Geographical Origin Research Articles

Volcanic Terroirs: Exploring Minerals in Canary Red Wine

The mineral composition of monovarietal red wines from the Canary Islands was analyzed to evaluate the potential of mineral content as a marker for wine authenticity by geographical origin. Key minerals—K, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Co—were quantified in 190 wine samples using flame absorption spectrometry. The study revealed slight mineral profile differences between recently introduced international grape cultivars and traditional ungrafted varieties. A significant correlation was found between K and Mg, highlighting their roles in vine physiology. The results indicated that Tenerife wines had elevated Fe and Mn, Lanzarote wines showed higher Na (likely from marine aerosols), and La Gomera wines had significantly high Mn. Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that Mn, Mg, and Na differentiated wines by island with 85% classification accuracy, while Cu and Fe correlated with wine ageing. These findings emphasize the influence of volcanic soils and microclimate on mineral profiles, supporting mineral analysis as a cost-effective tool for classifying red wines by origin. This study offers insights into how terroir, grape cultivar, and winemaking practises define the unique characteristics of Canary Island wines.

DMI fungicide resistance in Zymoseptoria tritici is unlinked to geographical origin and genetic background: a case study in Europe.

The hemibiotrophic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici causing Septoria tritici blotch (STB), is a devastating foliar pathogen of wheat worldwide. A common group of fungicides used to control STB are the demethylation inhibitors (DMIs). DMI fungicides restrict fungal growth by inhibiting the sterol 14-α-demethylase, a protein encoded by CYP51 gene and essential for maintaining fungal cell permeability. However, the adaptation of Z. tritici populations in response to intensive and prolonged DMI usage has resulted in a gradual shift towards reduced sensitivity to this group of fungicides. In this study, 311 isolates were collected pre-treatment from nine wheat-growing regions in Europe in 2019. These isolates were analysed by high-throughput amplicon-based sequencing of nine housekeeping genes and the CYP51 gene. Analyses based on housekeeping genes and the CYP51 gene revealed a lack of population structure in Z. tritici samples irrespective of geographical origin. Minimum spanning network (MSN) analysis showed clustering of multilocus genotypes (MLGs) based on CYP51 haplotypes, indicating an effect of selection due to DMI fungicide use. The majority of the haplotypes identified in this study have been reported previously. The diversity and frequencies of mutations varied across regions. Using a high-throughput amplicon-sequencing approach, we found several mutations in the CYP51 gene combined in different haplotypes that are likely to cause fungicide resistance. These mutations occurred irrespective of genetic background or geographical origin. Overall, these results contribute to the development of effective and sustainable risk monitoring for DMI fungicide resistance. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Integrated approach to predicting habitat suitability and evaluating quality variations of Notopterygium franchetii under climate change.

The impact of climate change on medicinal plants has significantly altered their suitable environments, thereby affecting the quality of herbal medicines. Notopterygium franchetii (N. franchetii), a medicinal plant intricately linked to its natural habitat, exhibits substantial quality variations influenced by the ecological conditions of its native region. In this study, comprehensive field surveys were conducted to gather occurrence records and samples of N. franchetii. The Maxent model and ArcGIS software were employed to predict the suitable habitats of N. franchetii during different time periods. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to establish the chemical fingerprints of 21 sample batches. Fourteen common peaks were subjected to cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The findings revealed quality variations correlated with their geographic origins, identifying peaks 10, 1, 14, 3, and 4 as crucial for quality differentiation. The study indicates that precipitation, temperature, and altitude significantly influence the distribution of N. franchetii. Under current climate conditions, the suitable habitat area for N. franchetii is estimated to be approximately 94,637.33 km2. However, projections under three future climate scenarios suggest a declining trend in suitable habitat areas. A quality zoning map of N. franchetii was developed, integrating a correlation model between chemical composition and environmental variables with the spatial analysis and visualization capabilities of ArcGIS. The high-quality regions for N. franchetii are predominantly located in the Gannan, Linxia, Dingxi, Longnan, and Wuwei districts. These research outcomes offer a valuable reference for identifying suitable cultivation areas and assessing the quality of N. franchetii in Gansu Province.

