Protein chemical characterization of Gc globulin (vitamin D-binding protein) isoforms; Gc-1f, Gc-1s and Gc-2

Gc globulin, also called vitamin D-binding protein, is a plasma protein involved in the extracellular actin-scavenger system, vitamin D transport and possibly also other biological activities. Low levels of Gc globulin have been found to correlate with multiple organ failure and non-survival of patients with fulminant hepatic failure and trauma. Here, we characterize the dominant isoforms of plasma-derived Gc globulin from Cohn fraction IV paste with respect to amino acid sequence and posttranslational modifications. Gc globulin was purified in large scale and the isoforms separated by ion exchange chromatography. The separated isoforms and several commercial preparations of individual isoforms were characterized by mass spectrometry. This revealed that the major isoforms were non-glycosylated. Compared to the Gc-1f isoform the other dominating isoforms represented an Asp/Glu substitution (Gc-1s) and a Thr/Lys substitution (Gc-2) in agreement with DNA sequencing studies. The commercial preparations were found to represent mainly one or two isoforms. An O-linked glycan with a mass of 656 Da and terminating with a sialic acid residue was detected on a minor proportion of Gc globulin molecules.     

Studies in the seed morphology of the family Tamaricaceae from Pakistan

Seeds of 33 laxa belonging to the family Tamaricaceae from Pakistan were studied by SEM. Two types of coma, columnar and ecolumnar, are recognized in the genus Tamarix. The colour of the hairs and the size of seeds are taxonomically important in the genus Reaumuria and the pattern of ridges is diagnostic in the genus Myricaria. A new terminology elucidating various parts of the seeds is proposed.     

Studies on the Traditional Uses of Some Medicinal Shrubs of Swat Kohistan, Pakistan

The traditional herbal medicine bequeathed fromgenerationto generationis richin domestic recipes andcommunal practice . Encompassing concepts and meth-ods for the protection and restoration of health, tradi-tional medicine has served as a fount of alternativemedicine , newpharmaceuticals , and healthcare prod-ucts. The best known examples of traditional medi-cine , differing in concept and protocol , are well-de-veloped systems such as acupuncture , Unani systemand ayurvedic medicine that have…     

Studies on the morphology,cytology, and distribution ofLeucojum subgenusRuminia

The following is a summary of part of a lecture held on february 13th 1974 at the Pädagogische Hochschule Berlin. A more detailed publication is under preparation.The following note has been based on studies parallel to those ofDamboldt & Phitos (cf. p. 119 of this issue). Results are complementary or corroborate each other. Our understanding of the interesting relationships between MediterraneanLeucojum taxa is thus improved. This justifies the parallel publication of the two articles in one issue of this journal (Editor).     

Spatial distribution and correlation of important edaphic and climatic gradients in Tanawal area of Himalayas,Pakistan

This study was conducted during 2015–2016. Extensive field work was conducted to collect and record huge amount of data on important environmental variables. Data was collected using reliable digital equipment with high precision and accuracy where possible. Material and samples collected for chemical analysis were based upon standardized methods used by prestigious labs across the globe. The results showed that July (Temperature 33.67 °C) is the warmest while December(19.1 °C) is the coldest month of the year in the study area. Air humidity ranges from 52.44% to23.22% between Union councils (UCs). Steepness of the slope or slope angle was found between 55.5 and 24°. Soil pH was between 7.39 and 6.55. Soil Nitrogen contents were found to be in a range of 0.0543% and 0.0320%. as far as soil organic matter is concerned it was recorded in a range of 0.77% and 0.48%. electric conductivity was between2.56 dS/m and 2.393 dS/m. Interaction among different environmental variables results in the establishment of different environmental complexes each with specific microclimate.     

Studies on Baker's yeasts of East Pakistan II

Summary 88 strains of yeast and 4 strains of fungi imperfecti have been isolated from dough from three more districts of East Pakistan. The yeasts comprise 53 strains ofSaccharomyces carlsbergensis, 15 strains ofCandida krusei, 8 strains ofCandida guilliermondii var.membranaefaciens, 6 strains ofTorulopsis colliculosa, 2 strains ofTorulopsis globosa, and 4 strains ofHansenula anomala. Of the four strains of fungi imperfecti, 3 belonged toCladosporium butyri and one toSporophora sp. TheSporophora sp. is considered to be a contaminant.The 92 isolates have been tested for their capacity to ferment -methyl glucoside. The possibility of the utilisation of the fermentation of -methyl glucoside as an additional character in yeast taxonomy has been discussed.Tests for the syntheses of various members of vitamin B-complex have shown that all the 92 isolates are more or less autotrophic.     

