The RLCK subfamily VII-4 controls pattern-triggered immunity and basal resistance to bacterial and fungal pathogens in rice

Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) mediate the intracellular signaling downstream of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). Several RLCKs from subfamily VII of rice (Oryza sativa) have important roles in plant immunity, but the role of RLCK VII-4 in pattern-triggered immune (PTI) signaling and resistance to pathogens has not yet been investigated. Here, we generated by multiplex clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9-mediated genome editing rice sextuple mutant lines where the entire RLCK VII-4 subfamily is inactivated and then analyzed the resulting lines for their response to chitin and flg22 and for their immunity to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Magnaporthe oryzae. Analysis of the rlckvii-4 mutants revealed that they have an impaired reactive oxygen system burst and reduced defense gene expression in response to flg22 and chitin. This indicates that members of the rice RLCK VII-4 subfamily are required for immune signaling downstream of multiple PRRs. Furthermore, we found that the rice RLCK VII-4 subfamily is important for chitin-induced callose deposition and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and that it is crucial for basal resistance against Xoo and M. oryzae pathogens. This establishes that the RLCK VII-4 subfamily has critical functions in the regulation of multiple PTI pathways in rice and opens the way for deciphering the precise role of its members in the control of rice PTI.

Regulatory networks of hormone-involved transcription factors and their downstream pathways during somatic embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) depends on a variety of developmental pathways that are influenced by several environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to understand the relationship between environmental and genetic factors by identifying the gene networks involved in SE through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). For determination of SE effective transcription factors, upstream sequences of core-enriched genes were analyzed. The results indicated that response to hormones is one of the biological pathways activated by the enriched TFs at all stages of somatic embryogenesis and about half of the hormonal pathways were enriched. On the fifth day after 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) treatment, the activity of hormone-affecting genes reached its maximum. At this time, more transcription factors regulated the enriched genes compared to the other stages of somatic embryogenesis. MYBs, AT-HOOKs, and HSFs are the main families of transcription factors which affect core-enriched genes during SE. CCA1, PRR7, and TOC1 and their related genes at the center of protein-protein interaction of SE-key transcription factors, involved in the regulation of the circadian clock. Gene expression analysis of CCA1, PRR7, and TOC1 revealed that the genes involved in circadian clock reached their maximum activity when embryonic cells formed. Also, auxin response elements were identified at the upstream of SE-circadian clock transcription factors, indicating that they might mediate between auxin signaling and SE-related hormonal pathways as well as SE marker genes such as AGL15, BBM, and LECs. Based on these results, it is possible that the cellular circadian rhythm activates various developmental pathways under the influence of auxin signal transduction and their interactions determine the induction of somatic embryogenesis. According to the results of this study, modifying pathways affected by SE-related transcription factors such as circadian rhythm may result in cell reprogramming and increase somatic embryogenesis efficiency.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03546-7.

Genome-wide analysis of annexin gene family in Schrenkiella parvula and Eutrema salsugineum suggests their roles in salt stress response

Annexins (Anns) play an important role in plant development, growth and responses to various stresses. Although Ann genes have been characterized in some plants, their role in adaptation mechanisms and tolerance to environmental stresses have not been studied in extremophile plants. In this study, Ann genes in Schrenkiella parvula and Eutrema salsugineum were identified using a genome-wide method and phylogenetic relationships, subcellular distribution, gene structures, conserved residues and motifs and also promoter prediction have been studied through bioinformatics analysis. We identified ten and eight encoding putative Ann genes in S. parvula and E. salsugineum genome respectively, which were divided into six subfamilies according to phylogenetic relationships. By observing conservation in gene structures and protein motifs we found that the majority of Ann members in two extremophile plants are similar. Furthermore, promoter analysis revealed a greater number of GATA, Dof, bHLH and NAC transcription factor binding sites, as well as ABRE, ABRE3a, ABRE4, MYB and Myc cis-acting elements in compare to Arabidopsis thaliana. To gain additional insight into the putative roles of candidate Ann genes, the expression of SpAnn1, SpAnn2 and SpAnn6 in S. parvula was studied in response to salt stress, which indicated that their expression level in shoot increased. Similarly, salt stress induced expression of EsAnn1, 5 and 7, in roots and EsAnn1, 2 and 5 in leaves of E. salsugineum. Our comparative analysis implies that both halophytes have different regulatory mechanisms compared to A. thaliana and suggest SpAnn2 gene play important roles in mediating salt stress.

Apoplastic Production of Recombinant AntiVEGF Protein Using Plant-Virus Transient Expression Vector

Targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using AntiVEGF can be a promising approach for angiogenesis inhibition and cancer therapy. In this study, we direct AntiVEGF recombinant protein accumulation to cucurbit plant apoplast using a suitable signal (Pr1b) sequence. After assembling the target gene construct and cloning into the expression vector, we infected the plants with the resulting pZYMV-AntiVEGF viral vector. Transcription of the target gene was confirmed with RT-PCR assays. The apoplast-targeted AntiVEGF recombinant protein was detected in infected plants by Dot-blot, western blot, and ELISA analysis. AntiVEGF protein accumulation in the apoplast resulted in levels of 1.2% of TSP (Total Soluble Protein) that demonstrated a two-order increase compared to the cytoplasm-targeted protein. After purification of AntiVEGF protein using aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), purified protein was analyzed with MTT assay. Our results reveal that production of biologically active and correctly processed apoplast-targeted AntiVEGF recombinant protein is possible in plant apoplast. The low level of cytoplasm-targeted AntiVEGF recombinant protein might result from the degradation of improperly folded protein.

