Human Population Studies Research Articles

NOVEL PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES OF ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN (SNCA) IN AGE-RELATED VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION

Objective: Although SNCA is one of the well-known pathological molecule of synucleinopathy in neurons, its physiological roles remain to be identified. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the novel functions of SNCA in endothelium. Design and method: Analysis for human samples, in vitro experiments using endothelial cells (ECs), and in vivo investigation using SNCA knockout or SNCA/ApoE double knockout mice were performed. Results: We found SNCA was expressed in and secreted from ECs by functional screening for anti-inflammatory molecules and detectable in circulating blood. Intriguingly, the human population study revealed serum SNCA levels decreased with aging and displayed inverse correlation with blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, which indicated protective properties of circulating SNCA on vascular endothelial function. Furthermore, we also found SNCA knockout mice displayed phenotypes of metabolic syndrome such as hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, and dyslipidemia. Based on these preliminary data, we sought to elucidate the physiological functions of endogenous and exogenous SNCA for ECs. Exogenous treatment with recombinant SNCA (rSNCA) promoted eNOS activation and nitric oxide production via Gab1/PI3K/Akt pathway in ECs, followed by cGMP production in co-cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Treatment with rSNCA also suppressed TNF-alpha induced NF-kappaB activation in ECs. As to endogenous SNCA, replicative senescence showed attenuation of SNCA expression in ECs and siRNA-mediated silencing of SNCA induced eNOS inactivation and cell senescence assessed by beta-gal activity along with decreased Sirt1 expression and increased p53 expression. SNCA overexpression displayed NF-kappaB inactivation in ECs. In ex vivo study, aortas from SNCA knockout mice showed impairment of acetylcholine-induced relaxation possibly due to eNOS dysfunction. In in vivo study utilizing atherosclerosis model of SNCA/ApoE double-knockout mice showed exaggerated expression of inflammatory genes which play important roles in atherogenesis. Conclusions: In conclusion, these results indicate exogenous and endogenous SNCA in ECs might physiologically maintain cerebral vascular integrity. Aging or aggregation-related loss-of-function of SNCA in ECs might be partially correlated with age-related hypertension or clinical features of dementia with Lewy body such as fluctuating cognitive function and marked sensitivity of antipsychotic which could be modified by cerebral blood flow and vascular permeability.

Indicators of sexual dimorphism in Homo antecessor permanent canines.

One of the main concerns of paleoanthropologists is to make a correct interpretation of the variability observed in the fossil record. However, the current knowledge about sexual dimorphism in the human lineage comes mainly from the study of modern human, Neanderthal and pre-Neanderthal populations, whereas information available about the intrapopulation variability of the groups that preceded these taxa is still ambiguous. In this preliminary study, Homo antecessor dental sample was assessed with the aim of trying to evaluate the degree of variability of their permanent canines` dental tissue proportions. Microtomographic techniques were here employed in order to measure and compare the crown volumes and surface areas of their enamel caps and dentine-pulp complexes. Then, the Pearson`s Coefficient of Variation and the Euclidean Distance were assessed to evaluate of intrapopulation variability of Gran Dolina TD6.2 dental sample. The values obtained were also compared with those of the dental samples from Sima de los Huesos site (Spain), the Neanderthal site of Krapina (Croatia), as well as from a broad forensic collection of known sex. Our results showed a marked intrapopulation variability in the dental tissues measurements of the canines of the individuals H1 and H3 from this site. This variability may be interpreted as an indicator of sexual dimorphism. If this is the case, H1 may be considered as a male individual, whereas H3 would be a female. Future discoveries of new fossils in the level TD6.2 of Gran Dolina site might help to confirm or refute this hypothesis.

Applicability of flow cytometry γH2AX assay in population studies: suitability of fresh and frozen whole blood samples.

