Sodium Nitroprusside Stimulates Micropropagation and TDZ Induces Adventitious Shoots Regeneration in Red Flesh Apple Malus niedzwetzkyana Koehne Dieck ex

The aim of the present investigation was to optimize protocols for micropropagation and adventitious shoot regeneration from leaf explants of two wild ecotypes of red flesh apple Malus niedzwetzkyana for future breeding programs. At the proliferation stage, different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and triacontanol (TRIA) were compared. To optimize shoot regeneration from leaf explants, interactive effects of 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thidiazol-5-yl)-urea – thidiazuron (TDZ), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and two explant types were investigated. At rooting stage, the effect of exposure time of microshoots to darkness and exposure time to different concentrations of IBA and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were compared. The results showed that SNP affected the growth rate significantly and the maximum multiplication rates per explant (9.6 in the first ecotype and 8.8 in the second) were produced in the Quoirin and Lepoivre medium containing 17 SNP µM, in addition to 4 µm 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 3 µm gibberellic acid (GA3). IBA and TDZ affected the adventitious shoot regeneration from leaf explants significantly, the highest number of regenerated shoots (18.3 per explant) was obtained from the basal section of the leaves cultured on the medium containing 2 μM IBA and 15 μM TDZ. At rooting stage, the maximum rooting (88.6%) was obtained in the result of one weak exposure to darkness on medium containing 3 μM IBA

Optimization of physical and biological parameters for transient expression of uidA gene in embryogenic callus of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) via particle bombardment

The objective of this study was to establish an efficient genetic transformation system in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) using particle bombardment. Somatic tissues derived from offshoots' meristem cultures were bombarded with genetic constructs harboring the uidA gene under control of the CaMV 35S or Act1 promoter. The effects of different physical, biological and DNA parameters were evaluated by comparing the number of blue spots obtained from the histochemical GUS assay. Optimal transient expression of the uidA gene in embryogenic calli was observed using the following conditions: bombardment at 1100 psi, 9 cm target distance, a 1.6 µm gold particle size coated with 2.5 µg of DNA, 26 inHg vacuum pressure, 3 mm distance between the rupture disk and macrocarrier and osmotic pretreatment of 0.4 M mannitol followed by 60 min of air desiccation. Significantly, higher expression rates were observed when the construct carrying the Act1 promoter was employed. The highest number of blue spots obtained in this protocol was 1500 blue spots per 1 cm 2 of bombarded tissue. Achievement of these optimized conditions considered as the first report of its kind is expected to provide valuable information for the generation of transgenic date palm plants

Chemical properties of throughfall and forest floor leaching in Fagus orientalis trees within growing and non-growing periods

Changes in chemical properties of throughfall and forest floor leaching in growing (leafed) and non-growing (leafless) periods essentially influence the biogeochemical cycle of forest ecosystems, especially in the broadleaved stands. The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition. i.e. Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium contents of throughfall as well as forest floor leaching in oriental beech trees in the Shastkolateh experimental forest of Golestan province. Throughfall and forest floor samples were taken after each rain within one year (21.08.2008 to 21.12.2009). To investigate leached nutrition of throughfall and forest floor in growing and non-growing periods, we used t-paired at the 95% confidence level. Results showed that Sodium and Potassium leaching in throughfall in the non-growing period (24.3 and 60 kg ha-1, respectively) were significantly higher than those of the growing period (52 and 18.7 kg ha-1, respectively). Furthermore, Sodium, Potassium and Calcium fluxes via forest floor in the  non-growing period were 12.6, 42.3 and 8.2 kg ha-1, which showed significantly higher rates than those measured during the growing period (8.6, 23.5 and 6 kg ha-1, respectively). This study concludes that factors e.g. bark, decomposed leaves, and dry deposition play remarkable roles in the cations leaching process in forest floor within the eastern Hyrcanian forests during the non-growing period

Effects of Three Different Modes of Resistance Training on Appetite Hormones in Males With Obesity

International audiencePurpose: This study explored the effect of three different modes of resistance training on appetite hormones [leptin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY)], cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity.Methods: Forty-four males with obesity (age: 27.5 +/- 9.4 yrs.; mean weight: 93.2 +/- 2.2 kg, body mass index: 32.9 +/- 1.2 kg/m(2)) were randomized to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. All resistance training groups received 50 min of supervised training per session, three days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of training.Results: Plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, CCK, and PYY decreased significantly in all three different modalities of resistance training groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). GLP-1 increased significantly in both CRT and IRT groups compared to TRT and C groups (p < 0.05). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide decreased significantly in CRT and IRT groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05). Adiponectin levels increased significantly in all resistance training groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Overall, CRT and IRT protocols had the greatest impact on appetite hormones compared to individuals who engaged in TRT or did not exercise (C)

Astaxanthin Supplemented with High-Intensity Functional Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity training with astaxanthin supplementation on adipokine levels, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity were randomly stratified into four groups of seventeen subjects each: control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training plus supplement group (TSG). Participants underwent 12 weeks of treatment with astaxanthin or placebo (20 mg/d capsule daily). The training protocol consisted of 36 sessions of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), 60 min/sessions, and three sessions/week. Metabolic profiles, body composition, anthropometrical measurements, cardio-respiratory indices and adipokine [Cq1/TNF-related protein 9 and 2 (CTRP9 and CTRP2) levels, and growth differentiation factors 8 and 15 (GDF8 and GDF15)] were measured. There were significant differences for all indicators between the groups (p p p > 0.05). Levels of GDF8 were similar in the SG and TG groups (p > 0.05), with reductions of GDF15 levels in both training groups (p < 0.05). A total of 12 weeks of astaxanthin supplementation and exercise training decreased adipokines levels, body composition (weight, %fat), anthropometrical factors (BMI), and improved lipid and metabolic profiles. These benefits were greater for men with obesity in the TSG group

Astaxanthin Supplemented with High-Intensity Functional Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity

International audienceThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity training with astaxanthin supplementation on adipokine levels, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity were randomly stratified into four groups of seventeen subjects each: control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training plus supplement group (TSG). Participants underwent 12 weeks of treatment with astaxanthin or placebo (20 mg/d capsule daily). The training protocol consisted of 36 sessions of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), 60 min/sessions, and three sessions/week. Metabolic profiles, body composition, anthropometrical measurements, cardio-respiratory indices and adipokine [Cq1/TNF-related protein 9 and 2 (CTRP9 and CTRP2) levels, and growth differentiation factors 8 and 15 (GDF8 and GDF15)] were measured. There were significant differences for all indicators between the groups (p andlt; 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the levels of CTRP9, CTRP2, and GDF8 were different from CG (p andlt; 0.05), although levels of GDF15 were similar to CG (p andgt; 0.05). Levels of GDF8 were similar in the SG and TG groups (p andgt; 0.05), with reductions of GDF15 levels in both training groups (p andlt; 0.05). A total of 12 weeks of astaxanthin supplementation and exercise training decreased adipokines levels, body composition (weight, %fat), anthropometrical factors (BMI), and improved lipid and metabolic profiles. These benefits were greater for men with obesity in the TSG group