Quantitative study of poplar plantations in three Iranian provinces

Fast growing poplar species enjoy a highly favored position in Iran＇s forest product industries. Howeve~ information on poplar plantations, such as areas, growing stock and harvest volumes, are largely obtained by now scientific means and poorly executed methods. A few studies have been conducted to obtain data on the capacit,. of poplar plantations, their extent, existing growing stock, distribution and species choice in three provinces, i.e. Western Azerbaijan, Kurdistan and Hamedan, with relatively well developed management systems. We opted for cluster method, a standard sampling method for conducting similar investigations, consisting of two phases. In the firs phase we collected library information and conducted half-open interviews with villagers. In the second phase fiel~ measurements in the villages of these three provinces were carried out. Information from field measurements on growin! stock, cultivated areas, dominant species were used to estimate volumes by way of volume and weight tables. Result~ obtained from the present study indicate that the average annual volume of timber harvested in the three province~ was 697,723 m~, with an average sampling error of 22.7 per cent. This annual volume of poplar timber harvested fron the three provinces was estimated to amount to about 25 per cent of overall harvest; at that rate, the overall annu~ utilization potential of poplar plantations will be 10 million m3, which constitutes a reliable resource of raw timber for us~ in wood and paper industries.     

Canopy cover or remotely sensed vegetation index,explanatory variables of above-ground biomass in an arid rangeland,Iran

Estimation of above-ground biomass is vital for understanding ecological processes. Since direct measurement of above-ground biomass is destructive, time consuming and labor intensive, canopy cover can be considered as a predictor if a significant correlation between the two variables exists. In this study, relationship between canopy cover and above-ground biomass was investigated by a general linear regression model. To do so, canopy cover and above-ground biomass were measured at 5 sub-life forms(defined as life forms grouped in the same height classes) using 380 quadrats, which is systematic-randomly laid out along a 10-km transect, during four sampling periods(May, June, August, and September) in an arid rangeland of Marjan, Iran. To reveal whether obtained canopy cover and above-ground biomass of different sampling periods can be lumped together or not, we applied a general linear model(GLM). In this model, above-ground biomass was considered as a dependent or response variable, canopy cover as an independent covariate or predictor factor and sub-life forms as well as sampling periods as fixed factors. Moreover, we compared the estimated above-ground biomass derived from remotely sensed images of Landsat-8 using NDVI(normalized difference vegetation index), after finding the best regression line between predictor(measured canopy cover in the field) and response variable(above-ground biomass) to test the robustness of the induced model. Results show that above-ground biomass(response variable) of all vegetative forms and periods can be accurately predicted by canopy cover(predictor), although sub-life forms and sampling periods significantly affect the results. The best regression fit was found for short forbs in September and shrubs in May, June and August with R~2 values of 0.96, 0.93 and 0.91, respectively, whilst the least significant was found for short grasses in June, tall grasses in August and tall forbs in June with R~2 values of 0.71, 0.73 and 0.75, respectively. Even though the estimated above-ground biomass by NDVI is also convincing(R~2=0.57), the canopy cover is a more reliable predictor of above-ground biomass due to the higher R~2 values(from 0.75 to 0.96). We conclude that canopy cover can be regarded as a reliable predictor of above-ground biomass if sub-life forms and sampling periods(during growing season) are taken into account. Since,(1) plant canopy cover is not distinguishable by remotely sensed images at the sub-life form level, especially in sparse vegetation of arid and semi-arid regions, and(2) remotely sensed-based prediction of above-ground biomass shows a less significant relationship(R~2=0.57) than that of canopy cover(R~2 ranging from 0.75 to 0.96), which suggests estimating of plant biomass by canopy cover instead of cut and weighting method is highly recommended. Furthermore, this fast, nondestructive and robust method that does not endanger rare species, gives a trustworthy prediction of above-ground biomass in arid rangelands.     

Performance of different rice genotypes against blast pathogen through linked molecular markers

In order to study the function of blast resistance gene and estimate resistance scale to Pyricularia grisea Sacc., the cause of Rice Blast Disease in rice, we evaluated 58 rice genotypes for phenotypic and molecular assessment. Phenotypic tests were conducted in a blast upland nursery and also in the greenhouse by using specific races of blast IA-82 and IA-90 in the greenhouse and local races for the nursery. The traits assessed consisted of infection type (IT), percent diseased leaf area (DLA) (in both nursery and greenhouse), and lesion number (LN), lesion size (LS, mm2) only in greenhouse conditions. Molecular assessment was done by using three STS, JJ80, JJ81, and JJ113, and four microsatellite markers, RM224, RM277, RM463, and RM179 which are linked to resistance genes on rice chromosomes. Genotypes had different reactions against blast races in the phenotypic part of experiment. Consequently, all genotypes were divided into three groups with high, intermediate, and susceptible resistance. Our results indicated that partial resistant genotypes are preferable for achieving durable control. Eventually, the association test between molecular data and phenotypic results showed that there is a significant level for some of the SSR markers. This means there is at least one race-specific resistance gene in the genetic sources of these genotypes that bring about resistance functions to the blast races. These results demonstrated the existence of functional resistance genes in Iranian rice genotypes. Thus, these functional genes are responsible for some parts of resistance that have been measured in phenotypic tests. Our results could be useful for breeding programs to make some modifications in the rice germplasm and would also be applicable for the marker-assisted selection process.     

