Genetic characterization of an alloalbumin, albumin Kashmir, using gene amplification and allele-specific oligonucleotides.

The molecular basis for albumin Kashmir was studied using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify a DNA fragment containing codon 501 in exon 12 of the human albumin gene. Southern blots of the amplified DNA were hybridized to oligonucleotide probes specific either for the normal allele of albumin or for albumin Kashmir. The results provide strong evidence that codon 501 in albumin Kashmir is AAG (lysine) instead of GAG (glutamic acid), thus confirming the protein sequences reported. This approach was used to characterize a bisalbuminaemic individual as a carrier for albumin Kashmir. Similar strategies may be devised to study the molecular basis and to identify carriers of other alloalbumins.     

Complete mitogenome of Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) and its comparative phylogenetic relationships

Molecular Biology Reports - Kashmir musk deer, Moschus cupreus (KMD) is one the most threatened species endemic to the Himalayan region of Kashmir, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Herein, we have...     

Biochemical variation in the Sunni Muslims of Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir

Baseline data are presented on phenotype and gene frequency distributions of nine red-cell enzyme systems (ADA, AK, EsD, GLO I, PGM1, AP, GPI, PGM2, SOD) in the Sunni Muslims of Kashmir valley in the northernmost Indian border state of Jammu and Kashmir.     

Predicting plant invasiveness from native range size: clues from the Kashmir Himalaya

Aims In view of the growing interest in modelling the potential spread of invasive species, prediction of plant invasiveness on the basis of native range size holds considerable promise. Our objective was to use a simple model to evaluate whether a wider native range predisposes plant species to become invasive in non-native regions and to easily identify potential invaders on this basis. The Kashmir Himalayan alien flora, of which a large proportion is native to Europe, was used to test this model.Methods The Kashmir Himalayan alien flora comprises 436 species of vascular plants at different stages of invasion. We focussed on plant species at two critical invasion stages (sensu Colautti and MacIsaac 2004), i.e. Stage II (species that are just at the earliest phase of introduction) and Stage V (species that are widespread and dominant in the invaded region and are thus considered invasive). We used the territorial distribution in Europe (number of countries) as a surrogate for the native range size of plants of European origin.Important findings Using a subset of 88 species, for which information on the native European range was available, we showed that a large proportion (68%) of Stage II species growing in the Kashmir Valley had a relatively restricted European range (present in ≤20 countries); on the other hand, 77% of Stage V species had an extensive native range (present in>20 countries). We consequently hypothesized that 14 Kashmir Himalayan Stage II species of European origin that are distributed in>20 European countries are at risk of becoming future invaders in Kashmir. On the other hand, those Kashmir Himalayan Stage II species of European origin distributed in ≤20 European countries are less likely to become invasive. Although this analysis is quite simple, the data suggest that a wider native range is a good predictor of plant invasiveness and could be used as a simple and low-cost early warning tool in predicting potential invasive species.     

Serum albumin variants from populations of Andhra Pradesh,S. India

Summary 1108 tribal and 1062 non-tribal individuals from three districts of Andhra Pradesh were examined, for serum albumin variants. A slow-moving variant, identical to Albumin Kashmir was found in a single Muslim individual. Another new slow-moving variant, faster than Albumin Kashmir found in a single individual of a Koya Dora tribe is designated as Albumin Koya Dora.     

Oaks in the Kashmir Valley with Remarks on their History

The paper records the occurrence of indigenous oaks (Quercus semecarpifolia and Q. dilatata) in the Kashmir valley, which have hitherto been reported as absent there. It also gives an outline history of the oaks in the Kashmir valley since the beginning of the Pleistocene and discusses the historical status of the modern oaks in the valley.     

