Functional role of apolipoprotein E in lipid metabolism in residents of the European North

The content of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in the blood serum of residents of the European North was studied. It was shown that the limits of variation in the level of serum ApoE in northerners shifts towards lower values. ApoE contents below the standard values were detected in nearly half of the examined persons. It was shown that the ApoE content did not depend on sex and increased in older groups of northerners. Hypertriglyceridemia in the residents of the European North develops at lower ApoE contents in blood serum than in normolipidemia.     

Genetic characterization and origin of Tunisian Berbers

Blood samples from 120 Tunisian Berbers of Gallala village were typed for Gm and Km immunoglobulin allotypes, alpha-1-antitrypsin variants and AB0 blood groups. The results were compared with those of other Berber groups. The combined data, considered in the light of sociological, historical and paleontological data, support the hypothesis that the Berbers are native to North Africa and their ancestors, the first modern man (Homo sapiens) of North Africa, were the founders of the European populations. The ancestors of the Berbers could have been an intermediate population between H. sapiens from Europe and from South Africa.     

Evolution of alphaviruses in the eastern equine encephalomyelitis complex.

Evolution of viruses in the eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) complex was studied by analyzing RNA sequences and oligonucleotide fingerprints from isolates representing the North and South American antigenic varieties. By using homologous sequences of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus as an outgroup, phylogenetic trees revealed three main EEE virus monophyletic groups. A North American variety group included all isolates from North America and the Caribbean. One South American variety group included isolates from the Amazon basin in Brazil and Peru, while the other included strains from Argentina, Guyana, Ecuador, Panama, Trinidad, and Venezuela. No evidence of heterologous recombination was obtained when three separate regions of the EEE virus genome were analyzed independently. Estimates of the overall rate of EEE virus evolution (nucleotide substitution) were 1.6 x 10(-4) substitution per nucleotide per year for the North American group and 4.3 x 10(-4) for the Argentina-Panama South American group. Evolutionary rate estimates for the North American group increased over 10-fold (from about 2 x 10(-5) to 4 x 10(-4)) concurrent with divergence of two monophyletic groups during the early 1970s. The North and South American antigenic varieties diverged roughly 1,000 years ago, while the two main South American groups diverged about 450 years ago. Analysis of multiple strains isolated from an upstate New York transmission focus during the same years suggested that, in certain locations, EEE virus may be relatively isolated for short time periods.     

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.     

Immunoglobulin allotypes (GM and KM) indicate multiple founding populations of Native Americans: evidence of at least four migrations to the New World.

On the basis of GM and KM typing and language, approximately 28,000 Amerindians were divided into 4 groups of populations: non-Nadene South American (8 groups), non-Nadene North American (7 groups), Nadene (4 groups), and Eskaleuts (6 groups). These groups were compared to four groups of Asian populations. The distribution of GM haplotypes differed significantly among and within these groups as measured by chi-square analysis. Furthermore, as reflected in a maximum linkage cluster analysis, Amerindian populations in general cluster along geographic divisions, with Eskaleuts and Nadenes clustering with the Asian populations and non-Nadene North American and non-Nadene South American populations forming two additional clusters. Based on GM haplotype data and other genetic polymorphisms, the divisions appear to reflect populations that entered the New World at different times. It appears that the South American non-Nadene populations are the oldest, characterized by the haplotypes GM*A G and GM*X G, whereas later North American non-Nadene populations are characterized by high frequencies of GM*A G and low frequencies of GM*X G and GM*A T. In contrast, Eskaleuts appear to have only GM*A G and GM*A T. The Nadene speakers have GM*X G and GM*A T in higher and approximately equal frequencies. Maximum linkage cluster analysis places the Alaskan Athapaskans closest to northwestern Siberian populations and the Eskaleuts closest to the Chukchi, their closest Asian neighbor. These analyses, when combined with other data, suggest that, in the peopling of the New World, at least four separate migrant groups crossed Beringia at various times. It appears likely that the South American non-Nadene entered the New World before 17,000 years B.P. and that the North American non-Nadene entered in the immediate postglacial period, with the Eskaleut and Nadene arriving at a later date.     

