care. We aimed to assess their knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and awareness of public health centers in Japan (PHCs), and to explore factors related to these items. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of Brazilians, the largest group of foreigners living in Shiga, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey in Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese via the Internet and mail. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors related to "Knowledge of HIV/AIDS" and "Awareness of PHCs". RESULTS: A total 182 Brazilians responded. More than half of them were beginners in Japanese. Most respondents were familiar with HIV/AIDS, but only 58% knew the existence of PHCs, and only 25% knew that HIV testing is available at PHCs free of charge and anonymously. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that PHCs were less recognized by those with intermediate (odds ratio: 5.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.53-21.23) and beginner (odds ratio: 6.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.98-23.45) Japanese proficiency than by those with advanced. CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed the knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and awareness of PHC among Brazilians in Shiga. Their lack of awareness of PHCs due to language barriers may lead to delays in HIV testing among them. Therefore, it is important for PHCs to disseminate information about medical services related to HIV/AIDS in Portuguese and plain Japanese to facilitate their access to HIV testing. However, PHC efforts alone are not enough. Medical interpreters who are familiar with Brazilian culture and customs, and the clinics that employ them, could help the Brazilian community and PHCs to overcome the language barrier and provide efficient and appropriate medical care to Brazilians. This would be one way to eliminate delays in HIV testing for Brazilians in Shiga.

YouTube™ as a source of tooth avulsion information: A video analysis study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Evaluate the informative content in tooth avulsion videos intended for dentists available on YouTube™ and analyse their compliance with the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Google Trends was used to identify the most searched term for tooth avulsion. Tooth avulsion-related videos in Brazilian Portuguese intended for dentists were searched on YouTube™ with a 12-month filter. Two raters reviewed these videos to extract their features and evaluate and qualify them with two 9-point checklists based on the IADT 2020 guidelines. The emergency steps for tooth avulsion at the accident site were assessed before, during and after clinical management; each step received 1 point if present and 0 points if absent. The final score ranged from 0 to 9 points on each checklist (18 points total), and the total score was used to classify the videos as having poor, moderate or rich content. Reliability and video quality were evaluated by an adapted version of the DISCERN tool and global quality scale (GQS), respectively. The data were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U-test, Pearson chi-square test, and the Kappa statistic (p < .05). RESULTS: Of 60 videos, 8 were included. All were uploaded by dental professionals or undergraduate students; the average duration was 11 min (range: 0.40-65 min), and the average number of views was 56.75. Half the videos (50%) had maximum completeness scores for questions about emergency dentist referral before clinical management, and more than half (75%) had maximum completeness regarding the steps required during and after treatment. Rich videos had higher GQS scores (p = .049) without significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Although most videos in Brazilian Portuguese were considered high-quality according to the IADT checklist, half of them presented partial absence of information regarding orientations at the accident site.

Genetic diversity of Gerbich alleles in Brazilians reveals an unexpected prevalence of the GE:-2,-3,4 phenotype.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gerbich (GE) blood group system carries high-frequency antigens and the absence of them leads to rare phenotypes: GE:-2,3,4, GE:-2,-3,4 and GE:-2,-3,-4. Their serological differentiation is limited and misclassification of Gerbich phenotypes may occur, but this can be avoided by molecular characterization. This study aimed to characterize the molecular background responsible for rare Gerbich phenotypes in Brazilian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected eight samples from patients with anti-Ge, six from their relatives and nine samples with normal expression of Gerbich antigens. Serological tests were performed in gel and red blood cells (RBCs) were tested with anti-Ge2 and anti-Ge3. Monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) was performed. Molecular investigation was performed with allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Patient plasma samples reacted with all commercial RBCs. Patient RBCs showed negative results with anti-Ge2 and anti-Ge3. Using MMA two of eight antibodies were clinically significant. Exon 3 was not amplified in any of the patient samples and in two samples from relatives, suggesting the presence of GE*01.-03/GE*01.-03. By sequencing, we identified the genetic variability that interferes with the definition of deletion breakpoints, thus two options of genetic structure were suggested to be responsible for the GE:-2,-3,4 phenotype. CONCLUSION: This study showed for the first time the genetic diversity of GYPC alleles for carriers of Gerbich-negative phenotypes in a Brazilian population and showed an unexpected prevalence of the GE:-2,-3,4 phenotype. It also demonstrated the importance of using molecular tools to correctly classify Gerbich phenotypes for selection of variants in antigen-matched transfusions.