Phosphorylation of H2AX histone (γH2AX) represents an early event in the DNA damage response against double-strand breaks (DSB); hence, its measurement provides a surrogate biomarker of DSB. Recently, we reported initial steps in the standardization of γH2AX assay in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), addressing the possibility of using cryopreserved samples, and the need of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation prior analysis (Toxicol Sci2015, 144:406-13). Validating the use of whole blood samples as cell specimen for this assay would be particularly useful for human population studies. Hence, in the current study we determined for the first time the feasibility of whole blood samples, both fresh and frozen, to be used in the γH2AX assay, evaluated by flow cytometry, and the convenience of PHA stimulation. Freshly collected and cryopreserved whole blood samples were treated with bleomycin (BLM), actinomycin-D (Act-D) and mitomycin C (MMC); half of the samples were previously incubated with PHA. Results were compared with those from PBL. Negative responses in MMC treatments were probably due to the quiescence of unstimulated cells, or to the short treatment time in PHA stimulated cells. Fresh whole blood samples exhibited a more intense response to BLM and Act-D treatments in stimulated cells, probably due to DSB indirectly produced from other less relevant types of DNA damage. Results obtained in frozen whole blood samples indicate that PHA stimulation is not advisable. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that whole blood samples can be used to assess DSB-related genotoxicity by the flow cytometry γH2AX assay.

Knowledge gaps on micro and nanoplastics and human health: A critical review

Recent research has made it clear that humans are ubiquitously exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) via inhalation, dermal exposure and ingestion. Global plastic production has increased considerably with 400 million tonnes of plastic produced annually while plastic waste predominantly ends up in landfill. The accumulation of plastic in our water-bodies has detrimental long-term impacts, with persistent plastics degrading into smaller microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs). The presence of MPs/NPs in many food and beverages is a stark reminder of their pervasion into every aspect of the food chain. We have yet to determine if this long-term, chronic exposure to MPs/NPs has adverse effects on human health. This review examines the evidence in the literature highlighting the challenges of performing human studies including the lack of quantitative evidence, which is needed to make realistic estimates on the level of exposure and therefore risk. While occupational exposure to synthetic fibers in textile workers has been associated with respiratory disease, lung cancer, and bowel cancer, there are no other human studies. However, there are some rodent studies highlighting adverse effects on gut homeostasis, male reproduction, F1 offspring, and inflammation. Given these findings, further studies in human populations and model systems is a priority.

A systematic scoping review of environmental, food security and health impacts of food system plastics.

Plastic pollution arising from food systems is driving policies for reduction, removal, reuse and recycling, but literature on plastic uses and outcomes across subsectors is fragmented. We use a systematic scoping review to describe the extent, range and nature of published evidence since 2000 on seven major plastic types used at any point within food systems and their quantifiable effects on the environment, food security and human health. Although the majority of publications focus on agricultural production, relatively fewer consider retail, household and food waste disposal plastics. Gaps in the research include evidence from low- and middle-income countries, health or food security and/or economic outcomes generated from human population studies-and the subsequent environmental and human health effects. A greater understanding of this disparate evidence landscape is essential to formulate coherent research strategies to inform potential policy actions and assess trade-offs across economic and environmental targets, human health and food security.

A systematic review and realist synthesis on toilet paper hoarding: COVID or not COVID, that is the question.

