Evaluation of genetic diversity among some Iranian wild asparagus populations using morphological characteristics and RAPD markers

An evaluation of genetic diversity in 39 wild asparagus populations was carried out using morphological and RAPD markers. A combination of morphological traits and random RAPD primers was used to examine the level of genetic variation and polymorphisms among the populations. A factor analysis using Ward's method on mean values of morphological characteristics indicated seven main factors resulting in four groups. Analysis of polymorphic bands using Jaccard's similarity coefficient indicated that genetic similarity ranged between 0.71 and 0.29. At a similarity level of 0.64, the populations were divided in three sub-clusters, containing 34, four and one populations, respectively. Significant regression associations were found between 21 morphological characteristics and 18 RAPD markers, revealing some informative markers associated with some traits. The highest R² was related to 18 RAPD markers associated with gender (53.5%) that among them BA-04₂₀₀₀ had a maximum R². The results showed that Iranian wild asparagus with its high levels of genetic variation could be considered as a valuable gene pool for future asparagus breeding programs. Furthermore, it could be inferred that morphological characteristics and RAPD markers are suitable tools to discriminate asparagus populations for the evaluation of genetic diversity.     

Effect of high temperatures on survival and longevity of the predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant

The effect of high temperature on survival and longevity of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) female adults was studied in the laboratory by daily exposure of the beetles to 35°C (mean r.h. 52%) combined with 1-, 2- and 3-h intervals of thermal treatment at 38, 40, 42 and 44°C (r.h. 46–48%). Fifty percent of females survived until the 12th–13th day of the thermal treatment at 38°C (depending on the exposure time), the 2nd–10th day at 40°C for 1–2 h exposure and the 4th–5th day at 42°C for 1 h exposure. Survival was 25–38% on the 1st–2nd day of the thermal treatment at 40, 42 and 44°C for 3, 2 and 1 h of exposure, respectively. Three hours of exposure of female C. montrouzieri at 42°C and 2 h exposure at 44°C were lethal for the beetles. Mean longevity of the predator was 33.13?±?1.22 days at 35°C and was significantly shorter as the temperature of the thermal treatments increased from 38^o to 44°C. These results suggest that daily temperature regimes of 35°C combined with 38–40°C for 1–3 h are marginal for the survival and longevity of the C. montrouzieri, whereas temperatures above 42°C are lethal even at short exposure. These results can partly justify the inability of C. montrouzieri to be permanently established in Pakistan environments and could contribute to a pre-evaluation assay of its potential adaptability in such environmental systems.     

Organoclays reduce arsenic bioavailability and bioaccessibility in contaminated soils

Purpose  

Naturally occurring layer silicate clay minerals can be value added by modifying their surface properties to enhance their efficacy in the remediation of environmental contaminants. Silicate clay minerals modified by the introduction of organic molecules into the mineral structure are known as organoclays and show much promise for environmental remediation applications. The present study assesses the extent of decrease in bioavailable and bioaccessible arsenic (As) via enhanced adsorption by soil treated with organoclays.     

Mapping QTL controlling soybean seed sucrose and oligosaccharides in a single family of soybean nested association mapping (SoyNAM) population

The meal value of Soybean for monogastric animals is determined partly by sucrose, raffinose and stachyose. Of these, sucrose is desirable, while raffinose and stachyose are indigestible, causing flatulence and abdominal discomfort. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling seed sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose in a set of 140 SoyNAM (Nested Association Mapping) recombinant inbred lines (RILs), developed from the cross between lines IA3023 and LD02‐4485. A total of 3,038 SNP markers from the Illumina SoyNAM BeadChip SNP were used to map the QTLs for sucrose and the RFOs, raffinose, and stachyose. Significant genotypic differences (p < .001) among RILs were observed for sucrose, raffinose and stachyose contents across years. A 3038 Illumina SoyNAM BeadChip SNPs identified three QTLs for sucrose, one on chromosome 1, explaining 10% variance and two on chromosome 3 each explaining 22%. Raffinose QTL was detected on chromosome 6, explaining 6% variance. The mapped QTLs were novel and spanned regions harbouring candidate genes with roles in plant growth including seed development.     

Barseem (Trifolium alexandrnum) protein concentrate in broiler rations

Animal protein in broiler rations was replaced with Barseem Protein Concentrate (BPC). The standard group having blood, meat and fish meal as sources of animal protein showed an average weight gain of 1655 g. Replacement of blood meal with BPC resulted in a slight decrease in the average weight gain (1541 g) of broilers. Average weight gain of broilers increased to 1775 g and 1671 g when fish or meat meal was replaced with BPC in rations. Complete replacement of animal protein with BPC adversely affected growth and average weight gain decreased to 1443 g. Supplementation with lysine or methionine when animal protein was replaced with BPC did not improve growth of the broilers.     