Release of phytosiderophores from roots of wheat and triticale under nickel‐deficient conditions

Despite numerous studies on phytosiderophores (PS) there is still an open question whether nickel (Ni) deficiency induces release of PS from graminaceous plant roots. Seedlings of two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Rushan and Kavir) and a triticale cultivar (X. triticosecale) were grown in Ni‐free nutrient solution (Ni‐deficient, Ni–) and with 10 µM NiSO₄ (Ni‐sufficient, Ni+, control). Root exudates were collected weekly for 4 weeks and the amount of PS in the root exudates was measured. The response to Ni deficiency on the release of PS differed between species. Roots of Rushan and triticale exuded higher PS in response to Ni‐deficient conditions. Nickel deficiency significantly enhanced shoot Fe and Zn concentrations in wheat, while it decreased shoot Fe and Zn concentrations in triticale. In Kavir, PS exudation was decreased by Ni deficiency at weeks 3 and 4 and the reduced release of PS from roots of Kavir was accompanied by lower concentrations of Fe and Zn in plant roots but higher Fe and Zn concentrations in shoot tissue. The PS release by Kavir was triggered by a Ni‐induced Zn deficiency particularly in the shoots. According to the results, it is suggested that in the studies concerning the phytosiderophore release under Ni deficiency, special attention should be given to different responses among and within cereals and to the plant Zn or Fe nutritional status.     

The Role of Biodegradable Engineered Nanofiber Scaffolds Seeded with Hair Follicle Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering

Background

The aim of this study was to fabricate the poly caprolactone (PCL) aligned nanofiber scaffold and to evaluate the survival, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of rat hair follicle stem cells (HFSC) in the graft material using electrospun PCL nanofiber scaffold for tissue engineering applications.

Methods

The bulge region of rat whisker was isolated and cultured in DMEM: nutrient mixture F-12 supplemented with epidermal growth factor. The morphological and biological features of cultured bulge cells were observed by light microscopy using immunocytochemistry methods. Electrospinning was used for production of PCL nanofiber scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 3-(4, 5-di-methylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and histology analysis were used to investigate the cell morphology, viability, attachment and infiltration of the HFSC on the PCL nanofiber scaffolds.

Results

The results of the MTT assay showed cell viability and cell proliferation of the HFSC on PCL nanofiber scaffolds. SEM microscopy images indicated that HFSC are attached, proliferated and spread on PCL nanofiber scaffolds. Also, immunocytochemical analysis showed cell infiltration and cell differentiation on the scaffolds.

Conclusion

The results of this study reveal that PCL nanofiber scaffolds are suitable for cell culture, proliferation, differentiation and attachment. Furthermore, HFSC are attached and proliferated on PCL nanofiber scaffolds.Key Words: Nanofiber, Electrospinning, Stem cells, Tissue engineering     

Association between ABCB1-T1236C polymorphism and drug-resistant epilepsy in Iranian female patients

Background: One third of epileptic patients are resistant to several anti-epileptic drugs (AED). P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an efflux transporter encoded by ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) gene that excludes drugs from the cells and plays a significant role in AEDs resistance. Over-expression of P-gp could be a result of polymorphisms in ABCB1 gene. We studied the association of T129C and T1236C single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of ABCB1 gene with drug-resistant epilepsy in Iranian epileptics. Methods: DNA samples were obtained from 200 healthy controls and 332 epileptic patients, of whom 200 were drug responsive and 132 drug resistant. The frequencies of the genotypes of the two SNP were determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: No significant association was found between T129C and T1236C genotypes and drug-resistant epilepsy neither in adults nor in children. However, the risk of drug resistance was higher in female patients with 1236CC (P = 0.02) or CT (P = 0.008) genotype than in those with TT genotype. The risk of drug resistance was also higher in patients with symptomatic epilepsies with 1236CC (P = 0.02) or CT (P = 0.004) genotype than in those with TT genotype. The risk of drug resistance was lower in patients with idiopathic epilepsies with 129TT genotype (P = 0.001) than in those with CT genotype. Conclusion: Our results indicate that T1236C polymorphism is associated with drug resistance in Iranian female epileptic patients. Replication studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm our results. Key Words: ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), Drug-resistant epilepsy, Single nucleotide polymorphism     

Molecular cloning, expression and enzymatic assay of pteridine reductase 1 from Iranian lizard Leishmania