A study of the A-1A-2BO blood group system and ABO(H) secretion in six endogamous groups of Punjab

2,596 Aroras and 2,629 Khatris comprising six endogamous groups of the Punjabis have been studied for A₁A₂BO blood groups and secretion of ABO(H) group specific substances. The values of chi-square and the genetical difference (G²) among these groups do not show statistically significant differences in these groups regarding the genetical characters studied. There is a closer affinity between Beri and Bunjahi on the one hand and Uttaradhi and Dhakhandian on the other and also between Uttaradhi and Khukhran; Dhakhandian and Sareen show a great difference among themselves as well as with other groups. The comparison of ABO blood group distribution and secretor factor among the different populations of India show that the distribution is similar among the North Indians.     

中国不同人群的红细胞抗原多态性及血型组合

计算了汉、回、蒙古、维吾尔、侗、高山、朝鲜和壮等八个民族红细胞抗原常见等位基因数、常见血型和血型组合频率、血型相同的二人随机相遇的概率、血型组合数、常见和罕见的血型组合、AB、Rh(D-)型频率及排除亲子关系的概率。结果表明,中国北方民族的血型系统的多态程度比南方民族高。     

Phylogeny of Finnish-Ugric populations

Genetic distances of 18 Finnish-Ugric and other populations of Europe, Asia and America by 28 alleles of 12 loci of proteins, enzymes and blood groups were calculated. The data of matrix of genetic distances and dendrogramme constructed by paired clusterisation method suggested that there was the relationship of Finnish-Ugric populations and some Caucasoids and North Mongoloid populations. These data give new approaches to the problem of Finnish-Ugric phylogenesis.     

The plerocercus of Grillotia erinaceus as a biological tag for haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus in the north sea and north-east Atlantic

Analyses of the incidence and intensity of infestation with Grillotia erinaceus plerocerci in 8228 Melanogrammus aeglefinus indicate two distinct groups of haddock at Faroe, and three groups in the area to the north and west of Scotland. In the North Sea the following four groups were recognized: (1) in the Moray Firth and (2) to the north and east of Shetland where, in both groups, incidence of infestation was consistently high; (3) an intervening area where incidence was considerably lower up to three years of age, after which it increased to about the same level as in groups (1) and (2); and (4) in the central North Sea where incidence was consistently low. Changes in the pattern of infestation with host age and with host length within single age-groups, when considered together with conventional tagging data, suggest that many 3+ and older haddock may migrate from Scottish inshore waters via the Shetland area to the north-eastern North Sea. The results support other studies in suggesting a northward movement of haddock along the Scottish east coast.     

Zur Verbreitung der ABO-Blutgruppen in der Bevölkerung Nordthailands

2048 subjects in North Thailand were examined for AB0 blood groups. A control group representative of the population of the provinces of Chiengmai and Lampun was formed of 382 examinees and 3403 blood donors.The distribution of AB0 groups in this population is similar to that of Central Thailand. Some ethnic groups show significant deviations: The Miao tribe, originating in South China, has a much higher frequency of B. There was a significant reduction in gene A and B in the younger generation of this tribe. The Thai Yong, people who migrated to North Thailand from Yunnan in the 19th century, show an AB0 distribution similar to Chinese in Yunnan. They differ significantly from the Northern Thai. There is also a difference in the distribution of -thalassaemia and hemoglobin E between these two groups.Male leprosy patients showed an excess of group A which was not present in female patients. The percentage of severely ill patients was much higher in the males. Differentiation into lepromatous and tuberculid forms is not available. Among 108 people who had suffered from smallpox approximately 20 years ago there was an excess of groups 0 an B in comparison to the control group.

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Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Association between ABO blood group and osteoporosis among postmenopausal women of North India

The present study is an attempt to examine possible associations between ABO blood groups and the risk of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women of North India. This cross-sectional study involved 250 postmenopausal women from North India, ranging in age from 45 to 80 years. Four anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference), blood sample (ABO status and haemoglobin concentration) and grip strength (dominant as well as non-dominant hand) of all the participants were taken. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine (L1–L4) and proximal femur. Analysis of data revealed that at lumbar spine (L1–L4) osteoporosis was more prevalent among individuals with blood group A (31.58%), followed by those with blood group B (29.67%), AB (28.57%) and then blood group O (15%), whereas for proximal femur individuals with blood group AB (21.43%) showed the highest prevalence of osteoporosis followed by a decreasing trend from blood group A (17.54%) to B (12.08%) and then O (5%). Total prevalence of osteoporosis was 26.4% in lumbar spine and 13.2% in proximal femur, indicating that lumbar spine had an elevated risk for osteoporosis among postmenopausal women. All the anthropometric variables, haemoglobin concentration as well as grip strength of individuals with blood group O demonstrated non-significant differences with non-O blood group except for weight and body mass index, where differences were statistically significant. Women with blood group O exhibited significantly higher bone mineral density for lumbar spine (0.90 g/cm² vs. 0.85 g/cm², p < 0.05) and proximal femur (0.87 g/cm² vs. 0.79 g/cm², p < 0.05) as compared to those with non-O blood group, thereby suggesting an increasing risk of osteoporosis among individuals with non-O blood group.     