Migration and education on social media: what migrants discuss about education in Facebook groups.

Drawing from a networked perspective of migration and from the concept of "transnational education," this paper investigates the education-related topics discussed in Facebook groups among Brazilian migrants in Germany. The paper examines the "latent ties" activated in migrant Facebook groups as part of networks that can be used to collect information about migratory pathways involving educational opportunities. A qualitative content analysis was conducted with 2.297 posts retrieved from six Facebook groups divided into location, vocational education and training (VET), and professional groups. The outcomes point out that there is a demand for transnational education beyond university degrees. Additionally, the paper highlights that latent ties can be used to collect and cross-check information in migratory contexts involving education.

Ancestry, diversity, and genetics of health-related traits in African-derived communities (quilombos) from Brazil.

Brazilian quilombos are communities formed by enslaved Africans and their descendants all over the country during slavery and shortly after its abolition. Quilombos harbor a great fraction of the largely unknown genetic diversity of the African diaspora in Brazil. Thus, genetic studies in quilombos have the potential to provide important insights not only into the African roots of the Brazilian population but also into the genetic bases of complex traits and human adaptation to diverse environments. This review summarizes the main results of genetic studies performed on quilombos so far. Here, we analyzed the patterns of African, Amerindian, European, and subcontinental ancestry (within Africa) of quilombos from the five different geographic regions of Brazil. In addition, uniparental markers (from the mtDNA and the Y chromosome) studies are analyzed together to reveal demographic processes and sex-biased admixture that occurred during the formation of these unique populations. Lastly, the prevalence of known malaria-adaptive African mutations and other African-specific variants discovered in quilombos, as well as the genetic bases of health-related traits, are discussed here, together with their implication for the health of populations of African descent.

Mutational spectrum of breast cancer susceptibility genes among women ascertained in a cancer risk clinic in Northeast Brazil.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of data on the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic variants among women of African ancestry in the Northeast region of Brazil. METHODS: We performed BROCA panel sequencing to identify inherited loss-of-function variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes among 292 Brazilian women referred to a single institution cancer risk assessment program. RESULTS: The study included a convenient cohort of 173 women with invasive breast cancer (cases) and 119 women who were cancer-free at the time of ascertainment. The majority of the women self-reported as African-descended (67% for cases and 90.8% for unaffected volunteers). Thirty-seven pathogenic variants were found in 36 (20.8%) patients. While the spectrum of pathogenic variants was heterogeneous, the majority (70.3%) of the pathogenic variants were detected in high-risk genes BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and TP53. Pathogenic variants were also found in the ATM, BARD1, BRIP1, FAM175A, FANCM, NBN, and SLX4 genes in 6.4% of the affected women. Four recurrent pathogenic variants were detected in 11 patients of African ancestry. Only one unaffected woman had a pathogenic variant in the RAD51C gene. Different risk assessment models examined performed well in predicting risk of carrying germline loss-of-function variants in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 in breast cancer cases. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence and heterogenous spectrum of pathogenic variants identified among self-reported African descendants in Northeast Brazil is consistent with studies in other African ancestry populations with a high burden of aggressive young onset breast cancer. It underscores the need to integrate comprehensive cancer risk assessment and genomic testing in the management of newly diagnosed Black women with breast cancer across the African Diaspora, enabling improved cancer control in admixed underserved and understudied populations.

