Multivariate Analysis of Genetic and Environmental Influences for Longitudinal Height and Weight Data

1987 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Fischbein ◽  
N.L. Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Linear Pattern ◽  
Additive Genetic Model ◽  
First Time ◽  
Weight Data ◽  
Time Point

AbstractA multivariate analysis of genetic and environmental influences on longitudinal height and weight data from a Swedish twin sample is presented. For height in boys, genetic correlations of all ages with the first time point decrease during puberty and increase afterwards. A more linear pattern is evident for the girls. For weight in boys, genetic and environmental correlations are similar to the ones for height. Genetic correlations for girls are stable with age, while environmental correlations peak at 13.5 years and decrease drastically thereafter. The patterns for height and weight in boys suggest that a new set of genes may be turned on during puberty and turned off again afterwards. The pattern found for weight in girls indicates that a simple additive genetic model is not appropriate. It is necessary, however, to apply the model to actual data from several time points to recognize the inadequacy of the model.

scholarly journals Genetic and Environmental Stability of Neuroticism From Adolescence to Adulthood

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 746-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel G. Nivard ◽  
Christel M. Middeldorp ◽  
Conor V. Dolan ◽  
Dorret I. Boomsma
Keyword(s):  
Rank Order ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Error Variance ◽  
Environmental Stability ◽  
Environmental Variance ◽  
Twin Design ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Variance Matrix ◽  
Simplex Model

Longitudinal studies of neuroticism have shown that, on average, neuroticism scores decrease from adolescence to adulthood. The heritability of neuroticism is estimated between 0.30 and 0.60 and does not seem to vary greatly as a function of age. Shared environmental effects are rarely reported. Less is known about the role of genetic and environmental influences on the rank order stability of neuroticism in the period from adolescence to adulthood. We studied the stability of neuroticism in a cohort sequential (classical) twin design, from adolescence (age 14 years) to young adulthood (age 32 years). A genetic simplex model that was fitted to the longitudinal neuroticism data showed that the genetic stability of neuroticism was relatively high (genetic correlations between adjacent age bins >0.9), and increased from adolescence to adulthood. Environmental stability was appreciably lower (environmental correlations between adjacent age bins were between 0.3 and 0.6). This low stability was largely due to age-specific environmental variance, which was dominated by measurement error. This attenuated the age-to-age environmental correlations. We constructed an environmental covariance matrix corrected for this error, under the strong assumption that all age-specific environmental variance is error variance. The environmental (co)variance matrix corrected for attenuation revealed highly stable environmental influences on neuroticism (correlations between adjacent age bins were between 0.7 and 0.9). Our results indicate that both genetic and environmental influences have enduring effects on individual differences in neuroticism.

scholarly journals Genetic and Environmental Influences on Pulmonary Function and Muscle Strength: The Chinese Twin Study of Aging

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaocao Tian ◽  
Chunsheng Xu ◽  
Yili Wu ◽  
Jianping Sun ◽  
Haiping Duan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Negative Direction ◽  
The Individual

Genetic and environmental influences on predictors of decline in daily functioning, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), handgrip, and five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST), have not been addressed in the aging Chinese population. We performed classical twin modeling on FEV1, FVC, handgrip, and FTSST in 379 twin pairs (240 MZ and 139 DZ) with median age of 50 years (40–80 years). Data were analyzed by fitting univariate and bivariate twin models to estimate the genetic and environmental influences on these measures of physical function. Heritability was moderate for FEV1, handgrip, and FTSST (55–60%) but insignificant for FVC. Only FVC showed moderate control, with shared environmental factors accounting for about 50% of the total variance. In contrast, all measures of pulmonary function and muscle strength showed modest influences from the unique environment (40–50%). Bivariate analysis showed highly positive genetic correlations between FEV1 and FVC (rG = 1.00), and moderately negative genetic correlations between FTSST and FEV1 (rG = −0.33) and FVC (rG = −0.42). FEV1 and FVC, as well as FEV1 and handgrip, displayed high common environmental correlations (rC = 1.00), and there were moderate correlations between FVC and handgrip (rC = 0.44). FEV1 and FVC showed high unique environmental correlations (rE = 0.76) and low correlations between handgrip and FEV1 (rE = 0.17), FVC (rE = 0.14), and FTSST (rE = −0.13) with positive or negative direction. We conclude that genetic factors contribute significantly to the individual differences in common indicators of daily functioning (FEV1, handgrip, and FTSST). FEV1 and FVC were genetically and environmentally correlated. Pulmonary function and FTSST may share similar sets of genes but in the negative direction. Pulmonary function and muscle strength may have a shared environmental background.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Executive Functions and Intelligence in the ABCD Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha M Freis ◽  
Claire Morrison ◽  
Jeffrey M. Lessem ◽  
John K. Hewitt ◽  
Naomi P. Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Middle Childhood ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Twin Studies