Renoprotective effects of prazosin on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is one of the main leading causes of acute kidney injury associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. We studied the effects of prazosin, as a specific blocker of α1-AR, on renal IR injury.

METHODS

Rats were divided into normal control; untreated IR and prazosin-treated IR (1 mg/kg body weight). Prazosin was administered by intraperitoneal injection 30 min prior to IR induction. The level of urea/creatinine and oxidative factors were detected by colorimetric methods. Apoptosis-associated factors, inflammatory, and signaling proteins were analyzed in renal tissue. The abnormalities of renal histopathology were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Administration of prazosin to IR rats ameliorated serum urea and creatinine and IR-induced histopathological damages. Lipid peroxidation was significantly improved after treatment by prazosin in IR injury rats, however, antioxidant status was not affected. Rats subjected to IR injury activated Bax protein and NF-κB mediated inflammatory response. Moreover, treatment with prazosin inhibited renal NF-κB activation, resulting in a significant decline in pro-inflammatory cytokine of IL-6.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that prazosin could be a good candidate to attenuate renal IR injury due to its ability to modulate renal function, apoptosis and inflammation.

Effects of Achillea tenuifolia Lam. hydro-alcoholic extract on anxiety-like behavior and reproductive parameters in rat model of chronic restraint stress

INTRODUCTION

Achillea tenuifolia Lam (AT) has several biological activities and medicinal properties. In this study, we elucidated the impact of the AT on anxiety-related behaviors, reproductive parameters, antioxidant capacity in male rats subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS).

METHODS

35 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, CRS-control (received normal saline) and three CRS-treated groups received AT extract (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 consequences days. To induce CRS rats, the rats were immobilized for 21 days and received the extract orally. On the last day of treatment, anxiety-related behaviors were assessed through the sucrose preference test (SPT) as well as elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Corticosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone levels were evaluated to determine reproductive capacity. Sperm parameters including the total count, motility, and viability were also analyzed. Weight of body, testis and seminal vesicles was measured as well.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of AT extract had anxiolytic effects in CRS rats, as confirmed by the EPM test and SPT. In addition, AT extract could improve fertile capacity and sperm quality to varying degrees. The level of corticosterone had decreased, whereas the level of LH, FSH and testosterone had increased in CRS-treated rats. Moreover, the reduced level of MDA coincided with an increased rate of antioxidant capacity. Our findings suggest that AT extract could alleviate stress-induced dysfunctions.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these observations would infer that AT extract could improve fertility capacity and behavioral impairment in the stress conditions.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Assumption pathway describing the probability underlying mechanism of CRS-induced anxiety and reproductive toxicity and protective effect of AT.

Prevalence and Early Detection of Hypodermosis in Goats using a Competitive ELISA System in Lorestan, Iran

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and early detection of hypodermosis in goats by the investigation of Przhevalskiana larvae and sera collected from the infested animals. This study was conducted in Lorestan province, located in the South-West of Iran, from April 2017 up to April 2018. A total of 3350 goats slaughtered in Lorestan abattoirs were investigated by clinical-parasitological examinations in different periods. The larvae were collected from the back and flank regions of the slaughtered goats. The number of infested animals, gender and age, number of maggots present on the body of each animal, location, and larval stage of warble flies were recorded in this study. To detect an infestation in the early period, a total of 150 blood samples were randomly collected from the field animals in Lorestan, Iran. The morphological findings showed that out of 3350 goats examined, 706 (21.07%) goats were infested. Furthermore, three species of Przhevalskiana, including P. Silenus (n=726, 50.07%), P.crossii (n=440, 30.43%), and P. aegagri (n=284, 19.59%) were recognized as the causative agents of goat hypodermosis in this province. No significant difference was observed between genders and/or among the age groups (P>0.05). The anti-Przhevalskiana antibodies in the serum samples were detected using ELISA from August up to mid-September (summer). Clinical diagnosis of infestation was usually performed from late October until mid-March (winter) by visual observations and direct palpation of warbles in the back and flank regions of the animals. It could be concluded that the use of ELISA can help to detect hypodermosis among goats in the early stages.

A Study to Assess the Role of Gluten Encoded Genes and Their Regulatory Elements in Bread Making Quality of Wheat

Background:

Quality of bread baking is affected by gluten genes and balance between their expressions. Hence, it is necessary for a comprehensive research to study and compare all gluten genes and their regulating elements simultaneously.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular mechanism of bread quality at the level of coding genes and regulating elements via comparative transcriptome analysis of two extreme wheat cultivars.

