Significant Difference In Frequency Distribution Research Articles

Air-Ground Characteristic Test and Analysis on Fan Blade Vibration Stress of Turbofan Engine

Obtaining the vibration stress of fan rotor blades under actual working conditions through flight tests is a necessary means to carry out design verification and optimization improvement of turbofan engine. Taking the high bypass ratio turbofan engine as research object, installed ground and flight tests were carried out. The vibration characteristics and stress distribution of the fan blade were obtained by direct measurement means of strain gauge, and the air-ground characteristics of the test data were compared and analyzed. The results show that under the steady state, the vibration stress level of fan blade in ground test is significantly higher than that in flight test; There is a significant difference in frequency distribution of excitation factors on fan blade in the ground and flight tests.

Molecular detection of bovine alphaherpesvirus-1 in cases of reproductive disorders among cattle and buffaloes in Gujarat.

Bovine alphaherpesvirus-1 (BoAHV-1) is an important viral pathogen that causes significant economic losses to the dairy industry. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of BoAHV-1 in cases of bovine reproductive disorder. Clinical samples were collected from various villages in Gujarat using specialized FTA® cards and were tested using real-time PCR assay targeting the gB gene of BoAHV-1. Out of 401 animals, 18.20% (95% CI: 14.74-22.28%) tested positive for BoAHV-1 DNA. The percentage positivity of BoAHV-1 was 20.37% in abortion cases and 19.55% in retention of fetal membrane cases, while only one out of nine metritis cases screened in the study was positive for BoAHV-1 DNA. A higher percentage positivity in buffaloes (22.14%) compared to cattle (16.30%) was recorded, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.169). The frequency of BoAHV-1 detection was higher among crossbreeds (16.76%) and exotics (19.61%) than among indigenous cattle (8.82%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.400). There was also no significant difference in frequency distribution among animals of varying parity, ranging from 15.20 to 33.33% (p = 0.540). This study confirms the widespread circulation of BoAHV-1 and highlights the need for its control and prevention.

Genetic Polymorphism of NQO1 Gene is Associated with Susceptibility of Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Nationality.

PurposeNAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 gene (NQO1) polymorphism is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between NQO1 gene polymorphism and ischemic stroke susceptibility in Chinese Han nationality.Patients and MethodsOne hundred and forty-one patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke and 139 matched control groups were recruited in this study. The polymorphism distribution of rsl800566 locus and rs10517 locus of NQO1 gene was genotyped via TaqMan assay, and the concentration of Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in the blood of the subjects was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between the polymorphism distribution and the susceptibility to ischemic stroke was evaluated.ResultsThe frequency distribution of the three genotypes of NQO1 rs1800566 between the case group and the control group was statistically significant, and cases carrying CT and TT genotype were less likely to suffer from ischemic stroke. Compared with individuals carrying T allele, C allele carriers have higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, there was no significant difference in frequency distribution among the three genotypes of NQO1 rs10517 between controls and patients.ConclusionThe NQO1 rs1800566 C allele may be a novel marker associated with ischemic stroke susceptibility in Chinese Han population. Polymorphism of rsl800566 locus in NQO1 gene may be protective against ischemic stroke risk.

IMPACT OF FGFR4 (GLY388ARG) GENE POLYMORPHISM ALONG WITH VISFATIN CYTOKINE AND HIGH MOBILITY GROUP BOX-1 (HMGB1) ON ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS.