ObjectiveTo explore whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with toilet paper hoarding and to assess which risk factors are associated with the risk of toilet paper hoarding.DesignA systematic review and realist review were conducted.Data sourcesPubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched (systematic review). PubMed, pre-prints and grey literature were also searched (realist review). The databases were searched from inception until October 2020.Study selectionThere were no restrictions on the study design.Outcomes and measuresFor the systematic review, toilet paper hoarding was the main outcome, and pathological use of toilet paper was the secondary outcome. For the realist review, the context-mechanisms-outcome (CMO) scheme included the COVID-19 pandemic (context), four proposed mechanisms, and one outcome (toilet paper hoarding). The four potential mechanisms were (1) gastrointestinal mechanisms of COVID-19 (e.g. diarrhoea), (2) social cognitive biases, (3) stress-related factors (mental illnesses, personality traits) and (4) cultural aspects (e.g. differences between countries).Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesAll studies of human populations were considered (including general population studies and clinical studies of patients suffering from mental health problems).ResultsThe systematic review identified 14 studies (eight studies for the main outcome, six studies for the secondary outcome). Three surveys identified the role of the COVID-19 threat in toilet paper hoarding in the general population. One study pointed to an association between a personality trait (conscientiousness) and toilet paper buying and stockpiling as well as an additional significant indirect effect of emotionality through the perceived threat of COVID-19 on toilet paper buying and stockpiling. Six case reports of pathological use of toilet paper were also identified, although none of them were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The realist review suggested that of all the mechanisms, social cognitive biases and a bandwagon effect were potential contributors to toilet paper hoarding in the general population. The stressful situation (COVID-19 pandemic) and some personality traits (conscientiousness) were found to be associated with toilet paper hoarding. Cultural differences were also identified, with relatively substantial effects of toilet paper hoarding in several Asian regions (Australia, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a worldwide increase in toilet paper hoarding. Social media and social cognitive biases are major contributors and might explain some differences in toilet paper hoarding between countries. Other mental health-related factors, such as the stressful situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, fear of contagion, or particular personality traits (conscientiousness), are likely to be involved.RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42020182308

Methylation of Imprinted Genes in Sperm DNA Correlated to Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Exposure Levels in Reproductive-Aged Men and the Birth Outcomes of the Offspring.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known environmental pollutants. Studies are very limited regarding the impacts of paternal PAHs exposure on birth outcomes as well as the underpinning mechanisms in human. In this study, 302 reproductive-aged males (22–46 years old) were enrolled and demographic informatics data were obtained by questionnaires. The levels of urinary hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs) were assessed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; and methylation levels of the imprinting genes H19, Meg3, and Peg3 of sperm DNA were evaluated via bisulfite pyrosequencing. The analysis of the correlation between OH-PAHs levels and methylation levels of imprinting genes showed that OH-PAHs are correlated with some CpG sites in H19, Peg3, and Meg3. To further investigate an association of urinary OH-PAHs with birth outcomes, follow-up study of wives of these subjects has been performed for 1–3 years. As the result, a total of 157 babies were born. The birth outcomes parameters including birth weight (BW), length (BL), and ponderal index (PI) were recorded. The further analysis of generalized estimating equation indicated a negative correlation between urinary total OH-PAHs levels and newborn BW (β = −0.081, p = 0.020); but this association has not been found for BL and PI. Furthermore, a logistic regression analysis was employed for examining associations of the methylation of imprinting genes with birth outcomes parameters, which indicated a negative correlation between BW and H19, namely, each unit percent (%) elevation in methylation of H19 (but not Peg3 and Meg3) was significantly associated with a 0.135 g reduction of BW (β = −0.135; 95% CI 0.781–0.978). Putting together, these results show that paternal non-occupational environmental exposure to PAHs is associated with newborn BW. And imprinting gene H19 methylation may be involved in the underlying mechanisms. This study in human population adds a support for previous animal study and implies that environmental impact on the offspring through paternal pathway.

Human-SARS-CoV-2 interactome and human genetic diversity: TMPRSS2-rs2070788, associated with severe influenza, and its population genetics caveats in Native Americans

For human/SARS-CoV-2 interactome genes ACE2, TMPRSS2 and BSG, there is a convincing evidence of association in Asians with influenza-induced SARS for TMPRSS2-rs2070788, tag-SNP of the eQTL rs383510. This case illustrates the importance of population genetics and of sequencing data in the design of genetic association studies in different human populations: the high linkage disequilibrium (LD) between rs2070788 and rs383510 is Asian-specific. Leveraging on a combination of genotyping and sequencing data for Native Americans (neglected in genetic studies), we show that while their frequencies of the Asian tag-SNP rs2070788 is, surprisingly, the highest worldwide, it is not in LD with the eQTL rs383510, that therefore, should be directly genotyped in genetic association studies of SARS in populations with Native American ancestry.

