Using of Microsatellites to Study the Genetic Polymorphisms of SRYm18 Region in Iraqi Sheep

The origin of animals is usually determined by their paternal genotypes of the genes on the Y chromosome. In addition to the genes and their polymorphisms in the genome of mitochondria that are inherited through dams. In view of the lack of studies focusing on the genes of the Y chromosome in the world and their absence in Iraq. The aim of the present study was to identify the multiple genetic polymorphisms of the SRYM18 gene in the Arabi and Awassi sheep raised in Iraq. The study was conducted in the Genetic Engineering Laboratories - College of Agriculture, University of Basra, as well as in the Basra Genome Laboratory. The amplification of the SRYM18 gene showed genetic polymorphisms and gave a gene segment of (103-880) bp. The number of alleles of the SRYm18 gene was 13 alleles in the Arabi and 16 alleles in the Awassi breeds. The equilibrium test showed that the two breeds were under equilibrium. The two breeds were identical with nine alleles, while the number of special alleles for the Arabi breed was two, while the Awassi breed was distinguished by five. The number of rare alleles reached 20, of which seven were of the Arabi breed, and 13 of them were of the Awassi breed. Mean expected heterozygosity was 0.6386 with nonsignificant Fis for Arabi breed (0.1541) but significant for Awassi breed (0.2213). Mean neutrality was close to lower bound (0.1721) and (0.1270) for Arabi and Awassi breeds respectively

The relationship between the effectiveness of performing technical elements and indicators of static and dynamic balance in young acrobats 6-7 years old

Purpose: to determine the relationship between the performance of basic elements and indicators of static and dynamic balance in the training process of young acrobats 6-7 years. Material and methods. The study involved 16 young acrobats at the stage of initial training (age 6-7 years). All parents of the participants gave written consent for the participation of children in the study. The study involved testing the technique of performing basic elements of sports acrobatics and assessing the static and dynamic balance of young athletes. The relationship between (swallow, shoulder blade, forward squat, wheel (sideways overturning), bridges) and static and dynamic equilibrium tests was determined. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient method was used as a method of statistical analysis. Results. It is established that the largest relationship between the performance of basic elements and static balance in the basic exercises of young acrobats have: Romberg's test with the elements "Swallow", "Stand on the shoulders", "Bridge"; Biryuk test with elements "Swallow", "Wheel", "Bridge"; balance "Swallow" with elements "Swallow", "Wheel"; static equilibrium test with the elements "Swallow", "Rack on the shoulders", "Rolling forward with a squat", "Wheel". Reliable values ​​of the correlation coefficient were established between the tests of dynamic balance and the basic elements of sports acrobatics in young athletes 6-7 years, namely: "Swallow", "Flip forward with a squat", "Wheel" and "Bridge". The analysis of special tests of static and dynamic balance in mastering the basic elements of acrobatics at the first stage of long-term training makes it possible to use them to determine the level of coordination capabilities of young athletes and further improve the use of acrobatic exercises. Conclusions. A reliable relationship between the performance of basic exercises and indicators of static and dynamic balance in young acrobats at the initial stage of training. It is shown that the level of static and dynamic balance is of great importance for the assimilation and improvement of basic elements of technology by young acrobats 6-7 years. Static and dynamic balance tests can be used to individually build training programs and young acrobats. It is shown that sports acrobatics is a significant means of developing the balance of children 6-7 years.

Frequency of CYP2D6*3 and *4 and metabolizer phenotypes in three mestizo Peruvian populations

Wild type genotypes (CYP2D6) and their allelic variants have been described in a sample of a Peruvian mestizo population. The global allele frequency was 0.015 for CYP2D6*3 and 0.051 for CYP2D6*4. The percentages of genotypes described were 97% CYP2D6*1/*1 and 3.0% CYP2D6*1/*3; 90.60% for CYP2D6*1/*1, 8.55% CYP2D6*1/*4 and 0.85% CYP2D6*4/*4. The allelic frequencies of CYP2D6*3 in the Lima subpopulations were 0.022 and 0.010 for Junin; CYP2D6*4 of 0.048, 0.060, and 0.050 for residents of Lima, Junín, and Tacna, respectively. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test for the studied population showed that both frequencies are in equilibrium, p <.05. The metabolizer phenotype was inferred according to the genotypes: 11.54% were classified as intermediate metabolizers (*1/*3 or *1/*4) and 0.85% as poor metabolizers (*4/*4). It is concluded that the frequencies of the CYP2D6*3 and CYP2D6*4 alleles are low for the Peruvian mestizo population compared to the Latin American and tricontinental population, due to their natural population evolution, which is manifested by their decreased metabolic activity, the same that is relevant in clinical practice.

