Innate immune defense system of the skin

Background – Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have a pivotal role in cutaneous innate immunity. They are present in the skin of many animals, including mammals, and are both constitutively present and inducible by infection and injury. Functions – Antimicrobial peptides exhibit antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, with different potencies depending on their peptide structure. They also act as multifunctional effector molecules that influence diverse cellular processes, including cell migration, proliferation and differentiation, cytokine production, angiogenesis and wound healing. Suppressed AMP production has been associated with increased susceptibility to microbial insults and the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. This review highlights recent observations on the expression and role of AMPs, particularly the AMPs cathelicidin and β‐defensin, in healthy and diseased skin.     

The role of Ile3434Thr XRCC7 gene polymorphism in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer risk in an Iranian population

Background

The aim of this study was to understand any association between differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and Ile3434Thr XRCC7 gene polymorphism (GenBank accession number: rs7830743). DTC is the most prevalent thyroid neoplasm, which includes papillary and follicular cell carcinoma. XRCC7 gene encodes a protein that functions in non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathway. Non-synonymous polymorphisms in this gene may alter DNA repair capacity of the cell and change the risk of developing cancers.

Methods

DTC patients (n = 173) and cancer free individuals (n = 204) were enrolled in a case-control study. The Ile3434Thr polymorphic alleles were discriminated by using amplification refractory mutation system-PCR method. The frequencies of this single nucleotide polymorphism in case and control groups were compared. Also, risk ratio for developing DTC in dichotomized genotypes was estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Dichotomized genotypes into those with and without the 3434Thr allele showed that this allele was associated with DTC (OR [odd ratio]: 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29-2.79, P<0.001). Also, TC genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of DTC (OR: 2.42, 95% CI = 1.55-3.81, P = 0.0001) in individuals carrying this genotype.

Conclusion

Allele 3434Thr in XRCC7 gene might be associated with differentiated thyroid cancer risk. Further studies with larger samples are needed to verify these initial findings. Key Words: DNA repair enzymes, Thyroid neoplasms, Genetic polymorphism     

Tree species composition,biodiversity and regeneration in response to catena shape and position in a mountain forest

We examined the variation in woody plant species composition, regeneration and biodiversity in relation to topographic heterogeneity, specifically catena shape (V and Λ) and slope position (summit, shoulder, back slope, foot slope and toe slope). All research took place at the TMU Experimental Forest Station, located in northern Iran. Two sets of replicated quadrats were established along transects that encompassed the different catena shapes and positions. We recorded the density, height, and canopy cover of all trees ≥12 cm diameter at breast height within 30 quadrats (400m²), as well as the density of all tree regenerations within 120 quadrats (4m²). In addition, three measurements of biodiversity were calculated for both mature trees and regenerations. Mature tree species composition varied greatly with catena shape and slope position, as did that of regenerating trees. Despite differences in species composition, the various measurements of biodiversity were consistent across the landscape for mature trees, whereas significant variation in evenness was detected for regenerating trees. We concluded that the broad matrix of environmental conditions occurring within this rugged mountainous area generates a variety of microhabitats, which in turn contributes to both the variation in species composition and the consistent biodiversity of these forests.     

Effects of mycorrhiza inoculation on cucumber growth irrigated with saline water

This experiment was conducted as a factorial based on complete randomized design (CRD) to study the effects of mycorrhiza inoculation density on cucumber cv. Super N3 irrigated with different salinity sodium chloride (NaCl) levels. Treatments were mycorrhiza inoculations; M1 (non mycorrhizal plant), M2 and M3 (mycorrhiza inoculations with 1000 and 2000 spores) and saline water was provided by S1, S2, S3, and S4 (control, 50, 75, and 100 mM NaCl) with 4 replications. The results showed that saline water reduced root, shoot, and fruit weights, and increased proline and electrolyte leakage. Photosynthesis rate, stomata and mesophyll conductance significantly decreased with increased NaCl concentrations. Mycorrhiza inoculation with 2000 spores increased fruit fresh and dry weights, proline and electrolyte leakage, and both mycorrhiza inoculations increased root and shoot dry weights, photosynthesis and stomata conductance. Root volume increased by mycorrhiza inoculation with 2000 spores under non-stress condition, and root length was stimulated by both mycorrhiza inoculations at all saline water levels. Fruit fresh and dry weights were enhanced by mycorrhiza inoculation with 1000 spores at all saline water levels. Photosynthesis rate was reduced by saline water stress and mycorrhiza inoculation stimulated photosynthesis rate. Mycorrhiza inoculation with 2000 spores increased transpiration under saline and non-saline conditions. Proline content of cucumber leaves increased under saline water application. Electrolyte leakage increased by saline water and mycorrhiza inoculation could not improve it. Both mycorrhiza inoculations (1000 and 2000 spores) at all salinity levels, and mycorrhiza inoculation with 1000 spores at 100 mM NaCl enhanced fruit weight, photosynthesis, and proline content of the cucumber leaves.     

《中国学术期刊影响因子年报》系列数据库首发式的北京召开沙雅县胡杨林土壤可培养细菌的多样性分析

[目的]了解新疆沙雅县胡杨林土壤可培养细菌的多样性.[方法]沙雅县胡杨林采集土壤样品,采用两种不同的培养基(LB,TSA)分离纯化细菌,并对它们进行16S rDNA测定和系统进化分析.[结果]分离纯化不同表型的57株细菌.对它们16S rDNA序列分析表明,57株菌分别属于3个大类群厚壁菌门(Firmicutes),放线菌门(Actinobacteria),γ-变形菌纲(γ-Proteobacteria),13个属,33个种;芽孢杆菌属是优势细菌种群,它占已测种群的67.2;.其中6株菌M28,M13,CT3,YS30-1,CM5,CL19初步被认为是潜在的新种(16S rDNA相似率为96.780;～97.961;).[结论]沙雅县胡杨林可培养细菌不仅具有比较高的多样性,并存在一些潜在的新的细菌菌种资源,极具进一步发掘的潜力.     

