Distinct positions of genetic and oral histories: Perspectives from India.

Over the past decade, genomic data have contributed to several insights on global human population histories. These studies have been met both with interest and critically, particularly by populations with oral histories that are records of their past and often reference their origins. While several studies have reported concordance between oral and genetic histories, there is potential for tension that may stem from genetic histories being prioritized or used to confirm community-based knowledge and ethnography, especially if they differ.

Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence tries to settle hitherto putative history of Kayastha population of India.

Objectives: Indian caste system is unique as it has an inimitable type of class system where the social ordering is done based on birth. Within the caste system, there is a distinct endogamous population known as the Kayastha, who have had inconclusive stratification records due to unidentified historical records.

Methods: To gain a more inclusive view on the history and genetic affinities of Kayastha people, complete mitochondrial genomes from 15 individuals of a Kayastha population from North-western India have been sequenced.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 null genotype frequency distribution among four tribal populations of western India.

Glutathione S transferase (GST) family is a key contributor in the detoxification mechanism of our body.Deletion of the genes within this family has been reported in the failure of detoxification system, to some extent leading to various types of cancers and other life threatening diseases. The existing data and reports on the association of null genotype of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes for various diseases are inconsistent.

Socioeconomic covariates and their impact on the opportunity for natural selection in a riparian tribe of Northeast India.

The intensity of natural selection correlates with various bio-social variables which influence the genetic structure of a population. In this paper it has been sought to find out the influence of variable environmental setting and economic condition on selection intensity among the Mising tribal population of Assam, Northeast India. Detailed reproductive pattern of 309 post menopausal women is obtained and a comparison has been made between different environmental as well as economic backgrounds.

Prevalence of malnutrition among the mising children of northeast India: a comparison between four different sets of criteria.

Background: Prevalence of malnutrition among the children from developing countries has reached unprecedented level which can be evaluated by body mass index.

Aim: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among the Mising children of Northeast India using four different sets of Body Mass Index references.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on a population representative sample of 511 Mising children.

Opportunity for natural selection among some selected population groups of Northeast India.

Background: Selection potential based on differential fertility and mortality has been computed for seven population groups inhabiting different geographical locations of Northeast India.

Materials And Methods: Crow's as well as Johnston and Kensinger's index have been used for the present purpose.

Results And Conclusion: Irrespective of the methodology, the total index of selection was found to be highest among the Deoris followed by the Kaibartas.

Influence of socio-economic transition on genetic structure: a case study in Upper Assam, India.

Background: Socio-economic transition with time offers us a way to understand the dynamics of evolution by studying the change in selection pressure.

Aim: The present study aimed to explore the effect of temporal change in socio-economic conditions on the selection pattern of Sonowal Kachari, a major tribal population of Assam, north-east India, over a period of 31 years (from 1975 to 2006). It also attempts to locate the present position of the tribe in the demographic transition model on the basis of the prevalent selection pattern.