Aspirin’s Protective Effects Highlight the Role of Inflammation in UV-Induced Skin Damage and Carcinogenesis

Aspirin’s Protective Effects Highlight the Role of Inflammation in UV-Induced Skin Damage and Carcinogenesis

Age-Related Dynamics of Circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells in an African Population

Innate lymphoid cell (ILC) lineages mirror those of CD4+ T helper cell subsets, producing type 1, 2 and 3 cytokines respectively. Studies in adult human populations have shown contributions of non-cytotoxic ILC to immune regulation or pathogenesis in a wide range of diseases and have prompted investigations of potential functional redundancy between ILC and T helper cell compartments in neonates and children. To investigate the potential for ILC to contribute to immune responses across the human lifespan, we examined the numbers and frequencies of peripheral blood ILC subsets in a cohort of Gambians aged between 5 and 73 years of age. ILC2 were the most abundant peripheral blood ILC subset in this Gambian cohort, while ILC1 were the rarest at all ages. Moreover, the frequency of ILC1s (as a proportion of all lymphocytes) was remarkably stable over the life course whereas ILC3 cell frequencies and absolute numbers declined steadily across the life course and ILC2 frequencies and absolute numbers declined from childhood until the age of approx. 30 years of age. Age-related reductions in ILC2 cell numbers appeared to be partially offset by increasing numbers of total and GATA3+ central memory (CD45RA-CCR7+) CD4+ T cells, although there was also a gradual decline in numbers of total and GATA3+ effector memory (CD45RA-CCR7-) CD4+ T cells. Despite reduced overall abundance of ILC2 cells, we observed a coincident increase in the proportion of CD117+ ILC2, indicating potential for age-related adaptation of these cells in childhood and early adulthood. While both CD117+ and CD117- ILC2 cells produced IL-13, these responses occurred predominantly within CD117- cells. Furthermore, comparison of ILC frequencies between aged-matched Gambian and UK young adults (25–29 years) revealed an overall higher proportion of ILC1 and ILC2, but not ILC3 in Gambians. Thus, these data indicate ongoing age-related changes in ILC2 cells throughout life, which retain the capacity to differentiate into potent type 2 cytokine producing cells, consistent with an ongoing role in immune modulation.

Single-Step Extraction Coupled with Targeted HILIC-MS/MS Approach for Comprehensive Analysis of Human Plasma Lipidome and Polar Metabolome.

Expanding metabolome coverage to include complex lipids and polar metabolites is essential in the generation of well-founded hypotheses in biological assays. Traditionally, lipid extraction is performed by liquid-liquid extraction using either methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or chloroform, and polar metabolite extraction using methanol. Here, we evaluated the performance of single-step sample preparation methods for simultaneous extraction of the complex lipidome and polar metabolome from human plasma. The method performance was evaluated using high-coverage Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-ESI coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI-MS/MS) methodology targeting a panel of 1159 lipids and 374 polar metabolites. The criteria used for method evaluation comprised protein precipitation efficiency, and relative MS signal abundance and repeatability of detectable lipid and polar metabolites in human plasma. Among the tested methods, the isopropanol (IPA) and 1-butanol:methanol (BUME) mixtures were selected as the best compromises for the simultaneous extraction of complex lipids and polar metabolites, allowing for the detection of 584 lipid species and 116 polar metabolites. The extraction with IPA showed the greatest reproducibility with the highest number of lipid species detected with the coefficient of variation (CV) < 30%. Besides this difference, both IPA and BUME allowed for the high-throughput extraction and reproducible measurement of a large panel of complex lipids and polar metabolites, thus warranting their application in large-scale human population studies.

Analysis of the Associations Between the Human Fecal Microbiome and Bone Density, Structure, and Strength: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Cohort.

