Genetic transformation of olive somatic embryos through Agrobacterium tumefaciens and regeneration of transgenic plants

Transformed olive plants were regenerated from inoculated somatic embryos with Agrobacterium tumefacience strain GV3101, which carries the plasmid pBI-P5CS containing Arabidopsis thaliana P5CS cDNA, kanamycin marker (npt) gene and uidA reporter gene. Initially, repetitively embryogenic cultures were established from radicles and cotyledonary segments of mature olive zygotic embryos. Single somatic embryos at cotyledon stage were used for transformation. Through repetitive somatic embryogenesis, non-chimer secondary embryos were selected and propagated on kanamycin containing medium. Resistant embryos were converted to plantlets by subjecting them to desiccation. Transformation and P5CS gene expression was confirmed by β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis.Key words: Olea europaea, somatic embryogenesis, transformation, β-glucronidase, P5CS gene

Finite difference schemes for second order systems describing black holes

In the harmonic description of general relativity, the principle part of Einstein's equations reduces to 10 curved space wave equations for the componenets of the space-time metric. We present theorems regarding the stability of several evolution-boundary algorithms for such equations when treated in second order differential form. The theorems apply to a model black hole space-time consisting of a spacelike inner boundary excising the singularity, a timelike outer boundary and a horizon in between. These algorithms are implemented as stable, convergent numerical codes and their performance is compared in a 2-dimensional excision problem.Comment: 19 pages, 9 figure

Relationship among sera lipoprotein abnormalities in healthy individuals with background of diabetic sibling

As the prevalence of lipoprotein abnormalities in adolescents is increasing dramatically, the identification of relevant risk factors is a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a family history of diabetes could be a risk factor for lipid abnormalities in healthy individuals. This study is a cross-sectional case control study. 179 men and women were studied in two equal-member groups (with diabetic parents' background and without any diabetic sibling). Both groups matched in body mass index (BMI), age and sex. The serum concentration of oxidized-low density lipoprotein (LDL), Apo B100 and insulin were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay technique and TG, Chol, HDL-C, FBS and GTT by enzymatic methods. The LDL-C level was calculated using the Friedewald formula. The results show that there were no significant variation in the amount of plasma FBS, GTT, Cho, TG, LDL and HDL between the two groups, whereas a significant increase was found in the amount of insulin (P = 0.02), Apo B100 (P = 0.001), OX-LDL (P = 0.001) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.03) in the case group as compared to the control group. We conclude that a family history of diabetic parents can lead to lipid parameters abnormalities and CVD risk factor via aggregation of inherited defected genes.Key words: Diabetes, oxidized-low density lipoprotein (LDL), Apo B100, lipoproteins

Concept note : a democratisation programme in Georgia

A technical report identifying optimal ways of engagement with the Georgian civil society to promote democracy and human rights as part of development programmes funded by DANIDA - the development arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

The effect of interferon-beta1a on relapses and progression of disability in patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis

Objectives: In 85 of young adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), onset is a subacute clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) of the optic nerves, brain stem or spinal cord. The advent of disease-modifying treatments for MS has increased attention on early stages of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of interferon on relapses and progression of disability in patients with a CIS. Patients and methods: This randomized, clinical trial was conducted in 25 patients who presented with a CIS indicative of MS. They were evaluated in two groups: 11 patients who were receiving interferon-beta1a (Rebif, Serono) subcutaneous injections three times a week (group A), and 14 patients who were not receiving disease-modifying treatment (group B). The progression of disability was determined using the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the numbers of new relapses were recorded during 21 months of follow-up. Results: The mean numbers of new relapses and changes in EDSS at the end of study period were 0.68 (standard deviation S.D. = 0.80) and -1.09 (S.D. = 0.49), and 1.79 (S.D. = 1.05) and -0.64 (S.D. = 0.49) in groups A and B, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that disease-modifying treatment with interferon-beta1a may reduce relapses (P = 0.007) and prevent progressive disability (P = 0.034). Conclusion: Interferon-beta1a significantly delayed progression to disability and incidence of new relapses. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Concept note : a democratisation programme in Ukraine

A technical report on field research in Ukraine identifying the most promising areas in the sphere of the media and civil society for deployment of DANIDA resources in future development and democratisaton programmes funded by the Danish Foreign Ministry