Materials and Methods:

RNAs were extracted from the grain of two wheat cultivars with high (Pishtaz) and low (Navid) bread making qualities, collected during endosperm development at five stages. mRNAs were sequenced and gluten transcripts were assessed to find differentially expressed genes. Then, transcription factors interacting with gluten genes were detected and evaluated for expression.

Results:

Results showed that Ɣ-gliadin and LMW-GS genes had a higher expression in Pishtaz and Navid, respectively. Most identified transcription factors were active at the early stage of growth and it seemed that NAC and ERF transcription factors had significant roles in regulating genes with different expressions. There was no significant difference in the expression level of NACs between two cultivars. It is proposed that the ERF transcription factor which classified as BREB2C transcription factor could control the expression of LMW-GS genes in two cultivars and functionally act as a repressor for their target genes.

Conclusion:

The priority of Pishtaz wheat cultivar in bread quality originated from high expression levels of Ɣ-gliadin gene and ERF transcription factor.

Serodiagnosis of Przhevalskiana spp. Infestation in Goats Using a Competitive ELISA

Goat warble-fly infestation is one of the parasitic diseases caused by the larvae of przhevalskiana spp. It is known to be a major challenge for health and welfare in infested goats and causes high economic losses in livestock worldwide. The detection of goat grub was previously conducted by direct palpation of second and third stage larvae in the back and flank site of the live animals or visual evaluation of the carcasses in slaughterhouses. However, due to the small size of the first instar larvae of przhevalskiana (less than 1 mm during emerging from the egg), some of the infected cases were ignored and recorded as negative samples. Immunodiagnostic procedures as easy and cost-effective diagnostic methods provide early detection of myiasis in living animals (even when the larvae are still migrating or are undetectable in the animal body).This study was conducted to evaluate the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system in order to detect the antibodies of przhevalskiana larvae in the goat sera. In order to prepare the larval antigen, 200 first instar larvae of przhevalskiana were collected from the subdermal region of the back and flanks of the infested goats in Khoramabad slaughterhouse, Khoramabad, Iran, from September 2017 to March 2018. Totally, 37 and 46 sera samples were taken from the infected and uninfected goats. The sensitivity and specificity at cut-off 3SD were obtained at 89.18% and 84.78%. Moreover, the measures of inter-and intra-assay coefficients of variability to express the precision or replicability of ELISA kit results were 5.33% and 2.81%, respectively.

Aluminium triggers oxidative stress and antioxidant response in the microalgae Scenedesmus sp

Aluminium (Al) water pollution is an increasing environmental problem and comprehensive analysis of toxic responses of aquatic primary producer organisms is imperative. We characterized the antioxidant response of Scenedesmus sp. microalga to Al-induced oxidative stress. After 72 h of exposure to Al (0, 10, and 100 μM) in a modified Bold Basal Medium (pH 5.0), we observed cell aggregation and alterations in the subcellular structure, strong lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress induction (detected with the fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) in parallel with Al accumulation in cells. At the same time, Al toxicity caused depletion of important macronutrients like Ca, which is important for cell-wall structure. Analysis of antioxidant enzymatic activities in Al-treated Scenedesmus cells revealed that catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, as well as different isoforms of superoxide dismutase were inhibited especially at the highest Al dose (100 μM), cells that accumulated the highest concentration of Al. On the other hand, glutathione reductase activity increased at that Al concentration. Immunodetection after Western-blotting confirmed that only ascorbate peroxidase inhibition was apparently due to a decrease in enzyme levels. However, the inhibition of catalase and activation of glutathione reductase activities seemed related with post-translational modifications in protein function as protein expression decreased or increased, respectively under Al stress. Our results may help to understand toxic mechanisms triggered by Al in freshwater microalgae, which in turn could aid to select suitable biomarkers of Al contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Transient expression analysis of synthetic promoters containing F and D cis-acting elements in response to Ascochyta rabiei and two plant defense hormones

Introduction of a foreign gene coding for a pathogen resistant protein into the target plant and constitutive expression of Resistance (R) proteins may confer high level of resistance. However, genetic engineering could lead to reprogramming of molecular mechanisms that manage physiological behavior, which in turn could lead to undesired results. Therefore, using a pathogen-inducible synthetic promoter approach, response to pathogens could be more specific. Ascochyta rabiei is a destructive fungal pathogen in chickpea production. In this study, we analyzed the expression pattern of three synthetic promoters in response to pathogen and two defense hormones. We have tested three synthetic pathogen-inducible promoters designated as (1) synthetic promoter-D box-D box (SP-DD), (2) synthetic promoter-F element-F element (SP-FF) and (3) synthetic promoter-F element-F element-D box-D box (SP-FFDD) via Agrobacterium transient expression assay. The cis-acting element designated as ‘D’ is a 31 base pair sequence from the promoter of parsley pathogenesis-related gene 2 (PR2 gene) and the cis-acting element designated as ‘F’ is a 39 base pairs sequence from the promoter of Arabidopsis AtCMPG1 gene. We used mycelial extracts from two pathotypes of A. rabiei as elicitor to define the responsiveness of the promoters against pathogen. Plant phytohormones including salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate were also used to study the promoter sensitivity in plant signaling pathways. Our results showed that the SP-FF promoter was highly inducible to A. rabiei and methyl jasmonate as well, while the SP-DD promoter was more sensitive to salicylic acid. The SP-FFDD promoter was equally responsive to both pathotypes of A. rabiei which is probably due to the complex nature of box D cis-acting element.

