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Migration and admixture history of populations have always been curious and an interesting theme. The West Coast of India harbours a rich diversity, bestowing various ethno-linguistic groups, with many of them having well-documented history of migrations. The Roman Catholic is one such distinct group, whose origin was much debated. While some historians and anthropologists relating them to ancient group of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, others relating them for being members of the Jews Lost Tribes in the first Century migration to India. Historical records suggests that this community was later forcibly converted to Christianity by the Portuguese in Goa during the Sixteenth Century. Till date, no genetic study was done on this group to infer their origin and genetic affinity. Hence, we analysed 110 Roman Catholics from three different locations of West Coast of India including Goa, Kumta and Mangalore using both uniparental and autosomal markers to understand their genetic history. We found that the Roman Catholics have close affinity with the Indo-European linguistic groups, particularly Brahmins. Additionally, we detected genetic signal of Jews in the linkage disequilibrium-based admixture analysis, which was absent in other Indo-European populations, who are inhabited in the same geographical regions. Haplotype-based analysis suggests that the Roman Catholics consist of South Asian-specific ancestry and showed high drift. Ancestry-specific historical population size estimation points to a possible bottleneck around the time of Goan inquisition (fifteenth century). Analysis of the Roman Catholics data along with ancient DNA data of Neolithic and bronze age revealed that the Roman Catholics fits well in a basic model of ancient ancestral composition, typical of most of the Indo-European caste groups of India. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis suggests that most of the Roman Catholics have aboriginal Indian maternal genetic ancestry; while the Y chromosomal DNA analysis indicates high frequency of R1a lineage, which is predominant in groups with higher ancestral North Indian (ANI) component. Therefore, we conclude that the Roman Catholics of Goa, Kumta and Mangalore regions are the remnants of very early lineages of Brahmin community of India, having Indo-Europeans genetic affinity along with cryptic Jewish admixture, which needs to be explored further.

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are being used in cancer therapy as agents of MRI contrasting, drug delivery, and hyperthermia therapy. Their radiosensitization ability is less explored in comparison with gold and other high – Z nanoparticles. Herein, we report the radiotherapy application of Zn0.4Co0.6Fe2O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal method and they were characterized using XRD, VSM, FTIR, DLS, FE-SEM, and XPS techniques. The nanoparticles have spherical morphology with a cubic spinel structure. The surface of the nanoparticles contains hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups. The hydrodynamic mean size of the nanoparticles is 55.2 nm with a moderate zeta potential of 29.11 mV. The nanoparticles are superparamagnetic with a good saturation magnetization value of 73 emu/g. The cationic distribution study showed that the tetrahedral crystal positions are occupied by Co2+ and Fe3+ cations whereas the octahedral positions are occupied by Zn2+, Co2+, and Fe3+ with Fe3+ being the most. The cytotoxicity was investigated by MTT assay. The anticancer and radiosensitization ability of the nanoparticles was assessed by colony forming assay. The IC50 obtained from the cytotoxicity study is 100 μg/mL. The anticancer study showed 43% proliferation inhibition at 100 μg/mL. The combination of 2 Gy and nanoparticles resulted in more damage on colorectal cancer cells than 4 Gy alone in the radiosensitization study. The present investigation suggests that Zn0.4Co0.6Fe2O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles are potential candidates to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy in the case of colorectal cancer.

Objective: To determine any genetic association of COL1A2 polymorphism and the occurrence of dental fluorosis within an Indian human dental fluorosis population. Material and Methods: Fifty-six (56) subjects from two groups i.e. cases with dental fluorosis from the Pavagada population (n=29) and a control group (n=27) without fluorosis, were explored. The ages ranged between 15 and 76 years (mean 50.8 years) were included, and the male to female ratio was 70:30. The severity of dental fluorosis was graded using WHO’s Thylstrup-Fejerskov index (TF), and the concentration of fluoride was determined by a fluoride ion selective electrode (ISE). Genomic DNA was extracted using the standard phenol-chloroform method. The rs412777 and rs414408 polymorphism in COL1A2 were genotyped using the Sanger sequence method. Results: Genotype distributions for rs412777 within each group were: AA 41%, AC 51%, and CC 7% for dental fluorosis participants, and AA 56%, AC 46%, and CC 0% for the control participants. Conclusions: The rs412777 and rs414408 polymorphisms in the COL1A2gene showed no significant association between COL1A2 and the occurrence of dental fluorosis amongst this Indian population.