A new stratigraphic occurrence of the taxon Pagetia (Trilobita) from the Spiti region and its biostratigraphic significance in correlation of the Wuliuan Stage (Miaolingian Series) in the Kashmir and the Spiti regions (Tethyan Himalaya), India

Abundant, though moderately well-preserved, specimens of Pagetia sp. are recorded along with the ptychopariid Xingrenaspis dardapurensis from a new stratigraphic level which lies above the Oryctocephalus salteri biozone in the Spiti region (Himalaya). This occurrence of Pagetia in a higher stratigraphic level (higher than the Oryctocephalus salteri biozone) from the Spiti region helps in understanding the distribution of this taxon in the Cambrian of the Kashmir and Spiti regions of the Himalaya. A Pagetia-Xingrenaspis association from the Kashmir region is already known, the present discovery of a similar association in the Spiti region enables the Wuliuan (Miaolingian) biostratigraphic correlation between the Kashmir and the Spiti regions. The record of the taxon Pagetia from a higher stratigraphic level in the Spiti region contradicts the previous assumption that the Pagetia bearing level in Kashmir is equivalent to the Pagetia-Oryctocephalus indicus (O. indicus biozone, Hayden horizon 2) in the lowest part of the Wuliuan in the Spiti region.     

Soil-transmitted helminths in relation to hemoglobin status among school children of the Kashmir Valley

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remain a major threat to the health of children throughout the world, mostly in developing nations. The aim of the present study was to determine any relationship between STHs and hemoglobin status in school children of Kashmir Valley (India). Stool and blood samples were collected from 382 male and female school children in the age group of 5-15 yr from all 6 school districts of the Kashmir Valley. Finger-prick blood samples were used to collect the hemoglobin, which was then measured on-site by Sahli's acid hematin method; stool samples were processed using both simple smear and zinc sulphate concentration methods. Of the 382 children surveyed, 299 (78.27%) were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, or both. Children infected by STHs were found to have lower mean values of hemoglobin than uninfected children. The present study reveals that STHs are abundant among school children of Kashmir Valley, creating a negative effect on the hemoglobin values and indicating the necessity of implementing control measures.     

Virulence and Molecular Diversity of Venturia inaequalis in Commercial Apple Growing Regions in Kashmir

Seventy‐one isolates of Venturia inaequalis collected from commercial apple growing areas of Kashmir were characterized on international differential apple hosts and analyzed by Random Amplified Polymorphic Microsatellites (RAMS), PCR–RFLP and sequencing of rDNA for elucidation of variability. Virulence analysis on a differential set categorized them into four pathogenic races, viz. (0), (1), (2) and (1,2) in the first time comprehensive molecular analysis of this in India and especially from Jammu and Kashmir, a north‐western Himalayan state of India. Race groups (0), (1), (2) and (1,2) contained isolates from diverse areas without specificity to any geographical zone or region. Cluster analysis of the RAMS and PCR–RFLP revealed a high genotypic diversity within V. inaequalis isolates. Three major clusters were obtained and the isolates could not be categorized on the basis of either their geographical distribution or the cultivar from which they were isolated. amova analysis of pathogen populations at regional or race level revealed high diversity within the populations. Pairwise F_ST comparisons between the populations revealed less genetic differentiation, thereby indicating existence of frequent gene flow in Kashmir. The 24 rDNA sequences of V. inaequalis showed high haplotype diversity of 0.938 and 0.40 nucleotide diversity. Again clustering at regional or race level detected greater part of variability within groups than among groups, thereby indicating high diversity in V. inaequalis populations in Kashmir valley.     

Survey of six bee viruses using RT-PCR in Northern Thailand

Six honey bee viruses were surveyed using RT-PCR in Northern Thailand where about 80% of Thai apiaries are located. Tested samples were found to be positive for deformed wing virus (DWV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), sacbrood virus (SBV) and Kashmir bee virus (KBV). In the collected samples, neither chronic bee paralysis virus nor black queen cell virus nucleic acids could be detected. It was found that DWV was the most widespread and ABPV was the second most prevalent. Kashmir bee virus was found only in the Lampang province where high infestation of Varroa destructor mite occurred. Tropilaelaps, European foulbrood, and Chalkbrood diseases were found in some apiaries.     

