Dissection of the genetic basis of genotype-by-environment interactions for grain yield and main agronomic traits in Iranian bread wheat landraces and cultivars

Understanding the genetic basis of performance stability is essential to maintain productivity, especially under severe conditions. In the present study, 268 Iranian bread wheat landraces and cultivars were evaluated in four well-watered and two rain-fed conditions for different traits. According to breeding programs, cultivars were in a group with a high mean and stability in terms of GY, GN, and SW traits, while in terms of PH, they had a low mean and high stability. The stability of cultivars and landraces was related to dynamic and static stability, respectively. The highest number of marker pairs and lowest LD decay distance in both cultivars and landraces was observed on the B genome. Population structure differentiated indigenous cultivars and landraces, and the GWAS results for each were almost different despite the commonalities. Chromosomes 1B, 3B, 7B, 2A, and 4A had markers with pleiotropic effects on the stability of different traits. Due to two rain-fed environments, the Gene Ontology (GO) confirmed the accuracy of the results. The identified markers in this study can be helpful in breeding high-performance and stable genotypes and future breeding programs such as fine mapping and cloning

Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and genome prediction of seedling salt tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Background: Salinity tolerance in wheat is imperative for improving crop genetic capacity in response to the expanding phenomenon of soil salinization. However, little is known about the genetic foundation underlying salinity tolerance at the seedling growth stage of wheat. Herein, a GWAS analysis was carried out by the random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM) multi-locus model to uncover candidate genes responsible for salt tolerance at the seedling stage in 298 Iranian bread wheat accessions, including 208 landraces and 90 cultivars.Results: A total of 29 functional marker-trait associations (MTAs) were detected under salinity, 100 mM NaCl (sodium chloride). Of these, seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including rs54146, rs257, rs37983, rs18682, rs55629, rs15183, and rs63185 with R-2 >= 10% were found to be linked with relative water content, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root volume, shoot high, proline, and shoot potassium (K+), respectively. Further, a total of 27 candidate genes were functionally annotated to be involved in response to the saline environment. Most of these genes have key roles in photosynthesis, response to abscisic acid, cell redox homeostasis, sucrose and carbohydrate metabolism, ubiquitination, transmembrane transport, chromatin silencing, and some genes harbored unknown functions that all together may respond to salinity as a complex network. For genomic prediction (GP), the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model reflected genetic effects better than both bayesian ridge regression (BRR) and ridge regression-best linear unbiased prediction (RRBLUP), suggesting GBLUP as a favorable tool for wheat genomic selection.Conclusion: The SNPs and candidate genes identified in the current work can be used potentially for developing salt-tolerant varieties at the seedling growth stage by marker-assisted selection

Effect of Ghrelin on Caspase 3 and Bcl2 Gene Expression in H2O2 Treated Rat’s Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

Purpose: The antiapoptotic effect of ghrelin in various cell lines including bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) has been proved. However, the real mechanism of this effect is not clear. Caspase3 and Bcl2 are well-known pro- and antiapoptotic regulatory genes in eukaryotes. The aim of the study was to find out the effect of ghrelin on Caspase 3 and Bcl2 change in BMSCs. Methods: Rat BMSCs were cultivated in DMEM. Passage 3 BMSCs were treated with ghrelin 100 μM for 48 h. Real-time PCR for Caspase 3 and Bcl2 was carried out from B (untreated BMSCs), BH (BMSCs treated with 125 µM H2O2), BGH (BMSCs treated with 100 µM ghrelin then 125 µM H2O2) and BG (BMSCs treated with 100 µM ghrelin) groups. For immunofluorescence, cells were incubated with anti Caspase 3 and Bcl2monoclonal antibodies. Primary antibodies were visualized using the FITC method. All data are presented as means ± SEM. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Ghrelin decreased mRNA expressions of Caspase-3 significantly as compared to the BH group (P<0.05). Also, Bcl-2 gene expression showed an increment in BG group as compare with BH and BGH groups (P<0.05). A high present of Bcl-2 positive cells were observed in the BGH group while Caspase-3 positive cells were significantly decreased in the BGH group compared with the BH group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ghrelin probably enhances BMSCs viability through regulation of pro- and antiapoptotic genes Caspase 3 and Bcl2. However the signaling pathway of this effect should be elucidated in the future

