PRUNING HEIGHT AND ITS EFFECT ON QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE SEED PRODUCTION IN OLD SAXUAL (Haloxylon aphyllum) FORESTS OF YAZD, IRAN

The high quality and quantity seed production in old saxual shrubs are essential for regeneration and sustainable development of saxual forests in desert areas. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different pruning height on saxual seed production. The study was carried out in an obviously wilted saxual forest located in Ashkezar desert in Yazd in 1994. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with 3 replications, with saxual density (250 and 125 shrubs/ha) as the main plots, and pruning height (10, 35, 70 cm, and a no-cut check) as the sub-plots. Pruning was done on autumn 1994. The forest was protected completely and the quality and quantity of seed production of marked shrubs were investigated on autumn 1999 and 2000. The 2-year results showed that saxual density did not have any significant effect on quality and quantity of saxual seed production (P<0.05). Pruning height had significant effect on percent seed longevity and net saxual seed production (P<0.05). Although no significant difference was observed in viable net seed production under different pruning height, the amount of viable net seed production at 35cm pruning height was 9.7 kg/ha, which seems adequate for saxual regeneration

Banishayban in the Islamic era

Genealogists have related BaniShayban origin from Mosni-bin HarithaShaybani to prophet’s 19th ancestor called Nazar. Mosni-bin HarithaShaybani was a significant character who played a basic role in the events of early Islam. He managemd to earn reputation among Arabs due to his victory over the army of Iran in Zuqar battle, so that the first and second caliphs let him attack Iranian borders with other Islamic commanders.In addition to Zuqar battle under commandment of Mosni-bin HarithaShaybani, BaniShayban tribe had several battles with Shahrbaraz, Iranian self-styled king, including battle of chains and battle of Ullais during 11 to 14 A.H years. They participated in battle of the bridge with Abu Obadiah, another commander of the Muslim Arabs. They were also present at the battle of Boveib. The commander of Shaybanis attended the battle of al-Qādisiyyah with several injuries on his body and wished to participate in the battle of Jalula, but his life came to its end before that.In the days of Imam Ali, Shaybanis helped him and were his commanders, particularly in the  battle of Siffin, because of being allied with the descendants of Abu Talib. Although some of them stood against Imam Ali, some others lost their lives guilty of friendship with him. They acquired high positions at the time of Umayyad and Bani Abbas and were even appointed in Armenia.The most important question is whether Shaybanis had any relationships with caliphs in early Islam; what role did they play in early Muslim conquests; and what positions were they assigned in the early centuries of Islam? The present study investigates the role of Shaybanis in Islamic era, particularly during early Islam as well as Umayyad and Bani Abbas reign.Keywords: BaniShayban, Mosni-bin Haritha, Iranian army, Umayyad, Bani Abba

Evaluating the potential of a bivalve species from the intertidal zone of the Persian Gulf for biomonitoring of trace elements using a nondestructive analytical method

This study was carried out in order to evaluate the potential of the soft and hard tissues of a bivalve species (Callista umbonella) for biomonitoring of different elements in coastal areas of northern part of the Persian Gulf as well as to assess the possible use of PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) method in this regard. The bivalve specimens and surficial sediment samples were collected from three sampling sites located on the intertidal zone of Hormozgan Province in August 2014. Concentrations of the elements were determined using the non-destructive method, PIXE. Assessment of total organic matter (TOM) and grain size were also carried out in the sediment samples. Based on the results, of the 17 elements measured in the soft tissues, (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, O, P, S, Si, Sr, Ti and Zn) in the case of P, Fe, Br and O significant differences were observed between the sampling sites. Of the 14 elements measured in the shells (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, K, O, S, Si and Sr) only in the case of Si significant differences between the sites could be detected and of the 14 elements measured in the surface sediments (Al, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, K, O, S, Si and Ti) in the case of Na, Mg, S, Cl, K , Ca, Ti and Fe significant differences were found between the sites. In each of the above cases, order of the elements accumulation was assessed and possible causes of the differences evaluated. In order to classify the elements based on their levels in the sediments, soft tissues and shells the multivariate analyses (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were used. According to the gained results, C. umbonella can be considered as a potential candidate species for biomonitoring of a number of elements in the coastal area of the Persian Gulf

