Physiological and molecular changes of onion (Allium cepa L.) seeds under different aging conditions

Abstract Background Onion seeds have limited storage capacity compared to other vegetable seeds. It is crucial to identify the mechanisms that induce tolerance to storage conditions and reduce seed deterioration. To address this goal, an experiment was conducted to evaluate changes in germination, biochemical, physiological, and molecular characteristics of onion seed landraces (Horand, Kazerun landraces and Zargan cultivar) at different aging levels (control, three-days and six-days accelerated aging, and natural aging for one year). Results The findings suggest that there was an increase in glucose, fructose, total sugar, and electrolyte leakage in the Horand (HOR), Kazerun (KAZ) landraces, and Zarghan (ZAR) cultivar, with Kazerun exhibiting the greatest increase. The percentage and rate of germination of Kazerun decreased by 54% and 33%, respectively, in six-day accelerated aging compared to the control, while it decreased by 12% and 14%, respectively, in Horand. Protein content decreased with increasing levels of aging, with a decrease of 26% in Kazerun landrace at six days of aging, while it was 16% in Horand landrace. The antioxidant activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased more intensively in Kazerun. The expression of AMY1, BMY1, CTR1, and NPR1 genes were lower in Kazerun landraces than in Horand and Zargan at different aging levels. Conclusions The AMY1, BMY1, CTR1, and NPR1 genes play a pivotal role in onion seed germination, and their downregulation under stressful conditions has been shown to decrease germination rates. In addition, the activity of CAT, SOD, and GPx enzymes decreased by seed aging, and the amount of glucose, fructose, total sugar and electrolyte leakage increased, which ultimately led to seed deterioration. Based on the results of this experiment, it is recommended to conduct further studies into the molecular aspects involved in onion seed deterioration. More research on the genes related to this process is suggested, as well as investigating the impact of different priming treatments on the genes expression involved in the onion seed aging process

Epidemiological Aspects of Needle Stick Injuries Among Health Care Workers in Razi Hospital Ahvaz, Iran, in 2015

Background & Aims of the Study: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are one of the most causes that expose health care workers (HCWs) to blood infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, C and HIV. HCWs can reduce the rate of NSIs by performing protective procedures. This study was conducted to evaluate the needle stick exposure among health care workers in Razi hospital, Ahvaz, in 2015. Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 600 HCWs at Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The data collection tool was a questionnaire included health care workers’ type of NSIs, ward, and their activity. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and were processed by SPSS version 16. Results: Results showed that 21.35% of volunteers were male and 78.65% were female. The results indicated that recapping the needles was the most risk factor for NSIs. Based on the findings the most important reasons for NSIs were recapping needles were found in 40.82%, handling needle on tray in 22.45%, suturing in 14.29%, dissembling needle devices in 10.20%, passing needle in 8.16% and transit of disposal needle devices in 4.08% of cases, respectively. Conclusions According to the findings of our study, it seems that establishment and performs of courses about prevention of needle stick is very necessary