Market Introduction and Sensory Evaluation of a Traditional, Revitalized “Back to the Future” Greek Cheese (Kashkaval Pindou)

Kashkaval Pindou is a traditional semi-hard cheese produced in Greece since the beginning of last century. Its production was halted in the last decades but has recently been revitalized using modern techniques. In this study, the quality and organoleptic criteria for this “recently introduced to the market” cheese in the dishes of selected restaurants and hotels was studied. Research was conducted in the city of Ioannina, Greece using two types of questionnaires via a survey which was carried out in person between September and December 2023, distributed to 18 experts, chefs, and owners of restaurants utilizing the Kashkaval Pindou cheese. The statistical analysis used was an approach of the Delphi methodology, which seeks consensual agreement within a group of experts. Following the two rounds of survey, the experts evaluated the 11 quality criteria for the use of the cheese in order of their preference (10–9 mean values): “Greek Tradition”, “ease of consumption”, “quality, healthy and safe properties”, “easy to be used product” and “ease of integration in the menu”. Of medium preference (9–8 mean values) was the cheese’s “geographic origin”, “producers’ and suppliers’ capacity”, “enhancement of the kitchen’s creativity”, and “value for money”. Last in the order of selection (8–7 mean values) was the cheese “reputation in the market” and “attractive packaging”. Regarding the organoleptic evaluation, the experts indicated the cheese’s pleasant taste, creamy texture, uniformity of the color, and buttery, milky foam aroma as high in their preference. These results, in agreement with findings in the existing literature, prove that Kashkaval Pindou fulfils the required quality and organoleptic criteria to become an appealing new cheese in the global market.

Grape Pomace for Feed Enrichment to Improve the Quality of Animal-Based Foods

In this review, the potential role of grape pomace (GP) as a tool for improving feed has been critically summarized, considering the findings of the literature of the last five years (2020–2024). The main applications of GP to the nutrition of different animals and the impact on derived foods (meat, milk and dairy products, eggs, fish) are discussed along with the major advantages and limits. Emphasis was placed on the phenols and fatty acids of GP, which are considered phytochemicals with health-promoting effects. Phenolic compounds increase the antioxidant potential of animal-based foods even if their content and profile are strongly related to grape cultivar and geographical origin. Unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids, contributed to extending the shelf life of new products. Few approaches exploited chemometrics tools. Generally, GP showed a promising role in feed fortification, even if, in most cases, GP was key only if used in a correct percentage within a balanced diet and for an adequate administration time. From a multidisciplinary perspective, future research endeavors should prioritize a larger sampling, a deep phenol fraction characterization, and an appropriate chemometric approach.

Reducing amylose content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using a novel Wx-D1 null allele generated by chemical mutagenesis.

Amylose has a major influence over starch properties and end-use quality in wheat. The granule-bound starch synthase I, encoded by Wx-1, is the single enzyme responsible for amylose synthesis. Natural null mutants of Wx-1 appear at extremely low frequencies, particularly in the Wx-D1 locus, where only four spontaneous null variants have been identified, with different geographic origins. The current study identified an induced Wx-D1 null mutant (M4-9484) from the M4 generation of an ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized population of wheat cv. 'SM126'. The sequencing showed that the complete Wx-D1 ORF sequences of 'SM126' and M4-9484 were 2862 bp long and that there was one SNP mutation between them. The mutation was located at the RNA splice site within the junction of exon 8 and intron 8, which led to abnormal transcription of Wx-D1, with five different aberrant transcripts being identified in the mutant. The Wx-D1 null allele resulted in amylose and total starch content being decreased in M4-9484 in comparison with the wild-type 'SM126', with higher swelling capacity and being fully pasted at higher temperatures than the wild-type parent. The mutation of the Wx-D1 null gene affects the formation of amylose directly, resulting in significantly altered starch properties. This discovery offers valuable insights for enhancing wheat starch quality and contributes to the diversification of starch characteristics. It also deepens our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying amylose synthesis, thereby supporting breeding programs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A geographic and social profile of Italy's great migration (1876–1913)

AbstractThis article sheds light on Italian emigration flows with a focus on their geographical origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, that is, during the so‐called Great Migration. Annual province‐level data on Italian emigration are analysed in order to reconstruct the regional origins of emigrants, the factors motivating their decisions, their gender, and their literacy levels. The regions generating the largest population outflows were located in the North of the country. Despite the literature's focus on the Italian south diaspora to the US, the main destinations of Italian emigration in this period were other European countries. Explanations focusing on economic factors as emigration drivers prove weak. The provinces generating the greatest outflows do not appear to share any characteristics nor obey any underlying pattern: some tentative explanations concerning provinces of origin will be offered. Data relating to the emigration of women and children point to the central role of nuclear families, displaying a higher rate of growth compared to overall emigration, with peaks during the migration booms to Latin America (1890s) and the United States (1905–1907). No obvious connection emerges between emigrant outflow size and literacy levels: people migrated from the literate North as well as from the more impoverished regions featuring much lower literacy levels.

