Serum protein polymorphisms in a village community from the Gambia,West Africa (Hp,Tf, and Gc)

Summary Serum samples from 857 inhabitants of the village of Keneba, The Gambia, West Africa, were examined by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In 203 cases no haptoglobin could be detected, whilst in the remaining 654 samples the three common haptoglobin phenotypes were found with gene frequencies of 0.651 (Hp¹) and 0.349 (Hp²). The D₁ transferrin variant gene was found with a frequency of 0.025. In the serum Gc system the fast variant Gc-Ab was detected, the gene frequencies being: Gc¹, 0.943; Gc², 0.044; and Gc^Ab, 0.013.     

Human transferrin (Tf) and group-specific component (Gc) subtypes in Tunisia

Summary Simultaneous subtyping of two genetic markers—group-specific component (Gc) and transferrin (Tf)—by electrofocusing enabled us to compute the following gene frequencies for the Tunisian population: Gc ^IS .0.525; Gc ^IF , 0.260; Gc ², 0.215; Tf ^CI , 0.770; Tf ^C2 , 0.215; Tf ^D1 , 0.015.The frequencies of Tf ^D , Tf ^C2 , and Gc ¹ are higher than those found in Caucasoid populations and can be explained by Negroid contribution. A selective advantage related to the metabolic role of this vitamin D-binding protein does not seem very likely for any particular Gc type or subtype. It is postulated that the differences in the frequencies of the Gc alleles might be related to selective advantage for genes belonging to other genetic systems originally closely linked to either Gc ¹ or to Gc ² alleles.This work was supported in part by the Faculté de Pharmacie et de Médecine Dentaire of Monastir and by a grant from the Ambassade de France in Tunisia     

Gc and Tf subtypes in Greece

PAGIF was used to investigate the distribution of Gc and Tf subtypes in a Greek population sample. The gene frequencies were compared to those reported for other European populations.     

Group-specific component (Gc) and transferrin (Tf) subtypes ascertained by isoelectric focusing

Simultaneous subtyping of Gc and TfC by isoelectric focusing allows us to compute the following gene frequencies for the Belgian population: Gc1S = 0.543 Gc1F = 0.167 Gc2 = 0.290 TfC1 = 0.784 TfC2 = 0.206 TfB = 0.007 TfD = 0.003. The Gc bands were precipitated by sulfosalicylic acid instead of by immunofixation.     

PGM1 and Gc subtype gene frequencies in a California Hispanic population.

The gene frequencies of the subtypes of the Gc (group-specific component) protein and PGM1 (phosphoglucomutase) enzyme systems have been determined by means of isoelectric focusing for a California Hispanic population (no. = 404). The Gc subtyping, done by immunofixation on a polyacrylamide gel, gave the following results: 1s = 0.491; 1f = 0.288; 2 = 0.218; variant = 0.0025. The PGM subtyping, done on agarose gel, gave results as follows: 1+ = 0.502; 1- = 0.266; 2+ = 0.128; 2- = 0.104. Because the gene frequencies for Hispanics in both these systems are relatively evenly balanced, the systems are of great value in Hispanic paternity investigations. The average power of exclusion is calculated to be 34.4% (Gc subtyping) and 39.8% (PGM1 subtyping).     

Distribution of Gc subtypes in Aragon (north-east Spain)

Group-specific component (Gc) polymorphism was investigated in 559 individuals from Aragon. The gene frequencies were compared to those reported for other European populations.     

Serum protein polymorphisms Hp, Tf, Gc, Gm, Inv and Pt in Bantu speaking South African Negroids

Frequencies for the genetic polymorphisms of the serum proteins Hp, Tf, Gc, Gm, Inv and Pt are presented for 7 ethnically defined Negroid sub-samples (total n = 918--977, depending on genetic marker system) from South Africa. The results are discussed in terms of previous findings and of factors assumed to have an influence on the distribution of the particular genetic markers. The present report on the Pt ("post transferrin" approximately C3) polymorphism represents the first report on the genetic variation of the corresponding beta1A-globulin fraction within African Negroids (PtA = 0.009, PtB = 0.966, PtC = 0.025).     