Undokai: encontro esportivo dos nipo-brasileiros em Ivoti/Rio Grande do Sul / Undokai: japanese-brazilians sports meeting in Rio Grande do Sul / Undokai: encuentro deportivo de japoneses-brasileños en Rio Grande do Sul

O objetivo deste estudo é compreender como se constituiu o encontro esportivo Undokai dos nipo-brasileiros em Ivoti/Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, no início do século XXI. Realizou-se uma coleta de informações, principalmente em jornais, os quais foram submetidos à técnica da análise documental. Evidenciou-se que o Undokai foi instituído como uma das formas de preservar a cultura do grupo de nipo-brasileiros residentes na cidade de Ivoti. A despeito das dificuldades enfrentadas nos primeiros tempos, tais tradições não foram submergidas com o movimento migratório. Por meio de encontros esportivos, este grupo também buscou distinguir-se diante de diferentes grupos étnicos que compunham a sociedade em que estavam inseridos.

The aim of this study is to understand how the Japanese Undokai sporting event was instituted in Ivoti/Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in the early 21st century. A collection of information was carried out mainly in documentary sources, which were submitted to the technique of documentary analysis. It was evidenced that the Undokai was instituted as one of the ways to preserve the culture of the group of Japanese-Brazilians residing in the city of Ivoti. Despite the difficulties encountered in the early days, such traditions were not submerged by the migratory movement. Therefore, through sporting meetings, this group also sought to distinguish itself from different ethnic groups that made up the society in which they were inserted.

El objetivo de este estudio es comprender cómo se instituyó el encuentro deportivo Undokai de japoneses-brasileños en Ivoti/Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, a principios del siglo XXI. Se recopiló información, principalmente de periódicos, que fueron sometidos a la técnica de análisis documental. Era evidente que el Undokai se estableció como una de las formas de preservar la cultura del grupo japonés-brasileño residente en la ciudad de Ivoti. A pesar de las dificultades enfrentadas en los primeros días, estas tradiciones no fueron sumergidas con el movimiento migratorio. A través de encuentros deportivos, este grupo también buscó distinguirse frente a las diferentes etnias que conformaban la sociedad en la que se insertaba.

Neuroticism, negative life events, and dementia in older White and Black Brazilians.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to negative life events (NLEs) and neuroticism are associated with dementia. It is unknown whether neuroticism explains or modifies the association of NLEs with dementia in older Black and White Brazilians. METHODS: A total of 1747 decedents 65 years and older White and Black (11% Black and 23% Mixed) Brazilians, 53% women, were included in the analyses. Data were obtained in a face-to-face interview with an informant (71% their children) who knew the decedents for 47 years on average. Dementia was classified using the Clinical Dementia Rating. NLEs were assessed with a 10-item scale involving common problems (e.g., death, illness, alcoholism, and financial). Neuroticism was assessed with a 6-item neuroticism scale adapted from the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. Models adjusted for age, sex, and education. Black and mixed-race were combined in the analyses. RESULTS: NLEs (median of 2) were more common in Blacks than Whites (2.04 vs. 1.82, p = 0.007). More NLEs increased the odds of dementia (OR = 1.112, ß = 0.106, p = 0.002), similarly in Blacks and Whites (ß interaction  = 0.046, p = 0.526). More NLEs were also associated with higher neuroticism (ß = 0.071, p < 0.0001), in Whites but not in Blacks (ß interaction  = -0.048, p = 0.006). Neuroticism was associated with higher odds of dementia (OR = 1.658, ß = 0.506, p=<0.001), in Whites but not in Blacks (ß interaction  = -0.420, p = 0.040). Overall, 34% of the effect of NLEs on dementia was associated with the underlying neuroticism trait in Whites (65%, Indirect OR = 1.060, p < 0.001) but no association was evident in Blacks (6%, Indirect OR = 1.008, p = 0.326). Neuroticism did not moderate the association of NLEs with dementia (OR = 0.979, ß = -0.021, p = 0.717). CONCLUSION: The association of NLEs and dementia is partially explained by neuroticism in older White but not in Blacks Brazilians.

Genetic admixture in Brazil.