Comparative proteomics and gene expression analyses revealed responsive proteins and mechanisms for salt tolerance in chickpea genotypes

BACKGROUND

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits the growth, productivity, and geographical distribution of plants. A comparative proteomics and gene expression analysis was performed to better understand salinity tolerance mechanisms in chickpea.

RESULTS

Ten days of NaCl treatments resulted in the differential expression of 364 reproducible spots in seedlings of two contrasting chickpea genotypes, Flip 97-43c (salt tolerant, T1) and Flip 97-196c (salt susceptible, S1). Notably, after 3 days of salinity, 80% of the identified proteins in T1 were upregulated, while only 41% in S2 had higher expression than the controls. The proteins were classified into eight functional categories, and three groups of co-expression profile. The second co-expressed group of proteins had higher and/or stable expression in T1, relative to S2, suggesting coordinated regulation and the importance of some processes involved in salinity acclimation. This group was mainly enriched in proteins associated with photosynthesis (39%; viz. chlorophyll a-b binding protein, oxygen-evolving enhancer protein, ATP synthase, RuBisCO subunits, carbonic anhydrase, and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase), stress responsiveness (21%; viz. heat shock 70 kDa protein, 20 kDa chaperonin, LEA-2 and ascorbate peroxidase), and protein synthesis and degradation (14%; viz. zinc metalloprotease FTSH 2 and elongation factor Tu). Thus, the levels and/or early and late responses in the activation of targeted proteins explained the variation in salinity tolerance between genotypes. Furthermore, T1 recorded more correlations between the targeted transcripts and their corresponding protein expression profiles than S2.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into the proteomic basis of a salt-tolerance mechanism in chickpea, and offers unexpected and poorly understood molecular resources as reliable starting points for further dissection.

UNRAVEL: big data analytics research data platform to improve care of patients with cardiomyopathies using routine electronic health records and standardised biobanking

Introduction

Despite major advances in our understanding of genetic cardiomyopathies, they remain the leading cause of premature sudden cardiac death and end-stage heart failure in persons under the age of 60 years. Integrated research databases based on a large number of patients may provide a scaffold for future research. Using routine electronic health records and standardised biobanking, big data analysis on a larger number of patients and investigations are possible. In this article, we describe the UNRAVEL research data platform embedded in routine practice to facilitate research in genetic cardiomyopathies.

Design

Eligible participants with proven or suspected cardiac disease and their relatives are asked for permission to use their data and to draw blood for biobanking. Routinely collected clinical data are included in a research database by weekly extraction. A text-mining tool has been developed to enrich UNRAVEL with unstructured data in clinical notes.

Preliminary results

Thus far, 828 individuals with a median age of 57 years have been included, 58% of whom are male. All data are captured in a temporal sequence amounting to a total of 18,565 electrocardiograms, 3619 echocardiograms, data from over 20,000 radiological examinations and 650,000 individual laboratory measurements.

Conclusion

Integration of routine electronic health care in a research data platform allows efficient data collection, including all investigations in chronological sequence. Trials embedded in the electronic health record are now possible, providing cost-effective ways to answer clinical questions. We explicitly welcome national and international collaboration and have provided our protocols and other materials on www.unravelrdp.nl.

Comparison the Effect of Ferutinin and 17β-Estradiol on Bone Mineralization of Developing Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae

There is an urgent need to develop novel drugs for osteoporosis which occurs due to estrogen deficiency. Phytoestrogens derived from medicinal plants would be the best alternative to chemical drugs with harmful side effects. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of ferutinin compared to 17β-estradiol (E2) on bone mineralization of zebrafish larvae. Regarding the lack of publications, the histology analysis was performed after exposure to E2 to find effective treatment on bone mineralization of developing zebrafish larvae. Then, the larvae were exposed to four concentrations of ferutinin at three time points to assess the mortality, the expression of some related genes and histology of the ceratohyal and hyomandibular of treated larvae. The RT-PCR result of the treatment groups demonstrated the similar expression pattern in the larvae which were exposed to 1.25 μg/mL of ferutinin and 2 µM of E2 at 2 dpf, which confirmed the result of histology analysis. In addition, RT-qPCR of high concentration of ferutinin and E2 demonstrated that bmp2a/b and esr1 were downregulated and upregulated when the larvae were exposed to 5 μg/mL of ferutinin and 10 µM of E2, respectively.

