ABSTRACT
Analysis of digital and palmar dermatoglyphics in an Italian mountain population was carried out. Dermatoglyphic variability was particularly investigated in samples from four different valleys. Microgeographical differences in qualitative and quantitative traits among valleys were found. The relationship between degree of endogamy and dermatoglyphic differences is discussed. The biological repercussion of isolation in the history of this Apennine population is also pointed out by means of comparisons with a nearby plains population characterized by low inbreeding.
Subject(s)
Dermatoglyphics , Analysis of Variance , Consanguinity , Female , Genetics, Population , Humans , Italy , Male , Multivariate AnalysisABSTRACT
In order to contribute to the definition of a map of the distribution of Bf polymorphism in Italy, we typed numerous population samples (for a total of 2033 individuals) from several regions of Italy: provinces of Bologna, Potenza and Matera, middle Sangro valley (Chieti) and northern, central and southern Sardinia. A new method was used which consisted of cellulose acetate electrophoresis followed by immunofixation and staining with Coomassie blue. The results obtained highlight marked differences in the distribution of Bf phenotypes and allele frequencies in Italy. To be noted in particular are the relatively high incidence of the Bf*S allele and the low incidence of Bf*F in Potenza and the significantly different pattern of the Sardinian samples compared to those from mainland Italy. This may be due to the low incidence in Sardinia of the Bf*S allele and above all to the exceptionally high frequency of the Bf*F1 variant.
Subject(s)
Complement Factor B/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Alleles , Chi-Square Distribution , Electrophoresis, Cellulose Acetate , Female , Gene Frequency , Humans , Italy , Male , Phenotype , Regression AnalysisABSTRACT
This study examines the distribution of properdin factor B by means of electrophoresis on cellulose acetate in a sample of 780 individuals from seven historical/geographical areas of Sardinia: Nurra, Goceano, Nuorese, Arborea, Sarcidano, Ogliastra, Campidano di Cagliari. The gene frequencies obtained for the total sample are BF*S = 0.595, BF*F = 0.227, BF*S1 = 0.012, BF*F1 = 0.166. Division of the total sample into subsamples has highlighted some noticeable differences both among the historical/geographical areas considered and with mainland Italy. In Sardinia relatively low frequencies of the allele BF*S are accompanied by exceptionally high incidences of the variant allele BF*F1, which reaches a maximum in the Goceano area (0.2143).
Subject(s)
Complement Factor B/genetics , Gene Frequency/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic/genetics , Alleles , Genetic Markers/genetics , Humans , Italy , Mediterranean Sea , PhenotypeABSTRACT
This paper discusses some problems relating to the study and the utilization of discontinuous traits in anthropology. The importance of sex, age and laterality in the manifestation of these traits is discussed on the basis of investigations on a numerous skeletal sample of Siena (Tuscany, Italy) and on data from literature. It is pointed out that sides and sexes should be considered separately. The age of adult subjects seems to be insignificant as the incidence of these traits is concerned.