We review studies from our laboratories using different molecular tools to characterize the Amerindian, European and African ancestry of Brazilians. Initially we used uniparental DNA markers to investigate the contribution of distinct Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA lineages to present-day populations. High levels of genetic admixture and strong directional mating between European males and Amerindian and African females were unraveled. We next analyzed different types of biparental autosomal polymorphisms. Especially useful was a set of 40 insertion-deletion polymorphisms (indels) that when studied worldwide proved exquisitely sensitive in discriminating between Amerindians, Europeans and Sub-Saharan Africans. When applied to the study of Brazilians these markers confirmed extensive genomic admixture. We then studied ancestry differences in different regions by statistically controlling them to eliminate color considerations. The European ancestry was predominant in all regions studied, with proportions ranging from 60.6% in the Northeast to 77.7% in the South. We propose that the immigration of 6 million Europeans to Brazil in the 19th and 20th centuries is in large part responsible for dissipating previous ancestry dissimilarities that reflected region-specific population histories. Brazilians should be assessed individually, as 210 million human beings, and not as members of specific regions or color groups.

Sex prediction by analysis of the morphological characteristics of macerated skulls / Predicción sexual mediante análisis de las características morfológicas de cráneos macerados

The skull is a reliable structure for determining the sex of an adult individual; it is generally resistant in adverse conditions, allowing it to be used for the analysis of sexual dimorphism. In the present study we analysed 10 non-metric characteristics of skulls of Brazilian adult individuals in order to: Determine the strength of association between sex and the morphological characteristics of the skull, the morphological characteristic(s) with greatest diagnostic influence for sex, and analyse whether the morphological characteristics of the skull predict sex. The study included 179 macerated skulls of Brazilian adults, (69 female, 110 male). The sex of all the skulls included was identified. The investigators were calibrated prior to analysis and all the evaluations were carried out under blinding. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used. The sensitivity and specificity were analysed and a ROC curve was constructed. Binary logistic regression was carried out. The SPSS v.22 software was used, with a significance threshold of 5 %. All the characteristics analysed presented statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The frontal profile, the superciliary arch and the glabella presented the greatest sensitivity, best balance between sensitivity and specificity and greatest area under curve. The regression model with the frontal profile, superciliary arch and mastoid process was significant [X2(2) = 115,728 p=0.000, R2 Negelkerke=0.657], and presented correct sex classification in 90 % of cases (Males: 87.4 %; Females: 83.1 %). In unknown individuals for whom the skull is present, non-metric analysis of the frontal profile, superciliary arch, mastoid process and glabella can be used as instruments for sex identification.

El cráneo es una estructura confiable para la determinación sexual de un individuo adulto y suele ser resistente en condiciones adversas, por lo que puede ser utilizado para el análisis del dimorfismo sexual. En el presente estudio analizamos 10 características no métricas de cráneos de individuos brasileños adultos a fin de determinar la fuerza de asociación entre el sexo y características morfológicas del cráneo; determinar la(s) característica(s) morfológica(s) con mejor poder para diagnosticar el sexo; y analizar si las características morfológicas del cráneo son previsoras del sexo. Fueron incluidos 179 cráneos macerados de brasileños adultos, (69 femeninos, 110 masculinos). Todos los cráneos incluidos presentaban identificación de sexo. Los investigadores fueron previamente calibrados y todas las evaluaciones fueron realizadas de forma ciega. Se utilizó la prueba de Chicuadrado de Pearson. Se analizó la sensibilidad y especificidad y se construyó una curva ROC. Se realizó regresión logística binaria. Se utilizó el software SPSS v.22, considerando umbral de significación de 5 %. Todas las características analizadas presentaron diferencias estadísticas significativas (p<0,05). El perfil frontal, el arco superciliar y la glabela fueron las características que presentaron mayor sensibilidad, mejor equilibrio sensibilidad/especificidad y mayor area under curve. El modelo de regresión con el perfil frontal, arco superciliar y proceso mastoides fue significativo [X2(2) = 115,728 p=0.000, R2 Negelkerke=0,657], y presentó una clasificación sexual correcta de 90 % (Males; 87,4 %; Females: 83,1 %). En individuos desconocidos en los cuales esté presente el cráneo, el análisis no-métrico del perfil frontal, del arco superciliar, del proceso mastoides y de la glabela pueden ser utilizados como herramienta para identificación sexual.

Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity in Brazilian immigrants in Massachusetts.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases, and their prevalence is on the rise worldwide. This study seeks to describe the prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity in Brazilian immigrants living in Massachusetts, United States of America (USA). METHODS: Modeled after a survey on behavioral risk factors for chronic disease conducted annually in Brazil (Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico: Vigitel), Brazilian immigrants aged 18+ (n = 361) were surveyed between December 2013 and March 2014. Information was obtained from consenting participants regarding their demographic characteristics, physical activity, dietary and lifestyle habits, and other behavioral risk factors. Weight status was estimated from body mass index (BMI), calculated from self-reported height and weight data. Participants were categorized as overweight/obese if their BMI was ≥25; overweight and obese categories were combined to ensure appropriate sample size. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was estimated using STATA, and significant predictors were identified via multi-variable logistic regression. Odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and p-values were determined. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in the sample was 47.6%. Significant predictors of overweight and obesity were gender (men OR 2.30, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.78; women are comparison group), working in the 3 months prior to the survey (OR 2.90, 95% CI: 1.01, 8.30), and longer duration living in the USA (OR per additional year 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.11). Significant dietary predictors of overweight/obesity included 5 or more days per week of consumption of red meat (OR red meat 3.70, 95% CI: 1.47, 9.26) or of sweetened beverages, like soft drinks also known as soda (OR soda 2.40, 95% CI: 1.00, 5.78) compared with less frequent consumption of these foods. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that long duration of time lived in the USA increases odds of overweight and obesity for Brazilian immigrants living in Massachusetts. Efforts to curb increases in overweight and obesity in this population should focus not only on the men and those who work but also the women. Possible intervention measures should target soda (soft drink) and red meat consumption in Brazilian immigrants.

Clinical and laboratory features of African-Brazilian patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: African-Brazilians comprise a group of blacks and "pardos." As racial differences can be associated with distinct presentations, we evaluated the clinical and serological associations of African-Brazilians with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Sera from 260 adult SSc patients (203 whites and 57 African-Brazilians) were evaluated. Patients with overlap syndromes were excluded. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from an electronic register database. Laboratory analysis included the following: anti-CENP-A/CENP-B, Scl70, RNA polymerase III, Ku, fibrillarin, Th/To, PM-Scl75, and PM-Scl100 by line immunoassay and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cells. RESULTS: African-Brazilian SSc patients presented shorter disease duration (12.8 ± 6.5 vs. 15.9 ± 8.1 years, p = 0.009), higher frequency of nucleolar ANA pattern (28% vs. 13%, p = 0.008), and lower frequencies of centromeric ANA pattern (14% vs. 29%, p = 0.026) and CENP-B (18% vs. 34%, p = 0.017), as well as an association with severe interstitial lung disease (58% vs. 43%; p = 0.044). Further comparison of ethnic groups according to subsets revealed that diffuse SSc African-Brazilian patients presented higher frequency of pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.017), heart involvement (p = 0.037), nucleolar ANA pattern (p = 0.036), anti-fibrillarin antibodies (p = 0.037), and higher mortality (48% vs. 19%; p = 0.009). A different pattern was observed for the limited subset with solely a lower frequency of esophageal involvement (p = 0.050) and centromeric ANA pattern (p = 0.049). Survival analysis showed that African-Brazilians had a higher mortality, when adjusted for age, gender, and clinical subset (RR 2.06, CI 95% 1.10-3.83, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: African-Brazilians have distinct characteristics according to clinical subset and an overall more severe SSc than whites, similar to the blacks from other countries.Key Points • African-Brazilian SSc patients were associated with severe interstitial lung disease and nucleolar ANA pattern when compared to white SSc patients. • When disease subsets were considered, African-Brazilian patients with diffuse SSc presented association with pulmonary hypertension, heart involvement, nucleolar ANA pattern, and anti-fibrillarin antibodies. • White SSc patients were associated with centromeric ANA pattern. • Survival analysis at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, adjusted for age, gender, and disease subset, was significantly worse in African-Brazilian SSc patients.