The aim: Evaluating the role SNP rs351855 of (FGFR4) gene and estimating the serum concentration of Visfatin cytokine and (HMGB-1) protein in AC patients and in healthy control blood samples. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from 35 patients and 35 healthy controls, and then the serum was used for ELISA test, another each 2 ml blood were used for DNA extraction and rs351855 of (FGFR4) PCR assay. Results: there was no significant difference in mean HMG and mean visfatin among (FGFR4) rs351855 genotypes in patients and control group. There was no significant difference in mean (HMG) among (FGFR) rs351855 genotypes in patients` group (p = 0.923); there was also no significant difference in mean visfatin among FGFR rs351855 genotypes in patients` group (p=0.161) rs351855 genotypes showed that the homozygous GG, heterozygous A/G and homozygous AA. Despite these minor differences there was no significant variation (p = 0.323), also no significant difference in frequency distribution of individuals according to FGFR rs351855 G>A SNP polymorphism between patients` and control groups (p = 0.454). The same was applied to recessive and allelic analysis p>0.05. Conclusions: There was no role for (FGFR4) rs351855G/A SNP in disease susceptibility to acute cholecystitis in Iraqi patients. Visfatin cytokine and HMGB-1 protein might act as a good biomarker for diseases.

SEM and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Evaluation Of Smear Layer Removal Using Standard And Innovative Irrigation Protocols: A Comparative In Vitro Study

Aim Compare efficacy of Dual Rinse HEDP with sodium hypochlorite to sodium hypochlorite in combination with a finishing rinse with 17% EDTA solution to remove the smear layer. Materials and methods Sixteen human maxillary single-rooted, single canalled sound premolars were used. Specimens were distributed into 2 groups and labeled according to irrigation protocol used. Each group consisted of 8 specimens: Group 1 50% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA. Group 2 The Dual Rinse® HEDP mixed with 50% NaOCl. Roots were prepared for SEM appraisal. The smear layer was assessed and scored. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis was used to analyze the inorganic chemical structure of the treated dentin of the two tested groups. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed.Kruskal-Wallis test tailed by Mann-Whitney test compared mean scores between irrigant solutions and root regions groups. Chi-square test compared the frequency distribution of scores between different groups. Results Smear layer was reduced with The Dual Rinse® HEDP group. Groups exhibited a statistically significant difference in mean scores within apical region and no statistically significant difference within coronal and middle regions. Groups showed a statistically significant difference in frequency distribution of scores within coronal and apical regions. A statistically significant difference in scores frequency existed in between the three root regions within NaOCl+EDTA group While no difference was present in between the different regions within Dual Rinse® HEPD group. Energy- dispersive X-ray analysis showed lower peaks of calcium in the Dual Rinse® HEDP. Conclusion The Dual Rinse® HEDP can be used as one step irrigant.

A Study of Anatomical Shape of arch projected by Alveolar Process of Maxillary and Mandibular Bone

Introduction: Maxilla and Mandible have an alveolar process that bears socket for root of teeth. When the teeth fall or gets extracted there is resorption of alveolar process. The teeth alignment determines the shape of alveolar process. The objectives of the study was to assess the distribution pattern of anatomical shape of arch projected by alveolar process in Maxilla and Mandible and to compare the anatomy of arch amongst the population of Aryan and Mongoloid communities.
 Methodology: A total number of 856 people with intact anatomy of alveolar arch were included in the study. Anatomy of alveolar arches were assessed and noted for all. The brass wire was contoured according the shape of alveolar arch of patients and the shape was observed and noted down.
 Result: The study result showed there was significant difference in frequency distribution of ‘U’, ’V’ and ‘Ovoid’ shape alveolar arch form in maxilla and mandible. There was significant difference in distribution of ‘U’ and ‘V’ shape alveolar arch form in maxilla and ‘U’, ‘V’ and ‘Ovoid’ shape arch form in mandible between mongoloid and Aryan communities.
 Conclusion: ‘U’shape alveolar arch was seen more frequently in mandible where as “V” shape and ‘Ovoid’ shape arch in maxilla. ‘U’ shape alveolar arch was more frequently seen in Mongoloid communities and ‘V’ shape was more frequently seen in Aryan communities. There was no significant difference in comparison of frequency percentage of various types of arch form between the Male and Female.

