The gene pool of the Belgorod oblast population: II. “Family name portraits” in groups of districts with different degrees of subdivision and the role of migrations in their formation
AbstractThe frequencies and spectra of surnames have been analyzed in groups of raions (districts) of the Belgorod oblast (region) with different degrees of population subdivision. The “family name portraits” of districts with low (0.00003 < < f*r < 0.00022, 
$$\overline {f_r^ * } $$
 = 0.00015) and moderate (0.00023 < f*r < 0.00042, 
$$\overline {f_r^ * } $$
 = 0.00029) inbreeding levels are similar both to each other and to the “family name portrait” of the Belgorod oblast as a whole. Districts with high subdivision levels (0.00043 < f*r < 0.00125, 
$$\overline {f_r^ * } $$
 = 0.00072) had very distinctive surname spectra and the highest surname frequencies. Intense immigration to the Belgorod oblast significantly affects its population genetic structure, decreasing the population subdivision.
Polymorphisms of candidate genes, associated with the risk of pre-eclampsia
An important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of PE belongs to the folate candidate genes.[5-7] Mutations in the genes of folate metabolism, causing the decrease in the activity of enzymes of methyltetrahydrofolate reductase and methionine synthase reductase, lead to accumulation of homocysteine in the body of a pregnant woman, and to a deficiency of folic acid.[5,6] Deficiency of folic acid affects the proliferation of chorionic cells and the formation of placenta. This complicates the course of gestation, increasing the risk of placental insufficiency, PE and other disorders of prenatal development. The role of candidate genes of folate metabolism in the formation of PE is actively studied, but these studies often give conflicting results for different populations.[5,6,8-12]
Preparation courses for a medical admissions test: effectiveness contrasts with opinion
Objectives  The Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) is used to rank applicants for admission to many medical schools. This study aimed to determine the effects of preparation courses on UMAT performance and on students’ perceptions of their performance.