Measuring European Population Stratification with Microarray Genotype Data

A proper understanding of population genetic stratification—differences in individual ancestry within a population—is crucial in attempts to find genes for complex traits through association mapping. We report on genomewide typing of ∼10,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 297 individuals, to explore population structure in Europeans of known and unknown ancestry. The results reveal the presence of several significant axes of stratification, most prominently in a northern-southeastern trend, but also along an east-west axis. We also demonstrate the selection and application of EuroAIMs (European ancestry informative markers) for ancestry estimation and correction. The Coriell Caucasian and CEPH (Centre d'Étude du Polymorphisme Humain) Utah sample panels, often used as proxies for European populations, are found to reflect different subsets of the continent’s ancestry

Very low frequency of the lactase persistence allele LCT-13910T in the Armenian population

Primary lactose malabsorption is characterised by a down-regulation of lactase activity after weaning and inability to digest lactose in adulthood. It has been suggested that the historical introduction of dairying led to a positive selection for lactase persistence variants in a regulatory region upstream of the LCT gene. Here, we genotyped 202 Armenian subjects for LCT-13910T, a lactase persistence variant which is widespread in Europeans. The homozygous C/C genotype associated with primary hypolactasia, the heterozygous C/T and the homozygous T/T lactase persistence genotypes were found in 191 (94.6%), 11 (5.4%), and 0 (0.0%) samples, respectively. The frequency for the LCT-13910*T allele was 2.7%. The observed allele frequency of 2.7% for LCT-13910T is even lower than previously reported and supports current phenotypic data about lactose malabsorption in Armenia

Behavior change communication model enhancing parental practices for improved early childhood growth and development outcomes in rural Armenia – A quasi-experimental study

The latest evidence demonstrates the importance of nurturing care from conception to lay a strong foundation for children's cognitive, socio-emotional and physical well-being. The interventions enhancing parental practices in children's health and growth, protection from neglect, abuse, and injury have lifelong impact on health, learning, economic productiveness outcomes. Existing maternal and child health delivery platforms might potentially be utilized to integrate Early Childhood Development interventions. However, there is a dearth of studies demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of an integrated MCH and ECD model. ECD component was integrated into MCH program activities, implemented and tested in Armenia. For 14 months, all mothers of children aged 0 to 23 months (1300) living in 43 communities in Gegharkunik province (Armenia) participated in the study. Twenty-three intervention communities (680 children) received added ECD package to MCH intervention, and 20 control communities (630 children) received only MCH intervention. We used a quasi-experimental intervention-control design, with pre-and post-data collected. Variables measured and compared were related to child development, nutrition status, parental child care (stimulation, discipline) and nutrition practices.Intervention sites showed 83% higher odd of total ECD composite score (cognitive, language, motor) compared to children in the control sites. Child caregivers had better child care, nutrition practices and early learning support than controls. No change was found in discipline practices and stunting rates. MCH-ECD integrated model is an effective delivery platform for improving parenting behavior, child growth, and development. Keywords: Behavior change, Parental practices, Early childhood development, Quasi-experimental stud

Dépistage génétique néonatal universel de 126 maladies précoces et traitables : premiers résultats du projet Babydetect

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