Genetic variation for shoot elongation before winter and its correlation with vernalization requirement in winter oilseed rape (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis> L.)

Changing climatic conditions in north-western Europe are accompanied by occasional extreme weather conditions. This requires breeding of winter oilseed rape cultivars which are resilient to diverse abiotic stress factors, e.g. frost, drought and heat. The degree of vernalization requirement of winter oilseed rape has been found to be related to frost tolerance and winter hardiness. Shoot elongation before winter in particular has been identified as one decisive factor for frost tolerance in winter oilseed rape. However, the relationship between vernalization requirement and shoot elongation before winter is not known. In the present study the genetic variation for shoot elongation before winter and vernalization requirement of 19 genetic diverse breeding lines and cultivars were analyzed. Autumn and spring sown field experiments in multiple environments were performed to determine shoot elongation before winter and vernalization requirement, respectively. In spring sown field experiments, genotypes with a low vernalization requirement were characterized by the occurrence of long bolting plants with flower buds. Large and significant genotypic variation was found for shoot length in the autumn sown and spring sown environment. Broad sense heritability was quite high for shoot length in the spring sown environment (h²?=?97%), whereas it was only of medium size for shoot length before winter (h²?=?62%). Although the correlation between shoot length before winter and shoot length in the spring sown environment was positive (Spearman’s rank r_S?=?0.48*), a number of genotypes with reduced shoot elongation before winter and low vernalization requirement were identified. Results indicate that genotypes with a reduced shoot elongation before winter independent of their vernalization requirement can be selected in breeding programs.     

Assessment of Yield and Yield Component of Soybean Genotypes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine Max</Emphasis> L.) in North of Khuzestan

18 soybean genotypes were examined to investigate the relationships between some principal attributions of morphology with seed yield per soybean, by Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) study. This study was also carried out three replicates to gain reliable results. The results of variance analysis indicated that, there were significance differences among all soybean genotypes. Moreover, the results of correlated analysis revealed that biological yield (0.96), harvest index (0.92), and number of branches (0.92) had the uttermost correlation with seed yield. To data factor analysis, four independent variables justified 99 percent of all data. The first variable, seed yield, justified 96 percent of entire variance. Multiple-Regression Model with method Analytical Regression Model (step-by-step) was utilized to examine soybean seed yield. This model proved that biological yield, thousand seed weight, and harvest index entered into model respectively and justified 98.85 percent of variation of seed yield. Correlated coefficients of considered attributions were equal to 0.96, 0.78, and 0.92, respectively. All of these indexes had significant at 1% in statistical process. Therefore, these traits can be notability used in soybean breeding programs. Also, accordance to cluster analysis, the sample was divided into three groups.     

Anti-Seizure Activity of 1-Adamantane Carboxylic Acid in Common Experimental Seizure Models: Role of Benzodiazepine-GABAA Receptors

Background:Despite introduction of modern antiepileptic drugs, 30% of epileptic patients are still drug resistant. Remarkable three-dimensional spatial structure of AdCA, yet the simplicity of the molecule, makes AdCA a promising lead compound. Methods:Sedative/motor impairment and 24-h mortality rate of AdCA were determined in mice. Impact of AdCA on (1) threshold and occurrence of clonic seizures induced by PTZ in mice, (2) incidence of tonic seizures induced by MES in mice, and (3) incidence of generalized seizures and duration of evoked afterdischarges in amygdala-kindled rats, were determined. The role of benzodiazepine receptors in the AdCA effect on clonic seizure threshold was also assessed. Results:AdCA showed sedative effect (TD₅₀ = 224.5 [190.2-289.9] mg/kg). LD₅₀ = 805.5 (715.2–988.1) mg/kg was obtained for AdCA. The compound increased PTZ seizure threshold from 180 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and also inhibited the incidence of clonic seizures (ED₅₀ = 256.3 [107.4-417.3] mg/kg). AdCA also decreased afterdischarge duration (p < 0.01) and the incidence of generalized seizures (ED₅₀ < 50 mg/kg) in the kindled rats. However, AdCA did not protect mice against tonic seizures induced by MES. The benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil prevented the increase of seizure threshold by AdCA. Conclusion:AdCA possesses anticonvulsant activity in kindling and PTZ models through the activation of benzodiazepine/GABA_A receptors with acceptable therapeutic index. Key Words: Anticonvulsants, Flumazenil, Pentylenetetrazole     