In preclinical models, the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been linked to bone growth and homeostasis, but there are few available data from studies of human populations. In a hypothesis-generating experiment in a large cohort of community-dwelling older men (n= 831; age range, 78-98 years), we explored the associations between fecal microbial profiles and bone density, microarchitecture, and strength measured with total hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) (distal radius, distal and diaphyseal tibia). Fecal samples were collected and the 16S rRNA gene V4 hypervariable region sequenced. Sequences were bioinformatically processed through the DADA2 pipeline and then taxonomically assigned using SILVA. Generalized linear models as implemented in microbiome multivariable association with linear models (MaAsLin 2) were used to test for associations between skeletal measures and specific microbial genera. The abundances of four bacterial genera were weakly associated with bone density, structure, or strength (false discovery rate [FDR] ≤ 0.05), and the measured directions of associations of genera were generally consistent across multiple bone measures, supporting a role for microbiota on skeletal homeostasis. However, the associated effect sizes were small (log2 fold change < ±0.35), limiting power to confidently identify these associations even with high resolution skeletal imaging phenotypes, and we assessed the resulting implications for the design of future cohort-based studies. As in analogous examples from genomewide association studies, we find that larger cohort sizes will likely be needed to confidently identify associations between the fecal microbiota and skeletal health relying on 16S sequencing. Our findings bolster the view that the gut microbiome is associated with clinically important measures of bone health, while also indicating the challenges in the design of cohort-based microbiome studies. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Northwest Caucasian Languages and Hattic [Kuzey Batı Kafkas Dilleri ve Hattice

Bu araştırma beş Kuzeybatı Kafkas Dilleri ve Hatik arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektedir. Bu beş dilde 193 ana kelime oluşturulmuş ve benzerlikleri araştırılmıştır. Abhaz, Abaza, Adige, Kabartay ve Ubıh verilerinde Starostin, Chirikba ve Kuiper’ın çalışmaları esas alınmıştır. 15 kelimelik bir alt Hatik listesi Soysal’ın çalışmasına dayanmaktadır. Bu listeler filogenetik ilişkileri oluşturabilmek için karakter listeleri olarak formüle edilmiştir. Bu dillerin filogenetik ilişkileri oldukça yaygın olarak kullanılan ‘Neighbor Joining’ yöntemiyle PAUP* 4’de araştırılmıştır. Ayrıca bu dillerin ilişkilerini destekleyen ve desteklemeyen gurup genetik çalışmaları ve arkeolojik veriler de tartışılmıştır. Bu proje Hatik için sınırlı olmakla beraber, Kuzey Batı Kafkas Dilleri için bir ön karakter veri seti oluşturmuştur. Filogenetik ağaçlar, bu diller arasındaki genel ilişkiyi sergilemektedir. Bu araştırma Kafkas Dillerinde bu tür araştırmalara bir temel teşkil etmektedir. Ayrıca, dil ailelerinin evrimi çalışmalarında kontrast sorgulama uygulamalarına yönelik bir yöntem örneği sunmaktadır.

Pathophysiology of aspiration in a unilateral SLN lesion model using quantitative analysis of VFSS

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to elucidate the pathophysiology of aspiration in previously studied female infant piglets after a unilateral superior laryngeal nerve (uSLN) lesion. MethodsVideofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) were acquired from 15 female piglets ages 2–3 weeks (9 with uSLN lesion and 6 controls). VFSS were analyzed at 30 frames/second sampling rate. Quantitative measures were conducted and compared between groups using published methodologies for VFSS assessment in adult and infant humans. Measures included the: 1) number of lingual-palatal contacts (LPC) (i.e. pre-swallow), 2) total pharyngeal transit time (TPT), 3) offset of swallow (offP), as well as onset of: 4) pharyngeal stage (onP), 5) pharyngoesophageal segment opening (oPES), 6) maximum PES opening (maxPES), 7) airway closure onset (oAC), and 8) maximum airway closure (maxAC). Measures 5–7 were determined relative to onP. Bolus residue was rated by severity (0 (none) to 3 (severe)). A gamma regression was used to compare continuous measures between lesioned and control groups. ResultsThe number of LPC (p = .006), TPT (p = .023) and timing of maxAC (p = .041) were significantly greater in the uSLN lesion than the control group. ConclusionsOutcomes of this study replicated prior published findings and elucidated that piglets with right uSLN lesions exhibited delayed maxAC. Noteworthy was the use of clinically relevant quantitative videofluoroscopic measures in piglets for comparison to future studies in human pediatric populations.