Genetic study of the population of Tenerife (Canary Islands,Spain): Protein markers and review of classical polymorphisms

Data on six protein polymorphisms (19 alleles) from the human population of Tenerife are presented and discussed along with other classical markers in relation to the origin of the Canarians. Genetic influences from three population groups were considered: the Iberians, and the Berbers and non-Berbers (Arabs) from north Africa. The systems examined show the Tenerife population lies within the limits of variation described for various Iberian groups, with a slight tendency towards the characteristics of north African populations. When blood groups, red cell enzymes and serum protein data were considered, the similarity of the Canary population to Iberians seems strengthened (70% estimated contribution of Iberian peninsula genes to the present-day Canarian pool), while some relation with north African groups is shown. Genetic distances between Canarians and Arabs and Canarians and Berbers are lower than those between the two north African groups, indicating a relative and comparable contribution of each to the present-day gene pool of the Canarian population. The Arab contribution could be attributable to the slaves who were introduced to these islands after the conquest in the 15th century, while the Berber contribution could be the remnants of the extinct aboriginal peoples of the islands (Guanches) or a more recent immigration due to slavery. Genetic data do not allow us to distinguish between these two possibilities. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 102:337–349, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Hp,Gc, Cp,Tf, Bg and Pi phenotypes in leprosy patients and healthy controls from West Bengal (India)

Summary On a sample of n=601 leprous individuals and n=386 healthy controls from West Bengal (India) the question is discussed, if there are existing any associations between leprosy and several serum protein groups like haptoglobin, Gc, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, ₂ I and Pi. No associations were found concerning the haptoglobins and transferrins. Certain associations came out respecting ceruloplasmin, ₂ I and Pi phenotypes. However, these associations, which were found in connection with the different types and clinical courses of leprosy, should be reexamined by further research. The most striking results were obtained concerning the Gc proteins. In accordance with previously performed investigations on Brazilians and in particular on Negroes from Moçambique statistically high significant surplusses of Gc 1-1 phenotypes in individuals suffering from leprosy could be demonstrated. This indicates in our opinion the existence of a relationship between Gc proteins and leprosy, which, however, must also be disclosed by further genetical and especially by pathophysiological research.

---

Zusammenfassung An einer Stichprobe von n=601 Leprakranken und n=386 gesunden Kontrollen aus West-Bengalen (Indien) wird die Frage untersucht, ob und inwieweit Beziehungen zwischen der Lepra und verschiedenen Serumproteingruppen wie Haptoglobin, Gc, Ceruloplasmin, Transferrin, ₂ I und Pi bestehen. Bezüglich der Haptoglobinund Transferrin-Gruppen wurden keine Beziehungen gefunden, während für die Ceruloplasmin-, ₂ I- und Pi-Phänotypen gewisse Beziehungen nachgewiesen werden konnten. Diese Beziehungen, die sich z. T. auch auf die verschiedenen Lepratypen und klinischen Verlaufsformen dieser Krankheit erstrecken, müssen jedoch an weiteren Materialien nachgeprüft werden. Die auffallendsten Befunde konnten bezüglich der Gc-Proteine gemacht werden. In Übereinstimmung mit früheren Beobachtungen an Stichproben aus Brasilien und insbesondere aus Moçambique konnte ein statistisch hochsignifikanter Überschuß an Gc 1-1-Phänotypen bei Leprakranken festgestellt werden. Dies dürfte auf einen Zusammenhang zwischen der Lepra und den Gc-Proteinen hinweisen, der jedoch durch weitere genetische und pathophysiologische Untersuchungen abzusichern ist.