Evolutionary event has not only transformed the genetic structure of human populations but also associated with social and cultural transformation. South Asian populations were formed as a result of such evolutionary events of migration and admixture of genetically and culturally distinct groups. Most of the genetic studies pointed to large-scale admixture event between Ancestral North Indian (ANI) and Ancestral South Indian (ASI) groups, also additional layers of recent admixture. In the present study we have analyzed 213 individuals inhabited in South West coast India with traditional warriors and feudal lord status and historically associated with recent migrations events and possible admixture with Indo-Scythians, Saka, Huns and Kushans, whose genetic links are still missing. Analysis of autosomal SNP markers suggests that these groups possibly derived their ancestry from some groups of North West India having additional Middle Eastern genetic component and also their separation history suggests very early separation from North West Indian and Gangetic plain Indo-Europeans during late bronze or Iron age, most probably following central India and Godavari basin to South West coast. Higher distribution of west Eurasian mitochondrial haplogroups also points to admixture through maternal lineage. Selection screen using genome wide genealogy approach revealed genetic signatures related to their long-term coastal food habits. Thus, our study suggests that the South West coastal groups with traditional warriors and feudal lords’ status are of a distinct lineage compared to Dravidian and Gangetic plain Indo-Europeans and are remnants of very early migrations from North West India following Godavari basin to Karnataka and Kerala.

The archipelago of Lakshadweep is considered as a stopover to the maritime route since ancient time. It is not very clear when the human first occupied these islands, however in the long history of the islands, the local legends suggest that Lakshadweep has been ruled by different kingdoms. To have a better understanding of peopling of Lakshadweep, we have analysed 557 individuals from eight major islands for mitochondrial DNA and 166 individuals for Y chromosome markers. We found a strong founder effect for both paternal and maternal lineages. Moreover, we report a close genetic link of Lakshadweep islanders with the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India. Most of the Lakshadweep islands share the haplogroups specific to South Asia and West Eurasia, except Minicoy Island that also shares haplogroups of East Eurasia. The paternal and maternal ancestries of the majority of island populations suggest their arrival from distinct sources. We found that the maternal ancestry was closer to South Indian populations, whereas the paternal ancestry was overwhelmed with the haplogroups, more common in the Maldives and North of India. In conclusion, our first genetic data suggest that the majority of human ancestry in Lakshadweep is largely derived from South Asia with minor influences from East and West Eurasia.

Nipa Basak,1,2 Tsering Norboo,3 Mohammed S Mustak,4 Kumarasamy Thangaraj1,2,5 1CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India; 2Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India; 3Ladakh Institute of Prevention, Leh, India; 4Mangalore University, Mangalore, India; 5DBT-Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, IndiaCorrespondence: Kumarasamy ThangarajCSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, IndiaTel +91-40-27192634Fax +91-40-27160591Email thangs@ccmb.res.inIntroduction: High altitude hypoxia is believed to be experienced at elevations of more than 2500 meters above sea level. Several studies have shed light on the biochemical aspects of high altitude acclimatization, where participants were sojourners to the high altitude from low altitude areas. However, information regarding the difference between the high altitude adapted Tibetans living at high altitude and their counterparts who reside at low altitude are lacking. To understand this, we have measured various hematological parameters in the Tibetan populations, who are residing in both high and low altitudes in India.Methods: A total of 168 individuals (79 from high altitude (≥ 4500 meters) and 89 from low altitude (∼ 850 meters) were recruited for this study. Hematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were measured from the individuals from high and low altitudes. Serum erythropoietin (EPO) was measured by ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed to compare data from both of the altitudes. Gender-wise comparison of data was reported. Correlation analysis was performed within relevant parameters.Results: Highly significant differences (p < 0.0001) between high and low altitude Tibetans were detected in RBC count, HCT, Hb, MCHC in both males and females and in MCV in females. In the case of MCHC, however, age and BMI were potential confounders. Nominally significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected in MCV and MCH within males. No significant difference in serum EPO level was found between altitude groups, in any gender. No significant correlation was found between serum EPO with Hb as well as serum EPO with HCT.Discussion: Our study explores significantly lower RBC count, HCT, Hb, MCH, MCHC and higher MCV in long-term Tibetan residents living at low altitude compared to their high altitude counterparts, which is likely due to the outcome of hematological adaptation to a relatively hyperoxic environment in low altitude areas.Keywords: high altitude, low altitude, Tibetans, hematological parameters, erythropoietin