Characterization of Dynamic Regulatory Gene and Protein Networks in Wheat Roots Upon Perceiving Water Deficit Through Comparative Transcriptomics Survey

A well-developed root system benefits host plants by optimizing water absorption and nutrient uptake and thereby increases plant productivity. In this study we have characterized the root transcriptome using RNA-seq and subsequential functional analysis in a set of drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes. The goal of the study was to elucidate and characterize water deficit-responsive genes in wheat landraces that had been through long-term field and biochemical screening for drought tolerance. The results confirm genotype differences in water-deficit tolerance in line with earlier results from field trials. The transcriptomics survey highlighted a total of 14,187 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that responded to water deficit. The characterization of these genes shows that all chromosomes contribute to water-deficit tolerance, but to different degrees, and the B genome showed higher involvement than the A and D genomes. The DEGs were mainly mapped to flavonoid, phenylpropanoid, and diterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, as well as glutathione metabolism and hormone signaling. Furthermore, extracellular region, apoplast, cell periphery, and external encapsulating structure were the main water deficit-responsive cellular components in roots. A total of 1,377 DEGs were also predicted to function as transcription factors (TFs) from different families regulating downstream cascades. TFs from the AP2/ERF-ERF, MYB-related, B3, WRKY, Tify, and NAC families were the main genotype-specific regulatory factors. To further characterize the dynamic biosynthetic pathways, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using significant KEGG proteins and putative TFs. In PPIs, enzymes from the CYP450, TaABA8OH2, PAL, and GST families play important roles in water-deficit tolerance in connection with MYB13-1, MADS-box, and NAC transcription factors

Wastewater treatment efficiency in stabilization ponds, Olang treatment plant, Mashhad, 2011-13

Olang wastewater treatment facilities purifying raw urban wastewater consist of two stabilization pond modules. Both are on operation in parallel. Functioning of natural systems is influenced by different factors including ambient condition. Considering final effluent of this system discharges to Kashafrood river and sometimes is used for agricultural purposes, assessing the quality parameters in effluent was the main objective of this study. This cross-sectional study investigated some important quality parameters for both raw and treated wastewater in two years periods. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. Statistical tests were done at a significant level of 0.05. Simple linear regression analysis was used only for modeling. Raw wastewater was almost severe. Average removal efficiency for BOD5, COD, and TSS was 81, 83, and 78% respectively. There wasn’t a meaningful relationship between the removal efficiency of mentioned parameters and input pH. Ambient temperature fluctuations were effective on BOD5, and COD reduction. SAR index didn’t show a considerable restriction on irrigation application of effluent. In 62.5% cases outlet Na content was at the extent to which restrictions were imposed. Olang wastewater treatment plant generates an acceptable effluent relating to most of the quality parameters that were measured in this study. Considering special status of Mashhad city, it is worthy to reuse effluent in areas with a high water requirement such as agriculture

Therapeutic potential of genistein in ovariectomy-induced pancreatic injury in diabetic rats: The regulation of MAPK pathway and apoptosis

Objective(s): Genistein, as a phytoestrogen found in legumes, has several biological activities in general and anti-diabetic activity particularly. In this study, we investigated the effect of genistein on proteins involved in β-cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis to further reveal its anti-diabetic potential in the ovariectomized diabetic rat. Materials and Methods: We used three-month-old female Wistar rats that either underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or received a sham surgery (Sham). In a subsequent series of experiments, OVX rats received high-fat diet and low dose STZ to induce diabetes (OVX.D) and genistein treatment (OVX.D.G). Western blot analysis was used for the assessment of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT and expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in pancreas tissue. Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining was used for histopathological assessment. Results: Genistein induced AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation protein expression of Bcl-2 in the pancreas. In addition, genistein suppressed protein level of caspase-3. Administration of genistein significantly improved hyperglycemia in ovariectomized diabetic rat, concomitant with improved islet β-cell morphology and mass. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the beneficial antidiabetic effect of genistein partially mediated by directly modulating pancreatic β-cell function via activation of the AKT, ERK1/2, and Bcl-2, as cell survival and anti-apoptotic factors, and decreasing of proapoptotic caspase-3

