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Biology subjects

Vasquez, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Vasquez, R..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

ADHD: relation between cognitive characteristics and DAT1 / DRD4 dopamine polymorphisms

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a clinical and diagnostic heterogeneous picture. This study analysed the association of functional polymorphisms in DAT1 VNTR 3 UTR and DRD4 VNTR Exon III candidate genes, and the neuropsychological characterisation of attention and executive functions of a group of children with ADHD vs. controls. 32 patients and 51 controls were selected. The DAT1 10-repeat allele appeared more frequently in the two groups (cases: 0.93/control: 0.82), showing an OR: 2.5 (IC 95%: 0.684-9.133; p: 0.158). In DRD4, the 4-repeat allele shows the highest occurrence (cases: 0.62/controls: 0.60). None of the markers presented a significant association after a direct analysis, but the DRD4 7-repeat marker showed a positive risk when performing a Bayesian logistic analysis (coefficient: -1.69; OR: 5.39 CI 95%: 1.167-40.97). On the other hand, when considering association with cognitive performance, a positive risk for processing speed and attention tasks was identified.

neuroscience

Latin Americans show wide-spread Converso ancestry and the imprint of local Native ancestry on physical appearance

Historical records and genetic analyses indicate that Latin Americans trace their ancestry mainly to the admixture of Native Americans, Europeans and Sub-Saharan Africans1. Using novel haplotype-based methods here we infer the sub-populations involved in admixture for over 6,500 Latin Americans and evaluate the impact of sub-continental ancestry on the physical appearance of these individuals. We find that pre-Columbian Native genetic structure is mirrored in Latin Americans and that sources of non-Native ancestry, and admixture timings, match documented migratory flows. We also detect South/East Mediterranean ancestry across Latin America, probably stemming from the clandestine colonial migration of Christian converts of non-European origin (Conversos). Furthermore, we find that Central Andean ancestry impacts on variation of facial features in Latin Americans, particularly nose morphology, possibly relating to environmental adaptation during the evolution of Native Americans.

genetics