Genetic structure of Saccharina japonica in Japan and evaluation of a potential mitochondrial region for identification of geographic origin

Genetic structure of Saccharina japonica in Japan and evaluation of a potential mitochondrial region for identification of geographic origin

Yield of winter soft wheat varieties of different ecological and geographical origin and their adaptability in the conditions of the Central Nonblack Earth Region

When creating new varieties, it is necessary to pay attention not only to high yields and the quality of the original parent forms, but also to be guided by knowledge about their reaction to changing growing environment conditions. The article presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of 15 varieties of different ecological and geographical origin. The methods of S.A. Eberhart and W.A. Russell, A.A. Rossielle and J. Hamblin, L.A. Zhivotkov, E.D. Nettevich were used in the analysis of adaptability indicators. The research was carried out in the northwestern part of the Ryazan region in the fields of ISA – a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution FNAC VIM in 2019–2023, of which two years were unfavorable – the index of environmental conditions (Ij) –2,54 – –1,87, three years favorable Ij was 0,84–2,24. It was found that, on average, over 5 years of research, the highest yield potential was possessed by the varieties of winter wheat Danaya – 5,79 t/ha, Isktar – 6,36 t/ha, Nebokrat and Slavna – 5,81 t/ha and 6,09 t/ha, which is higher than the average annual indicator by experience by 11,1%, 22,1%, 11,5% and 16,9%, respectively. The group of the most plastic varieties includes: Danaya and Lavina (Russia), Nebokrat and Slavna (Ukraine), Isztar (Germany). High responsiveness to improving environmental conditions was noted in winter wheat varieties Moskovskaya 39 (Russia) – 1,22, Fantasia (Belarus) – 1,23, Saturnus and Tambor (Germany) – 1,17 and 1,41, respectively. According to the complex of adaptive properties, the Isztar (Germany) and Nebokrat (Ukraine) varieties were distinguished as genetically flexible ((Ymin + Ymax)/2 from 5,56 to 6,26), with a high level of stability (PUSS from 103,28% to 113,12%), good adaptability to environmental conditions (KA – 1,15% and 1,26%, respectively) and resistance to stress ((Ymin – Ymax) from –4,23 to –4,68). The research results can be used in practical breeding.

(Pragmatist) geographies of rankings

AbstractAs a rapidly growing interdisciplinary literature has argued, rankings have become a key means of valuation in contemporary society. However, the majority of the work focuses on rankings in only a few areas, and even if spatial aspects play a role in the interdisciplinary literature, the number of explicitly geographical works on rankings is surprisingly low. Against this backdrop, in this paper I aim firstly to flesh out a pragmatism‐inspired geographical perspective on rankings. Secondly, using the example of wine rankings, I will ask the question as to how the growing importance of rankings has changed valuation schemes. The wine industry is particularly well suited to this, as nominal classifications in the form of designations of origin have historically played a central role here. A pragmatist, geographical perspective on ordinal ordering processes illustrates that rankings evoke both economic and geographical realities; they do this not only through the ranking processes as such, but also through observation of and engagement with rankings by different actors. In the case of wine, local/regional specificity is an inherent part of the world of rankings—be it through the fact that ranking processes build on (embodied) geographically contextualised knowledge of wine judges, through the possibilities of using (or not using) (different) rankings for different markets by wine producers, or through the balance between the marketing of wine through rankings and the suitability of those very wines for the specific markets in which they are to be sold. This is perhaps the biggest difference compared with other fields in which the importance of rankings has increased considerably—in particular, higher education. It helps to explain why the historically significant valuation scheme of geographical origin has not lost any of its significance, despite the increase in the importance of rankings in the world of wine.

Combing chemical composition profiling with machine learning for geographical origins identification of Nardostachys jatamansi DC.