Relationship between cover and yield of some range species in steppic region of

Sustainable range management needs the accurate estimation yield and determining of grazing capacity in rangelands. It is easy to obtain yield estimation with indirect methods. For this purpose, the relation between cover and forage yield of range species were studied in steppic rangelands of Yazd. Measurements of cover and forage yield were carried out with plot area and clipping and weighting methods, respectively. Every year, one hundred and twenty quadrate plots were systematically assessed from 2000 until 2004 in mid-May. In addition to mentioned measurement, four sampling was done until early November in 2004. Data were analyzed in regression and correlation programs (SPSS 10.0). Results showed that there was significant relation (p<0.01) between cover and forage yield of studied species during 4 years (2001-2004), but 3 species out of 7 studied species had significant relation in 2000-drought year (p<0.05). Obtained relations and also fitted models were varied in different years and stages. Therefore, the yield estimation is possible by using cover, but in dry years. These characteristics are applied for annual yield estimation of steppic range species by double sampling model with cover

Effects of range condition on the temporal diet selection by goats in steppe rangelands of Iran

One of the key factors in managing a rangeland is to determine the relative preference of its major plant species by thegrazing livestock. Preference value of each plant species is affected by plant type, companion plants, availability byanimals, phenological stage, climate condition, and the livestock species. We investigated the grazing behaviour of anative goat (Garizi) in the steppe rangelands of Iran, from May to November 2004. The study was conducted within oroutside of an enclosure, representing a Good Condition (GC) or a Poor Condition (PC) rangeland, respectively. Flocks ofsix goats were selected randomly and their grazing behaviour was monitored by chronometers. Grazing preference wasconsidered as the time goats had spent for grazing each plant species. The grazing season was divided into 4 grazingperiods, 45 days each. Data recording in the GC and PC sites was repeated 3 times during each grazing period. Theexperiment was designed as the completely randomized blocks. In the GC site, grazing pressure on the perennial grassStipa barbata and the perennial chenopod Salsola rigida was low at the beginning of the grazing period, but it wasincreased towards the end of the grazing season. In the PC site, the main grazing pressure was on noxious plants such asScariola orientalis, Launaea acanthoides, and Cousinia deserti. For both GC and PC sites, the time of grazing hadsignificant influences on relative abundances of annual plants and plant litter, which subsequently changed diet selectionby the Garizi goat. One of the key factors in managing a rangeland is to determine the relative preference of its major plant species by thegrazing livestock. Preference value of each plant species is affected by plant type, companion plants, availability byanimals, phenological stage, climate condition, and the livestock species. We investigated the grazing behaviour of anative goat (Garizi) in the steppe rangelands of Iran, from May to November 2004. The study was conducted within oroutside of an enclosure, representing a Good Condition (GC) or a Poor Condition (PC) rangeland, respectively. Flocks ofsix goats were selected randomly and their grazing behaviour was monitored by chronometers. Grazing preference wasconsidered as the time goats had spent for grazing each plant species. The grazing season was divided into 4 grazingperiods, 45 days each. Data recording in the GC and PC sites was repeated 3 times during each grazing period. Theexperiment was designed as the completely randomized blocks. In the GC site, grazing pressure on the perennial grassStipa barbata and the perennial chenopod Salsola rigida was low at the beginning of the grazing period, but it wasincreased towards the end of the grazing season. In the PC site, the main grazing pressure was on noxious plants such asScariola orientalis, Launaea acanthoides, and Cousinia deserti. For both GC and PC sites, the time of grazing hadsignificant influences on relative abundances of annual plants and plant litter, which subsequently changed diet selectionby the Garizi goat

Keratin intermediate filaments in the colon: guardians of epithelial homeostasis

Keratin intermediate filament proteins are major cytoskeletal components of the mammalian simple layered columnar epithelium in the gastrointestinal tract. Human colon crypt epithelial cells express keratins 18, 19 and 20 as the major type I keratins, and keratin 8 as the type II keratin. Keratin expression patterns vary between species, and mouse colonocytes express keratin 7 as a second type II keratin. Colonic keratin patterns change during cell differentiation, such that K20 increases in the more differentiated crypt cells closer to the central lumen. Keratins provide a structural and mechanical scaffold to support cellular stability, integrity and stress protection in this rapidly regenerating tissue. They participate in central colonocyte processes including barrier function, ion transport, differentiation, proliferation and inflammatory signaling. The cell-specific keratin compositions in different epithelial tissues has allowed for the utilization of keratin-based diagnostic methods. Since the keratin expression pattern in tumors often resembles that in the primary tissue, it can be used to recognize metastases of colonic origin. This review focuses on recent findings on the biological functions of mammalian colon epithelial keratins obtained from pivotal in vivo models. We also discuss the diagnostic value of keratins in chronic colonic disease and known keratin alterations in colon pathologies. This review describes the biochemical properties of keratins and their molecular actions in colonic epithelial cells and highlights diagnostic data in colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease patients, which may facilitate the recognition of disease subtypes and the establishment of personal therapies in the future

Keratin 7 is a constituent of the keratin network in mouse pancreatic islets and is upregulated in experimental diabetes