Distribution of alveolar echinococcosis according to environmental and geographical factors in Germany, 1992-2018

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Despite its low world-wide prevalence, this disease shows differences in the regional distribution of cases. In the present cohort study, we analyse the distribution of AE according to environmental and geographical factors in Germany. We identified the place of residence of 591 cases of AE from the national database for AE, and georeferenced these localities in the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system. Data on elevation, air temperature, precipitation height and land cover were mapped out and correlated with the distribution of cases of disease during the period 1992-2018. Moran's I statistic was used for spatial autocorrelation. Differences in frequency distribution between elevation, air temperature, precipitation height and landscape feature classes were analysed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. With the multiple linear regression analysis, we determined the influences and interactions of geographical and climatic factors on the number of AE cases. The results showed a heterogeneous distribution of AE cases with a higher concentration in southern Germany than in the rest of Germany (I = 0.225517, Z = 35.8182 and p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in frequency distribution between precipitation height, air temperature, elevation and landscape feature classes and AE cases in Germany (p < 0.0001). In regions with higher elevations (505-672 m), moderate average air temperatures (6.0-7.9°C) and higher precipitation rates (701-1000 mm) most AE cases were recorded. It seems, that regions with higher precipitation rates, higher elevations and moderate average air temperatures have a higher infection burden and infection conditions. It is therefore extremely important to generate greater awareness of the disease in these regions, with the aim of recognising potential cases of AE as early as possible and introducing the appropriate therapeutic measures.

APOE4 allele in north Indian elderly patients with dementia or late onset depression-a multiple-disease case control study.

The objective of the study was to analyze the frequency of APOE4 allele in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia or depression; compare these to age/sex matched controls; compare the results with established literature and highlight new findings. A single center, multiple disease, case-control study was performed with three case groups- probable AD patients (n=36), vascular dementia patients (n=29) and depression patients (n=20) and with a control group (n=32). APOE genotyping was performed in whole blood samples collected from patients and controls by restriction isotyping using the enzymes AflIII and HaeII. There was significant difference in frequency distribution of E4 allele between the AD (12/72; 16.7%) and control groups (3/64; 4.7%) (P=0.03). However, no significant difference was found in any of the other comparisons. The current study demonstrates absence of a significant association between APOE4 positivity and presence of late-onset depression in the north Indian elderly and reinforces the higher APOE4 prevalence in LOAD patients but not in VD patients. It is the first study of its kind from the northern part of India involving multiple disease groups and lays the framework for larger cohort studies.

Long working hours, sleep-related problems, and near-misses/injuries in industrial settings using a nationally representative sample of workers in Japan.

Long working hours and a lack of sleep have been suggested to negatively affect the safety of workers. Here, we examined the association between long working hours/sleep-related problems and near-misses/injuries in industrial settings using a nationally representative sample of workers in Japan. Based on the composition ratio of workers by industry, sex, and age in Japan, data from a web-based cross-sectional survey for 18,682 participant full-time workers (7,098 female and 11,584 male; mean age, 43.7 [standard deviation 11.1] years) were analyzed. Nearly 30% and 5% of participants reported any types of near-misses during the past six months and injuries during the past year, respectively. For all types of near-misses and some types of injuries, a significant difference in frequency distribution was observed by industry. After adjustment for demographic, job-, and life-related variables, participants who worked long hours (i.e., more than 51 hours per week) were more likely to report job-related near-misses/injuries than those who worked 35–40 hours per week. The presence of sleep-related problems was also significantly related to near-misses and injuries. However, while sleep-related problems were significantly associated with near-misses/injuries in all industries, the association between long working hours and near-misses/injuries differed by industry. Odds ratios for near-misses/injuries were strongly significant in the “transport/postal services” industry for those who worked more than 51 hours per week compared to those who worked 35–40 hours per week. Comprehensive protective measures for workers, including (1) reducing total hours of service/job-related fatigue, (2) maintaining sufficient sleep hours/good sleep, and (3) increasing awareness about the impact of overwork/long working hours and sleep-related problems on workers’ safety among employers, workers, clients/customers, and the general public might be effective for preventing near-misses and injuries in industrial settings among workers, especially those who work long hours in the “transport/postal services” industry.

Identification and characterization of microsatellite loci in West Atlantic sea cucumber Holothuria grisea (Selenka 1867)

The sea cucumber Holothuria grisea has become the subject of intense and unregulated fishing in northeastern Brazil due to their growing demand in Asian market. However, there is little knowledge about the dynamics and genetics of H. grisea wild populations on the South American coast. In this study, we present the first set of H. grisea microsatellite markers, identified and characterized using Illumina paired-end reads of whole genome shotgun sequencing. From 50 strictly selected candidates, eight novel microsatellite markers were successfully developed. We then genotyped 30 individuals to evaluate the degree of polymorphism and validate the markers. The number of alleles ranged from three to 14, while observed and expected heterozygotes ranged from 0.156 to 0.906 and from 0.283 to 0.774, respectively. After correcting for multiple tests,we found no evidence of linkage disequilibrium in all pairwise combinations between the loci. One locus (Hgr15607) revealed deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, as well as the presence of null alleles. However, we observed significant differences in frequency distribution between males and females at locus Hgr15607. We believe that the markers describedhere will be useful for conservation efforts and management of H. grisea fisheries and for prospective aquaculture of these organisms.

Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR-2) Gene Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective Innate immunity factors are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its complications. Therefore, T2DM has been suggested to be an immune-dependent disease. Elevated fasting glucose level and higher concentrations of innate immunity soluble molecules are not only related with insulin resistance, but inflammation is also an important factor in beta cell dysfunction in T2DM. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), which has an important role in inducing innate immune cells, is thought to have suppressive roles on immune responses in T2DM. We therefore aimed to investigate the possible role of TLR-2 del -196-174 and Arg753Gln variants in T2DM pathogenesis. Materials and Methods This study was designed as a case-control study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to genotype the two variants in 100 T2DM patients and 98 age- matched controls. Results We found significantly higher frequencies of TLR-2 del -196-174 DD genotype (P=0.003), ID genotype (P=0.009) and D allele (P=0.001) in patients compared with controls. In addition, the II genotype (P=0.001) and the I allele (P=0.003) frequencies were elevated in healthy controls. We did not find any significant differences in frequency distribution for the Arg753Gln variant in study groups. ConclusionWe suggest that carrying the D allele of the TLR-2 del -196-174 variant may be related as a risk factor for T2DM.

Determinants of Anxiety and Depression Among University Students of Lahore

Benefits from an improved understanding of mental health of young adults, particularly students, affecting their academic performance are likely to be numerous. Thus, we aimed at evaluating anxiety and depression among annual and semester university students of Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study of 7 months duration was designed by enrolling a total of 404 students from two private and two public sector universities of Lahore. We found significant differences in frequency distribution with regard to age (p = 0.003), marital status (p = 0.01), living status (p = 0.004), and reasons affecting of mental health (p = 0.004) between annual and semester system students. Students enrolled in annual system exhibited higher odds of anxiety, mild (OR 2.7, p = 0.019), and extremely severe (OR 2.6, p = 0.002), compared to semester students. In overall assessment of university students, after univariate analysis, multivariate analysis demonstrated significant association of depression with male students (OR 2.3, p = 0.001), age ≤ 22 years (OR 2.8, p = 0.0005) and living status (OR 5.96, p = 0.0005). Similarly, as for anxiety, only male students demonstrated higher odds of anxiety (OR 2.8, p = 0.0005). As expected, compared to a single reason, multiple reasons affecting student’s mental health demonstrated significant association with all three determinants of mental health, i.e., stress (OR 0.36, p = 0.0005), anxiety (OR 0.31, p = 0.0005), and depression (OR 0.5, p = 0.0005). Taken together, these data suggested higher prevalence of anxiety among annual system students, mainly because of studies, while in overall assessment male students and students at an early stage of their life at the university were susceptible to anxiety and depression, probably due to multiple reasons affecting their mental health.