Nardostachys jatamansi DC., a herb endemic to the Himalayas, has a long history of use in ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems. The quality of N. jatamansi materials is closely related to their geographical origins. This study aims to develop a method for quickly and accurately identifying the geographical origin of N. jatamansi samples. A total of 118 samples of N. jatamansi samples were collected from five production areas in China. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to characterize the active compounds, mineral elements, and volatile components in N. jatamansi, and four algorithms were introduced to explore the potential of various machine learning modeling techniques for geographical origin authentication. Three active compounds, 8 mineral elements and 24 volatile metabolites in N. jatamansi were identified to be the key information for origin traceability and authentication. The fused data based on the 3 active compounds and the other feature variables led to the highest accuracies for origin classification, with the accuracies of linear discriminant analysis (LDA), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) are 94.44 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 100 %, respectively. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-source data fusion strategy for geographical origin traceability of N. jatamansi.

Characterization of dark chocolates based on polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant activity.

Dark chocolates were characterized according to geographical origin, cocoa variety, and cocoa content using the methylxanthine and polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity as the data. The main study objective was to uncover sample patterns and identify possible markers of quality, variety, or origin to deal with authentication or fraud detection issues. In the study, a set of 26 dark chocolates from different varieties (e.g., Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario) harvested in Africa, America, and Asia was analyzed. The optimized sample treatment consisted of defatting the chocolate (1g of sample with 5mL of cyclohexane for 15min, three times) and then extracting the analytes by sonication with methanol/water 60:40 (v:v) for 15min. The filtered extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and spectrophotometric methods (Folin-Ciocalteu, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and aluminum methods) to determine individual phenolics and overall indexes of antioxidant and flavonoid content. Results from this chocolate set indicated that American samples are richer than African counterparts in alkaloids and phenolics (e.g., 1.7 vs. 1.1mgg-1 caffeine and 14.5 vs. 12.5mgg-1 total flavanols, respectively). Regarding cocoa varieties, Criollo cocoa was richer in bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity (e.g., 16, 15, and 12mgg-1 total flavanols for Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario, respectively). These results indicate that the analytes resulted in potential descriptors of varietal or geographical attributes.

Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica obtained from cattle and horse in Central Chile

Liver fluke infection, caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, is a parasitic zoonotic disease affecting various mammals, including humans, and has significant implications for public, animal, and ecosystem health. This study provides the first genetic characterization of F. hepatica in Chile, focusing on the complete mitochondrial gene cox1. Samples were collected from two different host species: cattle and horses. Our findings revealed that 70 % of detected haplotypes were found in either cattle or horses, which coincides with their geographical origin. Interestingly, the use of full-length sequences resulted in the identification of 80 % unique sequences, whereas this reduced to 45 % when analyzing the traditionally used short sequences. This underestimation of genetic diversity suggests that broader sequencing efforts might be essential for a more accurate understanding of F. hepatica genetic landscape. This research underscores the importance of understanding the genetic variability in parasites to improve strategies for disease control and treatment.

Influence of different geographical origins and bottle storage times on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and sensory properties of cabernet sauvignon wine

To investigate the effects of origin and storage time on wine quality, HPLC and HS-SPME-GC–MS were employed to analyze the chemical compositions and VOCs of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from four sub-regions in Xinjiang and with five storage times. Results showed that most of the organic acids were reduced and the anti-oxidant activity decreased during storage. Wines from different regions exhibited differences in the contents of gallic acid, (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin. A total of 68 VOCs were identified, with esters and alcohols being the most dominant VOCs. In total, nine VOCs with OAV > 1 were detected in all samples, impacting wine flavor. Cabernet Sauvignon wines were differentiated using PCA and OPLS-DA. 15 and 17 chemical markers were screened based on VIP > 1 for wine of different sub-regions and bottle storage times, respectively. This research provides a data reference for quality characterization of wines obtained from different sub-regions and bottle storage times in Xinjiang.

Effect of warehouse storage on the alteration, cooking and organoleptic characteristics of Kponan yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) of Côte d'Ivoire