Butterfly (Order: Lepidoptera) species Richness,diversity and distribution in different localities of Battagram,Pakistan

Butterflies are the beautiful creatures and need to be conserved. The present survey was conducted to explore the biodiversity of butterflies of District Battagram Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, from March to September 2021. During this study the butterflies were collected from 2 Tehsil including 12 localities using line transect method. A total of 572 specimens were collected from all localities. Species identified were belonging to 3 families and 7 genera. The species were Cynthia cardui. Danaus chrysippus, Junonia orithya, Papilio demoleus, Papilio polytes, Colias croceus, Pieris ajaka, Pontia daplidice and Pieris napi. In the recorded 9 species Papilo demoleus was the most common species of the district Battagram and the most rear specie was Pieris ajaka during this study. The current study is new detailed work on the butterflies from district Battagram . It is concluded from the present study that district Battagram is rich in flora and provide a much suitable environment and place for biodiversity to insects. As this study is the first survey of butterflies population in the district and recorded rich diversity, so more explorative work is needed for its population estimation and specie abundance.     

Studies on the distribution, re-translocation and homeostasis of inorganic phosphate in barley leaves

Changes in inorganic phosphate (P_i) concentrations in barley leaves during growth of plants with sufficient or deficient supplies of P_i were studied. Measurements of the P_i distribution from subcellular levels to the leaf tissue level under the same experimental conditions allowed us to analyse the relationship between the P_i homeostasis of various compartments and P_i re-translocation in the whole plant. Under P_i deficiency, the finding of growth-dependent changes in the P_i concentrations of whole leaves established that P_i was re-translocated from the older leaves to the young leaves. Translocation of ³²P_i was also confirmed with an ‘imaging plate’ system, which made it possible to follow P_i movement in the same plantlet. To analyse the mechanism of P_i re-translocation, the P_i distribution amongst various compartments of the leaves was measured. Under P_i deficiency, the cytoplasmic P_i concentration of the first leaf remained constant until 16d after sowing, while vacuolar P_i was completely exhausted after 8 to 10d. Exhaustion of vacuolar P_i in the first leaf coincided with the appearance of the second leaf. The P_i concentration in the apoplast changed similarly to that of the whole leaf. However, the apoplastic P_i concentration was affected to some extent by the vacuolar P_i concentration and the growth of the younger leaf, because the main change in apoplastic P_i concentration coincided with the time of the disappearance of the vacuolar P_i and the appearance of the younger leaf. The P_i concentration in the apoplast was about 0.1 to I molm^?3, even in the absence of P_i, which was much higher than that in the usual soil environment (a few mmolin^?3). This suggests that the P_i absorbed by root cells is concentrated in the transport process from the root to the leaf apoplast. The content of P_i in the xylem exudate was constant irrespective of growth culture conditions. The root may be functioning as the constant P_i supplier to the above tissues.     

Studies on distribution and metabolism of valproate in rat brain,liver, and kidney

Time-course studies on the distribution and metabolism of valproate (VPA) in rat brain, liver, and kidney, after intraperitoneal injection of a mixture of [¹⁴C]VPA and [³H]VPA, showed that: (1) maximal amount of radioactivity in the various tissues was observed after 30 min from the time the drug was administered; (2) at 30 min the distribution of labeled VPA in brain, liver, and kidney was 17%, 64%, and 19% of the total radioactivity, respectively; (3) at 24 hr more than 97% of the total radioactivity was lost from the tissues and the¹⁴C/³H ratios increased significantly with time. Studies on the regional distribution of the drug showed that it is relatively homogeneously distributed. Studies on the subcellular distribution of the drug showed that it is associated mostly with the soluble and mitochondrial fractions, with little radioactivity in the myelin and synaptosomal fractions. Radiochromatography of VPA metabolites in perchloric acid extracts from brain, liver, and kidney revealed the presence of four metabolites. VPA was not incorporated into phospholipids of the neuronal membranes. Furthermore, it had no significant effects on Mg²⁺-ATPase and (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase in synaptosomes and microsomes obtained either from control or from rats injected with VPA. It was concluded that this antiepileptic drug does not appear to act through its incorporation into neuronal membrane or through its action on the Na⁺ pump.Contribution No. 0601 from the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912.     

