LRP6 mutation in a family with early coronary disease and metabolic risk factors

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and is commonly caused by a constellation of risk factors called the metabolic syndrome. We characterized a family with autosomal dominant early CAD, features of the metabolic syndrome (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes), and osteoporosis. These traits showed genetic linkage to a short segment of chromosome 12p, in which we identified a missense mutation in LRP6, which encodes a co-receptor in the Wnt signaling pathway. The mutation, which substitutes cysteine for arginine at a highly conserved residue of an epidermal growth factor-like domain, impairs Wnt signaling in vitro. These results link a single gene defect in Wnt signaling to CAD and multiple cardiovascular risk factors.     

Effect of trifluralin,pronamide, haloxyfop-p methyl,propaquizafop, and isoxaben on weed control and oilseed rape yield in Iran

In order to investigate the effect of trifluralin, pronamide, haloxyfop-p methyl, propaquizafop and isoxaben on weed control and oilseed rape yield, a two year field experiment was conducted at Darab, Iran, during 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 growing seasons. Herbicides reduced weed biomass compared with the weedy check. In 2004–2005, at 16 WAP (weeks after planting), application of trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben at 1200 + 200 + 250 g a.i./ha and trifluralin plus haloxyfop-p methyl plus isoxaben at 1200 + 100 + 500 g a.i./ha provided best control (80%) of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.), compared to other treatments. At 8 and 16 WAP, wild mustard control decreased to 47 and 42%, respectively, when trifluralin was applied alone at 1400 g a.i./ha. In 2005–2006 at 16 WAP, maximum reduction in wild mustard biomass (82%) was achieved with trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben at 1200 + 200 + 250 g a.i./ha. In both years, all herbicide treatments controlled fumitory (Fumaria officinalis L.) 64–96%. In 2004–2005, at 16 WAP, wild oat (Avena fatua L.) biomass reduction by trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben at 1200 + 200 + 250 g a.i./ha was 95%. In 2005–2006, at 8 and 16 WAP, minimum biomass reduction of wild oat (37–53%) was observed with trifluralin at 1200 and 1400 g a.i./ha. In both years, at 8 and 16 WAP, the most effective herbicide treatments were trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben and trifluralin plus haloxyfop-p methyl plus isoxaben regardless of the dose applied and provided maximum reduction in total weed biomass (77–89%) compared to other treatments. Results of both years showed that all herbicide treatments increased oilseed rape grain yield as compared with the weedy check but percentage of oil was not affected by various herbicide treatments. Maximum grain yield was obtained with trifluralin plus haloxyfop-p methyl plus isoxaben at 1200 + 100 + 500 g a.i./ha.     

Effects of Haematococcus pluvialis supplementation on antioxidant system and metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Effects of commercial source for astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) (H.p) on antioxidant power, specific marker enzymes, and some metabolites were examined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were fed on diets containing 1, 3, and 10 g microalga kg⁻¹ feed for 30 days. Serum total antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation product, indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA), significantly enhanced with different doses of administration, indicating the elevated antioxidant status in all treatment groups. In group fed with high dose of alga, significantly elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) was noted, indicating damage of normal liver function in this group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not affected in all groups. Although serum total protein remained unaffected, serum glucose level was decreased significantly in lower doses of administration. Furthermore, triglyceride and cholesterol levels showed significant decrease in 3 g kg⁻¹ microalga group by modulation of lipid metabolism in this group. On the other hand, in highest dose, significant increase in lipids was observed, indicating the slight dysfunction in lipid metabolism in this treatment group. The present study suggests that Haematococcus pluvialis especially in dose of 3 g kg⁻¹ feed administration may effectively enhance the antioxidant system and some biochemical parameters in rainbow trout.     