Haplotype-based interaction of the PPARGC1A and UCP1 genes is associated with impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the PPARGC1A and UCP1 genes on impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the haplotype-based interaction between these genes.A cross-sectional study was conducted by cluster sampling in Henan province, China. Based on the level of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the history of T2DM, the participants were divided into 2 groups; 83 individuals were in the IFG+DM group (those with IFG or T2DM) and 445 individuals were in the NFPG group (those with normal FPG). Kernel canonical correlation analysis (KCCA), a haplotype-based gene-gene interaction method, which can increase the biological interpretability and extract nonlinear characteristics of SNPs, was used to analyze the correlation and interaction between PPARGC1A and UCP1 genes.The age, BMI, total cholesterol and triglycerides were statistically different between 2 groups (P ≤ .001). Haplotype analysis showed no significant difference in frequency distribution between the 2 groups when the PPARGC1A or UCP1 gene was tested (P > .05). KCCA analysis showed that the maximum kernel canonical correlation coefficient of the PPARGC1A and UCP1 genes was 0.9977 and 0.9995 in the IFG+DM and NPFG groups, respectively. A haplotype-based gene–gene interaction was observed significantly (U = −6.28, P < .001), indicating the possibility of an interaction between haplotype AAG of the PPARGC1A gene and haplotypes CTCG (odds ratio [OR] = 1.745, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.069–2.847) and CTCA (OR = 0.239, 95% CI 0.060–0.958) of the UCP1 gene.Haplotype-based interaction between the PPARGC1A and UCP1 genes is associated with IFG or T2DM among residents in Henan, China.

The SPARC-related modular calcium binding protein 2 (SMOC2) gene polymorphism in primary glaucoma: a case-control study.

Primary glaucomas are among the most common eye diseases that may potentially result in bilateral blindness. Both genetics and environmental factors are reported to be involved in the etiology of primary glaucomas. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding protein 2 (SMOC2) is a matricellular glycoprotein encoded by the SMOC2 gene and known to regulate the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play an important role in the pathogenesis of primary glaucomas. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of SMOC2 variants were examined in 406 Saudi subjects, including primary open angle glaucoma (POAG, n=140) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG, n=64) patients and 202 matched healthy controls using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Genotyping of SMOC2 polymorphism (rs13208776) revealed a significantly higher frequency of the heterozygous genotype GA (P<0.01) and a lower frequency of wild type GG genotype (P=0.05) in glaucoma patients compared to the controls. Upon stratification of the patients on the basis of types of glaucoma, PACG patients had a significantly higher frequency of GA genotype as compared to the controls (P<0.01), whereas there was no significant difference between the POAG patient and control groups in frequencies of SMOC2 alleles and genotypes. Further, there was no significant difference in frequency distribution of alleles and genotypes between male and female patients. This study indicates that the GA genotype of SMOC2 (G>A) polymorphism is significantly associated with PACG and may be a risk factor. However, further large-scale studies in the Saudi population as well as in other ethnic populations are needed to confirm this association.

Endosalpingiosis: More than just an incidental finding at the time of gynecologic surgery?

