DNA Methylation Alterations in Blood Cells of Toddlers with Down Syndrome

Recent research has provided evidence on genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation patterns due to trisomy 21, which have been detected in various tissues of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) across different developmental stages. Here, we report new data on the systematic genome-wide DNA methylation perturbations in blood cells of individuals with DS from a previously understudied age group—young children. We show that the study findings are highly consistent with those from the prior literature. In addition, utilizing relevant published data from two other developmental stages, neonatal and adult, we track a quasi-longitudinal trend in the DS-associated DNA methylation patterns as a systematic epigenomic destabilization with age

Tatarstan market of food in the concept of Islamic economy (marketing and economic-anthropologic aspects)

Objective to identify the economicanthropological component of the development of food market in Tatarstan within the concept of Islamic economy. Methods discursive comparative general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis ethnosociological survey. nbsp Results the Halal food market of Islamic economy is a subject of scientific and practical interest for several reasons it is a dynamically developing promising market with great potential and development opportunities. To achieve the stated objective the authors analyzed the studies of domestic and foreign scientists on the essence and organization features of the Islamic economy. Conclusions were formulated about what Halal food is primarily associated with the complex religious not gastronomy requirements. The analysis of the food concepts in the Islamic culture has showed that the fundamental characteristic of food is its permissibility. To determine the concepts of Halal products existing among the Muslims a Halal products market research was conducted in Kazan. First of all to determine the ethnoreligious profile of the Halal products consumers the structure of ethnic populations was analyzed the change in their numbers over the last 20 years and the reasons for such change. The next part of research involved conducting a poll among men and women ndash Tatars aged 18 to 30 years. The main aim of the survey was to determine the causes of food behavior of the population. According to the survey results the key conclusion was formulated that for this age group the choice of food is not determined by religious considerations but by the desire for healthy and proper nutrition. The survey results allowed to compile a list of recommendations for improvement of the functioning of the Halal market subjects and the state and municipal bodies. Scientific novelty for the first time an interdisciplinary approach was used at the intersection of economics sociology and anthropology for this research topic. On the basis of the survey the reasons for consumption of Halal products by the Kazan Muslims were identified. Practical significance the research results can be applied by the state and municipal authorities to support decisions in the areas of trade regulation consumer markets outdoor advertising in the Republic of Tatarstan and in Kazan. In addition they can be used by economists and anthropologists for comparison and extension of the research areas

Effects of early social deprivation on epigenetic statuses and adaptive behavior of young children: A study based on a cohort of institutionalized infants and toddlers

Early social deprivation (i.e., an insufficiency or lack of parental care) has been identified as a significant adverse early experience that may affect multiple facets of child development and cause long-term outcomes in physical and mental health, cognition and behavior. Current research provides growing evidence that epigenetic reprogramming may be a mechanism modulating these effects of early adversities. This work aimed to investigate the impact of early institutionalization—the immersion in an extreme socially depriving environment in humans—on the epigenome and adaptive behavior of young children up to 4 years of age. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving two comparison groups: 29 children raised in orphanages and 29 children raised in biological families. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of blood cells were obtained using the Illumina MethylationEPIC array; the level of child adaptive functioning was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II. In comparison to children raised in families, children residing in orphanages had both statistically significant deficits in multiple adaptive behavior domains and statistically significant differences in DNA methylation states. Moreover, some of these methylation states may directly modulate the behavioral deficits; according to preliminary estimates, about 7–14% of the deviation of adaptive behavior between groups of children may be determined by their difference in DNA methylation profiles. The duration of institutionalization had a significant impact on both the adaptive level and DNA methylation status of institutionalized children