Evaluation of some haemolymph biochemical properties and F‐cell prevalence in hepatopancreas of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vanammei) after fed diets containing apple cider vinegar and propionic acid

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary ACV (apple cider vinegar) and PA (propionic acid) supplementation on some biochemical properties of haemolymph and fibrillar cell (F‐cell) number in the hepatopancreas of shrimp. Five different diets supplemented with 0%, 1%, 2%, 4% ACV and 0.5% PA diets were fed to Litopenaeus vanammei. Some biochemical parameters of haemolymph (cortisol, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, phosphorus, total hemocyte count) and prevalence of F‐cell in hepatopancreas were examined after 60 days feeding trial. The albumin concentration and total hemocyte count in 2% and 4% ACV and PA groups were significantly higher than those of other groups (p < .05). Moreover, the highest phosphorus concentration was detected in shrimp fed 4% ACV and PA experimental diets (p < .05). No significant differences in haemolymph cortisol, urea, uric acid, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase and tubule area were observed among the experimental groups (p > .05). 2% ACV group showed more F‐cell number in hepatopancreas than other groups while the reduction in F‐cell number was observed in the PA group. Based on these observations, the tested ACV and PA diets remarkably exhibited positive impacts on nutritional value and they may be a potential for adding to shrimp diet.     

EFFECTS OF SALINITY STRESS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS WHEAT AND BARLEY CULTIVARS

An experiment with factorial arrangement of treatments on a randomized complete block (RCB) design basis with three replications was conducted in a greenhouse during Spring 2010 to investigate changes in sodium ion (Na⁺), potassium ion (K⁺), Na⁺/K⁺ and to determine proline, protein content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of four wheat and four barley cultivars. Three salt levels {1, control (no salt), 7, and 13 dS m^?1 [2.5 and 5 g salt [sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) in 1:1 ratio] per kg of soil, respectively]} were used in this investigation. Salt stress treatments were applied 4 weeks after planting (at 2 leaf stage). Leaf samples were taken four weeks after imposition of salt treatment. The results showed that salinity caused an increased in proline and protein content, and SOD in all wheat and barley cultivars. The highest proline and protein content of barley and wheat cultivars at all salinity levels were observed in ‘Nimrooz’ and ‘Bam’ cultivars, respectively. At all salinity levels, wheat and barley cultivars ‘Kavir’ and ‘Nimrooz’, respectively, had the lowest Na⁺ content. Barley cultivar ‘Kavir’ and wheat cultivar ‘Bam’ had higher K⁺ and K⁺:Na⁺ ratios. This might be related to salt tolerance in these two cultivars. Wheat and barley cultivars showed differences with regard to proline, protein, and SOD content, Na⁺, K⁺, and K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, indicating existence of genetic diversity among the cultivars. These findings indicated that higher K⁺, K⁺:Na⁺ ratio, proline, protein, and SOD content could be the key factors, which offer advantage to barley over wheat for superior performance under saline conditions.     

NDV subgenotype VII(L) is currently circulating in commercial broiler farms of Iran, 2017–2018

Background

Based on our previous work, it was discovered that some Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates from backyard poultry between 2011 and 2013 in Iran formed a new separate cluster when phylogenetic analysis based on the complete F gene sequence was carried out. The novel cluster was designated subgenotype VII(L) and published.

Aim

In the current study, for further validation, we initiated a comprehensive epidemiological study to identify the dominant NDV genotype(s) circulating within the country. Collection of samples was executed between October 2017 and February 2018 from 108 commercial broiler farms which reported clinical signs of respiratory disease in their broilers.

Result

We report that 38 of the farms (> 35%) tested positive for NDV. The complete F gene sequences of seven of the isolates are shown as representative sequences in this study. According to the phylogenetic tree constructed, the recent broiler farm isolates clustered into the newly designated cluster VII(L) together with the older Iranian backyard poultry isolates in our previous work. All the sequences shared the same virulence-associated F cleavage site of ₁₁₂RRQKR↓F₁₁₇.

Conclusion

Our phylogenetic analysis suggested that the NDV subgenotype VII(L) may have been derived from subgenotype VIId, and contrary to popular belief, subgenotype VIId may not be the dominant subgenotype in Iran. Tracking of the subgenotype on BLAST suggested that the NDV subgenotype VII(L), although previously unidentified, may have been circulating in this region as an endemic virus for at least a decade. Other NDV genotypes, however, have also been reported in Iran in recent years. Hence, ongoing study is aimed at determining the exact dominant NDV genotypes and subgenotypes in the country. This will be crucial in effective mitigation of outbreaks in Iranian broiler farms.