Effects of Polygonum aviculare herbal extract on sperm parameters after EMF exposure in mouse

Electromagnetic fields with high energy same as ionizing radiation inserts their destructive effects via free radical production. Using antioxidants or herbal plants with antioxidants components could diminish hazardous effects of EMF. Polygonum aviculare has a high amount of phenolic and flavonoid and proved that has antioxidants effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Polygonum aviculare herbal extract on sperm parameters after EMF exposure in mouse. Twenty four male mice, 8 weeks divided to 4 groups (one control and three experimental groups). Control group didn't receive EMF exposure. EMF group mice received 3 mT EMF during 2 months, 4 h daily and 5 days weekly. Polygonum aviculare group received 50 mg kg(-1) herbal extract during 2 months and poly -EMF group received 3 mT EMF during 2 months, 4 h daily and 5 days weekly and 50 mg kg(-1) herbal extract during 2 months. After 2 months the mice sacrificed with cervical dislocation and sperm obtained from tail of epididymis and motility and morphology of them were analyzed. Sperm analysis results showed that in group with Polygonum aviculare, morphology and motility of sperm developed (p < 0.05). Present results showed that EMF can reduce motility of sperm and treatment of Polygonum aviculare after EMF exposure developed sperm quality after EMF exposure.     

Comparison of sustainable forest management (SFM) trends at global and country levels: case study in Iran

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is an integral component of sustainable development. Iran is a Near East country with low forest cover. Iran uses 7 criteria and 65 indicators for regional and national monitoring of forest management. We evaluated the status of SFM in Iran, and a location imaging in its path towards SFM was provided by existing validation data and library references for the Criteria and Indicators (C&I) adopted in the Near East, We identify challenges and opportunities associated with SFM in Iran. Although the information to evaluate the trend of SFM in Iran was incomplete, we compiled some information on the basis of C&I. Comparison of some indicators with the values for the rest of the world revealed that the situation in Iran is very different. Although some indicators revealed a better situation in Iran, Iran lags the rest of the world in the implementation of SFM. Iran, like many countries, is trying hard to find ways to sustainably use its forests. Not all C&I for assessment of SFM in Iran have been determined or defined. However, a consistent and comprehensive framework of criteria and indicators to monitor progress towards SFM is being applied. Defining some C&I is still at an early stage.     

Droplet-vitrification cryotherapy and thermotherapy as efficient tools for the eradication of apple chlorotic leaf spot virus and apple stem grooving virus from virus-infected quince in vitro cultures

European Journal of Plant Pathology - Viral diseases affect quince plant productivity and fruit quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of droplet-vitrification cryotherapy and...     

Exogenous Testosterone,Finasteride and Castration Effects on Testosterone,Insulin, Zinc and Chromium in Adult Male Rats

Background: Although effects of trace elements on secretion of sex steroids and insulin have been studied, the effects of these hormones on serum level of trace elements have been rarely investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium. Methods: Male adult rats (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8). Group 1, control; Group 2, castration, castration was done at the first day of the study; Group 3, finasteride (20 mg/kg/day, dissolved in drinking water) and Group 4, testosterone (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.). At the end of the period of the study (35 days), serum testosterone, insulin, zinc and chromium levels were determined in the blood samples collected directly from the right atrium of the heart of the animals. Results: The data indicated that the serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc were significantly increased (P<0.01) in testosterone-administrated and finasteride groups, but the level of chromium was decreased in both groups (P<0.01). Castrated group had the lowest serum levels of testosterone, insulin and zinc (P<0.05). Also, the levels of serum chromium in this group were increased. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that testosterone and finasteride increases insulin and zinc levels and decreases chromium levels in the serum of male adult rats. According to these data, it seems that testosterone may affect glucose cycle through effect on serum insulin levels and trace elements such as zinc and chromium. Key Words: Finasteride, Castration, Insulin, Zinc, Chromium     