Keratin (K) 7 is an intermediate filament protein expressed in ducts and glands of simple epithelial organs and in urothelial tissues. In the pancreas, K7 is expressed in exocrine ducts, and apico-laterally in acinar cells. Here, we report K7 expression with K8 and K18 in the endocrine islets of Langerhans in mice. K7 filament formation in islet and MIN6 β-cells is dependent on the presence and levels of K18. K18-knockout (K18‒/‒) mice have undetectable islet K7 and K8 proteins, while K7 and K18 are downregulated in K8‒/‒ islets. K7, akin to F-actin, is concentrated at the apical vertex of β-cells in wild-type mice and along the lateral membrane, in addition to forming a fine cytoplasmic network. In K8‒/‒ β-cells, apical K7 remains, but lateral keratin bundles are displaced and cytoplasmic filaments are scarce. Islet K7, rather than K8, is increased in K18 over-expressing mice and the K18-R90C mutation disrupts K7 filaments in mouse β-cells and in MIN6 cells. Notably, islet K7 filament networks significantly increase and expand in the perinuclear regions when examined in the streptozotocin diabetes model. Hence, K7 represents a significant component of the murine islet keratin network and becomes markedly upregulated during experimental diabetes.</p

Keratin 7 Is a Constituent of the Keratin Network in Mouse Pancreatic Islets and Is Upregulated in Experimental Diabetes

Keratin (K) 7 is an intermediate filament protein expressed in ducts and glands of simple epithelial organs and in urothelial tissues. In the pancreas, K7 is expressed in exocrine ducts, and apico-laterally in acinar cells. Here, we report K7 expression with K8 and K18 in the endocrine islets of Langerhans in mice. K7 filament formation in islet and MIN6 ?-cells is dependent on the presence and levels of K18. K18-knockout (K18?/?) mice have undetectable islet K7 and K8 proteins, while K7 and K18 are downregulated in K8?/? islets. K7, akin to F-actin, is concentrated at the apical vertex of ?-cells in wild-type mice and along the lateral membrane, in addition to forming a fine cytoplasmic network. In K8?/? ?-cells, apical K7 remains, but lateral keratin bundles are displaced and cytoplasmic filaments are scarce. Islet K7, rather than K8, is increased in K18 over-expressing mice and the K18-R90C mutation disrupts K7 filaments in mouse ?-cells and in MIN6 cells. Notably, islet K7 filament networks significantly increase and expand in the perinuclear regions when examined in the streptozotocin diabetes model. Hence, K7 represents a significant component of the murine islet keratin network and becomes markedly upregulated during experimental diabetes

β-Cell keratin 8 maintains islet mechanical integrity, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and β-cell glucose transporter 2 plasma membrane targeting

Islet β-cell dysfunction is an underlying factor for type I diabetes (T1D) development. Insulin sensing and secretion are tightly regulated in β-cells at multiple subcellular levels. The epithelial intermediate filament (IF) protein keratin (K) 8 is the main β-cell keratin, constituting the filament network with K18. To identify the cell-autonomous functions of K8 in β-cells, mice with targeted deletion of β-cell K8 (K8flox/flox; Ins-Cre) were analyzed for islet morphology, ultrastructure, and integrity, as well as blood glucose regulation and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes development. Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) localization was studied in β-cells in vivo and in MIN6 cells with intact or disrupted K8/K18 filaments. Loss of β-cell K8 leads to a major reduction in K18. Islets without β-cell K8 are more fragile, and these β-cells display disjointed plasma membrane organization with less membranous E-cadherin and smaller mitochondria with diffuse cristae. Lack of β-cell K8 also leads to a reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) response in vivo, despite undisturbed systemic blood glucose regulation. K8flox/flox, Ins-Cre mice have a decreased sensitivity to STZ compared with K8 wild-type mice, which is in line with decreased membranous GLUT2 expression observed in vivo, as GLUT2 is required for STZ uptake in β-cells. In vitro, MIN6 cell plasma membrane GLUT2 is rescued in cells overexpressing K8/K18 filaments but mistargeted in cells with disrupted K8/K18 filaments. β-Cell K8 is required for islet and β-cell structural integrity, normal mitochondrial morphology, and GLUT2 plasma membrane targeting, and has implications on STZ sensitivity as well as systemic insulin responses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Keratin 8 is the main cytoskeletal protein in the cytoplasmic intermediate filament network in β-cells. Here for the first time, we assessed the β-cell autonomous mechanical and nonmechanical roles of keratin 8 in β-cell function. We demonstrated the importance of keratin 8 in islet and β-cell structural integrity, maintaining mitochondrial morphology and GLUT2 plasma membrane targeting