Localized surface plasmon resonance biosensing of tomato yellow leaf curl virus

Current techniques for plant virus detection, such as RT- PCR and ELISA, require multistep procedures and rely on sophisticated equipment. Due to the global spread of plant viruses, the development of simpler, faster and cheaper assay methods is inevitable. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) had raised much interest during recent years due to their novel optical properties or diagnostic purposes. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR¹) of AuNPs had been used in the development of novel colorimetric nano-biosensing systems. The frequency and intensity of the LSPR peak generally depend on the shape, size and the surrounding medium of the AuNPs. In this study, unmodified AuNPs had been used to detect the unamplified Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) genome in infected plants. A specific DNA probe complementary to the coat protein region of virus genome was designed. The extracted total DNA of uninfected and infected plants was mixed with hybridization buffer and the designed probe. The mixture was denatured, annealed and then cooled to room temperature and was followed by AuNPs addition. The color changes in the samples indicating the presence of target virus infections were assessed visually after the addition of salt and confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that this strategy allowed for fast and sensitive detection of TYLCV genome and eliminated the need for PCR amplification and detection equipment.

Induction of Immune Response in Animal Model Using Recombinant Anti-NDV Vaccine

Background

Newcastle disease is a major avian disease that causes enormous economic loss in poultry industry. There have been a number of reports on the suitability of plant-based recombinant vaccine against this disease. Fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) epitopes of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) represent the major immunogenic sites for development of recombinant anti-ND vaccines in plant hosts.

Objectives

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the ability of a recombinant anti-ND vaccine in induction of immune responses in animal model.

Materials and Methods

In this study, immunogenicity of recombinant fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) epitopes of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is investigated in an animal model. The corresponding genes encoding amino acids 65-81 of the F protein and 346-353 amino acids of HN were expressed in tobacco seedling using agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Expression of the foreign gene in the tobacco seedlings was investigated by a number of molecular assays including Real-Time PCR and ELISA. Transgenic plant extract was used to induce immunogenic response in animal model.

Results

Integration of the foreign gene in plant host genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression of the foreign recombinant protein was confirmed by Real-Time PCR and ELISA assays. Immunogenicity of the recombinant protein was investigated in rabbit by subcutaneous injection. Results indicated that the transgenic plant extract can induce immune responses in the host as confirmed by presence of specific antibodies in the sera in ELISA assay. Western blot assays showed that the foreign gene was actually expressed in transgenic seedlings.

Conclusions

The results obtained in this research provide further evidence on applicability of plant-based recombinant vaccines for protection of poultry against Newcastle disease.

Variation in bacterial endosymbionts associated with the date palm hopper, Ommatissus lybicus populations

The date palm hopper, Ommatissus lybicus, is a key pest of the date palm, which is expected to be comprised of many allopatric populations. The current study was carried out to determine bacterial endosymbiont diversity in the different populations of this pest. Ten date palm hopper populations were collected from the main date palm growing regions in Iran and an additional four samples from Pakistan, Oman, Egypt and Tunisia for detection of primary and secondary endosymbionts using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with their specific primers. The PCR products were directly sequenced and edited using SeqMan software. The consensus sequences were subjected to a BLAST similarity search. The results revealed the presence of 'Candidatus Sulcia muelleri' (primary endosymbiont) and Wolbachia, Arsenophonus and Enterobacter (secondary endosymbionts) in all populations. This assay failed to detect 'Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola' and Serratia in these populations. 'Ca. S. muelleri' exhibited a 100% infection frequency in populations and Wolbachia, Arsenophonus and Enterobacter demonstrated 100, 93.04 and 97.39% infection frequencies, respectively. The infection rate of Arsenophonus and Enterobacter ranged from 75 to 100% and 62.5 to 100%, respectively, in different populations of the insect. The results demonstrated multiple infections by 'Ca. Sulcia muelleri', Wolbachia, Arsenophonus and Enterobacter in the populations and may suggest significant roles for these endosymbionts on date palm hopper population fitness. This study provides an insight to endosymbiont variation in the date palm hopper populations; however, further investigation is needed to examine how these endosymbionts may affect host fitness.

Optimal Dosage of Cyclopentolate 1% for Complete Cycloplegia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To determine the optimal dosage of cyclopentolate for adequate cycloplegia with minimal side effects.

METHODS

A prospective randomized clinical trial of patients 3.5 to 20 years of age referred to a strabismus clinic during a 1-year period. Eligible patients were randomly divided into three groups. In Group 1, the cycloplegic effect of one drop of cyclopentolate was compared with two drops; in Group 2, the effect of two drops was compared with three drops; and in Group 3, the effect of one drop was compared with three drops.

RESULTS

This study includes 192 eyes of 96 patients with a mean age of 11.0 +/- 5.7 years. Strabismus was present in 43 patients (44.8%). A total of 146 patients (76%) were hyperopic, 33 (17.2%) were myopic, and 13 (6.8%) were slightly hyperopic or myopic at the two stages of the study. Overall, only 16 eyes, including 9 eyes in Group 1 (16.4%), 2 eyes in Group 2 (3.2%), and 5 eyes in Group 3 (8.6%), had > or = 0.5 D difference in spherical equivalent refractive error at two stages of the study; however, intergroup differences were not statistically significant (p=0.16, chi-square test). Within each group, the percentage of eyes with <0.5 D difference was significantly greater than those with > or = 0.5 D difference (p<0.001 in all three groups, binomial test). Side effects were more prevalent using more frequent drops.