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical characteristics of patients with endosalpingiosis (ES) and examine its association with endometriosis and gynecologic malignancies. MethodsWe queried the medical record for patients who underwent gynecologic surgery (Gynecologic Surgery Cohort (GSC), n=58,161) from 1998 to 2013 at a single institution for the presence of “endosalpingiosis” (ES). Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected for patients with pathologically confirmed ES (n=838). Within GSC, we compared the frequency of endometriosis and gynecologic malignancies with and without ES. We estimated the expected distribution of ovarian cancer subtypes using cases from the New England Case Control Study (NECC). We used chi-square tests to test for significant differences in frequency distributions and unconditional logistic regression to calculate multivariate odds ratios for the association between ES and ovarian cancer subtypes. ResultsWe observed concurrent endometriosis (p<0.0001), uterine cancer (p<0.0001), and ovarian cancer (p<0.0001) more frequently in women with ES. Women from the GSC with ES and ovarian cancer were more likely to have serous borderline (OR=10.2, 95% CI=5.1–20.7), clear cell (OR=3.0, 95% CI=1.1–8.0), and invasive mucinous tumors (OR=5.0, 95% CI=1.5–16.6) as compared to ovarian cancer cases from the NECC without ES, after accounting for age, race, menopausal status, parity, tubal ligation, and endometriosis. ConclusionWomen with ES are more likely to also be diagnosed with endometriosis, uterine, and ovarian cancers. Further study is needed to understand these associations so we may appropriately counsel patients with ES diagnosed at time of gynecologic surgery.

Theoretical study on binding models of copper nucleases containing pyridyl groups to DNA

Molecular dynamic simulations have been performed to investigate the DNA binding affinities and cleavage activities of a new class of copper nucleases with similar ligand structures, including Cu(pzdpy)2+, Cu(hpzpy)2+, Cu(pmea)2+, Cu(pmap)2+, Cu(tepa)2+ and Cu(tpa)2+, in this present study. The obtained results reveal that the five copper nucleases bind to DNA in the minor groove, while the favorable binding sites for Cu(tepa)2+ locate in the DNA major groove. Analyses of binding free energies, all possible hydrogen bonds and favorable interactions between copper nucleases and DNA suggest that DNA binding affinities of the six copper nucleases are in the order of Cu(pzdpy)2+ > Cu(hpzpy)2+ > Cu(pmea)2+ > Cu(tepa)2+ > Cu(tpa)2+ > Cu(pmap)2+, which is good agreement with the experimental results. Meanwhile, the simulated results demonstrated that significant difference in frequency distribution of the DNA helical parameters was observed between the unbound B-DNA and the bound DNA by the copper nucleases, which causes the inhibition of transcription and replication. Furthermore, RDF analyses suggest that the activities of the studied copper nucleases decrease in the order of Cu(pzdpy)2+, Cu(pmea)2+, Cu(hpzpy)2+, Cu(tpa)2+, Cu(pmap)2+ and Cu(tepa)2+, consisting with the experimental results. The present study provides detailed information to help us understand a new congeneric class of copper nucleases with different nuclease properties.

Relative Survival of Four Serotypes of Salmonella enterica in Low-Water Activity Whey Protein Powder Held at 36 and 70°C at Various Water Activity Levels

Salmonella enterica is not able to grow at water activity (aw) levels below 0.94, but it can survive in low-aw foods for long periods of time. Temperature, aw, substrate, and serotype affect its persistence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of temperature and aw on the relative persistence among four serotypes of Salmonella enterica in low-aw whey protein powder. Whey protein powder was equilibrated to aws 0.18 ± 0.02 and 0.54 ± 0.03, inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella serovars (Agona, Tennessee, Montevideo, and Typhimurium), vacuum sealed, and stored at 36°C for 6 months and at 70°C for 48 h. Presumptive Salmonella colonies (30 to 32) were randomly picked from each plate at the end of each survival study. PCR multiplex serotyping was used to identify the isolates. A multinomial mixed logistic model with Salmonella Tennessee as a reference was used to test for significant differences in frequency distribution of the surviving serotypes. Salmonella Tennessee and Salmonella Agona were the most prevalent surviving serotypes, followed in decreasing order by Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Typhimurium. Statistical analysis indicated that temperature (P = 0.003) and aw (P = 0.012) influenced the relative prevalence of the Salmonella serotypes. If other environmental conditions are equal, Salmonella Tennessee is better able to survive than Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Typhimurium at higher temperatures and higher aw levels in low-aw whey protein powder held at 36 and 70°C. The relative prevalence of Salmonella Agona to Salmonella Tennessee did not change with increasing temperature (P = 0.211) or aw (P = 0.453). These results should be considered in risk assessment and when developing predictive models for survival of Salmonella in low-aw foods.