Effect of Exogenous Testosterone,Finasteride, and Castration on Serum Level of Thyroxin

Background: The secretion of thyroxin (T4) as the main hormone of thyroid gland is regulated by androgens. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of T4 and to show the effect of this regulation on total body weight, weight of testis, and the weight of prostate. Methods: Male adult rats (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8): Group 1 (control), Group 2 (castration), Group 3 (finasteride: 20 mg/kg/day) and Group 4 (testosterone: 5 mg/kg/day). At the end of the study (35 days), serum level of thyroxin, body weight, weight of testis, and prostate were determined. Results: The data showed that the body weight increased in castrated (P = 0.04) and decreased in testosterone (P = 0.00) groups but did not differ in finasteride (P>0.05) group. There were not any differences in the weight of testis among control, finasteride, and testosterone groups but the weight of prostate increased in testosterone group (P = 0.00) and decreased in castrated (P = 0.03) and finasteride groups (P = 0.04). In addition, the serum level of T4 (nmo/ml) decreased in the three groups: finasteride (P = 0.03), testosterone (P = 0.04), and castrated (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Testosterone in both high and low levels decreased the amount of T4 with a time-dependent manner. Key Words: Finasteride, Rats, Testosterone, Thyroxin     

A study on the effect of thiotepa on mice spermatogenesis using light and electronic microscope

The present study was designed to explore the spermatogenic effect of intraperitoneal administration of thiotepa in mice. It is known the chemotherapy could affect testicular function and result in infertility. There are few reports on the side effect of thiotepa on spermatogenesis when are used as anticancer drug. Therefore, in the present study the effect of thiotepa on spermatogenesis was evaluated by electron microscopy. A total of 20 balb/c mice were used in this study. They were divided into control and thiotepa treated groups. Thiotepa was administrated as 2.5 mg kg(-1) for 5 days. The mice were sacrificed after 5 weeks and testicular specimens were removed, fixed in boueins fixative and 2.5% Glutaraldehide then prepared for light and electron microscopic study. Light microscopy showed that the thickness of germinal epithelium was decreased in thiotepa treated group and many seminiferous tubules have lost germinal cells. Electron microscopy revealed that in experimental group several intercellular spaces appeared between spermatogonial and sertoli cells. The basement membrane became irregular and intercellular vacuoles were present in sertoli and spermatogonial cells. Nuclear chromatin was condensed and there were several vacuolated mitochondria. It was indicated that thiotepa affected testicular germinal epithelium by both cytotoxic effect and induction of apoptosis.     

Identification of a Novel Stop Loss Mutation in P2RX2 Gene in an Iranian Family with Autosomal Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss

Background:Hearing loss, a congenital genetic disorder in human, is difficult to diagnose. WES is a powerful approach for ethiological disgnosis of such disorders. Methods:One Iranian family with two patients were attented in the study. Sequencing of known NSHL genes was carried out to recognize the genetic causes of HL. Results:Molecular analyses identified a novel stop loss mutation, c.1048T>G (p.Term350Glu), whitin the P2RX2 gene, causing a termination-site modification.This event would lead to continued translation into the 3'' UTR of the gene, which in turn may result in a longer protein product. The mutation was segregating with the disease phenotype and predicted to be pathogenic by bioinformatic tools. Conclusion:This study is the first Iranian case report of a diagnosis of ADNSHL caused by P2RX2 mutation. The recognition of other causative mutations in P2RX2 gene more supports the probable function of this gene in causing ADNSHL. Key Words: Autosomal dominant 41, Deafness, Mutation, P2RX2, Whole exome sequencing