PGI*3(Israel), a new,unstable allele in the phosphoglucose isomerase system

Summary Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) and 16 other biochemical genetic markers were studied in an Israeli-Arab family previously described for hereditary deficiency of adenylate kinase (AK) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). In this inbred family a rare PGI*3 allele was observed in 11 of 32 members tested, indicating an autosomal codominant inberitance. The electrophoretic mobility of this allele is similar to that of the PGI*3 allele found in Indian populations, but unlike the Indian allele, it has a very low specific activity and heat stability. This PGI*3 allele, designated PGI*3 (Israel), seems to be a different unstable mutation and along with AK and G6PD deficiencies seems to be associated with severe anaemia.     

Some hereditary blood factors of the Bengali Muslim of Bangladesh (red cell enzymes,haemoglobins, and serum proteins)

Human Genetics - In a sample of Bengali Muslems from Dacca, haptoglobin, group-specific component, haemoglobin, adenosine deaminase, adenylate kinase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase,...     

Red cell enzyme polymorphisms in Punjabis in North India

Seven red cell isoenzyme systems were investigated on a sample of 140 Punjabis from Hoshiarpur and Chandigarh, shown to be representative by comparison of their blood group frequencies with other samples from the area. Phenotype and gene frequencies are given for adenosine deaminase, adenylate kinase, acid phosphatase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucomutase locus 1 and 2, lactate dehydrogenase and phosphohexose isomerase. The high frequencies of the ADA² and AK² genes in Indian samples and the presence of the rare variant 3-1 of phosphohexose isomerase are confirmed.     

Metal accumulation in two contiguous eutrophic peri-urban lakes,Chivero and Manyame,Zimbabwe

Concentrations of aluminium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, nickel and zinc were determined in surface water, benthic sediments, and the gills, liver and stomach muscle tissues of Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus in peri-urban lakes Chivero and Manyame, Zimbabwe. Five sites were sampled in each lake once per month in November 2015, February, May, August and November 2016. Pollution load index detected no metal contamination, whereas the geo-accumulation index reflected heavy to extreme sediment pollution, with Fe, Cd, Zn, Cr, Ni and Cu present in both lakes. Significant spatial temporal variations were detected for Al, Cr, Cu and Pb across sites within and between the two lakes. High Fe, Al and Cr concentrations in water and sediments in lakes Chivero and Manyame derive from geogenic background sources in addition to anthropogenic loads and intensity. Elevated concentrations of Al, Pb, Cu, Cd, Fe and Zn detected in gills, liver and stomach tissue of catfish corroborate concentrations in water and sediments, and pose the highest ecological and health risk for hydrobionts in lakes Chivero and Manyame. Contiguity of peri-urban lakes exposes them to similar threats, necessitating creative water management strategies, which ensure ecological continuity.     

Origin and diffusion of mtDNA haplogroup X

A maximum parsimony tree of 21 complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences belonging to haplogroup X and the survey of the haplogroup-associated polymorphisms in 13,589 mtDNAs from Eurasia and Africa revealed that haplogroup X is subdivided into two major branches, here defined as “X1” and “X2.” The first is restricted to the populations of North and East Africa and the Near East, whereas X2 encompasses all X mtDNAs from Europe, western and Central Asia, Siberia, and the great majority of the Near East, as well as some North African samples. Subhaplogroup X1 diversity indicates an early coalescence time, whereas X2 has apparently undergone a more recent population expansion in Eurasia, most likely around or after the last glacial maximum. It is notable that X2 includes the two complete Native American X sequences that constitute the distinctive X2a clade, a clade that lacks close relatives in the entire Old World, including Siberia. The position of X2a in the phylogenetic tree suggests an early split from the other X2 clades, likely at the very beginning of their expansion and spread from the Near East.     

Genetic studies among Kanet and Koli of Kinnar district in Himachal Pradesh,India

Data are presented on serological and electrophoretic variants of 18 systems of red cells in 228 individuals belonging to a scheduled tribe (Kanet) and a scheduled caste (Koli) of Kinnar district in Himachal Pradesh, India. Differences in gene frequencies clearly indicate biological distinction in the local population. The possible cause of this genetic heterogeneity is discussed.