Background: Currently, there are no effective vaccines against leishmaniasis, and treatment using pentavalent antimonial drugs is occasionally effective and often toxic for patients. The PTR1 enzyme, which causes antifolate drug resistance in Leishmania parasites encoded by gene pteridine reductase 1 (ptr1). Since Leishmania lacks pteridine and folate metabolism, it cannot synthesize the pteridine moiety from guanine triphosphate. Therefore, it must produce pteridine using PTR1, an essential part of the salvage pathway that reduces oxidized pteridines. Thus, PTR1 is a good drug-target candidate for anti-Leishmania chemotherapy. The aim of this study was the cloning, expression, and enzymatic assay of the ptr1 gene from Iranian lizard Leishmania as a model for further studies on Leishmania. Methods: Promastigote DNA was extracted from the Iranian lizard Leishmania, and the ptr1 gene was amplified using specific primers. The PCR product was cloned, transformed into Escherichia coli strain JM109, and expressed. The recombinant protein (PTR1 enzyme) was then purified and assayed. Results: ptr1 gene was successfully amplified and cloned into expression vector. Recombinant protein (PTR1 enzyme) was purified using affinity chromatography and confirmed by Western-blot and dot blot using anti-Leishmania major PTR1 antibody and anti-T7 tag monoclonal antibody, respectively. The enzymatic assay was confirmed as PTR1 witch performed using 6-biopterin as a substrate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate as a coenzyme. Conclusion: Iranian lizard Leishmania ptr1 was expressed and enzymatic assay was performed successfully. Key Words: Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1), Leishmania, Gene expression     

The correlation between the endometrial integrins and osteopontin expression with pinopodes development in ovariectomized mice in response to exogenous steroids hormones

Background: The ovariectomized animals are good models to evaluate the effect of different steroid hormone treatments on implantation events and the pattern of integrin expression. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the expression of integrins and osteopontin (OPN) in correlation with pinopode development in ovariectomized mice endometrium which was subjected to steroid hormones. Methods: Ovariectomized mice were subjected to estrogen, progesterone and estrogen-progesterone hormones. Their uterine horns were evaluated for integrin expression by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR and for pinopode development by transmission and scanning electron microscopic studies. Results: No immunostaining for integrin and OPN molecules were detected in the endometrium of non-ovariectomized mice except in metestrus phase. The α4 and β1 integrin genes were expressed in all phases of estrous cycle. In ovariectomized mice, no reaction was detected in the endometrium of control, sham and estrogen-treated groups, but in both progesterone-treated groups, all examined genes were expressed. There was not any correlation between pinopodes and integrin expression in ovariectomized mice. Conclusion: The progesterone is more effective on endometrial integrin expression than estrogen and differences in the expression pattern of integrins reflect their important and different roles in embryo implantation. The pinopodes may have minor effect in mice implantation or have some delay in their expressions in ovariectomized mice which were subjected to exogenous hormones. Key Words: Endometrium, Estrogen, Integrin, Ovariectomized mice, Osteopontin (OPN)     

Effects of enzymatic hydrolysis on molecular structure and antioxidant activity of barley hordein

Hordein, the major storage protein of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), was hydrolysed by three selected proteases, including alcalase, flavourzyme and pepsin. The effects of protease type and hydrolysis time on hordein molecular weight, surface hydrophobicity, secondary structure and antioxidant activity were investigated. Flavourzyme hydrolysis of hordein was relatively more extensive and rapid, resulting in the formation of medium- and small-sized peptides with a broad distribution within 30 min. Alcalase and pepsin more gradually and less extensively hydrolysed hordein into medium- and larger-sized peptides, respectively. Protein surface hydrophobicity decreased with an increasing degree of hydrolysis. The flavourzyme and alcalase hydrolysates had superior DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity (44-70 and 48-58%, respectively, at 0.5 mg/mL), Fe²⁺-chelating ability (21-64% and 39-73%, respectively, at 1 mg/mL), and superoxide radical scavenging capacity. It is proposed that the large- and medium-size hydrolysate fractions were most likely responsible for the antioxidant activities of hordein hydrolysates, and could be used as antioxidant peptides in food and nutraceutical applications.     

Association of Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase rs5923 Polymorphism in Iranian Individuals with Extremely Low High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Background:

The serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is one of the important heritable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and is a target for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene polymorphism rs5923 on LCAT enzyme activity and serum HDL-C concentration.

Methods:

The study population was selected from consecutive individuals with HDL-C ≤ 5^th percentile (n = 73) and extremely high HDL-C ≥ 95^th percentile (n = 57) who had participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. The rs5923 polymorphism was genotyped using direct sequencing. LCAT activity was measured by fluorometric assay kit, and lipid concentrations were measured using the enzymatic colorimetric method.

Results:

The genotype frequencies were significantly different between the high HDL-C group (CC 94.7%, CT 5.3%) and the low HDL-C group (CC 83.6%, CT 16.4%) (P = 0.048). The T-allele frequencies in subjects with low and high HDL-C were 0.082 and 0.026, respectively (P = 0.16). The association of the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs5923 with low HDL-C was not statistically significant after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI (odd ratio = 2.65, 95% confidence interval = 0.32-21.5, P = 0.36, regression logistic analysis). Also, the effects of LCAT enzyme activity did not depend on the HDL-C level (P = 0.24).

Conclusion:

rs5923 polymorphism is not associated with low HDL-C levels in Iranian population. Key Words: Polymorphism, Single nucleotide, Lipoproteins