Abdominal volume index: A predictive measure in relationship between depression/anxiety and obesity

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for mood disorder (such as depression and anxiety). We aimed to assess application of A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and abdominal volume index (AVI), as new indices of obesity to evaluate the relationship between obesity and depression/anxiety. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 307 overweight and obese women (249 females, 58 males) 20-60 years in Iran in 2017-2018. The anthropometric measures including weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat and derived values of body mass index, waist�hip ratio, AVI and ABSI were evaluated. HADS questionnaire for depression and anxiety completed. Results: Prevalence of depression was 36.1 in women; men 24.1; overweight 28.1; obese 36.5 and central obesity 33.7. Anxiety was apparent in 27.1 of overweight 30.3 obese and 29.6 central obesity. People with depression and anxiety had higher WC, BF and AVI. ABSI had no significant correlation with depression/anxiety. The odds of depression (1.06; 95 CI, 1.02-1.12) and anxiety (1.06; 95 CI, 1.01-1.11) were elevated with increase AVI. Conclusion: Our results suggested that AVI as an indirect measure of abdominal obesity along with WC and BF could be useful in predicting the relationship between obesity and depression/anxiety. © 2020 Hadi S et al. Licensee African Health Sciences

Serum Lipid Changes after Short Term SIPC Therapy for Lower Limb Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a ubiquitous chronic disease with various suggested treatment options, but no definite treatment. Using (Sequential) Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (SIPC) is one of the most appropriate non-surgical treatments without any noticeable complications. In this study, we evaluated the serum lipids changes following SIPC. Participants included 40 lower limb lymphedema patients who underwent High Pressure SIPC for a period of 48 hrs. Pre and Post SIPC serum lipids changes were evaluated. Though, there was some increase in the serum level of cholesterol and triglyceride, none of the patients had the values above the normal range. We concluded that, the fluid entering the serum during SIPC, contain large molecules such as lipids, which increases serum lipid levels. However this phenomenon does not have any significant complication for the patients

The global, regional, and national burden of stomach cancer in 195 countries, 1990-2017 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease study 2017

Background: Stomach cancer is a major health problem in many countries. Understanding the current burden of stomach cancer and the differential trends across various locations is essential for formulating effective preventive strategies. We report on the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to stomach cancer in 195 countries and territories from 21 regions between 1990 and 2017. Methods: Estimates from GBD 2017 were used to analyse the incidence, mortality, and DALYs due to stomach cancer at the global, regional, and national levels. The rates were standardised to the GBD world population and reported per 100 000 population as age-standardised incidence rates, age-standardised death rates, and age-standardised DALY rates. All estimates were generated with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Findings: In 2017, more than 1·22 million (95% UI 1·19–1·25) incident cases of stomach cancer occurred worldwide, and nearly 865 000 people (848 000–885 000) died of stomach cancer, contributing to 19·1 million (18·7–19·6) DALYs. The highest age-standardised incidence rates in 2017 were seen in the high-income Asia Pacific (29·5, 28·2–31·0 per 100 000 population) and east Asia (28·6, 27·3–30·0 per 100 000 population) regions, with nearly half of the global incident cases occurring in China. Compared with 1990, in 2017 more than 356 000 more incident cases of stomach cancer were estimated, leading to nearly 96 000 more deaths. Despite the increase in absolute numbers, the worldwide age-standardised rates of stomach cancer (incidence, deaths, and DALYs) have declined since 1990. The drop in the disease burden was associated with improved Socio-demographic Index. Globally, 38·2% (21·1–57·8) of the age-standardised DALYs were attributable to high-sodium diet in both sexes combined, and 24·5% (20·0–28·9) of the age-standardised DALYs were attributable to smoking in males. Interpretation: Our findings provide insight into the changing burden of stomach cancer, which is useful in planning local strategies and monitoring their progress. To this end, specific local strategies should be tailored to each country's risk factor profile. Beyond the current decline in age-standardised incidence and death rates, a decrease in the absolute number of cases and deaths will be possible if the burden in east Asia, where currently almost half of the incident cases and deaths occur, is further reduced. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation