Identification of local microalgae & their evaluation as live food in aquaculture from Oman Sea

Microalgae are very important organisms in aquaculture as major live food in all growth stages of bivalve, some larval stages of crustaceans, some fishes and zooplankton. In this project with the knowledge that local algae can provide better nutritional balance for local animals. Microalgae were isolated, identified and evaluated for their nutritional value for the first time. Another aim of this research was to create phytoplankton culture collection (Bank) in the south of Iran. Water was sampled from Sistan and Baluchesta coasts, then isolation and purification process were carried out in the lab. Species identification was based on morphology and molecular analyses. rDNA was extracted from each strain after PCR, partial LSU-rDNA region were sequenced and compared with similar sequence from GenBank. In order to evaluate their nutritional properties, relative growth, fatty acids composition, total lipid, carbohydrate, protein, and some vitamins of each purified strain were determined. Totally 25 species were isolated and purified, of which 12 strains were recorded in GenBank and their nutritional potential were assessed. Dunaliella cf. bardawill, Isochrysis sp. Cheatoceros sp. Clorella cf. volgaris, Ochromonas sp. and Synechococcus sp. were the most important species research. Iranian strains were varied in their amount of protein (27-40%), carbohydrate (221%) and lipid (8-13%). Proportions of SFA (21-48%), MUFA (33-53%) and PUFA (11-28.5%) were varied among strains. The highest amount of PUFA and B3 vitamin were found in Clorella cf. vulgaris. The highest content of protein (40.12% dry wt) and total fatty acid concentration (30% dry wt) were found in Dunaliella cf. bardawil and Ochromonas strain(CHPO2) respectively. The maximum content of total fatty acid was observed in Ochromonas sp. (CHPO2). Cheatoceros sp. had higher relative growth rate in comparison with other species

Rewriting DNA Methylation Signatures at Will:The Curable Genome Within Reach?

DNA methyltransferases are important enzymes in a broad range of organisms. Dysfunction of DNA methyltransferases in humans leads to many severe diseases, including cancer. This book focuses on the biochemical properties of these enzymes, describing their structures and mechanisms in bacteria, humans and other species, including plants, and also explains the biological processes of reading of DNA methylation and DNA demethylation. It covers many emerging aspects of the biological roles of DNA methylation functioning as an essential epigenetic mark and describes the role of DNA methylation in diseases. Moreover, the book explains modern technologies, like targeted rewriting of DNA methylation by designed DNA methyltransferases, as well as technological applications of DNA methyltransferases in DNA labelling. Finally, the book summarizes recent methods for the analysis of DNA methylation in human DNA. Overall, this book represents a comprehensive state-of-the-art- work and is a must-have for advanced researchers in the field of DNA methylation and epigenetics

Feasibility study on Intensive polyculture of chainess and Indian carps in I.R.IRAN (Giulan province)

500000 juvenile Indian majour carps (Labeo rohita,Cirhinus merigala, Catla catla) imported (2004) and transferred to the earthen ponds in Shahid Ansari Carp Breeding Center , In order to assess the viability of rearing under the climatic condition of north part of Iran and also achieve some growth parameters from the larval stage to market size.The fry with 300 mg weight, were released in to 8 ponds.specimens were separated to tree experimental categories: 1= (Labeo rohita) , 2= (Cirhinus merigala) , 3= (Catla catla). fishes were fed with artificial food and also with the natural products of the ponds which were enriched with organic fertilizers, after being equally stocked in the ponds .During the experiment, oxygen level ,PH, turbidity, and temperature were measured . Monthly fry samples were taken, for weight and length biometrical analysis and also determination of the weight gain percentage, average daily growth rate, specific growth rate. Results have indicated adaptations and considerable growth in this species, with an increase from the initial weight of 300 mg to an average of 13.5±1.6 mg in 50 days period until the end of November for fingerlings. Also the average weight of growing phase (second year of production) was 647g. For Labeo rohita ,420 g. for Cirhinus merigala and 734g. For Catla catla. The special growth rate(SGR)in Roho was 4.51 %.and 3.9 % for merigal and6.2 % for Catla while for Chinees carps SGR was 4.9, 6.7, 7.6 and 5.8 for silver carp,grass carp, common carp and big head respectively. Results revealed that the Indian majour carps compatibility with the condition in Gilan province was succesfull and the combination of species and optimization of their compatibility were remind for further studies

Genome-wide analysis identifies 12 loci influencing human reproductive behavior.

The genetic architecture of human reproductive behavior-age at first birth (AFB) and number of children ever born (NEB)-has a strong relationship with fitness, human development, infertility and risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, very few genetic loci have been identified, and the underlying mechanisms of AFB and NEB are poorly understood. We report a large genome-wide association study of both sexes including 251,151 individuals for AFB and 343,072 individuals for NEB. We identified 12 independent loci that are significantly associated with AFB and/or NEB in a SNP-based genome-wide association study and 4 additional loci associated in a gene-based effort. These loci harbor genes that are likely to have a role, either directly or by affecting non-local gene expression, in human reproduction and infertility, thereby increasing understanding of these complex traits

Cohort Profile: Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics (PACE) Consortium.

Development Psychopathology in context: famil