Eocene ziphodont crocodilia from Northwestern India

The Middle Eocene (Lutetian) strata constituting the top of the Subathu Formation in Jammu and Kashmir, have yielded a large number of ziphodont crocodilians. The affinity of these serrated-toothed crocodiles has been assigned to the Eusuchian Pristichampsus rather than to the Sebecosuchia. The teeth are morphologically diverse, strongly fluted with serrations varying from fine to coarse. It is believed that the Kashmir ziphodont crocodiles are migrant descendants of Chinese forms which spread across the Indian sub-continent. Their presence in Europe may be accounted by migration along with Asiatosuchus across the Turgai Straits sometime in the Early Eocene.     

A statistical/computer-graphic technique for assessing variation in tectonically deformed fossils and its application to Cambrian trilobites from Kashmir

Hughes, N. C. & Jell, P. A. 1992 07 15: A stdlislical/compuler-graphic technique for assessing variation in tectonically deformed fossils and its application to Cambrian trilobites from Kashmir.
A combined approach using statistics and computer graphics can help resolve patterns of morphological variation in tectonically deformed fossils. Bivariate analyses and Principal Components Analysis can be used to identify a generalized strain vector in populations of deformed fossils, the identification of which permits discrimination of biological and tectonically induced variation. Results can be used to determine the number of taxa and growth relationships within the population. Statistically resolved taxa can be compared with species described from other areas using computer-aided shape restorations. Application of these techniques to a sample of trilobite cranidia from the Cambrian of Kashmir demonstrates that the variation of characters used to diagnose several genera and species are ontogeny- or deformation-controlled. Seven previously described species of Saukia, Prosaukia, Hundwarella and Anomocare are best considered as a single species, Hundwarella personara . These results suggest a Middle Cambrian age for the fauna, which has affinities with other faunas described from India and northern China. Hundwarella personara shows a pattern of developmental flexibility similar to that seen in other Cambrian trilobites. Morphometrics, computer-aided restoration, deformed fossils, allometry, trilobites, Cambrian, Kashmir, developmental flexibility .     

Molecular data reveal that the tetraploid Tragopogon kashmirianus (Asteraceae: Lactuceae) is distinct from the North American T. mirus

Tragopogon kashmirianus (Asteraceae: Lactuceae) (2n = 24) was described based on collections from Kashmir. The tetraploid is morphologically similar to allotetraploid T. mirus from North America that has formed in western North America from the introduced T. dubius (2n = 12) and T. porrifolius (salsify; 2n = 12). Singh and Kachroo (1976 ) suggested that T. kashmirianus might have formed from the same diploid parental combination as T. mirus. To determine this, we investigated internal and external transcribed spacers (ITS, ETS) and five plastid regions of T. kashmirianus and species reported from Kashmir, northern India and neighbouring countries (T. badachschanicus, T. longirostris, T. porrifolius, T. pratensis, T. orientalis, T. subalpinus, T. trachycarpus, T. gracilis and T. dubius). Molecular data indicate that the parents of T. kashmirianus are not the European T. porrifolius and T. dubius. The exact parentage of T. kashmirianus is still unclear, but if it is an allotetraploid, at least one parent is a species native to Kashmir/India. Alternatively, it may represent an autopolyploid, again with the diploid parent native to Kashmir/India. We also found that ‘T. dubius’ from Kashmir is phylogenetically and morphologically distinct from collections of T. dubius from Europe and probably represents a previously unrecognized species. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 391–398.     

Some Biological Problems comected with the Himalaya

(1) The Himalaya underwent a period of uplift from sea-level commencing in Eocene times and reached their present approximate elevation in Pliocene times. The Quaternary Glacial Period caused intense cold on the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau, but precipitation was insufficient to form an extensive ice-cap.
(2) Modern distribution in the Himalaya and Indian Peninsula were not much influenced by the Quaternary Glacial Period.
(3) Discontinuous distribution is evidence of previous continuous distribution, intervening extermination being brought about by some form of competition.
(4) The afforested area of the Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan, and up to timber-line, is a sub-region of the Oriental Region and not of the Palæarctic Region. It was colonised almost entirely from the east or the hills of western China.
(5) The Tibetan Plateau is definitely a sub-region of the Palmirctic Region, and was probably colonised from the north.
(6) The Kashmir sub-region is probably more correctly placed in the Palæarctic than the Oriental Region, and appears to have been colonised from the north or north-west.
(7) A Transition Zone above timber-line forms a true contact zone between the Palæarctic and Oriental Regions along the Himalayan Divide from Kashmir to Bhutan and beyond.     