Static Body Balance in Children and Expert Adults Ballroom Dancers: Insights from Spectral Analysis of Shifts

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in maintaining body balance (influence of different sensorial sub-systems) in a representative sample of active Dance Sport competitors (children and adults). Methods: Overall, 13 children and 15 high-level adults sport dancers underwent a static equilibrium test on a force platform, in which 17 different parameters were examined, including a spectral analysis of shifts using an FFT algorithm that can assess the contribution of different somatic-sensory systems on maintaining body balance. Results: Younger subjects rely on their somatic-sensory reactions to maintain their balance, while adults rely more on the vestibular system, according to shifts’ spectral analysis. No differences were noted between the male and female participants. Conclusions: Children predominantly use the somatic-sensory system in body balance, while adults make more use of the vestibular system. According to these results and due to the trainability phases, exercises that challenge the somato-sensorial system are recommended to train balance in young dancers, while exercises that challenge the vestibular system are recommended in adult dancers which who have not developed exceptional somato-sensory balance abilities during their growth and training history.

Frequency of CYP1A1*2A polymorphisms and deletion of the GSMT1 gene in a Peruvian mestizo population

The polymorphic variants of CYP1A1 and the deletion of GSTM1 are present in the Peruvian mestizo population. Wild type and mutated genotypes (WT/*2A and *2A/ *2A) were identified, whose allele frequencies are 0.31 (T allele) and 0.69 (C allele), respectively; 53% with wild type GSTM1 (+) and 47% with null GSTM1. The frequency in Iquiteño emigrants was 0.72 CYP1A1*2A and 25% GSTM1 (-); from Lima 0.67 CYP1A1*2A and 33% of GSTM1 (-). The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test for the studied population showed that both frequencies are out of balance, p > .05. The presence of the risk allele of the CYP1A1*2A polymorphism and the deletion in the GSTM1 gene are high, which could be indicative of a phase I and II metabolic imbalance in this group of Peruvian populations, with potential risks of activating agents procarcinogens thus affecting the incidence of tumor pathologies with an environmental component.

Biochar from Pine Wood, Rice Husks and Iron-Eupatorium Shrubs for Remediation Applications: Surface Characterization and Experimental Tests for Trichloroethylene Removal

Nowadays porous materials from organic waste, i.e., Biochar (BC), are receiving increased attention for environmental applications. This study adds information on three BCs that have undergone a number of studies in recent years. A Biochar from pine wood, one from rice husk and one from Eupatorium shrubs enriched with Iron, labelled as PWBC, RHBC and EuFeBC respectively, are evaluated for Trichloroethylene (TCE) removal from aqueous solution. Physical-chemical description is performed by SEM-EDS and BET analysis. The decrease of TCE over time follows a pseudo-second order kinetics with increased removal by the PWBC. Freundlich and Langmuir models well fit equilibrium test data. The optimized values of the maximum adsorbed amount, qmax (mg g−1), follows this order 109.41 PWBC > 30.35 EuFeBC > 21.00 RHBC. Fixed-bed columns are also carried out. Best performance is again achieved by PWBC, which operates for a higher number of pore volume, followed by EuFeBC and RHBC. Continuous testing confirms batch studies and makes it possible to evaluate the workability of materials in configurations closer to reality. Results are promising for potential environmental application. In particular, the characterization of several classes of contaminants opens the doors to possible uses in mixed contamination cases.

Association between CYP1A1 Gene Polymorphisms and Cervical Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis

IntroductionThis study is to systemically analyze the association of CYP1A1 gene MspI and Ile462Val polymorphisms with cervical cancer susceptibility.Material and methodsThe literatures about the associations between CYP1A1 polymorphism and cervical cancer were retrieved through PubMed, Embase, Chinese biomedical literature database, Wanfang database, Database of Chinese Scientific and Technical Periodicals (VIP) and China Knowledge Network. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and the data in the studies selected were analyzed by Stata 12.0 software. Potential publication bias was assessed with funnel plots and a modified Egger’s linear regression test.ResultsA total of 17 studies were enrolled in this analysis. There were 14 articles on MspI locus polymorphism, including 2448 cases and 2520 controls. We found significant association between MspI locus polymorphism and cervical cancer susceptibility (C vs. T, OR 1.333, 95% CI 1.214-1.464, P≤0.001; CC vs. TT, OR 1.962, 95% CI 1.571-2.450, P≤0.001; CC/CT vs.TT, OR1.591, 95% CI1.406-1.800, P≤0.001; CCvs.TT/CT,OR1.429, 95% CI 1.177-1.736, P≤0.001). Totally, 11 articles, including 2137 cases and 2116 controls, analyzed the Ile462Val locus polymorphism and the risk of cervical cancer. The result showed significant association between Ile462Val locus polymorphism and cervical cancer susceptibility (Val vs. Ile, OR 1.338, 95% CI 1.199-1.493, P≤0.001; ValVal vs. IleIle, OR 1.576, 95% CI 1.188-2.090, P=0.002; ValVal/ValIle vs. IleIle, OR 1.498; 95% CI 1.299-1.728, P≤0.001).ConclusionsBoth MspI and Ile462Val polymorphisms of CYP1A1 gene are associated with the risk of cervical cancer.