Executive functions (EFs) and intelligence (IQ) are phenotypically correlated and heritable; however, they show variable genetic correlations in twin studies spanning childhood to middle age. We analyzed data from over 11,000 children (9-10-year-olds, including 749 twin pairs) in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study to examine the phenotypic and genetic relations between EFs and IQ in childhood. We identified two EF factors – Common EF and Updating-Specific, which were both related to IQ (rs = .64-.81). Common EF and IQ were heritable (53-67%), and their genetic correlation (rG = .86) was not significantly different than 1. These results suggest that EFs and IQ are phenotypically but not genetically separable in middle childhood.

scholarly journals Genetic and environmental architecture of conscientiousness in adolescence

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Takahashi ◽  
Anqing Zheng ◽  
Shinji Yamagata ◽  
Juko Ando
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Genetic Variance ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Genetic Analyses ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Per Se

AbstractUsing a genetically informative design (about 2000 twin pairs), we investigated the phenotypic and genetic and environmental architecture of a broad construct of conscientiousness (including conscientiousness per se, effortful control, self-control, and grit). These four different measures were substantially correlated; the coefficients ranged from 0.74 (0.72–0.76) to 0.79 (0.76–0.80). Univariate genetic analyses revealed that individual differences in conscientiousness measures were moderately attributable to additive genetic factors, to an extent ranging from 62 (58–65) to 64% (61–67%); we obtained no evidence that shared environmental influences were observed. Multivariate genetic analyses showed that for the four measures used to assess conscientiousness, genetic correlations were stronger than the corresponding non-shared environmental correlations, and that a latent common factor accounted for over 84% of the genetic variance. Our findings suggest that individual differences in the four measures of conscientiousness are not distinguishable at both the phenotypic and behavioural genetic levels, and that the overlap was substantially attributable to genetic factors.

scholarly journals Efficacy of compressed sodium chloride (CSC) against E. coli and Candida auris in minutes and methods improvement for testing

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lan N. Truong ◽  
Brayden D. Whitlock
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Improved Method ◽  
Candida Auris ◽  
Antimicrobial Surfaces ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
The World ◽  
Short Time ◽  
First Time ◽  
Time Point

AbstractControlling infections has become one of the biggest problems in the world, whether measured in lives lost or money spent. This is worsening as pathogens continue becoming resistant to therapeutics. Antimicrobial surfaces are one strategy being investigated in an attempt to decrease the spread of infections through the most common route of transmission: surfaces, including hands. Regulators have chosen two hours as the time point at which efficacy should be measured. The objectives of this study were to characterize the new antimicrobial surface compressed sodium chloride (CSC) so that its action may be understood at timepoints more relevant to real-time infection control, under two minutes; to develop a sensitive method to test efficacy at short time points; and to investigate antifungal properties for the first time. E. coli and Candida auris are added to surfaces, and the surfaces are monitored by contact plate, or by washing into collection vats. An improved method of testing antimicrobial efficacy is reported. Antimicrobial CSC achieves at least 99.9% reduction of E. coli in the first two minutes of contact, and at least 99% reduction of C. auris in one minute.

scholarly journals Dynamics of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers at a COVID-19 referral hospital in Milan, Italy