Arctodiaptomus (Rhabdodiaptomus) michaeli n.sp. (Copepoda,Calanoida) from Kashmir,India

Arctodiaptomus (Rhabdodiaptomus) michaeli n.sp. is described from the material collected in Alapathar Lake and Marsar Lake of Kashmir, India.     

Intestinal helminths in a population of children from the Kashmir valley, India

In any geographical area, surveys of the prevalence of intestinal helminths are necessary to suggest appropriate control measures. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in children of the Kashmir valley and to identify the risk factors. Stool samples were collected from 2256 children from rural as well as urban areas of the Kashmir valley. The samples were examined by simple smear and zinc sulphate concentration methods. Intensity of the infection was quantified by Stoll's egg-counting technique. Infection by at least one intestinal helminth was found in 71.18% of the sampled population. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was highest (68.30%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (27.92%), Enterobius vermicularis (12.67%) and Taenia saginata (4.60%). Light (57.1%) to moderate (42.8%) intensity of infection was observed for A. lumbricoides, while the majority of the infected children (92.3%) harboured a light intensity of infection for T. trichiura. The age group, rural or urban residence, type of water source, boiled or unboiled water, type of defecation site, level of personal hygiene and maternal education were associated with helminth infection. Adequate control measures are urgently needed to combat the high prevalence of intestinal helminths and risk factors in the children of Kashmir valley.     

Molecular characterization of fungal endophyte diversity isolated from Aconitum heterophyllum: a critically endangered medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya

International Microbiology - Aconitum heterophyllum is a rare perennial herb from Kashmir Himalayas. Due to its threatened status and dependence on its environment, the plant was examined for any...     

Ethnobotanical and antibacterial study of Primula plants traditionally used in the indigenous communities of Western Himalaya,Pakistan

BackgroundThe upper belt of Azad Kashmir is a hilly, mountainous, and remote area where the indigenous communities mainly believe in traditional medicines for the treatment of different ailments. This study aimed to conserve scientifically and culturally important medicinal knowledge of Primula species in Azad Kashmir, Western Himalaya, Pakistan. The additional objective was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of these plants against pathogenic bacteria.MethodsThe ethnomedicinal data of Primula species was explored by conducting structured interviews with 40 informants of the study area, especially asking about the medicinal uses of Primula species. The indigenously used Primula species were further analyzed for their antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by using disc diffusion assay supplemented with a more robust minimum inhibitory concentration assay.ResultsEthnomedicinal data revealed that indigenous communities living in upper regions of Azad Kashmir use 5 Primula species for the treatment of various disorders. The highly cited disease category was ophthalmic disorders. P. denticulata and P. macrophylla were the most cited plant species with higher use reports such as 104 and 93, respectively. One or more extracts of different parts of Primula species showed a noteworthy antibacterial activity against one or more tested bacteria.ConclusionThis study provides novel information regarding several categories of traditional uses and antibacterial activity of Primula species in Azad Kashmir, Western Himalaya. The need for novel and more effective drugs derived from natural products is more important than ever, making future studies on herbal remedies both justified and urgently required.     

In vitro culture and biochemical and antioxidant potential of the critically endangered medicinal plant Atropa acuminata Royle ex Lindl of Kashmir Himalaya

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant - Atropa acuminata Royle is a critically endangered annual herb growing in Kashmir Himalaya and is used as a source of medicine for many...     

Genetic variants of serum albumin: a study of albumin Kashmir.

The study of human serum albumin variants is reviewed with reference to albumin Kashmir, a typical variant. Its published instances are listed and its position in this field of investigations is indicated.