Acephalous lamb from an in vitro-produced sheep embryo

This is the first report of an acephalous lamb from the transfer of an in vitro-produced sheep embryo. Twelve in vitro-fertilized embryos were transferred to 4 recipient ewes (3 embryos/ewe). Two ewes remained pregnant: one delivered a normal female lamb, the other a male acephalous lamb. Possible contributing factors are discussed.     

Expression Analysis of RNA-Binding Motif Gene on Y Chromosome (RBMY) Protein Isoforms in Testis Tissue and a Testicular Germ Cell Cancer-Derived Cell Line (NT2)

Background: RNA-binding motif gene on Y chromosome (RBMY), a germ cell-specific nuclear protein, is known as a key factor in spermatogenesis and disorders associated with this protein have been recognized to be related to male infertility. Although it was suggested that this protein could have different functions during germ cell development, no studies have been conducted to uncover the mechanism of this potential function yet. Here, we analyzed the expression pattern of RBMY protein isoforms in testis compared to NT2, a testicular germ cell cancer-derived cell line, to test probability of differential expression of RBMY protein isoforms at different spermatogenesis stages. Methods: Full length and a segment of RBMY gene were cloned and expressed in E. coli. Anti-human RBMY antibody was produced in rabbit using the recombinant proteins as antigen. Western-blot and immunofluorescence were conducted for detection and comparison of RBMY protein isoforms. Results: Selected segment of RBMY protein resulted in producing a mono-specific antibody. As results shows, only the longest isoform of RBMY was expressed at protein level in NT2 cell line, while three isoforms of this protein were detected in the whole testis lysate. Conclusion: The results imply that different alternative splicing may happen in testis cells and probably difference of RBMY function during spermatogenesis is due to the differential expression of RBMY protein isoforms. These results and further experiments on RBMY isoforms can help to obtain a better understanding of the function of this protein, which may increase our knowledge about spermatogenesis and causes of male infertility. Key Words: Protein isoforms, Spermatogenesis, Male infertility     

Pre-sowing treatment for breaking dormancy in Acer velutinum Boiss. seed lots

Acer velutinum Boiss is a valuable tree species native to Iran, and its seeds possess physiological dormancy that hampers seedling production in the nursery for large-scale reforestation efforts. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal dormancy breaking treatments for A. velutinum seeds. We conducted a factorial experiment involving six seed lots collected along an elevation gradient from 300 to 1800 m at 300 m interval and four cold-moist stratification periods (0, 4, 8 and 16 weeks) at 4℃ and 70% relative humidity. The result shows that the germination of cold-moist stratified seeds was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than the control for all seed lots. The highest germination capacity was recorded after 16 weeks of cold-moist stratification for all seed lots (68% 88% depending on the seed lot) except those collected from mid altitude sites (600 and 900 m) that germinated equally well (≥ 75%) after 4and 8-week of clod-moist stratification compared to the other seed lots. The mean germination time was significantly shorter (12 to 19 days, depending on the seed lot) for seeds stratified for 16 weeks than for untreated seeds. It can be concluded that: (1) cold-moist stratification for 16 weeks is the best pre-sowing treatment for breaking dormancy in A. velutinum seeds; and (2) seeds should be collected from mid altitude sites (600 and 900 m) to get more than 80% germination within 15 days, and these seed lots even required shorter cold-moist stratification period(eight weeks) than other seed lots.     

Interaction of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor with malathion on rat brain mitochondrial-bound hexokinase activity

The main objective of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of pentoxifylline as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor used as a cardiovascular medication on malathion-induced changes on rat mitochondrial-bound hexokinase activity.Animals in four various groups received moderate toxic dose of malathion (200 mg/kg/day), effective dose of pentoxifylline (50 mg/kg/day) alone and in combination, and the control group that received only vehicle. All administrations were done intraperitoneally for one week. At the end of the experiment, the brain was removed and the mitochondria were isolated. Hexokinase (HK) activity, cellular lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed in brain mitochondria.Malathion noticeably decreased TAC and increased HK activity and LPO in the mitochondria whereas pentoxifylline significantly restored malathion-induced changes in LPO, HK, and TAC.The results of the present study indicate that phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition remarkably protects brain mitochondria from malathion-induced changes on HK activity and oxidative stress.     

Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Carbon Nanotube/Cotton Functional Nanocomposite: Preparation and Characterization of Properties

In the last decade, preparation of multifunctional composites have attracted researchers around the World for multi-purpose application. In this regard, we produced polyvinylpyrrolidone/carbon nanotubes/cotton (PVP/CNTs/cotton) nanocomposite by coating cotton fabric via pad-dry-cure under UV irradiation. Several characterization methods were used to investigate the functionality and durability including scanning electron microscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, flammability test, reflectance spectroscopy, tensile strength test, water absorption and antibacterial analysis. The interactions among PVP molecular chains, CNT particles and cellulose were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. We observed a uniform coating of PVP/CNTs on the fiber surface. An advantage of our developed method was the strong interfacial interaction among compositions, high durability along with multifunctional properties. PVP/CNT nanocomposite was able not only to improve the thermal stability of cotton, but also provided a reduced flammability and good antibacterial properties. Here, we confirm a simple and versatile method for fabrication of PVP/CNTs/cellulose nanocomposite for multi-purpose applications.