Migration and admixture history of populations have always been curious and an interesting theme. The West Coast of India harbours a rich diversity, bestowing various ethno-linguistic groups, with many of them having well-documented history of migrations. The Roman Catholic is one such distinct group, whose origin was much debated. While some historians and anthropologists relating them to ancient group of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, others relating them for being members of the Jews Lost Tribes in the first Century migration to India. Historical records suggests that this community was later forcibly converted to Christianity by the Portuguese in Goa during the Sixteenth Century. Till date, no genetic study was done on this group to infer their origin and genetic affinity. Hence, we analysed 110 Roman Catholics from three different locations of West Coast of India including Goa, Kumta and Mangalore using both uniparental and autosomal markers to understand their genetic history. We found that the Roman Catholics have close affinity with the Indo-European linguistic groups, particularly Brahmins. Additionally, we detected genetic signal of Jews in the linkage disequilibrium-based admixture analysis, which was absent in other Indo-European populations, who are inhabited in the same geographical regions. Haplotype-based analysis suggests that the Roman Catholics consist of South Asian-specific ancestry and showed high drift. Ancestry-specific historical population size estimation points to a possible bottleneck around the time of Goan inquisition (fifteenth century). Analysis of the Roman Catholics data along with ancient DNA data of Neolithic and bronze age revealed that the Roman Catholics fits well in a basic model of ancient ancestral composition, typical of most of the Indo-European caste groups of India. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis suggests that most of the Roman Catholics have aboriginal Indian maternal genetic ancestry; while the Y chromosomal DNA analysis indicates high frequency of R1a lineage, which is predominant in groups with higher ancestral North Indian (ANI) component. Therefore, we conclude that the Roman Catholics of Goa, Kumta and Mangalore regions are the remnants of very early lineages of Brahmin community of India, having Indo-Europeans genetic affinity along with cryptic Jewish admixture, which needs to be explored further.

Industrial applications of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) demand simple, cost-effective, eco-friendly and scalable synthesis methods. Besides, some applications desire rGO with specific functional groups. Therefore, we employed a simple one-step hydrothermal method to produce carbonyl functional group rich partially reduced graphene oxide using glucose as a sole precursor. We characterized the sample by XRD, XPS, FTIR, UV–Vis, Raman, SEM and DLS techniques. The characterization confirmed the formation of peripheral carbonyl-rich partially reduced graphene oxide. The sample contains 2–3 layers and has moderate zeta potential. We also proposed a plausible reaction mechanism to provide insight into the structural evolution. The reaction involved 2 sub-stages: (1) conversion of glucose into carbonyl-rich graphene oxide through successive chemical modifications, (2) partial reduction of formed graphene oxide by remaining unreacted glucose. Here, glucose acted as both precursor as well as reducing agent. As glucose is the sole material in the process and the reaction is carried out at a moderate temperature, the method is eco-friendly and cost-effective. The carbonyl functional groups present in the sample enable further functionalization and also provide good dispersibility in water which makes them useful in biomedical and water treatment related applications.