Sobre crise: significados e perspectivas. Entrevista com Marco Américo Lucchesi / On the crisis: meanings and perspectives. Interview with Marco Américo Lucchesi

Resumo Na entrevista, Marco Américo Lucchesi, professor Titular de Literatura Comparada da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), professor convidado da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), membro e presidente da Academia Brasileira de Letras, apresenta sua percepção da crise atual e do impacto sobre a consolidação da democracia brasileira. Com base em suas experiências como intelectual crítico e atuante, comenta os ataques que assistimos, no Brasil, à cultura e à produção de conhecimento. Ao mesmo tempo, lembra que nenhuma democracia se configura como uma realidade ontológica terminada e ressalta o papel das escolas e universidades na mobilização da cidadania e na difusão de valores republicanos. Frente à constatação de que vivemos uma profunda mudança de registro cultural, aponta algumas conquistas que se expressam, por exemplo, pela presença de índios e negros nas universidades. Reconhecendo o pedido de socorro imerso em todas as crises,convoca-nos a reavivar o sonho e a coragem, combustíveis da utopia, e defende a suspensão das distinções em favor da formação de uma frente democrática e solidária. São análises e convocações que se pautam, o tempo todo, numa firme confiança na potência e na capacidade de resistência da cultura.

Abstract In this interview, Marco Américo Lucchesi, Tenured Professor of Comparative Literature at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), visiting professor of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), and member and president of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, outlines his perception of the current crisis and the impact on the consolidation of Brazilian democracy. Based on his experiences as a critic and intellectual, he comments on the attacks on culture and the production of knowledge that we have witnessed in Brazil. He reminds us that no democracy is a fully-fledged ontological reality and highlights the role of schools and universities in mobilizing citizenship and spreading republican values. He highlights some achievements that are expressed by the presence of Indians and African Brazilians in universities. Acknowledging the call for help inherent in every crisis, he calls upon us to revive the dream and courage and advocates the suspension of distinctions in favor of forming a front of democracy and solidarity. These are analyses and convocations that are based, at all times, on a firm confidence in the power and capacity of resilience of culture.

Familial multiple sclerosis in a Brazilian sample: Is HLA-DR15 involved in susceptibility to the disease?

BACKGROUND: The HLA-DR15 extended haplotype HLA-DRB1*15:01-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*06:02 comprises the strongest genetic risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this work was to investigate whether HLA-DR15 alleles were significantly associated with the susceptibility to MS familial forms (MSf) in an admixed Brazilian population. METHODS: Association analyses between DR15 and the clinical and demographic variables were made. RESULTS: We have genotyped 25 familial cases. The DR15 was detected in 11/25 (44%) of them and in none of controls (P < .00001). DR15 was significantly associated to a foreign ancestor background (P = .029) and later age of onset (P = .018).

Sumô: esporte de japonês em Ivoti/ RS / Sumo: japonese sport in Ivoti/ RS / Sumo: deporte japonés en Ivoti/ RS

Na colônia japonesa da cidade de Ivoti, no Rio Grande do Sul, destacam-se as práticas corporais de lutas e, dentre estas, o sumô. O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar como se sucedeu a prática do sumô em Ivoti, desde as primeiras manifestações, na década de 1960, até meados da década de 2010. Para esse fim, foram analisadas fontes impressas, iconográficas e uma fonte oral. A partir do cotejamento e da interpretação das informações foi possível depreender que, através da prática do sumô, de suas representações e adaptações, os nipo-brasileiros de Ivoti buscaram preservar práticas culturais de seus antepassados, vinculando a arte marcial específica, bem como os momentos sociais atrelados a ela, a uma tradição familiar. Neste cenário, a Associação Cultural e Esportiva Nipo-Brasileira de Ivoti (ACENB) constitui-se em local privilegiado para a promoção do sumô, bem como à manutenção e negociação de representações de identidade.

In the Japonese colony of the city Ivoti, Rio Grande do Sul, the corporal practices of wrestling stand out, among them sumo. The present study aims to investigate how the the practice of sumo occurred in Ivoti, since the firsts manifestations, in the 1960s, until the the mid-2010. For this purpose, printed sources, iconographic sources and an oral source were analyzed. From the collating and interpretation of the information it was possible to understand that, through the practice of sumo and its representations and adaptations, the Japanese-Brazilians of Ivoti sought to preserve cultural practices of their ancestors, linking the specific martial art, just as social moments tied to it, to a family tradition. In this scenario, the Associação Cultural e Esportiva Nipo-Brasileira de Ivoti (ACENB) appears as a privileged space to the development of sumo and the maintenance and negotiation of identity representations.