Yam holds the top position in food crop production, and Kponan yam is highly prized by Ivorians. However, storage deterioration poses economic challenges for wholesalers and producers. This study assesses Kponan yam quality in warehouse storage, considering its geographical origin. To achieve this, yams from the Bondoukou, Bouna, and Kouassi-Kouassikro regions were kept at a warehouse in Abidjan, allowing an assessment of alterations, cooking properties, and organoleptic characteristics over a 3-month storage period. Kponan yam tubers were placed on boards at the warehouse's temperature (27.98 °C) and relative humidity (85.61 %). Temperature and humidity levels were recorded three times per week and four times daily at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00. Physical, cooking, and sensory characteristics were checked at harvest and during each month. The results showed that the main damage observed during storage at the warehouse was rotting and dehydration of the tubers. Rot rates were 47.53 % for yams grown in Bondoukou, 51.96 % for those grown in Bouna and 60.65 % for those grown in Kouassi-Kouassikro. Dehydrated tubers rates were 17.88 %, 25.04 % and 29.20 % for yams from Bondoukou, Bouna and Kouassi-Kouassikro, respectively. The browning indices of Kponan yams decrease (P < 0.05) during storage, with a much more marked effect for yams grown in Bouna (23.43-18.56) and Bondoukou (24.73-18.11), in contrast to those grown in Kouassi-Kouassikro (26.09–22.96). Hardness also dropped for Kponan yams grown in Bouna, Bondoukou and Kouassi-Kouassikro (38.94–25.19 N, 39.39–26.52 N and 35.59–26.66 N respectively). Sensory analysis showed that yams from Bouna stored for three months were rated highest in taste (score = 4). The storage quality of Kponan yams was influenced by the cultivation region. Organic production of Kponan yams benefits the environment and human health, while increasing shelf life.

Botanical origins of honeys from pollen analysis during the main honey flow across agro-ecologies in kelala district, South Wollo, Ethiopia

This study aimed to identify the botanical origins of honey through pollen analysis across agro-ecologies of Kelala district, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Fifteen honey samples were collected from traditional beehives, with 5 samples from each of the highland, midland, and lowland agro-ecologies. Qualitative and quantitative pollen analyses revealed that 22 honeybee plants belonging to 8 families, with no families of poisonous origin, and 3 growth forms were identified. Among these plant species, 18 were found in the midland and 13 were recorded in each of the highland and lowland agro-ecologies. The family Fabaceae, with 7 (31.81 %) of the identified honeybee plants, was highly dominant (p < 0.03) compared to the other families. Herbs, with 18 plant species, were highly dominant (p < 0.001) compared to shrubs and trees. In terms of plant species diversity, 10 plant species (Bidens pachyloma, Guizotia scabra, Becium grandiflorum, Eleusine floccifolia, Lens culinaris, Lippia adoensis, Medicago polymorpha, Ocimum basilicum, Trifolium steudneri, and Zea mays) were found in more than 50 % of the honey samples, with the first 2 in all the samples studied. Analysis of each honey sample showed that 8 (53.33 %) of the samples were monofloral, 3 (20 %) were bifloral, and the rest were multifloral. However, all the honeys produced due to agro-ecology (geographical origin) were monofloral. Guizotia scabra in the highland and Bidens pachyloma in the midland and lowland agro-ecologies were the predominant pollen producing species and contributors of monofloral honey. In conclusion, the safe and healthy monofloral honey produced across agro-ecologies suggests the suitability of the honey for human consumption and can potentially attract investors.

Image-Based Quantitative Analysis of Epidermal Morphology in Wild Potato Leaves

The epidermal leaf patterns of plants exhibit remarkable diversity in cell shapes, sizes, and arrangements, driven by environmental interactions that lead to significant adaptive changes even among closely related species. The Solanaceae family, known for its high diversity of adaptive epidermal structures, has traditionally been studied using qualitative phenotypic descriptions. To advance this, we developed a workflow combining multi-scale computer vision, image processing, and data analysis to extract digital descriptors for leaf epidermal cell morphology. Applied to nine wild potato species, this workflow quantified key morphological parameters, identifying descriptors for trichomes, stomata, and pavement cells, and revealing interdependencies among these traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted two main axes, accounting for 45% and 21% of variance, corresponding to features such as guard cell shape, trichome length, stomatal density, and trichome density. These axes aligned well with the historical and geographical origins of the species, separating southern from Central American species, and forming distinct clusters for monophyletic groups. This workflow thus establishes a quantitative foundation for investigating leaf epidermal cell morphology within phylogenetic and geographic contexts.

Who am I? A second-order meta-analytic review of correlates of the self in childhood and adolescence.

