Nutrition and environment in medieval Serbia: charred cereal, weed and fruit remains from the fortress of Ras

This study presents the results of archaeobotanical examination of remains from the medieval complex of Ras in Serbia. The samples were collected from the fortress situated on the hilltop (Gradina) and from a settlement below (Podgradje) during the archaeological excavations of 1972–1984. They were taken primarily from the buildings containing charred cereals dating to the 12th and 13th centuries. The main staple was bread wheat, followed by rye. Grains of barley, oats, and millet were also present. The weeds, including ruderals, were represented by many species. Agrostemma githago (corn cockle) was an important contaminant of the cereal fields. Exceptional finds include a piece of charred round bread, the cereal content of a pot, and peach stone fragments. Previous information about the agriculture and food in medieval Serbia was based solely on documents that were either written after this period or that were not pertinent to the region. This study is the first direct evidence providing information about agriculture and food of the inhabitants of medieval Serbia.     

CT reconstruction of the Glabellar bone

During systematic archaelogical excavations of the early medieval kingdom of Serbia, and adult male skull belonging to the skeleton of a Roman individual was unearthed at Babrež site in the Ras region. A supernumerary bone was found interposed between the frontal bones of the skull and the facial skeleton. Paleopathological investigation and CT reconstruction proved that this skull had been deformed during foetal development due to a disorder or disease affecting the mother. This probably led to the formation of the supernumerary Glabellar bone in the frontal region. This is the first case of Os Glabellae recorded so far.     

黔南布依族、苗族和水族人群ABO血型分布及基因频率

本文对黔南州布依族、苗族、水族人群ABO血型的表现型及基因型频率进行检测。结果显示:黔南布依族ABO血型分布为O>B>A>AB;苗族、水族为O>A>B>AB。3个民族ABO血型基因频率相接近;经吻合度检测,符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡定律。黔南与黔东南、黔西南布依族和苗族群体间以及黔南水族男女群体间ABO血型分布差异均具有显著性(P<0.05或P<0.01),结果提示ABO血型分布存在民族、地区和性别差异。     

Untersuchungen über die Verteilung der ABO-Blutgruppen bei angeborenen Herzfehlern

Summary This paper summarizes the own investigations in ABO blood groups in 2427 propositi with congenital heart diseases. The complete material as well as the several types valvular aortic stenosis (n=242); coarctation of the aorta (n=127); pulmonary valvular stenosis (n=211); patent ductus arteriosus (n=325); atrial septal defect (n=296); ventricular septal defect (n=612); Fallot's tetralogy (n=316) are compared with the distribution of ABO blood groups in a sample of healthy inhabitants of Süd-Niedersachsen (n=694, control I) and 81985 persons of Germany (control II). For statistical evaluation the method of Woolf is used. The relative incidence are not significant in the different proofs that means there are no statistical correlations between ABO blood groups and congenital heart disease.     

Distribution of ABO and rhesus blood groups in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

Blood group systems are determined early in intrauterine life, specific to the individual and therefore significant in management and identification. Seven hundred and ninety five volunteer students of the Abraka campus of Delta State University were analyzed in this 4-year retrospective study. Amongst ABO system, blood group O was most common followed by A, B and AB respectively. Rhesus positive was more common than Rhesus negative in the rhesus system. Gender had no significant effect on both blood group systems studied. In the combined ABO and Rhesus blood groups, O positive was most common followed by A positive, B positive, AB positive O negative and A negative respectively. This study documents ABO and Rhesus blood group distribution patterns amongst south southern Nigerians. Findings will be useful in maintaining a register of possible donors, for effective management of medical emergencies.     

The simian-type M and the human-type ABO blood groups in the African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops): their inheritance, distribution and significance for the management of a breeding colony

We have established a new simian-type blood group system (M blood groups) in the African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops), using a haemagglutinating antibody which was developed by alloimmunization. The M blood groups consisted of two phenotypes, type-M and type-m. We have also determined the mode of inheritance as well as the distribution of both simian-type M and human-type ABO blood groups, employing 113 families including 160 animals. The family analysis revealed that (1) the simian-type M blood groups were governed by the two alleles, dominant M and recessive m, and (2) the human-type ABO blood groups were governed by 3 alleles, codominant A and B and silent O, although no monkey of phenotype-O was found in our breeding colony. Differences in the phenotypic distribution and gene frequency of respective M and ABO blood groups were observed among 3 populations imported at different times. The genetic management of the African green monkey breeding colony was discussed in relation to the difference in distribution of phenotypes of M and ABO blood groups between the parental (wild-originated) and the first filial (colony-born) populations.     

Ethnic communities in Israel: The genetic blood markers of the Moroccan Jews

One hundred and ninety-six Moroccan Jews now settled in Israel were typed for 7 blood groups, 12 red cell enzymes and 2 plasma protein systems. Their blood group picture is in agreement with results previously obtained on different samples of Moroccan Jews: rather high B in ABO, somewhat elevated frequencies of cDE and cDe in Rh and K in Kell. Differences in various blood markers exist between them and other North African Jewish communities. This fact, together with data on disease distribution and HLA frequencies, supports our assumption that Jews in the North African diaspora lived as small secluded isolates even within the same geographical zones. Comparisons with meager data on the neighboring non-Jewish populations do not disclose any resemblance to either Arab or Berber inhabitants of Morocco.     