Currently, biological application of graphene family materials is widely explored from drug delivery to biosensing. In this study, we reduced graphene oxide (GO) using hydroalcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) by refluxing with 5% extract solution. Total phenols and flavonoids present in extract were assayed using appropriate methods as these phytocompounds are known to influence reducing capacity. 2, 2-diphenyl 1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and IC 50 value determination was carried out to know the potency of plant extract as antioxidant. Total phenolic content in hydroalcoholic extract of O sanctum was found to be 20% and total flavonoid content was found to be 7.5%. DPPH assay showed ∼90% inhibition of free radicals by extract at 10 μg/mL concentration and ∼42% inhibition at 0.75 μg/mL and IC 50 value of 1.3 μg/mL showing that the extract is a potential antioxidant. Characterization of GO and O sanctum reduced GO (ORGO) showed that PXRD of ORGO had a broad peak centred at 2θ = 25° as against 2θ = 10.69° of GO indicating efficient removal of oxygen containing group. SEM images of GO showed typical flake like morphology whereas ORGO appeared like overlapped folded curtains, typical of their respective morphologies. To assay the concentration dependent toxicology profile of GO and ORGO, efflux of haemoglobin from suspended red blood corpuscles was estimated spectroscopically at 541 nm. Viability of mouse fibroblast cells (Balb 3T3 cells) under the influence of different concentrations of GO/ORGO was examined with water soluble tetrazolium salt using cell counting kit assay (CCK-8). GO here showed higher haemolytic activity of 6.9% and higher inhibition of growth of 3T3 cells at all tested concentrations than ORGO, which is probably due to removal of oxygen functionalities by plant extract in the latter. From this study, we conclude that O sanctum hydroalcoholic extract has been efficiently employed as a reductant in removal of functionalities of GO and thus synthesized ORGO showed lesser hematologic and cellular toxicity and the material can be a good entrant for biological applications after further in vivo studies.

The nanohybrid of reduced graphene oxide/magnetic nanoparticles (rGO/MNP) is one of the most studied nanomaterials in wastewater treatment and biomedical applications due to their complementary physicochemical properties. However, they are still not commercialized due to their inherent toxicity resulted from the usage of toxic precursors in their preparation. Therefore, in the present study, we synthesized glucose-derived rGO/Zn0.4Co0.6Fe2O4 superparamagnetic nanohybrid by a bottom-up hydrothermal method using nontoxic precursors. The formation of the nanohybrid was confirmed through XRD, VSM, UV–Vis, FE-SEM, and XPS characterization techniques. The cytotoxicity of the nanohybrid was assessed by MTT Assay. The nanohybrid has a good saturation magnetization of 29 emu/g and bandgap energy of 3.36 eV. A possible synthesis reaction mechanism is proposed to provide an insight into structural evolution. The present study offers a facile method for the preparation of a biocompatible rGO/MNP nanohybrid that would be useful in wastewater treatment and biomedical applications.

Introduction Neurogenesis mainly occurs in the hippocampus that is sensitive to radiation. More histological changes are reported at higher doses of radiation, while low dose radiation causes cognitive dysfunction in adult mammals. In the present study, we tried to correlate the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress-mediated hippocampus dysfunction after whole-body gamma radiation of mice. Methods Mice were exposed to a series of gamma radiations, followed by isolation of hippocampus. To elucidate the gene expression profile, qPCR was performed for ER stress markers CHOP, BiP, and hippocampal specific genes WFS1, Nectin 3, and Sostdc 1 on the isolated hippocampus. Expression of CHOP and ERK½ were analyzed by western blot on exposure to gamma radiation. Results qPCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of ER stress-specific genes CHOP, BiP, and decrease in hippocampal specific genes WFS1, Nectin3, and Sostdc1. Western blot study suggests a significant increase in ER stress proteins like CHOP and ERK½ expression. Conclusion Exposure to gamma radiation significantly increased the expression of ER-stress genes, suggesting that ER stress plays a major role in inducing radiation mediated dysfunction of the hippocampus. Also, significant downregulation of WFS1, Nectin3, and Sostdc1 genes suggests radiation mediated effect of hippocampal CA 1, CA 2, and CA 3 regions. A further significant increase of ERK½ shows involvement of the ERK pathway in mediating radiation-induced ER stress dysfunction in mice hippocampus. The present findings may lead to the identification of ER stress as a new marker to study radiation-induced neurodegenerative disorder.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays an important role in the regulation and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. However, unresolved ER stress leads to deleterious effects by inducing the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the cell. Here we have demonstrated the protective aspects of quercetin against radiation-induced ER stress and against inflammation in primary cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The mature DRG neurons were pretreated with different concentrations of quercetin (5-100 μM) for 24 hours before 2 Gy gamma radiation exposure and then subjected to a cytotoxicity assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The results showed that quercetin decreased the expression of BiP and C/EBP-homologous protein, the ER stress marker genes along with downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, JNK in irradiated DRG neurons. Furthermore, quercetin pretreatment significantly increased the cytoskeletal protein Tuj1 and the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the neuron. These results indicate that quercetin plays a neuroprotective role against radiation-mediated ER stress and inflammatory responses.