CONCLUSIONS

A single drop of cyclopentolate 1% suffices for cycloplegic refraction. There were less frequent side effects using one drop of cyclopentolate, compared to two or three drops.

Complications of Hydroxyapatite Pegging: Comparison between Polycarbonate and Titanium Peg System

PURPOSE

Polycarbonate peg has been customarily used for pegging of hydroxyapatite for years. For better movement, tissue tolerance, and to decrease the complications of pegging, titanium peg system has been used. This study compares the two systems.

METHODS

Complications associated with pegging (polycarbonate: Bio-Eye or titanium: Dr-Perry new P-K) were retrospectively reviewed from the charts of 153 patients admitted to the Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran, Iran, for over 5 years from 1997 to 2003.

RESULTS

A total of 153 cases were studied. Ninety-six (62.3%) were male and 57 (37.7%) were female, and the mean age was 27.7 years (6-59 years). In 88 cases pegs were poly-carbonate and sleeve system and in 65 cases pegs were titanium. Forty-one (46%) of cases with polycarbonate and 18 (27%) of cases with titanium had at least one or more complications (p=0.018). The most common complications were granulation tissue, discharge, overgrowth of conjunctiva, and peg falling out in 25%, 23%, 13%, and 8% in polycarbonate peg and 15%, 5%, 1.5%, and 0% in titanium peg group. The prevalence of the last three complications was statistically lower in titanium peg compared with polycarbonate. Twenty-five cases (35%) with polycarbonate peg and 5 cases (7.5%) with titanium peg had two or more complications (p=0.03). Peg removal was done in 11 cases of polycarbonate but only two cases of titanium peg in order to treat the complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Both pegging systems had some complications, although these were less severe and prevalent in titanium peg. More studies on complications due to titanium pegs are recommended.

Transient expression of CCL21as recombinant protein in tomato

•

Applied use of plants as bioreactors for production of recombinant proteins.

•

The present study is the first to report gene expression of ccl21 construct in tomato via agro infiltration to use this plant as oral vaccine.

•

To investigate the role of this protein in anti-metastatic function on cancer cells

The main goal of this study was to investigate the possibility of expressing recombinant protein of C-C chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) in Solanum lycopersicum via agroinfiltration. CCL21 is a chemokine can be used for anti-metastatic of cancer cell lines. To examine the expression of CCL21 protein in S. lycopersicum, the construct of ccl21 was synthesized. This construct was cloned into pBI121 and the resulting CCL21 plasmid was agro-infiltrated into S. lycopersicum leaves. Within three days after infiltration, Expression of the foreign gene was confirmed by quantitative Real-time PCR. A recombinant CCL21 protein was immunogenically detected by western blot, dot blot and ELISA assay. And results showed that the foreign gene was expressed in the transformed leaves in high level. Also scratch assay was used to investigate the role of this protein in anti-metastatic function. The results demonstrated anti-metastatic of cancer cells in the presence of this protein.

Association of angiogenic cytokines (VEGF-A and VEGF-C) and clinical characteristic in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) defined as 2 or more spontaneous miscarriage before 20 weeks of gestation, affects at least 1 % of couples trying to conceive. In over 50 % of cases, the cause of the loss of pregnancy remains unexplained. Reduced expression of Angiogenic factors such as: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and VEGF-C has been linked with spontaneous miscarriage, likely due to defective foetal and placental angiogenesis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationships between serum level of VEGF-A and VEGF-C with clinical characteristic in women with URM and compare to pregnant and healthy women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case-control study, which was conducted between 90 non-pregnant women with history of RM, age-matched with 70 non-pregnant women without history of recurrent abortion with at least one child (controls) and 70 pregnant women without history of recurrent abortion with at least one child (controls). Those with unexplained RM were eligible. Demographic and Anthropometric data were retrieved by pre-test questionnaire and serum level of VEGF-A and VEGF-C measured by ELISA kit.

RESULTS

This study showeds that maternal levels of VEGF-A and VEGF-C were distinctly lower in RSA (189.87±88.1 vs 238.8±99.6) compared to healthy (239.1±99.7 vs 275.5±133.08) and pregnant (301.5±76.4 vs 402.5±128.6) women as control groups. Univariate analysis demonstrated that clinical characteristic factors were significantly associated with concentration of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in cases and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that these molecules could be used as potential predictive markers of miscarriage in these women presenting with URM (Tab. 4, Fig. 5, Ref. 40).

Simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol at gold nanoparticles mesoporous silica modified carbon paste electrode

A new electrochemical sensor based on gold nanoparticles mesoporous silica modified carbon paste electrode (AuNPs-MPS) was developed for simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol. Morphology and structure of the AuNPs-MPS were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of hydroquinone and catechol were investigated using square wave voltammetry and the results indicate that the electrochemical responses are improved significantly at the modified electrode. The observed oxidative peaks separation of about 120mV made possible the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol in their binary-mixture. Under the optimized condition, a linear dynamic range of 10.0μM-1.0mM range for hydroquinone with the detection limit of 1.2μM and from 30.0μM-1.0mM for catechol with the detection limit of 1.1μM were obtained. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the recovery studies of hydroquinone and catechol in spiked tap water samples.

RNAi-induced silencing in floral tissues of Petunia hybrida by agroinfiltration: a rapid assay for chalcone isomerase gene function analysis

Variegation in flower color is commonly observed in many plant species and also occurs on Petunia (Petunia hybrida) as an ornamental plant. Variegated plants are of highly valuable in the floricultural market. Agroinfiltration is an Agrobacterium-mediated transient assay for the analysis of gene function and genetic modification in leaves, flowers and fruit tissues of various plants. Transient RNAi-induced silencing by agroinfiltration has been developed in leaves and fruits of several plant species. Here we report the establishment of a transient hairpin RNAi-induced silencing system for color modification assay in floral tissues of Petunia with different colors. chiRNAi construct was cloned into the pBI121 vector under the control of 35S promoter. Transient RNA silencing of chi in the floral tissues of Petunia was induced by delivering 530 bp chi hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs) into the petals of flowers using agroinfiltration. Impaired anthocyanin accumulation and reduction of endogenous mRNAs of the corresponding targets were observed in the infiltrated areas of the petals of four colors of Petunia. Silencing of the endogenous chi mRNAs was highly effective in reduction of chi gene and anthocyanin accumulation. This transient silencing system is a prototype for modification of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in Petunia through chi gene suppression.

[Constitution of a New Specialised Pediatric Home Care Team - First Year Experience]

BACKGROUND

Since the amendment of the Social Law V in Germany in 2007 the financial basis for a Specialised Home Palliative Care for Children (SHPC) for children was established. In Hesse 3 different SHPC teams entered into collective negotiations with health insurance companies. In 2014, the team of the University Children's Hospital in Giessen started to treat the first patient with a lead time of two months.

METHODS

Thus in this paper the development of a SHPC team is described. After the first year anonymized patients data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Within 12 months 35 patients, 24 females and 11 males, were treated. All of the 6 patients who died, died at home. Calculated 48 weeks survival was 78%. 45% of the patients suffered from malignancies, 34% of malformations and 34% had metabolic disorders. 51% needed crisis intervention and 51% infusion therapy. Only 26% of parents denied cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Only 10% of the patients or their families received professional psychological care.

CONCLUSION

Formation of a SHPC is feasible within a short time period once a financial basis is established. So, empathic guidance of families to help decision making for emergency situations are considered to be important. Analysis of patient's data after one year could help to improve the quality of care. Our data provides information for developing a palliative care team und could motivate colleagues to start the job.

Lower serum level of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To evaluate the serum levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies (anti-TTA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and in a control group.

METHODS

Totally, 100 patients with type 2 DM and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled to study. The presence of type 2 DM confirmed according to the clinical and para-clinical criteria such as fasting plasma glucose above 126 mg/dl. A peripheral blood sample was collected from all subjects. The serum samples of participants tested for the levels of anti-TTA by ELISA method. The serum antitoxin concentration 0.1 IU/mL was considered as a protective level of antibody.

RESULTS

The seroprotective rate in healthy group was significantly higher than diabetic group (99% vs. 92%; p<0.02). The mean titer of anti-TTA in healthy group (5.32 ± 0.26 IU/ml) was also significantly higher than diabetic patients (3.46 ± 0.26 IU/ml; p>0.001). In diabetic men the mean titer of anti-TTA was significantly higher in comparison to diabetic women (3.94 ± 0.34 IU/ml vs 2.59 ± 0.36 IU/ml; p<0.01). In diabetic patients the seroprotective rate and the mean titer of anti-TTA in subjects with age >40 years was also lower in comparison to those with age <40 years (89.23% vs 97.14%; p<0.15 and 4.57 ± 0.38 IU/ml vs 2.86 ± 0.32 IU/ml; P<0.002, respectively). The mean titer of anti-TTA was significantly higher in patients with diabetes duration <5 years in comparison to patients with disease duration >5 years (3.91 ± 0.35 IU/ml vs 2.85 ± 0.38 IU/ml; p<0.04).

CONCLUSION

these results showed lower levels of anti-TTA in patients with type 2 DM, in diabetic women, in patients aged >40 years and in diabetic patients with disease duration >5 years.