The distribution of AB0 and LH blood groups in some north Indian populations

The distribution of AB0 and LH blood groups among five Punjabi populations from North India (Jat Sikh, Bania, Brahmin, Sikh Khatri and Hindu Khatri) is reported. Significant differences have been found in many cases regarding the distribution of AB0 and LH systems, especially between Sikh Khatris and Hindu Khatris, who are usually pooled for population genetic studies.     

Genetics of the native inhabitants of the Caucasus: distribution of various immunological and biochemical markers in North Osetiia and Checheno-Ingushety

The distribution of genetic markers of blood groups (AB0, Rhesus, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kell-Cellano), plasma proteins (Hp, Gc, C'3, Tf) and red-cell enzymes (Glo-1, AcP, EstD, 6-PGD, PGM1) as well as ABH-secretion has been studied among 6 native populations of North Osetia and Checheno-Ingushety. Distribution of gene frequencies in populations of North-Osetians, Chechenians, Ingushians and other Caucasian ethnic groups was comparatively studied.     

Phylogeny and Phytogeography of Eupatorium (Eupatorieae, Asteraceae): Insights from Sequence Data of the nrDNA ITS Regions and cpDNA RFLP

Eupatorium were examined by sequencing the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA and restriction site analysis of chloroplast DNA. Molecular data provided strong evidence that (1) this genus originated in North America, (2) the genus diverged into three morphological species groups, Eutrochium, Traganthes and Uncasia in North America, and (3) one of the North American Uncasia lineages migrated into temperate Europe and eastern Asia over the Bering land bridge. The estimated divergence times support a late Miocene to early Pliocene migration from North America to Eurasia via the Bering land bridge. A European species was sister to all of the eastern Asian species examined. The disjunct distribution pattern of the genus Eupatorium is incongruent with the classical Arcto-Tertiary geoflora concept. Received 13 September 1999/ Accepted in revised form 4 January 2000     

Blood group and height in a multiethnic population

In a sample of 4,472 boys, aged 17-18 years, resident in Jerusalem, those with blood groups B or AB tended to be slightly shorter than groups O and A (p = 0.011). Participants were classified into 8 groups according to father's country of origin: Israel, Southern Europe/Balkans, rest of Europe, North Africa, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and the rest of Asia. The association of ABO blood group, classified according to the presence of the B antigen (groups B and AB) or its absence (O and A), with height differed in the 8 origin groups (p = 0.026 for interaction). In 7 of the 8 groups, subjects with the B allele were either shorter or of equal height to groups O and A and in only one instance were they taller. These findings do not support the generalizability of a positive association of the presence of the B antigen with height suggested by Borecki et al. [1985].     

Phylogeny and biogeography of Altingiaceae: evidence from combined analysis of five non-coding chloroplast regions

The Altingiaceae consist of approximately 15 species that are disjunctly distributed in Asia and North America. The genus Liquidambar has been employed as a biogeographic model for studying the Northern Hemisphere intercontinental disjunctions. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses based on five non-coding chloroplast regions support that (1) Liquidambar is paraphyletic; (2) the temperate Liquidambar acalycina and Liquidambar formosana are nested within a large tropical to subtropical Asian clade; (3) Semiliquidambar is scattered in the eastern Asian clade and is of hybrid origin involving at least two maternal species: L. formosana and L. acalycina; and (4) the eastern North American Liquidambar styraciflua groups with the western Asian Liquidambar orientalis, but is highly distinct from other lineages. Biogeographically, our results demonstrate the complexity of biogeographic migrations throughout the history of Altingiaceae since the Cretaceous, with migration across both the Bering and the North Atlantic land bridges.     

Blood groups in the species survival plan®, European endangered species program,and managed in situ populations of bonobo (Pan paniscus), common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), gorilla (Gorilla ssp.), and orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus ssp.)