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107060
Author(s):  
Laura Milazzo ◽  
Alessia Lai ◽  
Laura Pezzati ◽  
Letizia Oreni ◽  
Annalisa Bergna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Referral Centre ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Professional Exposure ◽  
First Time ◽  
Time Point

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this single-centre prospective study was to evaluate the trend of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs working at the primary referral centre for infectious diseases and bioemergencies (eg, COVID-19) in Northern Italy and investigate the factors associated with seroconversion.MethodsSix hundred and seventy-nine HCW volunteers were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies three times between 4 March and 27 May 2020 and completed a questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposure, symptoms and personal protective equipment (PPE) training and confidence at each time.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose from 3/679 to 26/608 (adjusted prevalence: 0.5%, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.7% and 5.4%, 95% CI 3.6 to 7.9, respectively) between the first two time points and then stabilised, in line with the curve of the COVID-19 epidemic in Milan. From the first time point, 61.6% of the HCWs had received training in the use of PPE and 17 (61.5%) of those who proved to be seropositive reported symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Contacts with ill relatives or friends and self-reported symptoms were independently associated with an increased likelihood of seroconversion (p<0.0001 for both), whereas there was no significant association with professional exposure.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs at our COVID-19 referral hospital was low at the time of the peak of the epidemic. The seroconversions were mainly attributable to extrahospital contacts, probably because the hospital readily adopted effective infection control measures. The relatively high number of asymptomatic seropositive HCWs highlights the need to promptly identify and isolate potentially infectious HCWs.

Genetic and Nongenetic Bases for the L-Shaped Distribution of Quantitative Trait Loci Effects

Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 157 (4) ◽  
pp. 1773-1787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Bost ◽  
Dominique de Vienne ◽  
Frédéric Hospital ◽  
Laurence Moreau ◽  
Christine Dillmann
Keyword(s):  
Linkage Disequilibrium ◽  
Quantitative Trait Loci ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Quantitative Trait ◽  
Metabolic Flux ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Additive Genetic Model ◽  
Metabolic Mechanism ◽  
Qtl Effects

Abstract The L-Shaped distribution of estimated QTL effects (R2) has long been reported. We recently showed that a metabolic mechanism could account for this phenomenon. But other nonexclusive genetic or nongenetic causes may contribute to generate such a distribution. Using analysis and simulations of an additive genetic model, we show that linkage disequilibrium between QTL, low heritability, and small population size may also be involved, regardless of the gene effect distribution. In addition, a comparison of the additive and metabolic genetic models revealed that estimates of the QTL effects for traits proportional to metabolic flux are far less robust than for additive traits. However, in both models the highest R2's repeatedly correspond to the same set of QTL.

scholarly journals Description and comparison of growth parameters in Chianina and Nelore cattle breeds

1999 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sônia Mara Carrijo ◽  
Francisco A. Moura Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Inflection Point ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Model ◽  
Cattle Breeds ◽  
Model Average ◽  
Different Ages ◽  
Mature Weight ◽  
Nelore Cattle ◽  
Weight Data

Weight data from birth to 18 months of age of Nelore and Chianina, both meat-producing cattle breeds, were analyzed. Data were corrected for significant effects of environment and utilized to estimate genetic parameters through the non-linear von Bertalanffy model. Average values found for growth parameters in Nelore were: mature weight (A), 312.87 kg; integration constant (B), 0.49; maturity rate (k), 0.13; age at inflection point (T(I)), 3.29 months; weight at inflection point (P(I)), 92.70 kg, and maturity interval (1/k), 8.04 months. For the Chianina animals, the values were 751.38 kg, 0.59, 0.10, 6.64 months, 222.63 kg, and 10.98 months, respectively. Nelore animals exhibited higher maturity rate, smaller maturity intervals, reaching mature weights younger than Chianina animals, although lighter than these at maturity. Heritability estimates presented low values, mainly for mature weight (0.093 and 0.212), age at inflection point (0.062 and 0.202), weight at inflection point (0.093 and 0.212) and maturity interval (0.057 and 0.309) (for Nelore and Chianina, respectively). The parameters mature weight and weight at inflection point presented positive genetic correlations with weights at different ages and with similar trends, increasing as age increased, in both breeds. Considering the development period analyzed, from birth to 18 months of age, the parameter maturity rate and the weights at different ages showed genetic correlations which increased until the weight at 150 and 205 days in Nelore and Chianina, respectively, and decreased from these ages on, and the genetic correlations among the parameter maturity interval and the weights at different ages were negative. They decreased until the weights at 150 and 205 days, respectively, in Nelore and Chianina, and increased from these ages on.

Coronary artery myogenic response in a genetic model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (6) ◽  
pp. H2244-H2249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik H. Petersen ◽  
Jonathan Choy ◽  
Brian Stauffer ◽  
Farzad Moien-Afshari ◽  
Christian Aalkjaer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Mouse ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Myogenic Tone ◽  
Chain Gene ◽  
Myogenic Response ◽  
Cardiac Phenotype ◽  
First Time ◽  
Pressure Myograph ◽  
Intravascular Pressure

Hypertrophic cardiac myopathy (HCM) is the leading cause of mortality in young athletes. Abnormalities in small intramural coronary arteries have been observed at autopsy in such subjects. The walls of these intramural vessels, especially in the ventricular septum, are thickened, and the lumen frequently appears narrowed. Whether these morphological characteristics have functional correlates is unknown. We studied coronary myogenic tone in a transgenic mouse model of HCM that has mutations in the cardiac α-myosin heavy chain gene. This transgenic mouse has a cardiac phenotype that resembles that occurring in humans. We examined the possible vascular contributions to the pathology of HCM. Septal arteries from 3- and 11-mo-old wild-type (WT) and transgenic (TG) mice were studied on a pressure myograph. The myogenic response to increased intravascular pressure in older animals was significantly reduced [maximal constriction: 32 ± 4% (TG) and 46 ± 4% (WT), P < 0.05]. After inhibition of endothelin receptors with bosentan, both WT and TG mice had similar increases in myogenic constriction. The sensitivity to exogenous endothelin was significantly reduced in TG mice, suggesting that the reduced myogenic constriction in HCM was due to reduced receptor sensitivity. In conclusion, we show for the first time that 1) myogenic tone in the coronary septal artery of the mouse is regulated by a basal release of endothelin, and 2) pressure-induced myogenic activation is attenuated in HCM, possibly consequent to a reduction in endothelin responsiveness. The associated reduction in coronary vasodilatory reserve may increase susceptibility to ischemia and arrhythmias.

scholarly journals Multiple biological mechanisms result in correlations between pre- and post-mating traits that differ among versus within individuals and genotypes

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1885) ◽  
pp. 20180951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Tuni ◽  
Chang S. Han ◽  
Niels J. Dingemanse
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Male Quality ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Ejaculate Size ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Hierarchical Structure

Reproductive traits involved in mate acquisition (pre-mating traits) are predicted to covary with those involved in fertilization success (post-mating traits). Variation in male quality may give rise to positive, and resource allocation trade-offs to negative, covariances between pre- and post-mating traits. Empirical studies have yielded mixed results. Progress is hampered as researchers often fail to appreciate that mentioned biological mechanisms can act simultaneously but at different hierarchical levels of biological variation: genetic correlations may, for example, be negative due to genetic trade-offs but environmental correlations may instead be positive due to individual variation in resource acquisition. We measured pre-mating (aggression, body weight) and post-mating (ejaculate size) reproductive traits in a pedigreed population of southern field crickets ( Gryllus bimaculatus ). To create environmental variation, crickets were raised on either a low or a high nymphal density treatment. We estimated genetic and environmental sources of correlations between pre- and post-mating traits. We found positive genetic correlations between pre- and post-mating traits, implying the existence of genetic variation in male quality. Over repeated trials of the same individual (testing order), positive changes in one trait were matched with negative changes in other traits, suggesting energy allocating trade-offs within individuals among days. These findings demonstrate the need for research on pre- and post-mating traits to consider the hierarchical structure of trait correlations. Only by doing so was our study able to conclude that multiple mechanisms jointly shape phenotypic associations between pre- and post-mating traits in crickets.

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