Ionizing radiation induces various pathophysiological conditions by altering central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. However, the potential effect of ionizing radiation response on cellular physiology in glial cells is unclear. In the present study, micronucleus test, comet assay, and RT-PCR were performed to investigate the potential effect of gamma radiation in cultured oligodendrocytes and astrocytes with respect to genomic instability, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation. Further, we studied the effect of alteration in ER stress specific gene expression in cortex post whole body radiation in mice. Results showed that exposure of gamma radiation of 2Gy in-vitro cultured astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and 7Gy in-vivo induced ER stress and Inflammation along with profuse DNA damage and Chromosomal abnormality. Additionally, we observed downregulation of myelin basic protein levels in cultured oligodendrocytes exposed to radiation. The present data suggests that ER stress and pro inflammatory cytokines serve as the major players in inducing glial cell dysfunction post gamma irradiation along with induction of genomic instability. Taken together, these results indicate that ER stress, DNA damage, and inflammatory pathways may be critical events leading to glial cell dysfunction and subsequent cell death following exposure to ionizing radiation.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a complex multifactorial cardiovascular disease. India experiences a much greater burden of MI, also suggesting an experimental increase of this burden in the future. The absolute reasons for MI are context dependent and differ with different geographical settings. Several reports indicate that SNPs that are associated with certain diseases in other populations may not be associated with Indian population. It is, therefore, important to validate the association of SNPs. Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 8 (LRP8) gene plays central role in human lipoprotein metabolism as it facilitates the clearance of bad cholesterol LDL, VLDL from plasma and is reported to be associated with MI in the western population. However, this gene has not been studied in the South Indian population. We aim to test the role of the LRP8 gene variants correlating with the lipid profile in MI patients in South Indian population. We sequenced regions of SNPs rs10788952, rs7546246, rs2297660 and rs5174 of LRP8 in 100 MI patients and 100 age-matched controls. Our result revealed a total of 4 variations. None of the SNPs were significantly associated with MI (p>0.973). Interestingly, haplotype based association analysis showed TG and CG of rs10788952 and rs7546246 significantly associated with MI (p

Introduction The Koraga tribe is one of the primitive tribal populations residing in the southwest coast of India. Addiction to alcohol and tobacco chewing are most common in the Koraga population. The TAS2R38 gene variants were being associated with a variety of bitter tasting dietary foods, alcohol, and nicotine. Hence, we examined the influence of the TAS2R38 gene polymorphisms on the alcohol dependence and tobacco chewing habits among the Koraga tribal population. Methods Volunteers (n = 296) belongs three clans (Onti, Kuntu, and Soppu) of the Koraga population recruited for the present study to analyze the PTC tasting and its association with alcoholism and tobacco chewing. Genotyping of all three variants of the TAS2R38 gene, i.e., G145C (rs713598), T785C (rs1726866), A886G (rs10246939) were performed using Sanger sequencing followed by haplotype analysis. Results We observed the significant difference in the frequency of tasters and non-tasters among the three clans of the Koraga tribes (p ≤ 7.4 × 1005).Haplotype analysis showed the distribution of intermediate taster (PAV/AVI) (46%) and nontasters (AVI/AVI) (34%) were high among the Koraga population compared to the tasters PAV/PAV (13%). Further, there was a positive association between non-taster haplotype AVI/AVI (71.4%) with alcoholics (p-value≤7.76061E−08) and the tobacco-chewers (53.0%). In conclusion, increased frequency of non-tasters might have influenced the higher risk of alcohol dependence and tobacco chewing in the Koraga population.

The more than 1.5 billion people who live in South Asia are correctly viewed not as a single large population, but as many small endogamous groups. We assembled genome-wide data from over 2,800 individuals from over 260 distinct South Asian groups. We identify 81 unique groups, of which 14 have estimated census sizes of more than a million, that descend from founder events more extreme than those in Ashkenazi Jews and Finns, both of which have high rates of recessive disease due to founder events. We identify multiple examples of recessive diseases in South Asia that are the result of such founder events. This study highlights an under-appreciated opportunity for reducing disease burden among South Asians through the discovery of and testing for recessive disease genes.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays an important role in the regulation and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. However, unresolved ER stress leads to deleterious effects by inducing the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the cell. Here we have demonstrated the protective aspects of quercetin against radiation-induced ER stress and against inflammation in primary cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The mature DRG neurons were pretreated with different concentrations of quercetin (5-100 μM) for 24 hours before 2 Gy gamma radiation exposure and then subjected to a cytotoxicity assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The results showed that quercetin decreased the expression of BiP and C/EBP-homologous protein, the ER stress marker genes along with downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, JNK in irradiated DRG neurons. Furthermore, quercetin pretreatment significantly increased the cytoskeletal protein Tuj1 and the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the neuron. These results indicate that quercetin plays a neuroprotective role against radiation-mediated ER stress and inflammatory responses.