En la colonia japonesa de la ciudad de Ivoti, en Rio Grande do Sul, destacan las prácticas corporales de luchas y, entre ellas, el sumo. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo investigar cómo se sucedió la práctica del sumo en Ivoti, desde las primeras manifestaciones, en la década de 1960, hasta mediados de la década de 2010. Para ese fin, se analizaron fuentes impresas, iconográficas y una fuente oral. A partir del cotejo y de la interpretación de las informaciones fue posible deducir que, a través de la práctica del sumo, de su s representaciones y adaptaciones, los nipo-brasileños de Ivoti buscaron preservar prácticas culturales de de sus antepasados, vinculando el arte marcial específico, así como los momentos sociales articulados con ella, a una tradición familiar. En este escenario, la Associação Cultural e Esportiva Nipo-Brasileira de Ivoti (ACENB) aparece como local privilegiado para la promoción del sumo y el mantenimiento y negociación de representaciones de identidad.

Analysis of sports-relevant polymorphisms in a large Brazilian cohort of top-level athletes.

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of genetic variants associated with athletic phenotypes. Here, we selected a set of sports-relevant polymorphisms that have been previously suggested as genetic markers for human physical performance, and we examined their association with athletic status in a large cohort of Brazilians. We evaluated a sample of 1,622 individuals, in which 966 were nonathletes, and 656 were athletes: 328 endurance athletes and 328 power athletes. Only the AGT M268T minor allele was nominally associated with the endurance status. Conversely, we found that seven polymorphisms are more frequent in power athletes (MCT1 D490E, AGT M268T, PPARG P12A, PGC1A G482S, VEGFR2 Q472H, NOS3 C/T, and ACTN3 R577X). For all of these polymorphisms, power athletes were more likely than nonathletes or endurance athletes to carry the major allele or the homozygous genotype for the major allele. In particular, MCT1 D490E, AGT M268T, NOS3 C/T, and ACTN3 R577X showed stronger associations. Our findings support a role for these variants in the achievement of power athletic status in Brazilians: MCT1 D490E (T allele), AGT M268T (G allele), PPARG (C allele), PGC1A G482S (C allele), VEGFR2 Q472H (T allele), NOS3 C/T (T allele), and ACTN3 R577X (R allele).

Mojuodara: uma possibilidade de trabalho com as questões étnico-raciais na educação física / Mojuodara: a possibility of dealing with racial ethnic issues in Physical Education / Mojuodara: una posibilidad de trabajar con cuestiones étnicas y raciales en educación física

Resumo Este artigo apresenta a discussão sobre as possibilidades do trato com as questões étnicas na educação física da rede municipal de ensino de Porto Alegre. Ele é parte de uma dissertação cujo tema é a educação física e as questões étnico-raciais e tem como objetivo analisar os dados que emergiram através de um estudo de caso etnográfico. Ele relata a experiência de um professor da rede municipal de Porto Alegre que usa os valores civilizatórios afro-brasileiros como metodologia de trabalho para estruturar sua prática pedagógica.

Abstract This article discusses the possibilities of dealing with racial ethnic issues in Physical Education in the municipal Porto Alegre primary schools. It is part of a master's degree thesis whose aim was to look into physical education and racial ethnic issues and analyze the data that emerged through an ethnographic case study. It reports the experience of a Porto Alegre municipal teacher who uses African Brazilian civilizing values as a pedagogical method to structure his teaching practice.

Resumen En este artículo se presenta un debate sobre las posibilidades de hacer frente a las cuestiones étnicas y raciales en educación física en las escuelas municipales de Porto Alegre. Forma parte de un trabajo de tesis cuyo tema es la educación física y los problemas raciales y étnicos, y tiene como objetivo analizar los datos que surgieron en un estudio de caso etnográfico. Explica la experiencia de un maestro público de Porto Alegre que utiliza los valores civilizadores afrobrasileños como método de trabajo para estructurar su práctica docente.