Metabolomics meets lipidomics: Assessing the small molecule component of metabolism.

Metabolomics, including lipidomics, is emerging as a quantitative biology approach for the assessment of energy flow through metabolism and information flow through metabolic signaling; thus, providing novel insights into metabolism and its regulation, in health, healthy ageing and disease. In this forward-looking review we provide an overview on the origins of metabolomics, on its role in this postgenomic era of biochemistry and its application to investigate metabolite role and (bio)activity, from model systems to human population studies. We present the challenges inherent to this analytical science, and approaches and modes of analysis that are used to resolve, characterize and measure the infinite chemical diversity contained in the metabolome (including lipidome) of complex biological matrices. In the current outbreak of metabolic diseases such as cardiometabolic disorders, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, metabolomics appears to be ideally situated for the investigation of disease pathophysiology from a metabolite perspective.

Spatial modelling improves genetic evaluation in smallholder breeding programs

BackgroundBreeders and geneticists use statistical models to separate genetic and environmental effects on phenotype. A common way to separate these effects is to model a descriptor of an environment, a contemporary group or herd, and account for genetic relationship between animals across environments. However, separating the genetic and environmental effects in smallholder systems is challenging due to small herd sizes and weak genetic connectedness across herds. We hypothesised that accounting for spatial relationships between nearby herds can improve genetic evaluation in smallholder systems. Furthermore, geographically referenced environmental covariates are increasingly available and could model underlying sources of spatial relationships. The objective of this study was therefore, to evaluate the potential of spatial modelling to improve genetic evaluation in dairy cattle smallholder systems.MethodsWe performed simulations and real dairy cattle data analysis to test our hypothesis. We modelled environmental variation by estimating herd and spatial effects. Herd effects were considered independent, whereas spatial effects had distance-based covariance between herds. We compared these models using pedigree or genomic data.ResultsThe results show that in smallholder systems (i) standard models do not separate genetic and environmental effects accurately, (ii) spatial modelling increases the accuracy of genetic evaluation for phenotyped and non-phenotyped animals, (iii) environmental covariates do not substantially improve the accuracy of genetic evaluation beyond simple distance-based relationships between herds, (iv) the benefit of spatial modelling was largest when separating the genetic and environmental effects was challenging, and (v) spatial modelling was beneficial when using either pedigree or genomic data.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated the potential of spatial modelling to improve genetic evaluation in smallholder systems. This improvement is driven by establishing environmental connectedness between herds, which enhances separation of genetic and environmental effects. We suggest routine spatial modelling in genetic evaluations, particularly for smallholder systems. Spatial modelling could also have a major impact in studies of human and wild populations.

Complete Mitochondrial Genomes Reveal Population-Level Patterns in the Widespread Red Alga Gelidiella fanii (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta)

Although complete mitogenomic data have been widely applied in human and other animal population studies, they are extremely limited for florideophycean red algal populations. Gelidiella fanii is a recently described rhodophyte, previously misidentified as G. acerosa, a cosmopolitan agar-yielding species from tropical to subtropical waters. To decipher patterns in genetic diversity and geographic distribution for G. fanii, we obtained 10 complete mitogenomes including two outgroups, G. acerosa and G. flabella. The mitogenomes ranged in size from 25,223 bp to 25,281 bp and had 48 genes, which are similar in general structure, gene order and content, and presence of a group II intron. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that G. fanii was monophyletic and clearly separate from G. acerosa. The range of G. fanii was extended from Southeast Asia and northern Australia to Eritrea, Juan de Nova Island, and Kenya in the west, and to Hawai‘i and Tetiaroa Atoll to the east. Haplotype network analysis of cox1 revealed seven geographically structured groups: Southeast Asia, Kenya/Juan de Nova Island, Indonesia, northern Australia, the Philippines, Tetiaroa Atoll, and Hawai‘i. This regional structure has likely resulted from the separation and isolation of an ancient widespread population during the Pleistocene. This study demonstrates that mitogenome sequencing is a powerful genotyping tool for studies of genetic diversity, biogeography, and conservation of economically valuable marine algal species.

