Interaction of IBA and NAA with enzymes in root induction of Crocus sativus (L)

Effect of auxin type on some antioxidative enzymes during in vitro root induction of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) was investigated to reveal the variation of activities and isoenzyme banding patterns during root induction of saffron (C. sativus L.). Indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) and naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) at different concentrations were added to the solidified MS or B5 medium. Corm explants of saffron were placed on root inducing media and enzyme levels in explants prior or after adventitious root formation were measured and compared. Percentage of root formation on B5 medium containing 2.46 ìM IBA was highest; however the maximum number of root per explant and per cm2 observed on MS medium with 19.6 ìM IBA. Significant changes occurred in the activities of these enzymes. Some polymorphisms occurred in patterns of lactate dehydrogenase and esterase during root induction in different treatments

Near- to mid-infrared picosecond optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled RbTiOAsO4

We describe a Ti:sapphire-pumped picosecond optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled RbTiOAsO4 that is broadly tunable in the near to mid infrared. A 4.5-mm single-grating crystal at room temperature in combination with pump wavelength tuning provided access to a continuous-tuning range from 3.35 to 5 mu m, and a pump power threshold of 90 mW was measured. Average mid-infrared output powers in excess of 100 mW and total output powers of 400 mW in similar to 1-ps pulses were obtained at 33% extraction efficiency. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.</p

Trying for a second chance: Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART

Introduction: Despite significant advances, only 35% infertile couples conceive after ART. If IVF is unsuccessful, couples will need to decide whether to proceed again with assisted conception. The aim of this study was to explore Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART to continue treatment. Methods: In this qualitative study participants were selected using purposeful sampling method. Data were collected using 29 semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews at a regional Infertility Center from April 2016 to June 2017. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with conventional content analysis method using MAXQDA software. Results: Our findings suggest that couples’ decisions to continue treatment after unsuccessful ART is shaped by their social, emotional and financial circumstances. We have constructed two themes to describe their experiences: support to continue and trying for a second chance. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that good marital and family support networks can support infertile couples during this period of decision making. Considering the depression and anxiety caused by failed ARTs, which itself could affect the success rate of any further ARTs, the clinical team should effectively assess psychological readiness of couples who decide to continue with another ART after unsuccessful treatment

Correlation Between Health-Related Quality of Life in Veterans With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury and Their Caregiving Spouses

Background: Recently, investigations have indicated that caring of a chronically ill family member strongly influences the health status and the quality of life (QOL) of the caregiving family members. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health-related QOL of veterans with chronic spinal cord injury and their caregiving spouses. Patients and Methods: We designed a cross-sectional study including two groups; veterans with chronic spinal cord injury and their caregiving wives who were living in the city of Mashhad, Iran. The patients with spinal cord injury were veterans from the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). All the participants filled out the short form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for the scales of the two groups. Results: The mean age and standard deviation of veterans and their spouses were 48.5 ± 5.9 and 44.8 ± 7.2, respectively and their number of children ranged between 0-6. Our data analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in some domains of the SF-36, including PF, MH, PCS, MCS, BP and GH (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in RP, VT, SF and RE between the two groups. Conclusions: The results indicate that a decrease in health status level of veterans, physically and mentally, can affect the health-related QOL of their caregiving spouses

Concomitant Ulecranon Fracture, Ipsilateral Segmental Humerus Fracture and Intercondylar Humerus Fracture in a 4-Year-Old Girl: an Extremely Rare Case Report and Literature Review

T-condylar fracture of distal humerus in young children is very rare. Pure physeal fractures of the olecranon are also rare. We report on an extremely rare case of concomitant ulecranon fracture, ipsilateral segmental humerus and intercondylar humerus fracture (type III) in a skeletally immature patient

Identification and abundance of fungal flora in egg, and larvae of Acipenser persicus in Shahid Beheshti Sturgeon Rearing Center (2007)