---

---

Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Seasonal rhythmites from a lower pleistocene lake in northeastern Spain

Chemical, sedimentological, ostracod and palynological data were obtained in order to investigate the rhythmic alternation of grey and beige silty layers, with the occasional presence of sandy layers, from a small lacustrine deposits in Catalonia.The deposit was formed in a shallow meromictic and slightly saline lake. Occasional floods from a nearby river brought in detritic material.The alternation of the silty layers is seasonal: pollen and ostracods demonstrate that the beige layers were deposited during spring and the grey layers towards the end of spring and after it, until the next spring.Graded bedding, bioturbation structures and iron nodules found in the deposit are also examined for further information on the formation of the deposit.Pollen suggests an age for the deposit ranging between the Senezian I (probably representing the Waalian Stage, after Elhaï, 1969) and the Granada Interstadial (which is believed to correspond to the Holsteinian Stage by Florschütz et al., 1971).     

Association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with psoriasis in a northeastern Chinese population

Psoriasis (PS) is a common hyperproliferative and chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. It is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The ADAM33 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33) gene located on chromosome 20p13, has recently been identified as an asthma-susceptibility gene by positional cloning. Recently, ADAM33 has been suspected to be associated with PS. To study the association between ADAM33 and PS in the northeastern Chinese population. A total of 240 PS patients and a control group of 237 healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. Five polymorphic loci (V4, T+1, T2, T1, S2) of ADAM33 were selected for genotyping. Genotypes were determined by using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. We observed the frequency of the rs2787094 C allele was significantly higher in cases than in controls (50 vs. 33 %, P < 0.0001).Similarly, the rs528557 C allele exhibited a significantly increased frequency in PS patients compared with healthy controls (35 vs. 21 %, P < 0.0001). We also found that the frequencies of H3 (CGGAC), H6 (CGGGG) haplotypes were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.006, 0.028, respectively). In contrast, the haplotype H9 (GAAAG) was more common in the control group than in the case group (P = 0.018). Our data suggest that the ADAM33 polymorphisms may be associated with PS in the northeastern Chinese population.     

Gc and C3 polymorphisms in South Sardinia

The distribution of phenotypes and gene frequencies of the group-specific component (Gc) and C3 complement were studied in South Sardinia. The gene frequencies were: Gc1 = 0.7346; C3F = 0.1963.     

Gc and C3 polymorphisms in Central Sardinia

The distribution of phenotypes and gene frequencies of the group-specific component (Gc) and C3 complement were studied in Central Sardinian sample. The gene frequencies were:Gc1 = 0.733; C3F = 0.237.     

Dietary reconstruction from historical information and trace elements analysis in a medieval population from Catalonia (Spain)

The analysis of Trace Elements in bone and its application to the determination of ancient human population's ecology and adaptation is focussed. The Sr/Ca and Zn/Ca indexes of the medieval population of L'Esquerda, (Barcelona, Spain) by time periods are compared with other independent information available for the same site. The results obtained with the Trace Element Analysis greatly agree with what was expected from the historical and archeological information. The results must be considered carefully, though, because of the relatively small sample size involved when dividing the sample into time periods. Nevertheless, the technique used may provide a good ecological and adaptive information of ancient human populations, that can be used for comparing populations from different areas.     

Group-specific component (Gc) subtypes in the Chinese population of Hong Kong

Summary The distribution of Gc subtypes in a sample of the Chinese population of Hong Kong was studied using isoelectric focusing followed by immunofixation. A sensitive modification of this technique is described. Nine distinct phenotypes were observed which appear to result from the three common alleles Gc ^IF, Gc ^IS, and Gc ², which are found in most populations. The respective gene frequencies were 0.494, 0.258, and 0.247. In addition, two rare phenotypes were observed which appear to be due to a rare allele tentatively identified as Gc ^2G2.     