Associations of Plasma Folate and Vitamin B6 With Blood DNA Methylation Age: An Analysis of One-Carbon Metabolites in the VA Normative Aging Study.

One-carbon metabolism is an important contributor to aging-related diseases; nevertheless, relationships of one-carbon metabolites with novel DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging remain poorly characterized. We examined relationships of one-carbon metabolites with 3 DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging: DNAmAge, GrimAge, and PhenoAge. We measured plasma levels of 4 common one-carbon metabolites (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine) in 715 VA Normative Aging Study participants with at least 1 visit between 1999 and 2008 (observations = 1153). DNA methylation age metrics were calculated using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We utilized Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression models adjusted for chronological age, lifestyle factors, age-related diseases, and study visits to determine metabolites important to the aging outcomes. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression models allowed for the estimation of the relationships of single metabolites and the cumulative metabolite mixture with methylation age. Log vitamin B6 was selected as important to PhenoAge (β = -1.62 years, 95% CI: -2.28, -0.96). Log folate was selected as important to GrimAge (β = 0.75 years, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.09) and PhenoAge (β = 1.62 years, 95% CI: 0.95, 2.29). Compared to a model where each metabolite in the mixture is set to its 50th percentile, the log cumulative mixture with each metabolite at its 30th (β = -0.13 years, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.005) and 40th percentile (β = -0.06 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.005) was associated with decreased GrimAge. Our results provide novel characterizations of the relationships between one-carbon metabolites and DNA methylation age in a human population study. Further research is required to confirm these findings and establish their generalizability.

Prevalence of Occlusal Morphological Patterns of Permanent Mandibular First Molar

Teeth are informative indicators for the study of human populations, serving as markers and thebases for comparisons of genetic origin. Mandibular first molar is represented as 36 or 46 in the FDI system.The occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth occlude with the opposing occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth. Theocclusal morphology differs in each posterior tooth. The occlusal aspect of posterior teeth is developed intocusps ( 5 or 4 or 6 ) and grooves ( Y or + or X pattern ). These cuspal patterns and groove patterns help inforensic identification in cases like gender determination and also to identify the ethnic background of anindividual. Variation in degree of expression and frequency of teeth in dentitions of different populationsis different which may be helpful for forensic identification. The aim of the study was to determine theprevalence of different occlusal morphological patterns of permanent mandibular first molars. The studyincluded a predominantly South Indian population. Approval was received from the Institutional ReviewBoard. Study was conducted with 100 participants who were randomly selected. The occlusal morphologypatterns (number of cusps and groove pattern) of left and right permanent mandibular first molar wereassessed from the photographs of the oral cavity and the date was recorded. Results showed that the mostprevalent number of cusps in permanent mandibular first molar was 5 cusps ( 71% ) and Most prevalentgroove pattern in permanent mandibular first molar was Y pattern. It was also observed that the combinationof the 5Y pattern was more prominent in females than in males.

Seeing the fetus from a DOHaD perspective: discussion paper from the advanced imaging techniques of DOHaD applications workshop held at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress.

Advanced imaging techniques are enhancing research capacity focussed on the developmental origins of adult health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, and consequently increasing awareness of future health risks across various subareas of DOHaD research themes. Understanding how these advanced imaging techniques in animal models and human population studies can be both additively and synergistically used alongside traditional techniques in DOHaD-focussed laboratories is therefore of great interest. Global experts in advanced imaging techniques congregated at the advanced imaging workshop at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress in Melbourne, Australia. This review summarizes the presentations of new imaging modalities and novel applications to DOHaD research and discussions had by DOHaD researchers that are currently utilizing advanced imaging techniques including MRI, hyperpolarized MRI, ultrasound, and synchrotron-based techniques to aid their DOHaD research focus.