Cystic fibrosis in Afro-Brazilians: XK haplotypes analysis supports the European origin of p.F508del mutation.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive disorder, being the p.F508del the most frequent mutation. Also, a nearby restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) named XK (KM19 and XV2C) is non-randomly associated with specific CF alleles. Our aim was to analyze the occurrence of the p.F508del mutation and XK haplotypes in Afro-Brazilians CF patients and controls, since these data is available for the other two main ethnic groups found in Brazil (Euro-Brazilians and Brazilian Amerindians), contributing for the whole comprehension of these haplotypes in the Brazilian population. A total of 103 patients and 54 controls were studied. PCR and PCR-RFLP methodologies were used to identify the presence of the p.F508del and the XK haplotype in the subjects. The combined data show that 84.2% of p.F508del mutation is associated with haplotype B and only 15.8% with haplotype A; no other haplotypes were found to be associated with this mutation. Our data suggest that the occurrence of p.F508del mutation and haplotype B in Afro-Brazilian patients occurs probably due to admixture with Euro-descendants. Therefore this mutation and haplotype could be used as a admixture marker.

A practical approach to a low protein diet in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging health public problem in Brazil. Nutritional counseling with focus on protein restriction is a promising strategy to treatment of nondialysis CKD patients due its effects on slowing renal loss. However, Brazilian people have high protein intake, which is a challenge when low protein diet (LPD) should be prescribed. This review describes a practical approach to the dietetic management of nondialysis CKD patients in Brazil. DISCUSSION: Although Brazilian cuisine varies greatly by region, Brazil has current trends of incorporating Western dietary habits, including high intake of red meat. Traditional plant-based foods, such as rice and beans, are also important contributors to the high protein content to the Brazilian diet. Thus, a successful implementation of LPD requires adaptation of these dietary habits, with reduction of portion sizes and adequate food substitution options. Intensive nutritional counseling with specialized renal dietitians is also important to improve compliance to the LPD. Moreover, the precarious health system organization and economic problems are barriers to nutritional care, which could be solved with intensive and specialized perspectives of treatment. The adherence to protein restriction is important for better metabolic and clinical control of nondialysis CKD patients. Early dietetic attention, nutrition education strategies and intensive specialized nutritional counseling are essential to achieve diet habits that promote adherence to the LPD without excluding cultural characteristics of the Brazilian diet.

The need for culturally-tailored smartphone applications for weight control.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 35% of U.S. adults are obese, and this rate is expected to increase by almost 50% by 2030. New media such as smartphone applications (apps) provide a useful and low-cost way to disseminate weight control information. For many culturally distinctive population subgroups, however, there is currently an absence of research-tested smartphone apps for weight control. METHODS: In this commentary, we highlight the need for culturally tailored smartphone apps for weight control and offer recommendations for further research by providing two specific examples: 1) the characteristic dietary patterns and absence of smartphone apps for weight loss for Hispanic Americans, in English and Spanish, and 2) and need for smartphone apps for weight loss for Brazilian Americans, including those who speak Portuguese. RESULTS: Smartphone apps can be an effective intervention for improving diet and nutrition, encouraging physical activity, and reducing obesity, but few randomized controlled trials have been conducted of stand-alone smartphone apps for weight loss that focus primarily on self-monitoring of diet and physical activity. Further, there have been no published studies of apps for promoting healthy diet, better nutrition, increasing levels of physical activity, and weight loss among Hispanic Americans or Brazilian Americans. CONCLUSIONS: Low-cost, effective e-Health interventions (healthcare practices supported by electronic processes) are needed to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and weight control in culturally distinctive subgroups of the population. For weight loss, apps should be developed by use of evidence-based approaches that relate to behavioral theories. Additional public health research is needed to identify low-cost, effective strategies for weight loss for people who have varying levels of health literacy, and for non-English speakers. Culturally tailored e-Health interventions for weight control are more likely to address the needs of individuals and increase their motivation to engage in health promoting behaviors.