People's subjective beliefs about themselves affect what people think and, consequently, what they do. Positive self-beliefs are important for many life outcomes, from academic success to well-being, especially during K-12 education as a crucial developmental period. Many empirical studies and meta-analyses have examined correlates of self-beliefs. The present second-order meta-analytic review integrates this large and diverse body of research, addressing two research aims: First, we examined the comparative strength of different variables related to self-beliefs. Second, we provide a methodological review of meta-analyses in this area, thereby facilitating readers' ability to assess the risk of bias when interpreting the results. We summarized 105 first-order meta-analyses published before July 2023 that investigated variables associated with self-beliefs during K-12 education, comprising 493 first-order effect sizes based on more than 8,500 primary studies and more than 16 million children and adolescents. We computed second-order standardized mean differences (SMD) using two-level meta-analyses with robust variance estimation. Personal characteristics (SMD = 0.50) showed stronger relations with self-beliefs than interventions (SMD = 0.27). Achievement (SMD = 0.66) and noncognitive variables (SMD = 0.67) were the personal characteristics most strongly related to self-beliefs compared to cognitive abilities (SMD = 0.30) and background variables (SMD = 0.21). Interventions targeting individual characteristics (SMD = 0.35) and especially self-beliefs (SMD = 0.52) showed larger effect sizes than interventions that focused on improving teaching and classroom structure (SMD = 0.20). Few meta-analyses investigated situational aspects, such as the geographical origin of the sample, in association with children's and adolescents' self-beliefs. Overall, this second-order meta-analytic review provides a comprehensive map of correlates of the self, highlighting pathways for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 and Huntington disease-like 2 in Venezuela: Further evidence of two different ancestral founder effects.

The American continent populations have a wide genetic diversity, as a product of the admixture of three ethnic groups: Amerindian, European, and African Sub-Saharan. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10) and Huntington disease-like 2 (HDL2) have very ancient ancestral origins but are restricted to two populations: Amerindian and African Sub-Saharan, respectively. This study aimed to investigate the genetic epidemiological features of these diseases in Venezuela. In-phase haplotypes with the expanded alleles were established in seven unrelated index cases diagnosed with SCA10 and in 11 unrelated index cases diagnosed with HDL2. The origins of remote ancestors were recorded. The geographic origin of the ancestors showed grouping in clusters. SCA10 had a minimal general prevalence of 1:256,174 families in the country, but within the identified geographic clusters, the prevalence ranged from 5 per 100,000 to 43 per 100,000 families. HDL2 had a general prevalence of 1:163,016 families, however, within the clusters, the prevalence ranged from 31 per 100,000 to 60 per 100,000 families. The locus-specific haplotype shared by all families worldwide, including the Venezuelans, supports a single old ancestral origin in each case. Knowing the genetic ancestry and geographic origins of patients in Ibero-American mixed populations could have significant diagnostic implications; thus, both diseases in Venezuela should always be first explored in patients with a suggestive phenotype and ancestors coming from the same known geographic clusters.

Salivary microbiome signatures of Poles and Serbians and its potential for prediction of biogeographic ancestry

Biogeographical ancestry analysis is valuable in forensic investigations, especially in missing person cases or crimes without eyewitnesses, as it helps to infer geographic origins from genetic markers. This approach enhances forensic efforts by providing essential clues for identifying individuals with limited direct evidence. Slavic-speaking populations are poorly distinguishable based on human genome variability. However, recent studies show that even populations with close biogeographic origin could be differentiated based on salivary microbiomes. Nevertheless, the salivary microbiomes of Slavs have not been characterized yet. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the composition of the salivary microbiomes of Western and Southern Slavs’ representatives. 16S rRNA libraries from salivary microbiomes of 40 Poles (Western Slavs) and 40 Serbians (Southern Slavs) were prepared via PCR and sequenced on the MiSeq FGx platform (Illumina), giving approximately 100,000 reads per sample. Bioinformatic and statistical analyses were performed to assess the alpha and beta diversity of microbiomes and determine the differences in the abundance of bacterial genera between the groups studied. Analyses of alpha (ACE, Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson) and beta (Jaccard and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity) diversities in the salivary microbiomes clearly distinguished between Poles and Serbians. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were significantly higher in the Serbian population. Fusobacterium, Lautropia, Porphyromonas, Actinobacillus, Capnocytophaga, and Kingella were the most significantly increased genera in Serbians, whereas Veillonella, Selenomonas, Megasphaera, and Atopobium were more prevalent in Poles. In summary, our study identified significant differences in the salivary microbiomes of Poles and Serbians, with distinct microbial signatures associated with each population. These findings highlight the potential of salivary microbiome analysis as a tool for predicting biogeographic ancestry. Nevertheless, further analysis extended to other Slavic-speaking populations is necessary to clarify this issue.