Blood groups of humans and great apes have long been considered similar, although they are not interchangeable between species. In this study, human monoclonal antibody technology was used to assign human ABO blood groups to whole blood samples from great apes housed in North American and European zoos and in situ managed populations, as a practical means to assist blood transfusion situations for these species. From a subset of each of the species (bonobo, common chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutans), DNA sequence analysis was performed to determine blood group genotype. Bonobo and common chimpanzee populations were predominantly group A, which concurred with historic literature and was confirmed by genotyping. In agreement with historic literature, a smaller number of the common chimpanzees sampled were group O, although this O blood group was more often present in wild‐origin animals as compared with zoo‐born animals. Gorilla blood groups were inconclusive by monoclonal antibody techniques, and genetic studies were inconsistent with any known human blood group. As the genus and, specifically, the Bornean species, orangutans were identified with all human blood groups, including O, which had not been reported previously. Following this study, it was concluded that blood groups of bonobo, common chimpanzees, and some orangutans can be reliably assessed by human monoclonal antibody technology. However, this technique was not reliable for gorilla or orangutans other than those with blood group A. Even in those species with reliable blood group detection, blood transfusion preparation must include cross‐matching to minimize adverse reactions for the patient. Zoo Biol 30:427–444, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

同宗配合蜜环菌与欧美异宗配合蜜环菌狭义种的分子系统学关系

从亚洲、欧洲和北美收集18个蜜环菌狭义种菌株,PCR扩增其rDNA的IGS和ITS区域,用AluI、HaeIII、HinfI和TagI四种限制性内切酶进行酶切,同时用随机扩增微卫星(RAMS)多态性,对蜜环菌狭义种的进行了遗传多样性和分子系统学分析。结果蜜环菌狭义种的IGS和ITS-RFLP类型比以前报道的更多,亚洲、欧洲和北美菌株都具有比较明显的特征片段,通过ITS和IGS图谱可将三个大陆的菌株区分开,其中IGS-HinfI图谱能完全区分3个大陆的菌株。RFLP数据的系统学分析表明,该种存在明显的大陆遗传分化,亚、欧、北美的群体分属三个相互独立的进化系,北美群体IGS变异程度较小,ITS变异程度极高;而欧洲群体IGS的变异程度较大,多态性高,ITS变异程度非常小。RAMS系统分析表明,中国、日本和非洲的同宗配合蜜环菌属于一个系统发育系,该发育系同欧洲和北美的异宗配合种的两个发育系分属3个不同的独立进化分支。据此建议欧洲和北美的异宗配合蜜环菌应作为蜜环菌的两个亚种。     

Widespread and structured distributions of blood parasite haplotypes across a migratory divide of the Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus)

We examined the phylogenetic distribution of cytochrome b haplotypes of the avian blood parasite genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium across the migratory divide of the Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus) in British Columbia, Canada. From 87 host individuals, we identified 8 parasite haplotypes; 4 of Plasmodium and 4 of Haemoproteus. Six haplotypes were novel; 1 Haemoproteus haplotype was identical to H. majoris found in the blue tit (Parus caeruleus) in Sweden, and another halotype was identical to a Plasmodium haplotype found in the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) in Oregon. The 2 most abundant parasite haplotypes were widely distributed across the contact zone, whereas 2 other parasite haplotypes seem to have structured distributions. Compared with 74 Plasmodium and Haemoproteus haplotypes published in GenBank, haplotypes recovered from Swainson's thrushes do not form monophyletic groups, and they are closely related to haplotypes from a variety of other hosts and localities. In addition, we recovered 2 Swainson's thrush Plasmodium haplotypes from the nonmigratory orange-billed nightingale thrush (Catharus aurantiirostris) in Costa Rica. This study is the first to elucidate avian blood parasite transmission, distribution, and phylogenetic relationships in an avian contact zone in North America.     

To the problem of differentiation of north Mongoloids,Caucasoids, and Amerinds on the territory of Eurasia (genetic data)

The matrix of genetic distances of 11 human populations of Europe, Asia, and America was calculated using data on frequencies of 28 alleles of 12 loci of proteins, enzymes, and blood groups. This matrix and constructed on their basis dendrogram permit one to suggest that the place of division of paleolitic population on ancestors of North Mongoloids, Caucasoids, and Amerinds was in South Siberia and possibly in neighbouring regions of Central Asia. Published data on polymorphism of mtDNA in the human populations of Eurasia and America were analysed. These data support the author's hypothesis.