Cryptosporidium species and subtype analysis from dairy calves in Spain

Faecal specimens from 287 diarrhoeic calves younger than 21 days, collected over a 2-year period (2006-2007) from 82 dairy cattle farms in 14 provinces across the north of Spain, were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Overall, 63 farms (76.8%) and 166 calves (57.8%) tested positive by microscopy. In order to elucidate the genetic diversity, selected positive specimens from 149 calves originating from 61 farms in the 14 provinces were examined by genotyping and subtyping techniques. Cryptosporidium parvum was the only species identified by PCR-RFLP of SSU rDNA from all 149 isolates and sequencing of a subset of 50 isolates, except for 2 specimens that were identified as C. bovis. Sequence analyses of the glycoprotein (GP60) gene revealed that most C. parvum isolates (98%) belonged to the subtype family IIa and 2 isolates were identified as the novel subtype IIdA23G1. Subtype IIaA15G2R1 was the most common and widely distributed (80.3% of the 61 farms), followed by subtype IIaA16G3R1 (14.7%), whereas the remaining IIa subtypes (IIaA16G2R1, IIaA17G2R1, IIaA18G3R1, IIaA19G3R1) were restricted to 1-3 farms. All these C. parvum IIa subtypes have previously been described in human patients, indicating that most isolates from diarrhoeic calves in northern Spain have zoonotic potential.     

The age of monumental olive trees (Olea europaea) in northeastern Spain

Trees can reach ages that in some cases amount to thousands of years. In the Mediterranean region, olive trees (Olea europaea) have traditionally been considered a particularly long-lived species. The main objective of this study was to assess the age of large olive trees considered to be millenarian and classified as monumental trees in northeastern Spain. We extracted cores of 14 individuals and obtained 8 sections of trees which had already been cut in the area where the largest olive trees in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula are found. The age of the sampled olive trees was assessed by counting the number of annual growth rings. Tree rings did not cross-date well, neither within nor between individuals, but boundaries between likely annual rings were clearly distinct. We found a linear relationship between DBH and tree age (in years) (Age = 2.11 × diameter(cm) + 88.93, R² = 0.80), which was used to estimate the age of unsampled olive trees. The maximum estimated age (627 ± 110 years) is among the greatest ages reported for olive trees around the world (700 years) and among the oldest trees in Mediterranean ecosystems.     

Human transferrin (Tf): a single mutation at codon 570 determines Tf C1 or Tf C2 variant

Transferrin (Tf) has many variants, as revealed by isoelectric focusing (IEF). Although these Tf variants have long been thought to arise from the multiple alleles at single Tf locus, amino acid substitution related to the two major variants, Tf C1 and Tf C2, has so far not been reported. We investigated the difference responsible for Tf C1 and Tf C2 variants and identified a single base change in exon 15 of the Tf gene resulting in the phenotypes on IEF. C/T base substitution at codon 570 replaced Pro in Tf C1 with Ser in Tf C2. Based on this nucleotide substitution, we established PCR-based genotyping for the Tf C1 and Tf 2 alleles. Received: 20 February 1997 / Accepted: 9 April 1997     

Changes in aquatic macrophyte flora over the last century in Catalan water bodies (NE Spain)

Landscape and aquatic environments have suffered increasing threats over the last century with major impacts on lentic waters and, presumably, on its inhabiting life. This study aims to evaluate changes in occurrence of aquatic macrophyte flora in lentic waters in Catalonia (NE Spain), emphasizing the last 20 years, with particular reference to vulnerable species. We conducted a survey (2005–2009) identifying macrophytes from 215 lentic water bodies (from eight different geomorphological typologies) and compared the data obtained with a historical compilation (1879–2006) from the Biodiversity Data Bank of Catalonia (BDBC). Vascular hydrophyte species were present in 53.5% of the sampled water bodies and only 69.7% of species cited in the BDBC were re-sampled in the recent survey. Significant changes in species occurrence were also found, particularly for those endangered macrophytes where the ratio of re-sampling was lower (52%). Hydrophyte flora of 36 water bodies has changed over the last 20 years and richness clearly tends to decrease. However, trends are different in each typology; while richness is stable in alpine lakes, it drops for coastal lagoons, ponds and karstic lakes. The threats most correlated with hydrophyte disappearance are water extraction and regulation and desiccation/drainage. To sum up, we detect a loss of hydrophyte diversity at a local and regional scale. Conservation actions are needed to preserve remaining water bodies and flora.