Fungal flora in egg, yolk sac larvae and larvae of Acipenser persicus were identified and studied. Totally, 270 specimens from Shahid Beheshti Sturgeon Rearing Center were examined. A heterogeneous solution from samples was prepared and inoculated on culture media SDA+C and CMA+C in lines under sterile conditions. Wet mounts were prepared for the identification of Saprolegnia sp. and the inoculants were cultured on culture media GP containing gentamycin and chloramphenicol. We found Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Yeast, Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger and Paecilomuces on egg samples in order of frequency and in water samples we observed Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Yeast, Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, and Paecilomyces. Fungal species identified in yolk sac larvae included Penicilliium sp., Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Yeast and in water samples we found Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Yeast, while in larvae we saw Cladosporium sp., Penicilliium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Aspergilus fumigatus, Yeast and Mucor spp. In water samples containing larvae we were able to identify Cladosporium sp., Penicilliium sp., Fusarium sp., Yeast and Aspergilus niger. Fungal species such as Cladosporium sp., Penicillium, Fusarium, Yeast and Saprolegnia were detected in all four sampling mediums. T-test indicated no significant differences in total counts (colonies/2 plates in all samples) in eggs (15.08 ±3.51 colony forming unit; CFU) and in water (15.91± 2.63) samples. However, t-test indicated significant differences in total counts in yolk sac larvae (5.33 ±1.05) and in water (11.77 ±2.39) samples. T-test showed no significant differences in total counts of larvae (32 ±12.46) and water (31.11 ±12.79) samples

In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Leonurus cardiaca subsp. Persicus, Grammosciadium platycarpum and Onosma demawendicum

Antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca subsp. Persicus, Grammosciadium platycarpum and Onosma demawendicum were investigated employing six in vitro assay systems. IC50 for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity was in the order: O.demawendicum (221 ± 11.7) &gt; L. cardiaca (144 ± 12.1) &gt; G. platycarpum (45 ± 2.1) μgml-1, respectively. The extracts showed very good nitric oxide-scavenging and Fe2+ chelating ability activity. The L. cardiaca subsp. Persicus showed Fe2+ chelating ability activity as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (IC50 were 20 versus 18 μgml-1). None of the extracts exhibited good antioxidant activity in linoleic acid model. The extracts showed good reducing power that was better than vitamin C (p &lt; 0.05). G. platycarpum and L. cardiaca subsp. Persicus had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than O. demawendicum. The total phenolic compounds in the extracts were determined as gallic acidequivalents, and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve.Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Fe2+ chelating, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), phenol, Leonurus cardiaca, Grammosciadium platycarpum, Onosma demawendicu

Introducing molecular markers for Lernaea cyprinacea and Lernaea ctenopharyngodoni using RAPD technique

Molecular comparison of two parasites Lernaea cyprinacea and Lernaea ctenopharyngodoni was carried out using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique. A total of 43 Lernaea specimens belonging to the two species were collected from the Guilan and Khouzestan Provinces. DNA was extracted using the Phenol-chloroform method. The quality and quantity of DNA was assessed using 1% Agarose gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometer. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was conducted on the target DNA under specific conditions and PCR products were subjected to electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels (6%). Polyacrylamide gels were stained using silver nitrate and DNA bands were analyzed with BioCapt software. The genetic analysis was conducted using POP GEN 32 software. Forty two primers, 10 nucleotides each were used for PCR reaction. Totally, 397 RAPD loci were counted on polyacrylamide gel where 349 identical loci were polymorphic of which some bands may be used as genetic markers for the identification of both Lernaea species. Data analysis on PCR products showed higher genetic variation (1.15%) of L. ctenopharyngodon in the Guilan Province as compared to that of the Khouzestan (0.0%). However, genetic variation (27.46%) of L. cyprinacea in the Khouzestan Province was 7.26 times higher than that of the Guilan province (3.78%). The two species showed a genetic differentiation of approximately 88%. Based on the observed molecular differences, we state that L. ctenopharyngodoni is a genetically independent species from L. cyprinacea