C392T polymorphism of the Wnt10a gene in non-syndromic oral cleft in a northeastern Chinese population

Non-syndromic oral cleft is one of the most common congenital malformations, and more than 40 genes may be involved in its aetiology. Recent studies have shown that the Wnt10a gene may also contribute. We recruited 198 patients with non-syndromic oral clefts, comprising 96 elementary families (restricted to the patients and their parents) and 187 controls, to investigate their associations with the risk of such clefts and their subgroups in a Chinese Han population. The variant evaluated in this study was a single nucleotide polymorphism – specifically, a missense mutation C392T of Wnt10a. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used to genotype the marker, and case–control and family-based associations were analysed. Although in the case-control study there were no significant differences in frequency distributions of genotypes or alleles between cases and controls in the groups with cleft palate and cleft lip and palate, the genotypic and allelic frequencies of C392T in the total groups and the group with cleft lip alone differed significantly from those in the controls (p=0.04, and 0.01, respectively). A transmission disequilibrium test showed a transmitted disequilibrium in C392T. In conclusion, we found an association between the C392T variant and non-syndromic oral clefts.

Revisiting Challenges of Traditional & Transformational Grammar in ELT: A Sign-based Approach

Complexity is a buzzword of post-modern schools of thought. Framed in a sign-based approach from Columbia School of linguistics, the current study aims at revisiting some challenges of traditional & even transformational grammar instruction in ELT programs which are highly decontextualized, sentence-based. Specifically, the application of gerund or infinitive form followed by some verbs such as “begin, start, continue, like, love, prefer, have, can’t stand, can’t bear” in traditional & transformational grammar which is claimed to be of little or sometimes no difference in meaning is securitized. In so doing, data are collected from 50 samples in an online News site i.e. Reuters in 2012 without considering its genre. Findings show that there exists a significant difference in frequency distribution of gerund/infinitive problematize and confirm the complex debate of the application of gerund or infinitive form followed by the mentioned verbs. In fact, this complexity can be reflective of controversial issues in English Language Education and its sub skills like grammar education. Implications of this study can act as a departure point for textbook designers in grammar studies, linguists and ELT teachers, to name few.

Condições socioeconômicas estão associadas ao overbite e overjet? Uma avaliação utilizando fotografias digitais

OBJETIVO: estimar a associação entre fatores socioeconômicos e más oclusões do tipo overbite e overjet em escolares em fase de dentição permanente jovem. MÉTODO: trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado em 251 escolares de sete a 15 anos, de ambos os sexos, regularmente matriculadas no ensino fundamental de escolas públicas e privadas do município de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Todos os sujeitos da amostra realizaram fotografias extrabucais padronizadas de face (frontal em repouso, frontal sorrindo e perfil) e intrabucais (frontal, lateral direita e lateral esquerda em oclusão, oclusal superior e oclusal inferior), para o diagnóstico das alterações. As fotografias foram avaliadas por três examinadores em regime cego e as discordâncias foram discutidas até a obtenção de consenso. Overbite e overjet foram diagnosticados segundo critérios de Angle. RESULTADOS: constatou-se que 35,4% das crianças apresentaram overbite e 18,3%, overjet. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre a renda familiar com overbite (p=0.003) e com overjet (p=0.029), observando-se que a maioria das crianças que não possuíam overbite (69,4%) era de famílias com baixa renda (até 2 salários mínimos). De modo semelhante, a maioria dos portadores de overjet era de famílias com renda mais elevada, ao passo que a maioria daqueles sem overjet tinha renda familiar baixa. Para as demais variáveis não houve diferenças estatisticamente significante na distribuição de frequência de overjet e overbite. CONCLUSÃO: a prevalência de overbite e overjet nos escolares estudados é alta, especialmente entre aqueles com maior renda familiar.