Phylogenetic resolution of complex mutational features at Y-STR DYS390 in aboriginal Australians and Papuans.

Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) are used for the study of male aspects of human evolution as well as for forensic applications and paternity testing. Both applications require an understanding of the underlying mutational mechanisms that create variability. We describe complex mutations at the substructured DYS390 STR locus in 97 natives of the New Guinea/Australian region.

[Adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy. Clinical biochemical and molecular genetic findings].

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked peroxisomal disease affecting 1 in 20,000 males either as cerebral ALD in childhood or as adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) in adulthood. Recently, the ALD gene has been identified by positional cloning. We report three males patients with AMN and a fourth patient with juvenile ALD.

Distribution of apolipoprotein E genotypes in Asian Indians, Hungarians, and Papua New Guineans.

We report here the distribution of apo E genotypes and allele frequencies in Asian Indians, Hungarians, and Papua New Guineans using the DNA based analysis. Frequency of the apo E4 allele was thrice as high in Papua New Guineans as compared to the Caucasians. The rare apo E2 allele was also present in higher frequency in the Papuas as compared to other populations.

Serum protein and erythrocyte enzyme polymorphisms in twelve population groups of Hungary.

The distribution of the serum proteins C3, TF, HP, GC, BF, AMY2, PLG, GM, and KM and the erythrocyte enzyme polymorphisms GLO, GPT, ESD, ACP, 6-PGD, ADA, AK, PGM1 and PGP amongst twelve population groups in Hungary was investigated. Gene frequencies and genetic distances are discussed in relation to the present geographical locations of these groups and their probable history of migration.

Alcohol use, abuse, and alcohol-related disorders among ethnic groups in Hungary. Part II: Palócs from Mátraderecske.

An epidemiological study on alcohol drinking habits, alcohol metabolism rate, alcohol-related acute physiological symptoms, and alcohol misuse among Palócs, an ethnic minority in Hungary, was conducted. The demographic and sociocultural correlates revealed their ethnic identity: low to moderate education, relatively low number of children per family and higher percentage of skilled workers among males. Alcohol use survey revealed that frequency of alcohol consumption among Palóc male population is considerably high.