Developing a Fluorescent Hybrid Nanobiosensor Based on Quantum Dots and Azoreductase Enzyme for Methyl Red Monitoring

Background:Azo dyes are the most widely used synthetic colorants in the textile, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries, accounting for nearly 70% of all dyestuffs consumed. Recently, much research attention has been paid to efficient monitoring of these hazardous chemicals and their related metabolites because of their potentially harmful effect on environmental issues. In contrast to the complex and expensive instrumental procedures, the detection system based on the QDs with the superior optochemical properties provides a new era in the pollution sensing and prevention. Methods:We have developed a QD-enzyme hybrid system to probe MR in aqueous solutions using a fluorescence quenching procedure. Results:The azoreductase enzyme catalyzed the reduction of azo group in MR, which can efficiently decrease the FRET between the QDs and MR molecules. The correlation between the QDs photoluminescence recovery and MR enzymatic decolorization at the neutral phosphate buffer permitted the creation of a fluorescence quenching-based sensor. The synthesized biosensor can be used for the accurate detection of MR in a linear calibration over MR concentrations of 5-84 μM, with the LOD of 0.5 μM in response time of three minutes. Conclusion:Our findings revealed that this fluorometric sensor has the potential to be successfully applied for monitoring a wide linear range of MR concentration with the relative standard deviation of 4% rather than the other method. Key Words: Azoreductase, Methyl red, Quantum dots     

Producing Gelatin Nanoparticles as Delivery System for Bovine Serum Albumin

Background: Progress in the field of biology and biochemistry has led to the discovery of numerous bioactive peptides and proteins in the last few decades. Delivery of therapeutic proteins/peptides has received a considerable amount of attention in recent years. Methods: In this study, a two-step desolvation method was used to produce biodegradable hydrophilic gelatin nanoparticles (GNP) as a delivery system of protein model (BSA). The size and shape of the nanoparticles were examined by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Particles with a mean diameter of 200-300 nm were produced and the percentage of entrapment efficiency was found to be 87.4. The optimum amount of theoretical BSA loading was obtained, the release of BSA was monitored in vitro, and the mechanism of release was studied. The BSA release profile showed a biphasic modulation characterized by an initial, relatively rapid release period, followed by a slower release phase. Conclusion: Results show that the two-step desolvation is an appropriate method for preparing GNP as a delivery vehicle for BSA. Key Words: Gelatin, Nanoparticles, Bovine serum albumin     

Total Oxidative status of Mouse Vitrified Pre-Antral Follicles with Pre-Treatment of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Background: Cryopreservation of pre-antral follicles is a hopeful technique to preserve female fertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of mouse vitrified pre-antral follicles in the presence of alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Methods: Isolated pre-antral follicles (140–150 µm in diameter) were divided into vitrified–warmed and fresh groups. Each group was subjected to in vitro maturation with or without ALA for 12 days, followed by adding human chronic gonadotropin to induce ovulation. In vitro fertilization was performed to evaluate their developmental competence. In parallel, the amount of ROS and TAC were assessed after 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of culture by 2'',7''-dichlorofluorescin assay and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay, respectively. Results: The respective rates of survival, antrum formation, and metaphase II oocytes were significantly higher in ALA-supplemented groups compared to the groups not treated with ALA. TAC and ROS levels were significantly decreased and increased, respectively during the culture period up to 96 h in the absence of ALA in both vitrified and non-vitrified samples. However, with pretreatment of ALA, TAC levels were increased significantly and remained constant up to 96 h in vitrified-warmed pre-antral follicles, while ROS levels completely returned to the level of starting point after 96 h of culture in the presence of ALA. Conclusion: Pretreatment of ALA positively influences development of pre-antral follicles in vitrified and non-vitrified samples through increasing follicular TAC level and decreasing ROS levels. Key Words: Vitrification, Pre-antral follicle, Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC)     

Common carotid intima-media thickness in patients with late rheumatoid arthritis; what is the role of gender?

This study aimed to evaluate color Doppler sonographic findings in carotid arteries in RA patients under pharmacological treatments and to compare them with normal population. Forty nine patients with late RA and 48 healthy age and sex-matched controls were recruited. The two groups were matched for other known risk factors of atherosclerosis including serum lipid abnormalities, smoking status, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. High resolution B-mode color Doppler ultrasound with a 7 MHZ transducer was used for measuring the Common Carotid Intima-Medial Thickness (CCIMT) in both sides in all subjects. Presence of atherosclerotic plaque was also investigated. The mean left and maximum CCIMT was significantly higher in the case group (0.72 vs. 0.62 mm for the left artery; p < 0.01; 0.72 vs. 0.64 mm for the maximum reading; p = 0.01). No atherosclerotic plaque was found in common carotid arteries. There were 3 (6.1), 7 (14.3) and 9 (18.4%) plaques in left internal carotid artery, right carotid bulb and left carotid bulb in the case group, respectively with no atherosclerotic plaques in the controls (p = 0.24, 0.01 and < 0.001, respectively). Comparing the findings by gender in the case group with the controls, the mentioned significant differences were only between the male patients and the controls. The process of atherosclerosis in RA patients is similar to that in normal population. However, it is apparently accelerated and more advanced in these patients.