Factors influencing range of motion after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The range of motion after a total knee arthroplasty is an important clinical outcome affecting the life of the patient. The aim of this study was to determine the most important factors influencing the postoperative knee flexion in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

Between July 2007 and January 2009, on 95 cases of total knee joint replacement (89 patients), who were followed for 1 year postoperatively, the risk factors were assessed. Patient demographics (sex, age, body mass index, previous surgery, preoperative Knee Society System score, and preoperative range of motion) as well as radiographic measurement for preoperative tibiofemoral angle were statistically analyzed and the probable predictors entered into a linear regression model.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that age, preoperative flexion angle, preoperative flexion arc and preoperative tibiofemoral angle had significant correlation with the postoperative flexion angle. The linear regression model on the other hand revealed that preoperative flexion angle and preoperative tibiofemoral angle were the true predictors of the postoperative flexion angle with coefficients of 0.64 and -0.21, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Better range of motion before the surgery with a lower tibiofemoral varus/valgus angle were more likely to result in a better range of motion after the surgery, suggesting that an appropriate timing for the surgery when the knee joint is still in a better function can lead to a better outcome.

Unerupted primary molar teeth positioned inferior to the permanent premolar: a case report

Primary tooth impaction is a rare finding during the development of primary dentition. Several factors contribute to the impaction of a deciduous tooth. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a 10-year-old boy who presented an impacted second primary mandibular molar. This tooth, located inferior to the second premolar together with an odontoma, was positioned superior to the premolar teeth. Treatment consisted of surgical removal of the impacted deciduous tooth and odontoma and placement of a passive lower lingual holding arch. Periodic examination was indicated for follow-up. Early intervention was recommended to manage orofacial disfigurement and to avoid consequent problems.

Investigation into Seasonal Effect and Browning Inhibitor on Callus Regeneration of Seedless Barberry (Berberis vulgaris var. asperma)

Leaves, one year old stems and buds were used as explants. WPM, B5, MS, half and one-fourth strength MS with 2,4-?D, NAA, IBA, IAA and picloram 2, 5 and 10 mg/l were used for callus induction. Investigation into the seasonal effect on callus regeneration and explants browning was carried out in mid-April until September. Results showed that washing with sterile distilled water for one hour after surface sterilization was the best treatment for browning inhibition of explants than other treatments. Leaf explants have best callus formation. MS with 8 g/l agar had strong effect on callus formation. Culture for callus formation in May and June found to be higher than other months. 2,4-D, NAA and  10 mg/l picloram significantly enhanced callus formation. Leaf and bud explants sampling in April to May did not show any endophyte contamination but leaf explants in June until September, specially the one year old stems, showed intensive contamination.   Key words: Seasonal effect, Browning inhibitor, Berberis vulgaris   D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10239   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 161-168, 2011 (December)

The clinical manifestation, evaluation and surgical management of sphenoid sinus mucoceles: a case series and literature review

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to describe clinical manifestation, treatment and outcomes in patients with sphenoid sinus mucocele presenting to Amiralam Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

A review of 43280 medical records covering a period of 10 years included just 12 patients with sphenoid sinus mucocele presenting to our teaching centre.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 35 years (ranging from 19 to 52 years). Headache was the most frequent symptom in 9 of the 12 patients. Visual disorders were noted in five patients. Two patients underwent external ethmoidectomy accompanied by intranasal sphenoidotomy while transseptal sphenoidotomy was performed for five patients and five patients underwent endoscopic endonasal sphenoidotomy. Wide spectrum antibiotics were given to all the patients for 3 to 5 days in order to prevent any iatrogenic infection. All patients did well after surgery without postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Sphenoid sinus mucocele should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions presenting as visual disturbance. Retro-orbital headache with or without visual symptoms is a leading symptom. CT and MRI are essential in the diagnosis of sphenoid disease.

Familial Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome: studies of X-chromosome inactivation and clinical phenotypes in two female individuals with GPC3 mutations

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is an overgrowth/multiple congenital anomalies syndrome with an X-linked inheritance. Most cases of SGBS are attributed to mutations in the glypican 3-gene (GPC3), which is highly expressed in the mesodermal embryonic tissues and involves in a local growth regulation. Typical clinical features include pre/postnatal overgrowth, developmental delay, macrocephaly, characteristic facies with prominent eyes and macroglossia, diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart defects, kidney anomalies, and skeletal anomalies. Obligate carrier females with GPC3 mutations are usually asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. It is thought that skewed X-inactivation is the underlining mechanism for the female patients to present with findings of SGBS. We identified three siblings with typical SGBS (two male and one female cases) and their mother with very mild symptoms in a family carrying c.256C>T (p.Arg86X) mutation in GPC3. X-inactivation studies on the androgen-receptor gene (AR) and the Fragile XE (FRAXE) gene were performed with blood, buccal swabs, and fibroblasts in the carrier females. The studies with blood showed moderately skewed X-inactivation with paternal X-chromosome being preferentially inactivated (71-80% inactivated) in the female patient with SGBS and no skewing was shown in the mother with very mild symptoms. The X-inactivation studies in the mother showed inactivation of the X-chromosome with the mutation by 57%. This suggests that loss of the functional GPC3 protein by 43% is closed to the threshold to develop the SGBS phenotype. Studies with buccal swabs and fibroblasts failed to show different X-inactivation patterns between the two female individuals.