Taxonomy and distribution of agriculturally important plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from southern Punjab,Pakistan

Taxonomic identification and classifications of insect pest genera Chrysodeixis and Ctenoplusia of the subfamily Plusiinae is very compulsory due to their phytophagous nature and potential to damage the cash as well as cereal crops. Taxonomy plays a key role in proper not only in identification and classification of the pest but also in designing a successful managing strategy. In current study, specimens of Chrysodeixis and Ctenoplusia genera were collected from different geographical areas of south Punjab, Pakistan and their diagnostic features were examined following taxanomic keys. The data of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were also recorded during the study period. Genitalia was extracted by dissecting of the abdomen and inspected under Stereo microscope. The results revealed two new species, Chryodeixis maxus and Ctenoplusia oleraceaus, from south Punjab region in addition to previously reported species: Chrysodeixis furihatai. Suitable management of the voracious insect pest at appropriate time may help in sustaining the agriculture in Pakistan.     

Spatial distribution of toxic metals in drinking water sources and their associated health risk in district buner,Northern Pakistan

Vigorous knowledge on the occurrence and distribution of toxic metals (TMs) in theenvironment is needed to assess their toxicological impacts on human health especially in developing countries like Pakistan. For the first time, the concentrations of TMs like Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cd in both ground and surface water and their potential health risk in the district Buner (Pakistan) were determined using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS, Agilent Technologies, 7500 CX, USA) and their results were compared with their safe limits defined by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) and World Health Organization WHO (2008 WHO (World Health Organization). 2008. Guidelines for drinking water quality, First Addendum to third ed. Recommendations, vol 1. Geneva, Switzerland [Google Scholar]). The concentrations of TMs, like Pb (43% and 86%), Ni (63% and 32%), Cr (41%), and Cd (1% and 20%) in drinking water samples exceeded their respective permissible limits set by Pak-EPA and WHO (2008), respectively. The mean concentrations of TMs were found in decreasing order Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd > Zn. The HRI values of TMs in drinking water samples for both adults and children were observed <1 indicating no health risk to the local population. Excessive marble industries are present in the study area; therefore, it is necessary to reduce metal contamination via proper disposal and treatment of marble wastewater, for which the government should take serious action in the study area.     

Studies on the distribution of PHI in mammals

We have developed a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay to PHI and investigated its distribution in four mammalian species (man, cat, guinea-pig and rat). PHI was present in high concentrations, not only in intestine but also in brain, respiratory tract, urogenital tract and other peripheral tissues. Its distribution was similar to that of VIP and in each tissue examined there was always a significant correlation between the concentrations of these two peptides. In a survey of endocrine tumours, PHI was found to be produced only in those tumours that also produced VIP. In addition PHI was only elevated in the plasma of patients that also had high plasma VIP concentrations. This parallel distribution and release was found to be due to the co-synthesis of VIP and PHI in the same pro-hormone peptide. However, the variable ratio of VIP/PHI in different anatomical areas suggest that in these areas there is a different post-translational enzyme processing of the precursor protein.     

Organochlorine contaminants in freshwater mussels; occurrence,bioaccumulation pattern,spatio-temporal distribution and human health risk assessment from the tributaries of River Ravi,Pakistan

The present study was conducted to investigate the bioavailable levels and human health risk of organochlorine contaminants (OCs), particularly organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in freshwater mussels from northern three tributaries of River Ravi, Pakistan that provides the pioneer data for the occurrence of POPs in the freshwater mussels from Pakistan. The Σ₂₃OCPs and Σ₃₅PCBs concentrations in mussels were ranged from 189.66–2049.40 ng/g and 25.81 to 135.38 ng/g, respectively. The comparison of current bioavailable levels of OCs with maximum residual limits (MRLs) established by Food and Agricultural Organization and European Union revealed that Σendosulfan (100%), ΣDDTs (93%), HCB (87%), β-HCH (77%), endrin (77%), γ-HCH (70%), heptachlor (67%), aldrin (67%), dielrin (67%), Chlordane (70%), α-HCH (40%), and WHO-TEQ (2005) values for PCB-126, PCB-169 and Σ₈DL-PCBs were exceeding the permissible limits. The human health risk assessment revealed the occurrence of substantial lifetime carcinogenic risk for OCPs and PCBs at both 50th and 95th percentile concentrations in freshwater mussels from the tributaries of River Ravi. Therefore, the freshwater mussels are recommended to be used in environmental toxicological studies to assess the bioavailable levels of pollution in hostile environment.