The more than 1.5 billion people who live in South Asia are correctly viewed not as a single large population but as many small endogamous groups. We assembled genome-wide data from over 2,800 individuals from over 260 distinct South Asian groups. We identified 81 unique groups, 14 of which had estimated census sizes of more than 1 million, that descend from founder events more extreme than those in Ashkenazi Jews and Finns, both of which have high rates of recessive disease due to founder events. We identified multiple examples of recessive diseases in South Asia that are the result of such founder events. This study highlights an underappreciated opportunity for decreasing disease burden among South Asians through discovery of and testing for recessive disease-associated genes.

Previously, we evidenced a B --> Z helical change in Alzheimer's brain genomic DNA, leading to a hypothesis that Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiological factors such as aluminum (Al), amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide, and Tau might play a role in modulating DNA topology. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of Al and Abeta with DNA. Our results show that Abeta(1-42) could induce a B --> Psi (Psi) conformational change in pUC 18 supercoiled DNA (scDNA), Abeta(1-16) caused an altered B-form, whereas Al induced a complex B-C-A mixed conformation. Ethidium bromide binding and agarose gel electrophoresis studies revealed that Al uncoiled the DNAto a fully relaxed form, whereas Abeta(1-42) and Abeta(1-16) effected a partial uncoiling and also showed differential sensitivity toward chloroquine-induced topoisomer separation. Our findings show for the first time that Abeta and Al modulate both helicity and superhelicity in scDNA. A new hypothetical model explaining the potential toxicity of Abeta and Al in terms of their DNA binding properties leading to DNA conformational alteration is proposed.

Bipolar disorders are complex neuropsychiatric in nature and are clinically classified as Type I, Type II, and Type V. The etiological factors include environmental-genetic inter-relations. Trace metals play a significant role in neurological disorders. There is very limited information on the role of macro and trace elements in bipolar disorders.Trace elements namely Na, K, S, Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and Al were analyzed in serum samples of 3 bipolar types: bipolar I, bipolar II and bipolar V with a control group using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The patients were assessed as per the standard diagnostic criteria and classified into the bipolar type I, II hypomanic, II depressives and V.In bipolar I (mania), Na, K, P, Cu, Al and Mn were increased significantly (p0.001). In bipolar II hypomania, Na, S, Al and Mn were increased significantly (p0.02), while in bipolar II depression, Na, K, Cu and Al were increased (p0.001). In bipolar V, Na, Mg, P, Cu, and Al were increased significantly (p0.002), though S (p0.00001), Fe (p0.002) and Zn (p0.004) were decreased in all 3 bipolar groups.There is a disturbance in the charge distribution and element-element interdependency in bipolar serum when compared to controls. These results suggest that there is a definite imbalance in macro and trace element homeostasis as evidenced by element inter-relationships in serum samples of bipolar groups when compared to controls.

The Siddis (Afro-Indians) are a tribal population whose members live in coastal Karnataka, Gujarat, and in some parts of Andhra Pradesh. Historical records indicate that the Portuguese brought the Siddis to India from Africa about 300-500 years ago; however, there is little information about their more precise ancestral origins. Here, we perform a genome-wide survey to understand the population history of the Siddis. Using hundreds of thousands of autosomal markers, we show that they have inherited ancestry from Africans, Indians, and possibly Europeans (Portuguese). Additionally, analyses of the uniparental (Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA) markers indicate that the Siddis trace their ancestry to Bantu speakers from sub-Saharan Africa. We estimate that the admixture between the African ancestors of the Siddis and neighboring South Asian groups probably occurred in the past eight generations (∼200 years ago), consistent with historical records.