Electrophotographic printing of fabrics: Investigating the effect of fabrics on color reproduction

Fabric printing systems are essentially needed nowadays and should meet the requirements of manufacturers. Digital electrophotographic (Xerographic) printing has the potential of meeting these requirements. Digital electrophotography printing is affected by several parameters, including printer and substrate type which determine the final printed color gamut and the quality of reproduction. To examine these effects, we performed different tests on a number of printed common fabrics. The gamut volume was generated by Eye-One spectrophotometer, ProfileMaker, and ColorThink software. The results indicated that all fabrics cannot be printed with electrophotography. Also, the gamut volume of the printed fabrics was low. Properties of different types of fabric were investigated by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, spectrophotometer, and fabrics-specific tests (fastness).     

Distribution and variability of n-alkanes in waxes of conifers

Epicuticular waxes have vital roles in the growth and development of plants and in defense. Conifers have a considerable amount of waxes on their cones and leaves.Here we characterized the n-alkane composition of Iranian conifers, including Juniperus oblonga, J. foetidissima, J.sabina, J. communis subsp. hemisphaerica, J. excelsa,Cupressus sempervirens, Platycladus orientalis from Cupressaceae and Taxus baccata from Taxaceae for the first time using GC-FID analyses. In the waxes, 25 n-alkane homologs with chain lengths ranging from C7 to C32 were identified. Short-chain n-alkanes were dominant in almost all samples with some exceptions. Complementary studies to elucidate complete wax constituents of Iranian conifers and n-alkane distribution pattern as a function of geographical and bioclimatic variables are recommended.     

Estimation of Rice Evapotranspiration Using Reflective Images of Landsat Satellite in Sefidrood Irrigation and Drainage Network

More accurate estimation of crop evapotranspiration(ET_c)in a regional scale has always been one of the most important challenges.Temporal and spatial monitoring of ET_(c )using satellite images can help to enhance accuracy of estimations.In this study,the(ET_c)_(rice) maps were produced by using statistical/experimental methods based on crop coefficient(K_c)maps derived from vegetation index(Ⅵ).K_c was estimated using four methods,including linear relationship between K_c and Ⅵ(K_c-Ⅵ),calibrated model of K_c-Ⅵ,linear relationship between K_(cb)(the basal crop coefficient)and Ⅵ(K_(cb)-Ⅵ),and calibrated model of K_(cb)-Ⅵ.The results showed that calibrated model of K_c-Ⅵ had a better performance compared to the other methods,with normalized root mean square errors(NRMSE),mean absolute error and root mean square error being 5.7%,0.05 mm/d and 0.06mm/d,respectively.(ET_c)_(rice) maps were produced by using calibrated model of K_c-Ⅵ and reference evapotranspiration(ET_0)from FAO Penman-Monteith method.The NRMSE was 21.3%for using FAO Penman-Monteith method.Therefore,calibrated K_c-Ⅵ model in combining with ET_0 based on the Landsat 7 ETM+images could be provided a good estimation of(ET_c)_(rice) in regional scale,and can be applied to estimate water requirement due to the free and facilitate access.     

Association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection with milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins

There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection with production and reproduction in dairy cows. Determination of these associations in each region is essential to encourage participation of dairy cattle producers in disease control programs. This study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, to quantify the association of subclinical MAP infection with 305-day milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins. A total of 21 dairy herds were selected for the study and in each herd, quarter milk samples were collected from ten to 12 dairy cows for PCR analysis. Data about parity, calving interval, length of lactation period, total milk production and 305-day milk production were also provided for each animal. Overall, 252 individual milk samples were collected. Herd- and individual-level prevalence of MAP infection were 23.8% (95% CI, 6.2–41.4%) and 3.2% (95% CI, 1.3–5.1%), respectively based on IS900 nested PCR. The results for 305-day milk production revealed a 248 kg reduction in positive cows compared with negative ones (P = 0.009). When cows from positive herds were compared with cows from negative herds, a 335-kg reduction in 305-day milk production (P = 0.005) and a 30-day increase in calving interval (P = 0.057) were observed in the former group. These findings support the previous results that paratuberculosis infection is negatively associated with the performance of the animals.     

A retrospective survey of liver fluke disease in livestock based on abattoir data in Shiraz, south of Iran

Meat-inspection records in an abattoir located in the Fars province (southern part of Iran) from 20 March 1999 to 19 March 2004 were used to determine the prevalence and long-term trend of liver fluke disease in sheep, cattle and goats in the region. A total of 844,039 animals (cattle 131,716; sheep 577,090; goats 135,233) slaughtered in the 5-year period and overall 34,856 (4.1%) livers were condemned. Fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis were responsible for 54 and 21% of total liver condemnations, respectively. The prevalence of liver condemnations due to fasciolosis was decreased from 3.89, 3.20 and 2.63% in 1999-2000 to 1.07, 0.59 and 0.24% in 2003-2004 for cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. The corresponding features for dicrocoeliosis were similar, declining from 1.47, 1.76 and 2.10% in 1999-2000 to 0.69, 0.34 and 0.25% in 2003-2004, respectively. Drought climatic conditions in conjunction with a greater awareness among farmers could be responsible factors.