Kailash C. Malhotra

Bio: Kailash C. Malhotra is an academic researcher from Indian Statistical Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Dermatoglyphics. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 75 publications receiving 1058 citations. Previous affiliations of Kailash C. Malhotra include University of Hamburg & Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Path analysis of total palmar pattern ridge counts

Abstract: Recently a new dermatoglyphic measure was defined called the Total Palmar Pattern Ridge Count (TPPRC), which is the sum of the ten single counts (Malhotra et al., 1981). Malhotra and associates presented estimates of five familial correlations, including twins, which are analyzed here using the models and methods of path analysis. It is concluded that about one-third of the variation in the TPPRC is accounted for by additive genetic factors (h2 = .37 ± .06). However, the observed MZ twin correlation (.8) cannot be explained in terms of h2 alone, requiring either intrauterine environment specific to MZ twins or dominance deviations. This second source of family resemblance cannot be resolved in this material.

Variations on dermal ridges in nine population groups of maharashtra, india. III. Asymmetry and interdigital diversity

Abstract: Variations in asymmetry and interdigital diversity for the three finger-dermatoglyphic traits, total finger ridge count (TRC), absolute total finger ridge count (ARC), and finger pattern intensity index (PII) have been studied here from a sample of 646 males belonging to nine population groups from Maharashtra, India. It is seen that at such local level of population differentiation the ridge count measures TRC and ARC discriminate the population better as compared to PII. A considerable amount of variations also exist in their asymmetries and interdigital diversities and these suggest the possibility of their genetic controls. Such genetic controls might mediate both asymmetry and interdigital diversity jointly, as there seems to be positive correlation between these measures with respect to all the three finger-dermatoglyphic traits.

Natural selection and colour blindness: fresh data on Indian castes

Abstract: Incidence of colourblindness among 3325 males belonging to 21 endogamous Dhangar castes (shepherds) of Maharashtra, India, has been reported. Of the 21 castes studied 5 lacked the gene for colourblindness, while in other groups it varied from 1% to 55%, with a series average of 2.65%. The low incidence of observed colourblindness has been discussed in the light of the nomadic way of the life of some of the Dhangar castes. The results have been compared with other nomadic populations of Maharashtra. The results, in general, are compatible with the Post and Pickford's hypothesis of differential selection for colourblindness.

A Note on Esterase D Polymorphism in Some Indian Populations

Abstract: The distributions of the isozyme esterase D have been studied in a few endogamous groups of India. The Es D2 gene frequency is, in general, around 0.25.

The global prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: Glucose-6-phosphate deficiency is the most prevalent enzyme deficiency, with an estimated 400 million people affected worldwide. This inherited deficiency causes neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and chronic hemolytic anemia. Although most affected individuals are asymptomatic, exposure to oxidative stressors such as certain drugs or infection, can elicit acute hemolysis. To characterize the global prevalence of G6PD deficiency, we conducted a systematic review of the G6PD deficiency literature, drawing studies from various databases, including MEDLINE/Pubmed and Biosis. Selected studies included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies published between 1960 and 2008. Additionally, meta-analytic procedures were employed to assess the degree of heterogeneity amongst prevalence estimates and, where appropriate, pool them. The searches yielded a total of 280 prevalence estimates, corresponding to 88 countries. The highest prevalence rates were reported among Sub-Saharan African countries, even after adjusting for assessment method. Meta-analysis revealed a high degree of heterogeneity for regional and global prevalence estimates. This heterogeneity in reported estimates appeared to be due to differences in G6PD deficiency assessment and diagnostic procedures. The magnitude and variation in global, regional, and country-level prevalence rates of G6PD deficiency are of public health import, particularly in planning programs to improve neonatal health and in the distribution of various medications, especially antimalarial drugs, as G6PD deficiency is most prevalent in malaria-endemic areas.

Global distribution of the sickle cell gene and geographical confirmation of the malaria hypothesis

Abstract: It has been 100 years since the first report of sickle haemoglobin (HbS). More than 50 years ago, it was suggested that the gene responsible for this disorder could reach high frequencies because of resistance conferred against malaria by the heterozygous carrier state. This traditional example of balancing selection is known as the 'malaria hypothesis'. However, the geographical relationship between the transmission intensity of malaria and associated HbS burden has never been formally investigated on a global scale. Here, we use a comprehensive data assembly of HbS allele frequencies to generate the first evidence-based map of the worldwide distribution of the gene in a Bayesian geostatistical framework. We compare this map with the pre-intervention distribution of malaria endemicity, using a novel geostatistical area-mean comparison. We find geographical support for the malaria hypothesis globally; the relationship is relatively strong in Africa but cannot be resolved in the Americas or in Asia.