THE INFLUENCE OF MINERALOGICAL COMPOSITION ON THE ADSORPTION CAPACITY OF HEAVY METALS SOLUTION BY JAVA NATURAL CLAY, INDONESIA

The adsorption capacity of four clay samples (Boyolali-BYL, Sleman-SLM, Gunungkidul-GK, and Pacitan-PCT) from Java, Indonesia, for copper (Cu) lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) solution was investigated by using batch equilibrium test. The adsorption data were presented using an isotherm curve, and adjusted to the Langmuir equation model, which produced the maximum adsorption capacity of the clay samples. The physical, chemical, and mineralogical analysis showed that the BYL and PCT samples have higher montmorillonite content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and specific surface area (SSA) compared to SLM and GK clay samples. The batch equilibrium test revealed that the clay samples with higher montmorillonite content produced higher heavy metal adsorption capacity due to the higher cation exchange capacity (CEC), and specific surface area (SSA). The batch equilibrium test also show that the adsorption order for the metals cations followed the selectivity order Cu2+ > Pb2+ > Zn2+ >Cd2+. The Langmuir model resulted in the adsorption processes, offering maximum adsorption capacities from 196.08 to 769.23 mg/g for Cu, 217.39 to 416.67 mg/g for Pb, 106.38 to 114.94 mg/g for Zn and 104.17 to 113.24 mg/g for Cd of four clay samples studied. The highest adsorption capacity was achieved for the BYL sample. The lowest was the GK sample, in which the order of the maximum adsorption capacity of clay samples was BYL > PCT > SLM > GK sample. This research indicated that the proportion of montmorillonite content in the clay samples affected the maximum adsorption capacity of the heavy metal in the solution.

Vestibular Function After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes: A Retrospective Chart Review

This retrospective chart review aimed to examine both the vestibular function and causes of dizziness experienced by individuals following a series of major earthquakes and repetitive aftershocks. All patients with balance disorders who experienced the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and their aftershocks completed questionnaires relevant to balance disorders and were enrolled in this study after providing informed consent. There were 2.8 times more patients with balance disorders post the earthquake. Anxiety (P = 0.02), orthostatic dysregulation (P = 0.005), and motion sickness scores (P = 0.03) were all significantly higher after the earthquakes. A subset of participants underwent clinical equilibrium testing, showing significant deteriorations in the equilibrium test results (stabilometry: P = 0.01), cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (P = 0.04), and head-up tilt (P = 0.03) after the earthquake. The findings of this study also suggest that earthquake-induced disequilibrium may be further influenced by physical stressors, including sensory disruptions induced by earthquake vibrations, changes in the living conditions, and autonomic stress. This study increases our understanding of human equilibrium in response to natural disasters. Moreover, these findings will facilitate the management of dizziness experienced during or after such disasters. Future studies should identify strategies for mitigating autonomic dysfunction to prevent post-earthquake dizziness.

Modeling Post-Liberalized European Gas Market Concentration—A Game Theory Perspective

The question of whether the liberalization of the gas industry has led to less concentrated markets has attracted much interest among the scientific community. Classical mathematical regression tools, statistical tests, and optimization equilibrium problems, more precisely non-linear complementarity problems, were used to model European gas markets and their effect on prices. In this research, the parametric and nonparametric game theory methods are employed to study the effect of the market concentration on gas prices. The parametric method takes into account the classical Cournot equilibrium test, with assumptions on cost and demand functions. However, the non-parametric method does not make any prior assumptions, a factor that allows greater freedom in modeling. The results of the parametric method demonstrate that the gas suppliers’ behavior in Austria and The Netherlands gas markets follows the Nash–Cournot equilibrium, where companies act rationally to maximize their payoffs. The non-parametric approach validates the fact that suppliers in both markets follow the same behavior even though one market is more liquid than the other. Interestingly, our findings also suggest that some of the gas suppliers maximize their ‘utility function’ not by only relying on profit, but also on some type of non-profit objective, and possibly collusive behavior.