Atypical cholinesterase gene E1a: rarity in Negroes and most Orientals

Development of a rapid screening test for atypical cholinesterase in serum enabled large-scale surveys of populations. The frequency of the heterozygous trait among Greeks, Yugoslavs, and East Indians was similar to that among United States Caucasians (2.8 to 3.3 percent). In trait frequency, U.S. Negroes were intermediate (1.05 percent) between Congolese Africans (0.29 percent) and U.S. Whites (3.3 percent). The gene was absent from or very rare in populations originating in East Asia (Taiwanese, Japanese, Filipinos, and Eskimos). Prolonged apnea during anesthesia from administration of succinylcholine caused by homozygosity for this gene, is expected to be extremely rare among populations of Negroes and East Asians.     

H-2 antigen class: effect on mouse islet allograft rejection

Rejection of mouse pancreatic islet allografts occurred in a high percentage of donor recipient combinations identical for H-21-region antigens and differing at H-2K and H-2K + H-2D without I-region disparities. The results suggest that disparities in major histocompatibility complex antigens of class I (H-2K and H-2D) alone are capable of eliciting islet allograft rejection, and that lack of a stimulus from class II (I-region) alloantigens does not ensure permanent islet allograft survival.     

Indigenous Forest and Woodland in the Kingdom of Lesotho

From historical accounts the extent of indigenous forest in Lesotho has decreased since the middle of the last century. However, in historic times forest was never extensive, being confined to small patches. Fire was probably the main limiting factor to the spread of forest.

Although indigenous forest covers less than 4,5% of Lesotho, many products, especially fuelwood, are obtained from them by neighbouring rural populations.

The largest individuals of seven species of indigenous trees or shrubs are describe. Indigenous forest is divided into three broad types:

a. Leucosidea sericea Forest.

b. Mixed Forest and Thicket.

c. Open Shrubland with Forest or isolated trees.

An ecological inventory is proposed to identify and classify the remaining areas of indigenous forest. This would provide information for a rational conservation programme.

The two present areas under protection, Matsitise Nature Reserve and Sehlabethebe National Park are briefly described as is the proposed “Biosphere Reserve” at Mount Morosi. Four areas with relatively undisturbed indigenous forest are listed.