     

Sustainable Rangeland Management in Southwest Iran: Understanding Changes in Experts’ Attitudes Toward Livelihood Alternatives

The importance of knowledge sharing, as an integral part of decision making, has been highly acknowledged by many authors. However, the process in which knowledge sharing should be conducted has remained a debatable issue. In this study, changes in experts’ attitudes, as a result of the knowledge-sharing process, in the context of rangeland management were assessed. We demonstrated a three-step knowledge-sharing process while recognizing collaborative knowledge sharing systems, which involves knowledge-sharing tools including face-to-face and virtual approaches. The process was applied to explore experts’ attitudes regarding livelihood alternatives in the Bazoft region of southwestern Iran. Sixty experts were selected from three groups categorized as key local stakeholders, practitioners, and scientists. First, the experts were independently given the task of ranking livelihood alternatives. Next, for a better understanding of alternatives and enhancing their view, additional knowledge and information were provided. Thereafter, their attitudes in the final step were assessed. According to the findings, change in the experts’ attitudes could take place, which eventually resulted in the prioritization of livelihood alternatives to approach sustainable rangeland management (SRM). The synergy of experts’ knowledge, which can be realized through a collaborative knowledge sharing process, can be further pursued by devising a workable policy framework to approach SRM.     

Weed seed bank as affected by tillage,residue, and fertilization management under sweet corn-wheat cropping sequence in Iran

Soil weed seed bank is an important factor determining above-ground floristic composition and weed density in agricultural systems. The quantitative and qualitative measures of weed seed bank can help growers to predict the extent to which they are facing weed problems. Along with tillage, crop residues can affect the fate of weeds in the upcoming crops. To investigate such effects, we compared the effects of tillage systems [conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and no tillage (NT)], wheat residue retention, and nitrogen (N) rates (0, 69, 138, and 207 kg N ha⁻¹) on depth-related characteristics of the weed seed bank under a sweet corn-wheat sequence during 2014–2015 growing seasons in Shiraz, Iran. Soil bank was not affected by tillage systems but tended to be slightly higher under RT. The highest (898 seeds m⁻²) and lowest (322 seeds m⁻²) weed population at 0–10 cm depth were found when 138 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2015 and 207 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2014 were applied. Species richness and diversity were higher under NT and RT practices at the top layer, but CT system was more diversified at deeper depths. They were higher when crop residues were retained as well. Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli [L.] Beauv), common lambsquarter (Chenopodium album L.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), flixweed (Descoreinia sofia [L.] Webb. & Berth.), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.), pigweeds (Amaranthus spp.), and stinking goosefoot (Chenopodium vulvaria L.) were the most common weeds found in all tillage systems and soil depths. Grasses were relatively lower than broadleaves regardless of treatments. Weed seed bank was mostly affected by weather conditions than treatments in this short-term experiment.     

Biodiversity and prevalence of parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in a selected semiarid zone of South Khorasan, Iran

Five species of nematodes and cestodes were collected from alimentary canals of pigeons: the nematodes were two species: Ascaridia colombae (16.66%) and Hadjelia truncata (1.96%), while the cestodes were Cotugnia digonopora (13.79%), Raillietina magninumida (18.62%) and Raillietina achinobothridia (32.35%); fecal examination revealed: Eimeria spp. (40.19%) and Cryptosporidium oocysts (2.94%); and blood smears showed: Haemoproteus cloumbae (47/05%); in mouth, throat and larynx: Trichomonans gallinae (57.84%); four species of ectoparasites were collected from feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows: feathers: Pseudolynchia canariensis (63.72%), Columbicola columbae (79.41%), Menopen gallinea (44.11%); subcutaneous nodules: Laminosioptes cysticola (1.96%). From the parasitic fauna identified in this study, it is imperative to institute an integrated parasitic control through constant changing of litter, regular use of antihelminthics, anticoccidials and dusting of birds with pesticides.