海南岛地区各民族ABO、MN血型之研究

本文提供海南岛地区各民族血型资料。血型分析认为该岛各民族处于遗传平衡状态,其相互间是婚配隔离的。通过ABO血型的分布,重点讨论了黎族与仲家人、傣族的遗传关系。并从MN血型的分布特点,探讨我国南方民族与南亚地区的人种联系。     

Distribution of ABO blood groups and incidence of Rh factor (D) in various ethnic groups in the Hindu Kush region (Kafirs, Kalash Chitrali)

With the aid of Eldon cards the distribution of the ABO blood groups and of the Rh factor (D) was investigated in different native ethnic groups (Kafirs, Kalash, Chitrali) in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. All studied groups are characterized by a relatively high frequency of blood group gene A and extremely low frequencies of B and O. This distribution differs appreciably from that of the rest of the Indian subcontinent as well as that of the adjacent Central Asiatic areas. The possible causes of the exceptional position of the native Hindu Kush groups in the ABO blood group system are discussed. It may be assumed that selection as a result of mother-child compatibility played a role as will be shown in a later paper. Concerning the studied traits of the Rhesus system, all investigated groups fit in the range of variation of the South Asian area.     

ABO blood group and ischaemic heart disease in British men.

OBJECTIVE--To establish whether ABO blood group is related to ischaemic heart disease on an individual and geographic basis in Britain. DESIGN--Prospective study of 7662 men with known ABO blood group selected from age-sex registers in general practices in 24 British towns. MEASUREMENTS--ABO blood group, standard cardiovascular risk factors, social class, and presence or absence of ischaemic heart disease determined at entry to study. END POINTS--Eight year follow up of fatal and nonfatal ischaemic heart disease events achieved for 99% of study population. RESULTS--Towns with a higher prevalence of blood group O had higher incidences of ischaemic heart disease. In individual subjects, however, the incidence of ischaemic heart disease was higher in those with group A than in those with other blood groups (relative risk 1.21, 95% confidence limits 1.01 to 1.46). Total serum cholesterol concentration was slightly higher in subjects of blood group A. No other cardiovascular risk factor (including social class) was related to blood group. CONCLUSIONS--Blood group A is related to the incidence of ischaemic heart disease in individual subjects. Geographic differences in the distribution of ABO blood groups do not explain geographic variation in rates of ischaemic heart disease in Britain. The findings do not support the view that ABO blood group and social class are related.     

俫人ABO血型的调查与研究

本文报告用玻片快速检验法对分布于桂西滇黔桂接壤地区的待识别民族俫人ABO血型的调查结果。俫人ABO血型的基因频率是:p=0.1189,q=0.3201,r=0.5610。俫人的血型分布特点是B>O>A,在我国南方诸民族中,俫人与海南省黎族的ABO血型分布特点相同。与周围民族的聚类分析的结果表明俫人与黎族具有最近的遗传距离,因而在系统树中聚类为一组。俫人与黎族可能共同起源于古越族的支族俚人。     

ABO、MN血型及其与测量体征关系的初步探讨

本文提供了男、女两性共404人ABO、MN血型各表现型的35个体质特征测量数据,对血型和测量体征的关系进行了初步讨论。统计分析表明,不同血型群体的某些单个体征平均值之间有显著差异。对所调查的35个体征作整体分析,可见男性MN系统和女性ABO、MN系统各血型群体平均值之间差异显著。在MN血型系统,MN型群体的测量体征平均值低于M型和N型与MN基因型的杂合状态有密切关系。本文还分析了4个民族的血型资料,表明MN血型在ABO血型系统是随机分布的。     

Geno- and phenotypic distribution by the ABO and Rhesus systems in the population of Minsk]

The distribution of blood groups of the ABO system is different in the rhesus-positive and rhesus-negative subpopulations. An increasing frequency of the phenotype A2 in the rhesus-negative subpopulation is observed. The calculation of the gene frequency reveals a deficiency of genes A1 and O, and the increasing frequency of genes A2 and B in the rhesus-negative part of the population. On the whole for the inhabitants of Minsk the ratio of the phenotypes A2/A1 differs significantly from the corresponding index for the republic as a whole, which is the evidence of a significant migration of the population in the capital of Byelorussia. The observed correlative dependences in the distribution of the genes of ABO system and of the rhesus system permit to recommend the accomplishment of a scientific search between the hereditary pathology and the susceptibility to different diseases and blood groups taking into consideration the rhesus appurtenance of the populations studied.     

ABO Blood Groups in Patients with Congenital and Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease

ABO blood groups were determined in 404 patients who had cardiac surgery for heart disease; 136 of these patients had rheumatic valvular heart disease and 268 had congenital heart disease. The incidence of each ABO blood group was compared to a control series of 2171 patients by means of the ϰ² test. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of ABO blood group when patients with congenital and rheumatic valvular heart disease were compared with the control group.     

Preeclampsia and ABO blood groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multifactorial pregnancy-specific syndrome which represents one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Inherited thrombophilia have been investigated as risk factor for the development of PE and it is currently known that ABO blood group may impact haemostatic balance, having the non-O blood groups (A, B or AB) subjects increased risk for thrombus formation, as compared to those of group O. We performed a systematic review of the literature for published studies investigating whether ABO blood groups could influence PE developing. A sensitive search of four databases identified 45 unique titles. The retrieved papers were assessed independently by authors and a rigorous process of selection and data extract was conduct. Methodological quality of the included studies was also evaluated. Two studies met eligibility criteria. As a main finding of our systematic review, an association between the AB blood group and the occurrence of PE was detected based on two original studies. Considering the role of ABO blood groups on the hemostatic process and thrombus formation, special attention should be given to pregnant patients carrying the AB blood group in order to prevent the syndrome and improve prognosis.     

血型检测用反向定型试剂的研制

将正常的红细胞在特定条件下用甲醛处理,使红细胞膜固定但不影响膜表面糖蛋白血型抗原的活性。采用与正向定型相同的平板凝集试验方法,４０６０份血样正向和反向定型结果完全一致。经稳定性观察９０天,处理后的红细胞与相应抗体的凝集性能未见明显改变。实验结果表明本文介绍的红细胞试剂可用于ＡＢＯ血型鉴定的反向定型试验。     

Frequencies of ABO, Rh and Kell phenotypes in couples from Han, Kazak, Uyghur and Hui in Xinjiang: an inheritance simulation model for blood group incompatibility in new-born

The Xinjiang region with residents from more than 13 minorities represents an area of many diverse ethnicities. This ethnic diversity in relation to their blood groups and immune status may have a consequential impact on the clinical status of married couples. To evaluate the risks of haemolytic disease in new-born infants, we investigated the rate of blood-group incompatibility among 487 married couples from four ethnic minorities, namely the Han, Hui, Uyghur and Kazak populations. Han minority married couples showed significantly different ABO, Rh and K phenotype frequencies between marrial relationship, whereas there was no significant difference in ABO, Rh and K phenotypes between the Uyghur, Hui and Kazak .There was a significant difference between ABO blood types in Han married couples, in the Kazak Rh-C phenotype and in the Uyghur Rh-D phenotype. The Hui married couples only demonstrated ABO, Rh and K phenotypes. The Hui minority showed the highest incompatibility rate for Rh-C and Rh-E phenotypes between mothers and their new-born infants. The highest incompatibility rate for the ABO phenotype occurred in the Kazak group. These results particularly demonstrate the clinical issues relating to ABO and Rh incompatibility, in the Kazak and Hui minorities, respectively.     

PP13, maternal ABO blood groups and the risk assessment of pregnancy complications

Background

Placental Protein 13 (PP13), an early biomarker of preeclampsia, is a placenta-specific galectin that binds beta-galactosides, building-blocks of ABO blood-group antigens, possibly affecting its bioavailability in blood.

Methods and Findings

We studied PP13-binding to erythrocytes, maternal blood-group effect on serum PP13 and its performance as a predictor of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Datasets of maternal serum PP13 in Caucasian (n = 1078) and Hispanic (n = 242) women were analyzed according to blood groups. In vivo, in vitro and in silico PP13-binding to ABO blood-group antigens and erythrocytes were studied by PP13-immunostainings of placental tissue-microarrays, flow-cytometry of erythrocyte-bound PP13, and model-building of PP13 - blood-group H antigen complex, respectively. Women with blood group AB had the lowest serum PP13 in the first trimester, while those with blood group B had the highest PP13 throughout pregnancy. In accordance, PP13-binding was the strongest to blood-group AB erythrocytes and weakest to blood-group B erythrocytes. PP13-staining of maternal and fetal erythrocytes was revealed, and a plausible molecular model of PP13 complexed with blood-group H antigen was built. Adjustment of PP13 MoMs to maternal ABO blood group improved the prediction accuracy of first trimester maternal serum PP13 MoMs for preeclampsia and IUGR.

Conclusions

ABO blood group can alter PP13-bioavailability in blood, and it may also be a key determinant for other lectins'' bioavailability in the circulation. The adjustment of PP13 MoMs to ABO blood group improves the predictive accuracy of this test.     

Selective mechanisms operating on ABO and MN blood groups with special reference to prezygotic selection

Abstract

There is evidence from diverse sources to indicate that ABO blood groups are subject to natural selection at various developmental stages. This paper reviews the findings on associations between ABO blood groups and diseases and on ABO incompatibility as a major cause of prenatal and perinatal selection; provides evidence for prezygotic selection in ABO blood groups; and discusses selection for heterozygotes in ABO blood groups and in MN blood groups. From the evidence examined, the author concludes that the principal mechanism which maintains the ABO blood groups acts during prenatal and perinatal periods in addition to prezygotic stages; that the effective result of associations between ABO blood groups and adult diseases seems to be small; and that the MN polymorphism is probably maintained by the advantage of heterozygotes, apparently limited to MN mothers.